Many of you know that I had the opportunity to speak at the US Embassy in Kiev while in Ukraine. It was a great time with the consulate workers and we even joined in their little celebration of Thanksgiving before the meeting.
We were featured in a Kiev Embassy Blog article today! Here's a link if you'd like to check it out. (I didn't even know they had a blog until someone linked me this on Facebook! LOL)
http://usembassykyiv.wordpress.com/2010/12/30/holiday-cheer-all-year-round/
The Cornish Family... Chasing God's calling...
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Cornish Ten
At the Orlando Airport at 9pm on December 29th, after the immediate homecoming of Wesley and Aleksa… and after 24 hours of travel. It was 4:00am in Kiev!
(Thanks, Gene, for the picture!)
From left to right:
Front:
Kristopher, Brianna
Back:
Emma, Lynae (front of stroller), James, Micah, Wesley, Aleksa
We made it!
Lots of travel, lots of stories, and in the end, we are HOME and we are doing gret! The kids did great, a few tears, a few tantrums (from WESLEY LOL), a few stubborn drops and flops (from ALKESA...) and some new great friends and divine encounters where God provided for our needs and allowed us to provide for others!
SO BLESSED to be home! I will share out travel stories later, but now all the kids are resting and my "to do" list is a mile long.
I will post pictures eventually-- but I didn't take any at the airport (other people did tho). We had all the kids, Michael, both sets of grandparents, and some of Chris' family there to welcome Wesley and Aleksa home!
My parents came over this morning to help me out since Michael had to work and they stayed until the kids were all close to being down for nap. Michael only worked 1/2 day today so he'll be home soon. It's been BUSY, but GREAT. I'm so proud of how all the kids have done with the adjustments they've all made today! We are so blessed to be walking in God's Grace during this crazy time in our lives!
Tomorrow is CHRISTMAS! (again!) :)
Blessings to all, and thank you for continuing to keep our family covered in prayer as we adjust to our new crew!
SO BLESSED to be home! I will share out travel stories later, but now all the kids are resting and my "to do" list is a mile long.
I will post pictures eventually-- but I didn't take any at the airport (other people did tho). We had all the kids, Michael, both sets of grandparents, and some of Chris' family there to welcome Wesley and Aleksa home!
My parents came over this morning to help me out since Michael had to work and they stayed until the kids were all close to being down for nap. Michael only worked 1/2 day today so he'll be home soon. It's been BUSY, but GREAT. I'm so proud of how all the kids have done with the adjustments they've all made today! We are so blessed to be walking in God's Grace during this crazy time in our lives!
Tomorrow is CHRISTMAS! (again!) :)
Blessings to all, and thank you for continuing to keep our family covered in prayer as we adjust to our new crew!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
We're ready!
We accomplished everything we needed to get done today, though we missed a meetup that someone was hoping for (a missionary friend). But we got up, packed, kids dressed, we met up with Misha one last time (he gave us chocolates from Zhytomir! Cute!) and then headed out to find a 'nasal syringe' and some groceries. Once we'd accomplished that we headed back to the apartment and took to town with Wesley. Unfortunately, he's been a bit "stuck" this week and hasn't had a BM since I got him last Monday. We've been giving him Lactulose since Thursday but to no avail. So, the nasal syringe became an enema and eventually we accomplished poop. FUN FUN. It took over an hour because the poor little guy was SO stuck that it wasn't going to happen on its own no matter what :(
Anyway, after that fun fun stuff we left and met up with 4 other adoptive families that ALL have custody of their new little ones and we had dinner together! What a fun time we've had getting to know some of the families that were the last of "my" families with Reece's Rainbow. They are the last few that I really got to see all the way up to being submitted and then many of them I met on their way IN to Ukraine and now got to meet them on their way out! :) It was fun!
After dinner we came up to the apartment and finished up packing and gave baths, put the kids in PJs and had Irina and Sergei come by. They run the B&B that we'd stayed at previously and came to meet the kids and I had some things I wanted to send home with them.
After that brief visit we finished up with the room and I started getting the kids to sleep and Skyped with Michael quickly. He was busy and doing other things at work and we didn't talk long. Finally the kids are asleep and Chris got her shower. I'm next!
We'll be getting up at about 3:30 tomorrow morning and have a car coming to get us at 4:15. It will be a short night here! We'll be flying for 24 hours from the time we leave this apartment until we land in Orlando!
If anyone's interested in meeting us at the airport, talk with Michael. I'm not sure if he's having a group or if he's just going to come pick us up. I left that with him since he'd be the one that has to get the kids together and out if they're coming to the airport. We'll be in on Wednesday night.
Off we go, next post will probably be from the USA!!
Anyway, after that fun fun stuff we left and met up with 4 other adoptive families that ALL have custody of their new little ones and we had dinner together! What a fun time we've had getting to know some of the families that were the last of "my" families with Reece's Rainbow. They are the last few that I really got to see all the way up to being submitted and then many of them I met on their way IN to Ukraine and now got to meet them on their way out! :) It was fun!
After dinner we came up to the apartment and finished up packing and gave baths, put the kids in PJs and had Irina and Sergei come by. They run the B&B that we'd stayed at previously and came to meet the kids and I had some things I wanted to send home with them.
After that brief visit we finished up with the room and I started getting the kids to sleep and Skyped with Michael quickly. He was busy and doing other things at work and we didn't talk long. Finally the kids are asleep and Chris got her shower. I'm next!
We'll be getting up at about 3:30 tomorrow morning and have a car coming to get us at 4:15. It will be a short night here! We'll be flying for 24 hours from the time we leave this apartment until we land in Orlando!
If anyone's interested in meeting us at the airport, talk with Michael. I'm not sure if he's having a group or if he's just going to come pick us up. I left that with him since he'd be the one that has to get the kids together and out if they're coming to the airport. We'll be in on Wednesday night.
Off we go, next post will probably be from the USA!!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Have Visas
WILL TRAVEL!
The 36 hour countdown until we catch a taxi to the airport (yes, that means we'll be leaving the apartment at 4:15am) has BEGUN!
I have two Visas and two "magical manilla envelopes" and two children and two suitcases and two backpacks and two strollers and we are ready to ROLL!
We're coming home soon!! ALL IS DONE!
The 36 hour countdown until we catch a taxi to the airport (yes, that means we'll be leaving the apartment at 4:15am) has BEGUN!
I have two Visas and two "magical manilla envelopes" and two children and two suitcases and two backpacks and two strollers and we are ready to ROLL!
We're coming home soon!! ALL IS DONE!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
From their point of view
I've been enjoying spending time on Skype with my family even though we're on the other side of the world! Aleksa has gotten interested in looking at our photo album, and she's now recognizing that Mommy and Daddy are in the pictures with all those other little kids... and... they're with Daddy on the computer too. Hmm...
I think she's beginning to understand that they are in some way involved in her life. Of course, these two have NO idea what awaits them!
It's interesting to look at life from their viewpoint. These two people came and visited me, and everyone called them Mama and Papa. They came, brought toys, and hung out for a bit. They don't let me get away with things, but they comfort me when I cry too. Then, they stop coming. A while later, Mama shows back up with someone else, that must be another Mama but everyone calls her Mrs. Chris. The two Mamas take me in a car and we drive for a long time then go to a bedroom. It has a TV, a kitchen, and a couch... all in one room. There's another kid there too who I've never seen before. They don't speak in a way I can understand and they do things weird. There's a tent on the floor with an air mattress for one bed and the other of us shares a bed with Mama 1. Mrs. Chris sleeps on the bed that folds out of the couch.
Mama feeds us lots of times each day and gives me drinks in a weird cup with a lid. We watch TV and the two Mamas play with us. We go outside and walk a LOT. There are lots of stairs and TONS of adults. More kids, ones I don't know. Those people all talk so I can understand them. There's food places that I can't eat it but sometimes we carry it for a while then eat it after we're home.
Other people that talk like the Mamas visit us and want to play with us and sometimes we play, sometimes we cry or get shy or angry. Why do they come?
Mama puts us in clean clothes every day and every night and changes our diapers all the time. Every time we're hungry there is food and drink. When I'm bored Mama and Mrs. Chris play with me. When Mama has left, she always comes back quickly and brings food and drinks with her.
We get baths all the time and it's warm and I get to play in it. Mama brushes my teeth all the time and kisses my face and all over. Every day we do everything the same. Eat, walk, change clothes, play, and sleep...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As much as we can talk about an airplane... and America... and brothers and sisters... I know they have NO idea what lays ahead!
I can't wait to introduce them to their brothers and sisters, their grandparents, their new bedrooms and toys and house... I can't wait to see them play with their siblings and eat at our table at home, and to introduce them to their church family that has been praying them home!
As we look forward to this week, and we begin packing and looking at the final days here, it makes me realize just how much in their world has changed and is about to change!
Tomorrow is our final visa appointment and we should be ready to leave without hitch on Wednesday for our early flights through Munich!
THANK YOU FOR PRAYING US HOME!!!
I think she's beginning to understand that they are in some way involved in her life. Of course, these two have NO idea what awaits them!
It's interesting to look at life from their viewpoint. These two people came and visited me, and everyone called them Mama and Papa. They came, brought toys, and hung out for a bit. They don't let me get away with things, but they comfort me when I cry too. Then, they stop coming. A while later, Mama shows back up with someone else, that must be another Mama but everyone calls her Mrs. Chris. The two Mamas take me in a car and we drive for a long time then go to a bedroom. It has a TV, a kitchen, and a couch... all in one room. There's another kid there too who I've never seen before. They don't speak in a way I can understand and they do things weird. There's a tent on the floor with an air mattress for one bed and the other of us shares a bed with Mama 1. Mrs. Chris sleeps on the bed that folds out of the couch.
Mama feeds us lots of times each day and gives me drinks in a weird cup with a lid. We watch TV and the two Mamas play with us. We go outside and walk a LOT. There are lots of stairs and TONS of adults. More kids, ones I don't know. Those people all talk so I can understand them. There's food places that I can't eat it but sometimes we carry it for a while then eat it after we're home.
Other people that talk like the Mamas visit us and want to play with us and sometimes we play, sometimes we cry or get shy or angry. Why do they come?
Mama puts us in clean clothes every day and every night and changes our diapers all the time. Every time we're hungry there is food and drink. When I'm bored Mama and Mrs. Chris play with me. When Mama has left, she always comes back quickly and brings food and drinks with her.
We get baths all the time and it's warm and I get to play in it. Mama brushes my teeth all the time and kisses my face and all over. Every day we do everything the same. Eat, walk, change clothes, play, and sleep...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As much as we can talk about an airplane... and America... and brothers and sisters... I know they have NO idea what lays ahead!
I can't wait to introduce them to their brothers and sisters, their grandparents, their new bedrooms and toys and house... I can't wait to see them play with their siblings and eat at our table at home, and to introduce them to their church family that has been praying them home!
As we look forward to this week, and we begin packing and looking at the final days here, it makes me realize just how much in their world has changed and is about to change!
Tomorrow is our final visa appointment and we should be ready to leave without hitch on Wednesday for our early flights through Munich!
THANK YOU FOR PRAYING US HOME!!!
PICTURES!
Yep, I know it’s been a few days, so here are some pictures!
The kids all dressed in their gear- show jackets, hats, 2 shirts, 2 pr pants, all the goodies… We’d just gotten back from a looong walk up Basiena when I took these and it was snowing! :)
Happy little critter! It’s hard to take his pic because he was thrashing around while he grinned, but even tho it’s not the greatest picture, it shows the sparkle in his eye!
And this little pixy… she’s calmed SO MUCH. What a beautiful little treasure she is!
Chris and Wesley just chillin
One of the most valuable resources I’ve brought with me—MY BAGS! I love these!! My sister gave them to me a while back and I brought 4 with me on this trip. Here they are—all full after shopping for Christmas presents and then grocery shopping. The handles are long enough to go over my shoulder which is REALLY nice when they’ve got 4 or 5 liters of drinks in them!
The giraffe that we would like to kill. It sings the ABC song and thankfully Aleksa can’t do it herself! LOL She’s entertained by it tho so it’s good!
Wesley chilling in his PJs
Christmas eve night… our “stockings” under the tree!
Santa presents on Christmas morning!
Aleksa got a doll, Wesley a “chicken'” toy, Chris got gingerbread patty cookie thingies, and I got a bag of chocolates.
Chris and Wesley playing with toys
Aleksa eating breakfast on Christmas morning… oatmeal (I took a pic of the directions and asked Nadya to read them to me so we could make it!).
Almost all of the snow was melted by Christmas morning! We didn’t have any more snow until this afternoon, and then only flurries and only in one part of town.
After he drooled on the top of his PJ, Wesley hung out like this for a bit. This couch has tall arms so he can be propped up in the corner and that’s how he eats—or in his stroller. It was HOT in the apartment that day!
Aleksa chilling waiting for food, sans shirt for the same reasons (she’d made a mess!)
Two sweeties in matching red shirts for Christmas morning… I tried hard to get a nice picture of them both…
We didn’t give out Christmas gifts until Aleksa “discovered” her doll under the tree! She likes it!
And wesley likes his chicken toy!
For Christmas lunch we met a friend, April, at TGIF. Here’s the 3 little orphans-no-more as we were getting ready to leave. The kids all did great!
When we got back to the apartment, it was a Skype Christmas with our families back home!
Wesley liked it! He giggled through it all…
Then Christmas with Chris’ fam…
The kids played with these punching balloons a BUNCH! There aren’t too many places to play, so the bed is one of the fun places to hang out.
This is Wesley sucking down a french fry :)
And our lunch all spread out as we got ready to eat lunch today
We went out to Hillsong church and met up with friends who happened to have extra tickets to the musical they were doing today. It wasn’t a typical “church Christmas musical.” It was much more like a professional playhouse production! It was great (after some ado about getting in a good seating arrangement and after Chris had given up all hope of it being a decent endeavor since she was separated from me and Wesley—she had Aleksa—and it wasn’t going very well for her! After Aleksa came to me and we got Chris a seat and she took Wesley, it was great!). Our friend even sat between us and translated for us. More on the show later maybe ;)
The kids each got a gift after the show, too! Inside was a pink stuffed bunny and some candy.
That’s all for now, Wesley’s timer is up and it must be dinner time! Blessings from Kiev!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The 12 things of Home that I look forward to...
Since it's Christmas and that means we should celebrate and do something unusual... We have decided to entertain ourselves by writing this song... Maybe I can talk Chris into singing it to you later :)
It's the 12 things of Home that I look forward to!!
It's the 12 things of Home that I look forward to!!
The first thing at home that I look forward to
Is hugging my husband and kids
The second thing at home that I look forward to
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The third thing at home that I look forward to
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The fourth thing at home that I look forward to
Not living in a studio
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The fifth thing at home that I look forward to
MY OWN KITCHEN
Not living in a studio
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The sixth thing at home that I look forward to
No more crunchy jeans
MY OWN KITCHEN
Not living in a studio
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The seventh thing at home that I look forward to
Driving my car
No more crunchy jeans
MY OWN KITCHEN
Not living in a studio
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The eighth thing at home that I look forward to
No more coats and hats
Driving my car
No more crunchy jeans
MY OWN KITCHEN
Not living in a studio
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The ninth thing at home that I look forward to
Everything’s in English
No more coats and hats
Driving my car
No more crunchy jeans
MY OWN KITCHEN
Not living in a studio
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The tenth thing at home that I look forward to
RAMPS for a wheelchair
Everything’s in English
No more coats and hats
Driving my car
No more crunchy jeans
MY OWN KITCHEN
Not living in a studio
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The eleventh thing at home that I look forward to
My own bathroom
RAMPS for a wheelchair
Everything’s in English
No more coats and hats
Driving my car
No more crunchy jeans
MY OWN KITCHEN
Not living in a studio
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
The twelfth thing at home that I look forward to
Our church family
My own bathroom
RAMPS for a wheelchair
Everything’s in English
No more coats and hats
Driving my car
No more crunchy jeans
MY OWN KITCHEN
Not living in a studio
Not hearing the giraffe sing
Thanking our parents
And hugging my husband and kids
There’s so much that I’ll miss, I have to list them too…
Santa conventions
Meeting other parents
Living very “simply”
Learning of the culture
Seeing all the buildings
Experiencing snow
Walking everywhere
CHRIS DOING DISHES
Crazy taxi drives
Hanging out with Nadya
Our tiny Christmas tree
And a cleaning lady that washes sheets and towels
Friday, December 24, 2010
Blessings
Instead of focusing on the knowledge that my family is halfway around the world, I've tried very hard to focus on the gift and treasure that we have right here with us. It's been hard. There are so many pieces of home that I'm missing-- my husband and kids, our Christmas traditions, lights, friends, and celebrations, and teaching my kids at home about the reason for Christmas. I miss it all!!
It's hard to shift focus from all of that and focus on right here, right now. The blessings of Aleksa and Wesley. The blessing of Chris.
In fact, I haven't talked on here much about Chris at all. First off, she's a wonderful friend that willingly gave up 10 days-3 weeks (we knew it was a 'loose' timeline) of her life to come to Ukraine with me! She originally said something in jest about "I'd come help you bring them home." A few weeks later I brought it back up and she said she really just couldn't pay for a passport and plane tickets, etc. I suggested that I need someone to come with me no matter what, so if she took care of the passport and was really willing to come and help me, that I would take care of the rest. I knew that God would provide the finances since He has provided the need by having everything go through with Aleksa. Actually, at that time we didn't even know about Aleksa, but the faith in finances was still there and God prepared Chris to be willing to come. He knew I would need her!!
Well, He knew well! Chris has been the best traveling partner and child-helper and all around friend during this time!! She knew in general what she was getting herself in to, having ministered with Michael and I and been in family life groups together and just great friends over the past 10 years. She was a big part of our lives especially when we brought Emma and Micah home and though we've both been busy lately, our friendship has never waned. She knew through our first adoption experience that it would be long and hard days, the adjustment with the kids would be difficult, and that it would be a lot of unknowns.
She's taken it on like a pro :)
Chris has a patience that goes beyond even my own with the kids. She's been willing to take Aleksa potty while I'm feeding Wesley and to run all over in the freezing cold to get a phone card or a snack or whatever we needed with me and the kids. She walks VERY patiently with miss Prance-a-lot as we walk around and I push Wesley and carry him up and down the steps while Aleksa takes a painstakingly long time with each step. She's held Wesley when he's smelly and drooly and I'm bathing Aleksa and she's let me and him climb into her bed at 2am so that he didn't wake Aleksa up! Chris has endured crunchy rice-a-roni and not having time for us to eat breakfast on our way out the door. She's run out in the snow to get a diaper out of the car and down an icy hill at that. She's gone to the car another time to get my camera so we could get pictures of Aleksa with her old caretakers. She's endured my mindless singing and joined me in offkey (me not her ;) ) Christmas carols. She's watched late night movies and helped figure out Christmas gifts for my kids. She's held snotty kids and even wiped noses and butts. She's endured screaming until 10pm and the 3am parties of the apartment next door. She's been woken up at 4am by a crying boy and still got up with us all at 8 when Aleksa had to use the bathroom and now was "UP!".
God knew that I would need help and I knew that I needed someone that I wouldn't have to "babysit" while they were with me and that would roll with the punches. I couldn't have asked for a better traveling companion, friend, and dishwasher ;). It's been a hard 10, 11? 12? days and many ups and downs, including the disappointment of missing Christmas at home with our families. Through it all, Chris has a strong faith in Jesus Christ and knows she's here for His purposes just as much as mine.
I'm blessed to have her, to have the companionship and second set of hands that I so desperately needed during this trip. Though we're far from home and I miss my family, my oven, the ability to shop without carrying the groceries home, and most of all the accessibility (200 steps per day carrying a stroller with Wesley in it that is also loaded down with 5 liters of drinks isn't so fun!)... I am BLESSED to have Chris and so thankful that if I have to spend Christmas away from home, that I could have her with me!
Another HUGE blessing is our parents! Although I know that they do it willingly and that they've enjoyed this extra time with their grandkids, I also know that it has been MUCH busier for them than they usually are! Six kids to keep up with and they've all been out of school this week and had shortened days last week... Michael wasn't allowed to take additional time off after the 4 weeks he was in Ukraine, so though he's home in the evenings and weekends and early mornings, he's depended on our parents to help with the kids during the time he's at work each day. Today and Monday he has off, and again next Friday and the following Monday. But our parents put in 4 weeks straight WITHOUT us, sleeping at our home and being on 24-7 and then continued on for a week when Mike's home some but not all the time.
Our parents have stepped up to support us and are unwaivering in their care for their grandkids. MANY parents would be saying "what are you doing?" "why are you adopting again?" "don't expect us to help!" but our parents instead responded to our expressed interest in Wesley with "God has led you to the 6 you have at home, and you're doing well with them. You tend to bite off big projects but have done great thus far. There's no reason for us to question this if you feel God's called you to step out again." And they have supported us 100%. There's been no question to either set of grandparents that this is God's plans, and they are excited to finally meet Aleksa and Wesley as well.
It's been a long 2 months with travel back and forth for Michael and I and for Chris now as well. But though we're not home for Christmas, God has blessed us ABUNDANTLY!! He has provided for the temporary needs we have in caring for our kids so that Aleksa and Wesley can come home.
THANK YOU to Chris Harm, to Michael's parents Cecil and Peggy, and to my parents Marjorie and Bruce. We couldn't be here without the help of others who believe that we are following God's path for our family, and your support not just in words but in MAJOR DEEDS is such a blessing to us.
I'm thankful this Christmas for so many things. God brought his son to earth through Mary. As she rode along on a donkey to a foreign land at 9 months pregnant... away from her family and friends who I'm sure she anticipated helping her with the birth of her son... away from the familiar things she was comfortable with... she still rejoiced in His goodness at the birth of her long awaited baby boy. May we, too, have the grace to say "THANK YOU JESUS" as we sit in this foreign land away from the familiar to celebrate the birth of Christ with two new blessings who, through His hand, have been rescued. GOD is the savior-- the rescuer. May the peace and joy of Christmas abound in your house today and always, and may we each reflect upon the blessings and goodness which He has provided-- even in a 'less than ideal' circumstance!
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM KIEV, UKRAINE!
It's hard to shift focus from all of that and focus on right here, right now. The blessings of Aleksa and Wesley. The blessing of Chris.
In fact, I haven't talked on here much about Chris at all. First off, she's a wonderful friend that willingly gave up 10 days-3 weeks (we knew it was a 'loose' timeline) of her life to come to Ukraine with me! She originally said something in jest about "I'd come help you bring them home." A few weeks later I brought it back up and she said she really just couldn't pay for a passport and plane tickets, etc. I suggested that I need someone to come with me no matter what, so if she took care of the passport and was really willing to come and help me, that I would take care of the rest. I knew that God would provide the finances since He has provided the need by having everything go through with Aleksa. Actually, at that time we didn't even know about Aleksa, but the faith in finances was still there and God prepared Chris to be willing to come. He knew I would need her!!
Well, He knew well! Chris has been the best traveling partner and child-helper and all around friend during this time!! She knew in general what she was getting herself in to, having ministered with Michael and I and been in family life groups together and just great friends over the past 10 years. She was a big part of our lives especially when we brought Emma and Micah home and though we've both been busy lately, our friendship has never waned. She knew through our first adoption experience that it would be long and hard days, the adjustment with the kids would be difficult, and that it would be a lot of unknowns.
She's taken it on like a pro :)
Chris has a patience that goes beyond even my own with the kids. She's been willing to take Aleksa potty while I'm feeding Wesley and to run all over in the freezing cold to get a phone card or a snack or whatever we needed with me and the kids. She walks VERY patiently with miss Prance-a-lot as we walk around and I push Wesley and carry him up and down the steps while Aleksa takes a painstakingly long time with each step. She's held Wesley when he's smelly and drooly and I'm bathing Aleksa and she's let me and him climb into her bed at 2am so that he didn't wake Aleksa up! Chris has endured crunchy rice-a-roni and not having time for us to eat breakfast on our way out the door. She's run out in the snow to get a diaper out of the car and down an icy hill at that. She's gone to the car another time to get my camera so we could get pictures of Aleksa with her old caretakers. She's endured my mindless singing and joined me in offkey (me not her ;) ) Christmas carols. She's watched late night movies and helped figure out Christmas gifts for my kids. She's held snotty kids and even wiped noses and butts. She's endured screaming until 10pm and the 3am parties of the apartment next door. She's been woken up at 4am by a crying boy and still got up with us all at 8 when Aleksa had to use the bathroom and now was "UP!".
God knew that I would need help and I knew that I needed someone that I wouldn't have to "babysit" while they were with me and that would roll with the punches. I couldn't have asked for a better traveling companion, friend, and dishwasher ;). It's been a hard 10, 11? 12? days and many ups and downs, including the disappointment of missing Christmas at home with our families. Through it all, Chris has a strong faith in Jesus Christ and knows she's here for His purposes just as much as mine.
I'm blessed to have her, to have the companionship and second set of hands that I so desperately needed during this trip. Though we're far from home and I miss my family, my oven, the ability to shop without carrying the groceries home, and most of all the accessibility (200 steps per day carrying a stroller with Wesley in it that is also loaded down with 5 liters of drinks isn't so fun!)... I am BLESSED to have Chris and so thankful that if I have to spend Christmas away from home, that I could have her with me!
Another HUGE blessing is our parents! Although I know that they do it willingly and that they've enjoyed this extra time with their grandkids, I also know that it has been MUCH busier for them than they usually are! Six kids to keep up with and they've all been out of school this week and had shortened days last week... Michael wasn't allowed to take additional time off after the 4 weeks he was in Ukraine, so though he's home in the evenings and weekends and early mornings, he's depended on our parents to help with the kids during the time he's at work each day. Today and Monday he has off, and again next Friday and the following Monday. But our parents put in 4 weeks straight WITHOUT us, sleeping at our home and being on 24-7 and then continued on for a week when Mike's home some but not all the time.
Our parents have stepped up to support us and are unwaivering in their care for their grandkids. MANY parents would be saying "what are you doing?" "why are you adopting again?" "don't expect us to help!" but our parents instead responded to our expressed interest in Wesley with "God has led you to the 6 you have at home, and you're doing well with them. You tend to bite off big projects but have done great thus far. There's no reason for us to question this if you feel God's called you to step out again." And they have supported us 100%. There's been no question to either set of grandparents that this is God's plans, and they are excited to finally meet Aleksa and Wesley as well.
It's been a long 2 months with travel back and forth for Michael and I and for Chris now as well. But though we're not home for Christmas, God has blessed us ABUNDANTLY!! He has provided for the temporary needs we have in caring for our kids so that Aleksa and Wesley can come home.
THANK YOU to Chris Harm, to Michael's parents Cecil and Peggy, and to my parents Marjorie and Bruce. We couldn't be here without the help of others who believe that we are following God's path for our family, and your support not just in words but in MAJOR DEEDS is such a blessing to us.
I'm thankful this Christmas for so many things. God brought his son to earth through Mary. As she rode along on a donkey to a foreign land at 9 months pregnant... away from her family and friends who I'm sure she anticipated helping her with the birth of her son... away from the familiar things she was comfortable with... she still rejoiced in His goodness at the birth of her long awaited baby boy. May we, too, have the grace to say "THANK YOU JESUS" as we sit in this foreign land away from the familiar to celebrate the birth of Christ with two new blessings who, through His hand, have been rescued. GOD is the savior-- the rescuer. May the peace and joy of Christmas abound in your house today and always, and may we each reflect upon the blessings and goodness which He has provided-- even in a 'less than ideal' circumstance!
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM KIEV, UKRAINE!
Blessings
Instead of focusing on the knowledge that my family is halfway around the world, I've tried very hard to focus on the gift and treasure that we have right here with us. It's been hard. There are so many pieces of home that I'm missing-- my husband and kids, our Christmas traditions, lights, friends, and celebrations, and teaching my kids at home about the reason for Christmas. I miss it all!!
It's hard to shift focus from all of that and focus on right here, right now. The blessings of Aleksa and Wesley. The blessing of Chris.
In fact, I haven't talked on here much about Chris at all. First off, she's a wonderful friend that willingly gave up 10 days-3 weeks (we knew it was a 'loose' timeline) of her life to come to Ukraine with me! She originally said something in jest about "I'd come help you bring them home." A few weeks later I brought it back up and she said she really just couldn't afford to pay for a passport and plane tickets, etc. I suggested that I need someone to come with me no matter what, so if she took care of the plane tickets and was really willing to come and help me, that I would take care of the rest. I knew that God would provide the finances since He has provided the need by having everything go through with Aleksa. Actually, at that time we didn't even know about Aleksa, but the faith in finances was still there and God prepared Chris to be willing to come. He knew I would need her!!
Well, He knew well! Chris has been the best traveling partner and child-helper and all around friend during this time!! She knew in general what she was getting herself in to, having ministered with Michael and I and been in family life groups together and just great friends over the past 10 years. She was a big part of our lives especially when we brought Emma and Micah home and though we've both been busy lately, our friendship has never waned. She knew through our first adoption experience that it would be long and hard days, the adjustment with the kids would be difficult, and that it would be a lot of unknowns.
She's taken it on like a pro :)
Chris has a patience that goes beyond even my own with the kids. She's been willing to take Aleksa potty while I'm feeding Wesley and to run all over in the freezing cold to get a phone card or a snack or whatever we needed with me and the kids. She walks VERY patiently with miss Prance-a-lot as we walk around and I push Wesley and carry him up and down the steps while Aleksa takes a painstakingly long time with each step. She's held Wesley when he's smelly and drooly and I'm bathing Aleksa and she's let me and him climb into her bed at 2am so that he didn't wake Aleksa up! Chris has endured crunchy rice-a-roni and not having time for us to eat breakfast on our way out the door. She's run out in the snow to get a diaper out of the car and down an icy hill at that. She's gone to the car another time to get my camera so we could get pictures of Aleksa with her old caretakers. She's endured my mindless singing and joined me in offkey (me not her ;) ) Christmas carols. She's watched late night movies and helped figure out Christmas gifts for my kids. She's held snotty kids and even wiped noses and butts. She's endured screaming until 10pm and the 3am parties of the apartment next door. She's been woken up at 4am by a crying boy and still got up with us all at 8 when Aleksa had to use the bathroom and now was "UP!".
God knew that I would need help and I knew that I needed someone that I wouldn't have to "babysit" while they were with me and that would roll with the punches. I couldn't have asked for a better traveling companion, friend, and dishwasher ;). It's been a hard 10, 11? 12? days and many ups and downs, including the disappointment of missing Christmas at home with our families. Through it all, Chris has a strong faith in Jesus Christ and knows she's here for His purposes just as much as mine.
I'm blessed to have her, to have the companionship and second set of hands that I so desperately needed during this trip. Though we're far from home and I miss my family, my oven, the ability to shop without carrying the groceries home, and most of all the accessibility (200 steps per day carrying a stroller with Wesley in it that is also loaded down with 5 liters of drinks isn't so fun!)... I am BLESSED to have Chris and so thankful that if I have to spend Christmas away from home, that I could have her with me!
Another HUGE blessing is our parents! Although I know that they do it willingly and that they've enjoyed this extra time with their grandkids, I also know that it has been MUCH busier for them than they usually are! Six kids to keep up with and they've all been out of school this week and had shortened days last week... Michael wasn't allowed to take additional time off after the 4 weeks he was in Ukraine, so though he's home in the evenings and weekends and early mornings, he's depended on our parents to help with the kids during the time he's at work each day. Today and Monday he has off, and again next Friday and the following Monday. But our parents put in 4 weeks straight WITHOUT us, sleeping at our home and being on 24-7 and then continued on for a week when Mike's home some but not all the time.
Our parents have stepped up to support us and are unwaivering in their care for their grandkids. MANY parents would be saying "what are you doing?" "why are you adopting again?" "don't expect us to help!" but our parents instead responded to our expressed interest in Wesley with "God has led you to the 6 you have at home, and you're doing well with them. You tend to bite off big projects but have done great thus far. There's no reason for us to question this if you feel God's called you to step out again." And they have supported us 100%. There's been no question to either set of grandparents that this is God's plans, and they are excited to finally meet Aleksa and Wesley as well.
It's been a long 2 months with travel back and forth for Michael and I and for Chris now as well. But though we're not home for Christmas, God has blessed us ABUNDANTLY!! He has provided for the temporary needs we have in caring for our kids so that Aleksa and Wesley can come home.
THANK YOU to Chris Harm, to Michael's parents Cecil and Peggy, and to my parents Marjorie and Bruce. We couldn't be here without the help of others who believe that we are following God's path for our family, and your support not just in words but in MAJOR DEEDS is such a blessing to us.
I'm thankful this Christmas for so many things. God brought his son to earth through Mary. As she rode along on a donkey to a foreign land at 9 months pregnant... away from her family and friends who I'm sure she anticipated helping her with the birth of her son... away from the familiar things she was comfortable with... she still rejoiced in His goodness at the birth of her long awaited baby boy. May we, too, have the grace to say "THANK YOU JESUS" as we sit in this foreign land away from the familiar to celebrate the birth of Christ with two new blessings who, through His hand, have been rescued. GOD is the savior-- the rescuer. May the peace and joy of Christmas abound in your house today and always, and may we each reflect upon the blessings and goodness which He has provided-- even in a 'less than ideal' circumstance!
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM KIEV, UKRAINE!
It's hard to shift focus from all of that and focus on right here, right now. The blessings of Aleksa and Wesley. The blessing of Chris.
In fact, I haven't talked on here much about Chris at all. First off, she's a wonderful friend that willingly gave up 10 days-3 weeks (we knew it was a 'loose' timeline) of her life to come to Ukraine with me! She originally said something in jest about "I'd come help you bring them home." A few weeks later I brought it back up and she said she really just couldn't afford to pay for a passport and plane tickets, etc. I suggested that I need someone to come with me no matter what, so if she took care of the plane tickets and was really willing to come and help me, that I would take care of the rest. I knew that God would provide the finances since He has provided the need by having everything go through with Aleksa. Actually, at that time we didn't even know about Aleksa, but the faith in finances was still there and God prepared Chris to be willing to come. He knew I would need her!!
Well, He knew well! Chris has been the best traveling partner and child-helper and all around friend during this time!! She knew in general what she was getting herself in to, having ministered with Michael and I and been in family life groups together and just great friends over the past 10 years. She was a big part of our lives especially when we brought Emma and Micah home and though we've both been busy lately, our friendship has never waned. She knew through our first adoption experience that it would be long and hard days, the adjustment with the kids would be difficult, and that it would be a lot of unknowns.
She's taken it on like a pro :)
Chris has a patience that goes beyond even my own with the kids. She's been willing to take Aleksa potty while I'm feeding Wesley and to run all over in the freezing cold to get a phone card or a snack or whatever we needed with me and the kids. She walks VERY patiently with miss Prance-a-lot as we walk around and I push Wesley and carry him up and down the steps while Aleksa takes a painstakingly long time with each step. She's held Wesley when he's smelly and drooly and I'm bathing Aleksa and she's let me and him climb into her bed at 2am so that he didn't wake Aleksa up! Chris has endured crunchy rice-a-roni and not having time for us to eat breakfast on our way out the door. She's run out in the snow to get a diaper out of the car and down an icy hill at that. She's gone to the car another time to get my camera so we could get pictures of Aleksa with her old caretakers. She's endured my mindless singing and joined me in offkey (me not her ;) ) Christmas carols. She's watched late night movies and helped figure out Christmas gifts for my kids. She's held snotty kids and even wiped noses and butts. She's endured screaming until 10pm and the 3am parties of the apartment next door. She's been woken up at 4am by a crying boy and still got up with us all at 8 when Aleksa had to use the bathroom and now was "UP!".
God knew that I would need help and I knew that I needed someone that I wouldn't have to "babysit" while they were with me and that would roll with the punches. I couldn't have asked for a better traveling companion, friend, and dishwasher ;). It's been a hard 10, 11? 12? days and many ups and downs, including the disappointment of missing Christmas at home with our families. Through it all, Chris has a strong faith in Jesus Christ and knows she's here for His purposes just as much as mine.
I'm blessed to have her, to have the companionship and second set of hands that I so desperately needed during this trip. Though we're far from home and I miss my family, my oven, the ability to shop without carrying the groceries home, and most of all the accessibility (200 steps per day carrying a stroller with Wesley in it that is also loaded down with 5 liters of drinks isn't so fun!)... I am BLESSED to have Chris and so thankful that if I have to spend Christmas away from home, that I could have her with me!
Another HUGE blessing is our parents! Although I know that they do it willingly and that they've enjoyed this extra time with their grandkids, I also know that it has been MUCH busier for them than they usually are! Six kids to keep up with and they've all been out of school this week and had shortened days last week... Michael wasn't allowed to take additional time off after the 4 weeks he was in Ukraine, so though he's home in the evenings and weekends and early mornings, he's depended on our parents to help with the kids during the time he's at work each day. Today and Monday he has off, and again next Friday and the following Monday. But our parents put in 4 weeks straight WITHOUT us, sleeping at our home and being on 24-7 and then continued on for a week when Mike's home some but not all the time.
Our parents have stepped up to support us and are unwaivering in their care for their grandkids. MANY parents would be saying "what are you doing?" "why are you adopting again?" "don't expect us to help!" but our parents instead responded to our expressed interest in Wesley with "God has led you to the 6 you have at home, and you're doing well with them. You tend to bite off big projects but have done great thus far. There's no reason for us to question this if you feel God's called you to step out again." And they have supported us 100%. There's been no question to either set of grandparents that this is God's plans, and they are excited to finally meet Aleksa and Wesley as well.
It's been a long 2 months with travel back and forth for Michael and I and for Chris now as well. But though we're not home for Christmas, God has blessed us ABUNDANTLY!! He has provided for the temporary needs we have in caring for our kids so that Aleksa and Wesley can come home.
THANK YOU to Chris Harm, to Michael's parents Cecil and Peggy, and to my parents Marjorie and Bruce. We couldn't be here without the help of others who believe that we are following God's path for our family, and your support not just in words but in MAJOR DEEDS is such a blessing to us.
I'm thankful this Christmas for so many things. God brought his son to earth through Mary. As she rode along on a donkey to a foreign land at 9 months pregnant... away from her family and friends who I'm sure she anticipated helping her with the birth of her son... away from the familiar things she was comfortable with... she still rejoiced in His goodness at the birth of her long awaited baby boy. May we, too, have the grace to say "THANK YOU JESUS" as we sit in this foreign land away from the familiar to celebrate the birth of Christ with two new blessings who, through His hand, have been rescued. GOD is the savior-- the rescuer. May the peace and joy of Christmas abound in your house today and always, and may we each reflect upon the blessings and goodness which He has provided-- even in a 'less than ideal' circumstance!
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM KIEV, UKRAINE!
Merry Christmas from Ukraine!
Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas!
I thought we'd share some "real live action" of our newest two from some of our fun moments this week. I hope they'll bring a smile to your face!
www.mcornish.org
I thought we'd share some "real live action" of our newest two from some of our fun moments this week. I hope they'll bring a smile to your face!
www.mcornish.org
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Are you in Kiev?
If so, and you want to get together give me a call! We'd love to visit with other families while we wait to be able to get home.
Our cell # 067-771-5852.
Our cell # 067-771-5852.
Weights
At the medicals today I got estimated weights on the kids...
Aleksa is about 40 lbs and Wesley is about 20lbs.
Aleksa is about 40 lbs and Wesley is about 20lbs.
Weights
At the medicals today I got estimated weights on the kids...
Aleksa is about 40 lbs and Wesley is about 20lbs.
Aleksa is about 40 lbs and Wesley is about 20lbs.
We had been holding out hope
That we might get everything done today. But it just didn't happen. So we will go to the Embassy on Monday and get visas for the kids, and the first flight out after that was Wednesday. Five more days in this 20x12 apartment with the 4 of us! We WILL survive, but man oh man it's going to be a long 5 days!
The kids are bored, it's cold so hard to go out for too long at a time most days, and we have very limited resources and supplies. Thankfully I saved the punching bags until today so they were "new". We also have been slowly getting some of the other things out rather than doing it really fast and all at once so each thing can be enjoyed longer by the kids.
Now, what to do with 2 kids for 5 days in Ukraine??
www.mcornish.org
The kids are bored, it's cold so hard to go out for too long at a time most days, and we have very limited resources and supplies. Thankfully I saved the punching bags until today so they were "new". We also have been slowly getting some of the other things out rather than doing it really fast and all at once so each thing can be enjoyed longer by the kids.
Now, what to do with 2 kids for 5 days in Ukraine??
www.mcornish.org
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Our down day
Today was just a down-day. Since we didn't get Wesley's passport, we couldn't do the list of things originally scheduled. Instead I took the crew (including Chris of course ;) ) for a walk all the way up Basiena Street and to Lesi Ukrainky street to a huge (fancy) kids' store to look around. We decided to have Aleksa walk, since she's been doing better (the stroller is more behavior-control than necessity!) and she did GREAT. Wesley loved being out and it was brisk but NICE out. Puddles, no ice, and about 2 degrees Celsius. We "wrote a letter to Santa" so that he will know that we'll be in Ukraine and let the kids test out some Ukrainian toys that they might ask Santa for so that he delivers them something fun at the apartment on Christmas morning.
We also picked up some smaller diapers because the ones we'd bought for Wesley swallow him whole. He fits pretty well in a size 4. They are still a bit big but not too bad. He is TINY. He'll be 6 in February! He's built a lot like Emma was when we brought her home, but he's got a lot more strength!
After shopping we exchanged some money since we've got a few more days here then went to McDonald's. It's sad that we eat at McD's in Ukraine, but there is NO other fast food here! There's a McD's at every main corner in the center of Kiev tho. I've been cooking for the most part, but today we decided it was lunch out. Aleksa did SO GOOD again! She waited with Chris at a table while I ordered our food (with Wesley) then I brought Wesley in the stroller up the flight of stairs to the tables and went back for the food. Aleksa is working on eating ONE mouthful and then chewing before cramming something else in her mouth. That one takes a while to learn. But she is being more patient about it at least when we require it of her ;)
Then we walked alllll the way back down the hill and stopped quickly at a market to pick up a few other essentials since, again, we're here for a bit. We piked them onto the stroller and came back to the apartment. We figured out that I can carry the backpack with the kids' essentials in it and Wesley (in the stroller) and Chris took the grocery bags and Aleksa's hand. We left the two 2-liters of water in the bottom of the stroller and I survived hauling it to the second floor. A tricky process in an apartment without an elevator!
We rested, hung out, Wesley played and fussed when I tried to get him to take a nap. Aleksa looked nicely at a book and was generally just sweet for the afternoon. Eventually I took Aleksa with me and just she and I went to the closer market that has everything we need and we got the rest of what we were looking for. The first market had cat food but not baby food, and they had cleaning supplies but not tissues. WEIRD. And no produce. Anyway, Aleksa and I went to get the rest of the groceries like apples, tissues, lotion (the kids are SO dry!) and of course some Coca-Cola ;). I wasn't so sure how she'd do, but once again she was AWESOMELY behaved!
Our first trip to the grocery store a few days ago she cried and screamed and we were sure we'd be thrown out. I was thinking "Oh goodness, what have I done?!" by the time I left! This time I had her 'help' push the cart and I held on top of her hand and pushed it as well. She wanted to eat the fruit but seemed to know she'd get some when we got home when I told her later (we're working on signing "wait" "all done" and "more" and she understands all of those now!).
She walked to the market, up and down the stairs to go under the street (that's how you cross major roads in Kiev) and back to the apartment. Since we're staying over a coffee shop and Chris and I have talked about wanting cocoa several times, Aleksa and I stopped in and got two "cacao's" (kak-ao). I wasn't sure how I'd carry 2 bags of groceries, hold Aleksa's hand to go up the stairs, and juggle 2 hot drinks... but the cups STACKED. How cool is that?? So Chris and I enjoyed hot (expensive, ick!) delicious hot cocoa.
Dinner, baths, and bed went pretty quick. Aleksa went to sleep without too much of a fuss but Wesley took that as a good time to start vigil. He went to sleep about 10:45! He was just crabby and overtired, and he's constipated which doesn't help.
Tomorrow we HOPE AND PRAY that we can get EVERYTHING done for the Visa's!!! PLEASE PRAY!!
We will take the kids both for their medicals in the morning, and then Wesley's passport should be in "after 1". We have to go back to the medical office after getting the passport and pick up the medical forms (must see passport to get it) then to the Embassy for the Visa. Since it's the day before a holiday, the Embassy is closing early at 3pm! They emailed me to say that as long as we are there by 3, they will process it.
We are hoping to be able to do all of that and be done.
Realistically, it probably won't happen.
I had to move our tickets today since originally we were supposed to fly home tomorrow, so we decided to set them for next Wednesday- which was the first available flight for the 4 of us AFTER Monday... in case we have to do paperwork on Monday.
IF we are able to get everything finished tomorrow, then I'll call my travel agent first thing in the morning and see if there are still flights available ON Christmas day. If so, we will go ahead and pay the change fee a second time and go HOME.
It's not likely. It's more likely that we won't get the Visa in time. Or that the flights will then be full for Saturday if we do get the Visa. But we know that God is in control, and that we are here for His plans and purposes and in His timing.
We both have peace. And that is what we need! Our families back home are ok and are aware of the changes. We've had people step up to continue to help with my kids at home for those few extra work days after Christmas, and Chris' family understands that she'll be home as soon as we can.
Thank you for your continued prayers, and may God Bless you as you prepare your hearts and homes for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ!
www.mcornish.org
We also picked up some smaller diapers because the ones we'd bought for Wesley swallow him whole. He fits pretty well in a size 4. They are still a bit big but not too bad. He is TINY. He'll be 6 in February! He's built a lot like Emma was when we brought her home, but he's got a lot more strength!
After shopping we exchanged some money since we've got a few more days here then went to McDonald's. It's sad that we eat at McD's in Ukraine, but there is NO other fast food here! There's a McD's at every main corner in the center of Kiev tho. I've been cooking for the most part, but today we decided it was lunch out. Aleksa did SO GOOD again! She waited with Chris at a table while I ordered our food (with Wesley) then I brought Wesley in the stroller up the flight of stairs to the tables and went back for the food. Aleksa is working on eating ONE mouthful and then chewing before cramming something else in her mouth. That one takes a while to learn. But she is being more patient about it at least when we require it of her ;)
Then we walked alllll the way back down the hill and stopped quickly at a market to pick up a few other essentials since, again, we're here for a bit. We piked them onto the stroller and came back to the apartment. We figured out that I can carry the backpack with the kids' essentials in it and Wesley (in the stroller) and Chris took the grocery bags and Aleksa's hand. We left the two 2-liters of water in the bottom of the stroller and I survived hauling it to the second floor. A tricky process in an apartment without an elevator!
We rested, hung out, Wesley played and fussed when I tried to get him to take a nap. Aleksa looked nicely at a book and was generally just sweet for the afternoon. Eventually I took Aleksa with me and just she and I went to the closer market that has everything we need and we got the rest of what we were looking for. The first market had cat food but not baby food, and they had cleaning supplies but not tissues. WEIRD. And no produce. Anyway, Aleksa and I went to get the rest of the groceries like apples, tissues, lotion (the kids are SO dry!) and of course some Coca-Cola ;). I wasn't so sure how she'd do, but once again she was AWESOMELY behaved!
Our first trip to the grocery store a few days ago she cried and screamed and we were sure we'd be thrown out. I was thinking "Oh goodness, what have I done?!" by the time I left! This time I had her 'help' push the cart and I held on top of her hand and pushed it as well. She wanted to eat the fruit but seemed to know she'd get some when we got home when I told her later (we're working on signing "wait" "all done" and "more" and she understands all of those now!).
She walked to the market, up and down the stairs to go under the street (that's how you cross major roads in Kiev) and back to the apartment. Since we're staying over a coffee shop and Chris and I have talked about wanting cocoa several times, Aleksa and I stopped in and got two "cacao's" (kak-ao). I wasn't sure how I'd carry 2 bags of groceries, hold Aleksa's hand to go up the stairs, and juggle 2 hot drinks... but the cups STACKED. How cool is that?? So Chris and I enjoyed hot (expensive, ick!) delicious hot cocoa.
Dinner, baths, and bed went pretty quick. Aleksa went to sleep without too much of a fuss but Wesley took that as a good time to start vigil. He went to sleep about 10:45! He was just crabby and overtired, and he's constipated which doesn't help.
Tomorrow we HOPE AND PRAY that we can get EVERYTHING done for the Visa's!!! PLEASE PRAY!!
We will take the kids both for their medicals in the morning, and then Wesley's passport should be in "after 1". We have to go back to the medical office after getting the passport and pick up the medical forms (must see passport to get it) then to the Embassy for the Visa. Since it's the day before a holiday, the Embassy is closing early at 3pm! They emailed me to say that as long as we are there by 3, they will process it.
We are hoping to be able to do all of that and be done.
Realistically, it probably won't happen.
I had to move our tickets today since originally we were supposed to fly home tomorrow, so we decided to set them for next Wednesday- which was the first available flight for the 4 of us AFTER Monday... in case we have to do paperwork on Monday.
IF we are able to get everything finished tomorrow, then I'll call my travel agent first thing in the morning and see if there are still flights available ON Christmas day. If so, we will go ahead and pay the change fee a second time and go HOME.
It's not likely. It's more likely that we won't get the Visa in time. Or that the flights will then be full for Saturday if we do get the Visa. But we know that God is in control, and that we are here for His plans and purposes and in His timing.
We both have peace. And that is what we need! Our families back home are ok and are aware of the changes. We've had people step up to continue to help with my kids at home for those few extra work days after Christmas, and Chris' family understands that she'll be home as soon as we can.
Thank you for your continued prayers, and may God Bless you as you prepare your hearts and homes for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ!
www.mcornish.org
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Our day and special visitors…
Today was such a better day with the kids! They both were really good today! We went to the Embassy in the morning and got the process started for their Visas, believing that Wesley’s passport would be ready today. Unfortunately, we found out this afternoon that it is delayed because of an issue between the tax code and passport. No idea what, but though it has been resolved… it still means a delay and we won’t get the passport until Thursday or Friday.
For us, that means we won’t make our Thursday flights. If we get the passport on Thursday, we are checking with the US Embassy on whether they could issue Wesley’s Visa the same day or not. If not, (or, if we don’t get the passport until Friday) then we won’t be able to come home until Wednesday next week at the earliest. The US Embassy is closed on Friday for Christmas Eve and won’t reopen until Monday to issue the Visa. Tuesday’s flights are completely booked up, making Wednesday the soonest we could come home if we can’t get the Visa on Thursday. If we DO get it Thursday, flights are booked Friday so we could fly home on Christmas day (arriving around midnight on the 26th)…
Other than that, we had a great day… just some depressing news since we were really looking forward to being HOME for Christmas with our entire family together (and Chris being home with her family too!)
On to pictures!
Wesley, propped in the corner of the couch just chilling. This was HUGE because yesterday I couldn’t set him down without him crying, and today, though he preferred to be held, he watched and was calm a little. He definitely prefers to be upright though (vs. laying down—he doesn’t sit independently).
Chris was intrigued by the Color Wonder markers. Aleksa isn’t interested ;)
Aleksa just being sweet and cute. She decided she likes the book we have for her today. She looked at it several times for quite a little while. She’s settling down a bit! :)
The view of our ‘lived in’ apartment. Two strollers in the doorway (which we later moved when we were expecting company).
Since we don’t have a dresser, this little table next to the couch has been designated as the dresser. Pants and shirts are folded on top, and underclothes in the drawers. Hey… it works!
And, our special visitors! Alla, Misha, and Oksana visited us today! This is the missionary group that helped us to get in contact with the institution in order to adopt Aleksa! I was so glad they got to see her and that I got to thank them again for their work in the orphanages and institutions in Zhytomir region, and for taking our personal story to their own hearts to go to the director on our behalf.
Alla, Misha, and Aleksa
Oksana, Chris, and Wesley
Alla, Oksana, Aleksa, and Misha
Misha with Wesley. Surprisingly, Wesley liked him! Why is that surprising? Because Wesley doesn’t exactly like men… For whatever reason, though, he took to Misha and giggled and played with him!
Take a double take on this picture. Misha and Aleksa were playing as they said goodbye. YES, they are completely sideways! Misha was tipping Aleksa backward and she loved it. They had a good time together.
We are so thankful to this mission group for their work in orphanages, and we invite you to visit their blog, to remember their ministry in prayer, and if you are looking for someone to invest in financially who is putting the words of Christ in the orphanages in Ukraine, they are an excellent endeavor to do that through!
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