November 27, 2009
The last day was bitter sweet for us. I was ready to get home and let the girls start their new life but being in Moscow with all the kids with no activities was so special. The girls did great on the flight home and when we got to New York they became U.S.A citizens. We flew to Michigan and missed our flights. I was so mad I said that Delta would have to pay for hotels. We had tried to reroute in New York but Delta told us we had to go to Michigan. It was Deltas fault we missed . When I said once again they would pay they called security.I could not believe when a police officer on his little riding scooter came to protect the Delta psycos from me the mother of 5. I started saying I drive a suburban this is crazy. I told them I had just traveled across the world with 5 kids. I had been through a two year emotional adoption. The Delta psycos said"We have all had a bad day". AAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!! The police officer was nice and helped us find a hotel room (3 rooms). Delta is not the company they use to be. We will never fly Delta again. We went to a nice hotel and fell asleep !edit
Friday, November 27, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Last Day In Moscow
November 20, 2009
When we woke Thursday morning I could not believe this was our last day in Moscow. We were going to take our Christmas card picture today so we got the kids all dressed in matching outfits. We ate at the buffet and headed out to Red Square. It started to rain so we decided before snapping the shot we would tour Lenin's tomb. We hired a guide that let us go to the front of the line. We could not take our stroller or camera into the building. They had a place that you could check in your belongings. We did this and then went with our guide. He explained everything and I mean everything. He was a talker. I was loving him until he told me I reminded him of Hillary Clinton. What??????? He was very smart and LOVED his country. I heard him talk to some of the guards and tell them that Kati and Elle were Russian.Kati and Elle will have dual citizenship until they are 18 and can decide themselves.The russians take this seriously. This is why the Bono look alike guy from yesterday was at the Russian embassy registering the girls during our jaunt to Red Square.If we move or have any changes the russian consulate will be notified.
After our tour we took our christmas picture. The sun had come out and it was about 65 degrees. The girls were bundeled up so we had to strip off their snowsuits and hurry up because the russian women will tell you to cover up babies. We had one woman who screamed the babies are cold.We had done the Russia thing of making our girls SWEAT for a week but for our Christmas card we went for it!!! We had a photographer in Red Square take the picture . We only had to wait 10 minuntes and it was done. While we waited a group of Japanese flight attendants came over and wanted to take a picture with all of the kids, They were so funny!! The boys thought this was so hilarious.After the shot we ate pizza took one more trip to the bargain market . Gray was obsessed with the wooden puppets . We ended up buying a puppet for Gray,russian uniform for Sid and a gas mask for Andy. The girls got pretty knit hats and puppets .We then walked back to the hotel to rest and pack. We decided to order room service and hit the sack early. I was not wanting to go to bed because I knew the next day would mean flying across the world with 5 kids!!!!!!!!
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November 20, 2009
When we woke Thursday morning I could not believe this was our last day in Moscow. We were going to take our Christmas card picture today so we got the kids all dressed in matching outfits. We ate at the buffet and headed out to Red Square. It started to rain so we decided before snapping the shot we would tour Lenin's tomb. We hired a guide that let us go to the front of the line. We could not take our stroller or camera into the building. They had a place that you could check in your belongings. We did this and then went with our guide. He explained everything and I mean everything. He was a talker. I was loving him until he told me I reminded him of Hillary Clinton. What??????? He was very smart and LOVED his country. I heard him talk to some of the guards and tell them that Kati and Elle were Russian.Kati and Elle will have dual citizenship until they are 18 and can decide themselves.The russians take this seriously. This is why the Bono look alike guy from yesterday was at the Russian embassy registering the girls during our jaunt to Red Square.If we move or have any changes the russian consulate will be notified.
After our tour we took our christmas picture. The sun had come out and it was about 65 degrees. The girls were bundeled up so we had to strip off their snowsuits and hurry up because the russian women will tell you to cover up babies. We had one woman who screamed the babies are cold.We had done the Russia thing of making our girls SWEAT for a week but for our Christmas card we went for it!!! We had a photographer in Red Square take the picture . We only had to wait 10 minuntes and it was done. While we waited a group of Japanese flight attendants came over and wanted to take a picture with all of the kids, They were so funny!! The boys thought this was so hilarious.After the shot we ate pizza took one more trip to the bargain market . Gray was obsessed with the wooden puppets . We ended up buying a puppet for Gray,russian uniform for Sid and a gas mask for Andy. The girls got pretty knit hats and puppets .We then walked back to the hotel to rest and pack. We decided to order room service and hit the sack early. I was not wanting to go to bed because I knew the next day would mean flying across the world with 5 kids!!!!!!!!
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Sunday, November 1, 2009
Zoo
Tuesday we woke up and went to the buffet. The agency lady came by the hotel and we signed our paperwork for the embassy. The agency would drop off the paperwork at the embassy so our job that day was done. We decided to go to the Moscow ZOO. We had to get two cars to take all of us. The Zoo was amazing there were all kinds of carnival rides. All of the kids LOVED it. You were able to get up close to the animals. It was so different than a zoo here. It was alot more fun. We ate cotton candy and popcorn. The kids enjoyed riding the train. The car ride home was the only time I thought I would lose it. I was with Amy and her husband Ken,Gray and the girls.The kids all decided to start crying at the top of their lungs on the LONG LONG ride home. The driver was irritated and I could not understand why they were crying. The driver took the wrong turn and we got to spend another 30 minuntes in the car.By the time we got back to the hotel Scott was waiting for us smiling. I wanted to kill him.The stress of the trip got to me then. We ended up ordering room service that night and going to bed early. The next day was a whole new day.
First Full Day in Moscow
The next day in Moscow was a free one because the embassy was closed.The only adoption job today was to have the girls examined by a U.S. embassy approved physician.We were told he would come to our hotel room arond 5-6 a.m!!!!! What???? The Dr. was super nice and informed us the girls looked great and the best news was Kati did not have a cleft palate. The orphanage had told us she had a cleft lip and palate so only having a cleft lip was a cake walk!!!!! She will have surgery December 14. After the Dr.s visit we went back to sleep. When we woke up we got the kids dressed in their cute matching clothes !!! Today was The day we would take our Christmas card picture. We walked down to the beloved buffet looking good!!! People were smiling and saying how cute our children were. I was thinking I got this 5 kid thing down when Kati vomited all over me and her million dollar dress!! I felt sorry for her and took her back to the room . She ended up feeling better and we went to Red Square and the market by it. The kids were excited because we ate lunch at Mcdonalds. The food tasted even better than our Mcdonalds here. We toured St. Basils and had such a great time. Moscow really seems like a magical place. The russian people were so nice and helpful. After a full day shopping touring and laughing we ended it by eating pizza at a cafe by Red Square. When we got back to the hotel we got a message that our agency would be by in the morning for us to fill out embassy paperwork. We all slept great
November 13, 2008
I talked to the adoption agency and they said to send the passports and visa application in. I asked if this meant we could be getting a referal and they said they did not know but to send the visa in!!!! Last time when they said that we were on a plane to Russia 3 weeks later.We will get medical records so this will probably be coming soon. I feel kind of numb and it seems so unreal!We feel like we are in a sense living in limbo right now and we are just ready to get our little girl home and live a normal life.
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Just talked to Sydie and am so excited. She said she'd keep me posted and I'll relay the news here. Love you both - Keep the Faith!! G
Posted by: Ginger on November 19, 2008 at 10:24 A.M.
What's the latest? I am dying to know what's going on. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was amazing. Things are finally moving on the adoption front--looks like we will be reviewing special needs files by April and then our social worker said, hold on because everything will go FAST after that!!!!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth Wood on November 28, 2008 at 01:24 P.M.
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Just talked to Sydie and am so excited. She said she'd keep me posted and I'll relay the news here. Love you both - Keep the Faith!! G
Posted by: Ginger on November 19, 2008 at 10:24 A.M.
What's the latest? I am dying to know what's going on. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was amazing. Things are finally moving on the adoption front--looks like we will be reviewing special needs files by April and then our social worker said, hold on because everything will go FAST after that!!!!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth Wood on November 28, 2008 at 01:24 P.M.
October 29, 2008
October 29, 2008
Last week seems so unreal now. We are feeling like we definitely made the right decision. The Dr. that examined the baby even emailed me this letter.They do not have hippa in Russia!!!!!!I know the right family will adopt this baby.
Dear Lynn and Scott!
It was very nice to meet such nice and kind people as you. I heard from S------- you decided to come back after some time. This is a wise decision and I hope, that time you will meet a nice little girl. You have a proverb-ì If change happens, it is for the betterî (something like that)- and it is the case. As for me, I am happy, that you didnít take the blind decision to adopt O------, who, definitely, makes a good impression now, but it is only now.. Her diagnosis, obviously, must be taken into consideration for the future. If she is adopted by a different family- and I hope she will be adopted- she, herself, will definitely benefit from it as far as adoption improves some negative features of FAS. But the family will pay a very high price for this adoption in the future.
At the moment, I am preparing for a next course of lectures for adopting parents. If some photos of ------a remained in your camera, please, send them to me. There are very few real photos of classical FAS even in the Web. I want to inform parents about the syndrome to help them to make informed decisions about adoption.
If you donít want me do demonstrate the photos or you deleted them from the camera- I will certainly understand and accept this.
Sincerely yours
Dr Oleg Togoyev
Last week seems so unreal now. We are feeling like we definitely made the right decision. The Dr. that examined the baby even emailed me this letter.They do not have hippa in Russia!!!!!!I know the right family will adopt this baby.
Dear Lynn and Scott!
It was very nice to meet such nice and kind people as you. I heard from S------- you decided to come back after some time. This is a wise decision and I hope, that time you will meet a nice little girl. You have a proverb-ì If change happens, it is for the betterî (something like that)- and it is the case. As for me, I am happy, that you didnít take the blind decision to adopt O------, who, definitely, makes a good impression now, but it is only now.. Her diagnosis, obviously, must be taken into consideration for the future. If she is adopted by a different family- and I hope she will be adopted- she, herself, will definitely benefit from it as far as adoption improves some negative features of FAS. But the family will pay a very high price for this adoption in the future.
At the moment, I am preparing for a next course of lectures for adopting parents. If some photos of ------a remained in your camera, please, send them to me. There are very few real photos of classical FAS even in the Web. I want to inform parents about the syndrome to help them to make informed decisions about adoption.
If you donít want me do demonstrate the photos or you deleted them from the camera- I will certainly understand and accept this.
Sincerely yours
Dr Oleg Togoyev
October 11, 2008
This time next week we will be on the plane to Russia. I have to admit I am really scared.We will be leaving our three boys to fly halfway around the world to a country that speaks a different language.I know people do this all the time but I'm still scared. Our friends and family have been so supportive. I have had people stand behind me and I will always remember those who have been true friends, I realize true friends are rare and precious. When we started the adoption I was really wanting to be living outside the box but now I am ready to get our little girl home and live in the now. I am so ready for our family to be complete and watch them grow up. We know Kati is a special little girl that has a full life ahead. We are so lucky to get to see the plan for her unfold. She needed parents and we needed her to complete us. We are just asking God to give us confidence and peace as we complete this process.I bought the first outfit today. .Sid came in the room when I was taking pictures of the dress and thought that I had lost my mind so I made him model the purse!!!!
October 10, 2008
October 10, 2008
I am so ready to meet this baby to see if she is really the one. I am anxious to get the first trip over with.Today our old babysitter that moved to Colorado came over to see the boys with Courtland Finnegan. He is a N.F.L player that is even in my boys N.F.L playstation game. They were so excited Becca and Courtland picked them up from school. I also bought toys to take to the orphanage. This was fun to buy dolls and purses. edit
I am so ready to meet this baby to see if she is really the one. I am anxious to get the first trip over with.Today our old babysitter that moved to Colorado came over to see the boys with Courtland Finnegan. He is a N.F.L player that is even in my boys N.F.L playstation game. They were so excited Becca and Courtland picked them up from school. I also bought toys to take to the orphanage. This was fun to buy dolls and purses. edit
October 9, 2008
October 9, 2008
Enlarge
It was my birthday today and I found out the birthday of the baby. She will be 18 months old!!! We leave in a week and Scott bought the tickets today. This has been a great birthday and I am so ready for the next part of my life.Scott really made my birthday really special. I am so fortunate to have great friends and family.
Ginger I wanted to show myself wearing the cute shirt you gave me Thanks!!!!! I think I look younger!!!!!
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Yes, I too think you look younger...MUCH younger. And I think I got a size or 2 too big??? Hope your b'day was a good one. I started to call on the 9th, looked at my calendar and I had written the 8th so didn't and then looked in an old date book and it WAS the 9th...I knew it was...Anyway, we're so excited and can't wait. Enjoy the shirt...you ARE 40 AND FABULOUS!!! I actually got the shirt because "fabulous" is Sydie's favorite word!!!!! Love,G
Posted by: ginger on October 11, 2008 at 07:23 A.M.
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It was my birthday today and I found out the birthday of the baby. She will be 18 months old!!! We leave in a week and Scott bought the tickets today. This has been a great birthday and I am so ready for the next part of my life.Scott really made my birthday really special. I am so fortunate to have great friends and family.
Ginger I wanted to show myself wearing the cute shirt you gave me Thanks!!!!! I think I look younger!!!!!
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Yes, I too think you look younger...MUCH younger. And I think I got a size or 2 too big??? Hope your b'day was a good one. I started to call on the 9th, looked at my calendar and I had written the 8th so didn't and then looked in an old date book and it WAS the 9th...I knew it was...Anyway, we're so excited and can't wait. Enjoy the shirt...you ARE 40 AND FABULOUS!!! I actually got the shirt because "fabulous" is Sydie's favorite word!!!!! Love,G
Posted by: ginger on October 11, 2008 at 07:23 A.M.
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October 7, 2008
October 7, 2008
I have been really trying to get alot of things done. We will be in Russia for 1 week. We will fly to Moscow where we will catch a 2.5 hour flight to Perm. We will spend the night in Perm and drive every day 1 hour to the little town where the baby home is.I am getting nervous and felt alot more sure of things when they seemed far off. The main thing I am scared of is going to a country where I cant speak the language. I know that this is what we are supposed to do. I will be so relieved when I meet the baby and know that she is the one!!! We will be leaving Birmingham October 18.
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OK, Lynn..BREATHE!! Remember who's in control. NOT YOU!!! Love ya, G
I can't wait!!
Posted by: Ginger on October 8, 2008 at 07:57 A.M.
>
I have been really trying to get alot of things done. We will be in Russia for 1 week. We will fly to Moscow where we will catch a 2.5 hour flight to Perm. We will spend the night in Perm and drive every day 1 hour to the little town where the baby home is.I am getting nervous and felt alot more sure of things when they seemed far off. The main thing I am scared of is going to a country where I cant speak the language. I know that this is what we are supposed to do. I will be so relieved when I meet the baby and know that she is the one!!! We will be leaving Birmingham October 18.
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OK, Lynn..BREATHE!! Remember who's in control. NOT YOU!!! Love ya, G
I can't wait!!
Posted by: Ginger on October 8, 2008 at 07:57 A.M.
>
October 6, 2008
October 6, 2008
We have a appointment with the moe in Perm October20th. We are going blind this means there is a little girl that is between 9-18 months that is coming off the data base on the 20th. This is EXACTLY 9 months since Scott heard the call.I wish we knew more but we dont. We are truly taking a leap of faith.
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Well...9 months, huh...how appropriate!!! I'm so excited for ya'll.. You go then but then come back home and then go again, right?? How long do you stay this trip?? Keep us posted...Can't wait!! I'll be checking with Sydie!!Love,G
Posted by: Ginger Hays on October 7, 2008 at 04:01 P.M.
We have a appointment with the moe in Perm October20th. We are going blind this means there is a little girl that is between 9-18 months that is coming off the data base on the 20th. This is EXACTLY 9 months since Scott heard the call.I wish we knew more but we dont. We are truly taking a leap of faith.
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Well...9 months, huh...how appropriate!!! I'm so excited for ya'll.. You go then but then come back home and then go again, right?? How long do you stay this trip?? Keep us posted...Can't wait!! I'll be checking with Sydie!!Love,G
Posted by: Ginger Hays on October 7, 2008 at 04:01 P.M.
October 6, 2008
October 6, 2008
Our visa and passport made it to world child . Our coordinator emailed and said she is working on getting us information. This week is my birthday week . I will be 40 and I feel so surreal. My mother kept saying she thought we would hear close to my birthday. How special is that. I was extremely close to my grandmother and I know Kati will be close to my mom.Looking back over my life I can see how God has prepared our family for this time.Scott is excited and I know he will be such a great girl dad!!! We are praying for God to comfort Kati and to help us rest in him.
Our visa and passport made it to world child . Our coordinator emailed and said she is working on getting us information. This week is my birthday week . I will be 40 and I feel so surreal. My mother kept saying she thought we would hear close to my birthday. How special is that. I was extremely close to my grandmother and I know Kati will be close to my mom.Looking back over my life I can see how God has prepared our family for this time.Scott is excited and I know he will be such a great girl dad!!! We are praying for God to comfort Kati and to help us rest in him.
Orphans Prayer
I saw this prayer and it touched me. I can not wait to hold our child and to start the process of loving her as only a mother can.
An Orphan's Prayer
I am waiting...somewhere far...far... away on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like,
But somehow deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time...
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else?
Asking... why my life couldn't have been different?
It is so lonely...
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing... I know in my heart that I need
a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace...
I long to be saved by a mother's love...
Gazing out of the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured,
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps, sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching
my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God that knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the
earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields,
That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my
orphanage door.
My prayer is...
When He speaks... Please don't forget to listen...
When He calls don't be too afraid to go
For I am waiting...somewhere , far...far... away
On the other side of the world
To come Home.
Author Unknown
An Orphan's Prayer
I am waiting...somewhere far...far... away on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like,
But somehow deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time...
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else?
Asking... why my life couldn't have been different?
It is so lonely...
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing... I know in my heart that I need
a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace...
I long to be saved by a mother's love...
Gazing out of the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured,
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps, sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching
my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God that knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the
earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields,
That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my
orphanage door.
My prayer is...
When He speaks... Please don't forget to listen...
When He calls don't be too afraid to go
For I am waiting...somewhere , far...far... away
On the other side of the world
To come Home.
Author Unknown
October 3, 2008
I think we are about to get a referal.We were told to have our passports and visas at World Child Monday morning.This means we will be traveling within the next 30 days. I am strangely calm.I will let myself get more excited when we get the referal.I think things are going to work because I have that strange peace that only God can give.I need to get all my paperwork organized.
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THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth on October 4, 2008 at 06:11 A.M.
YIPPEE!!! Can't wait for the news. Love ya! Can't wait to talk to Sydie!!!G
Posted by: Ginger on October 4, 2008 at 11:55 A.M.
What a wonderful time in our lives. As a grandparent I find this incredible. Andy, Sid and Gray are so very special to us and Kati will be too. How thankful we are.
love you,
Itty and Granddaddy
Posted by: Sydie on October 4, 2008 at 02:23 P.M.
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THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth on October 4, 2008 at 06:11 A.M.
YIPPEE!!! Can't wait for the news. Love ya! Can't wait to talk to Sydie!!!G
Posted by: Ginger on October 4, 2008 at 11:55 A.M.
What a wonderful time in our lives. As a grandparent I find this incredible. Andy, Sid and Gray are so very special to us and Kati will be too. How thankful we are.
love you,
Itty and Granddaddy
Posted by: Sydie on October 4, 2008 at 02:23 P.M.
October 1, 2008
October 1, 2008
Today is the first of October. I am still thinking we will get "The Call" soon. I can almost feel things starting to move. Three people that sent their paperwork to Perm the same day with ours have gotten the call!!!! They are all adopting boys so I am just waiting for Kati. The reason referrals take so long is because the babies have to be on the Russian database (www.usynovite.ru) for 9 months before they can be adopted internationally. They have to get cleared by the Minister Of Education (M.O.E).Kati will probably be at least 12 months.I am so ready for her to be home with us my heart hurts.I am so ready for her life to start as a Ortis.I am going to be 40 on the 9th and I can not think of a better birthday present than getting a call from Russia saying to come meet our little Kati!!!!
Today is the first of October. I am still thinking we will get "The Call" soon. I can almost feel things starting to move. Three people that sent their paperwork to Perm the same day with ours have gotten the call!!!! They are all adopting boys so I am just waiting for Kati. The reason referrals take so long is because the babies have to be on the Russian database (www.usynovite.ru) for 9 months before they can be adopted internationally. They have to get cleared by the Minister Of Education (M.O.E).Kati will probably be at least 12 months.I am so ready for her to be home with us my heart hurts.I am so ready for her life to start as a Ortis.I am going to be 40 on the 9th and I can not think of a better birthday present than getting a call from Russia saying to come meet our little Kati!!!!
Kati's Stuff
Kati's Stuff
September 29, 2008
Some of the bedding came in now I have got to buy a mattress!!!! I still have not bought any clothes!!edit
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September 29, 2008
Some of the bedding came in now I have got to buy a mattress!!!! I still have not bought any clothes!!edit
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Visionary
Slideshow
It has been a crazy busy weekend. We went to a zoo gala with a bunch of friends and had a blast !! I usually hate big crowds (unless I am in a great mood) but the party was so much fun and I saw alot of people I had not seen in a long time.Today we went to a golf tournament for Safe Harbor. Scott came in first place!!!! Safe Harbor is a great christian organization that I have gotten involved in that helps teens that are in trouble. It has been such a great diversion to take my mind off the fact that I have not gotten The Call.One of the employees is a certified "life coach". I "cornered" her during the golf tournament and she is going to "coach"me. She told me I was a visionary and I just needed to get people to carry out my visions. I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!! I told her that is why I married Scott. Ginger thanks for the adorable sign but my life coach said I'm not insane I'm just a visionary!!!!Yall worried about me for 30 years for nothing!!!!
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We're all just so proud of you AND Scott. AND we all knew all along what a treasure you were!! (I for sure did...You were my kind of girl!!) Couldn't help the sign...it was just so funny. AND I have one too...does that mean I'm not insane either??? YIPPEE!! We're anxous too, but she'll get here when she's supposed to get here. NOT BEFORE!! Love ya. G
Tell everyone HI...Miss ya'll
Posted by: Ginger on September 30, 2008 at 11:24 A.M.
It has been a crazy busy weekend. We went to a zoo gala with a bunch of friends and had a blast !! I usually hate big crowds (unless I am in a great mood) but the party was so much fun and I saw alot of people I had not seen in a long time.Today we went to a golf tournament for Safe Harbor. Scott came in first place!!!! Safe Harbor is a great christian organization that I have gotten involved in that helps teens that are in trouble. It has been such a great diversion to take my mind off the fact that I have not gotten The Call.One of the employees is a certified "life coach". I "cornered" her during the golf tournament and she is going to "coach"me. She told me I was a visionary and I just needed to get people to carry out my visions. I LOVE THIS WOMAN!!!! I told her that is why I married Scott. Ginger thanks for the adorable sign but my life coach said I'm not insane I'm just a visionary!!!!Yall worried about me for 30 years for nothing!!!!
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We're all just so proud of you AND Scott. AND we all knew all along what a treasure you were!! (I for sure did...You were my kind of girl!!) Couldn't help the sign...it was just so funny. AND I have one too...does that mean I'm not insane either??? YIPPEE!! We're anxous too, but she'll get here when she's supposed to get here. NOT BEFORE!! Love ya. G
Tell everyone HI...Miss ya'll
Posted by: Ginger on September 30, 2008 at 11:24 A.M.
Carpool
Carpool
September 18, 2008
Gray is loving his new school.The one thing I hate is carpool!!! I have been so spoiled because Andy and Sid have always walked to school. The good news is I only hav e to drive 1 day a week and I love the kids we carpool with.
September 18, 2008
Gray is loving his new school.The one thing I hate is carpool!!! I have been so spoiled because Andy and Sid have always walked to school. The good news is I only hav e to drive 1 day a week and I love the kids we carpool with.
Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom Dancing
September 17, 2008
Andy started 6th grade ballroom dancing!!!! I think he wanted to throw up he was so nervous. I am about to go and watch the kids in the window.(All the parents are doing this)They finish at 9:00 and then they are walking to Clumpies to get icecream. We will walk WAY behind.edit
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I am dying to know how the ballroom dancing went!! Didn't you just love our new small group yesterday??
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Posted by: Elizabeth on September 18, 2008 at 11:52 A.M.
September 17, 2008
Andy started 6th grade ballroom dancing!!!! I think he wanted to throw up he was so nervous. I am about to go and watch the kids in the window.(All the parents are doing this)They finish at 9:00 and then they are walking to Clumpies to get icecream. We will walk WAY behind.edit
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I am dying to know how the ballroom dancing went!! Didn't you just love our new small group yesterday??
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Posted by: Elizabeth on September 18, 2008 at 11:52 A.M.
More Waiting
More Waiting
September 16, 2008
We are still waiting. It could be any day. There seems to be alot of people getting referals lately.Time is flying by.We have bought a lot a couple of streets over and we are going to build a house. Our current home is not laid out great for 4 kids.We have not talked with a architect but we are eager to get the ball rolling.Things are good .Tomorrow I have a adoption small group.This group is for people adopting internationally. I am really excited about meeting people that are going through the process.
September 16, 2008
We are still waiting. It could be any day. There seems to be alot of people getting referals lately.Time is flying by.We have bought a lot a couple of streets over and we are going to build a house. Our current home is not laid out great for 4 kids.We have not talked with a architect but we are eager to get the ball rolling.Things are good .Tomorrow I have a adoption small group.This group is for people adopting internationally. I am really excited about meeting people that are going through the process.
September 11, 2008
September 11, 2008
We are still waiting and do not know anything new. The kids are back in school and things have been hectic with homework and football.Last Saturday Scott and I went to U.A.B for a adoption meeting. We are so fortunate that U.A.B has a international adoption clinic in Birmingham. There are only a few in the country. We learned alot of things that scared us but were good to know. The Dr. at the clinic specializes in reading foreign medical charts so when we get Kati's medicals she can look at the report and tell us what we are looking at.Russian medical charts are different than the good ole U.S.A's.They make weird diagnosis!!! We are so ready to get little Kati home.
We are still waiting and do not know anything new. The kids are back in school and things have been hectic with homework and football.Last Saturday Scott and I went to U.A.B for a adoption meeting. We are so fortunate that U.A.B has a international adoption clinic in Birmingham. There are only a few in the country. We learned alot of things that scared us but were good to know. The Dr. at the clinic specializes in reading foreign medical charts so when we get Kati's medicals she can look at the report and tell us what we are looking at.Russian medical charts are different than the good ole U.S.A's.They make weird diagnosis!!! We are so ready to get little Kati home.
August 26, 2008
Gray started his new school. He is going to Webster School . It is at our church and is the sweetest school. They are big on teaching confidence and learning how to be comfortable being themselves.He even wears a uniform.I am really excited for him. He will go three days a week so that will give me 2 extra days to spend time with him before we go to Russia.I have not heard anything so I am just waiting.I dont know what is going on with the Georgia crisis but I really am not worried. It seems adoption ties are not affected by political problems.I am trying to just relax and enjoy the kids and extra time to get things ready.edit
August 31, 2008
I am so sick of waiting.I am so ready to get the show on the road.My emotions are feeling really raw right now and it is hard to describe the incredible helplessness in which is smothering me. I feel like I am living two lives and it seems incredibly fragmented lately.I am not sleeping great and know I have got to chill out!!!I hear September seems to speed up referals and hopefully things will move fast.I am praying and seeking God but he seems so distant right now. My spirtual life seems like it is going through a winter season. Alot of things in me need to die before I think I can leave this season. To name a few pride,unforgiveness,grudges,and thinking I have all the answers.I could name alot more but...I won't.edit
The people who are waiting with us
August 17, 2008
I wanted to use this post to have our friends and family post a note for Kati to read when she gets home to know who was supporting us during the wait.Our family has been so fortunate to have Great support and we are going to make this blog into a book to give Kati to understand how much she was wanted and planned for.I would love for her to know people were praying for a little girl across the world to come home.We appreciate all of the support.God has used new and old friends to come alongside us and this will never be forgotten. edit
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The entire Cope family is waiting eagerly for Kati. We talk about her often at dinner and I pray for her safety daily. I have been friends with Lynn for over 11 years now and this is the most wonderful event. As I have been so excited with each pregnacy, this is just the same. I am so thankful to be a part of the anticipation and planning for Kati. I look forward to being very involved with her life. I am so anxious to hold her and for her to know the love her "pretend aunt" has for her.
Laura
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Posted by: Laura on August 17, 2008 at 01:33 P.M.
Dear Kati,
If it were not for you, I probably never would have met your mother. You see, when your parents were deciding to adopt you, our family was praying about an adoption too. That is how I connected with your mother, and now I know that we will have a lifelong friendship. We are planning to adopt a boy from China and I hope that you and he will be special friends since you will have a lot in common. You are already so loved and you are being prayed for daily. We know that until you are in your mother and father's arms, God is holding you tenderly in his arms. Your family is so lucky that you are their daughter--we know you are so special and that God has a wonderful plan for your life. We cannot wait to welcome you home very soon!!!
Love,
Elizabeth Wood
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Posted by: Elizabeth on August 18, 2008 at 07:38 A.M.
Dear Kati,
We have loved you since the moment your mom and dad told us their plans to adopt you. We are looking forward to being able to hold you, love you and have you come to our house and spend the night with us!!!
Your adoption is a clear picture of how God picks each one of us and adopts us into his forever family. It is nothing we can ever earn or work for - He just choses us. Praise the Lord He has chosen you into our family. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.
We love you soooooo much,
Itty and Granddaddy
Waiting with your mom and dad for you to come home!
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Posted by: Ity and Granddaddy on August 20, 2008 at 10:08 A.M.
Dear Kati,
We can't wait to meet you! We have been so excited for your arrival, and are so happy that Julia is going to have such a sweet friend right around the corner! As your mom says, I know you two are going to be "BFF!" We are looking forward to meeting you, and watching you grow up!
Love, Lisa and Matt Costanzo
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Posted by: Lisa, Matt and Julia Costanzo on August 24, 2008 at 09:33 A.M.
August 17, 2008
I wanted to use this post to have our friends and family post a note for Kati to read when she gets home to know who was supporting us during the wait.Our family has been so fortunate to have Great support and we are going to make this blog into a book to give Kati to understand how much she was wanted and planned for.I would love for her to know people were praying for a little girl across the world to come home.We appreciate all of the support.God has used new and old friends to come alongside us and this will never be forgotten. edit
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The entire Cope family is waiting eagerly for Kati. We talk about her often at dinner and I pray for her safety daily. I have been friends with Lynn for over 11 years now and this is the most wonderful event. As I have been so excited with each pregnacy, this is just the same. I am so thankful to be a part of the anticipation and planning for Kati. I look forward to being very involved with her life. I am so anxious to hold her and for her to know the love her "pretend aunt" has for her.
Laura
Remove This Comment
Posted by: Laura on August 17, 2008 at 01:33 P.M.
Dear Kati,
If it were not for you, I probably never would have met your mother. You see, when your parents were deciding to adopt you, our family was praying about an adoption too. That is how I connected with your mother, and now I know that we will have a lifelong friendship. We are planning to adopt a boy from China and I hope that you and he will be special friends since you will have a lot in common. You are already so loved and you are being prayed for daily. We know that until you are in your mother and father's arms, God is holding you tenderly in his arms. Your family is so lucky that you are their daughter--we know you are so special and that God has a wonderful plan for your life. We cannot wait to welcome you home very soon!!!
Love,
Elizabeth Wood
Remove This Comment
Posted by: Elizabeth on August 18, 2008 at 07:38 A.M.
Dear Kati,
We have loved you since the moment your mom and dad told us their plans to adopt you. We are looking forward to being able to hold you, love you and have you come to our house and spend the night with us!!!
Your adoption is a clear picture of how God picks each one of us and adopts us into his forever family. It is nothing we can ever earn or work for - He just choses us. Praise the Lord He has chosen you into our family. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.
We love you soooooo much,
Itty and Granddaddy
Waiting with your mom and dad for you to come home!
Remove This Comment
Posted by: Ity and Granddaddy on August 20, 2008 at 10:08 A.M.
Dear Kati,
We can't wait to meet you! We have been so excited for your arrival, and are so happy that Julia is going to have such a sweet friend right around the corner! As your mom says, I know you two are going to be "BFF!" We are looking forward to meeting you, and watching you grow up!
Love, Lisa and Matt Costanzo
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Posted by: Lisa, Matt and Julia Costanzo on August 24, 2008 at 09:33 A.M.
Scott has Knee Surgery
August 15, 2008
Scott informed me last night at 5:30 that he was having knee surgery at 7:oo the next day. We are home and he is doing great but is laying on the couch. He is saying he is going to go CRAZY this weekend not being able to be his usual hyper self. (I will be the one who goes crazy). I am so glad his knee will no longer hurt him . The Dr. said he will be able to run again. I am so glad . Today a friend gave me Kati's first baby doll. My heart almost burst when I opened it. I have a weird feeling the time is coming that we will be getting The Call!!I am just praying that the situation with RUSSIA AND Georgia gets better! Today when I was at the hospital I met a family who adopted a precious little boy from China that will be in Grays class at his new school. I talked to his Dad about adoption and am really excited to meet another family that has been through this experience.
August 15, 2008
Scott informed me last night at 5:30 that he was having knee surgery at 7:oo the next day. We are home and he is doing great but is laying on the couch. He is saying he is going to go CRAZY this weekend not being able to be his usual hyper self. (I will be the one who goes crazy). I am so glad his knee will no longer hurt him . The Dr. said he will be able to run again. I am so glad . Today a friend gave me Kati's first baby doll. My heart almost burst when I opened it. I have a weird feeling the time is coming that we will be getting The Call!!I am just praying that the situation with RUSSIA AND Georgia gets better! Today when I was at the hospital I met a family who adopted a precious little boy from China that will be in Grays class at his new school. I talked to his Dad about adoption and am really excited to meet another family that has been through this experience.
End Of Summer
August 14, 2008
My two boys are back in school and life is seeming more organized. Gray will be going to a new school 3 days a week in 2 weeks. I am going to be real busy this fall with the kids and other things I have commited to. I am just trying to remain calm as I wait for the call to go meet our baby.It seems so strange to have nothing to do for the adoption . I can not even describe the excitement, fear, and weird feelings we are experiencing.All of this seems so far away right now and when people ask when we are getting Kati I feel like I have done something wrong because I have no idea. When I look back to see how this time last year if you would have told me we were going to adopt from Russia I would have told you you had clearly lost your mind. I can see how God was preparing us. We had just returned from a week retreat that changed our lives and gave us more clarity as to where we wanted our life to head. It kind of freaks me out to think if in one year so much has changed what will next year be like! I hope next year when I look back I will be more calm, forgiving, and peaceful!!edit
Immigration form
August 11, 2008
We got it!!!!!!!! I am so excited even if there is a war in Russia!!!!Seriously I do not think this Georgia conflict is going to last long and I have a supernatural peace that all is o.k.I will say sometimes this adoption journey is lonely because you have to live two lives at the same time. Caring and loving your family here and loving a child unknown across the world. I am getting close to a new friend Elizabeth that is adopting from China and I know God gave her to me. She understands perfectly what we are going through and I know we have started a lifelong friendship. I met her through my church. God has given her the vision to start a adoption ministry and we feel like God has placed that desire in us too. I don't know what it will end up looking like but it will be neat to see GOD'S PLAN UNFOLD. Jason is her husband and we love him too.They are just fun people.I know that Gods timing is perfect and he let the immigration form come in at the right time to say you are on the right path keep walking straight.I know as long as I stay in the center of his heart I am going to be more than o.k. I also know you can't get closer to his heart than the FATHERLESS. edit
Back From The Beach
August 11, 2008
We got back last night from a week long beach trip. It was so relaxing to just be. The kids had a blast and my parents went too . They have a place in Destin and we rented a condo on the same floor as them.One day I slept until 2;00and I feel like a new person.I realized how easy it is with my children.I have come to realize not only do I truly adore and love my boys I Like them too. They are growing up to be funny, unique ,and kind. It was so nice to just sit back and watch my family.We went and ate good food(I am starting a diet today),played put put and even drove some go carts.(Itty and Grandaddy drove a car and left me and Gray in the dust).We had a faboulous trip and even got the boys back to school clothes done.Andy is taking ballroom dance and got a sportscoat at Brooks Brothers. He seems like a teenager.When we got home I hoped all of the work of remodeling would be complete but it is not!!!Thats ok .I am ready for this year and know it is going to be a great one. edit
Back From The Beach
August 11, 2008
We got back last night from a week long beach trip. It was so relaxing to just be. The kids had a blast and my parents went too . They have a place in Destin and we rented a condo on the same floor as them.One day I slept until 2;00and I feel like a new person.I realized how easy it is with my children.I have come to realize not only do I truly adore and love my boys I Like them too. They are growing up to be funny, unique ,and kind. It was so nice to just sit back and watch my family.We went and ate good food(I am starting a diet today),played put put and even drove some go carts.(Itty and Grandaddy drove a car and left me and Gray in the dust).We had a faboulous trip and even got the boys back to school clothes done.Andy is taking ballroom dance and got a sportscoat at Brooks Brothers. He seems like a teenager.When we got home I hoped all of the work of remodeling would be complete but it is not!!!Thats ok .I am ready for this year and know it is going to be a great one. edit
August 3, 2008
I saw this article and it hit me hard. I think God has been trying to teach me this but I still don't understand it all the way but I know this is important for true peace and happiness!!
Do You Want More?
Do you want more of Jesus? Is your heart engaged with the things that move His heart? Do you want more of the Father's love deposited in your heart? How can we understand this amazing love that He so deeply desires for us to experience? His love is beyond our mental abilities to comprehend.
Many of us have tainted understandings of what a father is like. Our understanding of fatherhood is shaped by our childhood experiences with our earthly fathers. So, we have to ask ourselves, "What do I really know about God and His heart? What do I really know about His mercy and compassion?"
To know His mercy and compassion, we must open our hearts to Him. We must go to the place where He exposes the tenderness of His heart - into the written Word.
Act Justly and Love Mercy
In the book, The Justice God Is Seeking, the author and our friend David Ruis writes, "Steeped in humility, we are called to act justly and to love mercy. Don't miss this! Justice is an action, to be done in and through the power of Christian community, but mercy is to be loved. It is not an action; it is a passion."
True compassion and mercy stem from a passion for the Father's heart. Do you love mercy? When we learn to truly love mercy and compassion, out of our passion for God's heart, we will be motivated to act justly.
Justice and righteousness form the foundation of the Father's throne. The psalmist writes, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne: mercy and loving-kindness and truth go before Your face" (Psalm 89:14).
Go to God's throne of grace as we begin and ask Him for a grace of impartation and a spirit of revelation to come upon you. Ask God to enlighten your mind and to fill your heart with His fire. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit and let Him speak to you, guide you, teach you, and move you. Let the river of God, which is always full, flow forth in all its energy and power.
Consider the Weak and the Poor
Did you ever consider the fact that happiness comes from walking in compassion? This is what David meant when he wrote, "Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is he who considers the weak and the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble" (Psalm 41:1). What a glorious promise this is!
The psalmist then goes on to list some of the other benefits to be derived from considering the weak and the poor (see Psalm 41:2-4):
The Lord will protect us.
The Lord will keep us alive.
We shall be called "blessed in the land."
We will not be given over to our enemies.
The Lord will sustain us.
The Lord will refresh us.
The Lord will strengthen us.
The Lord will turn, change, and transform us.
These are just some of the things that happen when we are filled with compassion and reach out in love to others. Doesn't this make you want to really be in tune with God's heart as you begin your journey? Then consider the following thoughts.
God's Heart Concerning Honor
The following Scripture shook me to the core of my being as its truth penetrated my spirit: "He who oppresses the poor reproaches, mocks, and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful to the needy honors Him" (Proverbs 14:31). I don't know how this could be any clearer.
Do you want to honor God? If your answer is yes, you must operate in kindness and mercy to the needy. To do otherwise brings reproach, mockery, and insult to God!
God's Heart Concerning Lending
In Proverbs 19:17 we read, "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him."
This reminds me of what Jesus said, "ÖTruly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least (in the estimation of men) of these My brethren, you did it for Me" (Matthew 25:40).
What you give to the poor, you give to God, and He promises to repay you!
God's Heart Concerning Righteousness
God wants our righteousness to be consistent, as the following verse from Proverbs shows: "The (consistently) righteous man knows and cares for the rights of the poor, but the wicked man has no interest in such knowledge" (Proverbs 29:7).
Look at the contrast that is painted for us here. Whereas the righteous person knows and cares for the rights of the poor, the wicked person is completely uninterested in such knowledge and activity.
I would like to think of myself as a righteous person, but there have been many, many times when I've had to repent of my lack of mercy and my unwillingness to tune my heart to God's heart.
My desire is to be like the woman who is described in Proverbs 31:20, "She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy (whether in body, mind, or spirit)." This verse speaks volumes to me, for it shows a righteous woman in action.
The Compassion of Jesus
Jesus always saw the need first, then He was moved with a compassion so strong that it always led Him to do something in response to the need. Matthew writes, "When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36).
He then went on to tell His disciples to pray that God would send laborers into His harvest. We need to engage in the same kind of prayer today, for so many people are confused like sheep without a shepherd. God is looking for people who will go out into the fields that are now white unto harvest. (See Matthew 9:37-38.)
The Greek word for compassion (pity and sympathy) that is used here is splanchnizomai, and it means to be moved deep within. It involves a sense of yearning in behalf of others.
If you have compassion, you will be moved to take action as Jesus always was and is. God wants you to know His compassion, receive His compassion, live His compassion, and share His compassion with others.
All the Scriptures within this chapter open God's heart to you. He is your loving Heavenly Father, and He wants you to share in His compassion.
Compassion will move so deeply within your being that many times you will find yourself moved to the point of tears and agony. Ah, this is a beautiful place. God places great value in your tears, and as we turn to the next chapter, you will discover this is a deep well which moves Heaven on behalf of others.
Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, we come to You right now in the name of Jesus. We ask You to light the fire of passion in our lives and let it become the kind of compassion that doesn't just look at the need, but looks to You. Help us to become so passionate for loving You and knowing Your heart that we will move in compassion to all those in need.
We ask that You will bring about a corporate shift of thinking and acting in the entire Body of Christ, that Your people would become passionate about compassion by being passionate for You.
We cry out to You, Father, and ask that You would take the Scriptures we've read and discussed in this chapter and drop their truths deep within our hearts. Let Your Word continue to flow within the depths of our spirits so we will be able to receive all the spiritual nutrients You have for us. Drop Your plumb line of justice through all of our thoughts and feelings, all of our traditions and training, and let us learn to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Still Painting...............
August 2, 2008
SlideshowWe are still painting but the rug has come in .Marisa our dear friend picked out the colors and I have to say she did a good job.Marisa and Jeb are our friends and Scott's business partners.We love them like family and believe God put us together. Not many people can say that they truly love their business partners. We will never forget how they have supported us and how incredibly unselfish they have been by saying whatever it takes to get Kati do it.We love you guys!!!The older I get the more appreciation I have for yall!!!!We have had a amazing journey with them and look foward to many more exciting times!!!edit
Youth With A Mission
August 1, 2008
This group has been going and helping at the orphanages in Perm.On their site they said they hold the babies and pray for them to be emotionally and physically made whole. These kids have seen babies made whole and many other miracles. This made me want to cry and I am so thankful for the body of believers who are willing to go around the world to make a difference for eternity.I know in my heart Kati has been held and prayed for. Thank you Y.W.A.M!!I hope one day my childred will go and give to others and make a difference as these kids are doing.
About YWAM Perm
YWAM Perm is a team of 30 staff from different nations committed to seeing the name of Jesus Christ lifted high in the Perm region and among the nations.
We believe that as we go with the Almighty God, His command to disciple all nations becomes possible. Russia will turn to God and become a missionary sending nation!
YWAM - Perm was founded in 1999 with the goal of seeing "Worship in the Perm province overflow in missionary zeal to all nations."
We believe that it is no coincidence that the city symbol of Perm is a bear (a symbol of the Russian people) carrying a Bible on its back. We believe that it is God's plan for our city to become a launch pad for missionaries to all nations.
God has blessed the people of Russia and has called them to be a blessing to all nations. At the same time, there is much work to do here in Russia. So, whether it is through evangelism, training, or mercy ministries, our staff is committed to seeing God's destiny for our region fulfilled.
Take some time to see how this is practically expressed by clicking on our Ministries link. Also, if you are interested in joining with us in what we are doing, you may consider studying in our Discipleship Training School. This six month intensive discipleship course is designed to train workers for the harvest field both in Russia and abroad by focusing first on the heart of the disciple and then our response to God's call to the nations.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1a/Flag_of_Perm.png
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Comments
This is so exciting. To know our little Kati is being held, prayed for and loved - why am I surprised? God is sovereign. He is our shelter and hiding place. I also thank you Y.W.A.M. Everyday brings us closer to the time we will be holding and loving little Kati.
What a wonderful family. Love you all!
Mom
What a wonderful family. Love you all!
Mom
We Have A Region
July 30, 2008
We found out the region we will be adopting from. I had a "feeling" I knew the region and guess what ? I was So Wrong!!! We will be adopting from Perm.
http://www.uraltourism.com/perm.php
We are so excited as our dream is becoming more of a reality.edit
Comments
What a blessing to finally know where you all will be going to get Kati. It is time to move from "paper chase"!Yeah! She is getting closer to coming home.
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Posted by: Laura on July 31, 2008 at 08:55 A.M.
Posted by: Laura on July 31, 2008 at 08:55 A.M.
We Are Registered
July 28, 2008
We are registered!!! What does this mean? This means our dossier has been accepted in a region and we are waiting officially for a referal.I am really happy about this! I am so ready to have Kati home with us . My emotions have been strong and sometimes this process feels lonely. There is no way I can describe our deep love for Kati even though we have not met. I will never let myself forget how hard this time is waiting for the completition of God's promise. edit
Comments
We are so excited for you guys and can't wait to meet Kati and welcome her to our extended family! We love ya'll and know this has been such a long time coming. We are praying that the rest of this process will go smoothly and quickly.
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Posted by: Marisa and Jeb on July 28, 2008 at 09:13 P.M.
Posted by: Marisa and Jeb on July 28, 2008 at 09:13 P.M.
I cannot wait to see the baby. When I spent the night with the Ortis' I saw the room they are getting ready for Kati. It is very big. I know the new baby will love her new family.
Griffen
Griffen
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Posted by: Grifffen Cope on July 30, 2008 at 07:35 P.M.
Posted by: Grifffen Cope on July 30, 2008 at 07:35 P.M.
July 23, 2008
Slideshow
Slideshow
We are getting Kati's room ready for her. The rug should be here Monday and the baby bed came in damaged so we are waiting for the part to come in. This is so much fun doing a little girls room!!!!I had a blast doing the room for her.I can't wait to see what it is going to look like!!! Scott is almost finished painting.edit
New Day
July 18, 2008
I am about to head out for a run with Gray and Kristen and Helen(her baby).Today feels like a new day. I am filled with fresh hope and energy.I want all my friends and family to pray that our uscis form gets here soon. There is a new employee in the Atlanta office and the process seems to have slowed down. This form has to come in order to find out region we are going(I think).Kati's room is almost painted and it is looking so cute!!!!!I will take pictures and put them on so you can see it. I am now off to run I have been stress eating andd I am now ready to exercise more and eat less!!!edit
Uncertainity
July 17, 2008
I have to admit I have been having a hard time. It is almost impossible for me to focus on more than one thing. This adoption feels like I am 7 years old and it is 9:oo p.m on Christmas Eve. The problem about that is Christmas morning is not getting here.I go between being so confident and excited to feeling utterly hopeless.I know that I am in a process that is training me to be more patient,less demanding, and more trusting of God.I know that the timing of this adoption is in his hands. If I try to mess it up I will get the wrong child.Someone that works with Scott called me today and said that she had a dream and saw me holding a dark haired little girl and both of us were laughing. She said that she felt like God was saying Kati would be here sooner rather than later.This really encouraged me.I am going to start each day by giving this to God and letting him really teach me how to rest in uncertainity. I really think uncertainity is where I have always come up short. I have settled for some things because they were known rather than wait for God's best. I choose to set down my agenda and say(TODAY) that I will trust in the Lord with all my heart and I will not lean on my own understanding and I acknowledge him in this adoption process and so he has said he will make my way straight. So now I will walk down that straight path to find Kati!!!edit
Letting Go
July 10, 2008
I have decided that each day I will decide to let go of trying to make this adoption go faster.My faith is stronger today that everything is going as it is supposed to go.Kati's room is coming along. We are in the process of some minor remodeling. When her room is completed I will add pictures. It seems like things are about to pick up on the adoption front and so I am just going to sit back and enjoy the ride.edit
Wait Begins
July 1, 2008
My dossier is now in Russia. I have to say I have felt a bit like all this is not real. It is so hard not being able to do anything to speed up the process.The next step is I should find out what region we will be going soon.My nerves have been a little raw.Kati's furniture has come in and we are in the process of doing her room!!!!This has been a blast and I can't wait to walk in that room and see her little head looking out of the baby bed. I tell you what this is going to cure me from taking any of my children for granted. Each day is such a blessing to watch them change and grow.I am so ready to have All of my children home and safe with us.I am just wanting to learn what I am supposed to during this amazing process and get our little kitty cat home!!!!!edit
Identity
June 20, 2008
We have had to take classes online to understand how Kati will feel being adopted. It seems alot of children have a identity crisis not knowing their background. I can understand that, I sometimes have identity crises and I have acess to a BIG book my Grandmother had going back hundreds of years of our relatives.I was running this morning and started thinking about how I could help Kati if she experiences this. The thought came to me when we are adopted into God's family alot of us go through the same thing. We feel not worthy enough or we have to be "good" so all our stuff won't be taken away.We are having Kati's furniture delivered today and it is beautiful.She has done absolutely nothing to deserve it we just want to give her the world because of the love that is in us for her.This has to be just a small scale of the love that God has for us. He adopted us because he loves us .It amazes me that he will go to the dark places to adopt us if we will just let him. He does not want us to live our lives as orphans but as ones loved by a father that paid a price much more than we are having to pay to get Kati. I can see that the stress we are going through is nothing compared to the joy we will have when she is finally in our arms. How much more is Jesus excited when we finally accept what he did for us to be in his family.Like we are going to Russia he came to the world.We are only paying money to adopt Kati God paid with his blood.Kati is a sweet cute baby but we are not that sweet and most are not that cute!!!!!This has settled alot in my mind to be able to understand and accept God's adoption of me.edit
Waiting to add our last piece to our family
Scott (Daddy)
Scott (Daddy)
June 16, 2008
I just put Gray down to sleep and we said our prayers. We always start by telling God all that we are thankful for. We also ask God to protect Kati and the people that are taking care of her right now. It is incredibly emotional knowing that she is not with us now, but is being taken care of by someone else. We pray that she is loved and does not want for anything. We can not wait for her to come home to us. Gray tells me every night the things he wants to show Kati, aka, Kitty Kat. He told me tonight he will not call her Kati and that her name is Kitty Kat. I am sure that will stick with her forever. I imagine they will be very close and he will be very protective of her. He wants to bring her to Disney to ride the Tea Cups and Dumbo, but he calls it GUmbo.
There just feels like a void is in our family and I know Kati is the missing piece. We are waiting for Kati and can not wait to meet her. I hope we bring as much joy to her as she will to us. She is already so loved. It is hard to imagine how much you can love a child , when in fact, we have yet to meet her. I think the entire adoption process is very similar to the pregnancy process. God helps everyone to get ready by the slow and steady pace of it all. Soon, Kati will be coming home. edit
Fathers Day A Day Late
June 16, 2008
Fathers day has come and gone and it was a good one.I am so fortunate to have a great Dad and a great husband who is a great Dad.The older I get the more I realize it is the Fathers love that helps a person accept the heavenly fathers love. I think when a person accepts love all the way they live like they are loved and can truly love with a pure heart not out of fear.God has truly given men so much responsibility to mold their children.I pray that he will give Scott even more wisdom in training all of our children in the way that God has made
June 16, 2008
Dossier travels
Dossier travels
I am having a hard time not screaming with this slow process.Our dossier is now on the way to World Child . World Child is sending documents to Russia on Wednesday . The world Child coordinator is named Nancy. I will now be working mainly with Nancy . She is on the ball!!She emailed me today and said she is going on vacation Saturday for 2 weeks but by the time she gets back my dossier should be translated and in the region where Kati is. This is so exciting but at the same time I wish I could hurry the process.I have to slow down and remember that God is the one who started this whole process. He is working all thing together so that when the paperwork is translated etc...Kati will be ready for us.Everything in international adoption has to work in a certain order and people that have gone before us all seem to say looking back everything that they went through was to get the child that had been chosen for them. I just don't even know what to expect but I feel as if God is maturing my emotions,expectations and capacity to truly love through this incredibly intense and emotional time.I know when this is over and Kati is home with us our whole family will never be the same.edit
June 13, 2008
Dossier Apositilled
Dossier Apositilled
The dossier is back in Birmingham all notarized and ready to go to Russia!!!! World Child said they are sending it on to Russia and when the 1-600a come back approved it will be sent on to Russia.Ann(At our Birmingham adoption agency) said that World Child knows what region we will travel.My stomach feels so knotted up.I am so nervous,excited ,and peaceful at the same time.I can't believe this is really happening.I really know Kati is going to complete our family in a way that only She can.Even though I know it is going to be crazy the confidence that I have deep inside of me is so much stronger than any fear.I wonder if this is what a part of love really is confidence casting out fear?We are asking God to really keep us showered in his peace that is like no other. We also are asking friends and family to pray for Kati's protection while she is in the orphanage.We know that God is going to use this part of her life for good!!!!! edit
June 9, 2008
Waiting For The 171-H
Waiting For The 171-H
All Of the paperwork is done for the first dossier.When we get a referral we will have more paperwork. This is what will have to be done
1.copies Dr. visits and forms filled out and notarized for All of ofus
2. Dr.s liscenses
3.criminal background check(AGAIN)
4.child abuse clearance(AGAIN)
5.child acceptance letter
6.adoption petition
7.power of attorny
8.child information request
9.recommendation letter from friend
We will send all of our paperwork in to get a referral when our 171-H comes in the mail. This is from homeland security saying we can bring Kati into the country. It is coming from Atlanta and should be here in the next few weeks. When this comes then things are Really moving foward!!!!
I have really been getting nervous about adoption and letting my insecurties get in the way.At the ballpark Gray has been totally wild and out of control and alot of people feel the need to give "advice".Some have even raised eyebrows when they hear we are adopting!!! I don't blame them I feel the same way.My mom gave me a verse this morning that was"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I am weak at mothering. It is hard for me and stressful but I know God has called us to adoption and he will give me his power to walk through it if I humbly submit to him.I will not let myself become bitter with the "comments"I will listen to the advice and see what is true and what I can do to improve my parenting. I love my kids and as my mom said love covers a multitude of sins.edit
Dad's 70th!!
June 6, 2008
All of the paperwork has been sent to be apositilled by the Secretary of State in Alabama and Louisiana.This is a Huge Relief!!!! Tonight we had a party for my Dad's 70th birthday. It was alot of fun and old friends from Louisiana drove to Birmingham to celebrate with my parents. Their very best friends from Birmingham and my Aunt and Uncle were there too!!As I sat during the party I felt incredibly fortunate to see how much love people have for my Dad.He is such a great Grandfather and Father. He has one of the most innocent hearts of anyone I know.He and my Mom are so fortunate to have real friends that have stuck with them through many trials.I think I am beginning to understand at the end of the day the only thing that matters is that you have loved.I think that I get too distracted in the day to day life.I get stressed out sometimes when I have to even stop to answer the phone . I want to stop and nurture the relationships that are God given.There is nothing better than laughing with friends and family that know the real you and stll love you!!!! edit
Comments
May 6, 2008
It is amazing some of the comments we have gotten about our adoption.They are mainly 98% from people we do not know!!!! I have gotten do you know how many russian babies have fetal alchol syndrome blah, blah, blah. I have let these comments roll off me. I have come to realize adopted children are loved no less than bioliogical children. The mother bear instinct is alive and well in me, with Kati who I have never met!!I have realized even if you are not biologically responsible for a baby you still are given basic human instincts to parent one!!!I just need to make sure I don't become hyper sensetive and read into all comments in the name of protecting Kati!I am going to pardon people's dumb comments and advice!!!!!I am also going to think more before I give advice to someone whose shoes I have not walked in.edit
Paperwork!!!
May 29, 2008
Today I had Amy(our babysitter)come watch the boys and I went to our adoption agency and got paperwork notarized. It was alot of stuff but alot was accomplished.My friend Laura let her boys come over and play and it was so cool to think I have known Griffen and Wesley since they were babies.They are now 11 and 8.Wesley has a twin sister Grace.Laura has been very supportive of this adoption and I hope she knows how much I appreciate it.I have really made alot of changes in my life(i think it is God getting us ready for this journey)and it is nice to have friends that can let you change and not let that hurt the friendship.I hope I will be the friend when I think my friend may have lost her mind know that God deals with us all the way He needs to and we should not get in the way or judge someone elses journey. I know I have been guilty of that and thought I knew all the answers in life and I have come to the conclusion God Will not be put in a box.He has a plan for all of us and we need to jump when he says jump.I think the hard part is being sure it is him and not us.I think he will always confirm everything he is saying by the bible ,people,or circumstances.I don't understand why sometimes he is so clear and then at times he seems like he does not exist.It seems like when I think i may become agnostic he is there!!!Sometimes it is hard in the South to truly walk a life that is authenic because we grew up knowing in our head bible stuff but it is when it is in our hearts mixed with faith that it become powerful and able to change lives.I don't want to just be a "head" christian!!!That is WAY too boring!!!! edit
t Day of Summer
May 27, 2008
Today was the first real day of summer.The boys woke up at the crack of dawn and we went for a special breakfeast at Crestline Bagel.I am really so glad we have no school and can just hang out. I realized today how much easier my life has become so I know Kati will be here soon!!!!!I went to a store (Once Upon A time) and ordered her furniture on Friday.It is awesome!!!This was so much fun.I went ahead and even got her big girl bed. I am going back on Thursday to get her linens.We have decided to make a room for her where the playroom is upstairs and move the boys playroom downstairs. This makes sense and will be the easiest way to make it work.We have got to notarize some paperwork and get it to our dossier specialist and she will take it from there(I hope). I did hear that d.h.r sent our homestudy on to homeland security and all was approved. They will now issue us our form and that should be done in 4 weeks and then the dossier will be sent to Russia.Then the Real wait begins.I still know God is in the very center of this process and can't wait to see how this all plays out. It is amazing one day I will be so filled with faith and the very next I feel like Kati will never get here.It seems like when I stop obsessing I will get news and when I stay on the computer trying to find info I just get more desperate.The boys being home is going to take care of that!!!!!!!edit
Comments
Happy first week of summer. I thought today how next summer will be so different with Kati here. I am so looking forward to holding her in the baby pool at Palm Tree! She can not come soon enough.
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Posted by: Laura on May 28, 2008 at 06:43 P.M.
Posted by: Laura on May 28, 2008 at 06:43 P.M.
meland Security
May 21, 2008
We went and had our fingerprints done for immigration and I have to say that we were scared.The staff was nice but so serious. We could not even bring our cell phones into the building.The staff told us were to sit and out of 100 empty chairs they told us what two chairs we were to occupy!!! We obeyed!! We will now complete the dossier and wait for the form to come back in the mail that will let Kati into the country as a citizen of the U.S.A. I have to say today I have hit a wall emotionally.(I don't know why) I need to let myself relax and enjoy the process.
I think I am about to start on the nursery now . The boys last day of school is Friday.(I call it black Friday)!! We seriously will have fun this summer NOT doing homework and waking up at the crack of dawn. . Andy and Sid are playing all-stars and this is fun but a bit much!! This year I am going to have a better attitude.Scott is coaching Sid 's team so I will be with Andy . Both boys are playing at Mountain Brook so that is awesome!!edit
 | Dossier Instructions May 20, 2008 We got the instructions for putting our dossier together. We have to have 2 aposotilled and one notarized. This is ALOT of paperwork. Yesterday I felt completely overwelmed and wondered how I will get it all together.Today I feel alot better and realize I need to just take it one step at a time. I realize God's timing is perfect and he will give us everything we need to finish this adoption.When I give it over alot of the burden is lifted. I freak out when I think Kati is in a orphanage and there is not one thing that I can do. I have always been the type to find a way to make things happen (that has gotten me in trouble in the past), and to have no control is a daily struggle.As things move on it seems to be a bigger struggle!!! I need to settle in myself that if I truly believe God is in control that he has and will protect Kati until we can bring her home.Alot of people want to know if she has been picked out. I think our adoption agency knows when babies are coming off the registry. (I don't know that for a fact). I do know I have a love for her that is just as strong as the love I have for Andy,Sid and Gray. I know it is hard and exhausting being a Mom. I appreciate my Mom more than ever and realize being a Mom is the hardest job ever!!!!!! edit |
ASC Appointment Notice( I don't know what the heck ASC stands for)
May 12, 2008
Today we got our appointment with homeland security to have our fingerprints done for our application for advance processing for orphan petition!!!! This is great because we were not expecting it for another week. Our appointment is 5/21/2008.To get our form back will be another 3-4 weeks after fingerprints and then the paperwork goes to Russia.We are moving along.Things are really going smooth and fast.The summer is here and Andy and Sid are playing all-stars so time will pass quickly.edit
    | Mothers Day May 11, 2008 I was in the bed this morning with coffee and presents given to me by my awesome family! I love the way my husband and boys love to celebrate!!!We started the day laughing and opening presents. I got earrings and a hat for summer. We then went to church and my parents and brother went with us. After church we went to a jazz brunch ,it was awesome. Today I have been thinking about the sabbath and God's orginal intention of it.God wanted us to stop and rest and celebrate . Life goes by too fast and it is hard in our culture to stop and celebrate our family and the passing of each milestone.God let the Isrealites be taken into captivity because they did not stop and celebrate all God had done for them.I want to make a conscious effort to stop and celebrate consistantly and to be thankful to God who is the orginal celebrator!!!!!!Next mothers day Kati will be with us and the celebration will continue.edit |
Comments
May 6, 2008
It is amazing some of the comments we have gotten about our adoption.They are mainly 98% from people we do not know!!!! I have gotten do you know how many russian babies have fetal alchol syndrome blah, blah, blah. I have let these comments roll off me. I have come to realize adopted children are loved no less than bioliogical children. The mother bear instinct is alive and well in me, with Kati who I have never met!!I have realized even if you are not biologically responsible for a baby you still are given basic human instincts to parent one!!!I just need to make sure I don't become hyper sensetive and read into all comments in the name of protecting Kati!I am going to pardon people's dumb comments and advice!!!!!I am also going to think more before I give advice to someone whose
Gods Heart
April 30, 2008
I was reading an article about the three groups of people that God mentions again and again in scriptures. The three groups are orphans, widows, and strangers.It seems like since we have been involved in the adoption we have seen God move. It is almost like we are camped out on top of the mount of transfiguration.I really am beginning to believe if we seek Gods heart and line up our hearts with his we get to really see his love for all of us. I have realized how our life is really a puzzle that he is putting together and we just have to let him change our shape if we're not fitting!I have realized I need to slow down and really find out what is important to him and let alot of things just go.edit
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Posted by: Mom on August 2, 2008 at 06:57 A.M.