Our ride home and progress with Mr. Caleb

Pictures: Caleb with puppets and camera; Orphanage Director's office; two views of Caleb's orphanage building; backyard playground area is a bit under the weather

It seems we have our return flights mostly figured out. Thursday when Dima called the airlines to get my return ticket changed he was told that unless I flew out by February 23 (one month past flying out of Boise) that my ticket would expire. And Dima said there was only 1 % chance that the process would be complete by then. So then Kevin and I started checking out one-way tickets home for the following week and I was horrified to discover they cost MORE than we'd paid for the original round trip ticket. Tickets originating here have a significantly higher percentage of taxes added on. To say I was not a happy camper would be an understatement. Kevin called the Lufthansa Airlines office here in Kiev and the gal there basically reiterated what Dima had found out but said her system was down so Kevin should come in on Friday. I believe it was Dima who suggested we get in contact with our travel agent so I sent them an email requesting assistance in our dilemna. By Friday morning I had about decided that if nothing had changed I would just join Kevin when he goes home on Tuesday Feb 12 and USE my ticket rather than lose it, kiss my kids and get back on the plane 2 days later to come back. We did not yet have any kind of reply from the ticket agent . But Friday afternoon when Kevin called Lufthansa back and gave the booking reservation number for me, their computer showed that the ticket had been changed to Feb 26, though they pointed out that was breaking the rules since it was a 30-day ticket, etc, etc. Kevin assured them HE was not the one who had changed it, that the agent had changed it and if they wanted to break their own rules they could. The airlines wanted confirmation from the agent so we just forwarded the message we eventually got from the agent to the airline's email address. I would appreciate everyone's prayers that everything continues to work out with the return tickets for Caleb and me and that we would have divine favor with all the offices that have a part in our final round of paperwork and that God would grant us godspeed.

Our visit Friday with Caleb started out with the usual tears and refusal to have anything to do with us--wouldn't even eat candy we had seen him gulp down a couple days before with a huge sticky smile on his face. The orphanage workers brought in one of his friends--the other Sasha that we have already met that the French couple is adopting. The room was instantly a much cheerier, busier, and louder place. This other little guy is a blond, blue-eyed, two-year old full of smiles, energy and mischief and Caleb was his willing cohort in all escapades. They got scolded a couple times by workers for rolling their cars on the window and rattling the lids of the pots. I was impressed that even the scoldings were in a low voice and certainly not mean. One thing we are definitely going to have to work on is the meaning of 'no' because when Caleb grabs my glasses and I firmly say 'no' he thinks it's funny and does it over and over. He did seem to like to look at my face with my glasses off. With his friend in the room, Caleb was absolutely willing to eat candy and cookies. Kevin was even on the floor playing with cars and Caleb was not freaked out. Caleb got all sad-faced again when his friend left the room without him but did finally look up when Kevin called his name over and over and did help us pick up the toys. Also when Kevin led him down the hall toward lunch he kept holding Kevin's hand and didn't push him away. Hey, that's progress.

A message to our children

We love you guys so much and miss you LOTS. I love it when you write to us and let us know what it going on.

Billy, hey buddy, what's going on with you? I haven't heard from you in awhile. I don't know what you are up to. I love you.

Scheri, thanks for all your comments. We decided to answer no to both questions: we'd rather you just stay with G movies while we're gone. Also let's not cut the game shirt. It sounds like you're going to be skiing next week. I hope that goes well and that you have a great time without bonking your head. I love you.

Teresa, I'm sorry about Mrs. C embarassing you. I don't like that. Remember that you are a child of the King. Good job being ahead at the first part of the basketball game. You can always be proud of doing your best. I hope you have fun skiing, too. I love you.

James, how are you doing my son? I heard you were writing a letter to the army recruiter or something. That sounds interesting. I love you.

Please pray that things go quickly here and Caleb and I can get home as soon as possible.

Mommy

A little company helps

Picture: Globe inside the glass-domed underground mall


Today we had another visit with Caleb. It started out the same as the last few--big, sad, teary eyes; not wanting to eat any of the snacks we brought, not wanting to play with the toys we brought. One of the workers noticed our plight and brought in an electronic toy that--thanks to the extra batteries that Kevin happened to have with him--does the ABC's (in Russian), says the name of the pictured animal or item in Russian, maybe even spells words (you guessed it, in Russian) and plays music. It was great (I need to get one for myself!) Though Caleb refused to touch it he wanted us to keep pushing the buttons, especially the one for cat. He seemed to really like the meowing sound.

We who have packed Christmas boxes for Samaritan's Purse might be interested to note that the box which contained Legos was wrapped in Christmas paper and had a Samaritan's Purse sticker on it!

Anyway the whole scene changed when his little buddy came in (the one that the French couple is adopting) He had a cookie that he was determined to give to Caleb. It was adorable to watch his tenacity--and Caleb's equal determination NOT to take it. Anyway the room got much happier and much louder with both of them together. I think much of the problem is that Caleb just misses being with his friends. It's quite hysterical to have one couple speaking French, another couple speaking English, one little guy chatting away in what I presume to be Russian and another just da-da-ing. While I was out of the room momentarily I guess Caleb tried to thump the other little boy over the head with the alphabet toy so Kevin had to impose boundaries with his arm to keep the peace. Kevin said Caleb did all he could to move his arm out of the way but Daddy remained steadfast. By the time I rejoined the party Kevin had his arm around Caleb and Caleb was happily plunking away on a musical keyboard da-da-ing at certain intervals and kept looking to Kevin for reinforcement. I thought that was great. And seeing Caleb's positive reaction to other children lets me know how lucky he will be to have Billy, Scheri, Teresa and James in his forever family. He is such a copy-cat and will learn so much just by watching them.

After our 2 hour visit, we asked our driver (via translator) to drop us off by the Maiden statue at Independence Square and there met up with Nancy and Juan Gonzalez. We had a great time with them--eating, sight-seeing (ie, walking and walking), souvenir-shopping, and eating again in a great underground mall that they'd discovered. (They apologized for not having internet capability but did let us know their SDA appointment is tomorrow afternoon.) And then home again, home again, jiggedy-jig.

Oops! Unanswered questions

Sorry, I realize by a few comments that have been left that I have left some situations hanging.

Good job, Scheri, on your basketball game. That must have been an exciting one if Buhl only won by one point. How did Teresa's game go? Billy and James, I have to mention you as well. Love you so much. Daddy will be home in less than a week.

Yes, Kevin was able to find a tie--2 actually. He was exploring and came upon a second-hand store nearby. In the market across the street ties were running between 40 and 150 grievnas (or however you spell it) The exchange rate is basically 5:1 so that is the equivalent of $8 to $30. I guess those prices are reasonable but I'm a bargain hunter so was happy that he found some for something like $1.20 and $1.60. We also bought some clothes for Caleb there, too.

No, we did not get our 10 day wait waived nor did we get permission to proceed with the other paperwork during the 10 day wait. Dima said that the Donetsk region is the only one that permits these.

Thank you Roberta and Brandi for your offer of help when Kevin returns home. I know he will much appreciate it.

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

Pictures: Proof that I actually used an iron; Kevin and I outside the courthouse where we became the legal parents of a certain little guy; Joy and Caleb; Kevin and Caleb who has no idea how much his life has just changed.

Just wanted to make an announcement that we are the proud parents of a bouncing baby (well, toddler) boy as of 9:55 or so this morning.

Billy, Scheri, Teresa, James: that little guy that we have looked at and prayed for so long is officially and legally your brother now. Isn't that great! James, I can hear you shouting 'I'm not the baby anymore!'

YEAH!

I was nervous about court but Dima prepared us on the way by asking the questions that would be asked and giving us tips about keeping our answers short and sweet. Court was held in Irpin. I don't think we were in an actual courtroom--maybe more like the judges chambers. Besides us and our translator, there was the judge (a nice lady), a representative from the orphanage (I think Dima said she was the orphanage lawyer), the inspector, the prosecutor (mostly to make sure all correct procedures were followed--not to oppose the adoption), a secretary, and a parakeet that kept making happy racket while the preliminary paperwork was being completed so the judge carried the bird and cage out before getting started on proceedings. The representative from the SDA did not come but sent paperwork giving their OK. Apparently jurors can also be there but none were present. Dima kept us informed of what was going on by translating quietly while each person was speaking. Most of the Judges's questions were directed to Kevin and then I had to state that I fully supported all he said. I was specifically asked if I felt mother-love toward this little boy, whether I wanted another child instead, whether I was going to change my mind (if medical problems arose, I think) Dima said we weren't allowed to take pictures in the courtroom but he did take a picture of both of us in front of the building. There was some more paperwork for Dima back out in the office where he needed our passports. Otherwise not one little scrap of paper was needed (not even pictures of my kiddos) out of the 50-pound notebook that I brought with copies of every legal paper I could imagine ever possibly needing. Well, we still have embassy stuff to do--maybe they'll want something :)

Then we headed over to Vorzel to see young Mr. McClain who was not in the mood to play with anything or anyone--not even for the caregiver or for Dima. He had the saddest look on his little face and tears kept sneaking out of his eyes. Finally I just held out my arms and he reached for me and I held him. It felt so sweet to have his little head on my shoulder. I think I got in a little bit of trouble because he actually fell asleep for a few minutes and he's not supposed to sleep until after he eats lunch. But I would have to say it was definitely worth it.

Joy

Taking it easy

Pictures: fresh veggies and fruit from the market across the street; yogurt and sour cream; milk; ketchup (it actually says that in Cyrillic)

Thanks again for the comments. They are wonderful. Scheri, I love you, too--and Billy and Teresa and James. Sorry, Daddy was going to email about cleaning the fish tank but I forgot to remind him. I really hope your weekend went well with Bob and Cookie. How did the basketball games turn out on Saturday? I know Grandma and Papa were planning to be there--wasn't this the week to be in Hansen? And how were church and CLUBS? I miss you guys, too. Daddy should be home on Tuesday, February 12 so that is just over a week. I have no clue when I'll get home--I'm hoping by the end of the month which seems like half of forever. You guys should see the adorable clothes my friend Meredith brought: so cute and so little. They remind me of some of the clothes we looked at, Teresa. I can't wait until I can give you all big hugs. We think of you all and pray for you often. And thanks again to Mom and Dad, Brandi, Mrs. Ratto, the Carols, Megan, Julie, Steve, Linda and everyone else for all you are doing to help us. We could not be here doing what God has called us to do if it were not for you.

Yesterday was pretty quiet. I finished the book End of the Spear by Steve Saint (Nate Saint's son for those of you familiar with Through Gates of Splendor which I remember as a young child) I was bawling. Man, I brought 3 big fat books that were supposed to keep me busy for multitudinous weeks--just one more to go: A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot. It seems a little tougher to read so should take me a little longer. Our new pastor has challenged our congregation to read the Bible through this year--so yes, Pastor Bruce, I am current on that. I'm just saying this because it is pretty weird for this pastor's kid (my dad is Pastor Wes) who is used to going to church ALWAYS and teaches Sunday School and Kids Clubs not to be in church--not even once--not even on Sunday. Thankfully we can have a relationship with Jesus outside of church.

Our emptying fridge drove us back to the market and I'm happy to say it was much less stressful for me than last week. Kevin said he was having fun. This time we even saw the tail of something at the meat market. I missed out on the tongues on display. It's kind of funny because a lot of the meat vendors are sitting down until a prospective customer chances by. Then they are up singing the praises of the chunks of meat on the counter in front of them--I guess telling you how fresh and red and juicy it is. Kevin was trying to figure out whether one certain chunk was pork or beef but the vendor didn't of course know what he was saying. We'll either have to learn the words or resort to mooing and oinking I guess. We did get to do taste tests of some pork fat, some honey and some sausage--all quite yummy. Kevin selected some meat and asked that it be sliced. The vendor dude called over the cleaver dude who seemed to barely touch the meat with that cleaver and it melted into slices. I was praying for his fingers!

We found spaghetti sauce and some very thick, zesty ketchup. (I didn't know I would miss ketchup) The cheese we have tried is absolutely fantastic. This time we also bought yogurt and what we think is sour cream. We bought a scoop of trail mix--with all kinds of dried fruits, nuts, and yummy yogurt balls. (I like it all except the big orange things and the big yellow things) We also bought 6 eggs. I was pretty worried about adding eggs to our already burgeoning bags (yes, I was keeping a separate one for raw meat) but the lady cut out the appropriate size egg carton and put the eggs in it then put another piece the same size over the top and wrapped it all with plastic wrap several times. Our last stop was for a big jug of water, a Coke Light and a Snickers bar for Kevin. Thankfully we live just across the street so didn't have to carry our bundles too far.

Before hitting the grocery store we had been going through the maze of walkways between all the storage unit shops outside. Kevin forgot to bring a tie and needs one for court tomorrow. We had found many to choose from. Well after we got our bags full of groceries I wasn't too keen on wandering back through to try to find the place they'd been the least expensive. I totally forgot that these shops are closed on Mondays for some reason.

Speaking of things we don't understand we were looking out over the city last night and saw fireworks going off--what we could see (beyond the tall apartment buildings) was very pretty.
Have I mentioned that most of the skyline here is multi-story apartment buildings. Even along the main streets, the ground level has stores, restaurants, drug stores, whatever, but rising high above most of them are apartments. Of course, there are also beautiful churches and government buildings and motels. Around the smaller towns, I did see some buildings that looked like single-family dwellings and some that looked like duplexes or four-plexes. I get the idea from our interpreter that land is very expensive here.

Now for all you football fans, the Super Bowl could not be found on any TV channel we had so Kevin found a place on the Internet where he could read a play by play account, see the position of the ball, read the stats, etc--the game began at 1 am our time and ended at 5 am so needless to say that messed up our sleep schedule again. I'm really glad he found it though and he was pleased with the outcome.

Please pray for us at court tomorrow that all will go well and that this process will go as smoothly and quickly as possible.

GOD IS SO AMAZING

Pictures: Monument about Famine-Genocide of 1932; Details from St. Michaels; statues near St. Michaels, Monument at Independence Square

We just got back to our apartment from an evening on the town--seriously between walking and two different metro lines I think we surely must have covered most of Kiev. What a fantastic afternoon and evening. Meredith and Mike met us here at our apartment (brought us some LOVELY boys' clothes for Caleb. HUGE THANK YOU) and the 4 of us headed across the city to meet Charissa and John and lovely little Ava at their apartment. It boggles my mind how God could bring us all half way across the world and have us here at the same time to adopt some of his special little ones, to talk to wonderful people whose hearts share a common dream, and to pray together. And for good measure we even got to talk to Kelly on the phone while we were all together. So I have to repeat myself through teary eyes: GOD is so amazing!

So sorry about not blogging last night. I started but fell asleep mid-story. Our visit with Caleb yesterday was kind of rough again. His very sweet caregiver brought him to us all bundled up in heavy sweater, snow suit, coat, hat, scarf and boots to go outside. He seemed excited about going outside and let us each take one of his hands but once outside he was very quiet, didn't look at us, just kept watching his feet and walking. We made a couple laps around the building and play area and he seemed uncomfortable so we took him inside. The caregiver stripped off a few layers--down to shirt, knee-length cover-alls, tights and shoes--and showed us back into the charting room and motioned for us to sit at the table. One of the workers was charting on the opposite side of the table, and across the room a lady had beautiful blouses spread out for sale with various workers coming in and out to check out her wares. After the sales lady left a French couple, their translator and the little guy they're adopting (another Sasha) came into the room. Their translator started making a bunch of phone calls from another chair at the table and then the doctor came in and seemed to be getting on her case for tying up the phone. Suffice it to say that Caleb seemed quite overwhelmed with it all--at least I'm guessing that's why he didn't want to hardly play with anything that was offered to him, jabbered very little and just seemed sad. He mostly stood back in the corner and held on to my leg and slapped at the cupboard knob beside him. And to make matters worse he had a red,yucky nose and kept picking at it and did not appreciate our attempts to help him clean it out with a kleenex. He did giggle a little bit when he stuck his finger in my mouth and I was pretending to bite it. He finally came to life at the end when he got a cookie and then joined his little friend drawing (we actually think Caleb ate the tip off of his colored pencil because his face was orange.) It was cute to see Caleb copying the other boy, to see them touching each other happily and enjoying each other's company. We talked to our translator about the difficulty of visiting in this room with so much going on. He said he has talked to the orphanage personnel about it in the past but they let him know this is the main visiting room so I'd appreciate your prayers that God would help us all in this less-than-ideal situation. I'm not trying to sound whiny but maybe this will help someone else if they experience the same thing.

We had the driver drop us off along the street near the SDA where all the vendors are. We'd decided to ride the cable car up the hill and then shop going downhill. Well, when we got to the top we stopped at the beautiful church first. (It's a famous landmark but I don't know its name at this point) I am so glad we did. It was beautiful artistically, architecturally, and spiritually. The inside was covered with pictures of what looked to be biblical characters and various saints clear up to the angels in the domes high overhead. People were lighting candles and mouthing prayers in various places throughout the building. Even though I am not of that particular brand of Christianity, I am a follower and lover of Jesus and was moved to tears standing in front of the cross thanking Jesus for giving his life for me. Kevin and I also prayed together. It was an awe-inspiring experience.

Shopping was fun but we had to give it up when the day's money and warmth ran out. I was exhausted when we got home--fell asleep while blogging as already mentioned and then fell asleep again during the yummy supper that Kevin fixed.

TO MY CHILDREN: I love you so much. I hope you've had a good day and that basketball went OK. Please give Bob and Cookie our love. Daddy will let you know about cleaning the fish tank.

Roberta and Brandi, thanks so much for your continued willingness to help us out. I know that even after Kevin comes home, we will still need someone to stay with the kids until he gets home from work each night. He will of course be with them during the nights and thinks he can get them off to school each (or most) mornings. If there are any days where this will work out for you please let us know.

To all who have been bringing meals for our kids: thank you so much. I know this is a huge blessing to our children and our babysitter. I'm wondering if there may be some people who'd still be able to bring some meals even after he gets home. He's a great cook but sometimes doesn't get home until 8 or even 9 pm. I don't want anyone to feel pressured but if there are some who would LIKE to do this, can you please let us know.

To everyone: thanks for your prayers. Please pray that the remainder of this process will go as quickly and smoothly as possible so we can both be home with all of our kids. We have heard that sometimes a judge will actually allow paperwork like birth certificate, passport, etc to be started DURING the 10 day wait after court and know of someone who had this done. I don't know how often this is allowed but it sure won't hurt to ask both our Father and our translator.