If you would like to host a child this summer, now is the time to sign up. I believe the deadline is April 21st. If you would like more information, click here to email Jennifer Peters at Simple Obedience Ministries. She can provide you with the pictures and bios of the children. We have seen the pictures and can tell you firsthand that the kids are absolutely adorable. Also, you can host even if you're not pursuing adoption.
Please also feel free to email Robert and me by clicking here if you have questions about our hosting experience. We promise you this experience will change your life (in a good way).
Friday, March 23, 2007
3/23 - Happy Birthday to Olegs!
Today is Olegs' 12th birthday (fyi, Christina's is on April 7th) so we called the children's home to wish him a happy birthday. We had no idea whether he would take our call or not but we had to at least try. We called and got a really nice woman on the phone (a teacher, I think) who speaks a little English. At first, she said Olegs wasn't around but then she said "wait a minute" and she went to get him. Next thing we knew, he was on the phone. He answered, "Da?" and we immediately launched into our rendition of the happy birthday song. "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Olegs, Happy Birthday to you."
Well, halfway through the song a recording came on the line indicating that our call had been disconnected. Immediately, our minds started racing. Was it our singing? Did he just not want to talk to us? We had no way of knowing whether he hung up on us or if it was a glitch with the phone line. We immediately called back and got some child on the phone who just said "Olegs out." We tried to explain that we had just talked to him but got a generic response, "yes, yes." Clearly we were getting nowhere. Then the child hung up on us. We tried calling again later and got the same story, "Olegs out." Then the teacher who knows some English got on the phone again and she also said Olegs wasn't there. We tried to ask her what time we should call and she replied, "yes, it is nice day in Latvia." Clearly she didn't understand what we were saying.
To make a long story short. The only word we heard from Olegs was the "da" we got when he answered the phone. We tried asking for Christina too but she was out playing too. Granted it was about 8:45 p.m. Latvia time so no telling what they were doing outside. They'll be in for a big surprise when they come here to live because they'll be in their PJ's getting ready for bed by 8:45 in America.
Anyway, we're sorry that we didn't get to say more to Olegs but at least he knows we didn't forget his birthday. I'm happy that I was able to give him his presents and celebrate with birthday cake last week when I was in Latvia.
Well, halfway through the song a recording came on the line indicating that our call had been disconnected. Immediately, our minds started racing. Was it our singing? Did he just not want to talk to us? We had no way of knowing whether he hung up on us or if it was a glitch with the phone line. We immediately called back and got some child on the phone who just said "Olegs out." We tried to explain that we had just talked to him but got a generic response, "yes, yes." Clearly we were getting nowhere. Then the child hung up on us. We tried calling again later and got the same story, "Olegs out." Then the teacher who knows some English got on the phone again and she also said Olegs wasn't there. We tried to ask her what time we should call and she replied, "yes, it is nice day in Latvia." Clearly she didn't understand what we were saying.
To make a long story short. The only word we heard from Olegs was the "da" we got when he answered the phone. We tried asking for Christina too but she was out playing too. Granted it was about 8:45 p.m. Latvia time so no telling what they were doing outside. They'll be in for a big surprise when they come here to live because they'll be in their PJ's getting ready for bed by 8:45 in America.
Anyway, we're sorry that we didn't get to say more to Olegs but at least he knows we didn't forget his birthday. I'm happy that I was able to give him his presents and celebrate with birthday cake last week when I was in Latvia.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
3/18 - WOW! Are We Really Parents?
The flights home were uneventful. I stayed overnight in London last night so I had a good night's sleep before heading the rest of the way. Thankfully, I can't remember even one embarrassing incident. I guess I made my quota on the way there. LOL!
It is such a relief to be home! It hasn't really hit me that I went to Latvia and back over the weekend. I felt like I was just a few hours away because I had my phone and was able to call Robert whenever I needed to.
The reality of things is gradually starting to sink in for Robert and me. It's still hard to believe we're officially Christina's parents now. After the twenty day (business days) waiting period is up, it will take a couple more weeks for our attorney to gather the necessary documents we'll need and have them translated for the immigration process. I expect to be going back to Latvia at the end of April to bring Christina back.
This next trip will be a little more challenging as we'll have to return through Warsaw so that Christina can have her immigration interview at the U.S. Embassy there. I'm up for the challenge and have recruited a friend to go with me for moral support. Hopefully, there will be no problems.
Will keep you posted.
It is such a relief to be home! It hasn't really hit me that I went to Latvia and back over the weekend. I felt like I was just a few hours away because I had my phone and was able to call Robert whenever I needed to.
The reality of things is gradually starting to sink in for Robert and me. It's still hard to believe we're officially Christina's parents now. After the twenty day (business days) waiting period is up, it will take a couple more weeks for our attorney to gather the necessary documents we'll need and have them translated for the immigration process. I expect to be going back to Latvia at the end of April to bring Christina back.
This next trip will be a little more challenging as we'll have to return through Warsaw so that Christina can have her immigration interview at the U.S. Embassy there. I'm up for the challenge and have recruited a friend to go with me for moral support. Hopefully, there will be no problems.
Will keep you posted.
3/17 - A Little More Fun Before Heading Home
This morning the kids and I had some time to ourselves before we were to meet up with Ilga and Janis again. They invited us to a children’s play/variety show at their church. Today the kids were hungry for their cake so we got to have our mini birthday celebration for both of them together. It was cute. Christina and I sang “Happy Birthday” to Olegs and then Olegs and I sang to Christina. They pretended to blow out candles and then ate some pieces of cake. I forget what the cake is called but Ilga says this is her son’s favorite cake. It reminded me of a nutty bar. It had wafer layers and peanut butter and chocolate in it. It was delicious but very rich. You know it’s rich when Christina says she doesn’t want anymore because it was too sweet for her. LOL!
After our cake breakfast, we had time to play Twister and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots before Ilga and Janis came to pick us up. Christina also enjoyed doing some painting while we hung out. The plan today was to go to the church play first and then Ilga and Janis would take me to the airport and the children back to the children’s home. The kids were happy about that because they had full backpacks and plastic bags with toys so they didn’t want to lug all of that on the bus.
Ilga and Janis picked us up in time to get to the church at 1:00. One of Christina’s friends named Elizabete (“Liza”) came and met us there so that was a treat to see her. Liza is a beautiful and sweet girl Christina’s age who was hosted at Christmas and is now being adopted by friends of ours. We are so happy that she will be another Latvian friend that Christina will have here at home. After the show was over, the kids had tickets that they could exchange for free gifts. The line for the gifts was a mile long so Ilga broke the news to them that they would have to take the bus/tram back to the children’s home since they’ll be staying awhile longer. We had to leave now if Ilga and Janis were going to get me to the airport on time. The kids weren’t too happy because that meant they would have to lug all their loot home on the bus. Oh well. At least that wasn’t my decision. That was Ilga’s call.
So at that point we said our goodbyes and I gave them hugs and kisses before leaving for the airport. I got a little nervous when we were leaving town because there was a big traffic jam. Ilga and Janis couldn’t figure out why the traffic was so backed up on a Saturday. It turns out there was some big exhibition of some sort that was causing the backup. Luckily, it didn’t last too long and we were on our way.
We got to the airport with a little time to spare so we decided to get a bite to eat. I might as well not say where because there’s only one place we’ve been eating when we eat out. Yes, Lido! They are everywhere, even in the airport!
After our cake breakfast, we had time to play Twister and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots before Ilga and Janis came to pick us up. Christina also enjoyed doing some painting while we hung out. The plan today was to go to the church play first and then Ilga and Janis would take me to the airport and the children back to the children’s home. The kids were happy about that because they had full backpacks and plastic bags with toys so they didn’t want to lug all of that on the bus.Ilga and Janis picked us up in time to get to the church at 1:00. One of Christina’s friends named Elizabete (“Liza”) came and met us there so that was a treat to see her. Liza is a beautiful and sweet girl Christina’s age who was hosted at Christmas and is now being adopted by friends of ours. We are so happy that she will be another Latvian friend that Christina will have here at home. After the show was over, the kids had tickets that they could exchange for free gifts. The line for the gifts was a mile long so Ilga broke the news to them that they would have to take the bus/tram back to the children’s home since they’ll be staying awhile longer. We had to leave now if Ilga and Janis were going to get me to the airport on time. The kids weren’t too happy because that meant they would have to lug all their loot home on the bus. Oh well. At least that wasn’t my decision. That was Ilga’s call.
So at that point we said our goodbyes and I gave them hugs and kisses before leaving for the airport. I got a little nervous when we were leaving town because there was a big traffic jam. Ilga and Janis couldn’t figure out why the traffic was so backed up on a Saturday. It turns out there was some big exhibition of some sort that was causing the backup. Luckily, it didn’t last too long and we were on our way.
We got to the airport with a little time to spare so we decided to get a bite to eat. I might as well not say where because there’s only one place we’ve been eating when we eat out. Yes, Lido! They are everywhere, even in the airport!
3/16 (part 2) - Time for Fun With the Kids!
Olegs and Christina arrived at the flat at 2:00 (right on time). They both had full backpacks so that meant they were spending the night. YIPPEE! I greeted them both with big hugs and kisses and asked them how their day was at school. We visited for a few minutes before Christina asked what we would be doing. They always have to be doing something, you know. Sitting around visiting just isn’t cool. I decided not to bring up the court session unless they asked about it. It’s not an easy time for Olegs right now so I didn’t want to make him sad. This was our time to have fun. Christina did ask me about it later and I told her that Robert and I are officially her new parents. She just gave me a big smile and then we moved on to something else.
I went ahead and gave them their birthday presents so they’d have something to do while hanging out at the flat. Robert and I got them each an outfit and a fun item. We got Olegs “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots” which is a game consisting of two plastic robots in a boxing ring. You make them punch each other and the one who makes the other robot’s head pop up is the winner. Anyway, it’s one of those classic games that never goes out of style. We got Christina some paint-by-number paintings to work on since she loves art. Olegs was happy that I brought his Twister game and some of his other toys. He was a little disappointed that I didn’t bring his remote control car so I promised him I’d bring that next time. I wasn’t sure if I should bring that since it eats up batteries. I guess maybe we can send him batteries every so often for it.
We tried meeting up with Ilga to go to the party she told us about earlier but we were unable to reach her. It was fine though. We still had plans to meet up with her and Janis for dinner. I needed to go to the Maxima grocery store to purchase some more minutes for my Latvian cell phone, so that gave us some time to do that since I needed the kids to help me. We tried calling Ilga again but couldn’t get her so we decided to go to Rimi, the nicer grocery store, and pick up some things for them to eat for an afternoon snack. Christina picked out a piece of baked chicken at the deli and Olegs decided he wanted a cheese sandwich so he got cheese and bread. Ilga had already helped me buy a birthday cake for them so that was going to be a surprise for later.
When Ilga got off work, she and Janis came to pick us up for our evening outing. They took us to a fun place called Go Planet Fun & Games where we got to see a 4D movie and wear the funny glasses. The kids were all excited to go to this place because they had never been but heard all about it from their friends who went. The movie was only 15 mins. long but it was an adventure. It was an animated futuristic underwater movie set in the year 2080 (or something like that). There were underwater spaceship things and mermaids, etc. At various points of the movie there would be earthquake scenes and our seats would shake, then there were creatures that would swim toward us and spit water on us, at which time water would shoot out from somewhere and hit us in the face. Then there was air that would blow on us and make us feel like we were part of the movie. Very fun!
After our movie, we walked around and looked at some of the other fun stuff like the go-carts, etc. I’m sure the kids wanted to drive them but they were expensive and I think they were too young to drive them anyway. We were getting hungry so the next stop was Big Lido. I know, I need to try food at some other restaurants but it’s just so good at Lido and there are so many choices. Big Lido is the one where they have the ice skating rink but we didn’t skate this time. We all ate ourselves sick and then went back to the flat. Nobody wanted cake so hopefully we can enjoy that tomorrow before I leave.
I went ahead and gave them their birthday presents so they’d have something to do while hanging out at the flat. Robert and I got them each an outfit and a fun item. We got Olegs “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots” which is a game consisting of two plastic robots in a boxing ring. You make them punch each other and the one who makes the other robot’s head pop up is the winner. Anyway, it’s one of those classic games that never goes out of style. We got Christina some paint-by-number paintings to work on since she loves art. Olegs was happy that I brought his Twister game and some of his other toys. He was a little disappointed that I didn’t bring his remote control car so I promised him I’d bring that next time. I wasn’t sure if I should bring that since it eats up batteries. I guess maybe we can send him batteries every so often for it.
We tried meeting up with Ilga to go to the party she told us about earlier but we were unable to reach her. It was fine though. We still had plans to meet up with her and Janis for dinner. I needed to go to the Maxima grocery store to purchase some more minutes for my Latvian cell phone, so that gave us some time to do that since I needed the kids to help me. We tried calling Ilga again but couldn’t get her so we decided to go to Rimi, the nicer grocery store, and pick up some things for them to eat for an afternoon snack. Christina picked out a piece of baked chicken at the deli and Olegs decided he wanted a cheese sandwich so he got cheese and bread. Ilga had already helped me buy a birthday cake for them so that was going to be a surprise for later.
When Ilga got off work, she and Janis came to pick us up for our evening outing. They took us to a fun place called Go Planet Fun & Games where we got to see a 4D movie and wear the funny glasses. The kids were all excited to go to this place because they had never been but heard all about it from their friends who went. The movie was only 15 mins. long but it was an adventure. It was an animated futuristic underwater movie set in the year 2080 (or something like that). There were underwater spaceship things and mermaids, etc. At various points of the movie there would be earthquake scenes and our seats would shake, then there were creatures that would swim toward us and spit water on us, at which time water would shoot out from somewhere and hit us in the face. Then there was air that would blow on us and make us feel like we were part of the movie. Very fun!After our movie, we walked around and looked at some of the other fun stuff like the go-carts, etc. I’m sure the kids wanted to drive them but they were expensive and I think they were too young to drive them anyway. We were getting hungry so the next stop was Big Lido. I know, I need to try food at some other restaurants but it’s just so good at Lido and there are so many choices. Big Lido is the one where they have the ice skating rink but we didn’t skate this time. We all ate ourselves sick and then went back to the flat. Nobody wanted cake so hopefully we can enjoy that tomorrow before I leave.
Friday, March 16, 2007
3/16 - It's a Done Deal!!
Greetings from Riga, Latvia! I just came from the court session and it was quick and painless. They ruled in our favor so Robert and I are officially parents. WOOHOO!!
I was wondering which way this trip was gonna go from the very beginning. I had arranged to have a cab pick me up from work. The cab that first showed up turned out to be someone else's. The driver loaded up my bags and everything and then decided to confirm who I was..."Elayna?" Well, I had to tell him no I'm not Elayna so he unloaded my bags as the real Elayna appeared from around the corner to take over her cab.
Next, when I got to the airport, my shoe got stuck in the conveyor belt as I went through security. As you can imagine, the line started to back up and the security agent had to retrieve my shoe for me. I boarded the plane without incident so I thought I had turned a corner. Not so. Shortly after take off, I noticed something dripping on my arm. It turned out to be condensation from the air conditioning vent above my seat. I asked the flight attendant if I could switch seats but there was nowhere to go. It was a full flight. She brought me a wad of paper towels and told me that it should eventually stop. Thankfully it did, but it was about 30 mins. later.
After watching an inflight movie, I thought I might try to get some sleep but I wanted to take my Airborne first. Airborne is that powder that you dissolve in water and it helps prevent you from catching a cold or flu bug if you're going to be around lots of people. I had a bottled water that was half empty so I poured the Airborne in there and shook the bottle to mix it up. Well somehow my bottle became filled with pressure without my knowing it. I went to remove the lid from the bottle and it shot off like a champagne cork. It shot up and hit the ceiling and then came down and hit the lady in the seat behind me. A couple of flight attendants were right there with their cart serving drinks and food. I heard one ask the other, "What in the world was that?" For a moment I thought about keeping my mouth shut, but in this age of terrorism I knew I'd better confess. One of the attendants thought it was hilarious but the other was not amused. I profusely apologized to the poor woman behind me. She was pretty dazed as she had been sleeping and was awakened by the clunk on the head. Thank goodness the thing didn't poke her in the eye. As you can imagine, I was mortified. Talk about wanting to disappear.
So far, the rest of the trip has been going perfectly. Our friend, Ilga picked me up from the airport and took me to the flat before going back to work. I had to pick up the key from the watchman at the flat so Ilga helped me with that since the watchman doesn't understand English. Ilga and I went out to dinner after she got finished at work. Yes, we went to Lido but at least we went to a different Lido. LOL! There are so many dishes to choose from that you can try something different every time. I had some kind of breaded pork dish with cheese and tomatoes on top, along with a potato pancake and sauerkraut. It was delicious as usual! After that, we walked to the grocery store so I could pick up a couple of things. It was an early night. I was in bed by 8:00 so I could be rested for court.
Today's court session was a breeze. I met Daiga (our translator) early and we took a bus to the court building. We had time to go over some of Christina's documents while we waited for the others to arrive. Ilga G., the children's home director came soon after and greeted me with a warm smile and a hug. Ruta, the orphan court representative, was another familiar face as she was one of the inspectors who visited us when we were here on our last trip for the official bonding time.
The judge and prosecutor who were in attendance wore long black robes but other than that, it was even less formal than the previous court sessions we went to. I was so relieved because I expected to be grilled with tough questions. This judge asked me only a couple of questions. She asked how we met Christina so I told her about how we hosted her last summer and this past Christmas. Then she wanted to confirm that I was also representing Robert's interest in this case. Next she asked Ilga G. and Ruta questions. They had nothing but positive things to say. The prosecutor said she had no objections so that was that. The court was really backed up with cases so they didn't see the need to take additional time since everyone supported our adoption case. The judge, prosecutor and court reporter left the room and we waited for them to return. Soon after, the judge opened the door, poked her head out and told us she has ruled favorably and that we were free to go. That was it!! Robert and I are now officially parents!! This session was so quick that I didn't even have time to be nervous or even cry. I know your prayers had a lot to do with everything running so smoothly.
It's such a relief to be finished with the court session. Now I can focus on having fun for the rest of my time here. This afternoon both Olegs and Christina are coming over to spend the night. Christina had told Robert and me that she didn't want to stay overnight with me. I asked Ilga G. (their children's home director) about that and she said that Christina told her just the opposite. She told her that both she and Olegs are excited about spending the night. Who knows? I brought their birthday gifts with me since they both have birthdays in the next couple of weeks. They'll probably open their gifts when they first get here and then we'll meet up with Ilga L. She invited us to a party that they are having at the Salvation Army Day Center where she works. Then I think we're going to a movie and dinner with her and her husband, Janis, this evening.
It will really be good to see Olegs along with Christina. I wasn't sure if he'd want to see me since he hasn't been wanting to talk on the phone. It's hard to know what's going on with him sometimes. Hopefully, he really wants to see me and isn't just coming to pick up his Twister game. LOL!!
This will probably be my only post from Latvia before heading out tomorrow. I'll be spending the night in London on Saturday night before returning home on Sunday. It's really hard being here without Robert. I can't wait to get back home where I belong. The exciting thing is that next time I'll be coming to Latvia to pick up our new daughter. WOW! We officially have a daughter now. How awesome is that!
I was wondering which way this trip was gonna go from the very beginning. I had arranged to have a cab pick me up from work. The cab that first showed up turned out to be someone else's. The driver loaded up my bags and everything and then decided to confirm who I was..."Elayna?" Well, I had to tell him no I'm not Elayna so he unloaded my bags as the real Elayna appeared from around the corner to take over her cab.
Next, when I got to the airport, my shoe got stuck in the conveyor belt as I went through security. As you can imagine, the line started to back up and the security agent had to retrieve my shoe for me. I boarded the plane without incident so I thought I had turned a corner. Not so. Shortly after take off, I noticed something dripping on my arm. It turned out to be condensation from the air conditioning vent above my seat. I asked the flight attendant if I could switch seats but there was nowhere to go. It was a full flight. She brought me a wad of paper towels and told me that it should eventually stop. Thankfully it did, but it was about 30 mins. later.
After watching an inflight movie, I thought I might try to get some sleep but I wanted to take my Airborne first. Airborne is that powder that you dissolve in water and it helps prevent you from catching a cold or flu bug if you're going to be around lots of people. I had a bottled water that was half empty so I poured the Airborne in there and shook the bottle to mix it up. Well somehow my bottle became filled with pressure without my knowing it. I went to remove the lid from the bottle and it shot off like a champagne cork. It shot up and hit the ceiling and then came down and hit the lady in the seat behind me. A couple of flight attendants were right there with their cart serving drinks and food. I heard one ask the other, "What in the world was that?" For a moment I thought about keeping my mouth shut, but in this age of terrorism I knew I'd better confess. One of the attendants thought it was hilarious but the other was not amused. I profusely apologized to the poor woman behind me. She was pretty dazed as she had been sleeping and was awakened by the clunk on the head. Thank goodness the thing didn't poke her in the eye. As you can imagine, I was mortified. Talk about wanting to disappear.
So far, the rest of the trip has been going perfectly. Our friend, Ilga picked me up from the airport and took me to the flat before going back to work. I had to pick up the key from the watchman at the flat so Ilga helped me with that since the watchman doesn't understand English. Ilga and I went out to dinner after she got finished at work. Yes, we went to Lido but at least we went to a different Lido. LOL! There are so many dishes to choose from that you can try something different every time. I had some kind of breaded pork dish with cheese and tomatoes on top, along with a potato pancake and sauerkraut. It was delicious as usual! After that, we walked to the grocery store so I could pick up a couple of things. It was an early night. I was in bed by 8:00 so I could be rested for court.
Today's court session was a breeze. I met Daiga (our translator) early and we took a bus to the court building. We had time to go over some of Christina's documents while we waited for the others to arrive. Ilga G., the children's home director came soon after and greeted me with a warm smile and a hug. Ruta, the orphan court representative, was another familiar face as she was one of the inspectors who visited us when we were here on our last trip for the official bonding time.
The judge and prosecutor who were in attendance wore long black robes but other than that, it was even less formal than the previous court sessions we went to. I was so relieved because I expected to be grilled with tough questions. This judge asked me only a couple of questions. She asked how we met Christina so I told her about how we hosted her last summer and this past Christmas. Then she wanted to confirm that I was also representing Robert's interest in this case. Next she asked Ilga G. and Ruta questions. They had nothing but positive things to say. The prosecutor said she had no objections so that was that. The court was really backed up with cases so they didn't see the need to take additional time since everyone supported our adoption case. The judge, prosecutor and court reporter left the room and we waited for them to return. Soon after, the judge opened the door, poked her head out and told us she has ruled favorably and that we were free to go. That was it!! Robert and I are now officially parents!! This session was so quick that I didn't even have time to be nervous or even cry. I know your prayers had a lot to do with everything running so smoothly.
It's such a relief to be finished with the court session. Now I can focus on having fun for the rest of my time here. This afternoon both Olegs and Christina are coming over to spend the night. Christina had told Robert and me that she didn't want to stay overnight with me. I asked Ilga G. (their children's home director) about that and she said that Christina told her just the opposite. She told her that both she and Olegs are excited about spending the night. Who knows? I brought their birthday gifts with me since they both have birthdays in the next couple of weeks. They'll probably open their gifts when they first get here and then we'll meet up with Ilga L. She invited us to a party that they are having at the Salvation Army Day Center where she works. Then I think we're going to a movie and dinner with her and her husband, Janis, this evening.
It will really be good to see Olegs along with Christina. I wasn't sure if he'd want to see me since he hasn't been wanting to talk on the phone. It's hard to know what's going on with him sometimes. Hopefully, he really wants to see me and isn't just coming to pick up his Twister game. LOL!!
This will probably be my only post from Latvia before heading out tomorrow. I'll be spending the night in London on Saturday night before returning home on Sunday. It's really hard being here without Robert. I can't wait to get back home where I belong. The exciting thing is that next time I'll be coming to Latvia to pick up our new daughter. WOW! We officially have a daughter now. How awesome is that!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
3/13 - I'm Off to Latvia Tomorrow!
Believe it or not, I think I'm ready for this trip. We called the kids today and Christina told us that she's looking forward to my visit. She also made sure to tell me that Olegs wants me to bring some other toys of his in addition to his Twister game that he left here at Christmas. At least Christina knows that she'll be coming to America soon so she'll have her toys here.
Christina also informed us that she doesn't want to spend the night with me when I'm in Riga. She said that since she's already stayed there before, it's "not interesting" to her anymore. Forget the fact that her new mom is traveling across the world to see her!!!!! She said that she'd explain later and that she couldn't explain over the phone. I think it may have been boring for her at the flat last time since the TV stations were in French and there's only so much Uno we can play before going nuts. Robert and I decided that we won't push her on that. I'm sure we'll spend time together during the day and then she can go back to the children's home at night. We try to put ourselves in her shoes and think about what this process must be like for her. She has told us in the past that some of the other kids at the children's home have given her a hard time about being adopted. Then there are other friends that she hasn't even told yet because she's worried about what they'll say. It has to be so hard. She will be leaving everything she knows and starting over in an entirely new country. The next trip when I bring her home will be a difficult one for her.
So, I'm off to pack. Please say a prayer that all goes well on Friday and that I don't have a heart attack when the judge asks me questions in court. Actually, I think it will be okay. I don't even want to think about the possibility of having one of my nervous laughter attacks in court. That would not be cool! It will be fine...I hope. :-)
Stay tuned for the next post from Riga. I'll be staying near the internet cafe again, so I'm gonna try to keep the blog updated.
Atta ("goodbye"), for now!
Christina also informed us that she doesn't want to spend the night with me when I'm in Riga. She said that since she's already stayed there before, it's "not interesting" to her anymore. Forget the fact that her new mom is traveling across the world to see her!!!!! She said that she'd explain later and that she couldn't explain over the phone. I think it may have been boring for her at the flat last time since the TV stations were in French and there's only so much Uno we can play before going nuts. Robert and I decided that we won't push her on that. I'm sure we'll spend time together during the day and then she can go back to the children's home at night. We try to put ourselves in her shoes and think about what this process must be like for her. She has told us in the past that some of the other kids at the children's home have given her a hard time about being adopted. Then there are other friends that she hasn't even told yet because she's worried about what they'll say. It has to be so hard. She will be leaving everything she knows and starting over in an entirely new country. The next trip when I bring her home will be a difficult one for her.
So, I'm off to pack. Please say a prayer that all goes well on Friday and that I don't have a heart attack when the judge asks me questions in court. Actually, I think it will be okay. I don't even want to think about the possibility of having one of my nervous laughter attacks in court. That would not be cool! It will be fine...I hope. :-)
Stay tuned for the next post from Riga. I'll be staying near the internet cafe again, so I'm gonna try to keep the blog updated.
Atta ("goodbye"), for now!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
3/6 - Next Week, We'll be Parents!
It hasn't really sunk in yet that I'll be traveling to Latvia NEXT week. All of this waiting and now time seems to be flying by! I'll miss having Robert with me on this trip but at least I'll only have to be gone a couple of days. Once the court rules next Friday (assuming it's in our favor), Christina will officially be our daughter. WOW! This is really happening! The last step will be to go back and get her once the 20-day waiting period is up.
This week we were surprised to get a letter from Christina and Olegs. Actually, Christina told us last week to be expecting it. This was the first letter we've ever received from them so we couldn't rip it open fast enough. Since Olegs still isn't speaking to us when we call, we're fairly certain that Christina wrote the letter and signed his name. The letter was short and sweet, but she wrote that she loved and missed us and said she enjoyed the time we spent in Florida at Christmas. This letter is one of those things we'll save and cherish forever.
When we talked to Christina yesterday she sounded great. Last week, she was still getting over the flu but this week she's much better. Again, Olegs was MIA but Christina told us that he did manage to ask her to ask me to bring his Twister game when I come to Latvia. Of course, Robert and I said he needs to ask us himself. Christina says he's not angry with us, just doesn't want to talk. Whatever! We can't get all emotional about it. We still love him and want him to be our son. All kids go through a funky period and this must be his. Plus, we know it's not easy for him to see Christina being adopted while he doesn't even know if he'll be cleared. We're just taking things as they come and trusting the Lord to work it all out. Lord knows we'll drive ourselves crazy if we allow ourselves to get back on that emotional roller coaster again. No thanks!
Now that we've been to Latvia and back, all of our conversations with Christina since have been great. We're really feeling a special bond developing with her now. Before, Robert and I felt like we'd have to start from scratch each time we talked to her. Now we just pick up where we left off and she's able to speak a lot more English. We have our family jokes that we laugh about, etc. We told her that it's important to do well in school or she'll wind up living in a box and have to eat grass and make french fries at McDonald's. LOL! No, we're not gonna let the girl live in a box! She knows we're kidding and she kids right back by telling us that she loves grass and she'll set her box up in the backyard. That's what's so great. I think now that we've been to Latvia, everything is becoming so real to her and she's learning to trust us and be herself.
One final note: Thanks for all of the prayers for my 98-year old grandmother, who was in the hospital with pneumonia and then in a rehab/nursing facility for a few weeks. She is now back home with us where she belongs and doing much better with the new caregivers that stay with her now. We call her our Energizer Bunny!
This week we were surprised to get a letter from Christina and Olegs. Actually, Christina told us last week to be expecting it. This was the first letter we've ever received from them so we couldn't rip it open fast enough. Since Olegs still isn't speaking to us when we call, we're fairly certain that Christina wrote the letter and signed his name. The letter was short and sweet, but she wrote that she loved and missed us and said she enjoyed the time we spent in Florida at Christmas. This letter is one of those things we'll save and cherish forever.
When we talked to Christina yesterday she sounded great. Last week, she was still getting over the flu but this week she's much better. Again, Olegs was MIA but Christina told us that he did manage to ask her to ask me to bring his Twister game when I come to Latvia. Of course, Robert and I said he needs to ask us himself. Christina says he's not angry with us, just doesn't want to talk. Whatever! We can't get all emotional about it. We still love him and want him to be our son. All kids go through a funky period and this must be his. Plus, we know it's not easy for him to see Christina being adopted while he doesn't even know if he'll be cleared. We're just taking things as they come and trusting the Lord to work it all out. Lord knows we'll drive ourselves crazy if we allow ourselves to get back on that emotional roller coaster again. No thanks!
Now that we've been to Latvia and back, all of our conversations with Christina since have been great. We're really feeling a special bond developing with her now. Before, Robert and I felt like we'd have to start from scratch each time we talked to her. Now we just pick up where we left off and she's able to speak a lot more English. We have our family jokes that we laugh about, etc. We told her that it's important to do well in school or she'll wind up living in a box and have to eat grass and make french fries at McDonald's. LOL! No, we're not gonna let the girl live in a box! She knows we're kidding and she kids right back by telling us that she loves grass and she'll set her box up in the backyard. That's what's so great. I think now that we've been to Latvia, everything is becoming so real to her and she's learning to trust us and be herself.
One final note: Thanks for all of the prayers for my 98-year old grandmother, who was in the hospital with pneumonia and then in a rehab/nursing facility for a few weeks. She is now back home with us where she belongs and doing much better with the new caregivers that stay with her now. We call her our Energizer Bunny!
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