To all our family and friends: We wish you a very Happy New Year!
It's just after midnight and I'm listening to all the fireworks going off around these parts. lol! Back in Pennsylvania, no one really celebrated the New Year with fireworks...so this has been interesting. (This and the 4th of July!) Anyway, we actually went to our neighbors for a little while to watch them light up a bunch of fireworks.... they lit them early so neighbors could sleep. We said goodbye, and got back at 9pm to begin a Wii fest for several hours. Then onto Pictionary Jr., which my team (consisting of me and ds1) lost twice. Bummer....but we fought hard!
We ended the evening as I did, when I was a kid. You may think this odd....but when I was little, my mom and dad used to wake my sister and I up at around 11:40pm. We would head down to the living room and watch Dick Clark ring in the New Year in Times Square. When that ball dropped we would have pans and spoons, and we would make as much noise as we could! lol! So, that is what we did this year at midnight. The boys loved it of course...banging those pots as loud as they could, and laughing! It actually brought up some emotions as I cherished that my boys were taking part in a similar experience to what I had as a child. :-)
Happy New Year 2008 to everyone!!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
What a Guy!
I just have to say... I love my husband! LOVE the man! I wish I had a camera to show everyone what an awesome job he did in one day, on this room....
Basically, he cleared everything out of a bright red video game room, and painted the walls a muted serene color.... and then moved our three pieces of exercise equipmentinto the room. It has a TV center (small) built in, so once I find a used TV that is larger.... that room is gonna rock! Plus, it's off the play room, so I can put a gate up and watch any kiddos play while I exercise. I am sooo happy with how it turned out! I really wish I had before pics of the dark dreary red cave room.
Tomorrow's plan is to pay the bills and update all the checkbook stuff, so I can see if I have a little leftover to add to some Christmas money. Then I will be promptly checking out digital cameras. I need to take blog pictures and lots of them! I got some suggestions on my other blog.... so I'll ask here as well. Can anyone recommend a good (but not really expensive) digital camera? Thanks!
Basically, he cleared everything out of a bright red video game room, and painted the walls a muted serene color.... and then moved our three pieces of exercise equipmentinto the room. It has a TV center (small) built in, so once I find a used TV that is larger.... that room is gonna rock! Plus, it's off the play room, so I can put a gate up and watch any kiddos play while I exercise. I am sooo happy with how it turned out! I really wish I had before pics of the dark dreary red cave room.
Tomorrow's plan is to pay the bills and update all the checkbook stuff, so I can see if I have a little leftover to add to some Christmas money. Then I will be promptly checking out digital cameras. I need to take blog pictures and lots of them! I got some suggestions on my other blog.... so I'll ask here as well. Can anyone recommend a good (but not really expensive) digital camera? Thanks!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
My life in bullet points...
There are so many thoughts cluttering my mind, I could easily write three entries for one day..... but I don't even have time or peace to do that right now.... so I'm going to write them in bullet points, and maybe tomorrow I'll have the time to expound upon them....
Three favorite Christmas gifts
Three favorite Christmas gifts
- DVD Camera - Chris bought it on major sale after Thanksgiving, and we didn't open it until Christmas. Ours broke at least five years ago, and we needed a new one to take to Russia when we go. The price has come way down in 5 years and the size is much more manageable! He is loving it!
- Recumbent Exercise Bike- I found this in the paper used.... we called and Chris went and picked it up for me 2 days before Christmas. It's practically new! It will be really good for me to exercise and have an alternative activity to walking on my "almost better" ankle.
- Wii- Yes, that is the boys gift from their grandparents. Needless to say it is getting "broken in" in our house! The boys, and Chris and I are having fun. :-)
Exciting News
- Not from Russia, but from my best friend from highschool. I am so excited as she is pregnant! I just screamed my head off when she told me, and the boys and Chris came running to find out what was the matter. Then I just started crying. She waited on God's timing for a mate, and 2 years ago married the love of her life. Now they are expecting a baby together. Am I thrilled? You bet I am!
Beginning to Picture It....
- I was in church on Christmas Eve, and it just really, really hit me, that this time next year, I might be holding a little one in my arms. It was a very weird sort of reality and one that I just can't describe. It brought a wealth of emotion to the surface, as I thought of how long I've prayed and waited for this. I guess I just got a picture of it in my mind, and the emotions when I think about it are still very fresh. January 3rd marks the 5th month our dossier has been in Russia. Almost to the 1/2 way mark..... :-)
That's it for now. My head is actually still swimming with thoughts, but it will wait until tomorrow! Gotta get dinner cooked and begin working on our New Year's cards!
Monday, December 24, 2007
A Wonderful Christmas present!
Not for us, but for another couple adopting from Russia! They just returned to the States after a very long month in Russia....and with their new son in tow! If you get a chance, pop on over to Ryan and Amy's blog and say congratulations! They are a now a happy family of four!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Christmas preparations....
So, with three days until Christmas, how is everyone doing? I know several of my friends are baking up a storm right now, and several are still shopping for/wrapping gifts. Some are completely organized and finished with all the holiday preparations. I'm sort of in between.
All of my shopping is pretty much done, except for some gum for Chris. (It's a stocking stuffer). His presents are wrapped, but t he kids are not yet. I have done most of my baking, and sent two large trays of cookies into his work. It felt great to get them out of the house! I still have to bake a few cookies for caroling this evening.... and then I'm done with that. It's funny, but our decorations went up kind of hodge podge this year. Completely not like me at all. Some are still not up and are just sitting around different parts of the house. lol! I guess I haven't thought them as important this year. :o)
The one thing I am behind on are Christmas cards. And I'm behind on this just about every year. Most years it's a last minute decision, "am I going to send them out or not?" I usually take a picture of the boys and send it out. But getting that snapshot is not easy! So, this year I decided, like last year, to send out cards for the New Year. We have time off at Christmas, and the post office lines are shorter too. I usually make up a letter updating everyone of the "happenings" in our family. Some people think this impersonal, but with friends and family all over the country.... it's the best way I have found to stay remotely in touch. I joke with people, if you don't like it, throw it out. :o)
So, how is everyone else doing? I know I am just looking forward to spending time with my husband. 7 days off! The boys and I are thrilled, even if we just put puzzles together as a family and play some new Christmas games. We are looking forward to the quality time together!
All of my shopping is pretty much done, except for some gum for Chris. (It's a stocking stuffer). His presents are wrapped, but t he kids are not yet. I have done most of my baking, and sent two large trays of cookies into his work. It felt great to get them out of the house! I still have to bake a few cookies for caroling this evening.... and then I'm done with that. It's funny, but our decorations went up kind of hodge podge this year. Completely not like me at all. Some are still not up and are just sitting around different parts of the house. lol! I guess I haven't thought them as important this year. :o)
The one thing I am behind on are Christmas cards. And I'm behind on this just about every year. Most years it's a last minute decision, "am I going to send them out or not?" I usually take a picture of the boys and send it out. But getting that snapshot is not easy! So, this year I decided, like last year, to send out cards for the New Year. We have time off at Christmas, and the post office lines are shorter too. I usually make up a letter updating everyone of the "happenings" in our family. Some people think this impersonal, but with friends and family all over the country.... it's the best way I have found to stay remotely in touch. I joke with people, if you don't like it, throw it out. :o)
So, how is everyone else doing? I know I am just looking forward to spending time with my husband. 7 days off! The boys and I are thrilled, even if we just put puzzles together as a family and play some new Christmas games. We are looking forward to the quality time together!
Done with Physical Therapy...yeah!
This past Thursday was the last day of PT for my ankle! For those of you who don't know, I sprained/and slightly fractured my ankle at the end of June. June 30th to be exact. I have come so far in regards to the range of motion and strength in my anklee/foot. I am going to miss the people I worked with 2x a week in therapy. It has been a real joy getting to know them. The ankle is not quite 100% yet, but I can do many exercises at home, and it will continue to strengthen. I will be writing a letter to the physician who referred me there, to say how exceptional the people are and the therapy provided. I think it's important to provide that positive feedback, and I do whenever I feel strongly about it!
So yeah for my ankle! I'm starting to walk more (as in exercise), and it's holding up pretty well!
So yeah for my ankle! I'm starting to walk more (as in exercise), and it's holding up pretty well!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Good News on Accreditation!
I received an email form our agency this morning with very good news! The following is it.....
This is so encouraging for the families (like us) who are waiting! It means that hopefully those waiting for court dates will get them quickly, because we are accredited, and that things may move along more quickly in Russia now that we are officially accredited in the country.
What does this mean for us? Nothing yet...but we are planning on preparing ourselves behind the scenes over the next few months. We will be completing the last module of our adoption education next week, while Chris has some time off. We will also be scheduling an appointment with our pediatrician (who adopted 5 children from Russia), to have a consultation of what to look for in country and what he tests for on the return home. We will also be contacting an physician specialist trained in international adoption. Either through Vanderbilt, or another recommendation. Just so that we have that set up. Finally, we will be finding a good local travel agent so we are ready when it comes time for that first trip!
Finally, we are planning on taking an area a week and further child proofing it for the addition of our new children. I think we will be starting with the homeschool room, and all the wires etc that are under the computer desk. Just little things once a week in each room...will seem less overwhelming.
So, that's the news today! We are thrilled to hear about our agency...and feel we can finally take some steps forward in the adoption process!
Breaking news from Russia!!!!
Update on accreditation in Russia!!
Agency XYZ is happy to announce that our representative general is invited to the Ministry of Education to receive the accreditation this Friday, December 21, 2007! As soon as we receive the documents (order from the Ministry of Education and the Accreditation certificate) we will publish this on our website. Please visit us again soon for the update. This is so encouraging for the families (like us) who are waiting! It means that hopefully those waiting for court dates will get them quickly, because we are accredited, and that things may move along more quickly in Russia now that we are officially accredited in the country.
What does this mean for us? Nothing yet...but we are planning on preparing ourselves behind the scenes over the next few months. We will be completing the last module of our adoption education next week, while Chris has some time off. We will also be scheduling an appointment with our pediatrician (who adopted 5 children from Russia), to have a consultation of what to look for in country and what he tests for on the return home. We will also be contacting an physician specialist trained in international adoption. Either through Vanderbilt, or another recommendation. Just so that we have that set up. Finally, we will be finding a good local travel agent so we are ready when it comes time for that first trip!
Finally, we are planning on taking an area a week and further child proofing it for the addition of our new children. I think we will be starting with the homeschool room, and all the wires etc that are under the computer desk. Just little things once a week in each room...will seem less overwhelming.
So, that's the news today! We are thrilled to hear about our agency...and feel we can finally take some steps forward in the adoption process!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Christmas Party
Last night Chris and I went to his work Christmas party. I was really dreading going, as I don't relish those things so much.... but I ended up having a wonderful time. It was in this beautiful ballroom that reminded us of where we got married. We both said, that if we have a big anniversary celebration and renewal of vows, we will have a reception at this location. It's gorgeous! The meal was delicious. Here is what they served.
- New England Clam Chowder
- Sugar coated Strawberries in Grand Mariner
- Caesar Salad Bar
- Peel and Eat Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
- Prime Rib au jus
- Sauteed Atlantic Salmon Medallions
- Grilled Chicken w/ bell pepper and onions
- Garlic butter green beans and fire roasted red peppers
- Roasted Red Bliss potatoes
- Penne au Gratin w/ spinach and tomatoes
- Baked sour dough rolls
- Warm Apple Crisp
- Turtle Cheese Cake
- Lemon Meringue Tart
After dinner there was a coffee bar available which anyone who knows me.... knows I loved that!
There were wonderful door prizes given out during dinner....one of which was an Ipod! Unfortunately we did not win one. (Or any door prize for that matter...) But that's okay. They played some funny games throughout the night that had everyone cracking up. The CEO, and 2 presidents (separate company divisions), all put on these baggy red Santa like jumpsuits. Then they selected team members who had to blow up red ballons and stuff them in the jump suits to make them big like Santa. It was funny! They looked more and more like the Saturday night comedy sketch of muscle men.... you know "I'm Hans and I'm Frans and we are here to Pump You Up!" They looked hillarious. They danced with their spouses afterward in those stuffed red jumpsuits. lol! Another game they played after dinner was kind of like musical chairs, but you had to run and find items from other people and get back to sit in a chair. The last person back didn't have a chair because each time one chair was removed. I felt like I was watching our most recent MNO one time in particular, when one girl from my table was running in way high heels to get to a chair and started to slip and then was side swiped by another lady, who sat in the chair, but not before knocking this poor slight young girl on the floor! lol!
There was dancing as well, and we seemed to do a lot of that. Chris could not resist the electric slide, and dragged me up there with him to help him find the right beat. lol! Later we waltzed on the dance floor and then two stepped. Which was quite funny, as he went up to request a song, and he asked for a two step song..... the dj gave him a blank stare and asked..."what's a two step song?" lol! Um anything country, you know Garth Brooks, or anything. He had no idea what Chris was talking about. So when the two step came on we were one of 3 couples, yes count them 3, who were out there doing a two step. Afterward we were cracking up as we thought about it... is this the south? Shoot, you have two yankee northerners doing a two step down here. lol! Actually for those that don't know, that's how we met.... country western line dancing. But it has been years since we danced and we were a bit rusty. :-)
The biggest thing that impacted me at the party was how blessed we are to be working for this company. They stand on their Christian values and they are not afraid at all to share that. The VP in his opening comments talked about how we have a Savior who we can rely on. A Savior in the name of Jesus Christ who has given us eternal life and freedom from death. Then another gentleman did a monolgue on the birth of Jesus through Mary and Joseph's eyes. It just brought tears to my eyes as I listened to both these men...... God directed us to this company and every year I am more and more grateful! I am shown over and over the integrity of the folks who run the company and the priorities that they place in their lives. We can not help but feel blessed.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
New computer.... working better
Three posts to this blog in one day. Well, I'm tired of this blog always being empty, so I've decided to fill it with the life we lead now, as we wait. So onto my new computer. Many more things are working now as we worked all the kinks out. My cable internet is now working, and so is my Outlook, (however I am still getting acclimated to that). My printer is now up and running, although I am waiting on the adapter that lets me print from anywhere in the house. Oh, will that be a cool day! The coolest thing that I am still trying to figure out how to use is the docking port. I can dock this thing at my desk and then hit this expanded screen mode. It gives me twice the working space. I can be working on something on my desktop monitor, and simulataneously be working on something else on the laptop. It's very cool, and I feel quite the techie using it! I can even drag a screen from the laptop to the desktop and vice versa. There is the capability to add a third screen if I wanted to. (Like what would I need that for?) lol! No idea, but it would look kind of cool, like audio visual at church or something. :-)
Anyway, I am enjoying this thing more and more as the days go on. And you can tell, because my house is starting to look like I've been neglecting it. (Not really, but a little bit!)
Anyway, I am enjoying this thing more and more as the days go on. And you can tell, because my house is starting to look like I've been neglecting it. (Not really, but a little bit!)
A Christmas Miracle!
Not for us....so everyone stay calm! A couple who has been waiting for over a year to adopt a little baby boy from Russia has finally received a referral! They are also with our adoption agency, so this was really good news indeed! They are such a sweet couple and her posts have been filled with patience and encouragment as she waited. So pop on over and give a big congratulations to Carrie and Michael!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The wait....
I have been quiet on this blog. But I wanted to post a poem that I thought would minister to those who are in the difficult process of waiting. I've had it saved for over a year at least if not more, as I waited to even begin the process of adoption. It pierced my heart and brought tears to my eyes as I read it. I didn't want to copy it to my blog, because I know it's copyrighted....so I just linked it. It's called The Wait Poem
Many blessings,
Jackie
Many blessings,
Jackie
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Well, I don't have much to report. Our dossier has almost been in Russia for 3 months. It looks like we have a long wait ahead of us. I've been catching up on reading a ton of adoption blogs tonight and visiting the FRUA website, which I almost never visit. Looks like 4 couples from our agency have switched to new adoption agencies. I would like to say I'm surprised, but I'm really not. The recent personnel turnover and lack of communication, coupled with no word on accreditation and longer wait times...makes the decision to switch very appealing. I know I've thought of it.... and I haven't even been waiting as long as others. But we have invested too much time and money into our agency right now. So, we will wait and see what happens with accreditations and referrals.
On the FRUA frontier, word is floating around that at least 2 agencies are saying accreditation is imminent. I'm not sure who they are, but I'm sure it is not ours. Our agency keeps things sealed until official word is out. So, who knows what could happen.... our agency could be one in the next batch that might be accredited in the next several weeks.... or not. :-)
Finally, November is National Adoption Month. I remember 2 years ago being ready to begin the process, and then learning we might be moving...so we held off. Last November we signed on with our agency and soon after began all the paperwork..... Two years...and two more before that I prayed to be able to adopt. 4 years now.... some of my friends who have known Chris and I, know how long we have been talking about this. Hopefully by next November we will have two little children home with us, and we will be celebrating November in earnest. :-)
On the FRUA frontier, word is floating around that at least 2 agencies are saying accreditation is imminent. I'm not sure who they are, but I'm sure it is not ours. Our agency keeps things sealed until official word is out. So, who knows what could happen.... our agency could be one in the next batch that might be accredited in the next several weeks.... or not. :-)
Finally, November is National Adoption Month. I remember 2 years ago being ready to begin the process, and then learning we might be moving...so we held off. Last November we signed on with our agency and soon after began all the paperwork..... Two years...and two more before that I prayed to be able to adopt. 4 years now.... some of my friends who have known Chris and I, know how long we have been talking about this. Hopefully by next November we will have two little children home with us, and we will be celebrating November in earnest. :-)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Life with the Duggars
We had our cable television upgraded two weeks ago....and now instead of 12 channels, we are able to get 74 or something like that. Too many to even imagine! Anyway this evening I came across a show on Discovery Health that I just saw for the first time. It follows a family named Duggar, who, husband and wife, have 16 children. All their own, not a blended family at all! I just thought this was such a cool show. The mom is amazing. So, quiet and reserved, you can tell it's her natural tendency. She was going into labor with her 16th child, and she was sooo calm. Now maybe after 16 you get pretty good at being calm, but it must be a natural tendency as well.... I mean you can't fake it during contractions, while a camera is rolling. It's a momentous life changing moment, and can be stressful. I was amazed to watch her and her husband interact, so sweetly and lovingly. It was just awesome, and she really made me want to be a better mom and wife.
Years ago in Pennsylvania, I had a neighbor who was and still is a good friend. She was not only my friend, but my prayer partner..... she would come to my house and we would sit at my kitchen table with a box of kleenex in the middle, and we would pray. Sometimes we needed the kleenex and sometimes not, but we would share our hearts and pray! Anyway, when I saw this show, I immediately thought of my friend, as we would purpose and pray to be better wives and mothers. I checked my email last night before going to bed, and who should I receive a long letter of what the Lord is doing in her life?? Yep, you guessed it, my sister in the Lord, now separated half a world away in China....but still encouraging and as uplifting as ever!
Anyway, those are my thoughts today.... quiet and contemplative as I think about both of these women and what a blessing they must be to their families.
Years ago in Pennsylvania, I had a neighbor who was and still is a good friend. She was not only my friend, but my prayer partner..... she would come to my house and we would sit at my kitchen table with a box of kleenex in the middle, and we would pray. Sometimes we needed the kleenex and sometimes not, but we would share our hearts and pray! Anyway, when I saw this show, I immediately thought of my friend, as we would purpose and pray to be better wives and mothers. I checked my email last night before going to bed, and who should I receive a long letter of what the Lord is doing in her life?? Yep, you guessed it, my sister in the Lord, now separated half a world away in China....but still encouraging and as uplifting as ever!
Anyway, those are my thoughts today.... quiet and contemplative as I think about both of these women and what a blessing they must be to their families.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Two months down.....
Well our dossier has officially been in Russia for two months! I wonder if it has even been translated yet? For those of you who are further along in waiting, did your agency call you to tell you when your dossier was translated or registered? Maybe because we are hoping to adopt two children, and our dossier stays in Moscow until a region opens up...maybe it just sits there until that happens? I don't think I understand that process.... Anyone have any insight?
I know if we were adopting just one little girl, our dossier would go to the region that was best suited for us. Then it would be translated and would be registered with the local Ministry of Education. Then when a match was found in that region, depending on where we are in line, we might have a referral. But I guess I just don't comprehend the wait and process for a sibling group. (Only that it is looonnnnggg). :-)
I suppose the beginning and end of this process is when God says it's going to start and when He provides the little ones he wants for Chris and I.
Speaking of little ones. I had such a sweet moment last week just playing with and carrying around a friend's little daughter. (under 2). Oh what a joy she was to chase after, giggling and turning around to see if I was still following her. She has such an infectious laugh, and put a smile on my face that day at the park. I just am so thankful God gave me that moment to have, as it stirred up the desire in my heart for those little girls he may have waiting for us.
Sometimes in the waiting, and not being physically pregnant, it doesn't "feel" like you are even in the process of adopting. Sometimes it seems so far removed from everyday life.... I've heard this is a normal feeling of adoptive parents. It's weird.... I wish I could describe it. Sort of detached, and then I suppose as things get closer, or when you are at the referral stage things become more real. The only part of this stage that to me seems tangible is our dossier. This I have gathered, typed, stapled, held in my hands, and then released off to a foreign country. This inanimate item is the most tangible thing I have to this adoption right now. So, that is why I treasure moments that are given to me.... (like the one in the park with my friend's daughter). It reminds me that there is a child (or children) at the end of this process. Children who need us as much as we need them.
I know if we were adopting just one little girl, our dossier would go to the region that was best suited for us. Then it would be translated and would be registered with the local Ministry of Education. Then when a match was found in that region, depending on where we are in line, we might have a referral. But I guess I just don't comprehend the wait and process for a sibling group. (Only that it is looonnnnggg). :-)
I suppose the beginning and end of this process is when God says it's going to start and when He provides the little ones he wants for Chris and I.
Speaking of little ones. I had such a sweet moment last week just playing with and carrying around a friend's little daughter. (under 2). Oh what a joy she was to chase after, giggling and turning around to see if I was still following her. She has such an infectious laugh, and put a smile on my face that day at the park. I just am so thankful God gave me that moment to have, as it stirred up the desire in my heart for those little girls he may have waiting for us.
Sometimes in the waiting, and not being physically pregnant, it doesn't "feel" like you are even in the process of adopting. Sometimes it seems so far removed from everyday life.... I've heard this is a normal feeling of adoptive parents. It's weird.... I wish I could describe it. Sort of detached, and then I suppose as things get closer, or when you are at the referral stage things become more real. The only part of this stage that to me seems tangible is our dossier. This I have gathered, typed, stapled, held in my hands, and then released off to a foreign country. This inanimate item is the most tangible thing I have to this adoption right now. So, that is why I treasure moments that are given to me.... (like the one in the park with my friend's daughter). It reminds me that there is a child (or children) at the end of this process. Children who need us as much as we need them.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Accreditation again....
Well, I know what I posted last week.... but we have heard nothing yet on accreditation for our agency. Bummer. I was visiting another family's blog and they are waiting to pick up their little girls in Russia.... just waiting for a court date. They were informed this week, that until our agency is accredited that they will not get a court date. Double bummer. I know this family has waited a long time, and would love nothing more than to bring home their little girls.... Keep praying for the Russian government to release a new batch of accredited agencies soon, and that our agency will be one of the one's re-accredited.
Even though I know we have a long wait.... (over 1 year) it would be nice to see adoptions start moving more quickly in Russia again. Once more I can't thank you enough for your prayers. To know that people are praying for the children we will be bringing home....it is a comforting feeling. Thank you....
Jackie and Chris
Even though I know we have a long wait.... (over 1 year) it would be nice to see adoptions start moving more quickly in Russia again. Once more I can't thank you enough for your prayers. To know that people are praying for the children we will be bringing home....it is a comforting feeling. Thank you....
Jackie and Chris
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
More News...sort of....
All adoption agencies who work in Russia must be accredited. What this means is that they have submitted the paperwork and have been reviewed and given a favorable conclusion to work as agencies in Russia. While accreditation is not new, this process is. Prior to now agencies had to be re-accredited, but with this new application process, apparently the accreditation is non-expiring. It has taken a l-o-n-g time for the Russian government to implement this, and most agencies have still not been accredited. Our agency is one of them. But, in the adoption community, especially dealing with accreditation in Russia, even a little news of forward progress is good news. Today we heard from our adoption agency the news of forward progression. (Small steps, but steps none the less).
ACCREDITATION:
Many are anxiously awaiting news on accreditation. The Ministry of Internal Affairs finally prepared the positive conclusion about (our agency) as well as other group of agencies. We are now half step away from the Accreditation. We are now awaiting the order from the Ministry of Education to issue the Accreditation Certificate.
Some families already find information about this from the other agencies’ chat groups. We don’t want to confirm nor deny this information to families until we get the actual Accreditation. This can happen at any time.
We are anxiously awaiting news on accreditation.
I sure hope that we receive this certificate of accreditation soon. I bet it would speed up the process....maybe not for us, but for others awaiting court dates to bring their children home. Plus it would open up all the regions in Russia that our agency works with, so hopefully there would be more children available to adopt. Please keep praying for accreditation to happen so that these Russian orphans can find their forever homes!
ACCREDITATION:
Many are anxiously awaiting news on accreditation. The Ministry of Internal Affairs finally prepared the positive conclusion about (our agency) as well as other group of agencies. We are now half step away from the Accreditation. We are now awaiting the order from the Ministry of Education to issue the Accreditation Certificate.
Some families already find information about this from the other agencies’ chat groups. We don’t want to confirm nor deny this information to families until we get the actual Accreditation. This can happen at any time.
We are anxiously awaiting news on accreditation.
I sure hope that we receive this certificate of accreditation soon. I bet it would speed up the process....maybe not for us, but for others awaiting court dates to bring their children home. Plus it would open up all the regions in Russia that our agency works with, so hopefully there would be more children available to adopt. Please keep praying for accreditation to happen so that these Russian orphans can find their forever homes!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Well, I called our agency representative on Monday like I said I would. I got someone in the department, who didn't know our names, where we were in the process, who our rep was.... and everyone was out to lunch. So, I left my number to have whoever call me back. They never did. Ummm.... not good.
So, I checked caller ID to make sure, and the machine of course. Then Tuesday I called in the afternoon..(giving a whole 1/2 day for them to attempt to call me back). They didn't so, I made the 2nd call. Again, the questions, "what is your name?" "How do you spell it?" (It's almost as easy as Smith) "Where are you in the adoption process?" Oh boy, I bit my tongue hard to be patient and polite. They transferred me to my representative, who of course began to apologize for not calling me back the day prior, saying she dropped the ball. My end ... silence. I had to consciously think don't say anything...because usually I'll say something inane like "That's okay", but in reality it was not okay with me. So, our rep informs me that a note on our former reps desk said our dossier was sent to Russia on August 13th. I immediately corrected that with August 3rd, and sent an email to back it up. Then she asks what we've requested to adopt.... Oh brother.... is their nothing there stating that? Really?! She gave me her contact information and then asked if there was anything else she could do for me today? I was very proud of myself for saying that I was disappointed in the lack of communication from the headquarters in St Louis. I was calling to find out if our dossier did indeed arrive in Russia, and if it was translated yet? Plus, I learned of the change in the Russian department, but no one had contacted me as of yet to inform me of it. Again I re-iterated that our communication and dealing with the satellite Nashville office has been stellar. I did all of this very professionally and politely, yet firmly. She heard me, and I think we have a new understanding of what communication will look like between the two of us.
So, that is the update on our agency. She did email the Moscow office and our dossier is there. It is not however, translated as of yet. I am not sure why they are waiting. For those of you who may not know... we are requesting two sibling girls under 4 years old or twins. When you request siblings our agency holds our dossier at the Moscow office until a referral is found in a specific region, and then they send it on. It can take 14 months or longer to find a sibling referral of girls. We are okay with that... (for now) lol!, but after we've been waiting 6-12 months well ask me again.
Please be praying for the children God has for us. Pray for protection for them, for their health, for the birth mother, and if they are in an orphanage already, pray for loving caregivers. Please also be praying for the accreditation to happen for our agency in Russia.
So, I checked caller ID to make sure, and the machine of course. Then Tuesday I called in the afternoon..(giving a whole 1/2 day for them to attempt to call me back). They didn't so, I made the 2nd call. Again, the questions, "what is your name?" "How do you spell it?" (It's almost as easy as Smith) "Where are you in the adoption process?" Oh boy, I bit my tongue hard to be patient and polite. They transferred me to my representative, who of course began to apologize for not calling me back the day prior, saying she dropped the ball. My end ... silence. I had to consciously think don't say anything...because usually I'll say something inane like "That's okay", but in reality it was not okay with me. So, our rep informs me that a note on our former reps desk said our dossier was sent to Russia on August 13th. I immediately corrected that with August 3rd, and sent an email to back it up. Then she asks what we've requested to adopt.... Oh brother.... is their nothing there stating that? Really?! She gave me her contact information and then asked if there was anything else she could do for me today? I was very proud of myself for saying that I was disappointed in the lack of communication from the headquarters in St Louis. I was calling to find out if our dossier did indeed arrive in Russia, and if it was translated yet? Plus, I learned of the change in the Russian department, but no one had contacted me as of yet to inform me of it. Again I re-iterated that our communication and dealing with the satellite Nashville office has been stellar. I did all of this very professionally and politely, yet firmly. She heard me, and I think we have a new understanding of what communication will look like between the two of us.
So, that is the update on our agency. She did email the Moscow office and our dossier is there. It is not however, translated as of yet. I am not sure why they are waiting. For those of you who may not know... we are requesting two sibling girls under 4 years old or twins. When you request siblings our agency holds our dossier at the Moscow office until a referral is found in a specific region, and then they send it on. It can take 14 months or longer to find a sibling referral of girls. We are okay with that... (for now) lol!, but after we've been waiting 6-12 months well ask me again.
Please be praying for the children God has for us. Pray for protection for them, for their health, for the birth mother, and if they are in an orphanage already, pray for loving caregivers. Please also be praying for the accreditation to happen for our agency in Russia.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Adoption agency updates
Well, it seems like their is some upheaval at our adoption agency. They Russian Director and Asst. Director have either been fired or quit at the same time. No one is saying what the reasons are. Doesn't give me a real good feeling though.... especially since we haven't been contacted yet by our new representative. I suppose I'll be getting on the phone Monday to find out what the deal is. (Do I sound a little sarcastic?) Well I suppose I am, as I'm a little disappointed in the contact, and communication with the main agency headquarters in St. Louis. Don't get me wrong I think our agency is very reputable, and above board, and my dealings with our regional office in Nashville have been stellar. I suppose some good straightforward conversation is what's needed here. (Kind of like confrontation - and boy do I hate confrontation). LOL! :-)
Anyway, our dossier has been in Russia for 5 weeks as of yesterday. Slowly working up to the 2 month mark. It really has flown by, and for that I am grateful! There are so many things Chris and I need to be doing.... finishing our last adoption parenting test. (We got a reminder via email). Setting up our international doctor.... setting up our first consulatation with our pediatrician. The one who adopted 5 children from Russia! Way cool! And then there is saving for the adoption while at the same time trying to get out of debt. Never easy.... :-) A fellow adoption parent, Carey, will be traveling on her first trip to Russia to meet their little girl. She is also a list person, and she left a very detailed list on her blog. When it's our turn to travel, I'm going to go right to her blog and print it all off! (Thanks Carey!)
I read on a blog recently of a couple who had been waiting 16 months for a sibling set of two boys from Russia. They finally got a referral, and get this.... it's for two little girls. (See ya never know!) I am sure after waiting that long that were thrilled to receive that referral!
I guess that's the update for now. I'll keep you posted as we tackle some more adoption loose ends here on our end.
Anyway, our dossier has been in Russia for 5 weeks as of yesterday. Slowly working up to the 2 month mark. It really has flown by, and for that I am grateful! There are so many things Chris and I need to be doing.... finishing our last adoption parenting test. (We got a reminder via email). Setting up our international doctor.... setting up our first consulatation with our pediatrician. The one who adopted 5 children from Russia! Way cool! And then there is saving for the adoption while at the same time trying to get out of debt. Never easy.... :-) A fellow adoption parent, Carey, will be traveling on her first trip to Russia to meet their little girl. She is also a list person, and she left a very detailed list on her blog. When it's our turn to travel, I'm going to go right to her blog and print it all off! (Thanks Carey!)
I read on a blog recently of a couple who had been waiting 16 months for a sibling set of two boys from Russia. They finally got a referral, and get this.... it's for two little girls. (See ya never know!) I am sure after waiting that long that were thrilled to receive that referral!
I guess that's the update for now. I'll keep you posted as we tackle some more adoption loose ends here on our end.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A Bittersweet Day....
Good friends of ours, Mr. and Mrs B., are leaving town tomorrow morning. Mr. B. has been given a job promotion, and it requires a move to a new city. He has worked very hard for this, and they have sacrificed greatly as a family. We are thrilled for them, but it's also very bittersweet, because our time together was so short. The Lord very clearly orchestrated Mrs. B and I meeting one another, and the friendship that followed between our families. We know God is in control of this new opportunity, and their move as well. Even though we know that, it doesn't make it any easier. Already there have been tears shed....(many by me)....
So, tonight I just had to thank the Lord for the time we did have together in this city. For the way He introduced us, for the many days of fellowship with children, and then for the evenings all together as families, talking, laughing and sharing a meal. It has been such a privilege and a blessing sharing our lives with this family, that I wouldn't trade for the world!
So, tonight I just had to thank the Lord for the time we did have together in this city. For the way He introduced us, for the many days of fellowship with children, and then for the evenings all together as families, talking, laughing and sharing a meal. It has been such a privilege and a blessing sharing our lives with this family, that I wouldn't trade for the world!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
One of those days....
Today was one of those edgy days... I wasn't easily annoyed, just seemingly on edge all day. I wasn't even moody...I can't very well describe it, just not relaxed.
We had to go to the mall this evening to get a few things. Just a few things. Now, I have to tell you that we have lived in this city for over a year and I have been to the mall only 4 times. (Yes, my husband does know he is blessed!) So, after we pick up our purchases....the boys and I decide to grab a quick bite to eat there. Both are either asking questions or daydreaming off into all the mall activity, while I'm trying to get their orders to the very patient girl behind the register. Just all the activity around on a busy Saturday at the mall....and getting my boys attention....and trying to carry bags and dinner etc. I jokingly said to myself: "What am I gonna do when I have two more?!?!" The girl behind the register laughed, and so did I...but I was half serious there.
Then we got home from the mall, and my oldest son and I started to bake the World's Famous Brownies from a cookbook he won. We are having company over tomorrow and he really wanted to make these... My husband was making himself dinner as he was at a work function. So in the middle of baking, my son gets a little excited and speedy gonzales like, and tries to scoot quickly around his dad in the kitchen, ducks and runs into the metal part of the stove. I heard the collision, and turn around to see him bent over and then start crying. (It takes a lot to get my 9 year old to cry, so I know it really hurt). Then I see he hit his eye. Oh dear Lord, not the eye. Long story about an eye incident with him at 3 yrs old, that brings back memories for me. Not good ones either. Anyway, I start getting panicky...(remember I've been edgy all day). Chris is the calm one and sees that he hit under the eye...all I see is the red and already bruising eye. Flash forwrd a few minutes.....By now my ds is not crying anymore, and he is okay, it just hurts..."can we get back to the brownies, Mom?" Me thinking to myself: Um, no...mom has to have a good cry in her room first and get this obvious stress out of my system, since I don't drink or smoke. lol! I really really wanted to take him in to have it looked at, but Chris who has had many a black eye said, it is fine. I did check and he could see just fine, it just is going to look really bad for a few days.
But it was stressful! Then my younger son (ds2) says to me before bed, in all seriousness.... "Um, Mom I don't think I'm going to throw up tonight...... but maybe on Tuesday or Wednesday." (Gee thanks, lets throw a little more on the fire. Oh and btw- thanks for the advance warning....) Chris said that boy knows me so well... the older ds was getting some attention, so he just had to throw that in there to get a bit of attention himself. Good grief! So, I again ask myself...what am I going to do when I have two more? I guess God is going to have to grow me and stretch me to handle it! One thing for sure... I am glad he gave me my husband. My calming force. :-)
Friday, August 17, 2007
Two weeks down....50 more to go!
Actually, that's a little bit under the time frame we were given on how long it will be to adopt a sibling group from Russia. Our agency said it could be perhaps 14 months. But, I'm just looking at a year for now.
Today I had to take my younger son to the pediatrician. We had to go to a different office location, and our regular doctor was on vacation, so we saw someone else. I really liked this physician as well. At the end of our time I asked about another physician in their practice who I was informed had adopted children from Russia. I mentioned it because we are in the process of adopting internationally and when we bring our children home, we would like them to be seen by this physician. He mentioned the doctor's name, and that he did indeed adopt 4 children, all at once, from Russia! What is cool is that he will do consultations before your trip to tell you what to look for, how to evaluate a child and the medical documentation. He will also set up the first pediatric visit on your return to the states with a thorough check up. Yeah! I'm so glad that I found this out! I think Chris and I may be setting up a consultation with him in September. How cool is that!
Today I had to take my younger son to the pediatrician. We had to go to a different office location, and our regular doctor was on vacation, so we saw someone else. I really liked this physician as well. At the end of our time I asked about another physician in their practice who I was informed had adopted children from Russia. I mentioned it because we are in the process of adopting internationally and when we bring our children home, we would like them to be seen by this physician. He mentioned the doctor's name, and that he did indeed adopt 4 children, all at once, from Russia! What is cool is that he will do consultations before your trip to tell you what to look for, how to evaluate a child and the medical documentation. He will also set up the first pediatric visit on your return to the states with a thorough check up. Yeah! I'm so glad that I found this out! I think Chris and I may be setting up a consultation with him in September. How cool is that!
Monday, August 6, 2007
First 1000 Words....
Today was one of those days when it kind of sunk in that we are actually adopting from Russia. The mailman had to deliver mail to our door today, as one particular package would not fit in the mailbox. It was from our adoption agency. It was in a mailer and sent Media Mail. When I opened it up this is what I discovered....
Isn't that sweet? I showed Chris when he got home from work. As he was looking at it, he said, "And all the words are in Russian!" lol! Well, ya hon..... To which he replies.. "Then how am I supposed to know what it is?" lol! Actually I have to say some of them are pretty hard to figure out. Maybe Usborne books has the same pictures in their First Thousand Words that is printed in English. Then we can compare! lol! I will say, I am reminded of how difficult Russian is. Their letters are not even the same as ours. Well...some of them are, but some are not. And who knows if the letter really corresponds with the same one in the English language. I can't even show you what those would look like, as it isn't on my computer keyboard. I'm sure some tech savvy folks could figure out how to do this... but not me. I just learned how to text message people, and even that takes me forever to type one message! (But at least I know how to text now!)
Anyway....this First 1000 words in Russian has the words printed with Russian letters under a picture of something... and then in English letters it has the pronunciation (like you would find in a dictionary). Very tough to say. Let's see if I can at least give you an example of the pronunciation of a few words.
toothpaste = zoobnaya pasta
stairs = lestneetsa
pillow = padooshka
chicken = tsiplyonak
Of course I'm showing how to pronounce these words using the English alphabet. If I were to show the Russian letters, I don't think anyone would have a clue! ;-)
So, that was a small reminder that we are adopting from Russia! That and some more forms for filling out additional visa applications and photos. A travel guide for Russia from our agency with step by step info on all of that. Also a brochure on Russian etiquette, culture and customs. So, I guess we'll be busy reading some more. There was also a paper on understanding a child's medical documents and some of the medical terminology commonly used. Which reminds me that we need to get some references for international adoption physicians to utilize. Even though we won't be traveling for a year or so...(unless things speed up immensely), it's good to be prepared.
That's all for now....
Jackie
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Dossier Headed to Russia!
I just got word that our dossier is officially headed to Russia tomorrow (August 3rd)! Woohoo!!!
Thank you to our very special friends and family that wrote references for us, so that we could get to this moment. Thank you also to so many for all your prayers.
Phase one: Paperchasing is pretty much over.... Now we are what they call: "Paper Pregnant"! lol! Here is a t shirt that I saw online, I thought it was perfect for today's news!
Thank you to our very special friends and family that wrote references for us, so that we could get to this moment. Thank you also to so many for all your prayers.
Phase one: Paperchasing is pretty much over.... Now we are what they call: "Paper Pregnant"! lol! Here is a t shirt that I saw online, I thought it was perfect for today's news!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Dossier almost complete!
We received our I-171 H document in the mail yesterday! This is the final document that we needed to complete our dossier! We have already gotten it notarized, and will be getting it county certified and apostilled on Monday. That along with our first payment to have our dossier translated....and that's it! We have been hoping to get the finances together to send that 1st payment by August 1st...and it looks like we will!
I spoke to our agency rep today from St. Louis, and they will be sending the dossier over to Moscow on August 3rd. It will be translated over there. So, as of Monday when I send out these final two documents our dossier will be complete! Woohoo! Not only that, but after August 3rd, it will be in Russia getting translated. It's hard to believe, but I guess now the waiting really will begin.
We have requested our desire to adopt a sibling group of two girls under the age of 4 years old, or twins. Because of this our dossier will stay in Moscow until a sibling group is identified in a region, and then it will be forwarded onto that region. Our estimated wait time will most likely be over a year. So, be prepared with us for a long wait. I know though, that this is in God's hands, and His timing is perfect. We'll keep you posted on how we are preparing, what we are learning and lots more throughout this process.... Thanks for praying with us and walking with us along this journey.
Chris and Jackie
I spoke to our agency rep today from St. Louis, and they will be sending the dossier over to Moscow on August 3rd. It will be translated over there. So, as of Monday when I send out these final two documents our dossier will be complete! Woohoo! Not only that, but after August 3rd, it will be in Russia getting translated. It's hard to believe, but I guess now the waiting really will begin.
We have requested our desire to adopt a sibling group of two girls under the age of 4 years old, or twins. Because of this our dossier will stay in Moscow until a sibling group is identified in a region, and then it will be forwarded onto that region. Our estimated wait time will most likely be over a year. So, be prepared with us for a long wait. I know though, that this is in God's hands, and His timing is perfect. We'll keep you posted on how we are preparing, what we are learning and lots more throughout this process.... Thanks for praying with us and walking with us along this journey.
Chris and Jackie
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Adoption Parenting....
We finished our last module for the adoption parenting DVD series that is part of our required study. We have to take our final test and submit it online and then our completion results will be forwarded along to our adoption agency. We have a required 10 hours of parenting education to take. This DVD series completes that, but to me it has just provided a starting point for both Chris and I to come together on a plan of parenting that works for our family.
This has been a very informative, and thought provoking series. Let me explain why.... Informative because I tend to be the type of person who is easily intimidated by the big words, like "sensory integration" and "bonding and attachment". And I can let these words paralyze me with worry... "what if we have to deal with these issues in our adopted child?" "Can I handle that?" "What exactly does that look like?" So when I say that this DVD series has been informative, I mean just that. Both Chris and I have been given a lot of scientific and practical information and examples of issues that pertain to developing and nurturing the emotional well-being of an adopted child. Lots of information over the course of our study, broken down into manageable pieces, so that it does not become overwhelming. I love that each of the presenters of the seminar, are not into the "Scare your pants off type of teaching". (Lord knows I don't need that!) They state that while there is a small percentage of people who will have to deal with severe issues regarding their adopted children.... the majority will be dealing with mild to moderate issues. (Of course one persons mild is another person's moderate..lol! But I still took great heart and encouragement from their statement). Just having been given the information, to understand the process of attachment and bonding, what it means to be a primary caregiver for the child and how to make sure the cycle of needs for the child are being met.... to understand how to parent for their real age opposed to their chronological age..... All of these things and so much more have helped me to fear less, and develop a plan more. So, that is why the informative aspect has been so good. Plus it gets both Chris and I thinking and reflecting and engaging in conversation ahead of time, in how we might choose to parent an adoptive child.
Which leads me to the second aspect.... this seminar has been so thought provoking. What has been interesting to me is that I didn't necessarily agree with everything that was said. Which is a good thing. It means that I can think about what was presented and further research and even ponder and discuss with Chris what we think would work best for our family. It means some more time spent talking and writing down and coming up with a plan of action. Not to say that we follow that plan ad nauseum, and never deviate, no matter what the circumstance. Certainly not! We are flexible if nothing else....But, having it written down, gives us a concrete plan, helps us to remember the information we were taught, and hopefully helps us to help our child to gain life skills that they will need as they grow. So, that has been what has been thought provoking, just processing all of the information and then marrying it with what will work within our family.
Even with all the educational information we received and the plan of action we will work on creating.... while all of that is very good, I take even greater heart in knowing that our Father in heaven is in control of these issues. He knows the child or children we will adopt... he knows our hearts and what we are able to handle. I have to rest in Him, that His plan is the best one of all.
This has been a very informative, and thought provoking series. Let me explain why.... Informative because I tend to be the type of person who is easily intimidated by the big words, like "sensory integration" and "bonding and attachment". And I can let these words paralyze me with worry... "what if we have to deal with these issues in our adopted child?" "Can I handle that?" "What exactly does that look like?" So when I say that this DVD series has been informative, I mean just that. Both Chris and I have been given a lot of scientific and practical information and examples of issues that pertain to developing and nurturing the emotional well-being of an adopted child. Lots of information over the course of our study, broken down into manageable pieces, so that it does not become overwhelming. I love that each of the presenters of the seminar, are not into the "Scare your pants off type of teaching". (Lord knows I don't need that!) They state that while there is a small percentage of people who will have to deal with severe issues regarding their adopted children.... the majority will be dealing with mild to moderate issues. (Of course one persons mild is another person's moderate..lol! But I still took great heart and encouragement from their statement). Just having been given the information, to understand the process of attachment and bonding, what it means to be a primary caregiver for the child and how to make sure the cycle of needs for the child are being met.... to understand how to parent for their real age opposed to their chronological age..... All of these things and so much more have helped me to fear less, and develop a plan more. So, that is why the informative aspect has been so good. Plus it gets both Chris and I thinking and reflecting and engaging in conversation ahead of time, in how we might choose to parent an adoptive child.
Which leads me to the second aspect.... this seminar has been so thought provoking. What has been interesting to me is that I didn't necessarily agree with everything that was said. Which is a good thing. It means that I can think about what was presented and further research and even ponder and discuss with Chris what we think would work best for our family. It means some more time spent talking and writing down and coming up with a plan of action. Not to say that we follow that plan ad nauseum, and never deviate, no matter what the circumstance. Certainly not! We are flexible if nothing else....But, having it written down, gives us a concrete plan, helps us to remember the information we were taught, and hopefully helps us to help our child to gain life skills that they will need as they grow. So, that has been what has been thought provoking, just processing all of the information and then marrying it with what will work within our family.
Even with all the educational information we received and the plan of action we will work on creating.... while all of that is very good, I take even greater heart in knowing that our Father in heaven is in control of these issues. He knows the child or children we will adopt... he knows our hearts and what we are able to handle. I have to rest in Him, that His plan is the best one of all.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Dossier almost complete!
I'm so happy today, because we FedEx'd our dossier to our adoption agency, and it wasn't supposed to arrive until Wednesday, but it arrived today! I got an email and congratulations from our rep and she informed me that it arrived, and she reviewed it and is sending it on to their headquarters in St. Louis. Yippee! Once it is there, the director of the Russian program will review everything and will call us to begin talking about regions in Russia that our dossier could go to. If there are any "region specific" documents, she will forward them to us...once we select a region. Chris was all smiles when I showed him that email!
This is what we have left to gather for the dossier.... Some additional photos of our house, which I have to take tomorrow and send to be printed. Quickly. Our visa applications, which we need to fill out and send in. Our 1st large check for when the dossier goes to Russia to be translated. (We are hoping to have this accumulated by August 1st). And finally our I171-H form that is our fingerprint approval. This could be a few more weeks... so hopefully it will all be done at the same time.
Chris and I are also taking adoption parenting classes in the form of a DVD series. It's entitled the Heart of the Matter, and it has been very informative, and has opened up some great dialogue between the two of us, as we discuss scenarios, and issues we may encounter with an institutionalized child. We are both feeling better educated, and more equipped. It's funny their are 4 modules and after each module is an online test that each of us must take and submit. Chris thought there were 10 modules, and was bummed that there were only 4. He really has enjoyed this format and educational process...as have I. I personally enjoy the video lecture series far better than reading a book. I think I'm having more success at retaining the information. Hmmm.... what kind of learner does that make me? :-)
So, we really feel as if we are winding down on all of this paper chasing process. I imagine when we are completely done, it will seem quite freeing, as we move on to the next step in the process... Waiting.
This is what we have left to gather for the dossier.... Some additional photos of our house, which I have to take tomorrow and send to be printed. Quickly. Our visa applications, which we need to fill out and send in. Our 1st large check for when the dossier goes to Russia to be translated. (We are hoping to have this accumulated by August 1st). And finally our I171-H form that is our fingerprint approval. This could be a few more weeks... so hopefully it will all be done at the same time.
Chris and I are also taking adoption parenting classes in the form of a DVD series. It's entitled the Heart of the Matter, and it has been very informative, and has opened up some great dialogue between the two of us, as we discuss scenarios, and issues we may encounter with an institutionalized child. We are both feeling better educated, and more equipped. It's funny their are 4 modules and after each module is an online test that each of us must take and submit. Chris thought there were 10 modules, and was bummed that there were only 4. He really has enjoyed this format and educational process...as have I. I personally enjoy the video lecture series far better than reading a book. I think I'm having more success at retaining the information. Hmmm.... what kind of learner does that make me? :-)
So, we really feel as if we are winding down on all of this paper chasing process. I imagine when we are completely done, it will seem quite freeing, as we move on to the next step in the process... Waiting.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Fingerprinting and Bonnaroo......
I'm back tracking again to tell a story about our fingerprinting process. Again this is a trip to Nashville that we made on a Thursday in early June. Chris had to come with me as his fingers needed to be printed. So, we all took off on a trip to Nashville, after a meeting he had at work. We were pushing it time wise, as they are only open until 2:00pm. Go figure that the traffic heading up there is heavy.... This route is always jammed with 18 wheelers heading up through the mountains to get out west. It's one of my least favorite roads to drive just for that reason.... LOTS of trucks!
I don't know about you, but our family counts license plates on long trips. It's just something we do....but to make it fun, we each give a guesstimate, of how many states we think we will see. Then I write it down and we start looking for states. Whoever is closest to the number we find, wins. They don't win anything...they just win. ;-)
So, about 1/2 way through our journey, we see a huge back up in the right lane and slow down considerably. Cars stretched out for miles and miles are getting off on the shoulder about an hour south of Nashville. Interspersed between the cars are state troopers with their lights flashing....to alert people of the slow down. What in the world? Chris and I are looking and all the vehicles are being driven by young kids, piled into cars, campers, etc. Several are stopped on the side, hanging out of pickup trucks as they inch along the shoulder with signs saying "Bonnaroo". What in the world is that? Some event is going on, but we have no idea what it is. Then I begin noticing the license plates. From all over the country. New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Nevada, California (like 6 of them), Ohio, Michigan, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Florida, Arizona.... tons and tons of plates! Unfortunately our lane was clear, so Chris was back up to normal speed and it was hard to catch a lot of them. I "know" we probably would have had 48 states if we could have traveled slower.... but we were on a deadline to be fingerprinted.
We arrived at CIS (Citizen and Immigration Services) on time and met a friendly police officer on the inside. This older gentleman, was so amiable, and when we told him what we came through to get here (ie: Bonnaroo), and asked what in the world it was... well we got quite an answer. Apparently it is like a Woodstock concert/camping event from the 60's. It's held every year on some guys property, and kids from all over the country flock to it. We ran into it on the first day, (hence the miles and miles and miles of cars inching along the shoulder of both sides of the highway). Apparently like Woodstock, it is a haven for illegal activity as well.... but back to our fingerprinting process. We had some paperwork to fill out and after a short wait, they called Chris in to be printed. The boys waited for me, and then it was my turn. Very high tech equipment, interesting. So, now it's official, the government now has every print of my right and left hand. Should they ever need our assistance in international affairs, we have a head start. lol!
We grabbed a bite to eat for dinner in Nashville. and then headed home in rush hour traffic, with Bonnaroo to contend with as well. We decided to take a totally different route home that was more scenic, and longer, but might equal the time with traffic. Driving along at dusk, about an hour from home in a beautiful mountainous area, we saw fog settling in the valley. We had peaked the mountain, and were on the downhill stretch....hardly a car in sight, when we see a black sport utility police vehicle in the grassy median on the road. Then flying along behind us is another police vehicle with its lights flashing. Oh my. Chris pulls over and an officer gets out of the car, while the other vehicle pulls up behind him. License and registration. Do you know how fast you were traveling? Pretty fast, do you know that the speed limit is 55 on this section of the highway? Me: (shocked) What? Are you serious? (giving my dear husband a look of reproval). We told him that we didn't know that, and that we were trying to travel around the Nashville highway because of all of the traffic for that Bonnaroo event. He said, he would be back after he checked our info, but when I looked in the rear view mirror, he and his young partner were talking just holding our information. He walked back up to the car and handed our documents back and said to slow down. He then went on to further answer our Bonnaroo questions, telling us a little more about the event, and the cars they stopped and drugs they confiscated in the last night. (I guess with our family vehicle and two young kids in the back we didn't look like the Bonnaroo type.) lol! So, we thanked him profusely and went on our way... slower this time. Whew!
I don't know about you, but our family counts license plates on long trips. It's just something we do....but to make it fun, we each give a guesstimate, of how many states we think we will see. Then I write it down and we start looking for states. Whoever is closest to the number we find, wins. They don't win anything...they just win. ;-)
So, about 1/2 way through our journey, we see a huge back up in the right lane and slow down considerably. Cars stretched out for miles and miles are getting off on the shoulder about an hour south of Nashville. Interspersed between the cars are state troopers with their lights flashing....to alert people of the slow down. What in the world? Chris and I are looking and all the vehicles are being driven by young kids, piled into cars, campers, etc. Several are stopped on the side, hanging out of pickup trucks as they inch along the shoulder with signs saying "Bonnaroo". What in the world is that? Some event is going on, but we have no idea what it is. Then I begin noticing the license plates. From all over the country. New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Nevada, California (like 6 of them), Ohio, Michigan, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Florida, Arizona.... tons and tons of plates! Unfortunately our lane was clear, so Chris was back up to normal speed and it was hard to catch a lot of them. I "know" we probably would have had 48 states if we could have traveled slower.... but we were on a deadline to be fingerprinted.
We arrived at CIS (Citizen and Immigration Services) on time and met a friendly police officer on the inside. This older gentleman, was so amiable, and when we told him what we came through to get here (ie: Bonnaroo), and asked what in the world it was... well we got quite an answer. Apparently it is like a Woodstock concert/camping event from the 60's. It's held every year on some guys property, and kids from all over the country flock to it. We ran into it on the first day, (hence the miles and miles and miles of cars inching along the shoulder of both sides of the highway). Apparently like Woodstock, it is a haven for illegal activity as well.... but back to our fingerprinting process. We had some paperwork to fill out and after a short wait, they called Chris in to be printed. The boys waited for me, and then it was my turn. Very high tech equipment, interesting. So, now it's official, the government now has every print of my right and left hand. Should they ever need our assistance in international affairs, we have a head start. lol!
We grabbed a bite to eat for dinner in Nashville. and then headed home in rush hour traffic, with Bonnaroo to contend with as well. We decided to take a totally different route home that was more scenic, and longer, but might equal the time with traffic. Driving along at dusk, about an hour from home in a beautiful mountainous area, we saw fog settling in the valley. We had peaked the mountain, and were on the downhill stretch....hardly a car in sight, when we see a black sport utility police vehicle in the grassy median on the road. Then flying along behind us is another police vehicle with its lights flashing. Oh my. Chris pulls over and an officer gets out of the car, while the other vehicle pulls up behind him. License and registration. Do you know how fast you were traveling? Pretty fast, do you know that the speed limit is 55 on this section of the highway? Me: (shocked) What? Are you serious? (giving my dear husband a look of reproval). We told him that we didn't know that, and that we were trying to travel around the Nashville highway because of all of the traffic for that Bonnaroo event. He said, he would be back after he checked our info, but when I looked in the rear view mirror, he and his young partner were talking just holding our information. He walked back up to the car and handed our documents back and said to slow down. He then went on to further answer our Bonnaroo questions, telling us a little more about the event, and the cars they stopped and drugs they confiscated in the last night. (I guess with our family vehicle and two young kids in the back we didn't look like the Bonnaroo type.) lol! So, we thanked him profusely and went on our way... slower this time. Whew!
Some common used adoption terms
My blog is littered with terms that are used for international adoption. Most people would be unaware of the meaning of many of them (I know I wouldn't before we entered this process). I'm going to post several here with the definitions used by our adoption agency.
Dossier- "As complex as it sounds, a dossier is basically a collection of required documents that is sent to a foreign country (Russia in our case) in order to process the adoption of a child in Russia's legal system.
Notarization- "Notarization is basically the "act of witnessing" by the Notary Public in accordance with the laws of the respective states. It involves signed documents and requires the notary to ensure the signers identity and willingness to sign".
County Certified- This is an extra step required by some states to verify the person doing the notarizing of our paperwork.
Apostille- "Apostille is a french word which means certification. It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalization of a document for international use under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for foreign public documents. The Apostille is done by the Secretary of State in the state where the document is originated. It basically means that the Secretary of State acknowledges/verifies that the person notarizing your paper is a true notary and that they are currently commissioned with the state. An additional sheet of paper with the state seal will be added to each document."
So that hopefully explains the meaning of some of the paper chasing we have been doing lately!
Dossier- "As complex as it sounds, a dossier is basically a collection of required documents that is sent to a foreign country (Russia in our case) in order to process the adoption of a child in Russia's legal system.
Notarization- "Notarization is basically the "act of witnessing" by the Notary Public in accordance with the laws of the respective states. It involves signed documents and requires the notary to ensure the signers identity and willingness to sign".
County Certified- This is an extra step required by some states to verify the person doing the notarizing of our paperwork.
Apostille- "Apostille is a french word which means certification. It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalization of a document for international use under the terms of the 1961 Hague Convention abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for foreign public documents. The Apostille is done by the Secretary of State in the state where the document is originated. It basically means that the Secretary of State acknowledges/verifies that the person notarizing your paper is a true notary and that they are currently commissioned with the state. An additional sheet of paper with the state seal will be added to each document."
So that hopefully explains the meaning of some of the paper chasing we have been doing lately!
Trip to Nashville....
On Friday June 22nd, my two boys and I made a trip to Nashville to get all of our Tennessee documents county certified and apostilled. Chris couldn't come with us, as he has taken enough time off from work already. We had an appointment at our agency at 11am. We arrived right on time amazingly enough for me....and were welcomed by their sweet receptionist Jane. It was so nice to meet her finally as she and I have talked on the phone numerous times. She offered me a cup of coffee, which in my book, shoots her right up to the top of my list of likable people. For a gal who just drove hours, and had no coffee that morning, she just offered me liquid gold, and I wasn't about to turn it down. But even better, she brought it in a huge coffee mug, the size I drink about every morning. Oh happy day! lol!
My agency rep and I sat down and began reviewing all the documents that I brought. They were all notarized and county certified from our county in Tennessee. They were also in clear plastic protectors. (A little extreme I know, but I live with a family of spillers (myself included), and I didn't want to take the chance that one of those documents accidentally received coffee stains, or juice stains or whatever.) So, for my peace of mind, and organization, they were all in clear plastic sheet protectors. Amanda, our rep, had never seen anyone come in with documents that protected. lol! She added some more documents from our agency to be apostilled, and gave directions to McDonald's and the two government buildings we needed to frequent that day. Her directions were "spot on" as they say in Europe. :-) Especially the McDonalds, which was greatly needed for all of us hungry kiddos.
We next headed to the county building where we would get the newest documents from our agency certified. Right across the way from this building was a big white dome, where we were informed the Tennessee Titans practice. I'm sure it had air conditioning, but all I could think was how hot it must be inside. Of course the temperature was in the high 90's, and every time we walked outside it was scorching and muggy and hard to breathe. There were air quality advisories too, which I don't doubt at all! We found our way inside, and had a zero wait time. Very cool, as the boys were getting a little antsy. I had a lovely talk with the woman who was certifying our documents. She was very sweet, engaging my boys in conversation and talking about her own two grown sons. It took about 20 minutes, and then we headed out to our next government building downtown.
This one I was a little more nervous about. We had to locate the building in Friday traffic, and locate parking on the street. I don't know how we found the parking....divine intervention. But we did and with all the documents in clear plastic protectors in my dossier binder, we began the walk of several blocks to the building. We managed to locate it and the entrance, and walked inside. Security is tight, you need to produce a current government photo ID, and then stand in front of a machine that scans your head. At first I thought it was to scan the eye retina, but then I realized it was to take your photo. lol! (Too many spy movies again!). So, I reach into my purse and pull out my wallet to get my driver's license. Only it is not there! Panic on my face...as I try to calmly think where it could be. I have every original document and copies in my dossier binder. Copies of passport, (of course not the original). Original birth certificate, newly delivered to me and signed by Condoleeza Rice.....but it doesn't have a photo. No document, no matter how high the signature, would allow me to get inside...and almost in tears, I sat down to think and call my husband. All I could think was "Lord please don't let this trip be wasted.... we drove two and 1/2 hours to get here, so this step of the process could be accomplished." I thought I remembered taking my license out at a ballgame and placing it in the glove box of my car. So, the boys and I headed back out into the heat, walking the several blocks back to where we parked. Praying all the way, and encouraging my littlest who was tired and thirsty by this point to hurry along... and he can get a drink in the car.
Thankfully (and I mean it!), the drivers license was in the glove box. Normally I would never put it there...if we were headed to a game, and I didn't want to bring my purse, I'd have Chris hold it in his wallet. But for some reason that evening of the ballgame, I decided to put it in the glove box. So, we trekked back to the government building, and this time with the golden ticket. We easily got in this time around, and headed to the 6th floor where all apostilling is done. We had a short 5 minute wait, and when I was called up the lady asked how many documents I had to be apostilled. Um, let me count.... 1.....10.....20.....30....32. Yes, 32 documents to be apostilled please. It took about 45 minutes in all, and we picked them all up looking nice and shiny with the gold state seal on each one. We thanked her, and she mentioned how fortunate we were that all of the documents were correct. Many times she has to send people back to have the documents re-done. I was grateful for our agency's assistance even more so then, to know we got it right the first time, and we wouldn't have to come back!
So, we began our journey home from Nashville. What a long day, but how fruitful it was as well!
My agency rep and I sat down and began reviewing all the documents that I brought. They were all notarized and county certified from our county in Tennessee. They were also in clear plastic protectors. (A little extreme I know, but I live with a family of spillers (myself included), and I didn't want to take the chance that one of those documents accidentally received coffee stains, or juice stains or whatever.) So, for my peace of mind, and organization, they were all in clear plastic sheet protectors. Amanda, our rep, had never seen anyone come in with documents that protected. lol! She added some more documents from our agency to be apostilled, and gave directions to McDonald's and the two government buildings we needed to frequent that day. Her directions were "spot on" as they say in Europe. :-) Especially the McDonalds, which was greatly needed for all of us hungry kiddos.
We next headed to the county building where we would get the newest documents from our agency certified. Right across the way from this building was a big white dome, where we were informed the Tennessee Titans practice. I'm sure it had air conditioning, but all I could think was how hot it must be inside. Of course the temperature was in the high 90's, and every time we walked outside it was scorching and muggy and hard to breathe. There were air quality advisories too, which I don't doubt at all! We found our way inside, and had a zero wait time. Very cool, as the boys were getting a little antsy. I had a lovely talk with the woman who was certifying our documents. She was very sweet, engaging my boys in conversation and talking about her own two grown sons. It took about 20 minutes, and then we headed out to our next government building downtown.
This one I was a little more nervous about. We had to locate the building in Friday traffic, and locate parking on the street. I don't know how we found the parking....divine intervention. But we did and with all the documents in clear plastic protectors in my dossier binder, we began the walk of several blocks to the building. We managed to locate it and the entrance, and walked inside. Security is tight, you need to produce a current government photo ID, and then stand in front of a machine that scans your head. At first I thought it was to scan the eye retina, but then I realized it was to take your photo. lol! (Too many spy movies again!). So, I reach into my purse and pull out my wallet to get my driver's license. Only it is not there! Panic on my face...as I try to calmly think where it could be. I have every original document and copies in my dossier binder. Copies of passport, (of course not the original). Original birth certificate, newly delivered to me and signed by Condoleeza Rice.....but it doesn't have a photo. No document, no matter how high the signature, would allow me to get inside...and almost in tears, I sat down to think and call my husband. All I could think was "Lord please don't let this trip be wasted.... we drove two and 1/2 hours to get here, so this step of the process could be accomplished." I thought I remembered taking my license out at a ballgame and placing it in the glove box of my car. So, the boys and I headed back out into the heat, walking the several blocks back to where we parked. Praying all the way, and encouraging my littlest who was tired and thirsty by this point to hurry along... and he can get a drink in the car.
Thankfully (and I mean it!), the drivers license was in the glove box. Normally I would never put it there...if we were headed to a game, and I didn't want to bring my purse, I'd have Chris hold it in his wallet. But for some reason that evening of the ballgame, I decided to put it in the glove box. So, we trekked back to the government building, and this time with the golden ticket. We easily got in this time around, and headed to the 6th floor where all apostilling is done. We had a short 5 minute wait, and when I was called up the lady asked how many documents I had to be apostilled. Um, let me count.... 1.....10.....20.....30....32. Yes, 32 documents to be apostilled please. It took about 45 minutes in all, and we picked them all up looking nice and shiny with the gold state seal on each one. We thanked her, and she mentioned how fortunate we were that all of the documents were correct. Many times she has to send people back to have the documents re-done. I was grateful for our agency's assistance even more so then, to know we got it right the first time, and we wouldn't have to come back!
So, we began our journey home from Nashville. What a long day, but how fruitful it was as well!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Notary, County Certified, and Apostilled.....
I wrote this on June 19th, 2007..... (I'm just doing a little back tracking to get this blog to the present date).
I am getting more encouraged.... we are getting closer to being done with our paperwork. All of the pages to be notarized are almost complete and then we will be able to get them certified by our county... I'm really hoping by Friday, that all will be ready for the drive to the capital to have each document apostilled. Basically, it puts the State Seal on the cover of each document (like 40 of them), and makes everything official. Oh to be done with that!
We are waiting for two items to be apostilled from different states. Our marriages license and our medicals. We were fingerprinted last week, and our approval to adopt internationally usually takes 6-8 weeks from when you are fingerprinted. I am hoping for 6 weeks or less. Hopefully, all our paperwork will be complete, and we can send the I171H Fed Ex to our agency and we'll be ready to be translated in Russia...
I am getting more encouraged.... we are getting closer to being done with our paperwork. All of the pages to be notarized are almost complete and then we will be able to get them certified by our county... I'm really hoping by Friday, that all will be ready for the drive to the capital to have each document apostilled. Basically, it puts the State Seal on the cover of each document (like 40 of them), and makes everything official. Oh to be done with that!
We are waiting for two items to be apostilled from different states. Our marriages license and our medicals. We were fingerprinted last week, and our approval to adopt internationally usually takes 6-8 weeks from when you are fingerprinted. I am hoping for 6 weeks or less. Hopefully, all our paperwork will be complete, and we can send the I171H Fed Ex to our agency and we'll be ready to be translated in Russia...
Friday, June 15, 2007
A New Journey....
I want to introduce myself. I'm Jackie, and my husband Chris and I, are in the process of adopting internationally from Russia. He is not the type to sit long at a computer and his typing is worse than hunt and peck... lol! So, I decided I'd start an adoption blog to sort of chronicle our adoption experience and how we got to where we are now. We have two handsome boys ages 8 and 7. They will be great big brothers to any new siblings we adopt! Join us as we walk forward on this journey to adopt from Russia.
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