I stared out the window of the plane pretty much the whole way from Moldova to Frankfurt. As we took off I could literally feel the distance between us and Nastya becoming greater. Staring off into the clouds I just prayed for strength -maybe God would really be able to hear me way up hear in the clouds. Why does it have to be so hard? Why do we have to go through this? Why cant we just bring her home and parent her? As my mind filled with these thoughts I remembered something I recently read..."Sometimes God likes to wet the wood (in this case, soak) before lighting it on fire. That way when it burns, all will know who did it."
When we were getting off the plane in Germany I overheard a man talking to someone in English. He had a southern accent so I asked him where he was from. He responded, "North Carolina". I asked him what he was doing in Moldova and he told me that he owned a business in Moldova and has worked in the country for years (I forget exactly how many). He then asked me what we were doing. I told him we were doing mission work and that my husband and I were trying to adopt from Transnistria. He knew of Transnistria and mentioned that he knew people whom he did work with there. He then proceeded to tell me that his business is to assist Moldovan students with getting visas to do work in the U.S. He said that he worked closely with the U.S. embassy in Chisinau (capital of Moldova) and has connections with people in immigration and visa processing. Then said, "Let me know if you need any help". My mouth was hanging open, I'm sure. I just shook my head and told him I would like to tell him more about our story. We met at the gate and talked for a while before boarding the plane to Atlanta.
Here is his website:
http://www.nancegroup.md/
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Good Bye
Popenki Friday
This morning we met with another legal expert. She is knowledgeable and willing to help us with the legal side of Transnistria.
Today was very windy so we decided to fly kites with the children. They had so much fun!
Nastya and Chris
In Transnistria they have a holiday called "Victory Day" -celebrating their independence from Moldova. The children in the orphanage participate in a march where each class competes. Each team/class comes up with their own uniform and they march around the court while they are judged.
Today we had to say goodbye to the children and Nastya. It was very hard to leave. The only way we were able was knowing Mason and Ryder were waiting for us at home -otherwise I think we would have stayed. The director got Nastya from her class and met us outside. We spent a few minutes saying goodbye and told her we loved her so much. We told her to do good in school and to not forget us. We told her she has 2 brothers that cant wait to meet her. We also told her that we would do everything we could to be her parents (since she already knew what was going on). She said that she would not forget us and she would wait.
This morning we met with another legal expert. She is knowledgeable and willing to help us with the legal side of Transnistria.
Today was very windy so we decided to fly kites with the children. They had so much fun!
Nastya and Chris
In Transnistria they have a holiday called "Victory Day" -celebrating their independence from Moldova. The children in the orphanage participate in a march where each class competes. Each team/class comes up with their own uniform and they march around the court while they are judged.
Today we had to say goodbye to the children and Nastya. It was very hard to leave. The only way we were able was knowing Mason and Ryder were waiting for us at home -otherwise I think we would have stayed. The director got Nastya from her class and met us outside. We spent a few minutes saying goodbye and told her we loved her so much. We told her to do good in school and to not forget us. We told her she has 2 brothers that cant wait to meet her. We also told her that we would do everything we could to be her parents (since she already knew what was going on). She said that she would not forget us and she would wait.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Я тебя люблю (I Love You)
Popenki Thursday
Today the children did not have school so we were able to be with Nastya and her class all day.
We are grateful for all the time we had with her. When we arrived we took her class to the gym and played games/relays with the children while Mike and Chris worked on replacing light fixtures.
The children were so excited that we were back. Nastya was wearing the leggings we got for her – for the 2nd day. We spent a lot of time playing outside – the sidewalk chalk was a hit! Nastya wrote my name in Russian and drew a heart around it (1st time I cried)
Oleg and Marina met us this morning – so it was great to see them too. They will be with us tomorrow as well.
The orphanage prepared lunch for us today – it was very good.
The director offered to let us stay at the orphanage next time we come to visit. She was very appreciative of everything we were doing for the children. She allowed us to look at Nastya’s file and answered some of our questions. She told us that she was not against us adopting Nastya. She said she would miss her but that she needed a better future (2nd time I cried). She is a sweet lady.
Today Nastya asked me to take her home with me (3rd time I cried). I asked Anna to tell her that Chris and I are going to do everything we can. We told her that it could take a long time but we would not forget her and that we would keep in touch. I decided that it would be a good idea to learn “I love you” in Russian this morning. And so, I probably told her 50 times. I prayed over her and just watched her.
Of course she asked to play with my camera today and or course I let her. She took about 200 pictures. Every once in a while she would give it up to let another child take a picture of her and me.
She took me into her building and into her bedroom to see where she sleeps. When we got to the girls room she ran and grabbed her stuffed owl (we sent her 2 months ago). I was so happy to see that she got it and understood it was from our family. She showed me her bed and Betty prayed a sweet prayer over it (4th time I cried).
Her class wanted to show us a dance they learned…will post the video of Nastya dancing with her class soon.
She’s got Chris, Kari, Hello, and Goodbye down. Not bad after 3 days. Between her English, the little Russian we’ve learned and the hugs and kisses we are working it out!
She wanted to know if we would be back tomorrow. Tomorrow is our last day and we are going to have to say goodbye. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. This is going to be hard.
Tonight we met with a legal expert in Transnistria (a friend of Mark’s). We met at her house and she was able to answer a lot of our questions. This would be a book in itself – so I’ll just say, she gave us much needed information.
Thank you for all the emails of encouragement and HOPE. God has been with us since we boarded the plane on April 29th and He’s not leaving - there’s no doubt.
Today the children did not have school so we were able to be with Nastya and her class all day.
We are grateful for all the time we had with her. When we arrived we took her class to the gym and played games/relays with the children while Mike and Chris worked on replacing light fixtures.
The children were so excited that we were back. Nastya was wearing the leggings we got for her – for the 2nd day. We spent a lot of time playing outside – the sidewalk chalk was a hit! Nastya wrote my name in Russian and drew a heart around it (1st time I cried)
Oleg and Marina met us this morning – so it was great to see them too. They will be with us tomorrow as well.
The orphanage prepared lunch for us today – it was very good.
The director offered to let us stay at the orphanage next time we come to visit. She was very appreciative of everything we were doing for the children. She allowed us to look at Nastya’s file and answered some of our questions. She told us that she was not against us adopting Nastya. She said she would miss her but that she needed a better future (2nd time I cried). She is a sweet lady.
Today Nastya asked me to take her home with me (3rd time I cried). I asked Anna to tell her that Chris and I are going to do everything we can. We told her that it could take a long time but we would not forget her and that we would keep in touch. I decided that it would be a good idea to learn “I love you” in Russian this morning. And so, I probably told her 50 times. I prayed over her and just watched her.
Of course she asked to play with my camera today and or course I let her. She took about 200 pictures. Every once in a while she would give it up to let another child take a picture of her and me.
She took me into her building and into her bedroom to see where she sleeps. When we got to the girls room she ran and grabbed her stuffed owl (we sent her 2 months ago). I was so happy to see that she got it and understood it was from our family. She showed me her bed and Betty prayed a sweet prayer over it (4th time I cried).
Her class wanted to show us a dance they learned…will post the video of Nastya dancing with her class soon.
She’s got Chris, Kari, Hello, and Goodbye down. Not bad after 3 days. Between her English, the little Russian we’ve learned and the hugs and kisses we are working it out!
She wanted to know if we would be back tomorrow. Tomorrow is our last day and we are going to have to say goodbye. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. This is going to be hard.
Tonight we met with a legal expert in Transnistria (a friend of Mark’s). We met at her house and she was able to answer a lot of our questions. This would be a book in itself – so I’ll just say, she gave us much needed information.
Thank you for all the emails of encouragement and HOPE. God has been with us since we boarded the plane on April 29th and He’s not leaving - there’s no doubt.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The Sun is Shining Down on us
Popenki Wednesday
When we arrived at Popenki this morning Nastya and her relatives were waiting in their car for us at the gate. We dropped the team off so they could start some of the projects while we went on a picnic with Nastya's family. We got into Alexander and Alla's (Nastya’s aunt and uncle) car and drove about 10 minutes to a grassy spot by the river.
Alexander wore a sweater that had an American flag on it and made sure we knew he wore it just for us (smile).
Once we were situated, Alexander unloaded a box of sticks from his car and built a fire for the chicken. Anna, Alla, Nastya and I sat on a blanket and looked at pictures of Nastya’s family. Alla showed us pictures of her family including Nastya’s mother (who died when she was 9 months old).
Chris taught Nastya how to use our camera (now she wants to be a photographer). She snapped a few pictures here and there and had everything on the camera figured out before we left. We picked flowers and Nastya demonstrated how to make a crown like the one she gave me the day before.
We learned that she loves to do crafts and work with her hands. You can give her just about anything and she’ll find something to make. For special occasions the orphanage allows a professional photographer to come to the orphanage and take pictures of the children. The children are allowed to dress up and get their pictures taken as many times as they like. Here are some of the pictures Alla gave us...
During our conversation we got the chance to ask the aunt and uncle what their plans were for the child. We did not want to bring the subject of adoption up without knowing that first – although I am sure they knew because they immediately told us they could not provide for her and give her a good future. Anna translated to us that they saw good in us and knew we had only good intentions for Nastya. They told us they would do all they could on their end to help us make this happen. We asked if Nastya would want this and Alla let us know they had already talked to her. She wants a family and likes us. I am sure Nastya understands as much as an 8 year old can about adoption. Since Nastya was informed of everything we asked that they tell her that this could take some time but we are going to do everything we can in the meantime. Alexander and Alla both want the best for Nastya and we can see that. I cannot put into words how it felt to hear them speak so highly of us.
As we were leaving Chris pointed out that the sun was shining down on our picnic. Alexander said, “God is with us”. And we looked at each other and in that moment knew, “YES HE IS!”
When we got back to the orphanage we spent time with the children for a few hours during their break. Betty and I made cross necklaces and Sang Jesus Love the Little Children. Chris and Mike drove to the nearest city, Ribnista to pick up more supplies for their projects. Anna and Kim made dolls with some of the smaller children. Before we knew it the children were back to their schedule and it was time for us to leave.
As we were getting ready to pack up, Nastya’s class walked past us on their way to the cafeteria. She ran and jumped into my arms and started telling me all her friend’s names. We were able to communicate as much as we needed. We walked together to the cafeteria. She pulled my arms down towards the ground like she wanted me to sit and motioned me to stay and wait for her to come back out. I was not sure how long she would be eating so I walked back over to the rest of the group. A few minutes later I turned around and saw her class walking towards us. She jumped into my arms again and we said goodbye. I told her I loved her very much. She didn’t need to understand English to know!
When we arrived at Popenki this morning Nastya and her relatives were waiting in their car for us at the gate. We dropped the team off so they could start some of the projects while we went on a picnic with Nastya's family. We got into Alexander and Alla's (Nastya’s aunt and uncle) car and drove about 10 minutes to a grassy spot by the river.
Alexander wore a sweater that had an American flag on it and made sure we knew he wore it just for us (smile).
Once we were situated, Alexander unloaded a box of sticks from his car and built a fire for the chicken. Anna, Alla, Nastya and I sat on a blanket and looked at pictures of Nastya’s family. Alla showed us pictures of her family including Nastya’s mother (who died when she was 9 months old).
Chris taught Nastya how to use our camera (now she wants to be a photographer). She snapped a few pictures here and there and had everything on the camera figured out before we left. We picked flowers and Nastya demonstrated how to make a crown like the one she gave me the day before.
We learned that she loves to do crafts and work with her hands. You can give her just about anything and she’ll find something to make. For special occasions the orphanage allows a professional photographer to come to the orphanage and take pictures of the children. The children are allowed to dress up and get their pictures taken as many times as they like. Here are some of the pictures Alla gave us...
During our conversation we got the chance to ask the aunt and uncle what their plans were for the child. We did not want to bring the subject of adoption up without knowing that first – although I am sure they knew because they immediately told us they could not provide for her and give her a good future. Anna translated to us that they saw good in us and knew we had only good intentions for Nastya. They told us they would do all they could on their end to help us make this happen. We asked if Nastya would want this and Alla let us know they had already talked to her. She wants a family and likes us. I am sure Nastya understands as much as an 8 year old can about adoption. Since Nastya was informed of everything we asked that they tell her that this could take some time but we are going to do everything we can in the meantime. Alexander and Alla both want the best for Nastya and we can see that. I cannot put into words how it felt to hear them speak so highly of us.
As we were leaving Chris pointed out that the sun was shining down on our picnic. Alexander said, “God is with us”. And we looked at each other and in that moment knew, “YES HE IS!”
When we got back to the orphanage we spent time with the children for a few hours during their break. Betty and I made cross necklaces and Sang Jesus Love the Little Children. Chris and Mike drove to the nearest city, Ribnista to pick up more supplies for their projects. Anna and Kim made dolls with some of the smaller children. Before we knew it the children were back to their schedule and it was time for us to leave.
As we were getting ready to pack up, Nastya’s class walked past us on their way to the cafeteria. She ran and jumped into my arms and started telling me all her friend’s names. We were able to communicate as much as we needed. We walked together to the cafeteria. She pulled my arms down towards the ground like she wanted me to sit and motioned me to stay and wait for her to come back out. I was not sure how long she would be eating so I walked back over to the rest of the group. A few minutes later I turned around and saw her class walking towards us. She jumped into my arms again and we said goodbye. I told her I loved her very much. She didn’t need to understand English to know!
My Joy Tank Is Full
Popenki Tuesday
Today was our first visit to Popenki. It was about a 2-hour drive from where we are staying in Tiraspol. On our way, Anna spoke with the director confirming that we would be meeting Nastya’s aunt and uncle today, which we had been told, would be a possibility. Once we pulled through the infamous Popenki gates, emotions started to set in. It’s still hard for me to believe I’m here again and so close to Nastya especially after everything that’s happened this past year.
We piled into the director's office thinking we were going to discuss the plans for the week as far as construction projects and crafts for the children. We wanted the director to approve everything we had planned for the kids. The director then tells Anna that Nastya and her aunt and uncle are on their way to meet us. Thinking she meant later that day, I sat down and as I looked up Nastya was coming through the door with her aunt, uncle and 16-year-old cousin. When she walked into the office and sat down in her aunt’s lap all we could do was look at her. It all happened so fast but I will never forget her walking into that room.
At first things were a little awkward with so many people in the room listening and watching with intent (they all know the story). I had wanted to ask so many questions about her but all of a sudden I just wanted to look at her. I wanted to see that smile and hear those giggles. After a few minutes I was able to regain myself and we introduced ourselves. We showed Nastya photos of our boys, asked her about school and her friends and about the things she likes to do. Anna told the aunt and uncle a little about our story and how we came to know Nastya. Once that was done we fumbled a little with where to begin – not knowing what was appropriate. We didn’t know these people and they didn’t know us. We just know there’s this little girl we love so much and perhaps they do too. At that time the 4 other members of our team (Betty, Anna, Kim and Mike), and 3 others from Help the Children (Mark, Sergei, and Natalia) decided to leave the room so that we could get to know each other alone. We talked a while longer about why Nastya is in an orphanage, learned a little about her family, and flipped through photos of our family. Nastya held on to the photo book we made her and flipped through it several times. One of the photos was of the boys holding a framed picture of her. We wanted to help her see that they know who she is. She seemed to really like that one picture.
She also seemed to like another picture we took of a letter Mason wrote when we first decided to adopt. It is a letter to his sister saying how excited he is to meet her and that she (whoever she may be) is going to be the best sister.
Anna read the letter in Russian to Nastya. After reading the letter the aunt asked Nastya if she would like to have 2 brothers (okay obviously she’s getting the point of why we are meeting) and Nastya responds with a smile -"yes". The translator communicated that she wants to be a BIG sister (well, in this case she would be). Once on the subject about things she likes to do I found myself on the floor getting my hair braided by Nastya, herself (the girl can braid, my friend).
Her family also showed us videos of her dancing (and she can dance too).
After we had taken 1200 pictures of her, learned her REAL birthday again for the 3rd time (we’ve celebrated it twice this year 2 different months), learned she likes the color red, pasta, potato salad, crab salad, not a lot of sweets, school, computers, dolls, dance, and wants to be a hairstylist we exchanged emails with her relatives and decided to go outside. The uncle suggested we have a picnic on Wednesday to get to know each other more. Never would we have guessed this entire day.
While we talked a little more with the director, Nastya spent time with her relatives before they left. Once we were packed and ready to leave for the day Chris, Mike and I got into the car with Mark while the others loaded into the van. As we drove off I looked to my right and saw Nastya, her aunt, uncle, and cousin waving us to stop. Mark backed the car back down the drive and I opened the door to Nastya handing me a crown she had made from dandelions (and she can make a crown out of flowers too!). She smiled and giggled (because that’s what she does) and I squeezed her as the tears poured from my face so happy we didn’t leave a second sooner.
God told me on the plane here “He is with us”. He told me this morning to “climb the mountain”. That’s what we are doing and no matter the outcome, NOTHING can steal the JOY of this day.
Tonight we received a nice email from Nastya’s aunt and uncle and attached was a picture of Nastya. A sweet ending to the day.
Today was our first visit to Popenki. It was about a 2-hour drive from where we are staying in Tiraspol. On our way, Anna spoke with the director confirming that we would be meeting Nastya’s aunt and uncle today, which we had been told, would be a possibility. Once we pulled through the infamous Popenki gates, emotions started to set in. It’s still hard for me to believe I’m here again and so close to Nastya especially after everything that’s happened this past year.
We piled into the director's office thinking we were going to discuss the plans for the week as far as construction projects and crafts for the children. We wanted the director to approve everything we had planned for the kids. The director then tells Anna that Nastya and her aunt and uncle are on their way to meet us. Thinking she meant later that day, I sat down and as I looked up Nastya was coming through the door with her aunt, uncle and 16-year-old cousin. When she walked into the office and sat down in her aunt’s lap all we could do was look at her. It all happened so fast but I will never forget her walking into that room.
At first things were a little awkward with so many people in the room listening and watching with intent (they all know the story). I had wanted to ask so many questions about her but all of a sudden I just wanted to look at her. I wanted to see that smile and hear those giggles. After a few minutes I was able to regain myself and we introduced ourselves. We showed Nastya photos of our boys, asked her about school and her friends and about the things she likes to do. Anna told the aunt and uncle a little about our story and how we came to know Nastya. Once that was done we fumbled a little with where to begin – not knowing what was appropriate. We didn’t know these people and they didn’t know us. We just know there’s this little girl we love so much and perhaps they do too. At that time the 4 other members of our team (Betty, Anna, Kim and Mike), and 3 others from Help the Children (Mark, Sergei, and Natalia) decided to leave the room so that we could get to know each other alone. We talked a while longer about why Nastya is in an orphanage, learned a little about her family, and flipped through photos of our family. Nastya held on to the photo book we made her and flipped through it several times. One of the photos was of the boys holding a framed picture of her. We wanted to help her see that they know who she is. She seemed to really like that one picture.
She also seemed to like another picture we took of a letter Mason wrote when we first decided to adopt. It is a letter to his sister saying how excited he is to meet her and that she (whoever she may be) is going to be the best sister.
Anna read the letter in Russian to Nastya. After reading the letter the aunt asked Nastya if she would like to have 2 brothers (okay obviously she’s getting the point of why we are meeting) and Nastya responds with a smile -"yes". The translator communicated that she wants to be a BIG sister (well, in this case she would be). Once on the subject about things she likes to do I found myself on the floor getting my hair braided by Nastya, herself (the girl can braid, my friend).
Her family also showed us videos of her dancing (and she can dance too).
After we had taken 1200 pictures of her, learned her REAL birthday again for the 3rd time (we’ve celebrated it twice this year 2 different months), learned she likes the color red, pasta, potato salad, crab salad, not a lot of sweets, school, computers, dolls, dance, and wants to be a hairstylist we exchanged emails with her relatives and decided to go outside. The uncle suggested we have a picnic on Wednesday to get to know each other more. Never would we have guessed this entire day.
While we talked a little more with the director, Nastya spent time with her relatives before they left. Once we were packed and ready to leave for the day Chris, Mike and I got into the car with Mark while the others loaded into the van. As we drove off I looked to my right and saw Nastya, her aunt, uncle, and cousin waving us to stop. Mark backed the car back down the drive and I opened the door to Nastya handing me a crown she had made from dandelions (and she can make a crown out of flowers too!). She smiled and giggled (because that’s what she does) and I squeezed her as the tears poured from my face so happy we didn’t leave a second sooner.
God told me on the plane here “He is with us”. He told me this morning to “climb the mountain”. That’s what we are doing and no matter the outcome, NOTHING can steal the JOY of this day.
Tonight we received a nice email from Nastya’s aunt and uncle and attached was a picture of Nastya. A sweet ending to the day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
