We have Contact!

Wednesday morning, I was fumbling around trying to look something up quickly on the computer while still half asleep.  Then all at once I jolted awake faster than a sound asleep newborn baby when being laid in the crib for the 100th time...   There was a MESSAGE from V*ktor!!!!!!  Actually, there were several short sentences - love you, miss you, can I come back at winter break...  A and Brian immediately came over to the computer so they could read the few short words from V*ktor. It was so good to hear he was doing well.  Thursday, I caught him online and we did a quick videochat (B and C enjoyed it, too). The connection was pretty bad, but just the quick snippets in and out were GREAT to see his sweet smile and his friends coming in and out of the picture!  They are finally back at school, but classes haven't started, yet.
Yesterday morning, we were greeted with one of the sweetest videos ever...  Really...  It was so awesome!  "Hey!!!!... Mom.... Pop... It's Viktor... For you!...."



         He also had typed a few things to us.  He let us know that he had been practicing his violin and that he had so far been able to keep everything we gave him (he was worried things would get stolen... as they sometimes do at the orphanage).  Brian got to videochat with him over lunch yesterday :)  I use that term loosely, though.  When you need full handmotions and sound it's quite challenging to communicate when it's cutting in and out so badly!  Mostly, the communication is in the little window where you type and you occasionally hear snippets of the voice and see quick blurbs of video...  It's kind of funny... We send all our typed communication in Ukrainian and he sends all his in English.  You have to check the translators because sometimes it doesn't translate what you want it to say, so you occasionally have to play this back and forth game with the translator to get it right :)  So after I have written something to him, if I go back later and want to see what I wrote... I have to translate it!

Other happenings this week - A has started full soccer practices and is moving up to the BIG field this year. B had her preschool open house where she jumped right in playing with old friends and making new ones. She is really excited about preschool starting on Monday! C had her checkup with the pediatrician - looks good except that darn runny nose! She is starting to move around more and try to pull herself up... Well, maybe Mom is getting more comfortable leaving her on the floor to fend off the loving assaults of her big sister, so she's having more practice!

UPCOMING EVENTS  (some repeat, some new info) I have created some events and a facebook group to keep everyone updated on what we have going on.  Here is a quick rundown :)  If you would like to help with any of these things or have questions, just let me know!

Garage Sale Saturday Sept 8th 7:30am-5pm at Hometown Variety Store in Syracuse - We are having a garage sale.  Many of you have already told me you have things to donate for the sale. THANK YOU!!!  Wednesday and Thursday (Sept 5-6th), I will be at the store from 6-8PM so you can drop off items to sell. If you know that time doesn't work for you, or if you'd rather I come and get it, let me know!  I can meet you another time or just pick it up.

5K Run/Walk Saturday, Sept 29th    8AM at Unadilla Park  -  Registrations will be taken up until the race. However, only registrations turned in prior to Sept 15th are guaranteed a t-shirt in the requested size at the event. $25 before Sept 15th, $30 late registration any time after Sept 15th.  I have posted information on the public facebook event. Also, I can email the registration forms to you if you are not on facebook. Just let me know!  I will have registration forms at the Garage Sale on the 8th, so you can always come check out the sale and signup for the 5K!

 Tshirts - We are still taking orders for those! I will have the first shipment by the Garage Sale day on Sept 8th.

You can make donations here (not tax-deductible):
http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?url=bringviktorhome&fundraiser_id=7124

If you would prefer to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact me and I can give you details. Thank you!

"I Refuse"

EVERY SINGLE DAY I check the "Russian facebook" account V*ktor set up for me hoping, praying that maybe just maybe he has found access to a computer... No such luck :( I only see the handful of messages I keep sending him that show up in my outbox.  I've heard he might be there tomorrow, but most likely it will still be another week or 2 before we could hear from him.  For now, I can only look at pictures and put together the ziploc bag I'm sending with the interview team next week!  (When the New Horizons team goes back to interview kids for winter hosting, they will take a gallon sized bag with them for prior hosted kids. It's a fundraiser for them and a great way for us to send things to him KNOWING he will get them!)  Here's a picture of what I'm sending (plus there will be cards and some more pictures that weren't printed in time to join the 400+ that he took home)!

                                                                          Hat, slinky, poprocks, gum, pixi stix (He sat and ate packets of sugar off the table at a restaurant one time, so I figured he might enjoy pixi stix :), silly putty, cards, balloon with rubber band thingy, glostix, floss, picture collage, and card from Mama. Will add card from Papa and pictures colored from A and B.

As we prayed about adoption and V*ktor's future, we knew that the money was an obstacle. Supporting him as our child isn't an issue, it's just a LOT of money to bring him here. Instead of focusing on that, we truly prayed that we were willing if God provided. So, we proceeded with the homestudy paperwork with faith knowing that it would come.  If it didn't and we did our part, then we knew it was out of our hands.  We immediately started to see donations come in and people wanting to buy t-shirts (they ARE pretty cool tshirts), help with fundraisers, and lots of encouragement. Every donation no matter the size means so much to us. The prayers and encouragement mean the world, too.  All of these things were enough to show us we were on the right track.  Remember the church that we met "by chance"  (if you've read my other blogs you know I believe in GOD, not chance)?  Well, they were so excited to hear about V*ktor coming back that they collected donations at their youth bake sale and plan to do something else this weekend!  Then, last Thursday night, I opened the mail to find a VERY substantial check from someone I met one time. It was completely overwhelming! We are incredibly touched to know that so many people support us and our sweet V*ktor. In the memo line it said "Bring our precious V*ktor home! :) " Seriously, I kind of looked up and laughed like "yeah, God, I get it :)"  With our donations so far, we are 13% to fully funded!   In just TWO WEEKS!

Part of why we started this was to teach our kids that we need to LIVE God's word... Not just read it, not just smile at people and be nice, not just "try to be good"... NONE of us are "good". Nobody. We all fail. We're ALL sinners. We all need Christ and His forgiveness.  Being a Christian is not about being "perfect." It's not about being liked. It's not about sitting in the seat on Sunday morning.  None of those things makes a Christian.  Trusting Jesus and believing in His death and resurrection as the payment for our sin - that's what makes us Christians.  As Christians we are called to show God's love and be like Him.  Well, God's love is unselfish. Sometimes it's just not about us. Sometimes God calls us to do things that are hard!  Sometimes doing the right thing is unpopular. A lot of times in this world you hear to "focus on yourself." Well, that's not what the Bible says...  The other day we were talking about Cub Scout popcorn sales coming up. Out of the blue, A told me how he wants to use all his gift cards he will likely get from that... Ready for this? You probably won't believe it... He wants to use it to buy V*ktor a Nintendo DS for Christmas. Such a sweetie. Makes my heart smile to have such a kind and caring kid.

I can't go very long without this song popping in my head. Josh Wilson, "I Refuse"

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

Oh I just LOVE that song! Action! Love in action. I see it all around me. Friends, family, strangers who want to take action and make a difference! People sometimes tell us we are a blessing. Honestly, we see YOU all as blessings to us!  We serve an awesome God!

Below is information on some activities/fundraisers we have coming up. Spread the word and let me know if you are interested in anything or have questions!

YARD SALE- TAKING DONATIONS - If you have junk (uh, I mean treasures) that you want out of your house and think someone might want, let me know!  We are going to have a garage sale on September 8th (during the town garage sales - venue TBD). All proceeds will go towards adoption!  I can pick up stuff from you, or we can arrange a time for you to bring it over!

Tshirts - All The Tshirt info is in the last post. I have had a LOT of people telling me they want some. So, feeling pretty confident that we won't have a problem selling them, I'm going to go ahead and order.  Also, our wonderful Dollar General store has offered to let us sell them out front one Saturday morning!  Not sure of a date on that, but I think it's pretty cool!

5K - We are tossing around 2 options.  One is a morning 5K on September 29th at 7am.  The other possibility is a GLORUN the next Friday evening - haha which is our anniversary.  Still checking logistics on both options, but all you runners keep that in your head and I'll update this post and my facebook when we decide for sure.

Soup Supper - TBD

You can donate here (non tax-deductible):
http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?url=bringviktorhome&fundraiser_id=7124

If you would prefer to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact me and I can give you details.

Bring V*ktor Home

I don't think I have too much to say right now. Guess we'll see by the time I finish this post!  We are still missing Viktor, and at least one of the kids asks about him every day wondering when he's coming back.  Yesterday, Brylar out of the blue said, "I really liked having 2 brothers. I wish V*ktor was here."  Well, dear! We're workin' on it :)
Saturday, we got fingerprinted at the sherriff's office.  I'm assuming that will be the only time in my life I do that!  I took a mountain of paperwork to the social worker on Monday so she can get started on our home study.  Right now our main thing is getting the home study done.  Once that's complete, we can move forward with applying for grants and completing government paperwork - yaa.

I just have to say - we live in the MOST awesome community! Everywhere I go, people are asking about V*ktor and wanting to know how they can help.  He's going to be one loved kid not only from us but from a whole town!  Everyone can play a part in his life!

So here is the fabulous Tshirt design! 
Youth sizes S, M, L are $15. 
Adult sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL are $17
If you live here, then I can deliver.  If you live in Chattanooga, then my cousin will get them to you. 

If you do not live close to either of us, then add additional $5 shipping for 1 Tshirt, $8 for 2-5, $13 for 6, $16 for 7-10.  If you want more than 10 let me know and I'll see about direct shipping.

Please order by facbook comment, PM, or email me. If you do not have my facebook or email, comment here with your email address and I will email you for your info!  If I will see you before I place first order, then I will get a check from you then. Otherwise, you can mail it to me. After you order, I'll get you my address!   I plan to place order on Monday the 27th, so let me know by then!!!  This is a fun way to support V*ktor plus have a great T-shirt!

Details to follow about a 5K on September 29th :)

Life at an orphanage

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What's Next?

Saying goodbye to V*ktor was awful. Knowing what his future holds back home and not knowing when or if we would see him again... Well, there just aren't words. A and B continue to ask about him and wonder when we will see him again. Yesterday B told my friend, "I want him to come back. We should go get him."  Later A said, "Mom, I really hope V*ktor gets a family!"





When we started this hosting journey it was to have an impact on a child who otherwise had not much hope.  We have spent days (weeks and months really) praying for V*ktor and for his future. We have prayed that he would find a forever family.  Our hearts have been willing all along, but we just wanted God's will for what was best for him as well as A, B, and C. We prayed for another family who had the finances ready to go get him right away!  Through lots more prayer and finding out information on grants and help for adoption, we feel like God's plan is for US to have V*ktor as part of our family!  He fit so well, we love him, the kids love him, and he's a great kid who should have a family for the rest of his life!
We told the kids tonight. A and B are both really excited! C will be thrilled to see him, too.  A gave 2 thumbs up with a big smile. B prayed tonight "Dear God, please help V*ktor get here soon."
So, once again we're diving in :)  We are beginning the homestudy process.  I (we) have MOUNTAINS of paperwork to do.  The whole adoption price tag is overwhelming, but we know God will provide if this is His will. At this point, we need to fund the homestudy before we can apply for grants with nonprofits. So, as my friend Mary would say, we're going to "put out the fleece."  If this TRULY is God's plan for us (as we feel it is), then the funds will arrive to do the homestudy.  If we are not to have him in our family, then God will close the door.  We have already brainstormed through several fun thoughts for fundraisers in the future - more to follow on that.

For now, if you have fallen in love with V*ktor like us and are wanting to help with the homestudy, you can use the link below or send it in the mail. Later, I will have a link that will be tax deductible donations that we can receive later in the process, but this is the one I have for now!


http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?url=bringviktorhome&fundraiser_id=7124

A Great Kid!

Sleepless. I'm exhausted, but can't seem to sleep. I miss V*ktor. He's just a boy. He deserves a family. What will happen to him now? Will someone go get him?  How can we go get him? I look at these pictures and wonder how this is the same kid. To me, they just look so different!

When he did talk to others about his life back home, he said that he was always worried about what would happen to him. Did I mention that he wanted locks for his violin and suitcase so that, hopefully, he could hold onto his things that we had given him while he was here?  Yes, believe it or not, there are major bullies back at the orphanage. Every school has bullies... Most kids have parents and a family to go home to at the end of the school day, though. He doesn't.

One of the other host moms told me what her host son had to say about V*ktor: " I was teasingly asking who from their school (of the host kids) were good kids and who are bad kids (the answer, is that all are a little bit bad, like they curse, etc, but really they are all good... i.e. aren't the "bad kids." Except victor! he said he is ALWAYS good. :))" ..."seems like of all host kids, he likes Victor most."

A family who went over to adopt their child from his orphanage said this: "He was a real good kid. He played in some of my football games. Definitely one of the more polite kids of the bunch. "

Really? Not only do we love him and think he's wonderful, but the other kids even say he's a great kid??? Other parents who have interacted with him even in his home environment say that?  Of course, I should have known that. What else would they say?  He IS a great kid!

Thank you all so much for your prayers. I feel more comfort and peace about him that I know is only from God and because of your love and prayers going out for us and him.  I did pretty good yesterday (today?), and though I was missing him the waterworks were less. Then, at dinner, I was feeding C, and the thought just hit me that she only had one of her big brothers. So, that sent me in the other room sobbing for a bit. V*ktor just adored her and loved on her like you wouldn't believe!

Please continue to pray with me for this amazing kid, his future, and his forever family. Pray God's provision.  God says not to forget the orphans and the widows. He does not abandon them!

Goodbye

If you're looking for a coherent thought or an eloquent story, then this is not the post for you. I. Am. Drained. but I will try. There have been so many tears, such sadness and grief, and we said goodbye to V*ktor this morning for what may be the last time we ever see him.

Yesterday morning when I went in to pack him up, he had already filled his suitcase. What a sweetheart trying to help out. He had left some things out, and we had to carefully pack and repack to get the weight right. After morning violin lesson, we finished up packing the suitcase and headed into town to print pictures. 400+ pictures! We had pizza for lunch and then I took the kids bowling. We were supposed to go on Tuesday, but forgot socks and ran out of time. Unfortunately, due to a bowling alley owner with zero compassion or human decency, it was not a good experience :( Details on that another time and you can decide whether you ever personally want to patronize that place! We went to pick up the pictures and he was pretty excited about having all those. At home, I helped him start putting them in the album, then we finished packing up. The whole family went down to spend our last night together at a hotel close to the airport. We had to grab some Chick-Fil-A on the way. Long line, but totally yummy! V*ktor loves kartoshka (fries). At the hotel, we went down to swim. The kids had so much fun! Lots of laughing and splashing. I wasn't going to get in, but Brian said he didn't think I could still do a handstand. Had to prove him wrong! I was glad I did because it was really fun having that last moment playing in the pool with all the kids. After showers and settling down, we all sat together on the bed and each person prayed for V*ktor and our thanks for his experience with us. He, as usual, prayed as well at the end. Lots of hugs, tears, and I love yous. Once they were all sleeping, I headed to Walmart for a few last minute things - soccer wristbands, neck pillow for plane (he had asked several times for one of these), snickers, a card, and a goodbye gift. When I got back, I just didn’t want to sleep. I wanted to watch the family together again for the last time. In my adult life, there have only been 2 times I literally cried myself to sleep - when Dad died, and last night.

The card says "Miles apart"   "Still in my heart"


"We love you much. We miss you for now. God loves you more than you can know and he will be with you for life. We will continue to pray for you and love you always. This necklace symbolizes the key to our hearts. You always have a special place in our hearts.
Mama and Papa
A, B, & C"






This morning, we rushed to the airport and got all checked in (bag at 49 lbs). Then, we sat for a minute together before they said it was time. Lots of hugs, tears, and I love yous. V*ktor tried not to cry, but when Brian did, V*ktor had some tears, too. He just looked so sad and alone. As he started to walk away, I grabbed him for one last hug and a quick prayer. Once he was already through security, we realized he had left the neck pillow with us. He saw me with it and couldn’t understand why I wasn’t trying to get it to him. Thankfully, a wonderful, compassionate TSA agent took it through the xray and gave it to him. He gave us one last smile, blew some kisses, and disappeared through the door to the jet bridge. That may be the last time we ever see him.

I can’t imagine anything would come even close to the pain of actually losing a child. I’m not suggesting this is the same, but if it’s possible to catch a glimpse of that heartache, this is it.

Sometimes the tears trickle out for just a moment and stop. Sometimes it’s just sobbing with suffocating sadness. I’ve cried over bananas, a hat he accidentally left in the car, snickers, an empty washing machine, peanut butter crackers, a sewing kit, balloons and streamers left in the living room, his pillow pet making “cuckoo” noises, seeing the empty hotel room after he was gone, and many many other things.

So then the question - Was it enough? Did we love him, hug him, tell him he was special - enough? We are flawed, sinful people who constantly fail. We’re not perfect, but God’s love is perfect. We desperately pray that we did enough to show him God’s love and that this experience can carry him on for the rest of his life. I have already emailed him so that whenever he has access to a computer- whether tomorrow or September- he will have a note from me to remind him how much I care for him. Is that enough? Or is there more? In our frantic prayer for his forever family, are we missing the fact that it’s us? He fit soooo perfectly into our family!  I barely feel like I’m good enough to be a Mom of 3 precious gifts from God. How am I possibly enough for 4? Well, as I typed it I kind of got my answer. I am not enough. God is enough and relying on him is the only way any of us can do anything.

So then the “enough” money part… It’s around $25,000 for a Ukraine adoption. If you know us personally, you know that’s almost laughable. We don’t have smart phones or cable or new cars. Practically all our clothes are purchased at the thrift store or garage sales, and I price match or coupon just about everything else that I buy! I say this not to have a pity party, but because coming up with $25,000 for us is HUGE. God is big enough for anything, though! At this point, we are still prayerfully looking for V*ktor’s forever family and knowing that God will provide for whoever it is - whether us or someone else.

James 1:27a  "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress"