I'm just home and tired as heck! I have already been watching the videos and miss the kids terribly!
I will blog tomorrow about the last couple of days in Russia with the wee ones!
Thanks to you all for checking in and keeping us in your prayers!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Precious Ones
It is 3:30AM, and I am wide awake. I have been sleeping from about 7:00PM until 2:30AM each night and that’s about it! I don’t feel bad though. I guess I am living on the high of knowing that Zack and Sophie will not have to spend their lives in the orphanages. Praise God for that!
When we arrive at Zack’s orphanage each day there are about 5 boys who look to be between 8 and 13 standing on either side of the porch to the entrance. As we walk through them, I can see the wonder in their eyes and the hope that they hold that someone might come for them one day. They are very polite and speak to us each day. I am imagining they are saying good morning or good afternoon. They look us in the eyes as they speak and smile.
It really breaks my heart. The phrase “ignorance is bliss” has taken on new meaning for me. I wish I did not know the statistics of children raised in Russian orphanages. Truth is that it is likely that one of these boys will commit suicide and the rest will live a life of drug and alcohol abuse because they will not be able to function in a society that sees them as less than worthy. I keep reminding myself to focus on what I can do instead of how much more needs to be done. Pray with me for these children.
There are many who come to Russia to adopt so that they can have a family, but few come to rescue the less wanted older orphan children. I have to admit that I was just a bit saddened that Zack and Sophie are over 2 years old, but I know now beyond a shadow of a doubt that God brought these kids into my life, and something tells me that I will learn more from them than they will from me! God generally seems to work that way, huh?
The drive to the orphanage was not unpleasant because I played a trick with my mind and told myself that I must listen to four CDs all the way through on my iPod before we arrived. So, I listened to Green Day American Idiot (sorry Amykins), Stellar Kart (awesome alternative Christian band), Third Day, and half of Willy Porter (awesome artist). Before I knew it, we were there! The mind is a curious thing and distractions are WONDERFUL!
Speaking of “American Idiot,” it is so crazy how traveling can widen one’s worldview. Mine has expanded exponentially on this trip. I can remember learning and teaching about the Soviet Union and the trap of Communism. It was a very rote lesson. I never took the time, beyond a surface level, to think about the people affected by it or who supported it. Now that I am here, and I actually hear my interpreter say phrases like, “During Soviet rule…” I realize that it was very real, and communism has left a trail behind it.
Surely I digress from what you are here to read about! Today I went to see Sophie first! We walked into the orphanage out of a very snowy day, up the stairs where we took off our shoes, and into the playroom where we heard many kids playing, crying, and clamoring about. I have not been allowed to see any of the other children at Sophie’s orphanage, but from what I can hear, there are at least 30 or 40 behind those closed doors. Tomorrow, I get to watch their holiday program! I can’t take pics, but I am thrilled to get to see the little ones and clap for them!
It was in these first few minutes that on a document written completely in Russian, I wrote the following by hand:
I, Deana Rivera, agree to adopt (birth name, which cannot be used on a blog) born September 29, 2003.
Deana Marie Rivera December 28, 2006.
I wrote this on three original documents and then I heard the pitter pat of her tiny little feet! The door opened and there she was! She hurried over and jumped up into my arms and held on so tight! She spoke to me, and I imagine she was saying hello and please don’t leave again. She is as light as a feather! We played for an hour or so and enjoyed every minute of it. We have great fun playing with a balloon which she loves to hit around to each other. She also enjoys hitting it at Gina who makes her famous crazy faces and has Sophie laughing. The unveiling of the doll Wanda bought her was the hit of the visit. She threw that balloon down so fast and went right into mommy mode. It was the sweetest thing ever! She sang a whole song to her baby as she rocked her. Later with tears I told her, “This is what mommies are supposed to do sweet Sophie girl.”
I traced her foot for size and dressed her in some clothes I brought. She acted like my Kaylie Anne Marie who is a clothes hound! Sophie was in heaven. She, Kaylie and Josh will be fast friends as they tell me what clothes and shoes they want next! I brought a little brush and hair things and Sophie insisted that every hair band go in her hair at once! So, I made her happy by giving her a Spice Girl hairdo! Just about then her tutor opened the door slowly and said in Russian, “Sophie, it is time to go now.” Sophie looked at me and smiled and very obediently walked over to the tutor who told Sophie it was okay to go back and give me a hug and a kiss. She did and looked back at me the whole time she walked back through that door. She is an angel.
Next we were off to Zack’s orphanage were we met in a very small office again. It is a little tough to play with a boy in such small quarters, but it doesn’t hold him back a bit. He came in with a great big smile and bright eyes. He had been asking his tutor who I was and what my name was and if I would come back again. When they told him I was his momma, he had the biggest smile and sparkle in his eyes. It just melted my heart. I realize that because he will be five in April his chances of being adopted were slim to none, and I had second thoughts at first as well. I am so glad I decided to go on faith and trust God.
He brought his coloring book and crayons back and jumped right into coloring with me. He is so darn focused when he puts his mind to something. His coloring is outstanding for his age. To get him out of his shell a little bit more, we pulled out a balloon and then we had great boy fun bopping it around and yes, hitting Gina on the head with it. Her faces made him double over in laughter. Such and awesome sound! I couldn’t help but think about God’s love for us and the joy he gets in seeing His children happy!
At one point Zack darted out of the room, and I alerted the tutor. She quickly went after him. The interpreter let me know that he had gone out to gloat to his group about his new momma. So amazing and so sad all at once… The emotions are high on this trip but not too much drama. You all know me. Leave it to Gina to notice the tears! I should insert here that Gina has been an incredible help on this trip. She has taken all of the pics and also taken all of the notes during my many important meetings regarding the kids. I can’t wait until she is helping me take them home soon.
I traced Zack’s foot and it is just about the size of Sophie’s! They are very close in size. Sophie is quite tall for her age and Zack is about a size smaller than he should be, but I know they are both going to fill out and grow with good food and loving.
Zack’s orphanage director told me that the free dentist to the orphanages does not use anesthetics! His teeth, all baby of course, do need work and fillings, etc… I will pay to have a Russian dentist clean his teeth while I am back in the states so that he will not have substandard painful care. Taking him directly to a dentist in the US would be very scary for him since he does not know the language. I’m sure, however, that Dr. Noble (my most wonderful dentist) will be pleased to meet him and bring his teeth back to a normal state of health. Sophie’s teeth are perfect although she will get a check up too.
Zack and I played with bubbles and had great fun after which his tutor told him it was time for lunch. He requested very politely to skip lunch! They let him stay for about 15 more minutes. When it was time to go, he immediately and happily obeyed his tutor who loves him dearly. I can see it in her eyes. He ran back hugged and kissed me and requested to see me again tomorrow! He is so precious! His big blue eyes melt my heart!
I will admit that on the way back to the hotel, my stomach was in knots. This is such a HUGE undertaking. What am I thinking? Can I do this? Can I love them enough? Can I be the mom they deserve? How will they do in school? Will Zack’s teeth come around? Am I ready for this? Thoughts and questions were just swirling around in my mind. Then I remembered that God does not call us to anything for which He has not equipped us. I began focusing on His word and His great love for us, and I began to rest in Him and the fact that He through me will care for these little ones. That was a load off of my mind! Then I remembered all of my family and friends who are supporting me in this endeavor. These little ones are going to be SO LOVED and nurtured. I cannot wait until they meet all of you.
I am living for the day that I set them in babushka’s lap!!!!! Mom, I love you!!!!!! They are going to be the luckiest kids alive having you for a grandma!
Sorry for the length of the blog, but there is just so much to say!!!!!
When we arrive at Zack’s orphanage each day there are about 5 boys who look to be between 8 and 13 standing on either side of the porch to the entrance. As we walk through them, I can see the wonder in their eyes and the hope that they hold that someone might come for them one day. They are very polite and speak to us each day. I am imagining they are saying good morning or good afternoon. They look us in the eyes as they speak and smile.
It really breaks my heart. The phrase “ignorance is bliss” has taken on new meaning for me. I wish I did not know the statistics of children raised in Russian orphanages. Truth is that it is likely that one of these boys will commit suicide and the rest will live a life of drug and alcohol abuse because they will not be able to function in a society that sees them as less than worthy. I keep reminding myself to focus on what I can do instead of how much more needs to be done. Pray with me for these children.
There are many who come to Russia to adopt so that they can have a family, but few come to rescue the less wanted older orphan children. I have to admit that I was just a bit saddened that Zack and Sophie are over 2 years old, but I know now beyond a shadow of a doubt that God brought these kids into my life, and something tells me that I will learn more from them than they will from me! God generally seems to work that way, huh?
The drive to the orphanage was not unpleasant because I played a trick with my mind and told myself that I must listen to four CDs all the way through on my iPod before we arrived. So, I listened to Green Day American Idiot (sorry Amykins), Stellar Kart (awesome alternative Christian band), Third Day, and half of Willy Porter (awesome artist). Before I knew it, we were there! The mind is a curious thing and distractions are WONDERFUL!
Speaking of “American Idiot,” it is so crazy how traveling can widen one’s worldview. Mine has expanded exponentially on this trip. I can remember learning and teaching about the Soviet Union and the trap of Communism. It was a very rote lesson. I never took the time, beyond a surface level, to think about the people affected by it or who supported it. Now that I am here, and I actually hear my interpreter say phrases like, “During Soviet rule…” I realize that it was very real, and communism has left a trail behind it.
Surely I digress from what you are here to read about! Today I went to see Sophie first! We walked into the orphanage out of a very snowy day, up the stairs where we took off our shoes, and into the playroom where we heard many kids playing, crying, and clamoring about. I have not been allowed to see any of the other children at Sophie’s orphanage, but from what I can hear, there are at least 30 or 40 behind those closed doors. Tomorrow, I get to watch their holiday program! I can’t take pics, but I am thrilled to get to see the little ones and clap for them!
It was in these first few minutes that on a document written completely in Russian, I wrote the following by hand:
I, Deana Rivera, agree to adopt (birth name, which cannot be used on a blog) born September 29, 2003.
Deana Marie Rivera December 28, 2006.
I wrote this on three original documents and then I heard the pitter pat of her tiny little feet! The door opened and there she was! She hurried over and jumped up into my arms and held on so tight! She spoke to me, and I imagine she was saying hello and please don’t leave again. She is as light as a feather! We played for an hour or so and enjoyed every minute of it. We have great fun playing with a balloon which she loves to hit around to each other. She also enjoys hitting it at Gina who makes her famous crazy faces and has Sophie laughing. The unveiling of the doll Wanda bought her was the hit of the visit. She threw that balloon down so fast and went right into mommy mode. It was the sweetest thing ever! She sang a whole song to her baby as she rocked her. Later with tears I told her, “This is what mommies are supposed to do sweet Sophie girl.”
I traced her foot for size and dressed her in some clothes I brought. She acted like my Kaylie Anne Marie who is a clothes hound! Sophie was in heaven. She, Kaylie and Josh will be fast friends as they tell me what clothes and shoes they want next! I brought a little brush and hair things and Sophie insisted that every hair band go in her hair at once! So, I made her happy by giving her a Spice Girl hairdo! Just about then her tutor opened the door slowly and said in Russian, “Sophie, it is time to go now.” Sophie looked at me and smiled and very obediently walked over to the tutor who told Sophie it was okay to go back and give me a hug and a kiss. She did and looked back at me the whole time she walked back through that door. She is an angel.
Next we were off to Zack’s orphanage were we met in a very small office again. It is a little tough to play with a boy in such small quarters, but it doesn’t hold him back a bit. He came in with a great big smile and bright eyes. He had been asking his tutor who I was and what my name was and if I would come back again. When they told him I was his momma, he had the biggest smile and sparkle in his eyes. It just melted my heart. I realize that because he will be five in April his chances of being adopted were slim to none, and I had second thoughts at first as well. I am so glad I decided to go on faith and trust God.
He brought his coloring book and crayons back and jumped right into coloring with me. He is so darn focused when he puts his mind to something. His coloring is outstanding for his age. To get him out of his shell a little bit more, we pulled out a balloon and then we had great boy fun bopping it around and yes, hitting Gina on the head with it. Her faces made him double over in laughter. Such and awesome sound! I couldn’t help but think about God’s love for us and the joy he gets in seeing His children happy!
At one point Zack darted out of the room, and I alerted the tutor. She quickly went after him. The interpreter let me know that he had gone out to gloat to his group about his new momma. So amazing and so sad all at once… The emotions are high on this trip but not too much drama. You all know me. Leave it to Gina to notice the tears! I should insert here that Gina has been an incredible help on this trip. She has taken all of the pics and also taken all of the notes during my many important meetings regarding the kids. I can’t wait until she is helping me take them home soon.
I traced Zack’s foot and it is just about the size of Sophie’s! They are very close in size. Sophie is quite tall for her age and Zack is about a size smaller than he should be, but I know they are both going to fill out and grow with good food and loving.
Zack’s orphanage director told me that the free dentist to the orphanages does not use anesthetics! His teeth, all baby of course, do need work and fillings, etc… I will pay to have a Russian dentist clean his teeth while I am back in the states so that he will not have substandard painful care. Taking him directly to a dentist in the US would be very scary for him since he does not know the language. I’m sure, however, that Dr. Noble (my most wonderful dentist) will be pleased to meet him and bring his teeth back to a normal state of health. Sophie’s teeth are perfect although she will get a check up too.
Zack and I played with bubbles and had great fun after which his tutor told him it was time for lunch. He requested very politely to skip lunch! They let him stay for about 15 more minutes. When it was time to go, he immediately and happily obeyed his tutor who loves him dearly. I can see it in her eyes. He ran back hugged and kissed me and requested to see me again tomorrow! He is so precious! His big blue eyes melt my heart!
I will admit that on the way back to the hotel, my stomach was in knots. This is such a HUGE undertaking. What am I thinking? Can I do this? Can I love them enough? Can I be the mom they deserve? How will they do in school? Will Zack’s teeth come around? Am I ready for this? Thoughts and questions were just swirling around in my mind. Then I remembered that God does not call us to anything for which He has not equipped us. I began focusing on His word and His great love for us, and I began to rest in Him and the fact that He through me will care for these little ones. That was a load off of my mind! Then I remembered all of my family and friends who are supporting me in this endeavor. These little ones are going to be SO LOVED and nurtured. I cannot wait until they meet all of you.
I am living for the day that I set them in babushka’s lap!!!!! Mom, I love you!!!!!! They are going to be the luckiest kids alive having you for a grandma!
Sorry for the length of the blog, but there is just so much to say!!!!!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
In Russia, Day Two: MOE and Meeting the Kids
The alarm went off at 6:00AM. It was the day that I would meet my children! We were to meet Olga and Sergei in the lobby at 8:30 to go to the Ministry of Education office for my official interview and receipt of the referrals. I was nervous!
The drive from the city center where we are staying to the MOE was all of about 15 minutes. This made me very happy after all of the long travels leading up to this day. At the MOE, I walked into an old building to a small coatroom where we left our coats, hats, and scarves. I was wondering just how long this interview would take! We walked up the stairs and down a long hall to a small office where we stood by the door until invited in by two beautiful women dressed to the nines.
I sat in front of them and answered the following questions:
Do you have biological children?
Have you ever been married?
What do you do for a living?
Where do you live?
Why do you want to adopt?
I answered these questions very easily and before I knew it, the woman was signing all of the paperwork for the two children. I, my friend Gina, and the interpreter were dismissed while the facilitator stayed behind to gather the paperwork. We were out of their within about 20 minutes flat! It was such a relief to have successfully completed this official meeting. It was in this meeting that I heard that the children were in orphanages in Visk Russia which is in the Nizhky, Novgorod region – 3 hours away! I have to admit that my heart sunk a bit. Such a long drive…
We spent the next 3 hours on the road which was grueling because it was bitterly cold outside and that cold made its way into the van as well. Before we could go to the orphanages, we stopped to pick up the director of the MOE in Visk. She needed to accompany me to the meetings with the orphanage staff members who would update me on the children’s medical, psychological, and social status. So, at that point our group consisted of the driver, Olga the interpreter (thank God for her), Olga the facilitator (she looks like a movie star), the directors whose name I do not recall, Gina and me. We had a van full as we headed for the orphanage where I would meet my little boy.
The orphanage was in a very remote spot, but from the outside the building looked quite nice. However, as I entered I realized that the floors were uneven and the walls were coming apart. It was not horrible, but definitely in disrepair. I was taken back to a small office after being given the opportunity to use the restroom where there was no toilet paper. I had left mine in my backpack. For those who follow after me, always keep tissue in your pocket.
In this small office, I was surrounded by the director of the orphanage, the medical doctor, the psychologist, the social worker, the facilitator, and the interpreter. It was quite nerve racking. Basically, they took turns walking me through his file and letting me know all that I needed to know. He is a healthy happy boy. It took about an hour to get to that point of realization. Once they were finished, they asked me if I wanted to meet him. And, of course I gave a great big smile and a yes.
He came into the room and his sparkling blue eyes and long eyelashes jumped out at me. He is such a boy in every way and adorable! He loves to draw and build things. He focuses very well and likes to finish what he starts. He colored a page while I watched, and I was amazed with his logic and small motor skills. He appears to be quite athletic and studious. We shall see! I had only about 30 minutes with him before I had to leave to meet his sister who was at an orphanage about 5 minutes away.
When I met my daughter, I had only to meet with the medical doctor because the history of the children is the same. This took only about 20 minutes and soon enough I was in a playroom upstairs bopping a balloon around with my little girl. She looks much like her brother with big blue eyes, long eyelashes, and light brown hair. We had a grand time playing, and when finished she cuddled up in my arms to get warm.
Both look like they have been well cared for but can use some good feeding and loving. The orphanages are very clean and the staff very very nice and welcoming. He is 4 years old, and she is three. This is much older than I requested and seems to be some kind of mix up, but I think God had his hand in it. They will only let the two go together and not many adopt two at once so my home is the home they were meant to share. I am so thrilled to get the privilege of being their mom!
I must get some shuteye as we will be picked up tomorrow at 7:00AM to make the long drive again. Two more days of 6 hours on the road to see my beautiful little ones…
One surprise today that those coming to NN after me should remember:
They don’t stop for food! We went all day with no food arriving back at the hotel at 8:00PM. That is so not American! LOL
The drive from the city center where we are staying to the MOE was all of about 15 minutes. This made me very happy after all of the long travels leading up to this day. At the MOE, I walked into an old building to a small coatroom where we left our coats, hats, and scarves. I was wondering just how long this interview would take! We walked up the stairs and down a long hall to a small office where we stood by the door until invited in by two beautiful women dressed to the nines.
I sat in front of them and answered the following questions:
Do you have biological children?
Have you ever been married?
What do you do for a living?
Where do you live?
Why do you want to adopt?
I answered these questions very easily and before I knew it, the woman was signing all of the paperwork for the two children. I, my friend Gina, and the interpreter were dismissed while the facilitator stayed behind to gather the paperwork. We were out of their within about 20 minutes flat! It was such a relief to have successfully completed this official meeting. It was in this meeting that I heard that the children were in orphanages in Visk Russia which is in the Nizhky, Novgorod region – 3 hours away! I have to admit that my heart sunk a bit. Such a long drive…
We spent the next 3 hours on the road which was grueling because it was bitterly cold outside and that cold made its way into the van as well. Before we could go to the orphanages, we stopped to pick up the director of the MOE in Visk. She needed to accompany me to the meetings with the orphanage staff members who would update me on the children’s medical, psychological, and social status. So, at that point our group consisted of the driver, Olga the interpreter (thank God for her), Olga the facilitator (she looks like a movie star), the directors whose name I do not recall, Gina and me. We had a van full as we headed for the orphanage where I would meet my little boy.
The orphanage was in a very remote spot, but from the outside the building looked quite nice. However, as I entered I realized that the floors were uneven and the walls were coming apart. It was not horrible, but definitely in disrepair. I was taken back to a small office after being given the opportunity to use the restroom where there was no toilet paper. I had left mine in my backpack. For those who follow after me, always keep tissue in your pocket.
In this small office, I was surrounded by the director of the orphanage, the medical doctor, the psychologist, the social worker, the facilitator, and the interpreter. It was quite nerve racking. Basically, they took turns walking me through his file and letting me know all that I needed to know. He is a healthy happy boy. It took about an hour to get to that point of realization. Once they were finished, they asked me if I wanted to meet him. And, of course I gave a great big smile and a yes.
He came into the room and his sparkling blue eyes and long eyelashes jumped out at me. He is such a boy in every way and adorable! He loves to draw and build things. He focuses very well and likes to finish what he starts. He colored a page while I watched, and I was amazed with his logic and small motor skills. He appears to be quite athletic and studious. We shall see! I had only about 30 minutes with him before I had to leave to meet his sister who was at an orphanage about 5 minutes away.
When I met my daughter, I had only to meet with the medical doctor because the history of the children is the same. This took only about 20 minutes and soon enough I was in a playroom upstairs bopping a balloon around with my little girl. She looks much like her brother with big blue eyes, long eyelashes, and light brown hair. We had a grand time playing, and when finished she cuddled up in my arms to get warm.
Both look like they have been well cared for but can use some good feeding and loving. The orphanages are very clean and the staff very very nice and welcoming. He is 4 years old, and she is three. This is much older than I requested and seems to be some kind of mix up, but I think God had his hand in it. They will only let the two go together and not many adopt two at once so my home is the home they were meant to share. I am so thrilled to get the privilege of being their mom!
I must get some shuteye as we will be picked up tomorrow at 7:00AM to make the long drive again. Two more days of 6 hours on the road to see my beautiful little ones…
One surprise today that those coming to NN after me should remember:
They don’t stop for food! We went all day with no food arriving back at the hotel at 8:00PM. That is so not American! LOL
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
In Russia, Day One
We left LAX at 3:00PM on Christmas Eve after waking at 5:30AM for our quick rendition of Christmas morning! It was fun waking all of the kids up and video taping the various comments and swollen eyes! Sounds somewhat mean, but we do this each year and the kids look forward to watching themselves on “tape”! It went just as planned! Instead of Christmas dinner, we had Christmas Eve morning breakfast. The kids were all thrilled with their gifts and very excited about our trip to Russia to meet their new niece, nephew, cousin, and for my mom granddaughter and grandson! The Russian adoption did not overshadow Christmas, as I was afraid it would, but rather, it added to the joy and anticipation. My family is so excited to love on these children that it is not even funny! How blessed am I? Amazingly so…
We arrived in Frankfurt, Germany 11.5 hours after leaving LAX. We spent five VERY LONG hours in the airport there and were fortunate enough to find a section of about 50 reclining chairs in which we fell sound asleep. It was COLD in the airport and this is where Gina noticed that her jacket had been forgotten! Not a happy moment when being dead tired and cold is on the ticket! So, long story short, we went shopping in the airport something that one should avoid if possible! She is now the owner of a very nice Lacoste winter jacket! There is no Macy’s or TJ Maxx in the airport. It was Lacoste or Escada, and you guessed it she picked the “cheaper”. Now she must go to the snow back home in sunny CA at least 5 times to make it worth the money spent!
After the long layover in Germany, we continued on a 3-hour flight to Nizhny Novgorod, which is north of Moscow and south of St. Petersburg. When we arrived, it was after midnight, which means it was Christmas Day 2006!!! Upon arrival, we got off the plane outside on the tarmac and were shuttled over to the airport where we went through customs (long wait) and then got our luggage. I noticed that they take seriously the registration of foreigners visiting their country. I do not think they would handle the Mexico Cali border like we do! Do not even get me started on the pat downs over here! They are serious about it. Perhaps, in America we are not as strict because we have this prevailing sense of personal space.
After arriving in NN, we were greeted by Olga and Sergei who held a sign saying, “DEANA MARIE RIVERA”. It could not have been easier from that point on. They are both very nice. Olga is the interpreter and Sergei the driver. I will pay them a certain amount each day to help me in this facet.
We took a long drive to the hotel, which is in the center of NN. When we arrived, Olga and Sergei came in, helped us get checked in, and walked us up to the room before leaving. Olga took my cell phone number, and I took hers so we could communicate by text messaging. They then left and we crashed after long hot showers.
The first day was a free day during which we slept until noon and then had lunch in the hotel. The food was very good. I ordered an appetizer of chicken and mushrooms in a cheese sauce, French fries, and a blini with maple sauce. It was all great! The chicken and mushrooms came in what looked like a silver measuring cup about the size of ¼ cup. We laughed. It was tiny, tiny, but good, good! Fries are fries and the blini was like crepes with syrup. The taste is a little different than crepes but good as well. I topped it all of with a Pepsi Light. A Pepsi Light here is 28 rubles, which translates to about a buck! I know there is a God. In Italy and France a Diet soda was between $5 and $8, and for any of you that know me, I will pay what I must for my drug of choice.
After lunch, we walked down the riverbank to a pedestrian shopping area. It was VERY cold, but great fun living it up with the locals. Most look exactly like Americans look just add a fur hat to the top of their heads. You know like the one I have had for years and take out each winter only to be called Babushka! A Russian actually stopped me and asked me a question today in Russian. It must have been the hat!
There are not any souvenir shops in this city center and there are no Americans to be seen. It is cool to be in a place and able to simply enjoy it for what it is without any tourist traps per say. I was surprised, however, that I was looking for the traps! I did make one purchase of two nativities, which are gorgeous and native to Russia.
Christmas is January 7th here. There are Christmas trees everywhere. They decorate them a little differently than we Americans do. The lights are strung not around the tree but from top to bottom in straight lines. It is kind of cool. Garland is EVERYWHERE. There is a bridge over which one must cross to arrive the center of town. Lights are strung from one side to the other. I also see Santa Claus billboards everywhere. His is just in a more colorful suit.
The people here are beautiful and thin which makes me wonder where the babushkas come in. It is like once the women hit 40 they gain tons of weight cause the young women are very fit. They are all beautiful though large or small. I am no one to be dissing the big beautiful women out there! Shout out to my girls! You know who you are!
So, I have been pondering how incredibly AWESOME God is! He is so wonderful to us! He has chosen these children for me before not only their births, but also my own as well! He has brought me here and allowed Gina to join me. Thank heavens for such great friendships. I see Him everywhere. Signs of His great love for us are all around. I just do not see how anyone could not believe in a greater power. I mean there is definitely someone who orchestrates all of this, and my life has been His symphony! May it continue to be so! Thank you Jesus for your bountiful gifts of love and for the doses of reality we need now and again. And, lest I make those who do not believe think I am a freak, just know that His love is higher than the highest mountain, deeper than the deepest sea, and it even touches those who do not believe each day!
Good night from Russia, and I must add that Lauren, you were 100% correct about many things, but the one that comes to mind first off is that I CANNOT SLEEP a wink!!!
In about 10 hours, I will meet my children, and my world will be forever changed. Now signing off for the last time as the person I am today! J
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Details of Preparation for Trip #1
I am still in the process fo getting flight reservations to travel to Nizhniy Novgorod which is about 5 hours north of Moscow by train. I have two itineraries so far:
The first itinerary sounds great to me except for the part of messing up Christmas for my family. They all understand completely and are saying GO, GO, GO; but my sentimentality is taking over!
The second itineray allows me to be home for Christmas, but I will have less time to spend with the children. I'm not so happy about that.
I will let you know what the final travel plans end up being! God is good so I know He'll give me wisdom in choosing. I also know that once I see those precious faces, I am going to melt inside, and none of these details will matter!
Merry Christmas to me!!! What a gift!
- Leave Christmas Eve at 2:30Pm from LAX
- Arrive in Nizhniy on Christmas night
- Spend the 26th-29th visiting orphanage
- Spend New Years Eve in Frankfut Germany before returning home on January 1st
- Leave Christmas evening at 6:00pm from LAX
- Arrive in Moscow on December 26th
- Spend 27th-29th visiting orphanage
- Take overnight train to Nizhniy and arrive in Nizhniy the morning of the 27th
- Leave Nizhiy by train on the 29th
- Leave Moscow on the 30th
- Arrive home the evening of the 30th
The first itinerary sounds great to me except for the part of messing up Christmas for my family. They all understand completely and are saying GO, GO, GO; but my sentimentality is taking over!
The second itineray allows me to be home for Christmas, but I will have less time to spend with the children. I'm not so happy about that.
I will let you know what the final travel plans end up being! God is good so I know He'll give me wisdom in choosing. I also know that once I see those precious faces, I am going to melt inside, and none of these details will matter!
Merry Christmas to me!!! What a gift!
I got "THE CALL"
On December 11th, Alliance for Children called me to let me know that my two sons are waiting for me to visit!!! My heart sank! I wasn't sure what to think! The day I had been waiting for the last six months had arrived, and I didn't know what to do!
The details were that I needed to leave on Christmas day for an appointment at the orphange on December 27th. Christmas day! Christmas Day! My heart sunk again...
You see I host Christmas Day at my house! It is the best day of the year for my family. I have seven brothers and sisters and a mom who I adore, and we all meet this day at my house to enjoy the festivities which we look forward to each year. Thoughts were spinning in my head!
I quickly responded, "YES, I'LL GO"!!!! Am I crazy?
The details were that I needed to leave on Christmas day for an appointment at the orphange on December 27th. Christmas day! Christmas Day! My heart sunk again...
You see I host Christmas Day at my house! It is the best day of the year for my family. I have seven brothers and sisters and a mom who I adore, and we all meet this day at my house to enjoy the festivities which we look forward to each year. Thoughts were spinning in my head!
I quickly responded, "YES, I'LL GO"!!!! Am I crazy?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)