Today we got a chance to walk to the store to get some snack and see some of the surrounding neighborhood. John took most of the pics, but a few were taken by Jenn or Kevin.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
A High of 36 degrees today
February 1, 2008
Today was our 6th visit with the boys. We arrived as John called me to find out when we would be coming. I said, dude, we are here. He had gone outside to do something and came running in to change jackets. Kevin came down soon after his call, and wanted me to go with him to join his class outside. So Jenn agreed she would wait for John, and I would accompany Kevin. We played a little soccer and I took some video and pics. Then John and Jenn came and joined us. We talked and walked. Some of the others from previous Hope trips joined us and some new friends and we kicked the soccer ball around, had more snow ball fights, and then they wanted to try a little wrestling with the Papa. Awwww yeah! Again, speaking more of my language, Kevin and others decided to see what I was made of. I enjoyed beating them down, I mean the affection, and we took pictures and more video and ended up on the side with the swings and various other obstacle course and jungle gym type equipment. Jenn took some snacks out and oranges and we shared among us. All in all a good visit with the kids. Tomorrow we will return and visit from 3-5pm, again. Sunday will mark the first away visit from the Orphanage, and we will get the boys around 10ish and go to the Caravan. I am told there are some things to do there, and we will eat and have some fun and talk some more. This will be our last visit with the boys for a little while until I get back from Zap.
I am a little concerned for the boys while we are gone. Again, what we are doing is different than what they have seen. Others have had parents only adopting from their orphanage, or one close by in Kiev. They have not seen a family have to change regions to complete an adoption. So, please pray with us for God’s sustaining grace on our boys. They are using the phone now, not as much today, but checked in twice. John talked a little more tonight than he has previously. He asked us what we were doing, and if the documents were completed yet. We asked him if he was feeling better and he said he only had a little sore throat now. We told him we loved him and we would see him tomorrow. Kevin is hugging me now when we see each other, instead of the handshakes he first did when we would greet each other. They are warming up if different ways every time we see each other. God is answering prayer!
We will probably have a chance to blog once more, before Zap (maybe twice) and then there will be a period of silence. Can’t speculate at this point, but if nothing is available in Zap, then it may be two weeks before I make it back to Kiev to connect. Hopefully not, but I just don’t know what will be available out near the orphanage in the way of internet. It is not close to where the others we know have been, so hang in there and keep praying. We love you all so much! I will be posting some pictures after I blog this so you can “see” what’s going on as well as read.
We hope you have blessed Friday evening. I am thinking about all of you who will be attending Student Life Tour from our church tonight. We wish we were there with you. It is one of the highlights of my Spring and I hate we are missing God’s voice in and through the event. But trust me, we are listening to him hear. He is teaching us much about our adoption in Christ as we are adopting the kids.
Blessings and we will sign in tomorrow!
Papa Mark
Today was our 6th visit with the boys. We arrived as John called me to find out when we would be coming. I said, dude, we are here. He had gone outside to do something and came running in to change jackets. Kevin came down soon after his call, and wanted me to go with him to join his class outside. So Jenn agreed she would wait for John, and I would accompany Kevin. We played a little soccer and I took some video and pics. Then John and Jenn came and joined us. We talked and walked. Some of the others from previous Hope trips joined us and some new friends and we kicked the soccer ball around, had more snow ball fights, and then they wanted to try a little wrestling with the Papa. Awwww yeah! Again, speaking more of my language, Kevin and others decided to see what I was made of. I enjoyed beating them down, I mean the affection, and we took pictures and more video and ended up on the side with the swings and various other obstacle course and jungle gym type equipment. Jenn took some snacks out and oranges and we shared among us. All in all a good visit with the kids. Tomorrow we will return and visit from 3-5pm, again. Sunday will mark the first away visit from the Orphanage, and we will get the boys around 10ish and go to the Caravan. I am told there are some things to do there, and we will eat and have some fun and talk some more. This will be our last visit with the boys for a little while until I get back from Zap.
I am a little concerned for the boys while we are gone. Again, what we are doing is different than what they have seen. Others have had parents only adopting from their orphanage, or one close by in Kiev. They have not seen a family have to change regions to complete an adoption. So, please pray with us for God’s sustaining grace on our boys. They are using the phone now, not as much today, but checked in twice. John talked a little more tonight than he has previously. He asked us what we were doing, and if the documents were completed yet. We asked him if he was feeling better and he said he only had a little sore throat now. We told him we loved him and we would see him tomorrow. Kevin is hugging me now when we see each other, instead of the handshakes he first did when we would greet each other. They are warming up if different ways every time we see each other. God is answering prayer!
We will probably have a chance to blog once more, before Zap (maybe twice) and then there will be a period of silence. Can’t speculate at this point, but if nothing is available in Zap, then it may be two weeks before I make it back to Kiev to connect. Hopefully not, but I just don’t know what will be available out near the orphanage in the way of internet. It is not close to where the others we know have been, so hang in there and keep praying. We love you all so much! I will be posting some pictures after I blog this so you can “see” what’s going on as well as read.
We hope you have blessed Friday evening. I am thinking about all of you who will be attending Student Life Tour from our church tonight. We wish we were there with you. It is one of the highlights of my Spring and I hate we are missing God’s voice in and through the event. But trust me, we are listening to him hear. He is teaching us much about our adoption in Christ as we are adopting the kids.
Blessings and we will sign in tomorrow!
Papa Mark
Time to get Lost
Ok so today was another awesome day with boys. We are very excited all our visits seem to be positive and they are fun even if we have not been anywhere yet!
We are allowed to visit from 3-5 and then we have to go. We got to see and hug the Director today and she said we could visit in the big room if we wanted, but we ended up back outside again. We had a crowd today which was nice we enjoy the other kids. We are going to post a Hello Katlyn picture from Yuri and a Hello Megan picture from Vova... and let me tell you it was so funny to get that pic. Megan! we were trying to get Vova to smile and out of no where Mark goes, Megan! and we got the pic and it was hysterical! You will know which one it is! We saw V. today again too he was doing good. ;) We will post them shortly :)
We get to see the boys tomorrow for two hours and then take them out PTL!!! on Sunday before our train to Zap. We are informed that we are the first couple to ever adopt from Novahnickoliveka and that is huge. ya'll what an honor from God. Can't wait to as G. says, "pioneer the way."
We had to take the metro two stops past where we wanted to go but we eventually got home. It was a good thing because we actually got to sit down on the way home half the trip :)
Now, we are going to indulge in an addiction which is LOST the first episode of this season thanks to a down load and Lori's Mom :) I have to say that the idea of totally loosing myself right now is not a bad one I need that relax and check out time.
Peace out and we will write more later.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Can you hear me now?
January 31, 2008
Jenn and I set out today to make our first trip completely solo from apartment to the orphanage and back. We have done the return trip by ourselves, and from various other metro stops, but never the whole thing, from beginning to end. We made it with great success, and even got groceries for dinner. Independence is a good thing, and though we are no were near fluent, we can say a little here and there to get by to get somewhere we want to go. Capiche’
So we went by McDonalds today for a quick bite, since it is right at our metro stop, and we both enjoyed a chicken wrap. Mama, thought it would be nice to get each of our boys a hamburger so she pocketed those in her bag and we were off for our 2 line metro experience. We actually got to sit on the green line, lower traffic at around 2ish, and she got to sit on the red line. We got off and road the Marchuteka out to the orphanage, which he barely missed the stop before we had to say stop. It’s all good, just about 100 feet past where we usually walk from. So we make it there by 3:07pm and wait for signs of the children, who get out of school at around 3pm. Kevin is first today, which is the usual. He doesn’t know where John is, so I go outside with him down toward the soccer field, while Jenn waits inside for signs of him. Kevin asks for the camera, and I teach him about the video feature. Ahhhhhh the excitement, so a barrage of video and stills follow with friends and then with me and mama as she joins us. He doesn’t want to play soccer, so we just kinda talk and eventually eat his hamburger. John comes up about 35 min. into our visit and declines the hamburger. Ok, what kid do you know doesn’t like hamburger? That would be yours truly. I am a chicken eater, and have never been all that fond of hamburgers (although I do like Ukrainian hamburgers from Mc Donalds – not American ones, go figure). So we are kin, I have decided, this was the litmus test and he passed, so he will have less school work than Kevin when we get home. Just kidding. This is a running joke about lessons, how many will they have, they keep asking me.
The rest of the time was spent kicking the soccer ball around and snowball fights. I loved it! Finally some physical activity and I got to play too! It was good to hear, Papa, kick to me. Or Papa, here I kick to you. My skills were rusty, but they didn’t seem to care. Others joined us in at times, and it was a good time had by all. Even Mama kicked the ball a few times in between getting some good camera footage. We understood the boys had to be in by 4:45 so we left just prior to that. They wanted to know if we would be back tomorrow? Yes we will be here, we promise. So tomorrow we will follow through and visit again. We are hoping to take the boys out Saturday and Sunday for bowling and shopping.
Upon arriving home, the phone began to ring. The number was different, but when we answered it Low and behold it was John and Kevin. Kevin, again designated to do most of the talking, spoke for them both. We introduced Denis to them, and they asked all about who he was. Denis, you from Ukraine? You coming to America with us? Can Mama and Papa bring food tomorrow too? And drinks. We are cracking up. Kevin kept saying, listen, wait. Listen, wait. Haha Denis did a great job at being our voice as Lori laughed with us at what they were saying and interested in. It was so funny, but they were excited and loved to be able to talk to their Papa and Mama on the phone. 7 calls later, I was instructed to call back at 9 pm, when John answered and said Kevin went to bed (per Denis’ translation). So I told John I loved him and that we would see him tomorrow. He said he loved us and goodbye. Not a phone talker this one, at least at this point with limited English. After 7 calls I was ok with this, since we were repeating a lot of the same stuff per each call. But did we both love that our boys wanted to talk to us. Yes, Yes we did.
What an exciting day. You know, I had commented to Jenn about not having many English speakers to communicate with other than our friends. She says there are probably more around us than we think. So on our ride home tonight, God even addressed this by a Ukrainian historian, a kind man that noticed us and struck up a conversation. Insignificant, I think not! God is interested in our needs and desires. He hears our smallest requests, and works His plan into the intricate parts of our daily lives. That man was a blessing, a message to me that God is listening. So, Kevin’s continual plea, Schlushid “listen” and wait, is a message God wants us to hear. How about you? Are you listening to what He has to say to you? Are you waiting on the things He wants you to experience of Him today? I hope so, life is so much better when we do these two simple things.
We love you and you are in our prayers!
Good Night “Spakonie noche” from Ukraine
Papa Mark
Jenn and I set out today to make our first trip completely solo from apartment to the orphanage and back. We have done the return trip by ourselves, and from various other metro stops, but never the whole thing, from beginning to end. We made it with great success, and even got groceries for dinner. Independence is a good thing, and though we are no were near fluent, we can say a little here and there to get by to get somewhere we want to go. Capiche’
So we went by McDonalds today for a quick bite, since it is right at our metro stop, and we both enjoyed a chicken wrap. Mama, thought it would be nice to get each of our boys a hamburger so she pocketed those in her bag and we were off for our 2 line metro experience. We actually got to sit on the green line, lower traffic at around 2ish, and she got to sit on the red line. We got off and road the Marchuteka out to the orphanage, which he barely missed the stop before we had to say stop. It’s all good, just about 100 feet past where we usually walk from. So we make it there by 3:07pm and wait for signs of the children, who get out of school at around 3pm. Kevin is first today, which is the usual. He doesn’t know where John is, so I go outside with him down toward the soccer field, while Jenn waits inside for signs of him. Kevin asks for the camera, and I teach him about the video feature. Ahhhhhh the excitement, so a barrage of video and stills follow with friends and then with me and mama as she joins us. He doesn’t want to play soccer, so we just kinda talk and eventually eat his hamburger. John comes up about 35 min. into our visit and declines the hamburger. Ok, what kid do you know doesn’t like hamburger? That would be yours truly. I am a chicken eater, and have never been all that fond of hamburgers (although I do like Ukrainian hamburgers from Mc Donalds – not American ones, go figure). So we are kin, I have decided, this was the litmus test and he passed, so he will have less school work than Kevin when we get home. Just kidding. This is a running joke about lessons, how many will they have, they keep asking me.
The rest of the time was spent kicking the soccer ball around and snowball fights. I loved it! Finally some physical activity and I got to play too! It was good to hear, Papa, kick to me. Or Papa, here I kick to you. My skills were rusty, but they didn’t seem to care. Others joined us in at times, and it was a good time had by all. Even Mama kicked the ball a few times in between getting some good camera footage. We understood the boys had to be in by 4:45 so we left just prior to that. They wanted to know if we would be back tomorrow? Yes we will be here, we promise. So tomorrow we will follow through and visit again. We are hoping to take the boys out Saturday and Sunday for bowling and shopping.
Upon arriving home, the phone began to ring. The number was different, but when we answered it Low and behold it was John and Kevin. Kevin, again designated to do most of the talking, spoke for them both. We introduced Denis to them, and they asked all about who he was. Denis, you from Ukraine? You coming to America with us? Can Mama and Papa bring food tomorrow too? And drinks. We are cracking up. Kevin kept saying, listen, wait. Listen, wait. Haha Denis did a great job at being our voice as Lori laughed with us at what they were saying and interested in. It was so funny, but they were excited and loved to be able to talk to their Papa and Mama on the phone. 7 calls later, I was instructed to call back at 9 pm, when John answered and said Kevin went to bed (per Denis’ translation). So I told John I loved him and that we would see him tomorrow. He said he loved us and goodbye. Not a phone talker this one, at least at this point with limited English. After 7 calls I was ok with this, since we were repeating a lot of the same stuff per each call. But did we both love that our boys wanted to talk to us. Yes, Yes we did.
What an exciting day. You know, I had commented to Jenn about not having many English speakers to communicate with other than our friends. She says there are probably more around us than we think. So on our ride home tonight, God even addressed this by a Ukrainian historian, a kind man that noticed us and struck up a conversation. Insignificant, I think not! God is interested in our needs and desires. He hears our smallest requests, and works His plan into the intricate parts of our daily lives. That man was a blessing, a message to me that God is listening. So, Kevin’s continual plea, Schlushid “listen” and wait, is a message God wants us to hear. How about you? Are you listening to what He has to say to you? Are you waiting on the things He wants you to experience of Him today? I hope so, life is so much better when we do these two simple things.
We love you and you are in our prayers!
Good Night “Spakonie noche” from Ukraine
Papa Mark
"Schlueshid"
…which means “Listen” in Russian… have we got an awesome day for you! Ok first of all we got to sleep in which was fantastic, and we got up and had coffee with Lori and hung out a while. Mark and I tackled our first totally solo trip today which by now you would think well I hope so! We had a good time walking together and talking. Mark was asking did I feel weird being some place I couldn’t understand the language and being alone. Honestly no I don’t. I think the time in the Philippines especially was good for my confidence level, once I go places a few times I get comfortable with landmarks and it doesn’t matter that I can’t read or talk. I just go. Mark’s experience in Africa was different so this is good for us both to have this time to learn together. We had a culture stress moment about which bus to take, we knew the numbers it was just a matter of “well why do you want to take that one?” Mark is one to ask good questions and understand why, I learned that sometimes life is like Algebra and you just do what you have to do to get the answer and don’t ask why. Ukraine is kind of Algebra for me right now, and I am just trying to get along smoothly with out incident and get out. I know none of you will believe that my personality lends itself to a more “in charge” nature, so it will shock you to pieces when you hear me say I just want to get my kids and get home with out ticking anyone off and slowing us down. This is a good goal for me. Which bus to take to the orphanage in that light is really not of any consequence to me, but because it matters to my honey it needs to matter to me too. For those who come behind, it is important to know that you will have times that communication seems easier than it has ever been and harder in some ways too. You need to love on each other and work together to make things work, what bugs you in general will hippopotamus you once you get here about each other and about stressful things in general. Just be ready for these times and be ready to take responsibility when you need to to smooth things out. End of marriage 101 for today!
We got to the orphanage and waited for the kids, Kevin came down first, he and Mark went out and I waited a few minutes for John. Then I decided John would find us, and went out so as not to miss time with Kevin too. We brought the boys each a cheeseburger from McDonalds, Kevin woofed his down. When John caught up with us we offered him his but he passed on it and gave it to a younger boy Yuri. We think this boy is precious too and you could just drown in his blue eyes. Precious kid. We hung out with Yuri and one of the Vova’s and walked around the school. We saw lots of cigarette butts out back of the dorms. A couple of pair of underwear (??????) and we observed how and where the boys jump the wall to get in and out so they do not get caught coming and going through the front gate if they are not suppose to leave. It was interesting to watch that happen and I wondered how many times ours have done it.
Mark and the boys played soccer, had a snow ball fight, and before you know it our visit was over and we had to leave. We said goodbye but as we left the gates Kevin called out, “We can call you on phone?” we said yes! Please call! So they waited till we got all the way home and I was cooking for Lori, Denis, Mark and I when they called. They asked, what are you doing? Denis told them for us that we were hanging out and I was cooking dinner. We talked a few more minutes and then suddenly Kevin says through Denis, we can smell dinner through the phone! Ya’ll they were so cute! Kevin kept saying “Listen” before he would say something, it was hysterical! He would confer with John and together they would decided what to say then Kevin would call out “Schlueshid!” Guys, as I type the kids have called 4 times since we got home. They want us to call them again soon. This is huge! They keep asking the same thing, they want that reassurance that we will call them back, that we are really going to come tomorrow and see them again, that we are really going to take them out this weekend. They asked for us to bring them something to eat and drink tomorrow which we will do, and they want for us to bring them something for John’s throat which is sore. He is afraid to get a fever. Kevin is John’s translator. This is a hoot in itself! They are really warming up, asking for little things they are needing, testing the waters, and finding out if we are going to keep our word to them.
We do the same thing with our Heavenly Father. Just like the kids keep calling their Papa, asking are you there still? What are you doing? Will you really come for us tomorrow? We want that same confirmation. We want that same affirmation and it is precious to Him. Until today, I haven’t realized the fullness of what it is like as a parent to have your child call and check in with you. I never understood how awesome it could feel to have your sons call on you and tell you they love you and want to communicate with you. God feels the same way about us, and more. He loves it when we call out to Him. He loves it when we try to tell Him how we are feeling and ask Him to meet our needs. We are showing Him our trust of Him and who He says He is. If you haven’t talked to God yet today I hope you do. I hope you will call on Him at 8:45 (call number 5) asking can we talk at 9? And call back to Him five minutes (call number 6) later asking “you will call at 9? Yes?” as if He could forget His promise to be there and be ready for you any time! Guys, this is so funny and so awesome and such a revelation at the same time. They will need like we need that constant reassurance we are going to be there for them.
We love you guys! We have an important appointment to keep so this is short for today! We will share more tomorrow but for now much lovin and encouragement to call your Dad today! He is more than happy to hear from you!
Love,
Mark and Jenn
We got to the orphanage and waited for the kids, Kevin came down first, he and Mark went out and I waited a few minutes for John. Then I decided John would find us, and went out so as not to miss time with Kevin too. We brought the boys each a cheeseburger from McDonalds, Kevin woofed his down. When John caught up with us we offered him his but he passed on it and gave it to a younger boy Yuri. We think this boy is precious too and you could just drown in his blue eyes. Precious kid. We hung out with Yuri and one of the Vova’s and walked around the school. We saw lots of cigarette butts out back of the dorms. A couple of pair of underwear (??????) and we observed how and where the boys jump the wall to get in and out so they do not get caught coming and going through the front gate if they are not suppose to leave. It was interesting to watch that happen and I wondered how many times ours have done it.
Mark and the boys played soccer, had a snow ball fight, and before you know it our visit was over and we had to leave. We said goodbye but as we left the gates Kevin called out, “We can call you on phone?” we said yes! Please call! So they waited till we got all the way home and I was cooking for Lori, Denis, Mark and I when they called. They asked, what are you doing? Denis told them for us that we were hanging out and I was cooking dinner. We talked a few more minutes and then suddenly Kevin says through Denis, we can smell dinner through the phone! Ya’ll they were so cute! Kevin kept saying “Listen” before he would say something, it was hysterical! He would confer with John and together they would decided what to say then Kevin would call out “Schlueshid!” Guys, as I type the kids have called 4 times since we got home. They want us to call them again soon. This is huge! They keep asking the same thing, they want that reassurance that we will call them back, that we are really going to come tomorrow and see them again, that we are really going to take them out this weekend. They asked for us to bring them something to eat and drink tomorrow which we will do, and they want for us to bring them something for John’s throat which is sore. He is afraid to get a fever. Kevin is John’s translator. This is a hoot in itself! They are really warming up, asking for little things they are needing, testing the waters, and finding out if we are going to keep our word to them.
We do the same thing with our Heavenly Father. Just like the kids keep calling their Papa, asking are you there still? What are you doing? Will you really come for us tomorrow? We want that same confirmation. We want that same affirmation and it is precious to Him. Until today, I haven’t realized the fullness of what it is like as a parent to have your child call and check in with you. I never understood how awesome it could feel to have your sons call on you and tell you they love you and want to communicate with you. God feels the same way about us, and more. He loves it when we call out to Him. He loves it when we try to tell Him how we are feeling and ask Him to meet our needs. We are showing Him our trust of Him and who He says He is. If you haven’t talked to God yet today I hope you do. I hope you will call on Him at 8:45 (call number 5) asking can we talk at 9? And call back to Him five minutes (call number 6) later asking “you will call at 9? Yes?” as if He could forget His promise to be there and be ready for you any time! Guys, this is so funny and so awesome and such a revelation at the same time. They will need like we need that constant reassurance we are going to be there for them.
We love you guys! We have an important appointment to keep so this is short for today! We will share more tomorrow but for now much lovin and encouragement to call your Dad today! He is more than happy to hear from you!
Love,
Mark and Jenn
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Change of plans...
"God is good all the time... all the time, God is good." (Andrea I am picking up your montra)
So today we got up and started to get ready for the day, Olya was up and offered to make us eggs and sausage (Kobasa) we had tea and shared some small talk about the cat and Lori and Denis, it was small talk because it was us with out a translator with Olya but it was awesome none the less. She is precious. Somehow in the conversation however it seemed as I admired her fingernails that she thought I should have mine done too. Now to be honest in my mind I was thinking pack for Zap, get to a meeting at 2 and try to see the boys before we catch a train. Finger nails were not on my list of things to do. But people being more important than my productivity I made myself check out of my American mind, and just receive this time with Olya and the gift that it was from her to me.
I have done nails for girls for Prom, nails for people who could not do them for themselves, and I like to serve others that way. I have not had someone else do my nails unless I have paid for it or unless I let a little kid do it for their own fun. As I sat in the tiny kitchen this morning and Olya went to work on my hands which I confess I thought looked awful with travel, and busted fingernails, (I know you guys are like whatever! but a chick is a chick and my thing is my nails)when she started filing and my hands were soaking in soapy water... I started slowing down. Slowing down for me is not always a good thing. Some of what happened yesterday started soaking in too and I was over come with the kindness Olya was showing to me, and the loss of Z. and the pressure of what the process still is yet to come. I started to cry. When Olya saw it she was like what is going on? (my translation) I only know the word for tomorrow in Russian so I started by explaining Tomorrow, Now, Yesterday, she got me. Then I explained Inspector in Zap, Dah, A&M, Neyt, Z. & she was clear on what had happened and looked as stricken as we feel. The Ukrainian answer to just about everything is tea and food. Since we had had breakfast she put on tea and wanted me to eat cookies. I declined the cookies but indulged in the second cup of tea while my nails dried and so did my eyes. Olya looked at me very strictly pointing her finger like Granny used to, and said, "Nieploch" (Jenn phonetic for) "Don't cry" Then she said, "I no,ummm" and made a motion indicating her heart breaks. I heard her to say, she can't see me cry because it breaks her heart. So, no more cry baby Jenn... at least not for now. Olya explained her Papa bought her her "tools" to do nails. They are really nice. I couldn't help but think how, God knew that the tools he gave Olya through her Dad would be so important as she connects with her niece Oksana weekly (I have seen this) and would be such a ministry to my broken spirit this morning. Dad's gifts are always for a reason aye? Some we don't think are a big deal until He uses us to bless someone else. The person we bless offers gratitude not only to us, but it is a glory to God too. I am so thankful for the way that God used Olya's act of kindness this morning to bless me and I praise Him for this which in turn blesses Him.
G. called and said, "a very funny thing has happened.it seems M's papers have been transferred to Novahnickoliveka (my spelling) but the local administration has not yet gotten any papers that say he has been received there yet. So, we will not be going to Zap today, and no meeting with Sveta, but we can go see the boys." So, Mark and I finished reorganizing our suitcases since they were out and pre fingernails we had started that party, and then Lori and he and I went downtown to change money and catch lunch before meeting G. to go out to Nievki to see the boys.
We got to the orphanage and David West's post about what it feels like to be in the darkness of the place came back to me. It was dark. The Soviet mentality of just a little light was pervasive today. We sat in the hallway as G. chatted with one of the guards. The boys it turns out were in gym class and not able to come visit. Then after we sit for an hour, G. finally catches the Director which we were under the impression had already been done, and she gives permission to allow us to go and watch them play. So we go to the fifth floor gym and watch Kevin play basketball, John sat out today. The gym is really small. the ceiling is low and they play ball off the walls to keep it in play as long as they can. When they were done we went back down stairs for our visit. They disappeared a while to change clothes. Kevin came back with his jacket on. Mark was proud :) Then we got to hang out a while. about an hour. We asked questions which Lori helped us with and the answers we got were telling of personalities. John when asked, what is your favorite color says, "I don't know, I like them all. What is your favorite color?" I tell him blue. What do you like to eat, "what ever you fix." What do you think you want to do? He shrugs, Lori, Mark and I were talking on the way home... He has no idea, because until this week, his options were technical school (if he could be placed and since his "neurological report" was not "super" they may not have placed him) or the street. Kevin on the other hand was quick to answer. He knew what color he liked, he likes black. He knows he likes candy. When John heard us ask him what his favorite color was, he told him, "tell her blue" he was eager to see me happy, but Kevin was like, no, I do like black. Kevin is more sure of himself in some ways for a younger kid. John is going to wrestle with learning it is ok to like what he likes and not have to be a people pleaser. We adore them both. They make everything better and we are so excited to be with them. We asked them what they think it will be like to be in a family. They were like, nice. What do you think a Papa's job is? Kevin says, "to do good work" John says, "I'll help Papa with his work" they wanted to know about school and about how many lessons a day they would have to have. Kevin was thrilled to hear they would get two weeks off when they got home before we start school officially. John was relieved to hear that school will start with English lessons at home first. "Good." he said. They wanted to know what jobs they would have at home, and what Job's M&A would have too. We have explained that Z is not going to come home now and that has brought about a mixed reaction. They look sad, and they also are a little anxious I think to see their situation resolved so that they feel sure this won't happen to them. We tried to tell them it is all good, but I think only time will calm those nerves down.
They had to go do a lesson, and said to wait for them. We did, and the Director came down and politely told us that it was best for us to just go on home. We smiled, received her word to us, and asked to tell the boys we were going. She smiled, told us she would have a teacher do that for us, and we were effectively dismissed. We left and road the bus and Mootro home. Poor Lori had her nose in this dude's armpit half the way and later she confirmed he smelled like a bottle of Vodka to boot. You will be thrilled to hear that tonight I did not even graze one person in the game of Bowling for Ukrainians on the Metro. I am rather proud of this. Celebrate with me please :)
Please pray with us that we will get to have the boys for an outing this weekend. We do not seem to curry the same favor as some of the families that have preceded us so we are not sure she will let us go out with them. But we really want to, and hope to. Especially since now we will travel to Zap on Sunday night for meetings on Monday/Tues. with inspectors and the Orphanage director at Novahnickoliveka. We are excited they are in one place, and thrilled to here the "local administration" is "friendly." We shall see! :) Also, cool news and answer to prayer, since they are in one place, only two court hearings. This is good. Also, another answer to prayer, it seems that for my stay in Zap I will be at the orphanage with the children. YOU KNOW I AM IN HEAVEN over this news no matter what happens once there, the conditions, none of it... I am so stoked to be able to experience life there with them. I am so thankful that God will allow me to be there and praying for the chance to love on some kids! I am going to ask for permission to make the big stink for Valentines Day, ya'll please pray for wisdom on how to do this, what to do, and a chance to say Jesus loves them in what ever way I can daily but especially on that day. It is a huge holiday for "young people" according to Denis. I would like to see the Father show His love for the kids through anything we can muster up to do special. Novahnickoliveka is a "special" orphanage for children with speech problems, and I saw pics once that indicated other special needs are there as well. I do not think I will have internet, in fact I doubt this seriously, so once Mark and I part company for a time and he comes home to Kiev to be with the boys, I will be off line save through him. I will however have my lap top so be on the look out for a novel when I get to post. :)
I am hopeful Lori will share her perspective of what she sees happening in a post in the future too. She is so awesome and has been such a wonderful blessing of an extra set of eyes and ears, not to mention hugs and kisses for the boys. They love her! Who doesn't?
Ok so recap for those who fell asleep, we are here till Sun. night and then down to Zap. Jan, I am still going to do all I can to get some time with the kids. Hang in there with me sister. We will pray and leave the results up to Him! DO NOT WORRY! Ya'll prayin folk ask the Lord to let me get to see the kids at Matv. too please!!Suzette, got V. a phone card today and was able to pass it to him quietly. I think it will last him a while we got him one for 50 grn. If he needs anything when we get back Mark can help him. :)
Thank you much for all your prayers and comments. Thank you to those who have gone to see our sweet boys at the Red Woof Inn. We are missing them and can't wait for the kids to get to meet them. Funny enough Kevin who is scared of dogs, thinks Pohlee should be his dog... we were thinking Rolly would be a much better choice, but it was really funny to hear him assign Pohlee to himself and Rolly to John. Betcha that changes fast!
Praying we get to visit again tomorrow. Will let you know when we do!
Peace out,
Jenn for the Smiths.
So today we got up and started to get ready for the day, Olya was up and offered to make us eggs and sausage (Kobasa) we had tea and shared some small talk about the cat and Lori and Denis, it was small talk because it was us with out a translator with Olya but it was awesome none the less. She is precious. Somehow in the conversation however it seemed as I admired her fingernails that she thought I should have mine done too. Now to be honest in my mind I was thinking pack for Zap, get to a meeting at 2 and try to see the boys before we catch a train. Finger nails were not on my list of things to do. But people being more important than my productivity I made myself check out of my American mind, and just receive this time with Olya and the gift that it was from her to me.
I have done nails for girls for Prom, nails for people who could not do them for themselves, and I like to serve others that way. I have not had someone else do my nails unless I have paid for it or unless I let a little kid do it for their own fun. As I sat in the tiny kitchen this morning and Olya went to work on my hands which I confess I thought looked awful with travel, and busted fingernails, (I know you guys are like whatever! but a chick is a chick and my thing is my nails)when she started filing and my hands were soaking in soapy water... I started slowing down. Slowing down for me is not always a good thing. Some of what happened yesterday started soaking in too and I was over come with the kindness Olya was showing to me, and the loss of Z. and the pressure of what the process still is yet to come. I started to cry. When Olya saw it she was like what is going on? (my translation) I only know the word for tomorrow in Russian so I started by explaining Tomorrow, Now, Yesterday, she got me. Then I explained Inspector in Zap, Dah, A&M, Neyt, Z. & she was clear on what had happened and looked as stricken as we feel. The Ukrainian answer to just about everything is tea and food. Since we had had breakfast she put on tea and wanted me to eat cookies. I declined the cookies but indulged in the second cup of tea while my nails dried and so did my eyes. Olya looked at me very strictly pointing her finger like Granny used to, and said, "Nieploch" (Jenn phonetic for) "Don't cry" Then she said, "I no,ummm" and made a motion indicating her heart breaks. I heard her to say, she can't see me cry because it breaks her heart. So, no more cry baby Jenn... at least not for now. Olya explained her Papa bought her her "tools" to do nails. They are really nice. I couldn't help but think how, God knew that the tools he gave Olya through her Dad would be so important as she connects with her niece Oksana weekly (I have seen this) and would be such a ministry to my broken spirit this morning. Dad's gifts are always for a reason aye? Some we don't think are a big deal until He uses us to bless someone else. The person we bless offers gratitude not only to us, but it is a glory to God too. I am so thankful for the way that God used Olya's act of kindness this morning to bless me and I praise Him for this which in turn blesses Him.
G. called and said, "a very funny thing has happened.it seems M's papers have been transferred to Novahnickoliveka (my spelling) but the local administration has not yet gotten any papers that say he has been received there yet. So, we will not be going to Zap today, and no meeting with Sveta, but we can go see the boys." So, Mark and I finished reorganizing our suitcases since they were out and pre fingernails we had started that party, and then Lori and he and I went downtown to change money and catch lunch before meeting G. to go out to Nievki to see the boys.
We got to the orphanage and David West's post about what it feels like to be in the darkness of the place came back to me. It was dark. The Soviet mentality of just a little light was pervasive today. We sat in the hallway as G. chatted with one of the guards. The boys it turns out were in gym class and not able to come visit. Then after we sit for an hour, G. finally catches the Director which we were under the impression had already been done, and she gives permission to allow us to go and watch them play. So we go to the fifth floor gym and watch Kevin play basketball, John sat out today. The gym is really small. the ceiling is low and they play ball off the walls to keep it in play as long as they can. When they were done we went back down stairs for our visit. They disappeared a while to change clothes. Kevin came back with his jacket on. Mark was proud :) Then we got to hang out a while. about an hour. We asked questions which Lori helped us with and the answers we got were telling of personalities. John when asked, what is your favorite color says, "I don't know, I like them all. What is your favorite color?" I tell him blue. What do you like to eat, "what ever you fix." What do you think you want to do? He shrugs, Lori, Mark and I were talking on the way home... He has no idea, because until this week, his options were technical school (if he could be placed and since his "neurological report" was not "super" they may not have placed him) or the street. Kevin on the other hand was quick to answer. He knew what color he liked, he likes black. He knows he likes candy. When John heard us ask him what his favorite color was, he told him, "tell her blue" he was eager to see me happy, but Kevin was like, no, I do like black. Kevin is more sure of himself in some ways for a younger kid. John is going to wrestle with learning it is ok to like what he likes and not have to be a people pleaser. We adore them both. They make everything better and we are so excited to be with them. We asked them what they think it will be like to be in a family. They were like, nice. What do you think a Papa's job is? Kevin says, "to do good work" John says, "I'll help Papa with his work" they wanted to know about school and about how many lessons a day they would have to have. Kevin was thrilled to hear they would get two weeks off when they got home before we start school officially. John was relieved to hear that school will start with English lessons at home first. "Good." he said. They wanted to know what jobs they would have at home, and what Job's M&A would have too. We have explained that Z is not going to come home now and that has brought about a mixed reaction. They look sad, and they also are a little anxious I think to see their situation resolved so that they feel sure this won't happen to them. We tried to tell them it is all good, but I think only time will calm those nerves down.
They had to go do a lesson, and said to wait for them. We did, and the Director came down and politely told us that it was best for us to just go on home. We smiled, received her word to us, and asked to tell the boys we were going. She smiled, told us she would have a teacher do that for us, and we were effectively dismissed. We left and road the bus and Mootro home. Poor Lori had her nose in this dude's armpit half the way and later she confirmed he smelled like a bottle of Vodka to boot. You will be thrilled to hear that tonight I did not even graze one person in the game of Bowling for Ukrainians on the Metro. I am rather proud of this. Celebrate with me please :)
Please pray with us that we will get to have the boys for an outing this weekend. We do not seem to curry the same favor as some of the families that have preceded us so we are not sure she will let us go out with them. But we really want to, and hope to. Especially since now we will travel to Zap on Sunday night for meetings on Monday/Tues. with inspectors and the Orphanage director at Novahnickoliveka. We are excited they are in one place, and thrilled to here the "local administration" is "friendly." We shall see! :) Also, cool news and answer to prayer, since they are in one place, only two court hearings. This is good. Also, another answer to prayer, it seems that for my stay in Zap I will be at the orphanage with the children. YOU KNOW I AM IN HEAVEN over this news no matter what happens once there, the conditions, none of it... I am so stoked to be able to experience life there with them. I am so thankful that God will allow me to be there and praying for the chance to love on some kids! I am going to ask for permission to make the big stink for Valentines Day, ya'll please pray for wisdom on how to do this, what to do, and a chance to say Jesus loves them in what ever way I can daily but especially on that day. It is a huge holiday for "young people" according to Denis. I would like to see the Father show His love for the kids through anything we can muster up to do special. Novahnickoliveka is a "special" orphanage for children with speech problems, and I saw pics once that indicated other special needs are there as well. I do not think I will have internet, in fact I doubt this seriously, so once Mark and I part company for a time and he comes home to Kiev to be with the boys, I will be off line save through him. I will however have my lap top so be on the look out for a novel when I get to post. :)
I am hopeful Lori will share her perspective of what she sees happening in a post in the future too. She is so awesome and has been such a wonderful blessing of an extra set of eyes and ears, not to mention hugs and kisses for the boys. They love her! Who doesn't?
Ok so recap for those who fell asleep, we are here till Sun. night and then down to Zap. Jan, I am still going to do all I can to get some time with the kids. Hang in there with me sister. We will pray and leave the results up to Him! DO NOT WORRY! Ya'll prayin folk ask the Lord to let me get to see the kids at Matv. too please!!Suzette, got V. a phone card today and was able to pass it to him quietly. I think it will last him a while we got him one for 50 grn. If he needs anything when we get back Mark can help him. :)
Thank you much for all your prayers and comments. Thank you to those who have gone to see our sweet boys at the Red Woof Inn. We are missing them and can't wait for the kids to get to meet them. Funny enough Kevin who is scared of dogs, thinks Pohlee should be his dog... we were thinking Rolly would be a much better choice, but it was really funny to hear him assign Pohlee to himself and Rolly to John. Betcha that changes fast!
Praying we get to visit again tomorrow. Will let you know when we do!
Peace out,
Jenn for the Smiths.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
John Benjamin in the snow.
Mark got to take one picture :) this was it. Wanted to share with you guys.
