9/20/12- 15 days and counting until we head back to Latvia for our 2nd of 3 trips! In just 20 days, we will no longer be a family of 3; for in 20 days, we will stand before the Orphan Court and agree to be a family of 5! In a mere 40 days, the adoption will be final in the court system as the 20 day period closes in which someone could contest the adoption. Then we will return to Riga for a week of Embassy appointments to finalize the immigration of our girls. Once we land, there will be 2 new Americans in the USA!
This summer has been a mixed bag of emotions. We have experienced a lot of new feelings, tested a lot of discipline methods, watched and evaluated attitudes, and I am happy to say that Mark and I have survived, grown and bonded better with them than I really thought we would. Now, it hasn't been without it's bad days; but, they have been 'days', not weeks or months!
It has been interesting to watch the relationship between Rita and Lera. Since I've never seen a sister relationship up close, I've learned a lot about girls, and particularly, TEEN girls! They are also discovering what it means to be sisters, even though they both have biological siblings! I am beginning to know the different tones of their voices and what attitude will soon be displayed. I'm seeing what brings true happiness, and what causes stress. I am sometimes still surprised when Lera curls up in my lap in the rocking chair, but I love that opportunity to simply hold and rock her for as long as she lets me. I've been so proud of how Rita has pressed into studying and reading books for school. I've seen the two of them comfort each other, and then cause the other great pain (sometimes physical, but more often emotional). I've heard the laughter of pure joy as they ride with their dogs in the back of the truck, as a million stars twinkle in the night sky above them, and they point with excitement as they identify some of the constellations! I've fought their independent, rebellious streaks and gotten irritated at their neediness. I've battled feelings of guilt while at work, knowing they are home, bored and missing me (and so thankful that they miss me!). I've cried tears of joy and tears of desperation. Both were healing! I've prayed for them, about them, and in spite of them...and that also was healing! I've been anxious to get to this day, yet hoping time would almost stand still so we don't miss a moment spent together. They are the highlight of my day, and the reason I'm exhausted at night. I love them with all my Momma heart (except for the part that belongs to my son) and I'm so happy to finally be able to say, "these are my daughters"! They are my dream come true! :)
Adoption blog of the Freeman family
Our Christmas Photo
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
It's Where We Are...
So much has changed since my last post! We were given a court date of May 15th in Liepaja Orphan Court. That meant flying from Jackson, MS on May 13th...Mother's Day! We had an early morning flight out of Jackson and Michael drove us to the airport. We caught our flight to Charlotte, NC, then to Dulles in DC, Frankfurt, Germany, and final destination of Riga, Latvia. Once we arrived in Riga, we waited (and waited, and waited) for our bags, but they never came! The Lufthansa customer service was awesome! They gave us emergency kits and began tracking our bags. We took a taxi to Avalon Hotel in Old Riga. After checkin, we were so exhausted so we laid down for a while before dinner. By the time I woke up, the tummy was wreaking havoc and supper was a no-go! One bag arrived late Monday night and Tuesday we started off with a wonderful breakfast downstairs. We ventured out to exchange money for Daina and miscellaneous expenses as well as on a mission to find flowers for the girls. Daina was set to meet us at 10:00 am at the hotel to drive us to Liepaja for court. We found a great outdoor market not far from the hotel and bought 6 beautiful, purple tulips. After packing, we headed downstairs to meet Daina. I had never seen a picture of her, nor her us; so when she walked in we didn't recognize each other for a while...then she walked over and I met one of the sweetest people in Latvia!!! We were in the capable hands of her son as he drove us to Liepaja to reconnect with the girls! There were so many emotions as we neared Liepaja and Daina kept us engaged in conversation. As we approached the city, Daina told us about her first impressions of Liepaja, but then went on to tell us how much those impressions changed as she got to know the people and area.
Liepaja is an amazing town! It did not take long for us to fall in love with that place! We went straight to court and followed Daina's lead as she worked the system. We went into a modest but very functional court room with large windows looking over neighboring rooftops. Not long after, the judge and assistants entered and court proceeded. Daina explained all that was being said, we answered questions, and then the door opened and the girls came in with their foster dad! It was so awesome to see them again!!! We completed court and we were granted permission to keep the girls with us for the next 3 weeks while in Latvia. With that, we gathered the girls suitcases, crammed them into Daina's car along with ours, and headed to Kaleja Maja, a converted attic apartment in a Blacksmith house that was built in the 1800's.
Kaleja Maja was an amazing home away from home! There was a kitchen with a small refrigerator, sink, and 2 burner propane cooktop. The kitchen was also set up with two beds for additional sleeping space. Two seperate bedrooms and a small bath completed the apartment! But, at least we got to cook 2 meals a day in the apartment instead of having to eat out each meal. The girls claimed their room, but after seeing a small bug in the original timber walls, they moved on to the kitchen sleeping space!
For the next 3 weeks, we had the most amazing time in the girls hometown. We rode bicycles all over town, played in the Baltic Sea, met their friends and family, and got to enjoy seeing where the girls grew up! We completed all of our required visits with our social worker and court, and headed to Riga to secure the girls Visa's. The US Embassy in Riga is a very secured compound near Spice Mall. Our first trip there was with Daina; Our second trip was just me while Mark and the girls stayed at the mall to shop. With Visa's in hand we prepared to fly home! It was so exciting to be completing that leg of our jouney with our girls at our sides! Even an overnight delay in DC was enjoyable with them with us! So, off to Jackson on June 2, a day late, but all in God's time!
Liepaja is an amazing town! It did not take long for us to fall in love with that place! We went straight to court and followed Daina's lead as she worked the system. We went into a modest but very functional court room with large windows looking over neighboring rooftops. Not long after, the judge and assistants entered and court proceeded. Daina explained all that was being said, we answered questions, and then the door opened and the girls came in with their foster dad! It was so awesome to see them again!!! We completed court and we were granted permission to keep the girls with us for the next 3 weeks while in Latvia. With that, we gathered the girls suitcases, crammed them into Daina's car along with ours, and headed to Kaleja Maja, a converted attic apartment in a Blacksmith house that was built in the 1800's.
Kaleja Maja was an amazing home away from home! There was a kitchen with a small refrigerator, sink, and 2 burner propane cooktop. The kitchen was also set up with two beds for additional sleeping space. Two seperate bedrooms and a small bath completed the apartment! But, at least we got to cook 2 meals a day in the apartment instead of having to eat out each meal. The girls claimed their room, but after seeing a small bug in the original timber walls, they moved on to the kitchen sleeping space!
For the next 3 weeks, we had the most amazing time in the girls hometown. We rode bicycles all over town, played in the Baltic Sea, met their friends and family, and got to enjoy seeing where the girls grew up! We completed all of our required visits with our social worker and court, and headed to Riga to secure the girls Visa's. The US Embassy in Riga is a very secured compound near Spice Mall. Our first trip there was with Daina; Our second trip was just me while Mark and the girls stayed at the mall to shop. With Visa's in hand we prepared to fly home! It was so exciting to be completing that leg of our jouney with our girls at our sides! Even an overnight delay in DC was enjoyable with them with us! So, off to Jackson on June 2, a day late, but all in God's time!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Counting Down
On April 22nd, our updated documents arrived in Riga, Latvia and were delivered to our Latvian Lawyer. We had already emailed our homestudy and it was due out of translation on April 23rd. My gut feeling was that we would have our referral before the end of the month with travel in mid May. I kept thinking how awesome it would be if we flew to Latvia on Mother's Day...well, on April 24th, we were given our court dates of May 15th and 29th, which means we fly out of Jackson on...Mother's Day! Our official referral came on Friday the 27th and we immediately signed and returned, as well as emailed the Director of Children's Ministry to accept our referral. So now, we have airline tickets booked, we have a room in Riga for our first night, an apartment in Liepaja for 14 days, and then an apartment for 3 nights back in Riga.
Rita seems very happy with this change in her life. I think Lera is happy.??? We are happy and excited to begin this journey. We don't always understand 'why us'. We are just glad we were chosen for this amazing opportunity! The girls are such a blessing. It is exciting to discover aspects of their hearts, to feed their hopes and dreams, to begin this life journey together with them. Another adoptive mom wrote recently about feeling sad that she had missed so many of her adopted child's 'firsts'; but then she realized, even though the child was a teen, she still got to experience so many of the 'firsts' she enjoyed with her younger children, just with an older child! I, too, look forward to many firsts!
Rita seems very happy with this change in her life. I think Lera is happy.??? We are happy and excited to begin this journey. We don't always understand 'why us'. We are just glad we were chosen for this amazing opportunity! The girls are such a blessing. It is exciting to discover aspects of their hearts, to feed their hopes and dreams, to begin this life journey together with them. Another adoptive mom wrote recently about feeling sad that she had missed so many of her adopted child's 'firsts'; but then she realized, even though the child was a teen, she still got to experience so many of the 'firsts' she enjoyed with her younger children, just with an older child! I, too, look forward to many firsts!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A Long Time Coming...
Much has happened in the past few weeks. We have been been poked and prodded, tested, stuck, and questioned extensively. And the verdict is...ADOPT! A second opinion says, ADOPT! And now, our agency has issued our renewed homestudy, I received it on 4/12, had them apostilled that afternoon, and shipped it to the Lindell's on 4/13. It's rather interesting that Chris and Julie will be the one's to take these final documents to Latvia for us...we met them in Atlanta for the Christmas 2010 hosting. We were hosting Emily and they were hosting her foster sister, Val, for the second time. The girls communicated off and on during the hosting period and we thought we had 'lucked out' on our first hosting experience. Everyone was sure we had found our daughter...even Emily's statements and actions said so!--until she got back to Latvia!! Chris and Julie were supportive as we dealt with the heartbreak of 'losing' Emily. Now, as we get ready to make our first trip to adopt Rita and Lera, Chris and Val will be making their 3rd and final trip to Latvia to finalize Val's US immigration status. They will hand deliver our documents to Daina.
We just got an email from Daina that our updated homestudy, which we emailed to Daina on 4/12, will be out of translation on 4/23, the day she should get our originals. Then, all that is left is for the documents to be notarized in Latvia then delivered to the Childrens Ministry office. Next should be our referral...
And again, we are tied with a Georgian family... this time it is Ken and Heidi Fletcher. The Fletchers are adopting Lera's biological sister, Ksenija. We were informed that we would all be in court together since the girls have to be adopted at the same time.
So now it is time to reveiw the checklist of things that are needed for the 1st trip. A handful of forms, income tax summary page, gifts for about 5 ladies and 2 men, gifts for the foster family, clothes for Rita and Lera, and a large sum of cash in the form of brand new $100 bills that can be exchanged for Lats and Euros. Thankfully, the few fundraisers we had done last year plus selling some items we no longer used, have funded trip #1 (minus that pesky little thing called Airfare for 4!). But, God will provide for that also. Hopefully, in a little over a week, we just might have our referral. Could we really be at this point? It's been a long time coming, but maybe it's just about time!
We just got an email from Daina that our updated homestudy, which we emailed to Daina on 4/12, will be out of translation on 4/23, the day she should get our originals. Then, all that is left is for the documents to be notarized in Latvia then delivered to the Childrens Ministry office. Next should be our referral...
And again, we are tied with a Georgian family... this time it is Ken and Heidi Fletcher. The Fletchers are adopting Lera's biological sister, Ksenija. We were informed that we would all be in court together since the girls have to be adopted at the same time.
So now it is time to reveiw the checklist of things that are needed for the 1st trip. A handful of forms, income tax summary page, gifts for about 5 ladies and 2 men, gifts for the foster family, clothes for Rita and Lera, and a large sum of cash in the form of brand new $100 bills that can be exchanged for Lats and Euros. Thankfully, the few fundraisers we had done last year plus selling some items we no longer used, have funded trip #1 (minus that pesky little thing called Airfare for 4!). But, God will provide for that also. Hopefully, in a little over a week, we just might have our referral. Could we really be at this point? It's been a long time coming, but maybe it's just about time!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart...the verse which inspired the name of our blog. A reminder came through email this morning that I need to delight myself in the LORD. A scripture with an instruction, and a promise. The same promise Rita used on her cardboard testimony last summer for the NHFC video. A promise I refuse to give up on. As written by Robert Hotchkin on Elijah List:
("Delight yourself in the Lord." That word delight in the original Hebrew is "anag" which means "to be soft or pliable." When our circumstances are difficult, or we have been believing for a promise of God to come forth and it has not yet manifested when we think it should or the way we think it should, we can often suffer from disappointment and discouragement. This can cause us to harden our hearts toward God, giving into fear and lies like, "Well, He hasn't come through yet so maybe He isn't going to." But when we take our eyes off those circumstances and put them back on God, we remember what He is really like. We remember that He is loving and kind and merciful and gracious and generous and faithful and trustworthy – no matter what! When we stop trying to figure out what He is doing, and focus on what He is like, it becomes easy to delight in the Lord. And as we do, our hearts "anag" – they soften, opening back up to Him, and we are able to believe and receive again.)
I see this much like the steak I mentioned a few posts back...it has been beaten so much lately that it has become fork tender! It is not easy to be 'tenderized'. It's often very messy. But the outcome can be quite glorious!
We have made a little more progress toward the finish line. Slowly, surely, we will get there!
"One day, voices that lie, will all be silenced
One day, all that's divided will be whole again
One day, death will retreat and wave it's white flag
One day, love will defeat the strongest enemy
So we wait, for that one day, come quickly
We want to see Your Glory
Every knee bows down before Thee
Every tongue offers you praise, with every hand raised
Singing Glory to You and unto You only
we sing Glory to Your name."
"Glory" by Selah
("Delight yourself in the Lord." That word delight in the original Hebrew is "anag" which means "to be soft or pliable." When our circumstances are difficult, or we have been believing for a promise of God to come forth and it has not yet manifested when we think it should or the way we think it should, we can often suffer from disappointment and discouragement. This can cause us to harden our hearts toward God, giving into fear and lies like, "Well, He hasn't come through yet so maybe He isn't going to." But when we take our eyes off those circumstances and put them back on God, we remember what He is really like. We remember that He is loving and kind and merciful and gracious and generous and faithful and trustworthy – no matter what! When we stop trying to figure out what He is doing, and focus on what He is like, it becomes easy to delight in the Lord. And as we do, our hearts "anag" – they soften, opening back up to Him, and we are able to believe and receive again.)
I see this much like the steak I mentioned a few posts back...it has been beaten so much lately that it has become fork tender! It is not easy to be 'tenderized'. It's often very messy. But the outcome can be quite glorious!
We have made a little more progress toward the finish line. Slowly, surely, we will get there!
"One day, voices that lie, will all be silenced
One day, all that's divided will be whole again
One day, death will retreat and wave it's white flag
One day, love will defeat the strongest enemy
So we wait, for that one day, come quickly
We want to see Your Glory
Every knee bows down before Thee
Every tongue offers you praise, with every hand raised
Singing Glory to You and unto You only
we sing Glory to Your name."
"Glory" by Selah
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Pressing toward the mark for the prize
Saturday, March 10th...Springing forward on our clock tonight and springing forward in our attitude! I decided to only speak of positives- I choose to see the vision of meeting our girls in Latvia. I choose to see us bringing them home. I choose to hear their laughter in our house. I choose to believe. Today, I got a letter from MSU Vet Camp...Rita has been accepted for a full scholarship to their 3 day Vet Camp in June. My job is just to get her there...well, technically, God's job is to get her there. We will do whatever it takes, whatever is required, whatever! We have faced so many delays in this process that it just doesn't seem to matter anymore. You know when you get news that would normally make you double over, but instead you just say 'whatever', you are becoming 'seasoned'. Sort of like a steak that has been beaten to the point it is now tender enough to cut with a fork...yeah, we are there!
Wednesday night at sundown started the Jewish holiday of Purim. This, of course, goes back to Queen Esther's bold appearance before King Ahasuerus to plead for the deliverance of her people. So Purim is a celebration of the day of deliverance from oppression. Wednesday night, I was invited to give my presentation on Israel to Living Waters Church. I only had a few days notice, but everything went great (ok, there were a couple of technical diffficulties with my 6 year old computer, but I was able to fill the gap with stories of our trip). I felt it was a day of deliverance from the oppression that has been over us. A day I decided to appear before the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and ask for His mercy and favor. I know He is faithful to hold out that golden sceptor to us, His children.
Lera's sister told me she has been praying so hard for everything to get approved and she feels like March 21 will be a good day. I'm agreeing with her...a new season, a new chapter, a new beginning. A start to a new life. March 21, 2012. Lord, hear your children! We ask for favor, for supernatural intervention. Lord, we ask that you work your miracles for us!!! You are the only one who can make this happen.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Hebrew 12:1 Therefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Wednesday night at sundown started the Jewish holiday of Purim. This, of course, goes back to Queen Esther's bold appearance before King Ahasuerus to plead for the deliverance of her people. So Purim is a celebration of the day of deliverance from oppression. Wednesday night, I was invited to give my presentation on Israel to Living Waters Church. I only had a few days notice, but everything went great (ok, there were a couple of technical diffficulties with my 6 year old computer, but I was able to fill the gap with stories of our trip). I felt it was a day of deliverance from the oppression that has been over us. A day I decided to appear before the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and ask for His mercy and favor. I know He is faithful to hold out that golden sceptor to us, His children.
Lera's sister told me she has been praying so hard for everything to get approved and she feels like March 21 will be a good day. I'm agreeing with her...a new season, a new chapter, a new beginning. A start to a new life. March 21, 2012. Lord, hear your children! We ask for favor, for supernatural intervention. Lord, we ask that you work your miracles for us!!! You are the only one who can make this happen.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Hebrew 12:1 Therefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men...
But, Mousie, thou art no thy lane,
In proving foresight may be vain;
The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men
Gang aft agley,
An'lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!
Still thou art blest, compar'd wi' me
The present only toucheth thee:
But, Och! I backward cast my e'e.
On prospects drear!
An' forward, tho' I canna see,
I guess an' fear!
Feb 5th, all was right with the world. Feb 6th, we had our visit with our social worker to update our soon-expiring homestudy. Feb 7th, I was calling for prayer! How quick and unsuspecting a little piece of news (or a plow) can change things. Where your focus is on your future plans, now it drastically takes a turn to the here-and-the-now! Survival becomes the only thing you can deal with. Emotionally drained and unbelievably fearful, we began to fight to save all we have known to be true, and even there did questions arise. Like a tornado spinning out of control...but did we even see storm clouds? I don't think I saw them. I was only seeing blue sky and then BAM! What the enemy hit us with knocked us both for a loop. But Jesus stepped in and picked us up. Slowly, He has dusted us off, and we are again proceeding to the finish line, slowly, surely, when BAM!!! Another hit, but this time it was supposed friendly fire! Hmmmm...Houston, I think we have a problem! But you know what? This time, I refuse to fall... see the first hit taught me a lesson! Jesus is standing by my side! He has strengthened me into a strong, Christ-dependent woman! I will not give heed to fear, nor to doubt! I will stand my ground and fight for what I know God has promised! I will not be moved by this attack. I will stand knowing Jesus has my back. He is my shield and my strong tower, He is my strength, my hope, my deliverer! I'm hanging onto the Rock, and the Rock is hanging onto me!!! He never lets go!
In proving foresight may be vain;
The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men
Gang aft agley,
An'lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!
Still thou art blest, compar'd wi' me
The present only toucheth thee:
But, Och! I backward cast my e'e.
On prospects drear!
An' forward, tho' I canna see,
I guess an' fear!
Feb 5th, all was right with the world. Feb 6th, we had our visit with our social worker to update our soon-expiring homestudy. Feb 7th, I was calling for prayer! How quick and unsuspecting a little piece of news (or a plow) can change things. Where your focus is on your future plans, now it drastically takes a turn to the here-and-the-now! Survival becomes the only thing you can deal with. Emotionally drained and unbelievably fearful, we began to fight to save all we have known to be true, and even there did questions arise. Like a tornado spinning out of control...but did we even see storm clouds? I don't think I saw them. I was only seeing blue sky and then BAM! What the enemy hit us with knocked us both for a loop. But Jesus stepped in and picked us up. Slowly, He has dusted us off, and we are again proceeding to the finish line, slowly, surely, when BAM!!! Another hit, but this time it was supposed friendly fire! Hmmmm...Houston, I think we have a problem! But you know what? This time, I refuse to fall... see the first hit taught me a lesson! Jesus is standing by my side! He has strengthened me into a strong, Christ-dependent woman! I will not give heed to fear, nor to doubt! I will stand my ground and fight for what I know God has promised! I will not be moved by this attack. I will stand knowing Jesus has my back. He is my shield and my strong tower, He is my strength, my hope, my deliverer! I'm hanging onto the Rock, and the Rock is hanging onto me!!! He never lets go!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Still chomping...
So, all of the paperwork is done for our updated home study! FBI Fingerprint results are back...just need to copy and send all of the originals to New Beginnings. Olevia will be here tomorrow at 4 for the required visit to complete the update and then just wait for the Home Study to be reissued. This process has been fairly quick! (Gee, I think that's a first!)
We had a surprise when we got home today from my parents. I took the dogs out for a walk and found 5 adorable puppies in our pasture. No idea where they came from. Asked a few neighbors, but no one is claiming them. Anyone want a really adorable dog? Looks like they have been well cared for and they are very clean. One in particular loves to snuggle at your neck...ok, might have to keep that one! Rita and Lera want a dog they can train. Of course, we have Max, but he's about 7 and set in his ways. Then there is Bella, but she is more 'my' dog I've been informed. So, I've got 4 pups to give away...unless I can find the owner. Can't afford 5 more dogs!
We have skyped all weekend with Rita and Lera. Their Foster Mom also facebooked me to let me know that the girls have 'agreed to endure each other' for adoption. They really are close, but I think the little green monster raises it ugly head as they are vying for their position in our family. Rita said she would like to go to Vet Camp but Lera doesn't...so I mentioned that we would drop Rita off at 9 and pick her up at 5 and Lera and I would go find something to do. Rita quickly said she wanted to go hang out with us! It took a little pursuading to get her to agree to Vet Camp again. I really see this as a great opportunity for Rita to have a role model who is achieving what she wants to do...be a Vet. The Vet students are the camp counselors and the professors teach the sessions. It will give her an opportunity to see if this is something she would really like to do, and if so, hopefully give her motivation to improve her school work. Rita is extremely bright, but I think right now, she is lacking motivation, or vision, or confidence. ???
We have had some wonderful conversations this weekend. Rita is sick again and now running fever in addition to the stuffy nose. I had sent a bottle of Robitussin back to Latvia with her after their FM asked if I could send some medicine that actually works. They used to be able to buy 'Toclase' and she said it worked great; then, they took it off the shelf and all they have now are sugary syrups that don't work for cough or cold symptoms. She said she doubted the Robitussin would help, but she also has the same cold that Rita has, and after using Robitussin, she said she needed to apologize and asked if I could bring more when we come! I told Rita she needed to take some medicine, but she said it wouldn't work on her. I told her it would stop the runny nose that is draining down her throat, into her lungs and stomach, and making her sicker. She laughed and said I should be a doctor! Lera got the Robitussin and Rita took it! Hopefully she will get a good nights sleep. I guess she will miss another day of school tomorrow. Her attendance has been really bad since returning to Latvia. I don't know what to do about that...
They are now consistantly calling me mommy! It is very sweet to hear and read. This is a huge step that they have taken. Lera also has requested a tutor for her English!!!!! Soooo HUGE!!!! Maybe by the time we get there, she will be willing to speak to us? That would be so awesome! I can't wait to have a real conversation with this child and see what is really in her heart! Her eyes are the windows to her soul, but out of her mouth her heart will flow. Can't wait!
A fellow NHFC family has been very heavy on my heart this weekend. They are in the process of adopting the two little gypsy girls we had initiated a referral for, but we withdrew after discussing them with some previous host families. I knew they were beyond what I could manage, but my heart was so enamoured by them and I felt very led to continue praying for them. I was so excited when I met the family that was hosting them this summer and again to find they were adopting them. Now, while on their 1st trip to Latvia, the adoption has fallen through because of deception and confusion. My heart breaks for the family and for the girls as they give up their chance of breaking free from this orphan spirit and coming into the spirit of adoption.. This is the fear I think every family and every child faces while in this process....will they back out? Will they forget us? Will they leave us too? Not only are these emotions experienced by the child, but these are thoughts that are always in the back of my mind. I'm thankful that Rita and Lera have pledged their committment to 'agree to endure' each other. But I know it only takes one misconception, one person whispering lies in their ears, one deceiving spirit, and it can all fall apart. I never thought in my wildest dreams that Emily would have said 'no'! But, she did. We almost punted this whole adoption thing, but I didn't want Emily to give up, and realized I couldn't give up either... And that led us to Rita, who led us to Lera! And now we have an ever growing family tree with branches in Georgia, Virginia, New York, and Latvia...with every family who has loved these girls! But, I won't feel secure until trip 2 is complete, knowing those concerns can turn into reality. My heart hurts for you, Tabby!
I wonder what the week of Feb 5th will hold for us? Will we get word that the Fletchers' Dossier has been received in the Children's Ministry? Will we get our referral this week? Those are the next two steps... All of the families who got their referrals in January have now received their travel dates for late Feb- mid March. Come on....we are ready for the gate to open so we can RUN! We're tired of chomping at the bit!
We had a surprise when we got home today from my parents. I took the dogs out for a walk and found 5 adorable puppies in our pasture. No idea where they came from. Asked a few neighbors, but no one is claiming them. Anyone want a really adorable dog? Looks like they have been well cared for and they are very clean. One in particular loves to snuggle at your neck...ok, might have to keep that one! Rita and Lera want a dog they can train. Of course, we have Max, but he's about 7 and set in his ways. Then there is Bella, but she is more 'my' dog I've been informed. So, I've got 4 pups to give away...unless I can find the owner. Can't afford 5 more dogs!
We have skyped all weekend with Rita and Lera. Their Foster Mom also facebooked me to let me know that the girls have 'agreed to endure each other' for adoption. They really are close, but I think the little green monster raises it ugly head as they are vying for their position in our family. Rita said she would like to go to Vet Camp but Lera doesn't...so I mentioned that we would drop Rita off at 9 and pick her up at 5 and Lera and I would go find something to do. Rita quickly said she wanted to go hang out with us! It took a little pursuading to get her to agree to Vet Camp again. I really see this as a great opportunity for Rita to have a role model who is achieving what she wants to do...be a Vet. The Vet students are the camp counselors and the professors teach the sessions. It will give her an opportunity to see if this is something she would really like to do, and if so, hopefully give her motivation to improve her school work. Rita is extremely bright, but I think right now, she is lacking motivation, or vision, or confidence. ???
We have had some wonderful conversations this weekend. Rita is sick again and now running fever in addition to the stuffy nose. I had sent a bottle of Robitussin back to Latvia with her after their FM asked if I could send some medicine that actually works. They used to be able to buy 'Toclase' and she said it worked great; then, they took it off the shelf and all they have now are sugary syrups that don't work for cough or cold symptoms. She said she doubted the Robitussin would help, but she also has the same cold that Rita has, and after using Robitussin, she said she needed to apologize and asked if I could bring more when we come! I told Rita she needed to take some medicine, but she said it wouldn't work on her. I told her it would stop the runny nose that is draining down her throat, into her lungs and stomach, and making her sicker. She laughed and said I should be a doctor! Lera got the Robitussin and Rita took it! Hopefully she will get a good nights sleep. I guess she will miss another day of school tomorrow. Her attendance has been really bad since returning to Latvia. I don't know what to do about that...
They are now consistantly calling me mommy! It is very sweet to hear and read. This is a huge step that they have taken. Lera also has requested a tutor for her English!!!!! Soooo HUGE!!!! Maybe by the time we get there, she will be willing to speak to us? That would be so awesome! I can't wait to have a real conversation with this child and see what is really in her heart! Her eyes are the windows to her soul, but out of her mouth her heart will flow. Can't wait!
A fellow NHFC family has been very heavy on my heart this weekend. They are in the process of adopting the two little gypsy girls we had initiated a referral for, but we withdrew after discussing them with some previous host families. I knew they were beyond what I could manage, but my heart was so enamoured by them and I felt very led to continue praying for them. I was so excited when I met the family that was hosting them this summer and again to find they were adopting them. Now, while on their 1st trip to Latvia, the adoption has fallen through because of deception and confusion. My heart breaks for the family and for the girls as they give up their chance of breaking free from this orphan spirit and coming into the spirit of adoption.. This is the fear I think every family and every child faces while in this process....will they back out? Will they forget us? Will they leave us too? Not only are these emotions experienced by the child, but these are thoughts that are always in the back of my mind. I'm thankful that Rita and Lera have pledged their committment to 'agree to endure' each other. But I know it only takes one misconception, one person whispering lies in their ears, one deceiving spirit, and it can all fall apart. I never thought in my wildest dreams that Emily would have said 'no'! But, she did. We almost punted this whole adoption thing, but I didn't want Emily to give up, and realized I couldn't give up either... And that led us to Rita, who led us to Lera! And now we have an ever growing family tree with branches in Georgia, Virginia, New York, and Latvia...with every family who has loved these girls! But, I won't feel secure until trip 2 is complete, knowing those concerns can turn into reality. My heart hurts for you, Tabby!
I wonder what the week of Feb 5th will hold for us? Will we get word that the Fletchers' Dossier has been received in the Children's Ministry? Will we get our referral this week? Those are the next two steps... All of the families who got their referrals in January have now received their travel dates for late Feb- mid March. Come on....we are ready for the gate to open so we can RUN! We're tired of chomping at the bit!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Updates abound...but it's all good!
How does that song go..."you put your left foot in, you take your left foot out; you put your left foot in, and you shake it all about; you do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That's what it's all about!" Well, one thing...I'm learning to take 'news from Latvia' with a little less fretting and a lot more action! So, last week, Kelly realized our Homestudy expires Feb 21! So what does that mean? A quick call to New Beginnings in Tupelo answered that question: updated medicals, updated fingerprints, updated background check, updated police checks, updated child abuse registry, updated vet records, updated W-2's, letters of employment, DL, SS, Doctor letter...and $740 fee. Hmmmmm. Ok, so I hit the ground running Thursday and Friday. I filled out all of the forms that I could to give permission for all of these agencies to investigate us again, got our son to sign his when he got home from college this weekend, and mailed those off Monday. Called and made appointments with our doctors to get a TB test, HIV and RPR bloodwork. Called the vet and got vaccination records. Emailed copies of our SS & DL's to NB. Completed Michaels medical on Wednesday. Mark and I go get our bloodwork and TB updated Friday morning, then drive to Raymond, pick up Michael when he gets out of class, and then to an FBI center in Flowood to get fingerprinted at 3:00. Supposedly we should have results done first of next week. We will have a visit from Olevia, our awesome social worker, at some point in this process (Gee, add cleaning the house in there somewhere!!!!!). But, it's all good. Almost done...just waiting...yep, just waiting...again.
I've been skyping with the girls quite a bit. They are really in a funky mood. They are fighting constantly now and Rita says she cries all the time. She's sick with this sinus stuff again and can't breathe. She does not want to go to school anymore. Her grades have plummetted and she thinks that's ok because she won't need any of those courses when she gets here! I've tried to tell her she will...she's not hearing me. I asked if she felt that she was in an 'in between place' in her life right now... one foot in Latvia, one foot in America? She said maybe. I know this has got to be hard on these kids. I know how hard it is for me to concentrate on work right now. I'm ready to be there, but can't be yet. You feel like a race horse at the gate, just waiting for the bar to lift so you can run as fast as you can...very frustrating because the bar seems stuck closed; but you have to stay on high alert, or when it does finally open, you will get left in everyone else's dust! But, it's all good... I know, or at least I hope, I'm learning something in this phase!
I have listened to Rita's song so many times. It's haunting. Beautiful. Raw. Telling. Sometimes I listen and it's just sad. Other times, I feel tears whelling up inside, not because of saddnes, but out of love. Rita told me today she was so upset because of all of the people who are dying in Eastern Europe and Russia due to this massive cold. The high in Liepaja today was like 2 degrees F, and it's been like this for almost a week. Other areas of Russia and Ukraine are seeing temperatures dip into the -10's. I wonder where God will use this child...She says she wants to be a vet (and I'm getting her and Lera enrolled in Vet Camp this summer at MSU!), but I so can see her doing so much more...well, I know God will direct her path in this. My job is to encourage her to be everything she can possibly be and listen to HIS voice. 'For I know the plans I have for you, saith the LORD'!
So, are you wondering why I'm not mentioninig Lera much? Remember, Rita and Lera are fighting...I haven't been able to really 'talk' to Lera 'through Rita' for a little while. I have emailed her and I tried to skype with her this morning, but that didn't work. I'm trying to let her know I love her very much and I haven't forgotten her. She really is a sweet girl. I see so much potential for her here. I just pray God will help her understand the power her words have to inflict pain. Blessings or cursings...I pray one day she can speak blessings freely. I'm praying for wisdom here! I need to do a scripture search on 'tongue'- wow! Lot's in Psalm and Proverbs, of course! Hmmm...wonder if Mark can do a few lessons on 'the power of the tongue'! Oh, Honey!....
Well, the girls should be waking up now to get ready for school. Time for me to call it a night! It's all good...
I've been skyping with the girls quite a bit. They are really in a funky mood. They are fighting constantly now and Rita says she cries all the time. She's sick with this sinus stuff again and can't breathe. She does not want to go to school anymore. Her grades have plummetted and she thinks that's ok because she won't need any of those courses when she gets here! I've tried to tell her she will...she's not hearing me. I asked if she felt that she was in an 'in between place' in her life right now... one foot in Latvia, one foot in America? She said maybe. I know this has got to be hard on these kids. I know how hard it is for me to concentrate on work right now. I'm ready to be there, but can't be yet. You feel like a race horse at the gate, just waiting for the bar to lift so you can run as fast as you can...very frustrating because the bar seems stuck closed; but you have to stay on high alert, or when it does finally open, you will get left in everyone else's dust! But, it's all good... I know, or at least I hope, I'm learning something in this phase!
I have listened to Rita's song so many times. It's haunting. Beautiful. Raw. Telling. Sometimes I listen and it's just sad. Other times, I feel tears whelling up inside, not because of saddnes, but out of love. Rita told me today she was so upset because of all of the people who are dying in Eastern Europe and Russia due to this massive cold. The high in Liepaja today was like 2 degrees F, and it's been like this for almost a week. Other areas of Russia and Ukraine are seeing temperatures dip into the -10's. I wonder where God will use this child...She says she wants to be a vet (and I'm getting her and Lera enrolled in Vet Camp this summer at MSU!), but I so can see her doing so much more...well, I know God will direct her path in this. My job is to encourage her to be everything she can possibly be and listen to HIS voice. 'For I know the plans I have for you, saith the LORD'!
So, are you wondering why I'm not mentioninig Lera much? Remember, Rita and Lera are fighting...I haven't been able to really 'talk' to Lera 'through Rita' for a little while. I have emailed her and I tried to skype with her this morning, but that didn't work. I'm trying to let her know I love her very much and I haven't forgotten her. She really is a sweet girl. I see so much potential for her here. I just pray God will help her understand the power her words have to inflict pain. Blessings or cursings...I pray one day she can speak blessings freely. I'm praying for wisdom here! I need to do a scripture search on 'tongue'- wow! Lot's in Psalm and Proverbs, of course! Hmmm...wonder if Mark can do a few lessons on 'the power of the tongue'! Oh, Honey!....
Well, the girls should be waking up now to get ready for school. Time for me to call it a night! It's all good...
Sunday, January 29, 2012
There is Power, Power, Wonderworking Power!
It started January 22 with a skype message from Rita... the Psychologist that the court said they were waiting on told Rita she was not scheduled to talk to the girls...or was it that Liepaja was waiting on Daina to get our documents through translation...which didnt' make sense because our dossiers were stamped Oct 24th as being received in the Orphan Court! So, frantically, Jan 23rd, I emailed Kelly to see what in the world was going on and why no one seemed to know where our dossiers actually were. Then, before I could go to sleep that night, I had to bring this before the Lord. For he knows where every hidden thing is located; He knows the number of hairs on our head...surely He knew the location of our dossiers. So I posted a request for my birthday... we needed prayer. Prayer that our dossier would be brought to light; prayer that a sense of urgency would be in the heart of those in charge of our process; prayer that any hindering or delaying spirit would cease to operate against our plans and purpose. And response after response come back..."praying". The fear that was in my heart ceased. Peaceful sleep came.
January 24th was my 47th birthday... I was waiting for my annual Asbestos course to start when I got a skype message from Rita and Lera. They had done those little computer drawings utilizing all of the special characters. They drew rabbits, birthday cakes, chicks, hearts, and three little words that broke my heart...Happy Birthday Momy! That was the first time they had used that name. Broken ice. Mending hearts. Trust building. Love! Then, that evening, my son sent me a special birthday present. During Christmas, he recorded Rita singing and playing a song she wrote. They had spent several sessions laying down tracks for her song. This is a very special song because she wrote it following the death of her Mom this summer while she was hosting with us. This song is definitely from her heart and is beautifully performed. She gave me permission to share it with my friends and even to post it to Facebook. It has touched my heart to hear her feelings, to hear how she is processing this time in her life, her hope for the future. I can't wait to hear many more of her songs.
I closed out my birthday but my gifts had not all been received. I went to work Jan 25th and was trying to focus on getting things completed for the month. I had to take a trip to one of our remote plants and when I returned to my office, I checked my email...There was an email from Kelly saying Daina expected that Ksenija and Valerija would be separated next week. The court was waiting on the Fletchers' dossier to be translated, received and verified by the Childrens' Ministry to ensure they were planning to adopt Ksenija before they would release Valerija to be adopted by us!!!! And yes, we are expecting that to be complete this coming week! So we seriously could get our referral soon. What I was so amazed at was that the prayer was answered so quickly. The dossier, the urgency to get back with us, the update on our status; all answers to a request prayed to the Father, through the Son, in unity by His children, for His children. Thank you, Jesus!
So now we wait again, but this time with peace, knowing we are on course, and there will soon be an expected end to this journey to become a whole, complete family. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present!
Here is a link to Rita's song... http://dl.dropbox.com/u/58840932/Rita_song4.mp3
January 24th was my 47th birthday... I was waiting for my annual Asbestos course to start when I got a skype message from Rita and Lera. They had done those little computer drawings utilizing all of the special characters. They drew rabbits, birthday cakes, chicks, hearts, and three little words that broke my heart...Happy Birthday Momy! That was the first time they had used that name. Broken ice. Mending hearts. Trust building. Love! Then, that evening, my son sent me a special birthday present. During Christmas, he recorded Rita singing and playing a song she wrote. They had spent several sessions laying down tracks for her song. This is a very special song because she wrote it following the death of her Mom this summer while she was hosting with us. This song is definitely from her heart and is beautifully performed. She gave me permission to share it with my friends and even to post it to Facebook. It has touched my heart to hear her feelings, to hear how she is processing this time in her life, her hope for the future. I can't wait to hear many more of her songs.
I closed out my birthday but my gifts had not all been received. I went to work Jan 25th and was trying to focus on getting things completed for the month. I had to take a trip to one of our remote plants and when I returned to my office, I checked my email...There was an email from Kelly saying Daina expected that Ksenija and Valerija would be separated next week. The court was waiting on the Fletchers' dossier to be translated, received and verified by the Childrens' Ministry to ensure they were planning to adopt Ksenija before they would release Valerija to be adopted by us!!!! And yes, we are expecting that to be complete this coming week! So we seriously could get our referral soon. What I was so amazed at was that the prayer was answered so quickly. The dossier, the urgency to get back with us, the update on our status; all answers to a request prayed to the Father, through the Son, in unity by His children, for His children. Thank you, Jesus!
So now we wait again, but this time with peace, knowing we are on course, and there will soon be an expected end to this journey to become a whole, complete family. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present!
Here is a link to Rita's song... http://dl.dropbox.com/u/58840932/Rita_song4.mp3
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Rain makers
Overwhelmed...why do I feel overwhelmed today? Nothing has really changed except the delay has been confirmed with no idea of when a decision will be made. We get to skype with the girls tomorrow to see how they are doing. They have been angry with each other to the point Rita is doubting her request for becoming Lera's sister. This is not good when they all have to be interviewed for the court before separation can be achieved between Lera and Ksenija. Not good! I'll see how things are going there in the morning!!!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Twenty seven days...
Where did the time go? Didn't we pick them up yesterday? I think this is the quickest hosting we've ever done. Dec 11 to Jan 7. Twenty seven days of getting to know them, of bonding, of hugging, of encouraging, of laughing, of listening, of loving.
Right now, it all seems a blur. There were countless late nights with my little night owls. Sleeping until noon, shopping for presents, decorating the house. Getting to know their personalities, both individually and as sisters. Rita's responsibility and patience. Lera's stubborness and sense of humor. Together, they compliment each other and yet drive each other crazy! Their fighting, which we imagined as yelling and hitting, turns out to be a few hurtful words, pouting, then silence. I have never raised girls, never had a sister, never spent much time around other girls...this is a new experience for me! But, just like with Michael, God gives me the ability to speak and somewhat diffuse the situation, change attitudes, or maybe they just do it on their own. I know the He is working in their hearts, and in mine. Before long, we are laughing together again...
Christmas was a flurry of activity. Our Christmas traditions consist of Christmas Day with my family, followed by a few days with Marks family gathering in Vicksburg. In the past few years, we've added quite a few family members to our gathering. Cindy has reunited with the family, bringing Desiree, Donovan, Gus and Jesse; and this year, we were able to meet Tysa. Hailey has joined us this year, adding the sweetness of a baby girl to our midst. And we also connected with Cheryls daughter Kathy! Seems like this family has been able to overcome obstacles that have kept us separated in the past. We also celebrated Judy's 70th birthday! In her battle to live, she has persevered to see this day! What a special day to have almost all of her children and grandchildren by her side! Why this year? What has broken in the spirit rhelm that has allowed us to come together? What does 2012 hold in store for our family? Is this the year of RESTORATION of all that was lost? Hope deferred becoming sight?...for us all!
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, I saw the girls connecting with several family members, and very important to me, saw my Dad trying to connect to his new granddaughters! It will take time for them to feel comfortable, to trust; but we have time!
One thing I'm glad we were able to accomplish was getting Rita to record one of her songs with Michael. We started the process last summer, but ran out of time. And, Michael hasn't finished mixing it down, so I still haven't heard it in its final form, but it's recorded. She shared that this was a song written about her mom. I have a feeling I will listen to it over and over again to try to understand the relationship they had, yet didn't have; maybe get an insight into what she dreams of; what a Mom should be to her.
Departure day came way too quick. We made the 7 hour jouney to Atlanta to put our girls on a plane to New York. In 48 hours, we probably only slept 6 hours, besides the cat naps in the car. Departure day was supposed to start at 5 am so we could enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel then a stop by Starbucks for a milkshake...however, my alarm did not go off on my phone and we just about missed our departure from Atlanta...well, at least getting to security on time. So, we jumped into high gear and got the girls up and dressed in a record 15 minutes. A 15 minute drive to the airport got us there with about 20 minutes left to check in and visit a little before they had to leave for security. Not what I wanted, but maybe for the best. They did not want to go, and maybe a prolonged goodby, or better yet, so long, would have made it harder. This time, we each got a wonderful hug from Rita. And our little Lera! As they rode down the escalator, a piece of my heart went with them. But knowing they will soon come back to us does help ease this absence a little. There is a lot to do and hopefully, not a lot of time to do it in!!! Till we see you in Latvia! God's speed my girls.
Christmas was a flurry of activity. Our Christmas traditions consist of Christmas Day with my family, followed by a few days with Marks family gathering in Vicksburg. In the past few years, we've added quite a few family members to our gathering. Cindy has reunited with the family, bringing Desiree, Donovan, Gus and Jesse; and this year, we were able to meet Tysa. Hailey has joined us this year, adding the sweetness of a baby girl to our midst. And we also connected with Cheryls daughter Kathy! Seems like this family has been able to overcome obstacles that have kept us separated in the past. We also celebrated Judy's 70th birthday! In her battle to live, she has persevered to see this day! What a special day to have almost all of her children and grandchildren by her side! Why this year? What has broken in the spirit rhelm that has allowed us to come together? What does 2012 hold in store for our family? Is this the year of RESTORATION of all that was lost? Hope deferred becoming sight?...for us all!
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, I saw the girls connecting with several family members, and very important to me, saw my Dad trying to connect to his new granddaughters! It will take time for them to feel comfortable, to trust; but we have time!
One thing I'm glad we were able to accomplish was getting Rita to record one of her songs with Michael. We started the process last summer, but ran out of time. And, Michael hasn't finished mixing it down, so I still haven't heard it in its final form, but it's recorded. She shared that this was a song written about her mom. I have a feeling I will listen to it over and over again to try to understand the relationship they had, yet didn't have; maybe get an insight into what she dreams of; what a Mom should be to her.
Departure day came way too quick. We made the 7 hour jouney to Atlanta to put our girls on a plane to New York. In 48 hours, we probably only slept 6 hours, besides the cat naps in the car. Departure day was supposed to start at 5 am so we could enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel then a stop by Starbucks for a milkshake...however, my alarm did not go off on my phone and we just about missed our departure from Atlanta...well, at least getting to security on time. So, we jumped into high gear and got the girls up and dressed in a record 15 minutes. A 15 minute drive to the airport got us there with about 20 minutes left to check in and visit a little before they had to leave for security. Not what I wanted, but maybe for the best. They did not want to go, and maybe a prolonged goodby, or better yet, so long, would have made it harder. This time, we each got a wonderful hug from Rita. And our little Lera! As they rode down the escalator, a piece of my heart went with them. But knowing they will soon come back to us does help ease this absence a little. There is a lot to do and hopefully, not a lot of time to do it in!!! Till we see you in Latvia! God's speed my girls.
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