Our agency called Tuesday, and we will be meeting our daughter the first week in December! We have the referral for "Julia"!!!
Kevin is working on the technicalities... cell phone useage, computer useage, learning Russian online through the library...
I am working on the family logistics... my wonderful sister is stepping in to take care of Evan and KK for the week! I am, also, collecting items to take, to the orphanage. I'm figuring out what to pack, how much we can pack, and trying to find things to occupy us with Julia, just in case she gets to stay with us, in the hotel! We are really hoping she will get to stay with us, the three days we are there!
I am making her a scrapbook, showing our family life. Hope it doesn't scare her away!!! : )
Also, all week I've been crafting, in preparation for a show this weekend. I hope to make money to be used toward our travel. We are still short but know that God will provide.
Things are coming together, and God has certainly paved the way for Julia to come home, to her forever family! We can't wait.
More details to come... and thanks to all, as always, for your love and support.
A snapshot into what her future held...
Zhukovka, Russia
Friday, November 12, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Past, Present, Future
Ok, y'all... not my typical blog post. None the less, just a day in the life...
I've been pondering if I'm hitting an early mid-life crisis. Not the kind where I plan to run out and purchase a new car or perhaps plastic surgery. (Not that I wouldn't consider either of these if we had the funds!) Just the kind where I reflect on the life I've led, what I've accomplished, and what I still hope to accomplish.
The internet tells me a mid-life crisis can happen anytime between age 30 and 45. I am 36. So what leads me to ask this question? I seem to keep reflecting on the past. I begin at age 25 when Kevin and I lived in Westlake, Ohio and worked downtown Cleveland, in TV news. Back then, our weekend mornings were so nice and relaxing. Over coffee at Panera, we would have brilliant, adult conversation... all the while, sharing a cinnamon roll. We would discuss and plan our fabulous future together.
From Westlake, I fixate on Streetsboro, Ohio. Kevin still worked at the Cleveland TV station, and I worked as a TV news reporter in Youngstown. It was while we were in Streetsboro that our work schedules permitted us to have "date night" each Friday evening, after I got off of work. It was always the Winking Lizard where we would dine and relax.
Then, it was on to Marysville, Ohio where I always say, our lives truly began. We bought our first home, brought home a baby boy to that new home, and three and a half years later, brought home a baby girl! I ended my full-time career then to become a stay-at-home mom.
After 5 years in Marysville, Kevin was transferred to Cincinnati, and that is when our present journey began, here in southern Ohio. I really like our town (we have been here three years), I love our schools, and we have made some wonderful friends. Things really are good, but yet, I reflect. On one hand, it seems like just yesterday we were a care-free couple up in Cleveland. Other times, it seems as though that was so long ago!!!
I think the biggest reason I reflect now is, because never in a million years did I see our life path headed in this direction... adopting... an OLDER child! Never did I think I would give up a career in TV news... but then, I became a mom. Never did I think I would give up a career in corporate PR... but then, I became a mom of two. And never, ever, ever, EVER did I think we would be on a journey pursuing the adoption of a child, from Russia!
This recent choice (to adopt) has made me do a double-take of my life! I'm sure Kevin is feeling some of the same things but doesn't feel the need to vocalize things like I do. Anyhow, adoption is the ultimate commitment! One example, I will be home-schooling our 11-year-old daughter for several months until school starts... helping to teach her English. Who would have ever guessed I would do something like that? Additionally, I'm trying to decide what I will do for employment when I go back to work in two years. (Karrigan will be in school full-time then.) One thing I know for sure, is that this time around, I want to do something meaningful, and I would prefer it had something to do with orphan care or adoption. Never did I imagine this, as I was preparing my course load at Ohio State, back in the day! I believe this new passion of mine stems from personal growth... from God. As we mature (and get some gray hair) we begin to see life in new ways. We start to see the things in life that really matter. We begin to take note that our days are numbered. Not to be depressing by that statement... it's just acknowledgement that in the grand scheme of things, we only have a little bit of time on this earth, so we be better do the best job we can! A song I recently heard had a line that stuck out... "We gotta do better than this 'cause we've only got one chance to make a difference." So true... it's now or never.
Sooo... my conclusion. I am happy with the way my life has turned out thus far. I am happy with what I've accomplished, professionally. I am happy with what I've accomplished, personally. (I continue to not only be thrilled but amazed by the man I married! And I thank God daily for the children he has given us... one healthy boy and one healthy girl.) Life has been good... so I should reflect. I should remember. I should reminisce. And... I should be so grateful that God is giving me more to accomplish, this time a job from Him... that I didn't even need to apply for.
I've been pondering if I'm hitting an early mid-life crisis. Not the kind where I plan to run out and purchase a new car or perhaps plastic surgery. (Not that I wouldn't consider either of these if we had the funds!) Just the kind where I reflect on the life I've led, what I've accomplished, and what I still hope to accomplish.
The internet tells me a mid-life crisis can happen anytime between age 30 and 45. I am 36. So what leads me to ask this question? I seem to keep reflecting on the past. I begin at age 25 when Kevin and I lived in Westlake, Ohio and worked downtown Cleveland, in TV news. Back then, our weekend mornings were so nice and relaxing. Over coffee at Panera, we would have brilliant, adult conversation... all the while, sharing a cinnamon roll. We would discuss and plan our fabulous future together.
From Westlake, I fixate on Streetsboro, Ohio. Kevin still worked at the Cleveland TV station, and I worked as a TV news reporter in Youngstown. It was while we were in Streetsboro that our work schedules permitted us to have "date night" each Friday evening, after I got off of work. It was always the Winking Lizard where we would dine and relax.
Then, it was on to Marysville, Ohio where I always say, our lives truly began. We bought our first home, brought home a baby boy to that new home, and three and a half years later, brought home a baby girl! I ended my full-time career then to become a stay-at-home mom.
After 5 years in Marysville, Kevin was transferred to Cincinnati, and that is when our present journey began, here in southern Ohio. I really like our town (we have been here three years), I love our schools, and we have made some wonderful friends. Things really are good, but yet, I reflect. On one hand, it seems like just yesterday we were a care-free couple up in Cleveland. Other times, it seems as though that was so long ago!!!
I think the biggest reason I reflect now is, because never in a million years did I see our life path headed in this direction... adopting... an OLDER child! Never did I think I would give up a career in TV news... but then, I became a mom. Never did I think I would give up a career in corporate PR... but then, I became a mom of two. And never, ever, ever, EVER did I think we would be on a journey pursuing the adoption of a child, from Russia!
This recent choice (to adopt) has made me do a double-take of my life! I'm sure Kevin is feeling some of the same things but doesn't feel the need to vocalize things like I do. Anyhow, adoption is the ultimate commitment! One example, I will be home-schooling our 11-year-old daughter for several months until school starts... helping to teach her English. Who would have ever guessed I would do something like that? Additionally, I'm trying to decide what I will do for employment when I go back to work in two years. (Karrigan will be in school full-time then.) One thing I know for sure, is that this time around, I want to do something meaningful, and I would prefer it had something to do with orphan care or adoption. Never did I imagine this, as I was preparing my course load at Ohio State, back in the day! I believe this new passion of mine stems from personal growth... from God. As we mature (and get some gray hair) we begin to see life in new ways. We start to see the things in life that really matter. We begin to take note that our days are numbered. Not to be depressing by that statement... it's just acknowledgement that in the grand scheme of things, we only have a little bit of time on this earth, so we be better do the best job we can! A song I recently heard had a line that stuck out... "We gotta do better than this 'cause we've only got one chance to make a difference." So true... it's now or never.
Sooo... my conclusion. I am happy with the way my life has turned out thus far. I am happy with what I've accomplished, professionally. I am happy with what I've accomplished, personally. (I continue to not only be thrilled but amazed by the man I married! And I thank God daily for the children he has given us... one healthy boy and one healthy girl.) Life has been good... so I should reflect. I should remember. I should reminisce. And... I should be so grateful that God is giving me more to accomplish, this time a job from Him... that I didn't even need to apply for.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Referral is coming!
Oh my all...
Many things have happened with the adoption, the last two weeks! It truly has been an emotional roller coaster filled with uncertainties, questions, and surprises! I can't wait to have more time to write about exactly what has happened, but the end result is all GOOD... no- - it's not good, it's GREAT!!!
One of the biggest things we have to share is that our daughter's name isn't Sveta (Svetlana) as we were originally told. There was a translation mistake, and our daughter's name is actually Julia! The little girl who we have been dreaming about, praying for, and staring at her photo on the fridge is actually Julia, not Sveta!
Sveta is another little girl at the orphanage who is Julia's friend. Sveta is 10, and Julia is 11.
Our agency e-mailed us Friday with wonderful news. The lady working on our behalf, in Russia, plans to get the referral of Julia for us on Nov. 8th! This is a huge deal!!! Once we have the referral, we can make our first trip to meet Julia, then plan for court, when we will finalize the adoption.
We, also, received new photos of Julia, and she is just beautiful! I'm not just saying that as the proud mom- -she truly is a beautiful, little girl, who is getting too big, too fast!!! She has bright eyes and a very sweet smile. Her features are so very similair to our Evan.
Anyhow, because of all of the new information that has come our way, the missions trip with my dear friend, Julie has been put on hold. Instead, Kevin and I will be traveling in the next few months for our actual adoption. We will take supplies, clothing, vitamins, etc. then. We can't wait to meet our girl, face to face! Kevin was just talking about it this morning, and we were wondering what that first visit will be like! We're also wondering what Julia must be thinking right now- - last week, they took photos of her at the orphanage, so she probably knows something is up!
We hope to travel to Russia with a friend, also, adopting from the same orphanage. Our friend lives in California, and she too, is adopting an older child.
Well, must get the kiddos ready for a Halloween party this evening. We are enjoying the fall season and are ready for our harvest to come in... that of a sweet, 11-year-old girl who will complete our family.
Many things have happened with the adoption, the last two weeks! It truly has been an emotional roller coaster filled with uncertainties, questions, and surprises! I can't wait to have more time to write about exactly what has happened, but the end result is all GOOD... no- - it's not good, it's GREAT!!!
One of the biggest things we have to share is that our daughter's name isn't Sveta (Svetlana) as we were originally told. There was a translation mistake, and our daughter's name is actually Julia! The little girl who we have been dreaming about, praying for, and staring at her photo on the fridge is actually Julia, not Sveta!
Sveta is another little girl at the orphanage who is Julia's friend. Sveta is 10, and Julia is 11.
Our agency e-mailed us Friday with wonderful news. The lady working on our behalf, in Russia, plans to get the referral of Julia for us on Nov. 8th! This is a huge deal!!! Once we have the referral, we can make our first trip to meet Julia, then plan for court, when we will finalize the adoption.
We, also, received new photos of Julia, and she is just beautiful! I'm not just saying that as the proud mom- -she truly is a beautiful, little girl, who is getting too big, too fast!!! She has bright eyes and a very sweet smile. Her features are so very similair to our Evan.
Anyhow, because of all of the new information that has come our way, the missions trip with my dear friend, Julie has been put on hold. Instead, Kevin and I will be traveling in the next few months for our actual adoption. We will take supplies, clothing, vitamins, etc. then. We can't wait to meet our girl, face to face! Kevin was just talking about it this morning, and we were wondering what that first visit will be like! We're also wondering what Julia must be thinking right now- - last week, they took photos of her at the orphanage, so she probably knows something is up!
We hope to travel to Russia with a friend, also, adopting from the same orphanage. Our friend lives in California, and she too, is adopting an older child.
Well, must get the kiddos ready for a Halloween party this evening. We are enjoying the fall season and are ready for our harvest to come in... that of a sweet, 11-year-old girl who will complete our family.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Headed to Russia!
More details to come... but just wanted you all to know I will be gone Nov. 5-14. Kevin and my parents will be taking care of our kids while I'm gone.
I'm collecting items to take to the orphanage. They are desperate for children's vitamins, socks, and underwear. If you'd like to help, please let me know.
I will be traveling with a friend... more details on that to come.
If it wasn't for another dear friend, Dawn, I would not be able to do this... to minister to children in need, and see our future daughter... Sveta. Dawn has provided her buddy passes from the airlines, so that I and another person may travel to Russia.
God is so good in how he provides!!!
I'm collecting items to take to the orphanage. They are desperate for children's vitamins, socks, and underwear. If you'd like to help, please let me know.
I will be traveling with a friend... more details on that to come.
If it wasn't for another dear friend, Dawn, I would not be able to do this... to minister to children in need, and see our future daughter... Sveta. Dawn has provided her buddy passes from the airlines, so that I and another person may travel to Russia.
God is so good in how he provides!!!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Faith, Hope, and LOVE
Wow- it has been BUSY, since I returned home from a week of promoting the circus, in Toledo. It took nearly a week (seriously) to re-acclimate myself back into my life! Sad, I know! I am thankful that my in-laws were able to come down and take care of the kids, for the week, while Kevin was at work. We couldn't have done it without them.
So... the latest regarding the adoption since the last post. The regional coordinator, in Russia, has given us permission for me to travel and meet Sveta in either November or December. A friend of mine, also adopting from the same orphanage where Sveta is, is going in December. I'd prefer to go with her; however, our agency is encouraging me to go earlier, if possible. There are a couple of reasons they are encouraging me to do this; however, it's not something I can publicly blog about. Also, since I will be traveling via buddy passes which are stand-by, there could be a better chance of me getting a flight in early November rather than waiting until the holidays are in full-swing.
I am excited about the possibility, but of course, nervous to travel alone. It's so funny though, because while in Toledo, and even now, God just keeps giving me confirmations of the adoption and the travel. A dear friend was over last night and reminded me of my strength and how I can do this, even by myself. This is a friend who traveled to China by herself and is always positive and empowering! Tonight, as I was really needing to hear from God, through his Word, I got this scripture in my daily devotional.
I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
Romans 9:17
It's this scripture that lets me know God will be with me every second of the trip... giving me confidence, strength, and support to carry out his will for this child. I am still amazed at this task he has placed before Kevin and I. I wonder why he chose this child for us. I wonder why she is in Russia of all places. I wonder what our visits are going to be like when we're together. All I know for sure, is that I can't wait to wrap my arms around this little girl and look at her face! I want to look into her sweet hazel eyes. Although the language barrier--the universal language, love, is all that really matters.
I Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Had God not shown us this child and adoption, we certainly wouldn't be growing in our faith, hope, and love. We know that he is using Sweet Sveta, as part of his master plan, to grow us and her... to further his kingdom. For that, we are blessed.
So... the latest regarding the adoption since the last post. The regional coordinator, in Russia, has given us permission for me to travel and meet Sveta in either November or December. A friend of mine, also adopting from the same orphanage where Sveta is, is going in December. I'd prefer to go with her; however, our agency is encouraging me to go earlier, if possible. There are a couple of reasons they are encouraging me to do this; however, it's not something I can publicly blog about. Also, since I will be traveling via buddy passes which are stand-by, there could be a better chance of me getting a flight in early November rather than waiting until the holidays are in full-swing.
I am excited about the possibility, but of course, nervous to travel alone. It's so funny though, because while in Toledo, and even now, God just keeps giving me confirmations of the adoption and the travel. A dear friend was over last night and reminded me of my strength and how I can do this, even by myself. This is a friend who traveled to China by herself and is always positive and empowering! Tonight, as I was really needing to hear from God, through his Word, I got this scripture in my daily devotional.
I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
Romans 9:17
It's this scripture that lets me know God will be with me every second of the trip... giving me confidence, strength, and support to carry out his will for this child. I am still amazed at this task he has placed before Kevin and I. I wonder why he chose this child for us. I wonder why she is in Russia of all places. I wonder what our visits are going to be like when we're together. All I know for sure, is that I can't wait to wrap my arms around this little girl and look at her face! I want to look into her sweet hazel eyes. Although the language barrier--the universal language, love, is all that really matters.
I Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Had God not shown us this child and adoption, we certainly wouldn't be growing in our faith, hope, and love. We know that he is using Sweet Sveta, as part of his master plan, to grow us and her... to further his kingdom. For that, we are blessed.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Road blocks and blessings
Habakkuk 2:3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
I must be quite honest friends... I know it has been awhile since I last posted. There is a reason... I simply have not known what to write. I have been trying, very hard, to wrap my mind around the "latest" and I've needed to do that and "process" before I could inform.
So... we knew getting into this adoption that things would not be easy. We knew and continue to know it is a journey of faith. And now, we are learning, God is working on us and our individual strength... our faith and our strength. I can quite candidly admit, there is room for improvement in both areas.
Typically, with all of the paperwork we have submitted, we would be registered in the region, in Russia, by now. However, we have run into yet another road block involving one of Sveta's parents. There aren't any concerns of either parent wanting to gain rights again, but we now have extra paperwork to do, which of course, takes more time to process, therefore; pushing our visit with her back, yet again!
This is very difficult for us. We have been let down twice now... first, thinking we'd be meeting Sveta in August, then October. It has made us question God- WHY? WHY? WHY? We are trying to do what God asks us to, in the Bible... care for orphans. (James 1:27) So... WHY??? As we keep trying, it seems as though there is one obstacle after another. However, in spite of the obstacles, we keep getting confirmation from God that we are on the right track! It's a really odd place to be!
Pursuing an adoption takes such an insane amount of time and energy. It can truly be both physically and emotionally draining. And now that I know this, I never for a second want to forget or seem ungrateful for the two little blessings we already have! God has given us, already, two of the most precious little souls who have big purposes in this life! Already, we are blessed!
A friend of ours recently made a comment that really made me think. He, too, is an adoptive parent and understands what the process and emotions entail. He said that he's so glad we can't see into the future, because if God would have told him 5 years ago that he and his wife would be adopting down the road, he wouldn't have believed it and would have resisted and been upset about the idea. However, that's not how God works... we don't know the plan ahead of time (thankfully), and He doesn't just throw us into things... He uses time to grow us and prepare us for what He has for us. That outlook has helped me understand our waiting a lot better. Also, right after we got word, our church message was centered around "Waiting!" I'd have to say that's the Holy Spirit giving confirmation we are supposed to adopt... we just need to wait. It's all God's timing, and His is very different than ours. It's amazing that God already knows the timing. He knows the day we will bring Sveta home. He knew the day she was born that she was going to someday enter into a new family... a family in southwestern Ohio... USA!
There's so much I could get into, but for now, I just wanted to update you on what has been going on. Something we ask for prayers about is... a friend of mine, who is a former airline stewardess, has offered her buddy passes to our family. If our adoption agency gives the "ok" I could be traveling with a friend, to Russia, in December. I wouldn't be able to acknowledge that we are pursuing the adoption of Sveta; however, I could meet Sveta, observe her, and take her something. I am hoping this will work out, if it's God's desire. I am so blessed that my friend thought of me, to use the buddy passes which are an amazing deal!
Tomorrow, I leave for a show in Toledo, so I don't know if I'll have time to post. For now, I just want to say... I am so thankful for the family I have, the quaint home we share, the amazing friends I have, the freelance work that comes my way, the wonderful school our children attend, and our health... which I'm reminded of when I see our strong, little boy take to the football field! Waiting is hard, but life in the meantime is good... and I thank God for that!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Russian Fest, Loveland
It was a beautiful day to attend the Russian Festival, in historic Loveland's Nisbet Park. More thoughts to come on the festival itself... for now, some photos from the day.
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Bryansk Home
My two favorite colors together seem to be common in Bryansk homes.