Play by Play #2 second post of the day

Here was our outdoor play! It was inside today! I have the camera during this time so no picks of my fun but plenty to show what we did to fill the time!

Okay, so it all started so innocently with one of Zack's favorite faces!Then off came his shirt as he said, "Futbol"!
We didn't know what was coming as he so innocently watched the television screen!

Then the SPINNING began, and I really mean SPINNING!Then Zack excuses himself to use the toilette (nothing is sacred with these two!) AND then look what arrived as he walked out of the bathroom! (back pack and all!)

After this, he played in his underwear for the FIRST time! At the orphanage, he was always in three or four layers of clothes! This kid is an acrobat!!!!

And, somehow he ended up on Auntie Gina's shoulders! He was touching the ceiling and holding on with only one hand! No fear at all...
And, Sophia tries to be like big brother but is not so sure of herself and not quite as coordinated yet. We had a few close calls with the girlie girl who kept stepping off the bed! I can't get her to play dolls yet though! Zack is just her idol right now!

Play by Play

Okay, so it's about 11pm CA time but it's about 9AM here. So far we have gone to breakfast as I described yesterday. The kids had frosted flakes and were in heaven. So far no tummy episodes so their tummies are slowly toughening up.

After breakfast we came back to the room for another very boring day when Zack started talking a lot and saying some phrase over and over. I kept asking him to show me and using sign language to tell him I didn't understand. Finally he just got naked!!!! He then pointed to the bath. Before I knew it Sophia was behind me completely nude too! So today was Zack and Sophia's first bubble bath together!!! Sophia is still way to young to notice that she has a missing part but just in case momma made the bubbles thick!

During the bath, I surprised them with apple juice, and you would have thought I had given them a piece of chocolate cake! Speaking of apples - the kids LOVE them. Strange though that in Russia they eat the entire core and just toss the stem. Josh is going to be shocked. He always asks me, "Do I have to eat both sides of can I just make it look like a 'ballcano'"?

Here are some pics:

Sophia the bubble queen having a blast in the tub! After 3 baths, I think she's finally clean! :)

Zack preparing to soak Sophia! He kept pouring the water over her head which she didn't like, but she'd giggle after catching her breath. I kept saying nyet, but they went back and forth like this for some time and Sophia never squacked despite my attempts to stop the water fall!

Here is Zack in action and Sophia taking it like a girl! Yep, girls rule!

What can bring calm to two little Russian angels? Apple Juice from Momma!!!

Bath Time and Other Things

Okay so both kids are snoring very lightly right now so I have a reprieve to write again. Each day here we go to breakfast at 7:30ish with the kids and eat from the buffet which includes things like beets, cabbbage salad, fruit salad, cold herring, frosted flakes (thank my lucky stars), hot dog looking things that taste bad, porridge with mushrooms, and other things of the sort. I eat toast which is the little tiny toast but it is yummy with buttter and peach preserves! The kids have been having yogurt and fruit salad and a piece of toast. They are having tummy problems. I think they both have a tummy bug which is hard because they can't hold anything down. I have been feeding them bland foods and then staying close to the restroom. Poor babies! It is not easy here to get to a farmacy and if I did, I'm positive they wouldn't understand a word I was saying and I would feel uncomfortable using the meds. I will ask my translator to help me tomorrow. I haven't had a moments time with the translator when an errand to the pharmacy could be run.

Each evening we go to dinner in the restaurant downstairs in the hotel. It is fancy by Russian standards. Tonight the kids were let's just say very naughty. It was like they were overtaken by the spirit of anything that could possibly be trouble! When I would tell Zack nyet, he would say da with this little smirk of defiance. I ended up taking him out for a walk during dinner because he was really disturbing those around him. This ended up being a reward!!! He did acrobats on the stairs and since all eyes are on me in this hotel when the kids are out of the room with me, I just compliantly follow him and keep him safe as I follow. He is definitely a kid who will jump out of planes some day. I love him to pieces.

At dinner, Sophia was mimmicking everything he did only louder so it was becoming quite a mayhem! The language barrier really is a slight issue while in Russia because I can't speak sternly to them as far as using a mother tone because those around me don't know what I am saying, and my best efforts could be misconstrued. Let's just say, I must have said, "Wait til we get to America" about 50 times to Gina. Good thing I have five weeks at home with them. We will be practicing many things! :) I'll bet McDonalds play land will be right up their alley. We'll visit Dennys to learn how to behave in restaurants and work our way up to say Red Robin. LOL

They are just testing the waters right now which is to be expected so I am not too worried about it although I did laugh at dinner because I suddenly was one of those parents who had no control of their children!!!! I think I did say once of Sophia, "I have my little Allie Bob"!!! Me thinks time outs will work for her, right Wanda? :) This after all of the bonding and loving though! I know that the Allies of the world grow up to have huge hearts! I hope I am still alive to enjoy it! LOL

Once back in the room after dinner, each kiddo gets a bath which they LOVE! They have never gotten to take baths before. They are used to being hosed down once a week. So, I let them play much in the tub. I have a few pics of Zack in the tub, but the pics of Sophia were taken wihtout my memory stick in my camera. Chalk that one up to jet lag.

Look at my bubbles! I am having the time of my life in here!!

I don't like getting my hair washed, and I love to drink the bath water like a fish. Momma keeps saying something with the word nyet attached, but until I understand her, it is a fish's life for me!

I'll post more pics of Sophia tomorrow when she takes her bath! She is a little bubble queen too! And, yep, she drinks from the tub as well!!!

Day Three as Mom to Zack and Sophia

That's me somewhere under the game of balloon bop!

Well, let’s see where to begin. We are staying in a hotel room about the size of 4 cubicles and in that room are two twin beds and two make shift beds on the floor. We are wall to wall beds and suitcases! And, we are here for 2 more days with a 3 and 4 year old and no cartoons for most of the day! However, it has been great so far. The kids are very good and very compliant. They respond to nyet (no) and they love to hear Bravo (good job) so things are going well.

Today we went outside for some energy releasing! We took 4 balloons, two for each kid and we just decided to have as much fun as we could until they popped. Well, they didn’t pop for over an hour! The wind was slightly blowing so it was fun to chase the balloons with the kiddos. They were having the time of their lives!

Stephanie, my sis, prepared two little back packs for the kids and they will not part with them as they LOVE having things of their very own. It is adorable. As you’ll see in the pics they even chose to run around with the back packs on their backs.

I would say that it is about 65 degrees outside, but the Russia people still bundle up as though it is winter. I put the kids jackets and hats on them but did not put on the four layers underneath that the orphanage put on them even inside where it is 85 degrees. Poor little Zack was so sweaty when I changed his clothes into his new duds. Lucky Zack will never have to wear tights again! Well, unless he follows in Preston’s footsteps and stars in The Nutcracker someday!

I just can’t help but be reminded of salvation when I look at the kiddos. They are ecstatic just like most Christians are right after they accept Christ into their lives! Everything is brand new, and they have a parent who will love them forever unconditionally. (I am not comparing myself to Christ!) The similarities in the earthly adoption and our salvation are endless. I keep reminding myself that their will also be the training and how does the Bible put it, chastening as well as the fun and excitement. This is like an 18+ year mission's trip! :)

Looking at Zack and Sophia and their response to being rescued from the likelihood of becoming another statistic, I realize how very grateful I ought to be to Christ who rescued me and gave me a new lot on life here on earth and for eternity. He came to earth (not half as comfy as heaven) to save us. I remember this also as I sit in Russia waiting for another 8+ days until I can come back home with the new little Riveras. I can’t wait to share them with my family.

Here are some more pics from today’s fun:

Zack is 100% boy and so very athletic and quite coordinated. I see soccer in his future.

Sophia is a girlie girl but also very full of energy and can nearly keep up with Zack!

The kids are here!

Gina here, posting for Deana who has had a wonderful, but tiring day. She is wiped out!

Zack and Sophia have enjoyed their first day with their Mama!

Will write more later!

I am a Mother!

Sorry that I haven’t posted lately – hopefully you’ve seen the updates Gina has done at http://ginamarie-justrambling.blogspot.com/ . We have been on a rollercoaster – for me, both physically and emotionally. But it seems the hardest part regarding the adoption is over! Court was long (1 hour and 20 minutes) but went well. I have been given the legal right to Zack and Sophia, their birth certificates will now show that I am their Mother!

I am still very tired, but Gina encouraged me to write to all my friends and family. Some of the things I noticed about my children:

1. Sophia has grown much taller, although she is still very thin.
2. Zack’s face seems fuller, although he too seems to have grown – though not as much as Sophia.
3. Sophie’s clothes were tagged with markers, which broke me heart. It seemed as though she is just a number. Soon, that will change for her! I can tell you right now there will NOT be markings on her Juicy Couture jacket (that’s for YOU Heather!)

I can’t wait to have them both in my arms outside of the orphanages! I can’t wait to show them that I AM taking them home and will love them forever! I can’t wait to love on them and nurture them and bring them to their big family, who are all waiting to love them as well. I am ready to get into the car at 7:30 tomorrow, thanking God that it is the last time I will need to drive that long trip but knowing at the end I will have the two little lives that I’ve prayed for for so long!

I am very happy to be a Mother!

Court Date!!!!!

I have a court date of (drum roll please), Monday, March 26th!!!!! Praise God for miracles! Thanks to all who have prayed fervently for Zack and Sophia and also for the timing in which I will get to bring them home.

Please continue to pray not only for my little family, but also, for all of the other kids waiting for their court dates, and also those waiting for someone to claim them as their own. No matter how much work this has been, it is so worth it. I can think of no better way to leave a mark on the world than to extend God's love to those in need.

A special thanks to all of you who have donated to the cause! I have been blessed beyond measure all the way down to the homeless woman who handed my mom $2 for Zack and Sophia! Anyone who knows me knows that those dollar bills are being framed as a sign of God's hand in this entire process of bringing Zack and Sophia into his flock. God has impressed upon me that He has placed people with huge hearts in my midst. I am truly blessed.

And, for the official record, Jim is a softy (unless Gina is misbehaving)!!! :) A special thanks must go out to the MLO team who has prayed over me and down right bathed me in love. What an incredible joy it has been to be a surrogate part of your team!!!!!

The Russian system is so unpredictable that one cannot count on anything as sure, but I have been blessed by God's orchestration of this very special event!!! I give Him all of the glory!

Update

Well, the new flights are booked and now we just pray that the visas are handled properly so we can get on the road Jack!

Flights only cost a total of about $450 more and the agency will cover that. There will be no layovers and we may not have to stay in Russia as long since the agency is trying to make up for this mix up!

So, we leave next Saturday, March 24th and will return on Friday, April 6th. I am hoping that Zack and Sophia can spend their first Easter with the family this year at babushka's church (where they will be kept very closely with me) followed by lunch at the Queen Mary. We shall see how things work out.

Thanks for your prayers! I appreciate them. The agency point person was very surprised that I did not blow a gasket, but I just looked at it as an opportunity to act Christlike. She kept saying how amazed she was that I was not screaming at her. I just kept asking her what that would change. She says she's going to make it up to me, but we shall see.

Much love to all of you out there praying for me! I so appreciate it! I hate to say it but the main thing I am dreading is going back to work because there it will be evident to me that I should be with Zack and Sophia as I change my leave paperwork and all! God must want me there one more week before my leave, and somehow, me thinks he may be blessing Wanda! :)

Horrible News

Well, here is the short of it. I am all packed and ready to go when I get just by chance go online and notice an email from my agency. Basically, the email says sorry but we forgot to take care of your visas which expire on March 20th. OOPS! Please call us as soon as possible.

I call and basically and apologized to profusely and told that the agency will cover all change fees and the Visa feess! I have plane tickets that I only paid $612 for so the change fees will be substantial as all of the other tickets I found were $2,400+.

This is a HUGE disappointment! I am just praying that I can get over to Russia next week. The agency must handle my visa and the Russian attorney must reschedule my court date.

I can't even describe how I feel right now. I am so very sad but not crying. I am angry but did not yell at the agency. I guess I am just numb right now. Yep, that's it numb.

God is in control. Please pray for a quick reschedule of this trip and pray for Zack and Sophia as I try my darndest to get to them.

I'll update when I have noteworthy news.

Urgent Notice

Please see the post at http://ginamarie-justrambling.blogspot.com/

Thanks.

Yippee!

It is certain! Gina and I are leaving for Moscow on Sunday!!!! Pray for me as I try to pull things together!!!

Moscow hotels are EXPENSIVE!

Zack and Sophia here I come!!!!!!

News?

That is a common question lately... Is there any news? Well, I can tell you what I know because what the heck ya'll are wondering which is cool. I did get the call. Now don't get too excited just yet. I do have flight arrangements. Oh, are you getting as jazzed as I did? I have been packing. Are you just going crazy? Well, let me fill you in on the latest news:

I got "the call" last week. I have a "conditional" court date of March 22nd. Why is it conditional? It is conditional because we do not have the letter of release for Sophia just yet. The Russian attorney and judge expect that the letter will arrive to them prior to next Friday which will put me and Gina on a flight on March 18th. Yep, one week from tomorrow.

Now, I have kept this news quiet because it is "conditional". I don't want to get tons of questions or even have people ask me why I am not jumping up and down. I just want to manage my emotions the best I can and expect the worst while hoping for the best.

Please pray with me as I am getting so close to going to get my babies! Thanks for all of the comments! I LOVE hearing from you all!

My family is going to be shocked when they read this blog. Try your best not to ask me what is going on if you work with me, but do keep up with my blog! I want to respect my work hours and not have the boss thinking I'm a wasting precious time!

When I know FOR SURE that I am leaving, I will post it immediately after telling Gina, Wanda, Rona, my precious mom, and my family. In order of those who sit close to me at work and those I'll call.

Seriously....

......put a new post! I check everyday and need to see a new one. ;)

Time Passages

Last night I had a dream that I was at the park with Zack and Sophia! It was such a real dream that when I woke up, I tried very hard to go back to sleep to recapture the joy of the moment. I know that some day this wait will just be a memory - something which I share with the kids when I share the blessed story of God bringing us together as a family, but right now, it is driving me crazy.

Well, not as crazy as Brittany Spears has been driven! Boy, what a tragic story. It is hard to remember her days on the M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E Club. I guess time does fly, and we can only hope that we make choices that cause time to work in our favor.

So, I'm wondering what choices I can make to make this time of waiting work in my favor. Hmmm...I guess I can work on that cruddy project my boss gave me OR I can clean out my garage OR I could start exercising more often. Perhaps, I could even go on a diet and see how many pounds I can drop before I get back to Russia. Me thinks that any of those things would be better than sitting here worrying about when I will get the call.

Okay so, exercise (I'll start next week)...Diet...right after lunch...project...today for sure as I want that thing off my desk...garage...Saturday. I think I may still worry a bit too in the in between time!

Thanks for the Scripture, Kate! I needed it! Today, Diet Coke will be my drug of choice!

Still Waiting...

Fearless Ice Scraper

Well, just as I suspected another day has begun! Today the sun is shining, but there is a crispness in the air. I had the unusual experience of scraping ice off of the windshield this morning. It was covered solid with a sheet of ice. The windshield wipers weren't touching it! Thank the good Lord for plastic spatulas!

Today will be a somewhat mellow day. I closed a big loan yesterday and made a bunch of people happy. That felt good. Today, I'll be trying to get another client to provide what I need to close yet another loan. Doesn't that sound exciting? No, well, not to me either! I'd rather be meeting the girls for an early game of tennis. Who am I kidding? I'd meet them for an early morning breakfast where I'd enjoy a short stack and an entire bottle of syrup! Yep, the syrup is my downfall and will no doubt be my demise when I die after being told I have diabetes and must give it up. Oh, that day will come. I pray for 20 more years of syrup pleasure!!!

Right now Zack and Sophia are winding down after a busy day and preparing to go to bed in about an hour which will be 8:00PM Russia time. I wonder if they are thinking about me and wondering if I'll really come back for them. I wonder if Sophia holds her precious doll tightly and hopes. I wonder if Zack is hoping to play balloon bopping with me again. Is his little mind hoping that they are telling the truth and his momma will return?

I can't wait to see the smile on their faces when I do indeed show up to bring them home. I am excited at the thought of them getting to ride in a car, have shoes all their own (that ones for you Janet!), take a bubble bath instead of being hosed down once a week, enjoy toys of their own, learn who Mickey Mouse is and even more importantly learn about their heavenly father who will never leave them nor forsake them.

Today, I am filled with wonders... These wonders make everything else in my life that causes stress pale.

Pardon My Scowl!

Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:13

Okay, so I finally claimed a verse for this process! I don't know what took me so long! As I started thinking about eagles and how they soar over storms so effortlessly gliding from place to place, I remembered how much I need to depend upon the wind beneath me to carry me through this trying time of the unknown. I need to stop trying to push for things to be done in my timing. God knows exactly when Zack and Sophia need to come home, and He'll handle it on my behalf.

As I was thinking all of these spiritual thoughts, I had to find some balance with what I refer to as tangible reality. After all, I am a recovering legalistic Baptist girl (not that all Baptist are like the ones that crossed my path) who was brought up wearing dresses, shunning movies, drinking, and some say sex because it may lead to dancing! Anyhow, this background keeps me grounded in the grace and humor that I believe the Lord has for His children. He is a loving father who nurtures us and disciplines us as a loving human father would - not abusive or walking with a big stick or expecting us to be just like Him all of the time. He knows we can't do that try as we might!!!

So, as I bounce back into that balance between spirituality and reality, I notice the scowl on the face of the eagle!!! That does look like I have for the past couple of weeks! Maybe God knew that even though waiting patiently for His timing is the right thing to do, it might be tough to keep a smile on our faces 24/7! :)

Last night I got an email that said something to the effect of, "I have a little place in my life for spiritual things." It wasn't those exact words, but it was close. I just wanted to say that I understand the fear of letting in what sometimes looks like such an inflexible God. Just remember, the God that is revealed by His imperfect children is not always a true reflection of the loving Father who wants to love you so much that it will invigorate your very being. I respect people for who they are and appreciate even the little places given to maybe letting in things that don't come by each of us naturally. I have my little places too!

Much love to all! Me and my scowl are going to lunch!

Update web site

Gina here - I made some MINOR updates to Deana's web site located at www.russiawithlove.org - check it out!

Trust

I am not one who is fond of depictions of Jesus, but I have grown to like this one. I know that none of us really know what he looked like, but we do know His personality and character. The unconditional sacrificial love He has shown us is like the love of no other. Not even the love I have for Zack and Sophia can compare to how much He loves each one of us.

Trust is a tough thing for me. I want to know what is going on and when it will happen. I want to be told that EVERYTHING will be okay and work as planned. I want to know exactly what is around the next corner. Add to all of this that I generally am in a state of planning the next phase of my life.

Right now I find myself feeling completely out of control and needing to trust, but I'll be honest, I'm not good at trusting and am not trusting anyone very much today. I have just declared today my sad day. We all deserve one, right? And, add to that a little bit of angry, and you have my day. Deana's horrible awful terrible day! One thing that I can trust for sure is that no matter how bad my day is Jesus will love me just as much when the pity party has ended.

I can just pray... and I will.

A Rainy Morning

Well, yesterday it was in the 80s, and today I woke up to a very heavy rain storm. Typically in this part of California, when it rains it isn't very heavy at all, but we seem to have lots of fender benders because we natives don't slow down! This morning though, there is no work thanks to President Washington and Lincoln! So, I have the unusual opportunity of enjoying the rain from inside my comfy home. That is a nice change! The pic above is the view from my back window with the rain pouring down pitter pattering on the pool water. It is so awesome to listen to as it falls.

Well, my sister Stephanie says that she had a premonition that I will get the call this week sometime. We shall see. Growing up Baptist, we think it is more like maybe the Lord tapping on her shoulder or maybe just her wishes trying to make things a reality. Stephanie said she had a dream that she was at the airport and we were walking down the ramp and Zack and Sophia saw her and ran to her! I LAUGHED so hard because they will likely have a life grip on me or be sound asleep, but I love how much she loves them already!

So, this morning was also somewhat of a fiasco because I forgot to buy my flavored coffee creamer when I went grocery shopping yesterday. I had a somewhat mild meltdown which was totally crazy because meltdowns don't really help things. Gina was kind enough to go out in the storm to get me some creamer. She was kind and came back like a wet puppy dog. Sorry Gina - mush is my mind and evidently even little things are getting to me!

Much love to all of you out there in blogger land! Congratulations Lauren! Cupcake is absolutely beautiful! I can't wait to see pics of Tyler and Olive! What a blessing it is that a dozen or so kids are coming home from Moscow very soon!

Los Angeles in February

Well, in wanting to pass the time as quickly as possible, I decided to go to the J. Paul Getty Museum yesterday where they we displaying Sinai Icons as well as some of the amazing works of Monet, Manet, and Van Gogh. Can you tell that I like the impressionists?

They were also displaying the Berman Collection of Photograghs which was pretty cool. I love taking pictures, and it was interesting to see what types of photos made it into this collection of photos which depicted America and American life. They were really quite amazing some of them and others were a little outside my realm of taste. Of course, this does not mean that the photos I didn't jive with were not great photos. I am just one mind and am very limited by my environment as we all are!

It is amazing though that the best work of art at the Getty is that of the view of Los Angeles and the vast ocean! It is awe inspiring to say the least. It just reminded me that God's art will forever out shine whatever we try to create. Isn't it funny though how most art simply tries to mimic His creations? I guess that just goes to prove that imitation is the highest form of flattery. And, on another level, how awesome is our God, that he gave us the abilities to create such wonderful works?

I always tell my students that God really could have made the world black and white, and we would have never known the difference. He gave us so many briliant colors to enjoy just as a perk! Now, there would be much confusion in a black and white world like how would we know when to go, stop or slow down and how would we know if our pasta had white sauce or red? Geese, how crazy would that be? Anyone who is friends with a true Italian knows that you don't mess with the red sauce!

Okay, so I am blithering a bit, but you can see how my mind has gone to mush missing Zack and Sophia! I need them here with me, and I need them soon!

I have an update...

Well, I got this email about five minutes ago:

Hi Deana: After countless emails, calls, etc., I finally was given a reason for the long delay in getting you a court date. I do not understand why xxxx couldn't have said this weeks ago. It would have saved us all alot of angst. If you recall when you were in Russia for your 1st trip, the 2nd child referred to you, was that Sophie? was not off the Federal Data Bank. I guess there was a conversation about making another trip, but xxxx worked it out so you could accept both children and only have to travel one more time. At any rate, one of the children, I assume it was Sophie did not come off the Federal Data Bank until the 5th of this month, so in addition to waiting for a Court date, xxxx has been waiting for the release letter to come from the Federal Data Bank in order to get the same Court date for both children. She hasn't been able to request Sophie's Court date because the letter is still not available. She expects it any day and is hopeful she will be able to have your Court date shortly. Certainly you could have gone for Zack's Court hearing but would have had to go back to NN for Sophie's later on. Atleast this way you only go once. So finally the mystery is solved. I have been calling and questioning why the delay, why, why, why, and finally today I got an answer. Who knows, maybe xxxx was somewhat worried and did not want to mention it in a call or email. At any rate, Sophie is officially off the Federal Registry and we should be getting a Court date just as soon as the data bank letter is received.

My Response:

I did not know that Sophia was not on the Federal Data Bank which means she wasn't available for adoption when I visited her. This is all news to me. While I am so sad, I must look at the bright side of things. I wonder if they had told me she wasn't available for adoption yet, if I would have gone to meet her??? Who knows? It is likely that I would have been apprehensive. And, since they only let siblings be adopted together, that would have meant no Zack or Sophia. That would not have been God's perfect will for me or for them. So, all in all, I feel better for at least being informed. A bit alarmed yes, but informed is good.

I hope to be back in Russia with my little ones this month. Pray with me! God already has it all planned, and the best thing I can do is rest knowing that He will take care of the details of their gotcha day, and I will give Him all of the glory when all is said and done. I mean some people out there are still waiting for accreditation! Life is not all bad, but boy Josh is not going to be happy!

New Look

Well, as you can see I found another way to pass the time! I have begun learning about the wonderful world of html code. It is quite a process. I have the cut and paste part down. Now, I want to learn how to write the actual code! It is addicting!

Well, I did not receive the call today despite my gut feeling that I would! Bummer, but all is well because God knows just what he has planned.

Josh's first words this morning, "WHEN ARE ZACK AND SOPHIA COMING HOME?" I said, "That is a very good question my little man."

One other Josh story since he and I had great fun yesterday! We were bee bopping around shopping here and there and he said, "D, let's have a spelling bee." I was like okay so he's six so let me think of some words - cat. He says C A T. I said bat - B A T. This is how it went for about five words and then he said, "Those are easy words!" "Ask me how to spell leadership or something harder. So, I say okay smarty pants, spell leadership - he says, "L E A D E R S H I P". He is six years old! I thought I'd call his bluff and said, "Spell holiday." He said, "H O L I D A Y."

Moral of my story - Josh's mom can relax knowing he is eager to learn and to be challenged, AND I highly recommend having your kids watch Akeelah and the Bee. Josh thought she was cool.

Yep, we are all anxious!

Hello - Gina here, breaking into Deana's blog! Ba ha ha ha!

Just wanted to say that the whole family is excited and anxious for the kids to come home! In fact, this morning when Josh was being dropped off by his dad, the first thing out of his mouth was, "Is Zack and Sophie here?"

That sums is up pretty well! We are ready and able to hug those kids!

Going Stir Crazy!!!

Well, I am officially going stir crazy!!! This is a pic of a chunk (no pun intended) of my family. Top left: Drew (19), Michael (17) Bottom left: ME (old), Babushka (older), Victoria's head (24), and Stephanie (22) These are 4 of my 8 brothers and sisters who are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Zack and Sophia!

I get a call each day from each of them and then add that to the peeps at work - I get asked the infamous question often - "Do you have a court date"? I don't mind the question, but I respond often that I will SHOUT it from the mountain top when I get the call!

So, life lately has been a little hectic. Gina has been taking five classes towards her degree completion program. Mom is also finishing up her business degree at Biola at a bit of a slower pace. Stephanie is transitioning to living at my house to be the nanny. My mom is getting ready to put her house on the market. I am caring for Gina's boys three nights a week (good practice). My dad is in the hospital with congestive heart failure refusing to take his meds. My oldest bro is in the hospital having tests run for a long time illness. My sister, Victoria is expecting. I'm training a very large puppy, AND, then there is this waiting thing.

You know when I type it all out on paper, it sounds like such a huge burden, but I don't feel overwhelmed by it all. Maybe I just tune out some of it, but nevertheless, I know God is in control of each situation, and it will do me no good to worry.

What I do know is that Zack and Sophia are going to be loved beyond belief and that God is going to teach us so many things through their little lives. What a blessing to get to be a part of their lives!

Tonight, I think I just may crash before Grey's Anatomy!! No, say it isn't so! I can't let it happen. Thanks be for TIVO!

Showers of Blessings!

Well, my work shower went very well. I was pleasantly surprised! It was fun, and I wasn't too embarrassed.
We showed the video and gave the pop quiz. Once again people learned much about Russian adoption and many were moved to pray about adopting. They were especially moved by the fact that less than 1% of Russia orphans are adopted by Americans. There is this false misconception that there are lines of couples waiting to adopt these kids in need. It simply isn't true. The waiting has nothing to do with a lack of children on the other end!
It was a tough choice to make, but I know that God has equipped me for this challenge! Plus, I know many single moms whose kids have turned out wonderfully, and their moms actually enjoyed the process!
I don't have pictures of my shower just yet since I forgot to take my camera. I am at the mercy of someone at my workplace to provide me with some pics. Maybe I'll just take some pics of the gifts some time this weekend.

I was blessed with Sophia's kitchen and accessories. Boy, will she be excited. Josh has already started cooking away. I also received pajamas for both, sleeping bags for both, bathing suits for both, hot wheels, dress up clothes, lots of gift cards towards the dresser I need for their undies, socks, and pajamas. I also received the much needed step stools so they can brush their teeth, reach the counter to help me cook, and just be taller!

Well, I have no new news to share, but I did hear from the agency - they want the balance of the payment - OUCH! All is well that ends well though! And, one cannot put a price tag on helping kids in need.

Just between you and me - I think I'll be looking for other opportunities to help children as soon as Zack and Sophia get settled and properly attached. I am a dreamer, a teacher, a lover, a compassionate soul, oh, and a commercial loan processor (blah!). I want to do things that make a difference in the world, and right now that seems to be processing and adopting! Who knows what the future holds?!! Maybe another degree? Nah! Do you think I'm crazy? LOL

Is time standing still?

It seems like the hands on the clock are not moving! I am so anxious to receive the call regarding a court date. I want to get over there to Zack and Sophie as soon as possible! I know that the kids and I are in good hands with the agency and our Russian representatives. This doesn't make the waiting easier though!
Tomorrow is my shower at work. I am not one to like to be the center of attention so I am not hugely looking forward to it, but I am so excited for people to get to see pics of the kids and to watch the video. My prayer is that if God has been working on any hearts out there about adoption, this might give that extra nudge. We will be giving the Russian Adoption pop quiz as well! :)
Well, I am off to bed now because the time goes faster when I am sleeping!

Thanks to those of you who comment when you read! I need to put a counter on my blog so I can see if people are checking it! Without comments, it feels so lonely in this blog world!

Many blessings to all of the readers out there! Please keep Zack, Sophie, and all of the children in orphanages in your prayers.

Adoption Shower

Toys, toys, everwhere...Awesome bikes, thanks Uncle Jerry and our Texas family!!! Thanks Auntie Stephanie and Uncle Drew for my new toybox!!! Love, Zack

Sophie's Quilt and so much more...thanks Wanda and Ana and friends!!!

Bikes, toy boxes, booster seats, pjs, clothes, quilts, sheets, and much much more!

Well, Stephanie and Gina were right! My toddler shower was a blast! There was a great turn out of friends and family who have supported me through this process! The games were very fun! Each person brought a baby picture of themselves which meant we had pics from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s! It inspired very cool conversations about childhood fun, etc... What a great idea! Then we had the Russian Adoption pop quiz that Gina created. It had many thought provoking questions such as how many miles is Moscow from Orange County, CA and how many orphans live in Russia and of those how many are adopted by Americans. There were about 20 questions, and people were amazed at the answers. After this, we played the memory game where my sis put a bunch of stuff in a basket and showed the group for 30 seconds and then had them write down what they could remember. It was awesome!

The prizes were incredibly generous - $25 gift card to Best Buy (way to go Amy), $25 to Ross (way to go Evelyn), movie passes (way to go Allie and Rosie).

After the games were finished, Gina played the video she created of Zack and Sophie called "What Now"? This too was so very mind stirring and quite frankly emotional. You could hear the sniffs around the room. It was not a downer but such a happy video of the first trip. She did and awesome job!!!! After the video was finished, at least 3 people were asking where to sign up!

My friends and family were ultra generous as they know its quite a task to gather everything needed for a 3 and 4 year old! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

This was truly the greatest shower ever! Thanks to Sis Stephanie and Gina!!!

Random Pics as Requested by Some of Ya'll

This pic is just for those of you who don't believe I am getting grey hair while waiting for my court date!!!!

This is Tex! Soon to meet Zack and Sophia (from a distance at first)! He is an American Bulldog. He was born on 9/11/06.

My sister, Vicotria in Vatican Square in Italy. This is before she knew that she'd be expecting her first baby in just 21 months! Congrats my little sis!!!

This is a pic of an island off of Venice, Italy where the color of the home signifies the family that lives in the home. It is a very beautiful place!

Italy, February of 2006 (At this point, I had not started the adoption process)

Still Waiting but Finding Ways to Fill in the Time

One way I have found to fill the time is by driving about 40 minutes from my house to Wrightwood where it snows each time it rains in my neck of the "woods". That is the great thing about Southern California - an hour to the snow, the beach, the desert, or 20 minutes to the mall!!!

We have had tons of fun playing in the snow, and Gina's boys have even taken snowboarding and skiing lessons at Mountain High. Both have picked it up very easily and are quite good at it. I can't help but wonder how long it will be before Zack and Sophie are on the slopes - maybe next winter I hope.

Well, as soon as I get a court date I will be shouting it from the mountain tops!!!! Tomorrow is my first adoption shower which is being thrown by my sweet sister, Nanny McStephanie. She is so wonderful to me, and I am so thankful that God placed her in my life! What a blessing she has been!

Stay tuned for pics of my shower and all of the fun that will transpire. From what I've been told, a toddler shower is to be much more fun and active than a baby shower. We shall see what crazy things are planned!

Gina has created a high tech video of Zack and Sophie, and she did a wonderful job. She had me crying so much! It will be shown at my home and work showers. I need to run this idea by her, but I just may have her offer to all you sweet people out there her services as once you see this video, you will want one of your own precious child(ren). Let me see what I can do! She really has a heart for adoptors and adoptees! Let me know if you're interested in this.

World's Best Babushka!

That there is a candid shot of my mom interacting with my niece Kaylie! She is the best grandma ever, and she is welcoming the new title of Babushka!

This picture captures very well how precious each grandchild moment is for my mom. She has a gift for sure.

She has taught kindergarten for some 20+ years, and she loves it! She is retiring this year, however, to be Z and S's nanny. Plus she needs a break from some of the stresses that come along with teaching.

My mom is my hero. If I can be half the woman she is, I will be happy. She loves the Lord with all of her heart, and it flows out of her pores. She is kind and considerate, gentle and loving. She is sincere and sacrificial. Now she can get cranky once in a while, but that is tied to the pain in her back or in her two artificial knees! Which brings me to my next points. She takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. She is quick to apologize and slow to blame. She is my biggest fan, and she will be the Babushka of all Babushkas!

I can remember my mom sitting at the foot of my bed during my teenage years with her hand on my foot praying for me as I "slept". She asked the Lord to give me wisdom as I grew into a young lady. I cannot wait to do the same for Z and S. Talk about feeling precious!

I can't wait to see her interact with Z and S. I just know I will have tears in my eyes! Z and S are going to be so loved in every way!

I love you mom! Thanks for passing on a legacy! I'm so lucky to have you!!! I'm one of nine, but I feel like her only child! I think most of us feel the same! :)

Meet Nanny McStephanie

I wanted to introduce you to my youngest sister, Stephanie! She has volunteered to be the live in nanny for Z and S until my mom retires from teaching this coming July. She is jazzed, and has an innate Mary Poppins personality. I know she is going to be great with the kids. I will get to be home for 6 weeks during which Stephanie will be there with me observing me as I attach with them and helping them to become familiar with her, Josh, and Kenny.

Steph is the one on the left and Momma Gina is the one on the right! Gina is our sister from another mother or our sister in the Lord whichever you prefer, but she is definitely a part of the Rivera crew. She turns our eight into nine, and we all keep the drama meter pretty high! Gotta love it cause anything less would be boring.

Thanks Stephanie Joy! Little S Joy is sure to love her auntie just as much as Kaylie, Josh, and Kenny do! Love you my angel baby girl!

Josh and Z's Room Pics

Josh is waiting so patiently for his little cousin to come home! Just about 10 minutes before this picture was taken, Josh helped me make Z's bed. He's excited to get to share his room, toys, television, etc...! Josh asks each day how many more days it will be, and each day I have to say I think it will be about 21 days. Josh is getting tired of that answer! Tonight he said, "D, even if you said 6 more days, that would be too long!!!" "I am going to pray that Zack and Sophie come home from Russia soon."














Josh has quite the set up. He and Z will have tons of fun together!

Some pics

Here is a pic of Gina's handome boys taken on Labor Day weekend in San Diego! I can't wait to have pics like this of Zack and Sophie and the four cousins together!!!


Tucked away inside this building is Z! Please keep him and the other 60 children who live here in your thoughts and prayers! Don't let the nice look of that car fool you! The cold came in the floorboards like an air condition set on high! Gina and I had popsicle feet after the 3 hour ride!!!! Z and S will be dressed very very warm for the trip home!!!!

The Latest News

Well, the latest news I have is that I should be traveling back to Russia the second week of February. Now, this news is from the agency, but it is NOT official. It is unnerving! I think all day long about what Zack and Sophie are doing and what they are thinking. I wonder if they believe that I am really coming back for them! I hope they do! I just can't stand knowing that there are 5,000+ miles between us!

Today, I am going out with my sister, Stephanie to register at a few stores for a toddler shower that she is insisting on throwing for me, Zack and Sophie. I have to be honest. I am SO GLAD because the more I try to prepare for them, the more I realize I need and in this case, it will take a village to get it all together in time.

There are plenty of boy toys in this house that are age appropriate because Josh is only 1 1/2 years older than Zack and he is a neat freak. All of his toys are in mint condition and thoroughly organized! I love that about him. So, of course Zack will need some new toys, but he will not go wanting. There are, however, NO GIRL TOYS in this house! Yikes! She needs babry dolls, My Little Ponies, Princess stuff, etc... You know girl things! Then there are clothes - deep breaths...okay, all will come together in the next few weeks, I'm sure.

As soon as I get an official court date, I'll certainly shout it from the mountain tops!!!! Thanks for reading! Please comment! I can use some words of encouragement!

Zack and Sophie's "Big Cousin"

This is the Joshter! He is my little angel although he really does belong to his momma Gina. Yes, she's Italian! :) He continually blesses my heart! He spent a week in Texas visiting his best friend, my niece Kaylie. Upon his return which was two weeks after we left for Russia, he put his shoes in the closet and brushed his teeth. Did I mention it was after midnight? He is such a cool kid!!

The next morning he said, "D, We forgot something last night." I said, "What"? He said, "We forgot to pray to our Lord." I smiled a great big smile. I don't think I remember his mom or anyone in the family using the words our Lord. It must have been my mom!

Josh then said, "And, D, don't forget to bring me something to eat in the car." "You know an apple or a banana." He said, "I prefer a banana." "You know." "You remember, right"?

Why do I share such a simple story? Well, it is because I met Josh when he was Sophie's age. He was 3 going on 35 and had the attitude to prove it. His mom out of love for him and his siblings had emibarked on the journey of becoming a single mom. Her story is hers so that is all I will say. I was happy to give them a home in my little condo so I got to experience Josh's TERRIBLE threes! He was a handful and a half who had temper tantrums that would make your hair curl. People who know him now simply don't believe it!

Back to the point, Josh now is this happy well adjusted 6 year old who LOVES God, Loves his parents, Loves life, and after two weeks reminds me of how things should run lest I forget to care for him properly! His mom is kind to let me fill in for her in small ways while she finishes her degree. What a little ray of sunlight for me as I now and again worry I will have trouble with Zack and Sophie adjusting, thriving, behaving...

Josh's prayer last night, "Thanks for God and Jesus and that He loves us so much. Thanks for my family and for D and thanks so much that I get to love Zack and Sophie, my little cousins. Keep them safe please." Amen

Even if you're not one to pray, that must melt your heart just a little... Don't let anyone tell you love and structure doesn't work. Josh is proof that it does!!!!

Here's to all of the angels in Russian orphanages waiting for loving mommies and daddies to come and take them home! I LOVE YOU my Zack and Sophie and "my" Josh loves you too!!!

Winter in Russia

Here I sit wide awake at 11:24pm. Typically I am in bed by 9:00PM for early rise at 5:00AM, but not this week! Since the quick turn around trip to Russia my internal clock is way off. I have tried Melanin and Tylenol PM but no luck. All I can do is think about Zack and Sophie and where they are and what they might be doing at this moment since they are awake when I should be sleeping.

My last day in Russia we went to the notaries office where I signed the final paperwork needed to prepare for court. After that we drove the 3 hours to and from the orphanages. I was disappointed that I wasn't able to see Sophie as long as usual. We had only about 30 minutes together. I had just enough time to love on her, play with her hair, and give her some more new clothes which she loves. I will never forget the look on her face when that door opened. She saw me and a big smile took over her face as she ran into my arms as fast as she could and held on tight. I miss her so very much!

I spent more time than usual with Zack on my last day there. He was so excited to see me. He brought with him all of the toys I had given him the days before including the purple balloon that he was very focused on blowing up himself. He was pleased to show me that he had figured it out. He blew it up and then stuck about 50 Bambi stickers to it. He had never played with stickers before! He had a toy sword in his hand which we were told Santa brought him. It was all he asked for and it was all he got. He was very proud of his new sword. He kept touching it and Gina would act scared. He said in Russian with a giggle, "It's just a toy." She kept playing along, and he'd touch it with a finger and she'd wince and then he'd do it again and again. He had a great time, and a I took many pictures of him as Gina engaged him. I was glad she was there because I was exhausted from the game of balloon bopping we had played for at least 30 minutes. He is all boy, and I LOVE IT!!!! I find myself dreaming of him in little league someday.
I miss him so much!

When I got home, my friend Wanda and her family were waiting for me at the airport! I was so thrilled to have someone there eager to hear about the kiddos! What a great reception it was! Shortly after the pick up, we were at Taco Bell. There are no frijoles in Russia!!!!! This little half latina was looking for some good Mexican food. Taco Bell had to do because babushka was waiting and boy was she eager to see me. She called like 4 times requesting that I get home as fast as possible! Once home, we watched every video that Gina took of Zack and Sophie and we looked at all 400 pictures! I am happy to say that my mom and family are so eagerly anticpating the arrival of our new little ones. They are already so LOVED!!!

Now, I wait to receive an appointment for a court date which is when I will return to Russia to pick up my little ones. In Nizhky Novgorod, the second trip will go something like this:

Day 1 drive to see kids in Vizhka.
Day 2 go to court in the morning.
Day 2 afternoon see town while Olga files paperwork.
Day 3 go to pick up kids in Vizhka.
Day 3 take overnight trip by train to Moscow.
Day 4 - Day ? complete kids medicals, wait for necessary paperwork to leave Russia

This second trip could be as few as 5 business days! This is what I am hoping happens! I can't post pictures openly, but if you're curious, feel free to email me, and I'll see what I can send.

I'm home!

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!

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!!!!!

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

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

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:

• 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?

I'm Registered!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Yesterday I received an email from my agency that went something like this:

Dear Deana,

Your dossier has been registered at the MOE in Russia. You would have already traveled if you had not requested a girl. Our Russian representative is trying to locate a girl for one other family and you are second in line.

I felt the strangest feeling in my stomach!!! I could not believe what I was reading! #1 I'm registered and #2 I did NOT request a girl! I quickly rushed over to Gina's desk to tell her the good news to which she responded, "But, you didn't ask for a girl"! Right she was!

I called the agency and let them know that my homestudy, INS approval, and verbal request is 2 children one under 18 months and the other under 3 with the younger definitely being a boy. I have no gender preference for the older of the two. She said I should receive a call next week.

Do you know what this means???? I could be traveling SOON as in December!!!! I still don't know so I am not getting to excited, but I AM REGISTERED IN MOSCOW!!! Praise the Lord!!!