Finally, Some News!

But, not any news about when we are going back to Russia. No, it is time to update documents again. Yes, again! See, our medical reports from our doctor are only good for three months. Therefore, they expire this month. This should be the last time we have to update them. We may also have to update our Home Study. Our agency's local branch did our original home study, but they closed the Ohio Branch. Their license expires on August 9th, so we will probably have to have our new home study agency redo our Home Study. So, that means we get to spend more money. Does it ever end?

Our new coordinator, Leslie is going to try and find out some more information regarding when we will go back to Russia. She seemed positive that we should be home before the end of August. I'm hoping by the end of July. But, it is out of my hands.

Hopefully, next time I say I have news, it will be the real deal. In the meantime, pray that things go smoothly with updating our documents. It shouldn't be too time consuming. The only bad thing is that Evan's job has always been flexible enough that he can run errands for us. But because of his broken toe, he can't do any driving until next Tuesday. I'm hoping that with a few phone calls we can get it coordinated so he can pick up the new documents at the beginning of next week.

Until further news . . .

Kristin

They Say It's Your Birthday . . .

I have had a pretty good birthday today. My boss surprised me with a dozen pink roses and a birthday cake. Sometimes it pays to be the only female in the office. I'm a little spoiled.

We're supposed to hear from our adoption coordinator any day now. We're trying to see if we can get some kind of idea when we will get our court date. I am beyond frustrated right now. Since our adoption has flown by so far, I thought we would be in Russia by now. I will update if I hear anything.

On another note, Evan is laid up at home right now. A cement block fell on his foot last Thursday at work. The result is a broken big toe on his driving foot. He is not supposed to work or drive for two weeks! So, I have to drive him anywhere he needs to go. I told him it was a good opportunity to get ahead on his school work! :)

Anyway, pray for good news this week! We are ready to bring Nicholas home!

Kristin

Still Waiting

I am having an incredibly hard time with the wait this last week. It is kind of like meeting your newborn baby. You finally have seen your child face-to-face after months of anticipation. You were just getting to know each other. And, you were definitely in love. But, when it comes time to leave, the hospital staff takes your baby and says they will give it back to you later. The problem is that they cannot tell you when. As time passes by, it hurts us to know we're missing Nicholas growing and changing. When we left him he could stand on his own. But, is he walking now? Has his front teeth come in? Did he say his first word?

My birthday is a week from today. The greatest gift I could receive is to hear that it is time for us to go back to Russia. It was 2 months ago today that we got on a plane to meet him. I'm ready for the long flights and time changes. I'm ready for Russian breakfasts and Russian traffic. Most of all, I am ready to be Nicholas' mommy.

Please keep us in your prayers. I don't always handle this emotional roller coaster well. I know that I just need to keep pressing on and have faith that we will go at just the right time.

Kristin

FINALLY!

Yesterday's mail contained the long awaited fingerprint card! And to top that off, it was stamped correctly! So, Evan and I acted quickly. I had to staple a piece of paper to each card with some official language saying that they were my true fingerprints. My boss notarized them this morning. Then, Evan came and took the documents to get certified and apostilled. They are on their way to St. Louis as we speak. Hopefully, they will be on their way to Russia this Friday.

So, that means that all of our documents are in. There are a couple of details holding up our court date right now that I cannot get into on here. Our agency is trying to see if they will cause too much of a delay. However, I was told today that we may only get two weeks notice for our trip!!! That's crazy. That means we have to continue to get everything ready and act like it could happen any day. I was also sent some e-mail attachments today regarding what we will need for our 2nd trip and what to expect in court. We're getting closer!

Evan met two people at the Secretary of State's office who were also getting their documents apostilled for international adoption. I love meeting families that are going through or have went through the process. Our church is starting an adoption ministry as well. It will be a great support for those that are adopting, but also a resource for those that are considering it. I can't tell you how many people have told me that they wish they could adopt. A lot of times it is the financial aspect that stops them. Thankfully, this ministry is also looking to help people in that way.

Unfortunately, the financial help portion of the ministry will not be established until after our adoption is finalized. I will say that if you are interested in adopting and are worried about the money, please do not give up hope. If God has laid it on your heart then He can provide for the expenses. Many churches have adoption ministries and there are grants available. Also, do not forget the generosity of others.

There have been some very special people in our lives that have helped us make this adoption possible. We are very thankful for their generosity. Nicholas, Evan, and I are very blessed to have these people in our lives. Thank you again!

In closing, if anyone is interested in adoption, please let me know. My knowledge is not limited to just Russia. I can also direct you to agencies, grant programs, and message boards. I was just a blog reader back in November 2006 when my heart became open to adoption. This experience, even with its ups and downs, has been so worth it. I would love it if someone else got to share it.

Kristin

Anniversary Weekend

Tomorrow is our sixth wedding anniversary. Time has really flown! We have had a lot of blessings, especially this year. But, we're keeping it low key this year since we could be going to Russia soon (fingers crossed).

In regards to the adoption, this week has been pretty rough. We left Russia around six weeks ago and we still have no word on our court date. I just feel so helpless. I can speculate on when we may go back, but I really don't know for sure. We only got to spend four days with our son, but it still feels like a piece of us is missing. Evan misses Nicholas a lot, but his emotions are not as visible as mine. I'm just riding the emotional roller coaster again.

We have started packing for our trip. We are doing it slowly, but also trying to make sure that we have everything that we need. We are not sure how much notice we will get so we are trying to be prepared. We will have other details to worry about when we get the call. The biggest issue will be how long we will be in Russia. We could be gone up to a month!

I am finding that God really knows how to deal with someone who hates feeling out of control. I constantly have to work on being patient. Everything has worked out so far, so why can't I trust that the second trip will work out too?

We do have a couple of prayer requests though. First, we are waiting to hear if we will receive a grant from Shaohannah's Hope. Our final fee will be due when we get the call and it is our largest amount owed. Please pray that God will continue to provide. Second, our region has not historically waived the 10-days, but we are praying that we will have a compassionate judge who will waive ours. A month away from home seems way too long. Finally, continue to pray for Nicholas. Pray that God would prepare him to come home to us.

I am hoping we will receive some news next week. Until then, we'll do our best to wait patiently.

Kristin