To Protect and to Serve.

God has blessed us in so many ways. This seems a vast understatement to me. First let me tell you that today was really hard. It has been a good day but there is still some unfinished business that we have to deal with tomorrow.

 

I slept like not at all last night, my spoiled Florida lungs and sinuses are having one devil of a time with the smoke which is a part of the culture and which is every place. You can buy a pack of cigarettes here for 3 hryvna for any one who feels like doing the math $5 USD is 25 Hryvna any one who doesn�t let me put it this way, it is dirt cheap and almost every one here has this habit including many of the children from the orphanages because it is cheap and it is cultural. It is also an interesting statement about the economy as you can ride the bus here for that or just a little less depending on where you are going. Bottom line is please pray for our lungs and throats which have been quite officially indoctrinated into the second hand realm.

 

We got ready to go to our meeting at the SDA. Lori took us to meet G at the Golden Gate (* Historical note it was the old gate to the city of Kiev which was the original capital of Russia before it was moved to St. Petersburg and then to Moscow) and we trucked after G to the SDA which is located slam next door to St. Andrews at the top of the big hill where tourists get most of their shopping in. We did no shopping. We did go with G into the SDA and we stood there waiting for our appointment with the psychologist. She was a very nice lady, asked us virtually nothing, and had A. &  M�s folders waiting for us to confirm these are the children that we want. We got to ask NOTHING about them and why they are there� and furthermore here is where it got tricky. Seems the fact that I mentioned Z in our note about adoption was not really enough to get them to see that we are serious about him in an official way. As for the boys here, they too were not a part of the files waiting. It was suggested that we need to speak to the Vice Director regarding our �interesting situation with adoption of five children.� In order so to do, we needed to speak to some one who could get us an appointment with her. G.  took us back down the steps to this tiny �underground room� where a very nice lady was willing to look at our situation and listen to us. She was interested in our book which was �glasnah� ( Jenn phonetic for cool in Russian)  but you could see she like every one else was in shock at the number of kids we are attempting to adopt. She knew and recognized kids from the boys orphanage and commented on Jessica West who was sitting next to Randy Hall in one of the pics in our book. We tried to make sure that it was clear we do have family in Bham who have adopted kids and we are a part of that ministry not just �out there� with no other adoptive parental support or support from other adoptees. At any rate the woman was a total God send and she was going to get us an appointment with the Vice Director when in walked the Vice Director�s secretary. She explained that we needed help and followed the woman back to her office. When she returned we have an appointment for tomorrow at 3:45pm. to go back and �resolve our issues.�  Another huge issue is that it is being said now by the folk down yonder that Z. is not registered. More on that stateside now is neither the time nor place. So tomorrow we will find out if they are going to allow us to receive referrals to officially visit the kids. For now, we have only permission to adopt A&M. G. seems to think that we have a good chance of petitioning to adopt the others based on our time spent with them, but is not as certain of Z�s situation. This is not popular at all with us as you can well imagine. Please keep praying for him and for us and each child specifically. So 8/9 your times please be praying again tomorrow.

 

We are concerned but not yet shaken. So we know your prayers are with us and we can�t tell you how much that means to us. Your prayers have brought us this far and have yielded two of five children that we seek to bring home to protect and to serve. We know He is bigger than any person who might interfere with this adoption. I think there is one key player who shall remain nameless who is into this up to her eyes and she is the one I ask you to pray down into doing things selflessly so that the kids might have a home with us verses the orphanage life and existence there after. With what we know of our kids and the limited history of their being at the orphanage it does not jive with me that Z is not registered.  Me thinks she doth protest to much� ya�ll from up the road hear that loud and clear.  & if you are much of a card shark I know a game that I think she is playing and I�m ready to call her on it.

 

We left the SDA with G. and he took us to this very nice place to rest and get tea and Veryinki (Jenn phonetic for Perogi�s which is also phonetic and no I do not care at this point one iota about spelling nor do I wish for a language lesson). G. came back we paid the tab and hoofed it back up a hill to the SDA for him to deliver some papers and ask about the meeting time again. Then on cue our angel Lori called and we arranged for us to go back with G to the metro on the blue line and meet Lori to pick up the green line home. Now this was to transpire about 5:30 which in any city is traffic time. In this case it meant once again I got to play bowling for Ukrainians and there were way more pins to try not to knock over this time. A polite but insistent young man kept saying to me �Lady, move� which of course I was fogged out and boxed in and had no idea he was speaking to me, Mark says �Jenn� and nods at the man, he tries to speak to me again but I got the point he wanted past me (good luck jack, this was sardine time and I was stuck). I did recognize that he asked if I was British (interesting) and told him politely and quietly �neyt American.� Thus ending our conversation with a deep sigh and an sympathetic �oh so that is why you are an idiot and have no idea how to ride this thing or what the unwritten metro rules are.�

 

We are now back at the flat. Thank you Jesus�

 

Thank you for two of five being available and for permission to pursue them.

Thank you for grace to plead our case at all much less tomorrow.

Thank you for Lori Jackson, Denis, Oksana, and Olya for their love for us and hospitality.

Thank you for G. and his good work today and for his willingness to help us at all.

Thank you for friends and family who pray with and for us even still.

Thank you for dirt cheap if smelly public transportation.

Thank you for Magdych who is going to get us a cell phone tomorrow.

Thank you for Lori�s teacher having food poisoning on Friday of last week so that her class was canceled and she could get us around. (she is doing better btw)

Thank you for the fact that Lori doesn�t have class on Weds. so in fact she can tote our buns back up to St. Andrews where the SDA is tomorrow. We could if we had to do this solo, but you know guys, God has just really given us a gem in Lori and we do not have to ask hey dude can you she just is like �ok so tomorrow I will� She has said �I�ll be as involved as you want me to be.� And we are like come on sister the more the merrier on this adventure. Lori and the Family here are the protect and serve people for us. Seriously it is really tremendous blessing to not �go back to the flat at night� but to �go home.� And have people to hash this out with.

 

Thank you for my Awesome Husband who has been so great through each step of this journey� and who has been an anchor for me and not just on the metro!

 

So thank you God. & Oh please God, do not let this turn out badly for the other kids. Please back the strongholds down that are in place trying to keep Z esp. from being in the family.

 

Here is the next skinny� IF all goes well and we are referred to the other kids tomorrow, G. can get papers picked up by 5pm on Thurs. IF he gets the papers early there is a chance he can submit up here papers to the courts on Fri. they only take them Weds. and Fri. So we really want to get the papers and get them to the inspectors who have to sign etc. so we can try to turn them in on Fri. It is lofty at this point but attainable if it is His plan. If not we wait till next Weds. to hear if / when what ever judge wants to meet with us at their pleasure. It is a rotation so as Forest would say, �Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you are going to get.� In this case whom. BTW Dad G. thinks the wood work you do is amazing. He likes it a lot.

 

If   WHEN he gets papers we may get to spring the boys this weekend which would go a long way in our moral after today�s adventure. We need to be with our kids� and we want to be with all of them. To the Bham lil sister chicks check the blog we will get our cell phone # soon and you can call and talk to the other kids when we are there. They miss you too and we listened to many a �tell her hi for me� when they were talking about each of you. So far they knew not to ask for our phones but I know that time is coming!

 

Big love to each of you.

 

Jenn for the Smiths.

 

 

 

 

  

Prayer time

Thank you all for your comments! We really, really , really apreciate you all!! We love hearing from each of you.
We talked with fascilitators last night, and they let us know that we may have a fight on our hands for one of the kids. I loved Teri's comment about how awesome it is that God already knows the outcome, knows the opposition and I will add, goes to fight for us! We were a little shaken last night by spiritual warfare, but not down for the count by any means. We are praying, ya'll are praying, and we know Jesus has THE BEST in store for all who are involved.

Just wanted to thank you for you prayers, and as you wake up we ask you to once again go before the throne of grace on our behalf as we do battle for our children. We love you all very much and will write more later.
Until He is Known
Papa Mark

Sacred

This is the song Mark was talking about that captured our hearts and makes us think about what a blessing it is going to be to learn to love the sacred in all things we do to serve our kids.

You should have seen John's face when I told him that yes I did work, but I can work any time to 
my hours done... then I said, "So I am yours all the rest of the time" You guys, his smile was my 
hearts answer to what my calling is at this moment. Will I get tired? Sure I have been around 
enough professional Mom's to know this is going to happen. But this Rookie is thrilled to be looked 
at with the love of those beautiful eyes and to hear his heart through that look that was excited to
know I am really going to be there for him. 

Sacred by Caedmon's Call ~ Over Dressed CD 


this house is a good mess
it's the proof of life
no way would I trade jobs
but it dont pay overtime

Ill get to the laundry
I dont know when
Im saying a prayer tonight
cause tomorrow it starts again

could it be that everything is sacred?
and all this time
everything Ive dreamed of
has been right before my eyes

the children are sleeping
but theyre running through my mind
the sun makes them happy
and the music makes them unwind

my cup runneth over
and I worry about the stain
teach me to run to You
like they run to me for every little thing

when I forget to drink from you
I can feel the banks harden
Lord, make me like a stream
to feed the garden

wake up, little sleeper
the Lord, God Almighty
made your Mama keeper
so rise and shine
rise and shine cause

everything is sacred
and all this time
everything Ive dreamed of
has been right before my eyes

If you are worried about the Laundry today, we highly encourage you to skip it and go to the park or color, or blow bubbles but whatever you do, hug your kids close and know they are special people who need your time more than clean socks and well dusted end tables. Nothin wrong with that... but today :) just play!

We love you guys...
Love
Mark and Jenn.

SDA APPOINTMENT

Hey all :)
Just a heads up that we got our appointment time. It will be at 7am CST, 8am EST.

Just wanted to thank you for praying us through.

More than You'll Ever Know ~ Watermark.

Something brought you to my mind today
I thought about the funny ways you make me laugh
And yet I feel like it's okay to cry with you
Something about just being with you
When I leave I feel like I've been near God
And that's the way it ought to be...

CHORUS:
'Cause you've been more than a friend to me
You fight off my enemies
'Cause you've spoken the Truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
Just to know you've been on your knees for me
Oh, you have blessed my life
More than you'll ever know, yeah, yeah, yeah
More than you'll ever know, yeah, yeah, yeah

You had faith, when I had none
You prayed God would bring me a brand new song
When I didn't think I could find the strength to sing
And all the while I'm hoping that I'll
Do the kind of praying for you that you've done for me
And that's the way it ought to be...

You have carried me
You have taken upon a bruden that wasn't your own
And may the blessing return to you
A hundredfold, oh yeah...
A hundredfold, oh yeah..

Special Young Men!

Let's Go to The Movies

"I want the fairy tale." ~ Julia Roberts as Vivian in Pretty Woman.

At two this morning we were up. Sleep was just not happening. The wind was really pretty loud outside and the snow was coming down at a good clip. Mark gave up and watched a movie at 5. We got up and got ready and went with Lori just as the sun really started coming out to go to Kiev International Baptist Church. (KIBC from here on out)

The service was awesome. Just a great reminder of how much we need to reach the world. We listened to the testimony of an Iranian man who was put into an asylum as a youth by his family for choosing Christ. His is a story of with all the makings of a spy movie� He is doing amazing things here in UA and is serving God with a vision to see every Iranian in UA come to have a bible and know Christ. The man has been harassed for his faith, threatened, and basically told that the government of Iran would like him dead. He is flying in the face of the teachings of the Muslims and therefore he is not welcome in his country any longer. Ukraine is now home. He spends time going to wherever other Iranians are so that he can serve God by sharing Christ with them. A fellow brother of his and more to the point of OURS was beaten by skinheads on the metro here just yesterday. God is working through this awesome guy. I am not blogging his name for obvious reasons but would you pray for him? Thank you! It is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and there are so many lives in need of your prayers to protect them; the innocent, the oppressed, the broken and the poor, the voiceless� Your prayers and your efforts do make a change and make a difference.

We left church, got some money exchanged, and then went to Pazhta Hatah (which is Jenn phonetic for�) The Fat House. I make no bones about why they call it that and it is our favorite place to eat in Ukraine out side of Mama Olya�s kitchen. La Hacienda it is not, but when in Rome� or Kiev in this case you go to Pazhta Hatah! Outside on the street since the weather was warm and the sky even hinted at blue there were tons of people. This is like a Ukrainian Time Square. They were doing a concert on the street and a mob of people had gathered like some huge star might be there singing. Turns out it was a karaoke competition� well alrighty then� and no we did not participate!

We met Paula and Chris Underwood and Katia, and Lena their friends and listened to Paula share some of her journey and also tell about what some of her thoughts were on life in general about Ukraine. She had offered to take us to 21 and asked G to meet us there too. She showed us how to get there and make sure we could navigate the trip which was really awesome of her. She and Chris have been a huge blessing to us. I have to tell you guys one of the things

I have been nervous about, and I confess even have been so jealous of is that so many of you have bio-kids to help you make this transition with your Adoptive kids. To have them there to alter the dynamic and add fun and someone on a peer level is awesome. God took care of that for us in Chris Underwood. He was totally off the hook tonight. He was Mr. Personality and we just had a ball with him. I am lovin me some Chris ya�ll� It will not be the same come Thursday when they leave for the states, and I must say I know you folks in Bham are in for a mega treat as he arrives home and melts your hearts! He was not all about pretense, which we were trying really hard to keep things calm and on the qt since this a pre SDA no meeting with the Director yet trip, oh no, Chris blew that slam out of the water announcing our arrival and intent. He still contends it was Katia that �must have told� the boys previously that we were coming in the first place, �she have big mouth�. Chris was our God send kid to help break the ice and be the funny man. He chased down O.#1 and found out that O#2 was out side some place playing. We waited in the hallway of the orphanage for a few minutes, other children from past summer programs came and visited for a while among them Dima, Sasha, & Vova� I got to hear more of Vova�s story which was really intense. Vova came from a family of 10. His parents were destitute and so they lived year round in tents on �the island� according to G. They lost several children due to weather, and nutrition issues, and one baby to a cat who �sat on him.� He said they would eat what ever they could find including the fungus off of trees. Doesn�t sound real does it? Can you picture your family eating the yellow fungus that grows on trees? Hi honey what�s for dinner tonight? Oh I foraged for your favorite �fungus soup.� No� I didn�t think so. The boy is sweet and funny and is taking in all that goes on around him. His brother was not back yet but I very briefly met his lovely sister who is about as big as a minute. And shines like a star. It seems that there are some folks in Italy that are interested in her but not in the boys. The Italian process takes 2 years. As I understand it, what ever is in the best interest of the children is what is generally done. Just in case someone is holding their breath nothing is final until it is final here.

Then up the steps came O.#1. His smile was so beautiful and when he came and hugged me we both just stood there with tears in our eyes. Ya�ll it was the most perfect moment. Any doubt that he might not have wanted to go with us was erased, any question about if he knew for sure it was us that was coming for him was gone. Just a huge long hug and a big kiss on my check, and the quarter back was toast. I have been waiting for so long for this day and it was so perfect. Another huge hug for his Papa and all was right with the world. Mark looked so happy it was so awesome to see him meet one of his boys and the whole world was starting to move right for us. Lori was there to help translate and tell him that we love him and we have missed him. He told us he had waited a long time. He was so thankful to see us, and someone asked him if he was going to America? We didn�t want to say �yes� ya�ll b/c we have not had our SDA appt. that is still on Tues. But his face was begging for that Yes. So Chris Underwood, our new translator, LOL, explained we have a meeting first and then he gets to go! ROFL oh so simple right?

Then came our O#2. he had a deer in the headlights moment as he never had a clue that when the Underwood�s said they would look for a family to adopt him they meant that in less than a month we would be here! He was like looking at A. when M. told her that we were their new Mama and Papa� oh boy� this might not be good� then all the sudden he was like just really good with it. Happy to meet us, and Paula commented really talkative, more than she had ever seen him. We took them aside and explained that we don�t have answers till after the appt. on Tues. We also knew that now that that was out of the bag we needed to tell them they were not 2, but 5. They have to weigh that information in their choice to come with us. All of this excitement is going to change their lives forever and the dynamic of our family is not just 4 but 7 people immediately. It was only fair for them to know that info and be able to think it through. O#2 was cool with it� O#1 was not as sure. He was really deeply taking in all this information. He is very serious. Very thoughtful, and when that child gives an answer it is his answer. You know he has considered it carefully. This is not a fly by the seat of your pants kid. He is deliberate in his thinking.

Then G. showed up he started getting information from them about likes and dislikes and then all of the sudden he is like, �so we need to pick their names, this is very important. We need to give them some choices and guide their choice.� Um can you say totally unprepared for that? Lori who was laughing to herself had confessed later she was thinking of how funny it would be to see us get out of that one. So, that is when it got really interesting. The name we picked for O#1 was not one that he really liked the ring of, so G. was like �give me more choices� and low and behold John Benjamin is the name our eldest son has chosen for himself. So Dad� There is your boy! Then with NO hesitation as we started to talk to O#2 he busted out with �My name is Kevin from Home Alone.� Mark and I both kind of cracked up that he wanted to be named for a Movie character, and while we were both in our own �on the spot moment� G. announces, �Kevin needs second name.� so we proudly introduce Kevin Michael. I can now stop the O#1 & O#2 deal and just from here on out call our sons by their given (or oh so carefully chosen LOL) names! The awesome thing is this, when praying about names for him, the FIRST name that had come to my mind in the states was in fact KEVIN! We debated back and forth and we left really not to sure about how that was going to work, we thought we might call him Seth, but this was such a funny confirmation of how God moves and that this child is our son too! Mr. Kev. in my heart he is named after you! He is a really great boy and you & Ms. Bets will love him I am sure.

So after the great name conundrum was over we heard that John Benjamin really wants to see dolphins, and would love to pet one some day, and is not really looking forward to the heat in Florida, but does like to �cycle� and is an addict to movies and likes comedy and even the chick flicks. His Mama was so excited about that! Kevin Michael likes soccer, and drawing (and showed us his Christmas picture from his groupa) movies (comedy obviously...) and it would seem all things sports. He told us he had been to Italy too, and that no one had wanted to adopt him. He said he was bitten by a dog so he is a wee bit shy about the idea of Rolly Pohlee but I think some slobber from Rolly will take care of that. He said he was stung by bees so he is very fearful of those and that Ligustrum tree which is a bee magnet and was never my favorite anyway in our back yard is oh so getting cut down� John was really excited that his Papa is a Youth Minister and LOVES the idea of our Monday Night bible study, so Power House will be back on line at the Smiths after a few weeks of adjustment guys� I know some of you were sweating that, do not worry, John is all about getting to hang out with you, and he is very ready to make new friends! John took good care of Kevin and they were really good when they walked us out, they did not try to press the guard, Valera who is a Mormon and was very interested to hear that Mark is a �priest� to go past where they should be as some of the boys did. They followed his directions and never pushed their luck. I was proud of them. When it was time to go, John Benjamin came over and gave me another huge hug, he kissed my cheek and you guys it was like the fairy tale story of The Sleeping Mama who had gotten a wake up kiss by her Prince Charming Sons.

Love,
An Excited Mama!

A Tale of Two Sons -- Jan 20, 2008

Well, yesterday was just amazing! After my early morning movie watching and a great breakfast Momma Olya had prepared for us (Cheese cake, but not any like you have ever had before, Simply delicish for all you Rachel Ray fans). We went to church with Lori. Pastor Bob preached and 2 friends we have prayed for shared testimony, it was good. We joined Paula, Chris, Katya and Lena at Puzata Hata for a great lunch. Paula schooled us on some of the ins and outs of gathering documents and papers. We are thoroughly enjoying our times with them. Chris is such a super young man. He keeps us laughing! Chris is becoming a rather adept translator too. Around 3pm we began our journey out to the orphanage to visit. A metro ride and a trip on the marchutka (bus) and we were there. It snowed yesterday, and changed the landscape from what I had remembered it. But then, there was the gate and the giant door. We had met a few of the kids outside the orphanage at the Metro stop and were joined by a few others as we entered the compound, but it seemed somewhat empty. We went inside and met one of the guards, who spoke good English (V). We went inside just beyond the front entry way and sat in some seats there. And there we waited as several kids from previous summers of Hope came through. It was good to see them, and meet others I did not get to meet this past summer. Soon, my life would change, as I couldn�t help think back to my morning�s writings of what God had allowed me to get all emotional about over the movie. And those questions I was pondering, it was amazing how some of them were answered immediately upon seeing a face.
I remember looking just past our group of friends. Jenn was standing next to me, closer to the door, when through the hallway O came. He had the biggest smile I had ever seen on his face and his arms were outstretched and reaching toward Jenn. He embraced her still smiling, and began to tear up (ok, we all three were). Next it was my turn, as he broke eye contact with Jenn, but only after the hug and another glance to make sure he was really seeing her standing in front of him. I don�t know if I can put into words what it felt like to hug my son. To know that I was really here, and if God allowed, I would bring him home with me. Chris grace, I can totally relate to all those times you knew you were going to be toast, and not be able to hold back the tears. O hugged me for a long time and glanced also into my face after the embrace. I could now see the tears welling up in his eyes as he could see mine and we both soon wiped them away. Jenn, after introducing Lori, asked if she would translate for her. I am sure she will capture the details of what was said better than I can remember, so I will write about the highlights I do remember.
We talked about how long it had been. I think she asked him to pray for our meeting on Tuesday and that it was so good to see him. I remember him saying he had waited so long, and we echoed that. While we are talking, and I am laughing now thinking about the wildness that started to unfold, our budding translator Chris begins to share that O�s mama and papa are here to adopt him. How quickly our plan to be careful and not share too much information was just blown away by the tidal wave of information that began to come forth. This was beyond the scope of where my imagination had lead me, prior to our visit but we went with the events, because after all who can stop a tidal wave? We visited more with O, before our other son came in; for confusion sake I will call him O jr. for now. Again, Chris helps us out and lays the whole plan on jr. and his face is a bit shocked. Haha, you had to see this happen, it was quite funny to watch the magic Chris was working � I can almost hear some star trek theme music playing in the background, �space, the final frontier � to boldly go where no man has gone before �� haha. I occasionally glanced over at Paula, and she was like, eh, what can you do, these kids get to talking and you never know what will happen� there are no secrets. I appreciate the fact that Chris and Paula were there. I admit at the time I was freaking out a little bit, but God seemed to work it all out as the conversations continued. Lori was such a help too! We were so glad she was able to be there to be our voice and ears. She did some observing, and we had a great debrief time later when we discussed all our observation of the boys.
Now the party changes again as G arrives on the scene. G is great with the kids! He immediately jumps into the conversation with them. Both boys and other friends are so happy to see him. He asks if they are happy to see us and they appear to be. Funny stories with G follow, soon after explaining some of the process of how paperwork and steps to the process happen to the boys. G introduces us to the conversation of names. Ummm yes, he did. And we were not ready for that discussion, but ready or not, there we went. Through the discussion we learned more about our boys. We are sold that one of their favorite movies is Home Alone. In fact, jr. wants to be called Kevin as a result this movie. We were cracking up watching this exchange between all the kids about the movie �.on and on� I was thinking, I like the movie, but didn�t remember it being that great. But I am here to say it will be added to our collection (Lori says we will find it in Russian soon). We approached the name Will Franklin with O, and he was not all about that name. I was thinking, come on, you could be Will Smith, trying to appeal to his movie watching habit. I got a ehh, kind of response, and Mrs. Kristi, it was definitely negative cool points in his eyes�. Sigh. G asked if there were other names so we shared the other one we had considered for O or M with him. John Benjamin. G liked the name, commented that it was a strong name and it O. O continued to try it on for size and we told them there was time to think this over (I mean really, it was the first visit�lol � Mark still swimming in the events of the 2 hours, wondering when the tidal wave would stop rushing). We then began discussing what middle name Kevin would take on � we laughed as he said Costner, both boys know their movies and actors. We watched some video footage of Kevin in a play the Underwood�s had. Of course Kevin wanted to know the middle name of �Kevin� in the movie. We couldn�t remember (but Jenn and I had discussed Michael as an option to go with Kevin on the side real quickly, so I interjected, �I think his name was Michael.� G liked it, and mentioned it to the boys � haha this was really a hilarious scene, I hope you can just picture this, with about 4-5 other children helping the whole situation out. Soooo once we watch the movie, who knows if the middle name will change or not, we will keep you informed. This led to a conversation with the boys asking them where they would want to go on outings, and G thinks Sat. and Sun. are good days for visits and outings.
We also shared with the boys that there were others we came to adopt. We wanted a big family, and were prepared to bring home 3 others at the time we�re getting them. At first, and maybe he still is, I think John Benjamin was disappointed. We will plan to do some coaching and reassuring with this, so please pray. All of us, G, Lori, Paula, know John�s potential to be a great big brother. He just fits the role � serious, protector, leader, compassionate. We began talking about our home, and the rooming situation. Again, not what John B had imagined, but we told him since he was the oldest got to pick his bed. He got a big smile on his face and let out a hearty noise (didn�t get the translation on it, but it was like, yeah, I am the oldest, kind of positional in nature, verbal response� I believe it were Damian, it would have been posed as �In your face�). He seemed to be ok to share a room with the others, considering he got first pick of which bed was his.
It was a great visit! I am still overjoyed the morning after. We just heard from G and he said he spoke with the boys director. She is sad that one of her favorites will be leaving her, but so excited for him also. She wants to me with us after we get our official papers and she said she will begin to gather their documents. As far as when either of us will head to Zap to begin things there, your guess is as good as ours. It appears Jenn may stay here a little longer to get the process going in Kiev. Really, the plan seems to be one day at a time, so we will let you know when we do.
We love you guys! Thank you for journeying through this with us. We really could not do it without Jesus and without you and your prayers! We know He is who is making all this possible, and that your prayers are being used to get us through the wonderful blessings we are experiencing now, and the rough spots to come. Hope you enjoyed our two versions. If the details were not totally the same page, Jenn�s recollection and story- telling details are what I would go with. We all know she doesn�t forget anything ;)
Blessings to you all!
Until He is Known
Papa Mark

Sleepless in Ukraine - Jan 20, 2008

So, I mentioned we had pretty good luck with sleep our first afternoon and night here. Last night was the opposite. Guess my schedule is still not adjusted to Ukraine time. We went to bed about 11pm and I was up by 2:30am. I stayed in bed for about 2 � hours trying to get back to sleep, but it was no use. My mind was playing out every possible scenario of today and our visit to the orphanage. In my mind, I kept playing over the things we heard when we ate lunch with the Underwoods and G, S, and Lori. The things Chris shared about the 2 boys we are drawn to there, echoed by what G shared with us, from which he personally received information asking one of the boys some questions, kept my brain in overdrive. What would the first meeting be like with the oldest, after not having seen him in 1 year and 3 months. G says, he is a kind boy, and he is a big young man. Paula agrees, and adds that he has grown so much since we saw him last. My thoughts ask the question, �Will he want to come and be part of the Smith family? Will he want to be the big brother? Or, will he feel cheated to join a family of 7?� What about the other boy we hope to meet for the first time? Will there be a connection? I don�t know the answers. I can�t even ask the questions yet. All I can do is dream.
I was listening to the new Caedmon�s Call cd last night, and watching the slideshow on my iPod of these children we are hoping to be ours. I love the 3rd track with Danielle singing � Her songs always end up being some of my favorites. This one speaks of seeing the sacred in the things and people around us. It brings images of hope and dreams come true. I was a little overwhelmed to see those faces of the children we have come to love. Hoping with all of my heart that I am to be their Dad. It didn�t help that when I couldn�t sleep this morning and I had prayed for a long time, I decided to get up at 5am and watch Superman Returns. Ok, so get through a pretty familiar movie, more Superman verses Lex and Lois and Superman love saga, and you get this new element, that is not even part of the original storyline. I have some good friends that are Superman fans. There are mixed reviews from them in wondering what will happen now that they have taken these new liberties with the Superman storyline. All that aside, because this isn�t a comic book discussion (although most of you know I can discuss comics with the best of them), it is a scene between a Father and His son. Dude, it gets me every time I see it, and trust me, I have seen the movie a few times now!
****Movie Spoiler, in case you haven�t seen Superman Returns by now.****
Toward the end of the movie, after he wakes up from the big battle, Superman flys from his hospital room to see if it is really true, what he heard from Lois in his somewhat comatose state� Could it be, could this be my son? As he stands over his boy who is sleeping peacefully, he quotes what His father said to him. I can only imagine why it is a tear-jerker for me, and other people can watch this seen and be unaffected. I want the chance to stand over my sons and daughter and pray over them � to speak blessings on them as they sleep peacefully. I want my passion for the salvation for others, my desire to love people, to flow through them, just like the strength of Superman, this young child will make his own. The point is not what have they done to mess up the Superman Universe for me by adding this variable, but rather this is a picture of Legacy. It is a new beginning, one where there is beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61). For this man was once the last of his kind, and now he would have someone else in the world like him. Well, I know biologically, these children we are adopting are not our flesh and blood. But ohhh man, when I read about how Christ adopted me � I know there is no more I could do to be His than what He has accomplished through the cross, and once again connecting me with my Heavenly Father. I think deep down we all have that yearning for the connection. Some of us burry it. For many of us that yearning is too painful, due to the mistakes of an earthly father, or the absence of one altogether. But for this father, I knew years ago I had a calling to be a dad. And since before Jenn and I got married, I have yearned for my kids. And now, sitting here this morning, on the verge of the future, I glory in my God to take a simple movie to allow me to well in up inside with love for what will be. Fathers who are reading this, I am sure you can relate to what I am feeling. Mothers, you probably feel something similar yourselves too � but in case you have forgotten, or you have been caught up with the stresses of life, of parenting � remember who loves you, and whom you are called to love.
I pray each of you has a wonderful Sunday! I pray you tell your Heavenly Father just how much you love Him and trust Him to guide your steps today. I pray you count each and every blessing He brings to mind as you are reading this � I know I am. Pray for us as we go today! I will update as soon as I am able.
Until He is Known
Papa Mark

view from the house. It snowed today!

Perspective and Relativity - Jan 18, 2008

Cold … pshhh … What is cold? It’s all relative (one of Lori’s favorite sayings today). When you have the right gear, it’s not really a matter of what the temperature is as long as you are equipped for it. But without the right gear, it can make or break you. Today we ventured out of the apartment, after about a 19 hour slumber (yes we were a little tired, and we probably slept about a good 16 hours of that time). Lori took us into town. For the first time I actually paid attention to the Metro design-- what the stops were, what color the line we were traveling on was, I even tried to decipher the names of the stops, and how to find a place by reading the English/Russian words … Again, the right gear makes all difference when traversing new terrain, even though, I had been on this soil before. Before, I totally relied in my travel guides (and I have had some great travel guides on this terrain before ).
So Lori instructed and let us know what to do, and how we were to do it in the future, being encouraging throughout the process. We made it 9 stops on the green line and got off, switched to the red line for one more stop and there we were …in a familiar place and for the first time I was amazed. Something I dreaded and thought, “I will never get this” … I realized was now in reach. Not too over confident, but willing to step forward, and say, Jesus, let me walk out onto the water and come to You. Peter has always been one of My heroes for his boldness. I want boldness like his, to step out and follow Jesus, wherever He leads me. So we ate our first lunch … ok, it was really brunch, it was before noon (somewhere in the world) at a nice pizza place near T.G.I. Fridays. I mostly listened to Lori and Jenn and their discussions, and then it was time to go and meet S. We walked back up the way we came in by Metro, and towards Independence Plaza, where their giant Christmas tree still was. And soon, we were talking with S and then G, Chris & Paula walk up. Good reunion and meeting of new friends. We then went back to where we ate just previously, and across the street sat in T.G.I Fridays where we chose to eat and fellowship. It was so good to meet Chris finally, after reading about him and his family the past few weeks. He reminded me a lot of M, a gifted one with the camera, that boy is. He was also very helpful to give us some information about some of the kids we are interested in and hope to adopt. Other pieces of “the gear” began to fall into place about my fathering these children God would bring to us. Were they expecting me? Would they choose me Back? Turns out some of them are hoping for me and Jenn to come (not sure they know it’s us, but we will soon find out). I am anticipating trying on this new gear … trying on what it feels to be wanted, longed for as a papa. Everything in me says, “Be cautious, things don’t always go as you may expect them.” I reminded myself that God is aware (of my needs, Jenn’s, the kids His perfect plan …etc), and He is able to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine Amazing that He comes to this same meeting with me and Jenn and each one of those children, and has the best for all of us involved! He is the author of the Gear. He created us, and He allows us to experience, and to make choices, all leading to our equipping.

***(Personal disclosure coming next)***
This morning, I made the choice to not wear long underwear. I figured I would be ok, knowing how my body temp reacts to certain temperatures, I took a chance. I have skied before, and though the weather was not quite this cold, I made the choice to follow my instinct, and knowledge of myself. God equipped me with the sense to bring the long underwear, because I might need it, but still leaves the choice up to me. Sometimes, our own understanding is not enough … when left to determine what is right, we often fail miserably. But when we consult God, He promises to never leave us nor forsake us, when we are His. My understanding is full of questions, more than facts or much knowledge at this point in our process. The not wearing long underwear was an ok choice, in case you were wondering. I was warm enough today … but tomorrow is another story, another choice and set of consequences that follow. Will I chose the right gear?
Today, we got a little bit of knowledge. And my choice is to process that knowledge as hope. Ultimately, my hope is in Christ. I have to rest in Him, knowing He has the best planned for me. I have my ideas, and I have tried to ultimately seek His plan. We will see how things unfold. But I am learning to trust in the gear He provides. While seeking Him, put the appropriate gear on each day and use it properly, always letting Jesus be my guide. Remember, It’s all relative …
How’s your perspective today? Are you using the gear He has provided you? I pray you are.
Until He is Known
Papa Mark
P.S. we love and miss you family and friends! We are excited to visit the orphanage tomorrow!!!

some pics

Tea is an art form

Tea is a form of art. In many cultures it is a way to gather the family together and take time to fellowship with one another. I love tea. Any tea is ok with me. Black, Berry, Green, Grey, Breakfast you name it I�ll drink it. We had brunch a bit ago with Mama Olya, Lori and Oksana. It was lovely. And we enjoyed tea after as a time to talk and learn about each other. We have enjoyed showing pictures to each other of our family and family to be and it is precious to watch the blending of the two cultures within the love of Christ who is our common bond. We are thankful.

Mama Olya is taking care of a very sick little girl right now. Please add her to your prayers. She has something wrong with her kidneys and she has been really having a rough time. For the last four months Olya has taken care of her a lot more as Yulia�s Mom has been in Austria for Cancer treatments. She is in remission now, but now Yulia is ill. She looks like a gerber baby you guys. So cute!

Today is a low key day. Cold outside and not very inviting, so we are going to do some wash, drink more tea and watch a movie together. It is not all that exciting but it is good to have time to be with these friends and to learn more about their lives.

We love you all. Thank you for your comments we look forward to hearing from each of you. & we are game to hear any advice from those who have gone before as well! :)

How are you guys all doing by the way?

Thank you for your prayers. We feel them. Peace is the order of the day and we are so thankful for that joy!

OBC family we love you and are praying for you guys! Youth ;) you are so precious and we miss you clowns! Be good for Chelle & Terry! ;)

Love,

M&J

New Game Invention

 

Jan 18th

 

Ok, so some of you really want to know details and some of you are get to the point people. For the later group, �all is well and we are fine,� for the former group what a great day we have had, I won�t waste any more time, lets dive in�

 

So we woke up with the city of Kiev, the buses, the car alarms, the dogs barking and our friend Lova meowling at the top of his lungs Mark is presently loving on him as he rolls around on the floor in our room� Lova is a Persian. Garfield with more fur than I have ever seen on a cat, he is so funny. His face is kind of all smooshed up so he looks like he is permanently ticked. Which is kind of par for this neck of the woods, and those of you who have been here know exactly what I mean.

 

About the apartment, Lori, Denis, Mama Olya & Oksana (& of course Lova) live here in a two room about 450 sq. ft. space. The kitchen is not as big as the one in seminary housing. Denis, Lori, and Mama Olya live in one room, and Lori has her bedroom which I think Oksana may sleep in there sometimes too. The family has given us their living room/second bedroom to move into. The gracious hospitality of our friends is overwhelming. Lori said they wanted to do this for us because we are heroes for adopting. I do not feel like a hero, I feel like God is giving us so much in our children, and people like this family are heroes for their daily striving to serve God and all His people. Lori is living here full time raising her own support to study Russian and continue in what ever ministry God calls her to. She has been serving through Radooga summer camps and is in a transitional space praying for God to open the door to His will for her next step on this faith journey. She is a tremendous volunteer coordinator with a heart for both sides of that ministry. The people who are in need and the people gifted to serve. One Volunteer Coordinator to another the girl rocks. Denis when asked what do you see yourself doing in the future simply and humbly said, �Well, basically, I will serve God in whatever He calls me to do. That is it.� He is in Hillsong College here, which is a bible school. Oksana goes to regular college, Hillsong College and someplace in the spare time she has is learning both English and Farsi. Mama Olya is a full time Nanny for a child who�s Mom has cancer. The child herself is one and a half and has a kidney illness. Please pray for this sweet baby! This is a busy for Jesus, amazing and beautiful group of people.

 

The internet dude came and fixed whatever was not working so hot in the internet line so we were able to send up a smoke signal and let you know we got here ok this am. We left here wrapped to the nines and looking like Nanook of the North and headed out to meet S by way of the metro. Now, it is about a 15 min. walk to the metro stop near Lori�s. which in the day time was cold, but buddy when that sun went down I want to tell you it was stinkin burrrrrr out there. Note: that was not a complaint but an observation. Lori�s is 9 metro stops on the green line to one switch on the red line to get to Kryshatik (Ande I looked man� but so far no dice J) which is the heart beat of the city.  S had asked to meet us at 2 at Independence Square where they still have the Christmas tree up. It is an impressive site for sure and really pretty. We stopped and got pizza across the street from TGI Fridays and then went up to the square to meet S� while we are taking in the sites and getting a picture together with Lori I see this kid walk by, and I am like, dude, that looks like Chris Underwood. But I figure I am seeing things. Then I see this really tall guy with him, and I am like, man I really am seeing things that looks like the guy G that they were using as a facilitator, but all in all that can�t be because there is no Paula. Sure enough shortly there after S shows up and it is G and Chris and Paula was doing some shopping near by wisely OUT of the cold. We then are told that she will be staying yet another day in UA because of the holiday on Monday for the embassy which is MLK. They were suppose to be able to go and get Chris�s papers Paula is taking this like the trooper that she has been through out the process.  & She and G compared notes on what doesn�t work in the constitution of both UA and the USA� She suggested we all go to Fridays and get something to eat. So we went back up the road a piece and got some tea and enjoyed the company of she and Chris and Lori and S.

 

Watching Chris really get into and enjoy his Chicken Alfredo while giggling over how his brothers both enjoy this dish was a lovely site. He couldn�t have been a happier kid. What was not to love? His Mom at his side, friendly people who seemed to know something about who he was and who were glad to see him, and a honkin bowl of Chicken and pasta to be washed down with Hot Chai. It just didn�t get any better. He is such an amazing and happy young man. He was also very informative. He is in the groupa with O # 2. He also knows O #1. He spoke highly and kindly of both boys whom we hope to adopt. He shared about their desire for a family and about how while O #2 is a nice boy that he doesn�t like Ukrainian class and that Chris himself is the top of the class. Which got a good chuckle out of us all, and we loved his kid like gloat at this evident truth! Face full of Alfredo as he grins and shares. LOVE IT!

 

Later G joins us and S is getting ready to go back and take care of her Mama. She is really struggling with this time of life. Her Mom is her best friend. She is experiencing dementia and has lost the ability to take care of her physical needs. It is crushing S. and you can see that but she remains positive. She is awesome. I am so glad God gave her to us. I am also thankful to G. as he has been bridging the gap with O #1 about this idea of a family.

 

Some of you may remember that he was one of the first kids that we met at Val & Randy�s. We really fell hard for this young man but were also trying to keep emotions in check because we did not have really any time with him as he was with 21 and they were leaving the day we got there. Still he stayed on our hearts and in our minds. I remember Cindy asking me in the Laundry room if we thought we would adopt him and wishing I could say �YES!� but we were really trying hard not to say too much based just on emotion. All of me wanted to tell her what was in my heart that day. We wrote to him, but didn�t get any letters back. We figured that he was not interested in us. We were still loving him in our hearts and when we went in Oct 06 we thought we would get a better feel for how he was doing and what he was thinking. The short time we were with him was really amazing. He stuck with us like glue, and seemed to really want to be with us. He gave us pictures of himself as if to say don�t forget me. We wrote again. We never got a letter back. We are ashamed to say that we gave up. We assumed he was not interested in being adopted by us. Until I got a phone call a few weeks ago from Cheri. She asked me if I knew an O. I was like Cheri I know a lot of them! She says at 21 in Kiev. Yes we tell her we know him. She said well he wants to know if you are still going to adopt him. We were blown away. We were again when Chris said that he had written letters to us and that we must have never gotten them. Apparently Chris new this to be truth because he volunteered with out any coaxing at all that he had seen him write the letters, but that we had never written to him as if to ask us why did you leave him hanging? Not sure the mystery there but in the end the bottom line is he knows exactly who we are which at first we were like, maybe he will be disappointed when we show up and we are not who he is expecting� but he does know it is us and he has been asking G & S when we are going to come and why does it take so long? G. said that he likes biology and chemistry and that he asked him some things about himself. He said that his Mom died a while ago, and that his Father is in Jail. His grandparents are all dead as well.  He has brothers and sisters but they have �disappeared� and he has no idea of where they might be.  

 

Paula is going to 21 on Sunday after 3. They are going to visit with Chris�s caregiver one last time. Paula asked if we would like to join her and go, and S. saw no harm in us tagging along which we were delighted to hear. As it stands then we will go with Paula, and Chris, and Lori will join us !!! Yea! J  and I think G. too to 21 on Sunday afternoon. So as ya�ll are getting up to have church we will be heading to meet up w/ who we believe are two of our four sons! I�d say that is cause for not only prayer but more over praise!

 

G. and Paula have to go to pick up Chris�s passport, and we are watching the sky get dark with a chilly ominous tin so we rebundle and head back toward the metro stop. We get there along with the rest of Kiev and begin what is the cattle herd of people who are pressing forward in this bizarre dance of comings and goings. Mark with little help from Lori navigates us back to the apartment which I am all kinds of impressed with as we are illiterate in this country. Lori had made Mark to learn the metro stops in Cyrillic this morning. So he was a pro when we were on our way home. And did I mention it was cold today? Like burn your lungs cold? Ok but I am not complaining cause any weather is good weather while we are here. Ok but it was cold. Mom as a side note that coat we got would never have cut the mustard my friend. The one I was thinking about was not going to be any better. We both would have struck out. Wisest investment was the one we got man� I know good and well we would be popsicles.  So we are all sitting here trying to figure out what -2 Celsius would have been and close as we can figure that would have put us at about 18 degrees today.

 

For your total entertainment� I have invented a new game to play on the metro. It is called Bowling for Ukrainians in which I act as the ball, and all the other people on the metro are the pins. Now in my game the object is actually NOT to knock the pins down. I had a few grazes and one girls foot will never be the same which she let me know with a scathing look bless her heart� but riding the metro is not a good game for a novice at public transportation. First you have to cram yourself on the subway. By cram I mean you have to force your way into the car. Like do not be nice about it, oh no, you move your john hind parts in the car or you do not get on. For those in China it is not unlike the metro there. For those who have been to the Philippines like the jeepney but every one gets to sit down unless you are like the guys who hold on from the back which is what you are with out a seat on the metro� you pray real hard that you can get on, and find a seat or a bar to hold onto with quickness. Otherwise you pray real hard it is so packed that even your klutzy self can�t get knocked down by the lurching of the starting and stopping of each new destination up the line. Ukrainians I have decided are kin to Spiderman and have some kind of glue on their feet because I do not see them hold on to the bar. They just move with the lurch of the subway. It is unreal. Suzie and Frankie your sea legs would have come in handy here!

 

Youth group J we love you guys� we are getting more and more excited about the idea of bringing our children home to live and work for Jesus side by side with you. Denis was offering his perspective tonight on how important it is to surround them with a good influence and environment. We could not agree more that you guys are going to be a huge part of that good influence. We are so proud of you. Mr. Mark misses you like crazy and of course I miss giving you all my �Sunday night lectures!�

 

Miss you guys and Love you so much J    

The Smiths ~ Here J !!!!

We now resume our regular programming

Ok :) we are here with Lori, Denis & Oksana at the apartment in Kiev.

Want to let you know all the details but the short version is LOL we are here :)

Mark wants you all to know that we spent our first 16 hours here in UA asleep :) OMGosh... can you say wipe out?

Ok so flights were awesome! Had a great trip. All five bags made it. So glad there were not more than that, and so is Mark!

Bogdon got us at the airport and Sergey was our driver :) WE LOVE THEM! So thankful for their help. To God be the glory the elevator at Lori's is working as she is on the NINTH Floor of their complex... Dear Jesus may it work a long time... Feel free to pray that with me :)

When Lori told us she had talked to the whole family even Lova the cat about our being here, we trusted her... however... around 3 am Lova was not happy with the fact he could not get into his room. He let the complex know it. We made friends this morning. Photo to follow.

Ok so going through customs was a hoot. We thought we had to go red line which I guess we did not, but we did so whatever... long story short there was only one card in English that you could fill out to declare or not declare so I being one to try to do my best to keep things easy, got Mark's filled out in English and mine in Ukrainian b/c I could just "translate it myself" by following the English one... figured it would save time. Ummm no. Got up to the lady and she asks me, "Can you read this?" I said "No ma'am" she says in her most positive Ukrainian demeanor  "you... take this, go there, fill out and return. You fill out in English" so Mark goes on through and waits for me on the otherside I fill the form back out (the same way only now on the English form) and we are off. 

Bless S's heart. She had no idea we were going to be getting here that day but she did find out and called Bogdon to come and get us. We are so glad we are here. So thankful for your prayers and so thankful for all God has done for us. Got to share a prayer time with Rebecca in the airport in Pcola. Please do pray for she and her family esp. her two girls. :)

ummmm ok more later but for now we are going to try to hook up with S and Paula Underwood. The weather is good today :) I've decided no matter what the weather will be good every day!

Mark and I love you guys. Please love on each other for us and know that we are thinking of you and can't wait to get our kids home to you all :)

BIG LOVE TO EACH OF YOU!

The Smiths... All finally "here" :)

Lights Camera Action!

Ok, so here is what NOT to do at 9:45pm before you leave to adopt your kids at 5 am...

Do NOT try to put together one of those over the toilet storage deals... you know the kind that you feel like are going to be great because they will hold the extra towels that you need with five kids on the way... because it just so happens with Murphy's Law in place that you will surely get the box with only a picture on the outside and NO directions inside... and not that it is rocket science but of course it will be kind of worse than staying up on Christmas Eve to assemble a bike or something... and you will be laughing your fool head off inside at your poor spouse because you are like, Dude... just forget it already... but you know you really can't say that. ROFL.

We got a phone call from Suzette Davies last night. It turned out to be the coolest reality check for us. She was asking us about helping get a phone card for V. We were like sure no problem we would do that, but how will we connect with him. She says, "well he knows you are coming. When I was talking to him today I said there was a couple coming that might could help and he was like 'Oh O's parents?' " Now... I want you to know how that hit our ears...

"O's Parents"

Not only the fact that O knows we are coming... but that we are his "parents." I am sure I didn't hardly hear another thing Suzette said with as much clarity (sorry Suzette!!!! I really was trying to focus my full attention). In our hearts we were so excited. Our SON not only knows we are on our way... but he is telling others that he knows and believes that we are going to come for him. That hit me like nothing else I have ever known. What a joy that he trusts in our yet unseen face and only a limited knowledge so far of our character. Still there he is telling his friends, my parents are coming for me. Willing to come with us to a place he has not seen, and does not really know yet...

Now... if it is that cool for us, and I have been reminded over and over today that I am just dust that breaths, can you just place yourself in The Father's shoes for a minute... He loves us so much. He is so proud of us... He is so over joyed when we are sure and have faith in Him that He is and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him... sigh... amazing...

BTW... the toilet thingy finally got put up. The towels are finally on it. The Dogs are at the "Red Woof Inn" safe with Ms. Peggy. The suit cases are packed. The Carry Ons are stuffed... & I am going to pretend to sleep until Terry gets here at 5 to take us to the airport.

Meanwhile, waking up on the other side of the planet are the most beautiful people we have ever seen, and at least one of them knows for sure, we are on our way to get him.

Love,
Jenn ~ for: The Smiths ~ Here and There...

We couldn't have said it better...

so we will not even try... Ande Underwood a friend from Bham wrote this in his post today... Please continue to pray for their family as Paula brings Chris home the end of this week just as we arrive there... what a gift to get to say hello and see this precious boy as he gets ready to go HOME!

We love you guys!
M&J

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

From Dad
When I spoke with Paula yesterday morning, I was so happy that we finally arrived at the point where we did not have to ask the orphanage's permission to spend time with our son. Paula shared with me that she asked Chris to see the contents of the duffel bag that Chris left the orphanage with. He told her that there was nothing in it. Most parents of boys this age know that a boy answers a question with "nothing" when he does not want to answer the question. In this case, there really was nothing in the bag... except a tie and a small stuffed animal. What remained, from all he ever owned, was 2 items that were not stolen from him. Am I bitter? No. What I am is grateful that this boy will never again be treated in this manner again as long as he resides under the roof God has given our family. For the first time, he will experience dignity.We did not come to Ukraine to rescue a boy named Andrey. We came to bring our son home. A rescue is an event that, after it happens, life one day resumes again at normal. Adoption changes everything for everyone involved. And this is the message of the Gospel. Christ did not just rescue us. He changed us. He changed our names. That change should make every day of our lives different than they would have been in the ordinary. That new name gives us privileges that we never before had. A new life.

Learning the Steps...

Ok, so I have realized that there are some steps to this dance we will dance in Ukraine that you all may need some clarification on.... and since I can't sleep I am going to put my time to good use!

Step # first...
We get to UA.... ok that is true :) but seriously

Our first Step there is our appointment with the SDA on the 22nd. I do not have the exact time yet but will post it when I know it. BTW Ukraine is CST+8 hours.
So it is 4 am here and Noon time there...

The SDA is the governing body for kind of like our CPS here. They are at the highest level of government in UA dealing with the welfare of children. So this is not a "small potatoes" meeting that we are talking about this is an official deal.
We are not anticipating having a lot of trouble, but we do realize that ours is not exactly an orthodox adoption since we are asking for the privilege to adopt children that are not all related. We would ask that you would pray for us that folks would see that we trust God to blend this family together His way.

As far as life and prayer requests go once we arrive we are asking for prayer to be allowed to go visit orphanage 21 in Kiev.

& to catch up with friends both Ukrainian and American. Paula Underwood is still in UA finishing up their adoption of their new son Chris, and we will be touching base with her we hope before she leaves...

Interjection: Rolly is snoring ... so glad someone can sleep!

On to step number next:

We have to wait and see what they say at the SDA but if they think that we are kosher folks even though they may well question our sanity in adopting five teenagers ( ~ if they only knew about some of you guys in the youth group... ;) )
then we will get our "referrals" not like when you guys get busted for chewing gum or texting in class, no these are the referrals that we want :) we get to "officially" go and visit at 21.

In our brains the plan is to spend some time with the kids at 21 and then explain to them that they have new siblings down south. There is paper work that the facilitators have to gather in Kiev, then they will submit those to the judge.
That by the way was step number 3. Papers gathered and given to judges.
The judges can then pick a date which could be up to 30 days from said turn in, but which we are praying will be much sooner. & yes, we are surely asking for prayers that it will be sooner and that we will be pleasantly surprised to get judges that are truly interested in the welfare of the kids. Those from Bham please do not laugh at my novice Pollyanna heart. A girl can dream.

At some point we will explain to the Kiev crew that we need to boogie on down to Zaph, and start the same party there (see steps one through wishful 3 above) and move forward in the process there too... Now here is where it gets really tricky as if the Fab Five are not a trick in them selves! Presently, as far as we know, our kids in Zaph are in not one, not two but oh yes, THREE different orphanages. Not a pretty site. Which means, depending on the desire of the folks down south we could end up in not one, not two but THREE different courts there, and one in Kiev so yes the math on that is 4 court appearances. I have not been in four court rooms in my life in the states.

Rolly continues to snore peacefully... but not quietly... do breath right strips work on dogs? not sure... anyway....

Then we wait for court dates... My honey who may be with me to start the work in Zaph or who may stay behind and come down just for our Court date(s) will be one way or another in Kiev to bond with our kids there. We will both have catching up to do on that since we are playing divide and conquer but we are going to give it our very best shot. Prayers for understanding from the kids and minimal jealous back lash appreciated here ;)

After court and prayerfully awesome outcomes of the addition of the Fab Five to the Smith family, in both respected regions after each court date, there is a 10 day wait for each court setting (see where less is mo better for us?). So... if we have for example two dates: Say Feb 14 & 16 nice days in my life :) then we have to wait 10 days after each court date before we can press to the next step which is:

MORE paper work! Which has to be picked up for kids in both regions, and new Ukrainian passports must be made to swap for the US ones we are working toward.

Once the ten day wait(s) have past then we can get this group all in one place at one time. Now... LOL... that is going to be Very Interesting! Come on, you know you want to be a fly on the wall for those introductions! We have a few ideas for how to start the party of becoming a family as we are waiting at that point for an embassy appointment to get their papers processed and obtain US passports for each child.

Then the next step is airline tickets OUT of Ukraine for seven people. LOL... Seven people! I LOVE IT! Please pray for this! :) According to Bro Larry we will be needing tickets for 8! I giggle and would be in hog heaven... We want to be Mark and Jenn plus 10 :) Jon and Kate's 8 won't have anything on us! OK OK and then... the step we have all been waiting for:

Touch down USA. Mark and I have return tickets for March 6... it was a nice target number... not necessarily practical nor accurate... but something had to go in the return space... though I note several of you are voting that we will opt to become citizens and adopt the whole country... Thank you for that vote of encouragement. Boogers the lot of you!

Ok... I think that is a clear as mud picture of the steps we are heading toward. So as not to disturb our snoring black lab I will wrap this up for now... Wheels up on Weds. kids... Can you believe this is about to be oh so real? Me either...

Love,
Jenn~ for the Smiths, Here and There...

So we won our fight against the suit cases and the packing... Well mostly, we had to add a suit case to take with us. So 5 instead of 4. We got most everything packed (we think).
Now, the bed is as it should be, ready for one of our kids to sleep under the covers. This is my first post, but not my last. So far, it has just been Jenn writing down our thoughts, but I thought it was about time I give this blog thing a try. 4 days and counting!

Packing for UA

Ok. So I know this mountain is suppose to be in suitcases and I am not suppose to be blogging... but I am ready to get going and thought you guys would want to know and pray with us about fitting this (and our clothing not pictured) into 4 ~ 50lb suit cases... LOL.

Shane and Shane are helping us :)
We love you Jesus, for so many reasons.. for death and life and f reedom, even now we love you! We love you Jesus in and out of season, in valleys and on top of mountains even now can we sing we love you!!!

praying down the days ~ Mississippi Style

Our Precious Sister & Brother in Christ from Mississippi sent this email to us :) Not only are they so stinkin funny... they are so right on it! Be blessed as you read Jan & Jerry's version of our prayer list!

Jan ~ You rock & GG says you just use zip lock bags and slip the fish in your purse! Make sure you pack snack size!!! :)
Love, Jenn

Hey girl,

Just checking on you all and letting you in on a few prayers we are lifting up for you...

1. Lord, you were able to feed more than 5000 on a few fish and bread, could you reverse the effect and help Mark & Jenn get more than5000 supplies packed into a few suitecases and bags.
2. Lord, You have been able to walk on water, could you share some of that knowledge with Jenn and help to learn to walk on ICE WATER.
3. Lord, you managed to keep up with 12 folks, all different, and all with problems. Could you help Mark and Jenn not accidently leave one of the fab five at a store or the airport.
4. Lord, you turned ordinary water into a delicious wine so that the wedding hostess would not be embarrased so could you please turn pickled herring into fried catfish so that Jenn doesn't need to throw up in her coat to keep from embarrassing her hostesses.
5. Lord immediately before you began you ministry here you went back home and spent a day or so with your mom and siblings just hanging out and enjoying some food and time together so will you please make these last days of Mark & Jenn's two person family memorable and meaningful as they face the beginning of their new ministry.

Love ya sista,
Jan

Common behaviors from negative backgrounds in adopted children

Hey all ;)

As time is getting closer... wanted to share some things that may be helpful in "really getting" our kids. God may bless, and all our kids be "easy" but chances are :) some of these things will be a part of our lives as we all work on lovin our kiddos :) Not speaking negative over the kids, just want to share some practical insight into our lives. The bottom line for our children is that they have spent the last several if not all of the years of their lives in an institution. There have been rules, there are consequences, but there is also a "self government" of the kids, a pecking order and they are and have been in survival mode for a long time. Being safe is not the norm for them, much less "feeling safe." I caught one of our kids at Valerie's hording of all things, plastic zip top bags. Cute and funny at the time, but also something that was on his mind and something he knew he could use and wanted later. He took them out of her pantry. & yes, took, not asked. Zip top bags are not the issue, the issue is he took what he wanted with out asking, and he was hording. These are behaviors that in time we will work on as a family. You can ask Brenda Philips who spent time with the kids in Bham this last summer about the pecking order. Younger kids were fearful to have the quilt she made stolen from them or that they would get "beat up" to get it. & Please do understand, beat up here means exactly what it is written as. Pummeled. I do not know which part of the pecking order our kids were in. I suspect that they can all "hold their own" including our dear daughter. Do I expect a major manifestation of aggression? No. But could it happen? Yes.

God willing, we will be starting with 14,&12 year olds teaching them what your average 14-12 year old knows about family and about discipline. Most of all, we will be teaching them about unconditional LOVE. The first thing that we will be trying to teach is

Papa & Mama are the safe place. Papa & Mama say yes and no. Ask Papa & Mama first. Papa & Mama meet your needs. All of this of course in the light of Christ.

There has to be a foundation for them and if they are to believe anything we say (including what we share about Jesus) they must first believe that we are who we say we are and that we will do what we say we will do... Hebrews 11: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (11:6; NKJV) Please, no disrespect intended, we are not God, but we are in the parental roll & similarly we need them to know they have to come to us, and by so doing they will be "rewarded" with their needs being met time and again to build their trust in us. We were really kind of baffled by the idea of 14 & 15 year old kids asking their parents for the simple things, "Mama can I get a drink of water?" by that age of course if you want it go get it... but they are being taught dependence on their parents to build trust in their parents. That in turn will teach them to trust others and ultimately Christ.

Thank you for being with us on this journey. We need each of you and your prayers!

Love,
Mark and Jenn.

From book by Dave Ziegler, Ph.D.

"Traumatic Experience and the Brain"

Understanding and Treating Those Traumatized as Children

There are a number of common behaviors that arise from negative perceptions of the world that a child has been brought up in:

� Aggression - If I come on strong, they may not notice how weak I really am.

� Self-Centeredness - If I don't take more than I need, I won't get anything.

� Demands - Give me what I want now!

� Lying, cheating and stealing - The big three are used to even the playing field that the child believes is stacked against him.

� Being sexual - It feels good, everyone freaks out, and I get everyone's undivided attention, definitely a win situation.

� Verbal abuse - I know you don't like me, but I don't like you either, so there!

Treatment Implications:

� It is your job to get the task across in a way the child can understand.

� Most problematic behaviors were once survival adaptations to the environment.  now the child must adopt once again and this time he has your help.

� Give the child opportunities to discuss and think about threats he perceives.  This discussion provides an opportunity for his reasoning mind to enter into the picture.  The goal is to have the child bring more thought and consideration to daily living.

� Help the child learn to wait.  This may not seem like an important skill but actually it is important to learn for all, especially traumatized children.  To continue to believe that "Now is the only opportunity" is to reinforce the lack of belief in the future.

� Teach children to learn to use their emotions rather than have emotions use them.  The child would love to have power and control over everything.  Challenge her to at least have power and control over her emotions.

� Teach the child the difference between reacting and respondingg.  Essentially this difference comes down to how much thought goes into the process.

� Help the child learn to reframe her perceptions of events.  Offer a positive alternative or at least neutral view of events.

� Work toward perceptions that provide situational consistency.  Help the child see that the environment does provide continuity from one hour and one day to the next.

� What the child lacks in self-regulation must be provided by structure and consistency in the environment.  It is essential that the child find high levels of predictability in the environment.

� Teach and model healthy expression of feelings.  What makes you happy, what makes you sad?

� Think out loud for the child what you believe is going on inside him: "I bet you are now thinking that..."  This helps the child look into the mirror and see himself with your help.

� Reinforce approximations of positive behavior.  Do not get too stuck on the content, but rather reinforce the process of thinking and feeling.

� The traumatized child will learn best when there are five positive statements for every negative correction.  It is the best way to achieve success.