I also wanted you all to pray for a family of five from the orphanage! They have been in the minds of us hosting and who've become involved in the orphanage that Dima's coming from. Lori, whom already adopted her daughter Anna, has asked for us to spread the word and pray for this family. The chances of all of them being adopted are pretty much not happening, but maybe someone could save this family. I am not sure of all the ages but I think they range from like 6-13?? I've seen pictures of the oldest girl (whom I found out LOVES Dima) and she's absolutely gorgeous. It breaks my heart to know in a few short years, she will "graduate" around the age of 16 and most likely will go into prostitution to survive. We've heard that the adoption agency in the Ukraine is willing to work with anyone whom would actually be interested in adopting them all because in the Ukraine, they do not split up siblings. It would not be 4 times the cost of adopting 1 child. I am going to have a really hard time seeing the girl when I go to the Ukraine as I will be taking Dima from her:(
PLEASE help spread the word and PRAY for them to all be adopted. They are innocent children who deserve to have a chance at a better life!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Lesson #1
Did I really think that the whole time Dima was here, we wouldn't have any issues? I guess I should have known. He's been so good since we've had him at our house for a week that I took things for granted. Dusty and I keep saying he could be our child. He's loves watches...so does Dusty. He needs to know when, where, why, and how....that's me! So I thought he understood when I explained to him, through google translate, that we were going to pick up my sister from the airport. On the way to the airport he asked how long it was going to take and he sulked at the 40 minute drive. I again didn't think anything of it. Once we got the airport, Dima was stand offish with my sister whom I was so excited to show off her future nephew to. Once back in the car he fell asleep. When we arrived at my parents house, Dima awoke to giving me the silent treatment and would not get out of the car! After many failed attempts, we ended up going home. He continued to give me the silent treatment until Dusty came home from work. All it took was Dusty to look into his room and Dima was back to his old self.
I was trying to figure out what the heck happened and the only thing I can think of is that I didn't explain to him that while we were going to pick up my sister from the airport, Dusty was working. Dima has been Dusty's shadow and has really gotten attached to him. Poor guy didn't know what was going on and may have thought Dusty left him?? After so many years in the orphanage and knowing he has to go back, I'm sure he still has some doubts to us adopting him. That's why we keep trying to reassure him. It's not going to happen overnight and it's not going to be easy.
We only have a few more days with Dima and I am trying to focus on when we get him home for good, not the few months that we will be without him. It's going to be a really hard day Sunday, but we need to be strong for him and make sure he understands that we will be coming to get him hopefully in November. We would be so thrilled to have him back to Christmas! That would be the best Christmas gift ever!
I was trying to figure out what the heck happened and the only thing I can think of is that I didn't explain to him that while we were going to pick up my sister from the airport, Dusty was working. Dima has been Dusty's shadow and has really gotten attached to him. Poor guy didn't know what was going on and may have thought Dusty left him?? After so many years in the orphanage and knowing he has to go back, I'm sure he still has some doubts to us adopting him. That's why we keep trying to reassure him. It's not going to happen overnight and it's not going to be easy.
We only have a few more days with Dima and I am trying to focus on when we get him home for good, not the few months that we will be without him. It's going to be a really hard day Sunday, but we need to be strong for him and make sure he understands that we will be coming to get him hopefully in November. We would be so thrilled to have him back to Christmas! That would be the best Christmas gift ever!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Updates
Although I am enjoying this cool weather and the rain that's feeding our garden,but it's been a little challenging to keep Dima entertained. Yesterday (Monday) was a very low key day, as he probably needed it after all the excitement with the camp and finding out he has a home in America. He was very patient even though I know he was bored. We tried to go to Canoe Creek and play but we got rained out and just went home to watch some tv. Later we went to the mall for something to do, but the mall is about a ghost town anymore.
Luckily we've been able to communicate a little better with the help of google translate. We have both gotten it down pretty good now as at first it took us forever to figure out how to communicate one word. Since he has never been around electronics, he's picking up my phone quickly! The one time on the computer he struggled a little with the keys. We mostly use my phone to communicate.
He loves to talk and I am sure it's killing him not to be able to express to us what he's thinking and feeling. I am impressed though with his patience as he hasn't gotten too frustrated. It took a while to figure out that he writes Ukrainian but speaks Russian, if that makes sense! We were wondering why nothing would translate! After speaking with some of the other host families, we figured that out. Since then, we've had a better time communicating, but it's still not perfect. It seems like a lot of things don't translate over for some reason? I wrote him that I knew the day was boring and thanked him for being such a good boy, his response was "I tried". He is such a cutie!!
Last night was special as I got to talk to him a little more about him going back and us coming to get him in a few months. He seems to understand what has to happen. I am so glad because it would be even harder for us if he was having a hard time knowing he has to go back for a while after getting a taste of America. He is an amazing kid! I explained that we will come to the Ukraine to get him and we are hoping to make it around his birthday on November 15th, but it's up to the court system. I also asked him if he was excited to come back "home" and his exact translation was "very happy". That was one of the first times that the translation was clear!
Today we are going to work with Dusty in State College, stop by the market in Boalsburg, and then the Curve game! Hopefully the weather will hold out!
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Wow, what a week!
I am sorry we haven't written lately, but I am sure you understand how busy we've been! Words can't describe how amazing this past week has been. It's been an emotional roller coaster from first seeing Dima at the airport to my Uncle Dick passing away. The first 5 days of camp were very emotional as well. It's been unbelievable to see how most of these children act after being in an orphanage and not having a family. I will try to do a short version of how camp went.
The first day was a day for the children to get settled in. What was cool about this hosting camp was Lori and Russ Walk wanted the children to focus on just being here to experence camp and not that they may be adopted. We did not tell the children later whom they were staying with. That really allowed us to sit back and watch Dima and how he normally acts. We also were able to enjoy all the children during camp. My Mother in law and my parents were able to meet Dima for the first time this day, very special. It was hard for them to not go up and give him a BIG hug since he wouldn't understand yet.
The second day the children split up while the girls did scrapbooking and the boys went fishing. This day was very special as it was the first time Dusty really got a chance to interact with Dima.
The third day was a bonding day, but not by choice:) We went to DelGrosso's park for the day and Dima decided he wanted to get stitches! He and I were racing down the water slides and he decided to do a flip at the bottom of the slide! When I looked back at his smiling face, I looked in horror to see blood was running down his face. After everyone made a fuss over him, we talked him into seeing our great friend, Dr. Reinhardt. He was awesome with Dima who was being very brave! Through the interpretor, she was explaining how boys are not to show affection after the age of 6 in the orphanage and they are not to cry as it's a sign of weakness. The doctor's visits are different over there and the children are not treated as nice. After the doctor visit, we were able to go back to the park. Dima forgot about the stitches as he wanted to ride the big rides!
The fourth day the girls went fishing and the boys did scrapbooking. This was a really cool day as some of Dusty's relatives that helped with the scrapbooking got to meet Dima. It was an amazing experience as the children do not get to see pictures of themselves. They were loving all the pictures of themselves and we actually ran out of time as they didn't want to stop. I know Dima is really proud of his book. This will be the only thing the children will get to keep for themselves when they go back to the orphanage. All the clothes they go back with will go to all the children so we are keeping Dima's clothes here for when he comes back. This also was the night that we told Dima that he was going to be staying at our house for the remainder of the time. He was so excited and asked if he was able to leave with us then and there!
The last day of camp we went to Raystown Lake. Dusty and I decided we couldn't wait any longer and wanted Dima to understand that we were going to adopt him. We were able to speak in detail with him about this through an interpreter and he was so excited! We explained that he has to go back and we will try our hardest to get him back home as fast as we can. We were able to find out a little more of his past and that he's been in the orphanage since he was about 3 or 4 and that he doesn't remember his parents much as he was taken away because they were alcoholics. Later that night everyone said their goodbyes and went to there host homes. This evening was very touching as when we drove up to our house and we told Dima we were home, he wispered..."America".
The first day was a day for the children to get settled in. What was cool about this hosting camp was Lori and Russ Walk wanted the children to focus on just being here to experence camp and not that they may be adopted. We did not tell the children later whom they were staying with. That really allowed us to sit back and watch Dima and how he normally acts. We also were able to enjoy all the children during camp. My Mother in law and my parents were able to meet Dima for the first time this day, very special. It was hard for them to not go up and give him a BIG hug since he wouldn't understand yet.
The second day the children split up while the girls did scrapbooking and the boys went fishing. This day was very special as it was the first time Dusty really got a chance to interact with Dima.
The third day was a bonding day, but not by choice:) We went to DelGrosso's park for the day and Dima decided he wanted to get stitches! He and I were racing down the water slides and he decided to do a flip at the bottom of the slide! When I looked back at his smiling face, I looked in horror to see blood was running down his face. After everyone made a fuss over him, we talked him into seeing our great friend, Dr. Reinhardt. He was awesome with Dima who was being very brave! Through the interpretor, she was explaining how boys are not to show affection after the age of 6 in the orphanage and they are not to cry as it's a sign of weakness. The doctor's visits are different over there and the children are not treated as nice. After the doctor visit, we were able to go back to the park. Dima forgot about the stitches as he wanted to ride the big rides!
The fourth day the girls went fishing and the boys did scrapbooking. This was a really cool day as some of Dusty's relatives that helped with the scrapbooking got to meet Dima. It was an amazing experience as the children do not get to see pictures of themselves. They were loving all the pictures of themselves and we actually ran out of time as they didn't want to stop. I know Dima is really proud of his book. This will be the only thing the children will get to keep for themselves when they go back to the orphanage. All the clothes they go back with will go to all the children so we are keeping Dima's clothes here for when he comes back. This also was the night that we told Dima that he was going to be staying at our house for the remainder of the time. He was so excited and asked if he was able to leave with us then and there!
The last day of camp we went to Raystown Lake. Dusty and I decided we couldn't wait any longer and wanted Dima to understand that we were going to adopt him. We were able to speak in detail with him about this through an interpreter and he was so excited! We explained that he has to go back and we will try our hardest to get him back home as fast as we can. We were able to find out a little more of his past and that he's been in the orphanage since he was about 3 or 4 and that he doesn't remember his parents much as he was taken away because they were alcoholics. Later that night everyone said their goodbyes and went to there host homes. This evening was very touching as when we drove up to our house and we told Dima we were home, he wispered..."America".
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Emotional Overload
WOW...where to begin!
I have no words for the emotions I felt last night while at the Philly Airport. (I NEVER thought I would admit to being excited to bein Philadelphia!) To see 20 orphans who are in search of something that we all take for granted...a family and someone to love them, was more than I could handle.
The first kid (a 14 yr old young lady named Katarina) to come through those sliding doors, with tears in her eyes ripped my heart out. Recognizing who she was and knowing that a loving couple have already started the paperwork was incredible. This kiddo is going to be in for a great ride!
Then, and this could very well be as I remember it and not as it exactly happened, a second later the same beautiful set of eyes that I have looked at hundreds of times a day since we made this decision to adopt, met mine...and it seemed like, for a split second, time stood still. Dema is more adorable than his pictures and I can't wait to experience for what the future holds.
I could go on for ever about these kids, and I am quite sure that as I see all of you over the next few days weeks or months, I will fill you in with more than you want to know! I experienced so many touching moments in the 5 or 6 hours we got to spend with them, I can't begin to do them justice in an explanation. In addition to what I have already mentioned, here are a few that are on my mind this morning:
-Denis and Anastasia, 7 and 8 yr old brother and sister, sleeping on the bus. Anastasia fell asleep with her head on her little brother's lap and Denis had his arm around her shoulder as if he was reassuring her saying "it's OK big sis, I know this is a bit scary, but I have your back here".
-Artur initiating contact with everyone he could, proud of the new English words he learned for the trip, saying to everyone who would listen "I am Artur, what is your name?"
-Sergi offering me his one of his pretzels. This was especially touching once I thought about it as here is this sweet little guy who is obvioulsy quite malnourished, offering me, who definitely doens't need it, some of his food. He, like all of the kids, want to feel loved and wanted so bad to make a friend. No worries little buddy...you have a friend in me pretzels or not!
-Nikita, who was slowly working his way front of the bus to see the view out the window. To him, this was an incredible sight that he has never seen anything like. He is one of the younger kiddos and doesnt know any English, but when he bade his way to the seat beside me, he extended his hand and just said Nikita. He stared out that big bus window in awe until his tired little eyes just couldn't stay awake any longer.
-Dema looking me over when I wasn't looking. My friend Russ Walk, told me that he noticied Dema looking at me when I wasn't looking in his direction, then quickly turning his eyes away when I looked back his way. Makes me wonder if he knows or has a feeling of what is going on and that Tina and I will ask him to be our son in the next few days.
I guess that I really could go on for a while...but I want to go to the lodge to spend the day with my 20 new friends and their host and/or adoptive families.
I will close with just one more thought...My friend Russ and were talking on the bus on the way back, and he said a few words that really touched me. I was talking about how all of these kids just hit the lottery and this is the first day of a new like for them. I was happy beyond words for them for the opportunity that awaits them. It was then Russ said to me "Dusty, I felt the same way when we adopted Anastasia, but it didn't take me long to figure out that we are the real winners here." I woke up thinking about that, and I think he is right. In Lou Gherig's words...."today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth"
I have no words for the emotions I felt last night while at the Philly Airport. (I NEVER thought I would admit to being excited to bein Philadelphia!) To see 20 orphans who are in search of something that we all take for granted...a family and someone to love them, was more than I could handle.
The first kid (a 14 yr old young lady named Katarina) to come through those sliding doors, with tears in her eyes ripped my heart out. Recognizing who she was and knowing that a loving couple have already started the paperwork was incredible. This kiddo is going to be in for a great ride!
Then, and this could very well be as I remember it and not as it exactly happened, a second later the same beautiful set of eyes that I have looked at hundreds of times a day since we made this decision to adopt, met mine...and it seemed like, for a split second, time stood still. Dema is more adorable than his pictures and I can't wait to experience for what the future holds.
I could go on for ever about these kids, and I am quite sure that as I see all of you over the next few days weeks or months, I will fill you in with more than you want to know! I experienced so many touching moments in the 5 or 6 hours we got to spend with them, I can't begin to do them justice in an explanation. In addition to what I have already mentioned, here are a few that are on my mind this morning:
-Denis and Anastasia, 7 and 8 yr old brother and sister, sleeping on the bus. Anastasia fell asleep with her head on her little brother's lap and Denis had his arm around her shoulder as if he was reassuring her saying "it's OK big sis, I know this is a bit scary, but I have your back here".
-Artur initiating contact with everyone he could, proud of the new English words he learned for the trip, saying to everyone who would listen "I am Artur, what is your name?"
-Sergi offering me his one of his pretzels. This was especially touching once I thought about it as here is this sweet little guy who is obvioulsy quite malnourished, offering me, who definitely doens't need it, some of his food. He, like all of the kids, want to feel loved and wanted so bad to make a friend. No worries little buddy...you have a friend in me pretzels or not!
-Nikita, who was slowly working his way front of the bus to see the view out the window. To him, this was an incredible sight that he has never seen anything like. He is one of the younger kiddos and doesnt know any English, but when he bade his way to the seat beside me, he extended his hand and just said Nikita. He stared out that big bus window in awe until his tired little eyes just couldn't stay awake any longer.
-Dema looking me over when I wasn't looking. My friend Russ Walk, told me that he noticied Dema looking at me when I wasn't looking in his direction, then quickly turning his eyes away when I looked back his way. Makes me wonder if he knows or has a feeling of what is going on and that Tina and I will ask him to be our son in the next few days.
I guess that I really could go on for a while...but I want to go to the lodge to spend the day with my 20 new friends and their host and/or adoptive families.
I will close with just one more thought...My friend Russ and were talking on the bus on the way back, and he said a few words that really touched me. I was talking about how all of these kids just hit the lottery and this is the first day of a new like for them. I was happy beyond words for them for the opportunity that awaits them. It was then Russ said to me "Dusty, I felt the same way when we adopted Anastasia, but it didn't take me long to figure out that we are the real winners here." I woke up thinking about that, and I think he is right. In Lou Gherig's words...."today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth"
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
It's been a while.....
Sorry I haven't updated in a while! I was so busy with the Hoss's fundraising event and organizing the YMCA's Canoe Creek Triathlon last week. This week we've been trying to help get the camp ready for the children and adult help. We also have been busy trying to get clothing for the children while they are here. I can't wait to see their faces when they are able to pick out clothes for them to wear and they don't have the wear the same clothing all week! I wonder if they will still wear the same clothes since that's what they are used to? We've also been collecting donations of food and things needed for the camp while they are here. I am constantly amazed at how generous people are!! We've pretty gotten most of what is needed either donated or been given a great discount. We are able to take a bus to pick up the children and adults at the Philly airport this Friday. Because there are going to be extra seats, some of us that are adopting will be able to travel in the bus to meet them at the airport!!! I can't believe in 2 days we will be able to see our future son!!! It feels like a dream!!
I am going to end this post early as I want to write more after we have our meeting tonight about the camp. There will be a professor whom is originally from Ukraine that will help give us information about the Ukrainian culture. This information is going to be so helpful! We are so blessed to have such great support in our adoption process. It is so cool to have others from the area that we'll be able to talk to as they are going through the adoption process as well.
Thanks for reading!
I am going to end this post early as I want to write more after we have our meeting tonight about the camp. There will be a professor whom is originally from Ukraine that will help give us information about the Ukrainian culture. This information is going to be so helpful! We are so blessed to have such great support in our adoption process. It is so cool to have others from the area that we'll be able to talk to as they are going through the adoption process as well.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Updates on the Hosting Camp
We were not able to make the last meeting, however, we did receive an email on what the children will be doing at camp. They are to arrive in Philly late on the 13th. The following day they will take time to adjust to the 7 hour time difference and do some activities at the Quest Haven Lodge camp. The schedule looks like a lot of fun for the kids! Family is welcome to come participate in the camp activities as well. I think it is going to be an amazing experience for these kids who have been in the orphanage most of their lives!!! As it gets closer, I will post what they will be doing. I know they will be going to Delgrosso's park as they are so graciously feeding the children and allowing them to come to the water park and ride rides!! Another day they will get to go to Raystown. Other nights include campfires (which most of the children do not know what that is!!!) and movies. Fun times!!
As far as us and the adoption process, it's going a lot faster than we expected!! We have been in contact with a guy named David who works for the Advocate for Orphans International and he has been wonderful! He has everything broken down for us and has guided us each step. He has been available everytime we've had a question and will actually be visiting the Hosting Camp for a few days. It will be nice to put a face with the voice. This process is a little scary but he's made it a lot easier for us!
I mentioned before that we had to meet with a lady from Families United Network, Inc. who did our home study and that is moving along a lot quicker than we expected. We've heard the home study can take weeks and they had most of ours done in just over a week!!! We may just get Dema for Christmas!!! What a GREAT present!!!
Thanks for reading!
As far as us and the adoption process, it's going a lot faster than we expected!! We have been in contact with a guy named David who works for the Advocate for Orphans International and he has been wonderful! He has everything broken down for us and has guided us each step. He has been available everytime we've had a question and will actually be visiting the Hosting Camp for a few days. It will be nice to put a face with the voice. This process is a little scary but he's made it a lot easier for us!
I mentioned before that we had to meet with a lady from Families United Network, Inc. who did our home study and that is moving along a lot quicker than we expected. We've heard the home study can take weeks and they had most of ours done in just over a week!!! We may just get Dema for Christmas!!! What a GREAT present!!!
Thanks for reading!
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