We heard from Tina (she is in Tomsk right now) who talked to Luba about our case. Apparently, everything is ready on the Russian side. Nicholas will have his citizenship as soon as the paperwork from Uzbekistan arrives. Yes, it really is the same old news. So, we wait. More time has passed than anyone has expected. Sergey and Luba are doing everything they can to get us back there.
On a good note, my e-mail friend, Tandy and her husband are going back to get their son this weekend. They are the ones that also had court troubles in Tomsk. That means after next week, we should be the only ones left from our agency in Tomsk. I guess you can look at it positively. They only have one adoption to focus on – OURS! So, maybe with 100% of their efforts on us, they can find some solutions to his citizenship problem.
It is amazing how getting a little bit of news can lift your mood. It wasn’t a lot of news and it wasn’t “THE NEWS”, but it was something. Tina has told me on more than one e-mail that she keeps seeing Nicholas and he really looks happy. I am forever grateful for Dr. Nina and how she runs that baby home. It really is a nice place.
We just continue to ask that you would pray that Nicholas’ citizenship problem would be resolved. Pray that there would be no more roadblocks. It has been almost five months since they have contacted Uzbekistan, so we’re hoping that a resolution is around the corner. So, praying is what we’ll be doing because that’s all we can do.
Kristin
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Second Blog (And You Thought I Couldn't Do It)!
After having this blog for over a year and a half, you have probably come to know me a little bit better. It’s funny though because I really have come to know myself better too. I started out this process excited, but also scared of the unknown. I had to take a lot of steps of faith. I’ve stressed myself out so much in the past that it has made me physically ill and almost a prisoner to some of my fears. In the last year and a half I have had to walk through the fear with a lot of faith and prayer.
See, I have always been fearful of the unknown. Right now there are more unknowns in my life than ever before, yet somehow I am learning to handle it better now. At least once or twice a week I feel that overwhelming sense of fear. And, I know the only way to combat it is to get down on my knees. I may have tears in my eyes and my words may be hard to comprehend due to my trembling lips, but I know that God hears me.
We have had to endure holidays and birthdays without Nicholas. We have had to trust that he is okay without having any information. We are trusting now with the loss of my job and how this will have an effect on our court case. As I start to worry, I have to remember that none of this is a surprise to God. I don’t know why He has allowed any of this to happen, but I know that I have seen some good come out of it.
In regards to our home study addendum, we’ve been in touch with our home study agency. Everything is going to be fine with regards to documenting our financial situation. They even said that if Tomsk needs some kind of letter regarding my unemployment they may be able to write one with our social worker verifying my unemployment benefits. I feel a great sense of relief now.
I also want to commend Evan right now. I do a lot of the paperwork and I know all the details when it comes to this adoption. But, Evan is a really great helper, especially when he sees that I am getting stressed. He knew that all of this addendum-paperwork-unemployment problems were really bothering me, so he took it upon himself to get me some answers. He may not like the tedious aspects of the process, but when things need to get done, I know that he does whatever I ask. I am so lucky to have a great partner to go through this process with me.
Also, we finally “met” the third couple from our agency that are adopting from Tomsk. Luckily, they were able to have a successful court session. They are there now waiting out their 10 days. Tina has been nice enough to offer to take pictures of Nicholas for us. All we had to do was provide her with some basic information, so Dr. Nina, the orphanage director, knew that we were acquainted. We have been trying to get pictures for a couple of weeks now, so this is an answer to prayer. I can’t wait for the moment I open my inbox and see them there. Tina has also personally seen Nicholas and says he looks healthy and happy. She also said that Sergei has been bringing the kids from our agency fresh fruit on occasion for a snack. While I prefer to be with Nicholas right now, I do love getting updates from others about him.
Well, I did it. I wrote two blogs in one week again. Next week I hope to be telling you about our pictures of Nicholas and maybe even an update on our case.
Kristin
See, I have always been fearful of the unknown. Right now there are more unknowns in my life than ever before, yet somehow I am learning to handle it better now. At least once or twice a week I feel that overwhelming sense of fear. And, I know the only way to combat it is to get down on my knees. I may have tears in my eyes and my words may be hard to comprehend due to my trembling lips, but I know that God hears me.
We have had to endure holidays and birthdays without Nicholas. We have had to trust that he is okay without having any information. We are trusting now with the loss of my job and how this will have an effect on our court case. As I start to worry, I have to remember that none of this is a surprise to God. I don’t know why He has allowed any of this to happen, but I know that I have seen some good come out of it.
In regards to our home study addendum, we’ve been in touch with our home study agency. Everything is going to be fine with regards to documenting our financial situation. They even said that if Tomsk needs some kind of letter regarding my unemployment they may be able to write one with our social worker verifying my unemployment benefits. I feel a great sense of relief now.
I also want to commend Evan right now. I do a lot of the paperwork and I know all the details when it comes to this adoption. But, Evan is a really great helper, especially when he sees that I am getting stressed. He knew that all of this addendum-paperwork-unemployment problems were really bothering me, so he took it upon himself to get me some answers. He may not like the tedious aspects of the process, but when things need to get done, I know that he does whatever I ask. I am so lucky to have a great partner to go through this process with me.
Also, we finally “met” the third couple from our agency that are adopting from Tomsk. Luckily, they were able to have a successful court session. They are there now waiting out their 10 days. Tina has been nice enough to offer to take pictures of Nicholas for us. All we had to do was provide her with some basic information, so Dr. Nina, the orphanage director, knew that we were acquainted. We have been trying to get pictures for a couple of weeks now, so this is an answer to prayer. I can’t wait for the moment I open my inbox and see them there. Tina has also personally seen Nicholas and says he looks healthy and happy. She also said that Sergei has been bringing the kids from our agency fresh fruit on occasion for a snack. While I prefer to be with Nicholas right now, I do love getting updates from others about him.
Well, I did it. I wrote two blogs in one week again. Next week I hope to be telling you about our pictures of Nicholas and maybe even an update on our case.
Kristin
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Joy of the Lord is my Strength
Boy, it is going to be hard to meet my twice-a-week quota when my first blog of the week is Thursday. I just didn’t have much to write. As you know, we have been trying for a couple of weeks now to get some more information regarding our case and some paperwork we are trying to update. So far we have NOTHING!!! It is so frustrating. We have a call in right now. We are hoping to have even the smallest morsel of information by the end of today.
Yesterday’s Bible Study was fittingly on joy. Joy is not happiness. Joy is actually a decision. If we only focus on our struggles, our faith will waiver and so will our joy. I notice that I can sit and worry about my unemployment, the court case, the future and have myself in a tizzy in no time. In fact, I’ve done it a couple times this week already. These are the things that steal my joy.
With things the way they are it is very easy to say, “Why me?” But, I am consciously choosing not to have a pity party. I can’t change the circumstances. All I can do is cling to Christ because I can’t do it on my strength alone. I find that when I get down on my knees and ask God for his strength, it is only then that I can persevere. It is only then that my hope is renewed and I have peace.
I don’t claim to have all the answers. If you talk to me in person you may even hear the frustration in my voice. This situation is very difficult. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way, but it has. I can do nothing. But, I have hope. I know the One that has control over my life.
This whole journey has been a learning process for me. I’ve come along way, but I have so much further to go. Every day is a struggle. Every day is a decision to have joy in my trials or to wallow in them. Some days are easier than others. But, I choose to be excited about the future rather than dwelling on the hard times now. Hopefully, they will be sooner than later.
Okay, one blog down and one to go . . .
Kristin
Yesterday’s Bible Study was fittingly on joy. Joy is not happiness. Joy is actually a decision. If we only focus on our struggles, our faith will waiver and so will our joy. I notice that I can sit and worry about my unemployment, the court case, the future and have myself in a tizzy in no time. In fact, I’ve done it a couple times this week already. These are the things that steal my joy.
With things the way they are it is very easy to say, “Why me?” But, I am consciously choosing not to have a pity party. I can’t change the circumstances. All I can do is cling to Christ because I can’t do it on my strength alone. I find that when I get down on my knees and ask God for his strength, it is only then that I can persevere. It is only then that my hope is renewed and I have peace.
I don’t claim to have all the answers. If you talk to me in person you may even hear the frustration in my voice. This situation is very difficult. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way, but it has. I can do nothing. But, I have hope. I know the One that has control over my life.
This whole journey has been a learning process for me. I’ve come along way, but I have so much further to go. Every day is a struggle. Every day is a decision to have joy in my trials or to wallow in them. Some days are easier than others. But, I choose to be excited about the future rather than dwelling on the hard times now. Hopefully, they will be sooner than later.
Okay, one blog down and one to go . . .
Kristin
Friday, March 13, 2009
When In Doubt . . .
. . . Keep asking or figure it out yourself. After being told that we probably don’t need our home study addendum sent to Cleveland’s USCIS (immigration) office, I have found out that we probably do. See, our original home study said that we were requesting a child 18 months or younger. We have since changed that with a home study addendum last summer. However, we were told that we didn’t have to send it to the USCIS. Now, we also have a financial change, which we need an addendum. I found out on the USCIS’s website that if we do not send an addendum to the local USCIS office noting these significant changes, we could have delays when in Moscow trying to get Nicholas’ visa to come home. I don’t know about you, but I think we’ve had enough delays for now. For the last 6 months I have questioned our agency about sending the addendum to the USCIS. Now, I’m glad I did and I’m glad I researched for myself. I’m waiting to hear from them about how we proceed.
They are still working on getting us answers to our questions from two weeks ago. While we do not find this wait for information acceptable, we are sadly, use to it! This wait would be so much easier to endure if we just had better communication. I know I’ve said that time and time again, but it really would help. I’m still having a lot of okay days, but there have been some really hard ones too. I really can’t wait until this is all over.
On another note, I am going to do a little networking/brainstorming with my blog readers. I really desire to stay home full-time with Nicholas. However, we may need for me to work part-time for a little bit. I would like to work from home, if at all possible. I know there are some legit work-from-home websites out there, which I will check out. But, any local companies that offer this type of work would be great. My second preference would be to work just a couple of days outside the home. It would be best for me if it was in a 15-20 minute radius from my house. For those that live around here, Brunswick, Medina, Strongsville, Middleburg Heights would be ideal. So, if anyone knows of anything or has any ideas, let me know. One thing I really like to do is research, so I could even do that for a company on a contract basis.
I have a lot of skills, but I don’t have the most ideal situation right now. I could up and leave with only a two week notice. Then I could be gone anywhere from 2 1/2-4 weeks in Russia. Finally, when I get back, I would like some time with Nicholas full-time, which would be a one month minimum. Boy, I really sound like a catch. If someone will have me, I’d be open to starting right away. In fact, it looks better for our situation if I have a job, rather than if I do not. But, I understand if my situation is too complicated. I was thinking that even a letter of intent from a company may suffice.
On another note, I had to take Isabella to the vet today. She was due for a check-up, but I also think she was feeling sick too. We have had five incidents in the last three days where she threw up after eating. She is also sneezing a lot and sounds congested when she purrs. It’s funny though because she knew she was going. Until it was time for us to leave, she hid under a blanket, only occasionally peeking out to see if the coast was clear.
The vet appointment went okay. It would have been better if she didn’t urinate in her carrying case on the way over. The fun part really began when we got home though. I instantly brought Isabella upstairs and right into the bathtub. The girls had just been bathed last weekend, so both of them knew what was going on when the water was turned on. After bathing Isabella I came downstairs to give some attention to Gabby. I knew she was curious as to where Isabella had gone. Gabby had practically followed me to the garage when I left.
I was taken aback when Gabby began to growl and hiss at me. I started to think she was mad at me for taking Isabella away and then giving her a bath. I figured a couple of treats and her favorite mice toys would do the trick. Nope. She was mad. Then I realized that her anger or distrust was displaced. She was really upset with Isabella. I instantly went on the Internet after the hissing and growling started again - this time at Isabella. It turns out that Gabby doesn’t recognize Isabella’s scent. She must not smell the same way as she did before she left and therefore, Gabby sees her as an intruder.
I can tell that Isabella doesn’t understand why Gabby is so upset. She keeps trying to sniff Gabby, but Gabby wants nothing to do with her. So, I’m keeping an eye on the two of them today until Gabby starts to “recognize” Isabella once again. Did I mention that Isabella has to go back to the vet for the day on Tuesday? She needs her teeth cleaned. I guess we’ll be doing all this again next week.
Well, that is a wrap-up of my “exciting” life. I also want you to take note that I wrote two blogs this week. I didn’t think I could do it, but when you have a story like your cats peeing and hissing, you have to share it with the world. Ha ha. We will see if I can meet the challenge again next week.
Kristin
They are still working on getting us answers to our questions from two weeks ago. While we do not find this wait for information acceptable, we are sadly, use to it! This wait would be so much easier to endure if we just had better communication. I know I’ve said that time and time again, but it really would help. I’m still having a lot of okay days, but there have been some really hard ones too. I really can’t wait until this is all over.
On another note, I am going to do a little networking/brainstorming with my blog readers. I really desire to stay home full-time with Nicholas. However, we may need for me to work part-time for a little bit. I would like to work from home, if at all possible. I know there are some legit work-from-home websites out there, which I will check out. But, any local companies that offer this type of work would be great. My second preference would be to work just a couple of days outside the home. It would be best for me if it was in a 15-20 minute radius from my house. For those that live around here, Brunswick, Medina, Strongsville, Middleburg Heights would be ideal. So, if anyone knows of anything or has any ideas, let me know. One thing I really like to do is research, so I could even do that for a company on a contract basis.
I have a lot of skills, but I don’t have the most ideal situation right now. I could up and leave with only a two week notice. Then I could be gone anywhere from 2 1/2-4 weeks in Russia. Finally, when I get back, I would like some time with Nicholas full-time, which would be a one month minimum. Boy, I really sound like a catch. If someone will have me, I’d be open to starting right away. In fact, it looks better for our situation if I have a job, rather than if I do not. But, I understand if my situation is too complicated. I was thinking that even a letter of intent from a company may suffice.
On another note, I had to take Isabella to the vet today. She was due for a check-up, but I also think she was feeling sick too. We have had five incidents in the last three days where she threw up after eating. She is also sneezing a lot and sounds congested when she purrs. It’s funny though because she knew she was going. Until it was time for us to leave, she hid under a blanket, only occasionally peeking out to see if the coast was clear.
The vet appointment went okay. It would have been better if she didn’t urinate in her carrying case on the way over. The fun part really began when we got home though. I instantly brought Isabella upstairs and right into the bathtub. The girls had just been bathed last weekend, so both of them knew what was going on when the water was turned on. After bathing Isabella I came downstairs to give some attention to Gabby. I knew she was curious as to where Isabella had gone. Gabby had practically followed me to the garage when I left.
I was taken aback when Gabby began to growl and hiss at me. I started to think she was mad at me for taking Isabella away and then giving her a bath. I figured a couple of treats and her favorite mice toys would do the trick. Nope. She was mad. Then I realized that her anger or distrust was displaced. She was really upset with Isabella. I instantly went on the Internet after the hissing and growling started again - this time at Isabella. It turns out that Gabby doesn’t recognize Isabella’s scent. She must not smell the same way as she did before she left and therefore, Gabby sees her as an intruder.
I can tell that Isabella doesn’t understand why Gabby is so upset. She keeps trying to sniff Gabby, but Gabby wants nothing to do with her. So, I’m keeping an eye on the two of them today until Gabby starts to “recognize” Isabella once again. Did I mention that Isabella has to go back to the vet for the day on Tuesday? She needs her teeth cleaned. I guess we’ll be doing all this again next week.
Well, that is a wrap-up of my “exciting” life. I also want you to take note that I wrote two blogs this week. I didn’t think I could do it, but when you have a story like your cats peeing and hissing, you have to share it with the world. Ha ha. We will see if I can meet the challenge again next week.
Kristin
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Twice A Week?
I have been informed by two people (that shall remain nameless) that I need to blog at least twice a week. That is easier said than done because I feel like there is very little news and my creativity levels feel very low right now. But, I will try. Please forgive me if I fail though.
Nicholas turning 2 while still in Russia is very hard, but I have been trying to find the silver lining. First, Evan and I were debating whether or not we would get a lap seat for Nicholas or pay for his own seat on the plane. Now, we have no choice because we have to get him his own seat. We will have the entire three seats in the row, which will give us more room to stretch out on a long flight. Second, we are closer to having a potty-trained child. He may already be potty-trained, but we probably won’t find that out until we get there. Look at all the savings on diapers! Third, we know that he is speaking. He will probably soak up English like a sponge, so it will be easier to communicate with him.
Yes, we’re sad that we are missing out on the many milestones of his first two years. Thankfully, we know that he has many more milestones to come. As we celebrate his second birthday I have one person I really want to commend – his birthmother. While in Russia, one of the interpreters told us about her doctor husband and how he HAD to perform abortions. He didn’t want to, but didn’t have a choice. Also, abortions are very inexpensive in Russia. Nicholas’ birthmother had a choice and could have very easily terminated the pregnancy. Instead, she chose life. And, we will always be thankful to her for making that choice. As we celebrate Nicholas’ birthday, we will also pray for the woman who made the most loving sacrifice.
Finally, in regards to adoption paperwork, we hope to hear some kind of update this week. They really expect this paperwork from Uzbekistan at any time. We pray that it will finally arrive or at least, they can find out about the hold-up.
Please shower us with a couple extra prayers this week. We really do miss our baby.
Kristin
Nicholas turning 2 while still in Russia is very hard, but I have been trying to find the silver lining. First, Evan and I were debating whether or not we would get a lap seat for Nicholas or pay for his own seat on the plane. Now, we have no choice because we have to get him his own seat. We will have the entire three seats in the row, which will give us more room to stretch out on a long flight. Second, we are closer to having a potty-trained child. He may already be potty-trained, but we probably won’t find that out until we get there. Look at all the savings on diapers! Third, we know that he is speaking. He will probably soak up English like a sponge, so it will be easier to communicate with him.
Yes, we’re sad that we are missing out on the many milestones of his first two years. Thankfully, we know that he has many more milestones to come. As we celebrate his second birthday I have one person I really want to commend – his birthmother. While in Russia, one of the interpreters told us about her doctor husband and how he HAD to perform abortions. He didn’t want to, but didn’t have a choice. Also, abortions are very inexpensive in Russia. Nicholas’ birthmother had a choice and could have very easily terminated the pregnancy. Instead, she chose life. And, we will always be thankful to her for making that choice. As we celebrate Nicholas’ birthday, we will also pray for the woman who made the most loving sacrifice.
Finally, in regards to adoption paperwork, we hope to hear some kind of update this week. They really expect this paperwork from Uzbekistan at any time. We pray that it will finally arrive or at least, they can find out about the hold-up.
Please shower us with a couple extra prayers this week. We really do miss our baby.
Kristin
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
4 Months, 1 Week, & 6 days . . .
Has it really been that long since we left Tomsk? I wonder how much longer it will be? I am estimating sometime in April, but one can never truly guess what Russia will do. This next week or two is going to be incredibly hard for us. Our little boy is turning 2 and he has to spend another birthday at the baby home without parents. It breaks my heart. I’m sure that Evan and I will do something special to celebrate, but that only does so much to numb the pain that we are experiencing. If things went as they were supposed to back in October, we’d be planning a birthday party.
However, Monday I was given some hope by Leslie. We’re asking Luba for more information regarding what lies ahead. But, I didn’t come away feeling defeated. Rather, I felt more hopeful. It is amazing how much a little hope can bring such great joy. I look forward to hearing what Luba has to say.
In the meantime, my mom and I have a new hobby right now. We recently started working on the genealogy of our family. It is fun to see how far we can go back. I’m also finding it interesting how many times our ancestors changed their last names (this includes my maiden name). My mom and I are having such a great time on this project.
Yesterday I entered in Nicholas’ information in the computer. Once he is adopted, he becomes one of us (in my eyes he already has). He becomes a part of our family tree. I know that I have touched on this in the past, but this adoption is a physical demonstration of what it is like to be adopted by God into His family. Just like Nicholas will be grafted into our family tree, through acceptance in Christ, we become grafted into God’s family.
I do have some information about Nicholas’ birthmother, which I will save for him. I want Nicholas to know where he came from. But, his “branch” will now be a part of our tree. His offspring become future generations of our family.
Evan and I have had a lot of time to talk about what kind of parents we want to be and what we want for our son. Everyone has dreams for their children. I know Evan secretly (or not-so-secretly) would love for his son to play football at Ohio State. I think it would be nice to have a child with artistic talent or a great singing voice (something not too prevalent in our family right now).
We can dream, but my greatest desire for my child is not what he can do, but his character. I would rather raise a man of integrity than an artist. I would rather have a son that loves the Lord than is a star athlete. More important than our physical family tree, is our spiritual heritage. I’d rather have three generations of bad singers that live for Christ than have voices that can keep a tune.
I know we won’t be perfect parents with perfect kids. I just know that God has entrusted us with this child. I have been praying that God will mold us into the people and parents he wants us to be. And, I continually pray that God will prepare Nicholas to come home with us and be a part of our family. Right now we patiently wait until Nicholas is officially grafted into our lives.
Kristin
However, Monday I was given some hope by Leslie. We’re asking Luba for more information regarding what lies ahead. But, I didn’t come away feeling defeated. Rather, I felt more hopeful. It is amazing how much a little hope can bring such great joy. I look forward to hearing what Luba has to say.
In the meantime, my mom and I have a new hobby right now. We recently started working on the genealogy of our family. It is fun to see how far we can go back. I’m also finding it interesting how many times our ancestors changed their last names (this includes my maiden name). My mom and I are having such a great time on this project.
Yesterday I entered in Nicholas’ information in the computer. Once he is adopted, he becomes one of us (in my eyes he already has). He becomes a part of our family tree. I know that I have touched on this in the past, but this adoption is a physical demonstration of what it is like to be adopted by God into His family. Just like Nicholas will be grafted into our family tree, through acceptance in Christ, we become grafted into God’s family.
I do have some information about Nicholas’ birthmother, which I will save for him. I want Nicholas to know where he came from. But, his “branch” will now be a part of our tree. His offspring become future generations of our family.
Evan and I have had a lot of time to talk about what kind of parents we want to be and what we want for our son. Everyone has dreams for their children. I know Evan secretly (or not-so-secretly) would love for his son to play football at Ohio State. I think it would be nice to have a child with artistic talent or a great singing voice (something not too prevalent in our family right now).
We can dream, but my greatest desire for my child is not what he can do, but his character. I would rather raise a man of integrity than an artist. I would rather have a son that loves the Lord than is a star athlete. More important than our physical family tree, is our spiritual heritage. I’d rather have three generations of bad singers that live for Christ than have voices that can keep a tune.
I know we won’t be perfect parents with perfect kids. I just know that God has entrusted us with this child. I have been praying that God will mold us into the people and parents he wants us to be. And, I continually pray that God will prepare Nicholas to come home with us and be a part of our family. Right now we patiently wait until Nicholas is officially grafted into our lives.
Kristin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)