In my devotional this morning I read the following verse:
Isaiah 40:28-31
"The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the Earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I have a note in my Bible saying that "hope" in that verse is translated to mean "bind together/twist". So it would read like this: those who bind together/twist in the Lord will renew their strength.
I meditated on that for awhile and truly imagined me and the Lord so connected that we were like a Twizzler. A true image of a piece of licorice came to mind. The only way I can get through each day is to be so interconnected and bound together with God. He is my hope. I will get the strength I need each day when I am intertwined with Him.
Ironically, after dinner while Valera was watching a movie, my dad told me that he had given Valera a Twizzler this afternoon (I didn't even know that we had twizzlers in this apartment....) At any rate, Valera held it in his hand and looked at it like "what am I supposed to do with this thing?" is it a pen? A flag? Pa said Valera just waved it back and forth.
So my dad took a bite of his Twizzler to show Valera it was food. Then Valera took a bite of his. My dad finished his Twizzler in a few seconds while Valera ate it ever so slowly, as if he was wondering if each bite had a new adventure to it.
My dad wanted me to see how Valera would respond when given another Twizzler tonight. I had the honor of presenting him with another one and his face lit up! He's hooked.
Whether it's because of my devotional this morning, or because of the way my dad described Valera's first exposure to the long twisted stick, I will never look at a Twizzler the same again. It's a symbol of the hope and strength I have in Christ when I choose to bind together with Him, and the hope of all the many things Valera has yet to experience.
(on a logistical note..we had a simple day- UNO, movies on DVD, soccer, a walk to the grocery store. Valera tried to teach us some Russian tonight and was absolutely belly laughing at the sound of my pronunciations. I think we 'll stick to him learning English!)
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tribute to my dad
Today was a good day. Thanks for listening and for praying for us. It was therapeutic to get my feelings out last night.
I am switching gears today, to my.dad, as we celebrated his 65th birthday today. The day began with my dad walking up a big hill....you can only walk it to appreciate it....to get us McDonalds for breakfast. We learned something new....McDonalds in Donetsk switches to lunch before 10 am. So we ate chicken nuggets and hamburgers for breakfast. I didn't mind, and just appreciated my dad's efforts. ( it takes about 25 minutes to get there...one way).
Valera gave Pa his present after "breakfast/lunch". Last night at the mall, after ice skating, Valera picked out coffee to give Pa. Pa drinks coffee every morning and Valera had told Anya early on that he wanted to drink coffee with Pa. Well, I said no to coffee but said he could have hot chocolate or tea. So, we bought some and every morning Pa and Valera have their hot drinks together. Valera was very excited to give Pa his coffee this morning.
At about 12:30, Den, Anya, and Anya's sister came to our apartment with party hats on, with cake in hand. Candles were lit and they entered singing "happy birthday" in English. It was very touching. Anya has told me on more than one occasion that Den really enjoys my dad. Every day, Den greets my dad with a handshake and a "hello mr. James, or mr. Jim or mr. Jimbo".
Den explained to us that it is Ukrainian tradition for people to pray for the person celebrating their birthday before eating cake. Den said a prayer in Russian so I don't know what he said but I am certain it was heartfelt.
After enjoying cake, we all left for our salt mine journey. A journey it was. After getting a flat tire, getting a tire repaired, and getting lost, we made it to the salt mine 8 minutes after the last tour. We ended up getting a "private tour".....we had to pay extra for it....but we had been through so much to get there, we weren't leaving without seeing that mine. Den drove, Anya sat shotgun, and me, Pa, Valera, and Anya's sister sat in the back of a small 4 door sedan, weaving in and around other cars and potholes for two hours! We were going down that hole!
We went about 3 1/2 football fields down into the earth. It was very interesting and we are glad we went. Only in Europe would you find 2 soccer nets with a ball down one section of the mine. That was the highlight of the day for Valera. He beat me 5-1. As far as the mine goes, Valera's comment on the way out was: "that sure was a lot of salt".
After the mine we ate at a Ukrainian restaurant. Neither my dad or I need to go back. I vote for pizza again tomorrow night.
Valera was taking a shower tonight and I heard him singing, "happy birday to you, happy birday to you". In his sweet accent, the "th" in birth doesn't get pronounced yet.
Valera and my dad have a special relationship forming. Not only do they enjoy their hot drinks in the morning, they also both love to ice skate. Valera is impressed with Pa's speed. Pa would like to teach him how to skate backwards but Valera doesn't slow down long enough for that to happen. I think he's trying to be fast like his Pa.
Because of logistics when Ted and the girls were here, Valera was sleeping in a room with my dad...with two twin beds pulled next to each other. Valera was always tucking my dad in, making sure the covers were up to his chin. When Valera would wake up in the morning, and see that the covers were down, he would pull them back up to my dad's chin again.
When the girls left, Valera wanted to sleep where they had been sleeping. That only lasted two nights. A few nights ago we had rain and lightening, and Valera ended up in the room with my dad. He has been there ever since.
Valera has had a few bad dreams, to the point he sits straight up in bed while talking in his sleep. My dad rubs his back until he lays back down. He falls right back to sleep.
All of this to say, I am so grateful for my dad and the love that he is showing Valera, and me. I truly don't know how I would be doing without him here. I have invited him to come live with us when we get back to America but he says he wouldn't do that to Ted. Hee hee.
I am also so grateful for my mom.....because behind my very wonderful dad stands an equally wonderful mom.
I am switching gears today, to my.dad, as we celebrated his 65th birthday today. The day began with my dad walking up a big hill....you can only walk it to appreciate it....to get us McDonalds for breakfast. We learned something new....McDonalds in Donetsk switches to lunch before 10 am. So we ate chicken nuggets and hamburgers for breakfast. I didn't mind, and just appreciated my dad's efforts. ( it takes about 25 minutes to get there...one way).
Valera gave Pa his present after "breakfast/lunch". Last night at the mall, after ice skating, Valera picked out coffee to give Pa. Pa drinks coffee every morning and Valera had told Anya early on that he wanted to drink coffee with Pa. Well, I said no to coffee but said he could have hot chocolate or tea. So, we bought some and every morning Pa and Valera have their hot drinks together. Valera was very excited to give Pa his coffee this morning.
At about 12:30, Den, Anya, and Anya's sister came to our apartment with party hats on, with cake in hand. Candles were lit and they entered singing "happy birthday" in English. It was very touching. Anya has told me on more than one occasion that Den really enjoys my dad. Every day, Den greets my dad with a handshake and a "hello mr. James, or mr. Jim or mr. Jimbo".
Den explained to us that it is Ukrainian tradition for people to pray for the person celebrating their birthday before eating cake. Den said a prayer in Russian so I don't know what he said but I am certain it was heartfelt.
After enjoying cake, we all left for our salt mine journey. A journey it was. After getting a flat tire, getting a tire repaired, and getting lost, we made it to the salt mine 8 minutes after the last tour. We ended up getting a "private tour".....we had to pay extra for it....but we had been through so much to get there, we weren't leaving without seeing that mine. Den drove, Anya sat shotgun, and me, Pa, Valera, and Anya's sister sat in the back of a small 4 door sedan, weaving in and around other cars and potholes for two hours! We were going down that hole!
We went about 3 1/2 football fields down into the earth. It was very interesting and we are glad we went. Only in Europe would you find 2 soccer nets with a ball down one section of the mine. That was the highlight of the day for Valera. He beat me 5-1. As far as the mine goes, Valera's comment on the way out was: "that sure was a lot of salt".
After the mine we ate at a Ukrainian restaurant. Neither my dad or I need to go back. I vote for pizza again tomorrow night.
Valera was taking a shower tonight and I heard him singing, "happy birday to you, happy birday to you". In his sweet accent, the "th" in birth doesn't get pronounced yet.
Valera and my dad have a special relationship forming. Not only do they enjoy their hot drinks in the morning, they also both love to ice skate. Valera is impressed with Pa's speed. Pa would like to teach him how to skate backwards but Valera doesn't slow down long enough for that to happen. I think he's trying to be fast like his Pa.
Because of logistics when Ted and the girls were here, Valera was sleeping in a room with my dad...with two twin beds pulled next to each other. Valera was always tucking my dad in, making sure the covers were up to his chin. When Valera would wake up in the morning, and see that the covers were down, he would pull them back up to my dad's chin again.
When the girls left, Valera wanted to sleep where they had been sleeping. That only lasted two nights. A few nights ago we had rain and lightening, and Valera ended up in the room with my dad. He has been there ever since.
Valera has had a few bad dreams, to the point he sits straight up in bed while talking in his sleep. My dad rubs his back until he lays back down. He falls right back to sleep.
All of this to say, I am so grateful for my dad and the love that he is showing Valera, and me. I truly don't know how I would be doing without him here. I have invited him to come live with us when we get back to America but he says he wouldn't do that to Ted. Hee hee.
I am also so grateful for my mom.....because behind my very wonderful dad stands an equally wonderful mom.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
To be real
It was a rainy day. A long day. I have these kinds of days at home....the kind where you just want to curl up under a blanket and watch movies all day. You know what i mean right? It felt like a fall day. Rain fell all day. These days are hard in your own country, in your own home, with "normal" food and water, with your own mode of transportation, with a TV that speaks your language.
(Aren't you glad you logged on to the blog today?)
I hesitate to write wondering if I sound negative or "blah".....but I am going to post this anyway. It's a
good practice in being authentic and real.
As soon as I walked out of my bedroom this morning Valera said, "UNO?" Sure...why not? The new tally is about 120-34. (That's a lot of UNO my friends.)
Valera was cooped up today, pushing my buttons, trying to see what he could get away with, etc. I had to use the google translate for only the second time....."when you do the right thing and listen, I will take you ice skating. If you choose not to listen, then no ice skating".
He rallied. We played more UNO. Anya was supposed to come at 4 to take us ice skating. She called at 4:15 telling us it would be 5:00 instead. Valera was looking out the window for the car, when we got a call from Anya at 5:15 saying 10 more minutes.
Finally at 5:30 we left to ice skate, eat at the food court, walk around, etc. It was good for the soul.
As soon as we walked back in the apartment, Valera said, "UNO?"
Sure...why not?
We had our usual prayer time, and hugs good night. Valera is excited that it's my dad's birthday tomorrow. As we were saying good night, Valera said, "happy birthday tomorrow" as he pointed at my dad. I had been teaching him the birthday song throughout the day and when he says "happy birthday" it is always to the tune of the song. So sweet.
I must admit though that I came into my room afterwards and cried. It was a long day and there are so many emotions and feelings swirling around. See, I am trying to show love and kindness in hopes of bonding with Valera, but also need to set boundaries and limits. All while not speaking the same language.
And that's part of why I want to be real with you tonight....so that you know how to pray for me, and for us. Please pray that I would have the wisdom to know how to balance kindness with firmness. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to work through me. He is the only One who really knows what Valera needs.
Please pray that my dad would have a great birthday and that he would feel all the love from the USA.
Good night. Pleasant dreams.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Day 19
This will be short as it's past my bedtime....Ukraine is 7 hours ahead so when it's noon in VA Beach, it is 7 p.m. here.
At any rate, the plan for today was that I would call Anya when we were ready to go play soccer. I went to call her around 1 but couldn't get our international phone to work. Three weeks ago this would have completely stressed me out. For today, I shrugged my shoulders and figured sooner or later she would come looking for us. I did email our new friend Ben, who Den and Anya introduced us to. I emailed him asking him to call Den to explain our phone dilemma and to come pick us up. Ben got my email four hours after I sent it. Den and Anya were here by 6. I was so relieved.....we would not be stranded forever!
What did we do all day you ask? UNO, UNO, and more UNO. It's ridiculous....Valera is beating me something like 80 games - to my 20. I used to think UNO was luck....but he knows something I do not.
We did go play soccer tonight and Valera used his goalie gloves. Me, Pa, Anya, and Den tried scoring goals on Valera. We made a goal using Den's flip flops. Just like in UNO, I didn't go easy on Valera. It was hard to shoot one past him. He is not afraid to dive, take one on the
face, etc.
After soccer we went back to our favorite pizza place. Den, Anya, Pa and I had a great conversation sharing our journeys with God. Den told us that about six years ago he met the Lord and gave up smoking and "a lot of other bad things". It was a really special conversation and a reminder to me that people all around the world, literally, are changing because of God's grace in their lives.
I am grateful for Anya and Den. I thought Anya would be our translator/facilitator and Den would be our taxi driver. Turns out they are becoming much more than that. The genuine care they have for Valera is amazing. At times I am envious of all the conversation they get to have with Valera. I want to be a part of it all....but then I just "let go" and praise God for these two additional people loving on him.
At any rate, the plan for today was that I would call Anya when we were ready to go play soccer. I went to call her around 1 but couldn't get our international phone to work. Three weeks ago this would have completely stressed me out. For today, I shrugged my shoulders and figured sooner or later she would come looking for us. I did email our new friend Ben, who Den and Anya introduced us to. I emailed him asking him to call Den to explain our phone dilemma and to come pick us up. Ben got my email four hours after I sent it. Den and Anya were here by 6. I was so relieved.....we would not be stranded forever!
What did we do all day you ask? UNO, UNO, and more UNO. It's ridiculous....Valera is beating me something like 80 games - to my 20. I used to think UNO was luck....but he knows something I do not.
We did go play soccer tonight and Valera used his goalie gloves. Me, Pa, Anya, and Den tried scoring goals on Valera. We made a goal using Den's flip flops. Just like in UNO, I didn't go easy on Valera. It was hard to shoot one past him. He is not afraid to dive, take one on the
face, etc.
After soccer we went back to our favorite pizza place. Den, Anya, Pa and I had a great conversation sharing our journeys with God. Den told us that about six years ago he met the Lord and gave up smoking and "a lot of other bad things". It was a really special conversation and a reminder to me that people all around the world, literally, are changing because of God's grace in their lives.
I am grateful for Anya and Den. I thought Anya would be our translator/facilitator and Den would be our taxi driver. Turns out they are becoming much more than that. The genuine care they have for Valera is amazing. At times I am envious of all the conversation they get to have with Valera. I want to be a part of it all....but then I just "let go" and praise God for these two additional people loving on him.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Valera's Prayer
Every night we have prayed out loud together. When Ted and the girls were here, all six of us prayed together. Now the three of us continue the routine. The way it usually goes is I say a phrase, then everyone repeats it as to help Valera with the language. Most prayers go llike this:
"thank you God for this day" (everyone repeats)
"thank you God for Valera" (everyone repeats)
"thank you God for Delaney, Mary Kate, Pa, mom, dad, etc"
You get the point right?
Well, tonight the three of us gathered on the pull out couch - where Valera now sleeps since the girls left. We grabbed hands as usual. Just as I was about to begin the prayer, Valera started to pray. He led and we repeated after him. This is what he said:
"thank you God for Pa" (we repeated)
"thank you God for mom" (")
"thank you God for dad" (")
"thank you God for Delaney" (")
"thank you God for Mary Kate" (")
"thank you God for futbol" (")
"thank you God for ice skating" (")
"thank you God for coca-cola" (")
"AMEN". (")
Is that not enough to melt your heart? Words can't describe the feelings it stirs up in me. That he knows I like my coca-cola makes me smile. But more importantly, to hear the sweet sound of his voice talking to our God....
What a moment!
"thank you God for this day" (everyone repeats)
"thank you God for Valera" (everyone repeats)
"thank you God for Delaney, Mary Kate, Pa, mom, dad, etc"
You get the point right?
Well, tonight the three of us gathered on the pull out couch - where Valera now sleeps since the girls left. We grabbed hands as usual. Just as I was about to begin the prayer, Valera started to pray. He led and we repeated after him. This is what he said:
"thank you God for Pa" (we repeated)
"thank you God for mom" (")
"thank you God for dad" (")
"thank you God for Delaney" (")
"thank you God for Mary Kate" (")
"thank you God for futbol" (")
"thank you God for ice skating" (")
"thank you God for coca-cola" (")
"AMEN". (")
Is that not enough to melt your heart? Words can't describe the feelings it stirs up in me. That he knows I like my coca-cola makes me smile. But more importantly, to hear the sweet sound of his voice talking to our God....
What a moment!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Finally......the soccer game
Today was the big day...the moment Valera has been waiting for....the soccer game. He was taking it all in....all the orange and black, the concession stand, the lights, fans, cheers, etc. The Donetsk Shoktar cooperated with a 3 to 0 victory. His favorite goalie played. The most famous Ukrainian singer performed a concert after the game. Valera could have cared less. In fact, at one point I looked over at him and his bandana headband was over his eyes like a blindfold.
We also went back to the African church today. Although we still enjoyed it, it was 2 and 1/2 hours...which is especially long when you are 12, you don't speak English, and you just want to go to a soccer game. Valera was a trooper though.
At church we met a family from Australia who are missionaries in Ukraine. They have a 6 yr old daughter, Analise, who took a liking to me. She sat on my lap and held my hand. We drew pictures and it just felt "familiar". The parents names are Ben and Angela. Ironically, Ben told me that two men from our church, Grace Bible Church, are coming to Donetsk this week. They are looking into how to build a home for aged out orphans. Ben gave me his contact info. So we are excited about that and I hope to connect with fellow church members from Grace if at all possible.
Also, we met Adam at church. He is from California...in the peace corp. He has been here for about 3 years. He lives near our apartment and showed us a yummy place to eat. He also gave us his phone number. We ate lunch with him today. Super nice guy.
So....we met great American people, ate a good lunch, heard a powerful sermon on being a living sacrifice for God, went to a fun soccer game, and I even beat my high score on Fruit Ninja....I am up to 148. (Don't laugh kids!)
It was a good day. I am grateful. Hopefully more pictures will be posted soon. I am still learning.
It was a good day. I am grateful.
We also went back to the African church today. Although we still enjoyed it, it was 2 and 1/2 hours...which is especially long when you are 12, you don't speak English, and you just want to go to a soccer game. Valera was a trooper though.
At church we met a family from Australia who are missionaries in Ukraine. They have a 6 yr old daughter, Analise, who took a liking to me. She sat on my lap and held my hand. We drew pictures and it just felt "familiar". The parents names are Ben and Angela. Ironically, Ben told me that two men from our church, Grace Bible Church, are coming to Donetsk this week. They are looking into how to build a home for aged out orphans. Ben gave me his contact info. So we are excited about that and I hope to connect with fellow church members from Grace if at all possible.
Also, we met Adam at church. He is from California...in the peace corp. He has been here for about 3 years. He lives near our apartment and showed us a yummy place to eat. He also gave us his phone number. We ate lunch with him today. Super nice guy.
So....we met great American people, ate a good lunch, heard a powerful sermon on being a living sacrifice for God, went to a fun soccer game, and I even beat my high score on Fruit Ninja....I am up to 148. (Don't laugh kids!)
It was a good day. I am grateful. Hopefully more pictures will be posted soon. I am still learning.
It was a good day. I am grateful.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Tough Goodbye
Hello everyone, Ted here. Delaney, Mary Kate and I said our goodbyes yesterday around 4 pm -- very tough to leave Lisa and Valera at the apartment but extremely grateful that Lisa's dad will be there for the duration. It has been a real blessing to have him with us and his attitude, words of wisdom, and willingness to do "whatever is needed" is appreciated more than I can say here.
We went to the train station in Donetsk for a 6.5 hour train ride (on the "high speed" train - i guess it is all relative but it beat the heck out of the 12 hour overnighter!) back to Kiev. We got a ride to the airport and made our way in just before 1 am.... I couldn't believe how packed the airport was considering the first flight wasn't until 5:30. Our flight wasn't until 6:40, so we had some time to kill. Fortunately, the girls were able to catch a few winks before we boarded for Munich. We all slept most of that flight and are now just waiting in Munich for our flights back to Charlotte and then Norfolk.
The girls have been great and we're having fun on this long journey home and appreciate the high- tech Wi-fi here in Munich :) ..... Actually wasn't able to post until we got to Charlotte:)
Lisa, rest easy, the remaining part of the trip will be a piece of cake! We love you guys and look forward to seeing you on Skype!
Fyi- The pictures are from the train and the Kiev airport... Don't the girls look comfortable?!?!
We went to the train station in Donetsk for a 6.5 hour train ride (on the "high speed" train - i guess it is all relative but it beat the heck out of the 12 hour overnighter!) back to Kiev. We got a ride to the airport and made our way in just before 1 am.... I couldn't believe how packed the airport was considering the first flight wasn't until 5:30. Our flight wasn't until 6:40, so we had some time to kill. Fortunately, the girls were able to catch a few winks before we boarded for Munich. We all slept most of that flight and are now just waiting in Munich for our flights back to Charlotte and then Norfolk.
The girls have been great and we're having fun on this long journey home and appreciate the high- tech Wi-fi here in Munich :) ..... Actually wasn't able to post until we got to Charlotte:)
Lisa, rest easy, the remaining part of the trip will be a piece of cake! We love you guys and look forward to seeing you on Skype!
Fyi- The pictures are from the train and the Kiev airport... Don't the girls look comfortable?!?!
Day 16
Hi. It was a good day.....our first without Ted and the girls.....so a little lonely without them. We made the best of it though. We took Valera to a movie today. We saw Ice age 4 - in Russian. It was 3D. He giggled all throughout the movie and kept trying to reach out and touch the things popping out of the screen. Speaking of popping, he especially enjoyed the popcorn. He told Anya that he had never had popcorn before. And had never been to the movie theatre before. Fun. Fun. As much as he loved it, when we left he was still counting down the days until the Donetsk Shaktar futnol game. It's tomorrow. He talks about it all day.
We took a walk around the park, ate lunch then headed back to the apartment. Pa and Valera watched a Superman movie in Russian then Valera and I continued our UNO marathon, he is winning 24 games to my 4. And I am not letting him win. I am really not. No more Mrs. Nice Guy holding on to my "draw fours" - oh no! I am trying to take him down. He is thrilled to be beating me so badly. We are keeping tally marks and he loves to add another mark on his side.
After we ate dinner at the apartment, we went for a walk and kicked the soccer ball..then got another ice cream cone.
He likes watching Tom and Jerry on the iPod. My dad and I find ourselves smiling hearing him laugh. It's so sweet to the ears.
We have started doing some letter recognition and colors/animal vocabulary in English. Nothing too intense but doing some fun games on the iPad.
I am going to hit the hay. I am so excited to know that Ted and the girls will be home soon. I love you guys so much. Delaney and Mary Kate - you are the bravest girls I know. Enjoy drinking all that water from the tap, brushing your teeth with the tap water, and eating fruit!
Please keep the comments coming. They lift my spirits!
We took a walk around the park, ate lunch then headed back to the apartment. Pa and Valera watched a Superman movie in Russian then Valera and I continued our UNO marathon, he is winning 24 games to my 4. And I am not letting him win. I am really not. No more Mrs. Nice Guy holding on to my "draw fours" - oh no! I am trying to take him down. He is thrilled to be beating me so badly. We are keeping tally marks and he loves to add another mark on his side.
After we ate dinner at the apartment, we went for a walk and kicked the soccer ball..then got another ice cream cone.
He likes watching Tom and Jerry on the iPod. My dad and I find ourselves smiling hearing him laugh. It's so sweet to the ears.
We have started doing some letter recognition and colors/animal vocabulary in English. Nothing too intense but doing some fun games on the iPad.
I am going to hit the hay. I am so excited to know that Ted and the girls will be home soon. I love you guys so much. Delaney and Mary Kate - you are the bravest girls I know. Enjoy drinking all that water from the tap, brushing your teeth with the tap water, and eating fruit!
Please keep the comments coming. They lift my spirits!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Ted and the girls
They are getting ready for a train ride to Kiev then flights home tomorrow. I am getting choked up but trying to stay strong. Please pray for all of us.
Our "IT" people are leaving....that would be Delaney and Ted...so I am not sure how the blogging will go from here; nor the uploading of pictures. Bear with me.
The girls gave Valera his iPod today. We used google translate to explain that they used their own money to buy it. He has not stopped thanking them. I think we are up to fifty "thank you''s"
Pa, Valera and I will probably go ice skating....in honor of the holiday. Ukraine got its independence from Russia 21 years ago today. I wonder if there will be fireworks?
Have a great day in the USA!
Our "IT" people are leaving....that would be Delaney and Ted...so I am not sure how the blogging will go from here; nor the uploading of pictures. Bear with me.
The girls gave Valera his iPod today. We used google translate to explain that they used their own money to buy it. He has not stopped thanking them. I think we are up to fifty "thank you''s"
Pa, Valera and I will probably go ice skating....in honor of the holiday. Ukraine got its independence from Russia 21 years ago today. I wonder if there will be fireworks?
Have a great day in the USA!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Day 14
We found out today that our court date is September 6th at 1 p.m. Anya had thought it would be this week so it's disappointing for us that it is much later than that. Viktor doesn't seem surprised at all.
Please pray for safe travels for Ted and the girls. They leave around 4 p.m. Our time on Friday. They take a train then a few planes....arriving in Norfolk Saturday night.
Please pray for me, my dad, and Valera as we settle into a new "norm" without them here. Valera will miss their company.
As for our day, we visited Valera's orphanage. We got to see where he slept and played. In the picture attached Delaney is laying on the bed where Valera slept. His friend Vatalik slept above him.
I asked Anya to have Valera tell us about the orphanage as we walked around outside. Less than enthusiastically he said, "there's an apple tree, another apple tree, and another apple tree" with the tone of "blah blah blah". To brighten the moment I asked, "what is your favorite thing about the orphanage?" He replied, "nothing".
He couldn't have gotten back out of there any quicker. Despite the agony it caused him, we were glad to visualize where he lived and to deliver school supplies, bananas and clementines.
I am including a picture of the 3 kids watching Tangled. Valera thinks it's hysterical.
I am also including a picture that Valera took of my dad. It is my mom and dad's 43rd wedding anniversary today. Not everyone gets to be in Ukraine to celebrate that....oceans apart from their bride. We are appreciative of the sacrifice.
Good night.
Please pray for safe travels for Ted and the girls. They leave around 4 p.m. Our time on Friday. They take a train then a few planes....arriving in Norfolk Saturday night.
Please pray for me, my dad, and Valera as we settle into a new "norm" without them here. Valera will miss their company.
As for our day, we visited Valera's orphanage. We got to see where he slept and played. In the picture attached Delaney is laying on the bed where Valera slept. His friend Vatalik slept above him.
I asked Anya to have Valera tell us about the orphanage as we walked around outside. Less than enthusiastically he said, "there's an apple tree, another apple tree, and another apple tree" with the tone of "blah blah blah". To brighten the moment I asked, "what is your favorite thing about the orphanage?" He replied, "nothing".
He couldn't have gotten back out of there any quicker. Despite the agony it caused him, we were glad to visualize where he lived and to deliver school supplies, bananas and clementines.
I am including a picture of the 3 kids watching Tangled. Valera thinks it's hysterical.
I am also including a picture that Valera took of my dad. It is my mom and dad's 43rd wedding anniversary today. Not everyone gets to be in Ukraine to celebrate that....oceans apart from their bride. We are appreciative of the sacrifice.
Good night.
Encouragement for you
Maybe you need a little encouragement today, like me. The following comes from a devotional type book:
Keep in mind the goal you are striving for, the good life you are trying to attain. Do not let little things divert you from the path. Do not be overcome by the small trials and vexations of each day. Try to see the purpose and plan to which all is leading. If, when climbing a mountain, you keep your eyes on each stony or difficult place, how weary is your climb. But if you think of each step as leading to the summit of achievement from which a glorious landscape will open out before you, then your climb will be endurable and you will achieve your goal. I pray that I may realize that life without a goal is futile. I pray that I may find the good life worth striving for.
....just thought I would share. Maybe one of you will be encouraged too.
We are about to drive to the orphanage to look around and see where Valera lived, slept, etc. The first day we were there was such a whirlwind we didn't have time to explore. We plan on bringing bananas and clementines to the kids who are there right now..most kids though are off at summer camp.
Hope you all have a great day!
Keep in mind the goal you are striving for, the good life you are trying to attain. Do not let little things divert you from the path. Do not be overcome by the small trials and vexations of each day. Try to see the purpose and plan to which all is leading. If, when climbing a mountain, you keep your eyes on each stony or difficult place, how weary is your climb. But if you think of each step as leading to the summit of achievement from which a glorious landscape will open out before you, then your climb will be endurable and you will achieve your goal. I pray that I may realize that life without a goal is futile. I pray that I may find the good life worth striving for.
....just thought I would share. Maybe one of you will be encouraged too.
We are about to drive to the orphanage to look around and see where Valera lived, slept, etc. The first day we were there was such a whirlwind we didn't have time to explore. We plan on bringing bananas and clementines to the kids who are there right now..most kids though are off at summer camp.
Hope you all have a great day!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Simple pleasures
We went out for pizza and ice cream tonight. Since we didn't get a picture of Valera's first slice of pizza- we took one tonight....his third pizza dinner. Valera and Delaney enjoyed an ice cream sundae. It was a beautiful night. We walked around and Valera and Mary Kate played on the playground. They were chasing each other and Valera was laughing and giggling. It was fun to watch. Tonight MK and Valera watched Tangle while Delaney caught up with friends online.
We saw Viktor again today for the first time since Kiev. He came to Donetsk with another American family. It was great to talk with them about their journey and experience.
Viktor explained things to us and said that a realistic court date will be around September 6th. We still don't know for sure. Maybe we will find out tomorrow. Maybe not. We are really learning the art of "letting go".
Ted's plan is to fly home with the girls on Saturday then to fly back for the court date.
Tomorrow we could find out something totally different in which case we will come up with another plan. We are getting good at that.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
We saw Viktor again today for the first time since Kiev. He came to Donetsk with another American family. It was great to talk with them about their journey and experience.
Viktor explained things to us and said that a realistic court date will be around September 6th. We still don't know for sure. Maybe we will find out tomorrow. Maybe not. We are really learning the art of "letting go".
Ted's plan is to fly home with the girls on Saturday then to fly back for the court date.
Tomorrow we could find out something totally different in which case we will come up with another plan. We are getting good at that.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Please keep praying about court date
Still no word on the court date. Viktor will be talking with the judge tomorrow. Turns out the court will be open half day on Thursday. There is still hope for a Thursday court date. Anya said its a really small chance but "anything is possible". Please pray that our court date would be scheduled before they close for the long weekend and that Ted and the girls would be able to go home on Saturday.
Anya told us some things Valera said in the car today while they drove to the orphanage:
1. He wonders how Pa got to be so good at ice skating (for those of you who don't know- he grew up ice skating and playing hockey). He wants to ice skate more.
2. He is really excited to come to America to play on a real soccer team.
3. He has some scars on his legs and he asked Anya: "when do you think I will get hair on my legs so that my scars will be covered?"
So cute.
I am including a picture that Valera took of us during an UNO game and one of me being crazy. He loves to use the iPad and iPod and iPhone to take pictures. He commands: "say cheese"!
Good night from Ukraine. Please pray for us and our court date.
Anya told us some things Valera said in the car today while they drove to the orphanage:
1. He wonders how Pa got to be so good at ice skating (for those of you who don't know- he grew up ice skating and playing hockey). He wants to ice skate more.
2. He is really excited to come to America to play on a real soccer team.
3. He has some scars on his legs and he asked Anya: "when do you think I will get hair on my legs so that my scars will be covered?"
So cute.
I am including a picture that Valera took of us during an UNO game and one of me being crazy. He loves to use the iPad and iPod and iPhone to take pictures. He commands: "say cheese"!
Good night from Ukraine. Please pray for us and our court date.
Valera's Personality
We are having a quiet day. Anya is doing business in court today. Valera went with her as the social worker would like to talk with him to see how he is doing. We are still waiting on word about our court date.
I thought I would take this time to tell you about Valera. He seems to be a "go with the flow" kind of kid. He is happy and eager to do anything we suggest....except shower and sleep. Although he does both those things when we ask; just not with as much enthusiasm.
He says thank you more than any child I have ever met. He lets everyone walk through the door before he does. When we walk back from the grocery store he insists on carrying the bags. I carried a bag home too but when we got to the stairs of the apartment, he took the bag from me.
He knows how to play UNO so we have been playing a bunch. I am trying to teach him his color words while playing. He has "blue" down. He tries not to lay down his "skips, draw twos, or draw fours" and when he does he says in English "I am sorry". He can count to seven now in English since each player gets 7 cards. Can you tell how much we have been playing UNO?
Valera seems very coordinated and tough. Although he fell a few times during ice skating, he would jump right back up. He has picked up on it quickly. We did a 45 minute session and he was the last one off the ice. He really enjoys it!
He is really hungry. But he will only eat if we are eating. He did this back in Virginia. We are trying to break this habit but it will take time.
We bought Valera new shoes last night. We were having to put his other shoes outside our door. They were so stinky. He thanked each of us for his new shoes....me, Ted, Pa, Delaney, and Mary Kate.
Valera likes all things electronic. He can say "iPod" and "iPad". There's no language barrier with the games. He likes "fruit ninja" and "where's my water?"
The sweetest story that I can share with you to describe his personality is this: Valera has been sleeping in a room with my dad. There are two twin beds pushed together. Well, one morning Valera woke up before my dad. Actually my dad was awake but trying not to show it so that Valera would keep sleeping. Valera crawled out of the bed on his knees then pulled the sheet up over my dad as to keep my dad warm.
He has done this on more than one occasion.
I am sure that we have a lot more to learn about Valera. I am sure he is on his best behavior right now. But for today, I am praising the Lord for all that we are learning from him.
Have a great day! Please keep praying for us and keep those comments coming. They are such encouragement to us.
I thought I would take this time to tell you about Valera. He seems to be a "go with the flow" kind of kid. He is happy and eager to do anything we suggest....except shower and sleep. Although he does both those things when we ask; just not with as much enthusiasm.
He says thank you more than any child I have ever met. He lets everyone walk through the door before he does. When we walk back from the grocery store he insists on carrying the bags. I carried a bag home too but when we got to the stairs of the apartment, he took the bag from me.
He knows how to play UNO so we have been playing a bunch. I am trying to teach him his color words while playing. He has "blue" down. He tries not to lay down his "skips, draw twos, or draw fours" and when he does he says in English "I am sorry". He can count to seven now in English since each player gets 7 cards. Can you tell how much we have been playing UNO?
Valera seems very coordinated and tough. Although he fell a few times during ice skating, he would jump right back up. He has picked up on it quickly. We did a 45 minute session and he was the last one off the ice. He really enjoys it!
He is really hungry. But he will only eat if we are eating. He did this back in Virginia. We are trying to break this habit but it will take time.
We bought Valera new shoes last night. We were having to put his other shoes outside our door. They were so stinky. He thanked each of us for his new shoes....me, Ted, Pa, Delaney, and Mary Kate.
Valera likes all things electronic. He can say "iPod" and "iPad". There's no language barrier with the games. He likes "fruit ninja" and "where's my water?"
The sweetest story that I can share with you to describe his personality is this: Valera has been sleeping in a room with my dad. There are two twin beds pushed together. Well, one morning Valera woke up before my dad. Actually my dad was awake but trying not to show it so that Valera would keep sleeping. Valera crawled out of the bed on his knees then pulled the sheet up over my dad as to keep my dad warm.
He has done this on more than one occasion.
I am sure that we have a lot more to learn about Valera. I am sure he is on his best behavior right now. But for today, I am praising the Lord for all that we are learning from him.
Have a great day! Please keep praying for us and keep those comments coming. They are such encouragement to us.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Day 11 and prayer requests
It has been 11 days since we left America. What a ride it has been.
We had a nice day today. My dad, known to his grandchildren as "Pa", walked 25 minutes to McDonalds for us. That's 25 minutes each way. Boy was it good. He got us breakfast sandwiches. The food doesn't taste exactly like our McDonald's but still something similar/familiar.
We walked to a river and a park. We took the soccer ball and goalie gloves. Tonight Anya took all of us to the mall where there is indoor ice skating. Everyone skated but me. I am taking no chances with my foot. We also did bumper cars and ate at the food court. Anya was sitting next to Valera. He pointed at each of us while he said something to Anya. Of course I asked her what he said. She said "he says that each of you are so good".
That really warmed my heart. And I know I speak for each of us that it was encouragement we needed to hear.
See....Anya had just shared with us the news that we probably won't have our court appt. until next week. This Thurs. and Fri. are holidays. Ted and the girls have a flight home Sat. that they will have to postpone until next week if that is the case. We were told to not have expectations and to be flexible. The news was disappointing for us adults but the girls cried. They want to get home with a few days to spare before school starts. They are home and friend sick.
Anya goes to court tomorrow to discuss our case. She will find out our date tomorrow. Here are our prayer requests:
1. That God would perform a miracle and give us a court date on Wednesday.
2. That if the appt. is next week that it is on Monday or Tuesday at the latest.
3. That no matter what the news, God would comfort each of us.
4. That the Lord's will continue to be done and that we would be wholly obedient.
Thank you for your prayers. We are counting on them!
I am including pictures of Valera ice skating, me protecting the children from a pothole on our walk to the river, and one of the girls trying on high heels. That's been a big topic of conversation over here. Almost all women wear shoes with a 4-6 inch heel. The girls decided to try some on at the mall tonight.
We had a nice day today. My dad, known to his grandchildren as "Pa", walked 25 minutes to McDonalds for us. That's 25 minutes each way. Boy was it good. He got us breakfast sandwiches. The food doesn't taste exactly like our McDonald's but still something similar/familiar.
We walked to a river and a park. We took the soccer ball and goalie gloves. Tonight Anya took all of us to the mall where there is indoor ice skating. Everyone skated but me. I am taking no chances with my foot. We also did bumper cars and ate at the food court. Anya was sitting next to Valera. He pointed at each of us while he said something to Anya. Of course I asked her what he said. She said "he says that each of you are so good".
That really warmed my heart. And I know I speak for each of us that it was encouragement we needed to hear.
See....Anya had just shared with us the news that we probably won't have our court appt. until next week. This Thurs. and Fri. are holidays. Ted and the girls have a flight home Sat. that they will have to postpone until next week if that is the case. We were told to not have expectations and to be flexible. The news was disappointing for us adults but the girls cried. They want to get home with a few days to spare before school starts. They are home and friend sick.
Anya goes to court tomorrow to discuss our case. She will find out our date tomorrow. Here are our prayer requests:
1. That God would perform a miracle and give us a court date on Wednesday.
2. That if the appt. is next week that it is on Monday or Tuesday at the latest.
3. That no matter what the news, God would comfort each of us.
4. That the Lord's will continue to be done and that we would be wholly obedient.
Thank you for your prayers. We are counting on them!
I am including pictures of Valera ice skating, me protecting the children from a pothole on our walk to the river, and one of the girls trying on high heels. That's been a big topic of conversation over here. Almost all women wear shoes with a 4-6 inch heel. The girls decided to try some on at the mall tonight.
Our apartment
Just thought you might like to see where we are living. The inside is better than the outside. We don't have hot water as The city of Donetsk has shut it off for a period of time. We do have a washing machine that fits about ten items. No dryer...but we have this rack. We are all so very appreciative of what we have back home.
I got another good night sleep. Praise God!
Last night we walked to get ice cream. The weather here is very nice and we are thankful for that.
Have a great day! We love you all!
I got another good night sleep. Praise God!
Last night we walked to get ice cream. The weather here is very nice and we are thankful for that.
Have a great day! We love you all!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Valera the Goalkeeper
Yesterday we toured the Donetsk Shaktar stadium. It's a soccer arena for the best team in Ukraine. Of course the tour was in Russian but Anya was able to help us out. The Euro 2012 games were played in this stadium.
During the tour we learned that Valera's favorite position to play is goalkeeper. I am including a picture of him holding his favorite goalie's jersey. We told him (via Anya) that he could choose one souvenir. There were so many awesome things he could have chosen...especially things that related to the Shaktar team. He chose goalie gloves...simple goalie gloves.
When we got home last night he asked about them, tried them back on, then put them neatly back into their packaging. He thanked us for them, as he thanks us for everything.
I am also including a picture of Ted, Delaney, and Valera enjoying an ice cream in the kitchen of our apartment.
Today we went to church....a Pentecostal African church. It was a 2 hour event. But it was in English. I cried as soon as I walked in. To hear others speak English, to hear live worship music was awesome. The pastor talked about walking in obedience...how it can be the hardest thing to do....but that there will be fruit and blessings as a result.
Amen to that. That was encouragement I needed to hear today.
One of the verses the pastor focused on was: Joshua 1:9
"Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you wherever you go."
Well...on that note I am going to sign off. We are eating ravioli that Valera picked out. Maybe we will take the ball outside after dinner and let Valera try out those goalie gloves.
During the tour we learned that Valera's favorite position to play is goalkeeper. I am including a picture of him holding his favorite goalie's jersey. We told him (via Anya) that he could choose one souvenir. There were so many awesome things he could have chosen...especially things that related to the Shaktar team. He chose goalie gloves...simple goalie gloves.
When we got home last night he asked about them, tried them back on, then put them neatly back into their packaging. He thanked us for them, as he thanks us for everything.
I am also including a picture of Ted, Delaney, and Valera enjoying an ice cream in the kitchen of our apartment.
Today we went to church....a Pentecostal African church. It was a 2 hour event. But it was in English. I cried as soon as I walked in. To hear others speak English, to hear live worship music was awesome. The pastor talked about walking in obedience...how it can be the hardest thing to do....but that there will be fruit and blessings as a result.
Amen to that. That was encouragement I needed to hear today.
One of the verses the pastor focused on was: Joshua 1:9
"Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you wherever you go."
Well...on that note I am going to sign off. We are eating ravioli that Valera picked out. Maybe we will take the ball outside after dinner and let Valera try out those goalie gloves.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
God's Promises
I have wondered how much to post....how detailed to be, how deep to go, etc. I have wondered just how authentic to be. I am sure the posts will be a little bit of everything but for now I want to share some feelings. Some real authentic feelings.
The past week has been physically exhausting. If you know me well, you know that I require a lot of sleep. That's how I was made. The lack of sleep night after night was really playing a toll. We aren't eating much because we can't find much that looks satisfying. The planes, trains and car rides are wearing us down.
I was crying out to the Lord....begging him for sleep, rest, and peace. I felt so overwhelmed. The time difference, cultural differences, language barrier, traveling from city to city, going from appointment to appointment, having no control over what is being said, how it's being translated has been so hard. I felt like my head and my heart would not stop spinning.
Yesterday Ted and I had to get up early to be driven an hour and a half away. We had a meeting with social workers in Valera's birth city. We felt exhausted. Even the pillar of strength, Ted, said "this trip is brutal".
Again, I prayed and "poured my heart out like water before the Lord". I asked Him for reminders....very specific ones that would encourage us, and remind us that He would never leave us or forsake us.
Two lovely women were angels to us at the meeting yesterday. They cared so much about Valera, showed us pictures of him throughout the years, showed us pictures of his siblings, wanted us to show them pictures we had. They were the kindest women we had met here yet.
Ted and I left there with a new energy and renewed spirits. We enjoyed an evening with the family at a dolphin show. We did not know until we went back outside that it had rained. As we left the building, we walked a trail. Up in the sky was a FULL rainbow....I knew it was God's real reminder to me that He is faithful, trustworthy, and in total control.
He granted us the longest sleep we have had in 9 days last night.
God is so good. Thank you for reading about our journey. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you to those who have left us comments on our blog. They are such encouragement to us. We call it "love from home".
Please keep praying for us....our rest and health, our adjusting to all that is new, and mostly that God's will continue to be done and that we would do nothing to get in His way.
Much love to you all!
The past week has been physically exhausting. If you know me well, you know that I require a lot of sleep. That's how I was made. The lack of sleep night after night was really playing a toll. We aren't eating much because we can't find much that looks satisfying. The planes, trains and car rides are wearing us down.
I was crying out to the Lord....begging him for sleep, rest, and peace. I felt so overwhelmed. The time difference, cultural differences, language barrier, traveling from city to city, going from appointment to appointment, having no control over what is being said, how it's being translated has been so hard. I felt like my head and my heart would not stop spinning.
Yesterday Ted and I had to get up early to be driven an hour and a half away. We had a meeting with social workers in Valera's birth city. We felt exhausted. Even the pillar of strength, Ted, said "this trip is brutal".
Again, I prayed and "poured my heart out like water before the Lord". I asked Him for reminders....very specific ones that would encourage us, and remind us that He would never leave us or forsake us.
Two lovely women were angels to us at the meeting yesterday. They cared so much about Valera, showed us pictures of him throughout the years, showed us pictures of his siblings, wanted us to show them pictures we had. They were the kindest women we had met here yet.
Ted and I left there with a new energy and renewed spirits. We enjoyed an evening with the family at a dolphin show. We did not know until we went back outside that it had rained. As we left the building, we walked a trail. Up in the sky was a FULL rainbow....I knew it was God's real reminder to me that He is faithful, trustworthy, and in total control.
He granted us the longest sleep we have had in 9 days last night.
God is so good. Thank you for reading about our journey. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you to those who have left us comments on our blog. They are such encouragement to us. We call it "love from home".
Please keep praying for us....our rest and health, our adjusting to all that is new, and mostly that God's will continue to be done and that we would do nothing to get in His way.
Much love to you all!
Fun adventures with Valera
Here are some pictures of Valera ice skating, grocery shopping, touring Donetsk. We ate pizza last night. As we walked away Valera told Anya that it was his first time eating pizza. Had I known I would have taken a picture. I learned to take pictures of everything moving forward.
Valera has amazing manners. He thanks us for everything. He still will only eat if we are eating. He is saying "thank you, good night, pajamas, good job, you're welcome, yes, no, car" in English already.
Valera has amazing manners. He thanks us for everything. He still will only eat if we are eating. He is saying "thank you, good night, pajamas, good job, you're welcome, yes, no, car" in English already.
Valera's orphanage
We wanted to show you pictures of Valera's orphanage. Behind the orphanage is a field where we played soccer. I am including a picture of Valera with his friend Vitalik. Anya heard Vitalik say to Valera as we pulled up "here are your parents". Yes....I wish I could bring them all home. I wish they could all have parents. 
Pictures and introductions
We had been told to pack our flexibility. We are thankful for that advice. Viktor found out on Monday that another family was coming for their appointment the following week so he wouldn't be able to accompany us on our trip to the orphanage. We should see him at some point but in the meantime we now have Anya. She took us on our train ride to Donetsk. Our driver is her boyfriend, Den. He is a funny guy. Both speak English well.
Here are pictures introducing Anya and Den. You can see the car that Ted and I have spent a good deal of time in.
Here are some pictures from the train ride. It was an overnight 12 hour ride. I think the girls enjoyed the adventure!
Here are pictures introducing Anya and Den. You can see the car that Ted and I have spent a good deal of time in.
Here are some pictures from the train ride. It was an overnight 12 hour ride. I think the girls enjoyed the adventure!
Friday, August 17, 2012
An update at last
Hello friends and family. We have been anxious to update you. We had an interesting overnight train ride from Kiev to Donetsk. That was Tuesday night. Everything has been a whirlwind since. I can hardly tell you the order of all that has happened over the past few days. We are still whacked out on our sleep. I know what it is to be nocturnal....awake during the night but not able to sleep during the day. We have been here there and everywhere.
In all the chaos of the past few days, there is one moment that stands out in my memory. The only moment that you really want to hear about anyway...The moment we pulled up to the orphanage. Valera had been driven from the summer camp to the orphanage that morning. When our cars pulled up we dashed out and he ran up to each of us giving us hugs. He told a friend standing next to him "these are my sisters". As soon as he finished hugging us I saw him run into the orphanage. Before I could even blink he was back outside with wet hair. He was brushing his hair down with the palms of his hands as if to be looking his best. It was precious.
We quickly tossed out a brand new soccer ball. We all started kicking it around until Ted, Valera, and I were called inside. The director needed Valera to write a statement. He kept making mistakes and finally said "I don't want to write. I want to play soccer." We laughed and Ted said "all boy".
We barely had time to look around or play before we headed off to the next place to do paperwork, etc. Here we are two days later. We are settled into an apartment now that has wi fi. Expect more consistent updates now that we are settled.
We have the weekend to just enjoy Valera's company. Mary Kate, Ted, Valera and our facilitator went ice skating last night. We walked to a grocery store and tonight we are going to a dolphin show.
We have court dates and what not next week. Nothing is official until 10 days beyond the court date.
We have to leave now....the dolphins are waiting. Pictures to follow later. Please keep us all in your prayers and pray that the Lords will continue to be done. Thank you.
In all the chaos of the past few days, there is one moment that stands out in my memory. The only moment that you really want to hear about anyway...The moment we pulled up to the orphanage. Valera had been driven from the summer camp to the orphanage that morning. When our cars pulled up we dashed out and he ran up to each of us giving us hugs. He told a friend standing next to him "these are my sisters". As soon as he finished hugging us I saw him run into the orphanage. Before I could even blink he was back outside with wet hair. He was brushing his hair down with the palms of his hands as if to be looking his best. It was precious.
We quickly tossed out a brand new soccer ball. We all started kicking it around until Ted, Valera, and I were called inside. The director needed Valera to write a statement. He kept making mistakes and finally said "I don't want to write. I want to play soccer." We laughed and Ted said "all boy".
We barely had time to look around or play before we headed off to the next place to do paperwork, etc. Here we are two days later. We are settled into an apartment now that has wi fi. Expect more consistent updates now that we are settled.
We have the weekend to just enjoy Valera's company. Mary Kate, Ted, Valera and our facilitator went ice skating last night. We walked to a grocery store and tonight we are going to a dolphin show.
We have court dates and what not next week. Nothing is official until 10 days beyond the court date.
We have to leave now....the dolphins are waiting. Pictures to follow later. Please keep us all in your prayers and pray that the Lords will continue to be done. Thank you.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Show Up
Almost 9 years ago our new pastor and his wife Melissa showed up on our front porch...they were house hunting and Melissa needed to use a bathroom. They were near our house so we made a great place for them to stop.
This was the first time I met Melissa. I knew within minutes that I would love her.
What I did not know was that for the next 8 and a half years, Melissa would continue to show up in my life. Her phone number would show up on my caller ID, her smiling face would show up in the door of my classroom when she would drop her son off. Melissa showed up as a good listener throughout years of various struggles. She showed up all the different times we planned to meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Most recently Melissa showed up on my couch during one of the loneliest times of my life....having a broken foot.
What I want to tell you about Melissa is that she did not wait for the perfect moment to show up. She didn't wait to have it all together to show up. She just showed up. Melissa was a better friend to me than I ever was to her. I can remember thinking "when I don't teach anymore I will be a better friend. When I get my life organized and my priorities straight, I will be a better friend".
My dear sweet friend Melissa passed away on July 8th. The last time I talked to Melissa was a few weeks prior to her death. She called me. She was crying when we got off the phone.
I never picked up the phone to follow up. I didn't show up for her.
In the weeks following her death were some of the saddest days of my life. In my grief and sorrow I kept hearing that phrase "show up".
I made a decision during those weeks to be more like Melissa in this way. To be someone who shows up.
I know that I will never be the perfect friend, not the person who shows up all the time for everyone. But what I do know is that I am not going to wait to have it all together, to have the perfect timing. I am just going to try to be more like my sweet Melissa.
So here it is....the day before we hope to see Valera again. In these weeks leading up to this moment, I have felt excited, scared, unworthy, ill-equipped thrilled, peaceful, etc. More than anything though I am honored with the opportunity to SHOW UP for Valera. I have no idea how God will finish this story, but what I know for sure is that He has led us to this moment.
Thank you God for ever crossing our path with Melissa's. Thank you God for ever crossing our paths with Valera's. Thank You God for always showing up for us!
This was the first time I met Melissa. I knew within minutes that I would love her.
What I did not know was that for the next 8 and a half years, Melissa would continue to show up in my life. Her phone number would show up on my caller ID, her smiling face would show up in the door of my classroom when she would drop her son off. Melissa showed up as a good listener throughout years of various struggles. She showed up all the different times we planned to meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Most recently Melissa showed up on my couch during one of the loneliest times of my life....having a broken foot.
What I want to tell you about Melissa is that she did not wait for the perfect moment to show up. She didn't wait to have it all together to show up. She just showed up. Melissa was a better friend to me than I ever was to her. I can remember thinking "when I don't teach anymore I will be a better friend. When I get my life organized and my priorities straight, I will be a better friend".
My dear sweet friend Melissa passed away on July 8th. The last time I talked to Melissa was a few weeks prior to her death. She called me. She was crying when we got off the phone.
I never picked up the phone to follow up. I didn't show up for her.
In the weeks following her death were some of the saddest days of my life. In my grief and sorrow I kept hearing that phrase "show up".
I made a decision during those weeks to be more like Melissa in this way. To be someone who shows up.
I know that I will never be the perfect friend, not the person who shows up all the time for everyone. But what I do know is that I am not going to wait to have it all together, to have the perfect timing. I am just going to try to be more like my sweet Melissa.
So here it is....the day before we hope to see Valera again. In these weeks leading up to this moment, I have felt excited, scared, unworthy, ill-equipped thrilled, peaceful, etc. More than anything though I am honored with the opportunity to SHOW UP for Valera. I have no idea how God will finish this story, but what I know for sure is that He has led us to this moment.
Thank you God for ever crossing our path with Melissa's. Thank you God for ever crossing our paths with Valera's. Thank You God for always showing up for us!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Our SDA appointment
Today was a big day. Ted and I walked with Viktor to our adoption appointment. In the rain. On the walk there I was thinking of all the ways I am being stretched. None of us have adjusted to the time zone yet. Sleepless nights are leaving us tired. We all woke up this morning talking about how hungry we were in the middle of the night. We miss drinking water from the tap.
And as we walked to our appointment I thought about Valera and orphans throughout the world. They put things in perspective for me. Seriously Lisa? Get a grip. I should have taken that literally because at that moment I slipped and landed on my knee cap. My umbrella blew inside out and Ted and Viktor had to help me up. Ted asked me if I was ok and I said with a serious face "look straight ahead and don't ask me again". No time for tears. My game face was on.
I had a few minutes to recover....as I hope you have recovered from laughing at me...
It was finally our turn. Viktor served as our translator. We learned about Valera's birthplace, medical history, siblings, etc. His file described him as "friendly and active". We got to see two pictures of him...one of him at a younger age and one that appears more recent. Both adorable.
We will return to the same place tomorrow to pick up our referral which allows us to go see Valera. We will catch an overnight train ride down to the Donetsk region of Ukraine....which gets us closer to his orphanage and summer camp. For you soccer fans, some of the Euro 2012 games were played in Donetsk.
We have enjoyed our time in Kiev. our apartment has been great.....right in the middle of town. Have walked everywhere. We visited a 1200 year old church today. We ate McDonalds ice cream. Life is good.
Please pray that we would sleep well. That Mary Kate's cold and ears would continue to improve. That we would all stay healthy. That God would prepare us all for the next phase of the journey. Thank you.
And as we walked to our appointment I thought about Valera and orphans throughout the world. They put things in perspective for me. Seriously Lisa? Get a grip. I should have taken that literally because at that moment I slipped and landed on my knee cap. My umbrella blew inside out and Ted and Viktor had to help me up. Ted asked me if I was ok and I said with a serious face "look straight ahead and don't ask me again". No time for tears. My game face was on.
I had a few minutes to recover....as I hope you have recovered from laughing at me...
It was finally our turn. Viktor served as our translator. We learned about Valera's birthplace, medical history, siblings, etc. His file described him as "friendly and active". We got to see two pictures of him...one of him at a younger age and one that appears more recent. Both adorable.
We will return to the same place tomorrow to pick up our referral which allows us to go see Valera. We will catch an overnight train ride down to the Donetsk region of Ukraine....which gets us closer to his orphanage and summer camp. For you soccer fans, some of the Euro 2012 games were played in Donetsk.
We have enjoyed our time in Kiev. our apartment has been great.....right in the middle of town. Have walked everywhere. We visited a 1200 year old church today. We ate McDonalds ice cream. Life is good.
Please pray that we would sleep well. That Mary Kate's cold and ears would continue to improve. That we would all stay healthy. That God would prepare us all for the next phase of the journey. Thank you.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
First full day in Kiev
We all had a broken night sleep as we adjusted to the time difference. At one point in the middle of the night Mary Kate came into our room. Ted went to sleep with Delaney so that I could comfort MK. Mary Kate and I were up for hours making up stories and giggling. She finally fell asleep laying on me. We woke up at noon today when we told Delaney about our night she said she should have come in with us because she was wide awake too. At any rate we ate breakfast/lunch and decided to walk around the city. We visited two churches, walked on Main Street, and walked into stores. an interesting thing about the city is they close down the main section of roads on the weekends. Everyone walks on the roads and some even sit. See picture of Delaney and MK. We enjoyed seeing some fun places we recognized like Gap, Claire's, McDonalds. We also enjoyed some coca colas.
I mentioned Viktor in our previous post. Viktor is our facilitator of our adoption He is bi-lingual which is wonderful. We meet him tomorrow at 11:30 for our noon appointment. He told us that the day we just had will be our most relaxing.
The funniest thing of the day is when we realized tonight that my dad had been using a russian word for thank you all day....only to realize that it meant "you are welcome".
I mentioned Viktor in our previous post. Viktor is our facilitator of our adoption He is bi-lingual which is wonderful. We meet him tomorrow at 11:30 for our noon appointment. He told us that the day we just had will be our most relaxing.
The funniest thing of the day is when we realized tonight that my dad had been using a russian word for thank you all day....only to realize that it meant "you are welcome".
Saturday, August 11, 2012
We are here
It is 10:45 pm here. We are headed to bed. We could not have asked for better travels. All flights were on time and smooth. Luggage arrived as well. Victor is as wonderful as we heard he was. Our apartment in Kiev is great. We ate at TGIFridays for dinner. We enjoyed a walk down main street tonight. The weather is beautiful. We are sleepy of course but are so grateful to be here safe and sound. Mary Kate has had some ear pressure issues from flying and has a cold. Please pray that she would feel better tomorrow.
Here is a picture of Ted and Viktor with Ukrainian hats on and another from when we landed in Ukraine. Good night
Here is a picture of Ted and Viktor with Ukrainian hats on and another from when we landed in Ukraine. Good night
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