Wednesday, February 28, 2007
One more day down!
Well we just got back a short while ago from our day trip to that other city in this region, don't get me to repeat it, something like Deepro. Thats the wrong spelling but sounds something like that. Anyway we left early so we could get to the proper office and hopefully be one of the first in line. We were successful in that except we were told to come back at 2 pm, I don't know why?? At that point our translator made a decision to catch a bus back from wence we came. She felt if she waited she would get back too late to get everything done here. She left our driver in charge with insructions and off she went. With some time to kill we took in some of the sites, actually it was quite a beautiful city and lots to see. Finally we went back to the office, picked up our paperwork there and headed back for here. In the meantime Our translator ran into a bit of a snag as the one person at the police station that needed to sign one of the documents is out sick for the day. This causes more confusion and what happened is Debbie and Nastya head out for Kiev tonight to be there early in the am to go to the Canadian Embassy to take care of something there. The reason I need to stay behind is one of us must be present tomorrow at the police station. So thats our status right now. Hopefully we can catch a bus out of here at a reasonable time tomorrow and catch up with everyone in Kiev. Never a dull moment here in Ukraine, and as Keith knows there never seems to be an actual end to it. I told Debbie tonight we ought to wallpaper Nastya's room with all the paper work once we are home as a reminder to all we have been through. I don't know if I'll need any reminder, I'll never forget our journey as long as I live thats for sure. There was a point today when Nastya had one of her meltdowns. She just wasn't doing real well and when I asked her to hold my hand as we were in a very busy area she had no intentions of complying. When I tried to force the issue she ran on me, at this point I was in no mood for the games so when I got to her the game was over. At this point we are nearing Mcdonalds and thought this will calm the waters, wrong made it worse, wasn't going in period. Well after wondering if we would cause a scene or not we went for it. She continued her defiance and the tears and the sobs began. Debbie went to get us something to eat and I tended the fort. All around us people were kind of wispering and I'm sure wondering what was up with this poor little girl and her mean old dad. I could have cared less at this point at one anyone was thinking, I would have maybee said something to the ones closest but can't speak the language so just grin and bear it. Soon Debbie returned and Nastya was still wanting nothing to do with us or her food. Within a few minutes she stopped the crying at least and then it was one of those moments I won't forget. She reached for her happy meal and began to join us. She wouldn't take her jacket off or her hat and by this time with all the tears and such she looked terrible. Her hair was a mess under her hat that had become twisted in all the commotion. She was pretty well done and we were just kind of ignoring her a bit trying to avoid another scene. At that moment I looked her way and through her tear stained eyes and messed up hair she held out her last chicken mc-nugget to me and said, for you daddy. I just about lost it and then she broke out with one of those tootless grins and I was no good. I realized something at that moment and it was simply this , she's worth it all. All of the fustration, and there's been plenty, all of the heartache for home and there's been plenty, its all worth it. I for maybee the first time can actually see the end of our time here and our new life that lies ahead of us. To tell you the truth I actually held up better than Debbie today, first time. I could see that finally the whole thing was taking a toll and I had to comfort her for a change. Its been a real test of all that we're made of and we have grown together through it all and are still standing. We both can't wait to settle back in our seats on Sunday and head for home. I kind of took a double take of all the sites on my walk down here this evening and realized that this part of the world will soon be a distant memory to me. I do believe I'll never forget my path back to the apartment, I can just about do it with my eyes closed. I'd even give it a try , but there are those man-holes and I have a great deal of respect for those suckers now. Well it'll be a quite night back at the apartment but it'll be the last night there so it'll be ok. A good time to reflect on all thats taken place in our lives over the past number of weeks. As always thanks for the comments, Jared we will be in touch soon to let you know where we can meet. Thats all for now , will try and post from Kiev tomorrow. With lots of love, Randy
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Another day of more Notorization!
We have spent the last 6 hours or so getting more done towards Nastya's bith cetificate being finalized. We did make out pretty well I 'm being told. Tomorrow we travel by car about an hour and a half to get another thing taken care of?? There is so much documintation involved but we need it all together before we head to the Canadian Embassy on Thur. We are recieving a little more hope that we will indeed make our flight on Sun. No garrantees mind you but if the next 3 days go as well as today we should be fine. We hit the road early in the am so once the day winds down we jump on the train for Kiev and arrive there early Thurs am. Thats the extent of things for now.
I do want to thank you all once again for your comments and continued support, again you'll never know what it means to us. I especially want to mention Keiths comments. Keith and his wife Candice as many of you have already have figured out adopted here in Ukraine 1 year ago. They have a beautiful little girl by the name of Cristina. I believe she just turned 4 within the last couple of weeks. Anyway we got to know them and followed their story at the time. We have spoken with Kieth while we have been here, I can tell you his words have meant alot as He knew first hand what we were experiencing. What he has shared here in his latest comment does bear a slow reading especially for our family back home. The attachment issues are very important for us to understand and for the first while espesially we will have to be very aware of how we're handling things. It is so natural to want to overwelm her with love , gifts and attention. These things will happen to some degree but again it is so crucial that Nastya bonds with us and recognizes us as her parents and gardians. This whole process of foriegn addoption here in Ukraine is very complex and there will be much for me to learn when it comes to Nastya and what her needs are. I'm sure that I will be in touch with Kieth and Candice once we get home. I know you may have felt a little awkward Kieth for sharing the things you did but I commend you for your honesty and know that you have all of our best interests at heart, espesially Nastya's. To Debbie's credit she has read more about the attachment issues and such and whats involved. I will learn as I go along but I do realize that we can avoid future problems if we pay close attention now. These early days are important days as we begin our new life together.
Well I'm going to get out of here for now, hope to get a post in later tomorrow. My thoughts are on home these days and I can almost see it now. Take care all , love ya much, Randy
I do want to thank you all once again for your comments and continued support, again you'll never know what it means to us. I especially want to mention Keiths comments. Keith and his wife Candice as many of you have already have figured out adopted here in Ukraine 1 year ago. They have a beautiful little girl by the name of Cristina. I believe she just turned 4 within the last couple of weeks. Anyway we got to know them and followed their story at the time. We have spoken with Kieth while we have been here, I can tell you his words have meant alot as He knew first hand what we were experiencing. What he has shared here in his latest comment does bear a slow reading especially for our family back home. The attachment issues are very important for us to understand and for the first while espesially we will have to be very aware of how we're handling things. It is so natural to want to overwelm her with love , gifts and attention. These things will happen to some degree but again it is so crucial that Nastya bonds with us and recognizes us as her parents and gardians. This whole process of foriegn addoption here in Ukraine is very complex and there will be much for me to learn when it comes to Nastya and what her needs are. I'm sure that I will be in touch with Kieth and Candice once we get home. I know you may have felt a little awkward Kieth for sharing the things you did but I commend you for your honesty and know that you have all of our best interests at heart, espesially Nastya's. To Debbie's credit she has read more about the attachment issues and such and whats involved. I will learn as I go along but I do realize that we can avoid future problems if we pay close attention now. These early days are important days as we begin our new life together.
Well I'm going to get out of here for now, hope to get a post in later tomorrow. My thoughts are on home these days and I can almost see it now. Take care all , love ya much, Randy
Monday, February 26, 2007
10 Day Wait Over!
Today marks the end of the waiting period in regards to the court decision. I thought we could begin to wrap it up today but I guess we have to wait until tomorrow. Our Translator will come back to us on the am train from Kiev. She said it will take 2 days to get the birth certificate in order. We are supposed to leave here on the train on Wed. evening for Kiev. Once there the only thing remaining is her passport which again should take no more than 2 days. This ofcourse takes the rest of the week and we can only hope there are no further delays as our flight leaves on Sunday. The people working for us here that we have hired if you like say they will do everything in their power to get us on our flight. I would be more comfortable if we had another day to play with but we don't, so I guess we'll see how good our guys are here at getting it done. Many times we've heard its not our problem and they will take care of it. Ofcourse they fall short of making any garantees as they know as well we are in Ukraine and that says it all.
I have had to take stock , or do a personel inventory of my own statis many times over the last number of weeks. If you have been following our journey thus far you have seen me run the whole gammet at one point or another. Have I been guilty of a little fair-weather faith at times, you bet. As I sit here at this point and realize just where we're at with things I can say yes and that I have faith and I do trust in the final outcome. To be completely honest my faith in God will always be a constant, but I will look back on this whole thing and remember the poem , Footprints in the sand. One thing that I do know is that when I am weak He is strong. Paul at one point boasted in his weaknesses realizing this very thing. I want to thank you sis for the words of encouragement we all need to be reminded at times. Well I need to get back to the apartment as we have a few things to take care of today, love you all , catch you later , Randy
I have had to take stock , or do a personel inventory of my own statis many times over the last number of weeks. If you have been following our journey thus far you have seen me run the whole gammet at one point or another. Have I been guilty of a little fair-weather faith at times, you bet. As I sit here at this point and realize just where we're at with things I can say yes and that I have faith and I do trust in the final outcome. To be completely honest my faith in God will always be a constant, but I will look back on this whole thing and remember the poem , Footprints in the sand. One thing that I do know is that when I am weak He is strong. Paul at one point boasted in his weaknesses realizing this very thing. I want to thank you sis for the words of encouragement we all need to be reminded at times. Well I need to get back to the apartment as we have a few things to take care of today, love you all , catch you later , Randy
Sunday, February 25, 2007
My Turn!
Randy and I met at the supermarket where he got the the key and Anastacia and I get my turn to see what is happening in the rest of the world via internet for the next hour. It has warmed up a bit today so they will stop at the park on the way home. I havn't been able to buy an english newspaper or magazine since I've been here. I have picked up a couple of ukrainian magazines but it is too much work to try and translate so I just look at the pictures and invent my own stories. Thank goodness for the www.
Just a couple of days left here in Kreevir Rog and than back to Kiev and home :). I feel guilty saying this but I have actually enjoyed my time here, the weather has been great and it has been fun living in a different culture for a couple of months. I do miss all my friends, family, home and church but the time has passed swiftly for me. Don't tell Randy :). He has been ready to leave since about week 2. I think it is a "man thing", he needs to be puttering, driving and in control of his time, his surround sound( as Nathan mentioned), sports tv, work as well as family, friends etc..
Anyway, I am looking forward to some things I take for granted such as:
Clothes dryer- I never want to see my underwear hanging on a radiator again.
microwave- miss my popcorn
coffee- it's expresso served most places here
wardrobe- I have been wearing the same 5 shirts and 2 pr jeans for 6 weeks, they actually feel like maternity clothes, and like maternity clothes I won't ever want to see them again. Especially my jacket.
Car- to drive myself where ever, when ever
Nova Scotia roads- bet that one surprises you. I promise to never complain about the conditions of the roads in NS again.
Just a few things that I will enjoy when I get home.
I have changed the Hope House site on the side to the Ukranian web page instead of the Canadian page as there is much more updated information available. Please check it out.
Just 9 more sleeps, hopefully
Love, Debbie
Just a couple of days left here in Kreevir Rog and than back to Kiev and home :). I feel guilty saying this but I have actually enjoyed my time here, the weather has been great and it has been fun living in a different culture for a couple of months. I do miss all my friends, family, home and church but the time has passed swiftly for me. Don't tell Randy :). He has been ready to leave since about week 2. I think it is a "man thing", he needs to be puttering, driving and in control of his time, his surround sound( as Nathan mentioned), sports tv, work as well as family, friends etc..
Anyway, I am looking forward to some things I take for granted such as:
Clothes dryer- I never want to see my underwear hanging on a radiator again.
microwave- miss my popcorn
coffee- it's expresso served most places here
wardrobe- I have been wearing the same 5 shirts and 2 pr jeans for 6 weeks, they actually feel like maternity clothes, and like maternity clothes I won't ever want to see them again. Especially my jacket.
Car- to drive myself where ever, when ever
Nova Scotia roads- bet that one surprises you. I promise to never complain about the conditions of the roads in NS again.
Just a few things that I will enjoy when I get home.
I have changed the Hope House site on the side to the Ukranian web page instead of the Canadian page as there is much more updated information available. Please check it out.
Just 9 more sleeps, hopefully
Love, Debbie
No Place like Home!
I hate to keep beating the same drum but you can only speak of whats on your mind. I've always known that saying was true, but I don't believe I could ever have known the deep truth of it until now. Something inside of you just aches and you can't remedy it . You know only one thing will satisfy that longing and that is the reality of being there. I really appreciate hearing from you Keith as you guys can so relate to it all. I do believe that we will indeed have that opportunity to get together in person one day. Who knows maybee sooner than later, now that my sis is onboard. Even though we have never met we feel a pretty close connection with you guys. We just need to make a resolve that we will all just somehow make it happen. For us the end is in sight, and as you say I ought to relish whats left as it will be along time before we set foot on these shores again. I will try and heed your advice, as that seems like a lot better idea than just wishing it all away.
Well today is pretty much a down day, don't think Nastya will get out at all. She does appear to be a little better today so she is probably on the better side of her cold battle. From here I head for the market to grab something for supper. It becomes a challenge to find a variety after being here this long. I just look at the food cases and try and remember when we had such and such, if I don't recall it right away then it winds up in the bottom of the cart. One thing I said at an earlier point I will still stand by. No matter how much time we spend here I don't see that we are really making much progress. I see it clear now for myself that it all starts for real once we get home. Every time we encounter anyone from here, from our driver, to our translator to the lady at the market, makes no difference she will gravitate to them instantly. Its all the language thing and whats familiar to her that she runs to. Until its only us that she looks to as her parents we can only impact to a point. This is a process that just takes time, I know that the real fruit of all this will only take place at home in her new surroundings. Wished I had more to say but not much else to share at this point. Next week hopefully will put the last few pieces of the puzzle together. You know whats stange is that everytime I get myself on a time line again something inside of me says, be carefull remember this is still Ukraine. Anything can go wrong , even at the 12'th hour. I don't mean that the addoption can be overturned, I mean to even book your return flights and all. I'm going to blame my negative outlook on the system here, thats what its done to me. Until we're on the plane heading for home I'm not really celebrating too much.
Well I'm outahere, take care and CAN'T WAIT to see you all, Randy
Well today is pretty much a down day, don't think Nastya will get out at all. She does appear to be a little better today so she is probably on the better side of her cold battle. From here I head for the market to grab something for supper. It becomes a challenge to find a variety after being here this long. I just look at the food cases and try and remember when we had such and such, if I don't recall it right away then it winds up in the bottom of the cart. One thing I said at an earlier point I will still stand by. No matter how much time we spend here I don't see that we are really making much progress. I see it clear now for myself that it all starts for real once we get home. Every time we encounter anyone from here, from our driver, to our translator to the lady at the market, makes no difference she will gravitate to them instantly. Its all the language thing and whats familiar to her that she runs to. Until its only us that she looks to as her parents we can only impact to a point. This is a process that just takes time, I know that the real fruit of all this will only take place at home in her new surroundings. Wished I had more to say but not much else to share at this point. Next week hopefully will put the last few pieces of the puzzle together. You know whats stange is that everytime I get myself on a time line again something inside of me says, be carefull remember this is still Ukraine. Anything can go wrong , even at the 12'th hour. I don't mean that the addoption can be overturned, I mean to even book your return flights and all. I'm going to blame my negative outlook on the system here, thats what its done to me. Until we're on the plane heading for home I'm not really celebrating too much.
Well I'm outahere, take care and CAN'T WAIT to see you all, Randy
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Very Cold in the Heart of Ukraine!
Yes I had a very cold walk down here this evening, calm but bitterly cold. Can't wait to get back to my Toyota pick-up. I never thought you could actually miss a vehicle but I do, just to get back behind the wheel and drive MYSELF around will be a real priviledge. Well with our little get away we are that much closer to home, I told myself I was going to stop talking about it but I just can't help it.
Debbie has pretty much brought you up to speed on our day. Our little Nastya is having quite a time with her cold, I was afraid that it was going to make its rounds. I only hope we are all well when we make the trip home. In the mean time there is nowhere we need to be for now so spending much time at the apartment watching our dvd's. The only problem is we are running out of anything new to watch. I am on the third time through watching The King of Queen's series we brought with us. I still laugh hard even though I know all the punch lines by now, that guy just cracks me up. Well this SHOULD be our last full weekend here and I can't say that saddens me in the least. We literally have what we came for and the attachment to our surroundings is over, it seems in some ways even harder to wait now. When you still haven't secured the addoption you are still anticipating that but now your more than ready to go once its behind you. I would love to get together with other folk who have been through this and have a real gab session, I'm sure that would ruin a few pots of coffee. Well I'm only rambling so I'll stop, got to pick up a little something for supper and head back to the apartment. Catch up with you all tomorrow, take care and stay warm, love, Randy
Debbie has pretty much brought you up to speed on our day. Our little Nastya is having quite a time with her cold, I was afraid that it was going to make its rounds. I only hope we are all well when we make the trip home. In the mean time there is nowhere we need to be for now so spending much time at the apartment watching our dvd's. The only problem is we are running out of anything new to watch. I am on the third time through watching The King of Queen's series we brought with us. I still laugh hard even though I know all the punch lines by now, that guy just cracks me up. Well this SHOULD be our last full weekend here and I can't say that saddens me in the least. We literally have what we came for and the attachment to our surroundings is over, it seems in some ways even harder to wait now. When you still haven't secured the addoption you are still anticipating that but now your more than ready to go once its behind you. I would love to get together with other folk who have been through this and have a real gab session, I'm sure that would ruin a few pots of coffee. Well I'm only rambling so I'll stop, got to pick up a little something for supper and head back to the apartment. Catch up with you all tomorrow, take care and stay warm, love, Randy
Nadya? Nastya? Anastacia?
We settled back in here at the apartment for a few more days. Last night we curled up and watched Chronicles of Narnia again :). Nadya was tired and went to sleep quickly at 8 pm but got up sometime through the night and had pulled her pillow and comforter out to the sofa which is close to our bedroom door. She came in as soon as she heard us stir and got the DVD going again.
My niece Victoria had given me some nice lotion to bring and Nadya was lathering up her feet and legs with it.
Carol in Odessa sent us off with a bag of home made bread so Randy got up and made us french toast which we coated with honey that Igor had given us. Wow it was good.
I left Nadya and Randy home this morning as she is still batting a cold.
By the way, I am calling her Nadya for now but she may be going back to Anastacia as she is not that fussy about Nadya. So Anastacia is the safest bet since she always answers to that and we all like it. Her choice is Nastya, so that's probably what we will call her at home. But we do always have Nadya if she changes her mind. I know that is about as clear as mud but we'll keep you posted as to the final outcome.
Congrats to Jared on passing your course at NSCC and enjoy your break before the next one starts.
Happy Belated Birthday Little Christina! It seems that I was just reading the story of her journey and already one year has passed.
Sam, we may continue to post on the blog once a week or so to let folks now how things are going, once we get home.
Dave C. I saw those cherry red leather boots you were wanting for Laura , but someone was wearing them. The girl at a cafe we go to has thigh high pink leather ones that she wears with hot pants.
Mitch enjoy your weekend at home!
Well, I must get back as we have to do some paper work today for Nadya ? Nastya? Anastacia's? birth certificate.
Love you all! Debbie
My niece Victoria had given me some nice lotion to bring and Nadya was lathering up her feet and legs with it.
Carol in Odessa sent us off with a bag of home made bread so Randy got up and made us french toast which we coated with honey that Igor had given us. Wow it was good.
I left Nadya and Randy home this morning as she is still batting a cold.
By the way, I am calling her Nadya for now but she may be going back to Anastacia as she is not that fussy about Nadya. So Anastacia is the safest bet since she always answers to that and we all like it. Her choice is Nastya, so that's probably what we will call her at home. But we do always have Nadya if she changes her mind. I know that is about as clear as mud but we'll keep you posted as to the final outcome.
Congrats to Jared on passing your course at NSCC and enjoy your break before the next one starts.
Happy Belated Birthday Little Christina! It seems that I was just reading the story of her journey and already one year has passed.
Sam, we may continue to post on the blog once a week or so to let folks now how things are going, once we get home.
Dave C. I saw those cherry red leather boots you were wanting for Laura , but someone was wearing them. The girl at a cafe we go to has thigh high pink leather ones that she wears with hot pants.
Mitch enjoy your weekend at home!
Well, I must get back as we have to do some paper work today for Nadya ? Nastya? Anastacia's? birth certificate.
Love you all! Debbie
Friday, February 23, 2007
Back to our Apt, safe and sound!
Yes we are settled once again. Actually I even slept on that old train last night, gotta like that. We left Odessa in a snow storm and had a bit of trouble getting to the train. Sergei said it was pretty rare to get snow, they actually have winters with no real snow at all. I would say by what I witnessed leaving there this must be true. For sure very few bother with snow tires. There was a stretch of traffic over 2 km's long heading into Odessa, 3 to 4 cars wide. Some of the poor folks were pushing and trying to make it but it looked like a loosing effort. Anyway we finally made it, and I just want to thank the folk there for their hospitality. I previously named them all. A work team was arriving from New Bruswick as we were leaving so all the best to them as they begin their stay in Odessa.
We have a beautiful day here today, sunny but very cold, - 11 or so. I want to take the opportunity to congradulate my son Ryan on his latest music ventures. I was in conversation with my sister last evening and she shared an article that she found for me via the news service. Apparantly a gentleman was covering the recent ECMA's, I forget his name, but anyway he said that at each awards time someone catches his eye in behind the scenes and this time he said that Ryan and his band really left an impression on him. He even predicted that come next year he wouldn't be shocked if Ryan Cook and company were headlining along with the likes of Lenny Galant and folks. Now I realize this is one guy's opinion but I must say I was impressed that he did get noticed and acknowledged. Now the bar has been raised a bit I would say, so don't quit doing what your doing Ryan, Good luck my son. As another interesting side note Ryan found out that a country station in Alberta somewhere had recieved his cd. They liked it , started playing it, anyway as of a few days ago the cd was 6 th on their top 10 list of most requested. Enough of me tooting my own son's horn but I just had to do it.
As far as our upcoming plans , not much until Monday as this is the end of the 10 day waiting period. We then head off to Kiev to get Nadya's passport together at the Canadian Embassy. Hopefully it all goes easy as we are booked to head for Toronto on Sun. the 4th. We did hope to get some pic's posted while in Odessa, but it didn't happen. We will try maybee once again, but it may have to wait till we get home. Anyway I suppose thats enough for now, Debbie may have something to say later on today?? I guess I have to admit I can almost taste home now and our journey does look as though it is winding down. I'm trying not to think about it too much because it just makes me want it all the more. By the way Sam, Ryan's website is at the very bottom of our blog, check it out. I really can say now that this has all been worth it. When I catch my little Nadya giving me one of those tootless, teasing grins I just breath deep and thank the Lord that I have been given this opportunity. I know I'll be that daddy that she never had, I see it more and more every day.
All the best to everyone, love Randy
We have a beautiful day here today, sunny but very cold, - 11 or so. I want to take the opportunity to congradulate my son Ryan on his latest music ventures. I was in conversation with my sister last evening and she shared an article that she found for me via the news service. Apparantly a gentleman was covering the recent ECMA's, I forget his name, but anyway he said that at each awards time someone catches his eye in behind the scenes and this time he said that Ryan and his band really left an impression on him. He even predicted that come next year he wouldn't be shocked if Ryan Cook and company were headlining along with the likes of Lenny Galant and folks. Now I realize this is one guy's opinion but I must say I was impressed that he did get noticed and acknowledged. Now the bar has been raised a bit I would say, so don't quit doing what your doing Ryan, Good luck my son. As another interesting side note Ryan found out that a country station in Alberta somewhere had recieved his cd. They liked it , started playing it, anyway as of a few days ago the cd was 6 th on their top 10 list of most requested. Enough of me tooting my own son's horn but I just had to do it.
As far as our upcoming plans , not much until Monday as this is the end of the 10 day waiting period. We then head off to Kiev to get Nadya's passport together at the Canadian Embassy. Hopefully it all goes easy as we are booked to head for Toronto on Sun. the 4th. We did hope to get some pic's posted while in Odessa, but it didn't happen. We will try maybee once again, but it may have to wait till we get home. Anyway I suppose thats enough for now, Debbie may have something to say later on today?? I guess I have to admit I can almost taste home now and our journey does look as though it is winding down. I'm trying not to think about it too much because it just makes me want it all the more. By the way Sam, Ryan's website is at the very bottom of our blog, check it out. I really can say now that this has all been worth it. When I catch my little Nadya giving me one of those tootless, teasing grins I just breath deep and thank the Lord that I have been given this opportunity. I know I'll be that daddy that she never had, I see it more and more every day.
All the best to everyone, love Randy
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Back from wence we came!
Today marks the end of our visit here in Odessa. I have been to Hope House this am and put in a half day there cleaning out one of the childrens rooms. It is being made ready for a makeover. All the walls and ceiling are being resurfaced and painted,a new wooden floor will be laid. In several days or a week it will be finished and it will be complete, ready for new furniture. The work that is going on here is really awesome to see. I'm so glad we were able to get here and just see close up what a difference this all makes in the lives of these children. I have great admiration for what the team here is doing, beginning with the director Sergei, and Kerry and Carol Allison, Sashsa and Ala and all the rest. The kids are the real winners and thats what this whole ministry is all about. For me to see what has gone on here in just 4 years since I was here last is nothing short of amazing. Thank God for the people that are willing to pour their lives into this effort here, it is so worth it.
Well as I said we jump back on the train for a 13 hour trip back to our apartment. It leaves here at around 10 this evening, so it shouldn't be all that bad, mostly night travel. I would love to think I will get some sleep this time, but to this point it hasn't happened. I want to thank Scott and Mel at home for taking care of things, good to here from you.
Debbie went to the airport to get our flight home set up. Ofcourse we go back 3 so theres the extra ticket and all. When we came this way we couldn't book a return for 3 at that time because we didn't have a name. Anyway hope she makes out ok with that. Getting here to Odessa broke up our stay abit and helped make the time go a little faster so that is good as well. Will be posting from our old cafe once we get back. As far as Nadya is concerned she is doing great, we seem to be really gelling as a family these days. Again it will be so good to get her home and get settled back into a routine. Take care all, talk to ya soon, Randy
Well as I said we jump back on the train for a 13 hour trip back to our apartment. It leaves here at around 10 this evening, so it shouldn't be all that bad, mostly night travel. I would love to think I will get some sleep this time, but to this point it hasn't happened. I want to thank Scott and Mel at home for taking care of things, good to here from you.
Debbie went to the airport to get our flight home set up. Ofcourse we go back 3 so theres the extra ticket and all. When we came this way we couldn't book a return for 3 at that time because we didn't have a name. Anyway hope she makes out ok with that. Getting here to Odessa broke up our stay abit and helped make the time go a little faster so that is good as well. Will be posting from our old cafe once we get back. As far as Nadya is concerned she is doing great, we seem to be really gelling as a family these days. Again it will be so good to get her home and get settled back into a routine. Take care all, talk to ya soon, Randy
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Hi,its Me again!
Well I just thought I make a quick post before calling it a day. As Debbie told you I put in a bit of a work day out at hope house today. Felt pretty good all day but really beat now. Oh well should be a good nights sleep for me. For 2 nights in a row I might have sleep 2 hours, as you all know this can set you back a day or two which it did for me. Regardless on the mend for sure so thats all that matters right now. I just had a great chat with my cousin Don at work. It was really great catching up with him on things. He had a chance to speak with Nadya, and I just new I couldn't trust him. I next hear her trying to say something that sounded like Maple-Leafs. When she tried to repeat it back to him it came out make-beliefs. She looked at me kind of puzzled and I said never mind you done good, thats my girl. We had a good laugh anyway. Don told me of the weather you guys have been having. As long as its all cleaned up before I get home. Really miss everyone at home and on the road, hope you haven't forgot my name by now. Can't wait to be heading for good ol Nova Scotia.
My Love to all, Randy
My Love to all, Randy
Catching up!
We have had a busy few days here in Odessa. Randy's flu has finally let up. You can buy antibiotics here over that counter for $15.00 for 3 pills ,you take one each day and it will 'cure what ails ya'. After 2 days Randy was coming around and able to do some sight seeing.Nadya is starting with sniffles now, her and I have been taking lots of vitamins so perhaps we won't get sick.
Monday we went to Hope House to see all the renovations. A foster home for 2 parents and 8 children. They have built an addition and have farm animals and gardens to help them become self sufficient.The mom "Alla" was chosen as citizen of the year by the city of Odessa.
Tuesday, Sergiy and Dina took us sight seeing, their son Kirril(9) and Nadya had a wonderful time together. This is a beautiful city, a seaport on the Black Sea, lots of historical monuments, incredible architecture and lots of new construction going on. The real estate value has increased immensely in the last few years. People are beginning to build single family dwellings, they mostly live in flats.
In the afternoon we went to "First Step Center" to see the program they have for street children. The doors open at 3pm, the children get a snack and than they have a bible lesson with reading and a worksheet. Then they play a bit and get a hot meal, they can get a shower if they wish. I was surprised at how well behaved the kids were and all very attentive to the lesson. There were 3 little boys sitting by me that stole my heart. Two were 13 years old and one was twelve but they looked more like 8 or 9. I can't imagine these little kids fending for themselves on the street.
We went to "Shephards House" after that, this is a home for girls 14 -16 that have aged out of the orphanages. This project in partly funded by a Canadian grant.
The girls learn some life skills here and can finish their education before they are out on their own.
All of these homes have been partly funded through World Hope Canada as well as many US and Canadian citizens. The government has been studying the work and is hoping to use these homes as models and will be setting up similar programs to help the homeless.
We were wiped out after the busy day and slept well last night. Nadya is having a blast here and says no Ukraina, yes Odessa. She thinks we are in a different country. This trip has been really good for her because she loves Alina (Sergiy's daughter)and Alina has been to Canada and speaks english. So Nadya is getting more and more excited about coming home.
That brings us to present, Randy is working at Hope House helping the guys dry wall and I am here at Sergiys home with Dina and the kids. There is a mission team coming tomorrow from New Brunswick to contine the work at Hope House. There ia also a phsycologist?? staying at Kerry's for 2 weeks and working with the kids at the houses.
Have a great day!
Debbie
Comments:
Kelly......so glad you are home and feeling better, try to behave yourself and follow Dr.s orders ( I know it is hard)
Ryan.....I am so glad you ran into Mrs. MacDonald. I bet she was surprized.
Laura....I'm still working on travel arrangements, Nadya is on the waiting list for March 4th, so we could end up booking another airlines.
Barb and Don....looking forward to seeing you guys when we get home
Mom, Dad, Ryan, Jared, Kim, and Mitchell as well as nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers and all the rest of you.... Miss you all, time is ticking away and it won't be long till we are home.
Monday we went to Hope House to see all the renovations. A foster home for 2 parents and 8 children. They have built an addition and have farm animals and gardens to help them become self sufficient.The mom "Alla" was chosen as citizen of the year by the city of Odessa.
Tuesday, Sergiy and Dina took us sight seeing, their son Kirril(9) and Nadya had a wonderful time together. This is a beautiful city, a seaport on the Black Sea, lots of historical monuments, incredible architecture and lots of new construction going on. The real estate value has increased immensely in the last few years. People are beginning to build single family dwellings, they mostly live in flats.
In the afternoon we went to "First Step Center" to see the program they have for street children. The doors open at 3pm, the children get a snack and than they have a bible lesson with reading and a worksheet. Then they play a bit and get a hot meal, they can get a shower if they wish. I was surprised at how well behaved the kids were and all very attentive to the lesson. There were 3 little boys sitting by me that stole my heart. Two were 13 years old and one was twelve but they looked more like 8 or 9. I can't imagine these little kids fending for themselves on the street.
We went to "Shephards House" after that, this is a home for girls 14 -16 that have aged out of the orphanages. This project in partly funded by a Canadian grant.
The girls learn some life skills here and can finish their education before they are out on their own.
All of these homes have been partly funded through World Hope Canada as well as many US and Canadian citizens. The government has been studying the work and is hoping to use these homes as models and will be setting up similar programs to help the homeless.
We were wiped out after the busy day and slept well last night. Nadya is having a blast here and says no Ukraina, yes Odessa. She thinks we are in a different country. This trip has been really good for her because she loves Alina (Sergiy's daughter)and Alina has been to Canada and speaks english. So Nadya is getting more and more excited about coming home.
That brings us to present, Randy is working at Hope House helping the guys dry wall and I am here at Sergiys home with Dina and the kids. There is a mission team coming tomorrow from New Brunswick to contine the work at Hope House. There ia also a phsycologist?? staying at Kerry's for 2 weeks and working with the kids at the houses.
Have a great day!
Debbie
Comments:
Kelly......so glad you are home and feeling better, try to behave yourself and follow Dr.s orders ( I know it is hard)
Ryan.....I am so glad you ran into Mrs. MacDonald. I bet she was surprized.
Laura....I'm still working on travel arrangements, Nadya is on the waiting list for March 4th, so we could end up booking another airlines.
Barb and Don....looking forward to seeing you guys when we get home
Mom, Dad, Ryan, Jared, Kim, and Mitchell as well as nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers and all the rest of you.... Miss you all, time is ticking away and it won't be long till we are home.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Here in Odessa
HELLO FROM ODESSA
WE MADE IT HERE SAFE AND SOUND. HAD A WONDERFUL DAY WITH Dina, Sergiy and kids. Dina fed us wonderful borsht, blini's, perogi's and is now bringing out a cake. Yum yum
The kids really hit it off and we went to a huge kids game place this afternoon. Nadya had lots of new experiences, the escalator was a bit scary for her , but once she tried it of course she loved it. SHE ALSO LOVED Alina's piano. Anyway got to run.
Laura WE'LL GIVE YOU A CALL AS SOON AS WE CHANGE OUR FLIGHT.
DEBBIE
WE MADE IT HERE SAFE AND SOUND. HAD A WONDERFUL DAY WITH Dina, Sergiy and kids. Dina fed us wonderful borsht, blini's, perogi's and is now bringing out a cake. Yum yum
The kids really hit it off and we went to a huge kids game place this afternoon. Nadya had lots of new experiences, the escalator was a bit scary for her , but once she tried it of course she loved it. SHE ALSO LOVED Alina's piano. Anyway got to run.
Laura WE'LL GIVE YOU A CALL AS SOON AS WE CHANGE OUR FLIGHT.
DEBBIE
Saturday, February 17, 2007
"This is the day"
We are overwhelmed by all your good wishes,and prayers. Jane G. when we read your comment yesterday we smiled because we were actually singing the song " This is the day the Lord has Made" when we got up yesterday morning.
In my first post two years ago I believe I said "I would have to remember that God was in control and that his timing was perfect". Many times over the past 2 years we did remind ourselves and many times we were ready to bail out on the whole idea. But always it seemed something would happen to make us say, "lets just give it another month", believe me it was not our faithfulness but HIS that saw this through.
Also a couple of things have come to light that may be coinsidence or they may be Gods timing. First we started this process two years ago and Anastacia came to the orphanage two years ago. Also Natasha told me the other day that Anastacias gradmother died on January 17th,the only one that had visited her in the orphanage on occasion, had died on the same day that we first saw the profile of our little girl.
Anyway hopefully we can get some pictures posted this weekend.
Have a great day,
Debbie
Jared & Kim....sorry didn't reach you by phone last night, we'll call you tonight.
In my first post two years ago I believe I said "I would have to remember that God was in control and that his timing was perfect". Many times over the past 2 years we did remind ourselves and many times we were ready to bail out on the whole idea. But always it seemed something would happen to make us say, "lets just give it another month", believe me it was not our faithfulness but HIS that saw this through.
Also a couple of things have come to light that may be coinsidence or they may be Gods timing. First we started this process two years ago and Anastacia came to the orphanage two years ago. Also Natasha told me the other day that Anastacias gradmother died on January 17th,the only one that had visited her in the orphanage on occasion, had died on the same day that we first saw the profile of our little girl.
Anyway hopefully we can get some pictures posted this weekend.
Have a great day,
Debbie
Jared & Kim....sorry didn't reach you by phone last night, we'll call you tonight.
All is Well, That Ends Well
I would love to have been able to post this morning but the past few days has taken it's toll I,m afraid. I have picked up a nasty cold with all that goes with it. Debbie is posting this for me. I hope to get past it quickly as we are heading for Odessa later today. It is a 13 hour train trip, we will arrive about 7am. tomorrow. It will be great to revisit Odessa where I went back in 2003. I know much has changed there for the better with Hope House and all , and to see the kids again, can't wait. Of coures we'll see Sergiy, Dina and Kerry and Carole. We will also see Vova the boy that I connected with there. He is quite the young man and a big help to the others there. Barb A , I will give them all your best wishes.
Anyway, enough from me I'm going to bed but I just wanted to let everyone know that I can say it has all been worth it and I couldn't be happier with my little girl.
Love, Randy
Anyway, enough from me I'm going to bed but I just wanted to let everyone know that I can say it has all been worth it and I couldn't be happier with my little girl.
Love, Randy
Friday, February 16, 2007
Nadya Anastacia Cook/ "Gotcha Day"
Yes, It's official we have a new daughter and a new sister for Ryan, Jared, Kim, and Mitchell.
Apparently in the adoption world the official day is know as "Gotcha day" a day we will celebrate each year in the future and believe me, we are celebrating today, February 16th, 2007.
It was a bit of a strange day with all of us experiencing different emotions but the most important emotions are of relief and happiness.
Randy and Natasha left this morning for the internet cafe which left Anastacia an I at home. I was puttering around when I noticed Anastasia talking on the phone. Yesterday she had called a friend of her grandmothers to tell her she was moving to Canada, she had remembered the ladies phone number. So assuming it was the same person I asked her who she was talking to. She answered my mother, she talked for a while and when she hung up she came over to me and gave me a hug and said my mother says "yes you go to Canada". This seemed to be a relief to Anastasia and she was excited.
Natasha arrived a bit later and said that she spoke with the lawyer and he suggested he find the mother just in case the Judge wanted to talk to her. I told her Anastacia had already spoken to her mother on the phone and her mother had given "her blessing" for Anastacia to come to Canada.
So the lawyer called the mother and she agreed to meet us at the court house in case her testimony was needed. We met Mariya(birth mom) in the parking lot, spoke with her, got some pictures of Anastacia and birth mom together. Mariya waited outside and we went back to court.
The judge asked for Anastacia to come up to her, to talk. We were very proud of her, she went up and showed the judge pictures of her family in Canada, brothers, sister Kim, cousins, grandparents etc. The judge asked her if she wanted to move to Canada with us and she said " of course I do". That was it, lots of tears even the one juror and the clerk were crying. The rest is history and of course the future. We can't wait to get home, of course the official 10 day wait and a few days of paperwork are left to do. We should be arriving home on March 5th. I am running out of time so we will post again tomorrow and respond to comments.
Love to all...... Randy, Debbie and Anastacia.
Apparently in the adoption world the official day is know as "Gotcha day" a day we will celebrate each year in the future and believe me, we are celebrating today, February 16th, 2007.
It was a bit of a strange day with all of us experiencing different emotions but the most important emotions are of relief and happiness.
Randy and Natasha left this morning for the internet cafe which left Anastacia an I at home. I was puttering around when I noticed Anastasia talking on the phone. Yesterday she had called a friend of her grandmothers to tell her she was moving to Canada, she had remembered the ladies phone number. So assuming it was the same person I asked her who she was talking to. She answered my mother, she talked for a while and when she hung up she came over to me and gave me a hug and said my mother says "yes you go to Canada". This seemed to be a relief to Anastasia and she was excited.
Natasha arrived a bit later and said that she spoke with the lawyer and he suggested he find the mother just in case the Judge wanted to talk to her. I told her Anastacia had already spoken to her mother on the phone and her mother had given "her blessing" for Anastacia to come to Canada.
So the lawyer called the mother and she agreed to meet us at the court house in case her testimony was needed. We met Mariya(birth mom) in the parking lot, spoke with her, got some pictures of Anastacia and birth mom together. Mariya waited outside and we went back to court.
The judge asked for Anastacia to come up to her, to talk. We were very proud of her, she went up and showed the judge pictures of her family in Canada, brothers, sister Kim, cousins, grandparents etc. The judge asked her if she wanted to move to Canada with us and she said " of course I do". That was it, lots of tears even the one juror and the clerk were crying. The rest is history and of course the future. We can't wait to get home, of course the official 10 day wait and a few days of paperwork are left to do. We should be arriving home on March 5th. I am running out of time so we will post again tomorrow and respond to comments.
Love to all...... Randy, Debbie and Anastacia.
Decision Day!
Well one way or the other it has all come down to today. I got down here early this am just to touch base. You are all up to speed and know where we are at.
I continue to be overwelmed and touched by all the comments from you ALL. You guys are awesome and thats no stretch.
I will have to admit we were ready to celebrate as yesterday unfolded only to be put on hold once again. It was the perfect day , sunshine and roses literally everywhere. There was even a point in the proceedings where I nearly lost it, I mean my emotions. Debbie was being questioned by the judge ahead of me and all the sudden I started to have one of those moments. I was on the verge of tears and felt I couldn't stop it. I guess at that moment I felt it was only a formality after all and she would be ours in only a few moments. It just shows you not to always trust your emotions, they can play tricks. After another hour or so with some of the folk in the room actually falling asleep we new that it would be prolonged till today. Our translator said she could'nt belief we didn't get a decision yesterday. The judge seems afraid for whatever reason just to make a decision. At one point towads the end I felt like shouting, for heaven's sake just make a decision and do what is right here. Anyway the system here can test you in ways you wouldn't think possible.
As I sit here right now only 3 hours from court I must say we do feel a great sence of peace and confidence about what will take place. The only variable remains Nastya and how she will come across in court?? She certainly seems more than ready for today so we will soon see. It seems really weird in a way when you think about it, it could very well come down to a 7 yr old little girl's testimony. To be honest it never should, as I said before sometimes you just use common sense and do whats right for the child even if its against their will. Think about it??, isn't this what a huge part of parenting is all about?? I just feel at 7 she shoudn't be put in this position. Anyway she is one bright child and I do think really understands what today means, I only hope and pray she can express it before the court.
The truth is we have only known Nastya for 1 month today. And you know if we were here another 6 months we would be no further ahead with her. Our new life will only begin once we are home, as my friend Ed said the other day , you will only know real victory when you get home with her. I know this is true, and trust in only a few hours from now we will know if we have that opportunity to look forward to. I know that you will wait for our next post and we won't keep you waiting, promise.
Much Love to all, Randy
Ps, Thanks,sis for the rest of that song, I never new where it had come from until now, pretty good timing I think.
I continue to be overwelmed and touched by all the comments from you ALL. You guys are awesome and thats no stretch.
I will have to admit we were ready to celebrate as yesterday unfolded only to be put on hold once again. It was the perfect day , sunshine and roses literally everywhere. There was even a point in the proceedings where I nearly lost it, I mean my emotions. Debbie was being questioned by the judge ahead of me and all the sudden I started to have one of those moments. I was on the verge of tears and felt I couldn't stop it. I guess at that moment I felt it was only a formality after all and she would be ours in only a few moments. It just shows you not to always trust your emotions, they can play tricks. After another hour or so with some of the folk in the room actually falling asleep we new that it would be prolonged till today. Our translator said she could'nt belief we didn't get a decision yesterday. The judge seems afraid for whatever reason just to make a decision. At one point towads the end I felt like shouting, for heaven's sake just make a decision and do what is right here. Anyway the system here can test you in ways you wouldn't think possible.
As I sit here right now only 3 hours from court I must say we do feel a great sence of peace and confidence about what will take place. The only variable remains Nastya and how she will come across in court?? She certainly seems more than ready for today so we will soon see. It seems really weird in a way when you think about it, it could very well come down to a 7 yr old little girl's testimony. To be honest it never should, as I said before sometimes you just use common sense and do whats right for the child even if its against their will. Think about it??, isn't this what a huge part of parenting is all about?? I just feel at 7 she shoudn't be put in this position. Anyway she is one bright child and I do think really understands what today means, I only hope and pray she can express it before the court.
The truth is we have only known Nastya for 1 month today. And you know if we were here another 6 months we would be no further ahead with her. Our new life will only begin once we are home, as my friend Ed said the other day , you will only know real victory when you get home with her. I know this is true, and trust in only a few hours from now we will know if we have that opportunity to look forward to. I know that you will wait for our next post and we won't keep you waiting, promise.
Much Love to all, Randy
Ps, Thanks,sis for the rest of that song, I never new where it had come from until now, pretty good timing I think.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Court Day
Well, we were up early, got out the Sunday best and literally spit polished our boots. You wouldn't believe the mud here. Igor arrived at 9:15 and we were off to pick up an extra translator, the Judge wouldn't let Natasha translate for us. We arrived at the court house at 10:00 and waited for the others to get there, Social worker and orphanage director. The judge called each of us into her chambers and asked a couple of questions. We all then went to the court room and waited some more. Finally the Judge and two jurers, court reporter and some other guy came in. At this point Randy starts recalling some big court scene he saw in a movie with Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise and I begin to get giddy ( my automatic response when I get nervous). And just like on TV she said "All Rise".
From that point things seemed to get fairly long. The judge began to ask questions such as "who is the head of the household" to which Randy replied "I'm not sure why don't you ask Debbie. WE all laughed except the Judge who was waiting for a reply to which Randy mumbled " we are partners". That seemed to satisfy her. The questions continued to all of us for about 2 hours. Questions like " will you make sure that this child maintains her Russian language and how will you do that" and Why are you not adopting her 18 year old brother ( he's living on the street and no one can find him). Will she have her own bedroom at your house? Do you own your house and do you have a document here that will prove it? All of these questions had been previously answered by our lawyer and translator. I guess she wanted to get our response and reaction. She also mentioned several times that it might be a good idea for Nastya to be there.
After the Judge and the Jurors had asked all the questions they wanted too, the Judge decided that she wanted to see Nastya and that court would be adjourned untill 2pm tomorrow.
We know this story is beginning to read like a bad suspense novel.
In all seriousness though Natasha believes that because Nastya is the first one in this city to be adopted internationally, the Judge is afraid to make any mistakes and she going a "bit over the top" with legalities. I am choosing to believe her and of course praying that all will go smooth tomorrow. We and our facilitators have done everything possible so we will have to Trust the One who knows the outcome already.
Here is a little poem that a lady of great faith gave to Randy one day and he always recalls it in diccifult times.
Trust Him when dark days assail thee
Trust Him when thy faith is small
Trust Him when to simply Trust Him
Is the hardest thing of all
Author Unknown
We will post tomorrow as soon as we get the judgsement from court.
Love Debbie
From that point things seemed to get fairly long. The judge began to ask questions such as "who is the head of the household" to which Randy replied "I'm not sure why don't you ask Debbie. WE all laughed except the Judge who was waiting for a reply to which Randy mumbled " we are partners". That seemed to satisfy her. The questions continued to all of us for about 2 hours. Questions like " will you make sure that this child maintains her Russian language and how will you do that" and Why are you not adopting her 18 year old brother ( he's living on the street and no one can find him). Will she have her own bedroom at your house? Do you own your house and do you have a document here that will prove it? All of these questions had been previously answered by our lawyer and translator. I guess she wanted to get our response and reaction. She also mentioned several times that it might be a good idea for Nastya to be there.
After the Judge and the Jurors had asked all the questions they wanted too, the Judge decided that she wanted to see Nastya and that court would be adjourned untill 2pm tomorrow.
We know this story is beginning to read like a bad suspense novel.
In all seriousness though Natasha believes that because Nastya is the first one in this city to be adopted internationally, the Judge is afraid to make any mistakes and she going a "bit over the top" with legalities. I am choosing to believe her and of course praying that all will go smooth tomorrow. We and our facilitators have done everything possible so we will have to Trust the One who knows the outcome already.
Here is a little poem that a lady of great faith gave to Randy one day and he always recalls it in diccifult times.
Trust Him when dark days assail thee
Trust Him when thy faith is small
Trust Him when to simply Trust Him
Is the hardest thing of all
Author Unknown
We will post tomorrow as soon as we get the judgsement from court.
Love Debbie
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentines Day!
Valentines day is a new thing here, but there is evidence that it is popular with some. On our way here to the cafe we passed lots of couples walking along and many girls were carrying flowers and red heart balloons. They have a day in March which is called "Woman's Day" and that is a big holiday here, when women are celebrated.
Ukranians love fresh flowers and you can buy them everywhere. I don't know where they all come from but there is a huge variety.
We came in the cafe this morning and Nastya quickly ordered up 3 computers for an hour. I guess she didn't want to share one with dad. She is playing a road racing game on hers. Look out boys, she looks like she might be good competition.
We are planning on going to Odessa tomorrow night on the overnight train to visit Sergi and Kerry and families. We will be there for the weekend to catch up on all the work they are doing at Hope House, First Step Center and the new house they have for girls that age out of orhanages. Randy is especially looking forward to seeing the kids that he met back in 2003.
We will post an update before we leave to let you know how court goes. Hopefully the Judge will say yes to our petition to adopt Nastya and give us full custody until the ten day wait is up. We will try to post some pictures when we get to Odessa.
Have a great day everyone and don't forget your sweethearts.
Love, Debbie
Comments:
Kathie MacDonell... Great to hear from you! Of course we remember you and all the fun evenings we had playing cards with you and Bill. Where do you live at now ??
Keith and Candace.... Dwayne called this morning, he seems like a great guy and we had a nice chat with him. Thanks
Jane.... thanks for your prayers and good wishes.
Mom, Dad, Ryan, Jared, Kim, Mitchell.....love you all and happy valentines day.
Barb and Don thanks for the call
Kelly & Laura and all neices....this girl loves a fashion show especially when she is the model. ha ha
Our Church Family....you are all a blessing!
Girls at YDG, Thanks for checking in on us hope all is well at the office. I bet some of you are getting ready to head south...if so...enjoy.
Ukranians love fresh flowers and you can buy them everywhere. I don't know where they all come from but there is a huge variety.
We came in the cafe this morning and Nastya quickly ordered up 3 computers for an hour. I guess she didn't want to share one with dad. She is playing a road racing game on hers. Look out boys, she looks like she might be good competition.
We are planning on going to Odessa tomorrow night on the overnight train to visit Sergi and Kerry and families. We will be there for the weekend to catch up on all the work they are doing at Hope House, First Step Center and the new house they have for girls that age out of orhanages. Randy is especially looking forward to seeing the kids that he met back in 2003.
We will post an update before we leave to let you know how court goes. Hopefully the Judge will say yes to our petition to adopt Nastya and give us full custody until the ten day wait is up. We will try to post some pictures when we get to Odessa.
Have a great day everyone and don't forget your sweethearts.
Love, Debbie
Comments:
Kathie MacDonell... Great to hear from you! Of course we remember you and all the fun evenings we had playing cards with you and Bill. Where do you live at now ??
Keith and Candace.... Dwayne called this morning, he seems like a great guy and we had a nice chat with him. Thanks
Jane.... thanks for your prayers and good wishes.
Mom, Dad, Ryan, Jared, Kim, Mitchell.....love you all and happy valentines day.
Barb and Don thanks for the call
Kelly & Laura and all neices....this girl loves a fashion show especially when she is the model. ha ha
Our Church Family....you are all a blessing!
Girls at YDG, Thanks for checking in on us hope all is well at the office. I bet some of you are getting ready to head south...if so...enjoy.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Family and Friends!
I have decided in part at least to dedicate this post to you all. When you journey through something such as what we are up to you truly discover the significance of family and friends. You sort of expect it from your own and we may not be here at all if our family hadn't been so supportive from the start. From start to finish it will be a 2 year endeavor. I guess we just never expected so many of our friends to be following along and adding words of encouragement and hope. I guess unless you walk in our shoes it is hard to appreciate the difference it has made. Deddie has used the term isolated and it is pretty discriptive of how you feel at times. I have wanted from the beginning to be as honest and accurate as I can possibly be. Even though we are literally thousands of miles from you right now in the physical we feel very close to you in the spiritual. We also new that this kind of a journey would be a once in a life time experience. When I think back over the past two years it didn't seem like it would ever happen. Now that we are this close to it all being official in some ways its like living out a dream and your going to wake up and begin your normal routine. I would say at this point that even though you anticipate a certain thing,when its right in front of you and you can touch it , its an incredible feeling. I feel that each day we are seeing a little more of a break through, not just in the fact that Canada seems to be an ok idea now. I really feel that regardless of where we were from it has been a simple process of Nastya trusting us enough to get on that plane and leave all she knows. I've tried the best I can to walk in her shoes and think of whats going on in her world. You know its impossible to do. I was never abandoned or left alone, its funny I remember my sister saying to me when we lost mom and dad within 7 months of one another back in 98, you know we are orhans now. I realize in a sence that it is true, but there is a world of difference in being left in an orphanage at 5 and the natural process of loosing ones parents. For those of us that have had our parents through those formative years what a blessing was ours. And for those of you that still have them be truly thankful.
Last night on my walk back I passed right by the baby orphanage, which is right outside our apartment window. In the stillness of the evening I could here the faint cries from within. I stopped just for a second and thought of how unnatural it was that these children would be there without their mom and dad. Thankfully they have the caregivers that do the best they can, but I couldn't help but think of what their future was. I guess it helps me realize what this was all about from the beginning, giving one little girl an opportunity to feel secure at night and know that she has a mom and a dad there that love her and will care for her every need. As well , beyond that to give her a chance at a career or whatever she might choose in life. The task ahead isn't all going to be easy but we believe in our hearts that it will truly be worth it all.
As you can tell from this post it is a time of reflection and anticipation as we hope to have this all made official on Thurs. Well I'll shut it down for now, and get back to you tomorrow. Our many thanks to all of you as you have hung in there with us and especially for the prayer support as we know there has been lots.
Our Love to all, Randy and Debbie.
PS, Today Ed was in the area and dropped by for a visit, he was the fellow that gave me such wonderful words of wisdom the other night. When he extented his hand for a shake I went right through it and gave him a big hug. I said thats the least I can do for what you did for me, he's really a special guy and I won't soon forget him.
Last night on my walk back I passed right by the baby orphanage, which is right outside our apartment window. In the stillness of the evening I could here the faint cries from within. I stopped just for a second and thought of how unnatural it was that these children would be there without their mom and dad. Thankfully they have the caregivers that do the best they can, but I couldn't help but think of what their future was. I guess it helps me realize what this was all about from the beginning, giving one little girl an opportunity to feel secure at night and know that she has a mom and a dad there that love her and will care for her every need. As well , beyond that to give her a chance at a career or whatever she might choose in life. The task ahead isn't all going to be easy but we believe in our hearts that it will truly be worth it all.
As you can tell from this post it is a time of reflection and anticipation as we hope to have this all made official on Thurs. Well I'll shut it down for now, and get back to you tomorrow. Our many thanks to all of you as you have hung in there with us and especially for the prayer support as we know there has been lots.
Our Love to all, Randy and Debbie.
PS, Today Ed was in the area and dropped by for a visit, he was the fellow that gave me such wonderful words of wisdom the other night. When he extented his hand for a shake I went right through it and gave him a big hug. I said thats the least I can do for what you did for me, he's really a special guy and I won't soon forget him.
Monday, February 12, 2007
"I want to go to Canada!"
YES! the six words we have been waiting for. Natasha just called to say that Nastya wrote her statement that she wants to come to Canada and she also went to see the judge with her social worker and told the Judge that she wants to come to Canada with us. Randy and I are so excited and thankful.
We have been doing a lot of roleplaying with her the last couple of days and I sensed that she was getting past some of her fear. Yesterday she was saying Ukraine, yes with thumbs up and Canada, No, with thumbs down, but all in a laughing playful way. A couple of days ago she started pretending she was a kitty cat that would climb on mommy cats lap and let mommy cat pat her and kiss her, which was her way of accepting affection from us.
Yeterday we played paperdolls for awhile and I invited her doll to join mine in a trip to Canada on a paper airplane. She did consider the idea but than decided maybe a trip to Kiev by train would be better.
She has also been wanting to sleep in our bed the last couple of nights which was a good sign.
When she left this morning she was in a terrible mood, wouldn't eat breakfast, scowling in the mirror at her new haircut. So of course we were thinking, yikes, not a good day to be writing a statement about going to Canada.
But as our translater always says " here you have it, not a problem, nothing for you to worry about, we will take care all the problems." and to think I was having my doubts.
Anyway, bearing any other challenges we should be able to relax a bit about Court on Thursday, where the Judge will review the paperwork and decide if we can adopt Nastya. Since Nastya has expressed her feelings already she won't have to attend the hearing.
Thanks a million for your prayers everyone, I think heaven has been a noisy place lately on our behalf, we are grateful.
Love,
Debbie and Randy
We have been doing a lot of roleplaying with her the last couple of days and I sensed that she was getting past some of her fear. Yesterday she was saying Ukraine, yes with thumbs up and Canada, No, with thumbs down, but all in a laughing playful way. A couple of days ago she started pretending she was a kitty cat that would climb on mommy cats lap and let mommy cat pat her and kiss her, which was her way of accepting affection from us.
Yeterday we played paperdolls for awhile and I invited her doll to join mine in a trip to Canada on a paper airplane. She did consider the idea but than decided maybe a trip to Kiev by train would be better.
She has also been wanting to sleep in our bed the last couple of nights which was a good sign.
When she left this morning she was in a terrible mood, wouldn't eat breakfast, scowling in the mirror at her new haircut. So of course we were thinking, yikes, not a good day to be writing a statement about going to Canada.
But as our translater always says " here you have it, not a problem, nothing for you to worry about, we will take care all the problems." and to think I was having my doubts.
Anyway, bearing any other challenges we should be able to relax a bit about Court on Thursday, where the Judge will review the paperwork and decide if we can adopt Nastya. Since Nastya has expressed her feelings already she won't have to attend the hearing.
Thanks a million for your prayers everyone, I think heaven has been a noisy place lately on our behalf, we are grateful.
Love,
Debbie and Randy
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