And we wait...

It's been a while since I've updated... nothing new really happening (at least from our viewpoint).  Rita and Lera have been sick for the past few weeks with some kind of flu or virus.  In fact, I think the whole family has been sick over the course of the past month. 

We were able to connect through skype this past Sunday which was great.  We had a camera so they could see us, but they don't have one yet, so we couldn't see them.  But the voice connection was very clear. 

We purchased the 2nd bed for the girls room and I have it set up.  We will go shopping once they get here so they can have some input on decorating their room.  I'm working on getting all of the unsold garage sale items out of my house.  I will donate some, consign some, still trying to sell some, and the bowflex is going to a friend.  I've finished the girls welcome posters for the airport and made a couple of ornaments for them for our Christmas tree.  My goal this weekend is to clear the back porch so we can set it up for a 'den' for the girls and to have extra space for family to gather at Christmas. 

So, at this point, we are just waiting for a referral and a travel date.  Our dossier was delivered to our lawyer on 10/7, was taken to translation, then was received at the Children's Ministry office on 10/24.  Another court hearing was held on 11/11/11, but I've not heard anything official. 

Fundraising has slowed.  Not making progress on getting a location for the Israel presentation.  We were approved for LifeSong and the Both Hands project.  We hope to do that in the first part of 2012, but I need to get a travel date before we set a date for working on a widow's house. 

Separation Anxiety

I got a letter today from our facillitator that the Orphan Court is requiring a letter from both families (us and the Fletchers) stating how we will keep the two sisters close.  There is no issue on our end, or the Fletchers, but we just need to let the court know that we understand the importance of this relationship between the two girls.  So pray that we can convey that to them and that they finalize the separation.  Otherwise, there will be 3 girls who may not get adopted! 

I don't think I updated previously that we are hosting our 2 for Christmas!  They will arrive Dec 11 and return Jan 8.  We were hoping to be traveling during this time, but because the court wants to make sure the separation is best for the girls, that has put a delay in our travel.  So, we will have a very busy, fun, exciting Christmas with Michael and our 2 girls.  Then, all of Marks family will be here Dec 27th until Jan1.  Plus we will get to meet Tysa (17) for the first time, and they will all get to see Hailey (5 months)!  I think the girls will outnumber the guys for the first time!!!!

Received our notification

Yesterday we received our notice of receipt from the Latvian Childrens Ministry saying they have our dossiers.  I don't think they are doing anything with them yet, but at least they have them.  The girls have another court hearing on 11/11/11 to finalize their separation (supposed to be just a formality). 
We were told there was no way we would travel before Christmas and not sure how long it will take before the girls are 'available', so we decided to host for Christmas.  So, it will be a wild and crazy Christmas this year!!!!

Thanks to all...

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our yard sale and for those who came and bought.  We sold about 1/2 of what was donated... Wendy- the wagon and Tonka truck were some of the first things to go!  I will probably be heading to Philadelphia to set up for a yard sale on Saturday at Mark's brothers house.  They are in a great location to have a sale (besides having fun with my in-laws!). 

We talked with the girls today and they are doing well.  Last week was a holiday week from school.  Rita got to spend a little time with her Dad before he left again.  She says Lera is still very excited to come to America.  They are looking forward to 'hosting' us and introducing us to their foods and culture. 

No additional news on the dossiers.  Still waiting to hear from the Children's Minsistry for a travel date. 

Dossier update

Because of some other issues concerning hosting, we have been trying to find out when we may possibly travel...will it be December, January or later? In this questioning, we found out our dossiers have been translated and are now at the Ministry!!! This is at least a week sooner than I expected. Making progress...
Today I ordered an extra long twin bed for Rita at Dykes Furniture. She is a little too tall to be comfortable in the regular twin we bought last year, but Lera, oops, Vanessa, should fit quite nice! Enjoyed talking to the ladies at Dykes. I love spreading the word about adoption and hosting, always hoping it will spark an interest and result in another child finding a forever family.

Let the Raffles begin!

Sandra Thomas, Vicksburg's 2010 winner of the Best Licensed Massage Therapist, has graciously donated a 1 and 1/2 hour massage for us to raffle off.  She said it can be used in 3 30-minute massages, or 1 1-hour and 1 30-minute massage... your choice!  Raffle tickets are $5 and can be purchased at Sandra's business on North Frontage Road or by using the Donate Button on our blog.  Please put your name and "massage" in the Purpose box so I can create a ticket for you.  We will hold our drawing on the Sunday before Thanksgiving so you will be ready for a much needed stress reliever after Black Friday shopping!!!  Or, this would make a GREAT Christmas gift for that someone special!!!
We are also raffling off a gift certificate for a pair of in-stock boots, up to $150, from Bovina Feed and Seed!  This raffle ticket is $15 and can be purchased at Bovina Feed and Seed or also by using our Donate button.  Please put your name and "boots" in the Purpose block so I can register you for the correct raffle.  Again, this would make a GREAT Christmas gift!  They have a great selection to choose from!  
For each entry, I need you to send me an email with your name and phone number, raffle and donation so I can contact you when you win!!  Email:  charlotte.freeman9141@yahoo.com. 

Loving it!

It's amazing how God works in our hearts to bring healing.  Without us ever realizing it, little by little, He chips away at hurt and mis-trust and replaces it with caring and acceptance.  All during our hosting, Rita never once said she loved us, never called us mom and dad (or even host-mom/dad), and rarely ever gave us a hug.  In emails and phone conversations, there has not been an acknowledgement our our "love ya's".  But last week, all of that changed.  I received an email from her and she signed it 'Love, Rita'!  Then, a phone conversation ended with 'I love you too'!  Such sweet words, reassuring us that the connection we feel to her has not gone unnoticed, but given time, will grow into a relationship that will last forever! 
Tomorrow is Lera's birthday!  I still haven't heard if they have received the package I sent them.  One thing they have been having fun with is deciding on new names!  Rita quickly picked hers:  Rita Jessica.  I looked it up and Rita means 'Pearl' and Jessica means 'He sees'.  I immediately thought about the story in Matthew 13 of the merchant who found a pearl of great price and sold everything he had so he could purchase it!  When I emailed her that meaning of her name, and told her that God sees her value and her beauty and has shown it to us, she emailed back with 'Wow!  That's cool!!!'.  Lera wants to completely change her name and has chosen Vanessa which means butterfly.  It fits her!!! Now to find a middle name for her!  Any suggestions that I can send her?????