School Blues

Well, ,obviously school is in session, and Mama is missing her children. Now, I know I am supposed to be doing a dance over here, reveling in my 'free' time, but I just can't yet. I am learning to adjust my thinking and time with our new normal, and not quite liking it yet. The kids are gone 7 hours a day and then we have to do homework, soccer, piano, church, Bible, chores..... get my drift? I miss having some 'down' time with them. Now, we wait for Fridays to relax a little. I hear it will get better, so that is my hope.

The kids are enjoying the experience (for the most part). Berkeley has met some friends and likes her classes; but she has an honors Algebra class that is keeping us up at nights. Pray that all the adjustments work out. Lukas has a friend and loves his locker and teacher :) Isabelle has made friends and enjoys everything about school; believe it or not, the teacher wants her to talk MORE in class-- now that is a change. Paxton likes the PE class and puts up with the rest. He works hard and gets frustrated when he misses a spelling word. Phoebe is amazing; she is not taking adapted spelling tests, but does what the other children are doing; not in every area, but in spelling.

I have been able to help out in Phoebe's class and am looking forward to helping out in the others classes as well. I am asking God how He wants me to use my time now that I have some to spare. I know this will pass, so I am enjoying it while it is here.

On Monday we get a visitor for a month. Our exchange student from a few years ago, is coming for a holiday. We had Franzi with us for a year as a junior in our high school a few years ago, and she became family. The kids are excited that their older 'sister' is coming home. Now, we will have every bed filled and 6 kids to spend time with. Our family just keeps on growing :) We feel blessed and know that in this 'craziness' He is Lord. He has never left our side, and continues to guide us as we seek Him in all things.

The Home Stretch

So, I was a little nervous about having my five children home all summer with little plans in the works.  It seems the nerves were unfounded.  We have had a fun and full summer without having to leave town (except first week in Michigan).  I was honestly worried about the kids being "bored" or on each others nerves, but this has happened rarely... again, thank you Jesus!  God is truly making us a family that is attempting to love one another well.  There are days that we need reminding, but we have been blessed with children that are still willing to take some coaching and leading.  Daron and I have realized that as parents we must be ready and "on" all of the time to make the most of these teachable moments, and we have seen the pay-off.  Now, we just have a house full of children and the noises they make, and we KNOW we are blessed beyond all that we could have hoped or imagined.

These last few weeks have really flown by.  The kids have played sports, had short camps, and hung out in the neighborhood swimming and playing with friends.  My dad was in town for a week and that kept us busy-- children's museum, zoo and Monon center water park.  Then, Michael, an old childhood friend was in town for business and we were able to spend one evening with him reliving old times; so fun.  Now, we are already shopping for school supplies and I am yet again reminded that this summer has gone by quickly.  ALL of our children will be attending public school and I am praying God gives us wisdom and peace as we face a new dimension to our lives.  

Last week a good friend went to be with the Lord.  I have been sad for her last years of struggle and the beautiful family she left behind.  I hold on to the promises that she will be reunited with her loved ones in heaven as they trust in their Savior, Jesus Christ.  Let us press on making the most of every moment.....  

Michigan and Days at Home

I will start with the most wonderful news first:  Isabelle prayed to have Jesus be her Lord and Savior this week!!!   We were talking about a friend who prayed this week and I asked Isabelle if she remembered when she made that decision (she did it a few years ago) and she said that she remembered, but she didn't really mean it.  I asked her if she would like to do it now.  She agreed and said she really meant it now (love the girls honesty!).  We prayed together and a half hour later she asked if she could get baptised!!!  Huge surprise.  This can be an intimidating step of faith  in our large church, that makes you say your testimony in front of 800 people while in a pool of water.  Berkeley had already decided that she was ready for the plunge, so she too will be baptised on Sept. 5.  This is the next baptism service.  2 of my girls will make a public declaration of their love of Jesus!  We feel sooooo blessed!!  

Well, we had our first official vacation as a family of 7!  In lieu of buying a new, larger vehicle, we added a storage  "thing" for the top of our car.  We were able to fit all of the kids and luggage and food for one week in our Pilot!  Huge accomplishment. We drove a few hours to Boyne, Michigan along with Karen's family for some outdoor fun.  Some highlights were: kayaking and canoeing on Bear Lake, ferry ride to Mackanaw Island, riding bikes around the island, watching "Up", waterpark and goofing around resort property.  It was a blast to have the whole family together and experience some "firsts" with Paxton and Phoebe.

Since we have been home we have been busy with some activities.  The boys have basketball camp this week and seem to be enjoying it.  Berkeley started 2 Bible studies and is enjoying her freedom from homework and a tight schedule.  We go to the pool quite a bit and have had friends over for the kids.  Next week will be even crazier with VBS and swim camp, but then we have 2 weeks of some quiet down time--  whew!  

Looking forward to the next group of Ukrainian children to arrive.  Our family will help mentor 2 families while their children are here.  This is so exciting for our family.  We have loved the experience and the friendships we have made through it, and look forward to others experiencing the same movement of God in their hearts for the things that move Him.

Summer is Here!!

We are in the home stretch of end-of-the-year madness!  Berkeley, Lukas and Isabelle finished their classes last week at eQuip; sad to leave those special friendships for our new adventure in the public schools.  Berkeley's class had a dinner to send off the older children; I shed a few tears- she will be in 8th grade next year!!  Where has the time gone?!?  She is in New York this week with her class on a mission trip to work with the homeless.  We have received some fun texts from her and she is having a blast!  

Paxton and Phoebe have 3 days of school left and for them it is not fast enough.  Our pool opened this weekend and all they want to do is swim-or drown.  Phoebe likes to jump in where she cannot touch the bottom.  She jumped on Isabelle at one point where Isabelle could not reach the bottom and in an attempt to keep Phoebe from drowning, kept her own face under water.  Daron had to jump in the pool fully clothed to save his girls- luckily he pulled out his phone first: )  I think Phoebe thought it was quite an adventure; Isabelle burst into tears from fright, but now loves to tell the story of her heroic save.  Paxton can swim, but just enough to get from one side of the shallow end to the other.  He attempted the diving board once and realized he couldn't reach the bottom, so he said he would stay in the shallow end where there was not so much water.  I am sure as summer progresses, and he sees his siblings jumping off, he will change his mind : )

We leave for Michigan Saturday morning.  This is our annual trip that we take with my sister and her family.  They have a time share and we go along for the ride.  We will stay in Boyne in a cute resort town.  The kids go boating, swimming and tons of outdoor things.  There is a water park on the premises and this is always a highlight.  We take a day trip to Macanaw Island and rent bikes to explore the island.  Tons of fudge and salt water taffy round out our time away from home!

This time last year is when we committed to hosting Oleg.  It was the best decision.  Isabelle asked me why this blog is still named Oleg's Journey and I told her because this is where it all began.  Our family is what it is because God chose to use a beautiful boy to open our hearts and home to adoption. We still pray for him and his family in Italy.  We want him to experience the love and grace of his Heavenly Father.  We LOVE the choice God had in mind for us in Paxton and Phoebe.  They are our children.  Paxton loves to look at pictures of Oleg's time with us and he wants stories.  They were good friends in Ukraine and Paxton understands that he is our son, while Oleg was our dear friend.  

God is touching their hearts.  Paxton prayed out loud at dinner last week thanking God for every family member and his food (loves his food).  He wants the Bible read to him at night and while in the car, asks Isabelle or Berkeley to read the red words in the Bible ( red in our Bible are the words spoken by Jesus), not the black.  We told him the black words are valuable too, but he wants Jesus' words right now.  Phoebe walks around the house saying her verse Dad gave them last week, "Try to be good to others first".   We pray that God would continue to reveal Himself to them through different people and experiences.  We love where God has us and pray that others would find their faith stretched by loving the orphans of this world!!

Busy with Appointments

It seems as if I have 5 appointments a week.  Actually, I have had that many appointments a week since our family has expanded!!  Teeth have been cleaned and pulled, eyes checked and prescriptions filled for glasses(poor Paxton, not happy at all about that one) and shots up to date. Also, Isabelle broke her arm this week on her scooter, so today she sees the doctor to get a permanent cast put on. Poor kids have been poked and prodded quite a bit lately, but hopefully we are on the down side of that after this week.

Life has been settling a bit into a routine- not always an easy routine, but more so.  All of the children are loving the nice weather and it really helps mom to not have 5 bored children asking her to entertain them.  We are finally looking at decent weather for the weekend, and we are so happy.  Paxton even has his first sleep-over at Andrew's house (boy from his orphanage that we traveled with).  

Thank you for your continued prayer.  We are needing it daily as our life changes into what God has planned for us.  We know that our schooling will look differently next year, probably the local public schools, and after 8 years of home schooling, I am getting sad.  Just a lot of changes.  All is good and God is ever-present in our lives.  We are blessed in so many ways and thank Him daily for his goodness!!

Happy Birthday, Paxton

Happy Birthday, Paxton.  Here's to many more. 

Feels like home

Sorry folks for the terrible blogging.   If anyone is still interested, I will give a run-down of our first 2 months home:

Kids started school and doing well. Paxton has friends in the neighborhood from his class and has already had play dates.

Still a lot of Russian thrown around the house; our biological children LOVE to use the words and speak Russian instead of English : ) 

Some of the crazy adjustment things have mellowed. (Thank you, Jesus!!)

All 5 children are enjoying getting to know one another- My heart still skips a beat when I realize we have that many children.....

Costco has become our store of choice.  Everything is bought in bulk!

Celebrated Berkeley's 13th Birthday!!!  And Daron's 40th!!!

Preparing for Paxton's (10) first birthday in the states; he's never had one, but has experienced many from our family in the last few weeks! All I need to say is SPIDERMAN Isabelle will celebrate her 9th birthday 4 days after Paxton!

Many dentist and doctor appointments- all is ok.

We laugh a lot and are truly blessed in God's choice for our children.  This was a path He set us on and saying that we are amazed is an understatement!  What started as a simple hosting of an orphan for a few weeks last summer, has turned out to be something that has changed our whole family forever!  The love we had for Oleg, spurred us on to follow the path of helping the orphan and pursuing God's children for us. Did I ever mention that we never spoke of adopting before our hosting??  God is soooo Good in that even when we do not think we are up for the challenge, He pushes us forward.  We are so glad for His gentle nudge!

Reunion

We have been home now for three weeks.  Time has gone by quickly.  We are still adjusting to one another, some good days and some bad.  We ask God to continue to give us wisdom as we navigate this period.

This past weekend we had a reunion with other families who adopted from Ukraine.  It was wonderful to see some friends and expanded families and meet some new faces.  There were around 8 children who were adopted from the same orphanage as Paxton and he was happy to see his friends.  The three boys from Ochakiv laughed and talked a lot.  We were so glad to see Paxton connect with some familiar faces.  We plan to keep in touch with these families and make a point of getting the boys together.  Phoebe's orphanage was not represented, so no old friends for her; she just stuck by Berkeley or I.  

Paxton and Phoebe had their doctors appointments yesterday.  They did well and are healthy.  We are waiting for a referral for an eye doctor who will be able to help the children with their eyes.  It is hard to do a traditional eye test because of the language barrier, but this doctor has alternate methods to find out the extent of their eye issues.  I am sure they both need glasses at least, and maybe some corrective care.  This will help with school.

Thank you for your continued prayer.  This is still new to us and we love your encouragement, meals, quick visits and calls.  We find ourselves meeting new people going through the same changes as we are, and it makes a world of difference knowing that we are not alone.  God's faithfulness to us is amazing.  He uses all of His creation to glorify Himself!

Adjustment

So, we have been home now for four days.  They have gone relatively smoothly; just a couple of bumps in the road with adjusting to schedules and boundaries.  It has been GREAT having Daron home to help with some of the coaching.  Tomorrow he goes back to work, so keep us in your prayers as I will be doing this alone.  

We did a little school today with some success.  They liked the classroom and it was short enough to keep them from getting overwhelmed.  We will take everything slowly and see how they do with new things.

Thanks to the families who have brought over meals.  They are a HUGE blessing to us.  It is amazing how fast a day can go. Not having to think about another meal has really helped to focus on the children and what they need at the moment.  

We feel so blessed to be in this place of loving Paxton and Phoebe.  We know that God has given us what we need for every day.  Sometimes we need more of Him, and He has always shown up.  We feel Him and trust Him to give us wisdom in abundance as we learn how to love and train His children.  Please keep us in your prayers; we love you and miss you.  Looking forward to the time when we can talk and catch up.  It is killing me that I have not seen more of my dear friends, but 5 children is definitely more work than 3.  If you are ever in the area, please drop in; this seems to have worked for the families who have already visited.  

This is us after our court date.  The kids will be ours in 10 days!

This is Phoebe and her teachers.  This was my last visit with her before taking her home for good.

We are now in Kiev.  This is outside the embassy.  The kids were bored and drove Jamie and I a little batty. 

We found a great cafe that used pictures on their menus and some waiters spoke English... we went there for every meal in Kiev.  We needed one easy thing in our day. (Aren't they CUTE?)

Phoebe loves to help in the kitchen.  She wanted to help make tea for us in Kiev.  

Home at Last!!

The kids and I arrived home last night safe and tired. It was a long day with 3 flights and a lot of sitting, but the kids did amazingly well. We were greeted by Daron and our 3 at home as well as the Olivers and Tarrs. SOOOOO great to see familiar faces and be HOME. We headed home, ate a quick bite and went to bed. Paxton and Phoebe were thrilled with all of the houses amenities: clean indoor toilets, lights in every room and their own beds. Everyone was exhausted so bedtime was easy (thank you Jesus!)

I want to thank you all for your prayers; they were felt and needed daily. There were some bleak days with bad news and complications, but I always felt God's peace and strength through it because of His faithfulness and the prayers of His people. Also, the phone calls from Lydia, Kathy, Deanna and Molly were a tremendous blessing. These women have been to Ukraine adopting children and could relate to the difficulties that came our way. God was so present in every way. I think we learned that to go down this adopting path one must have His guidance and strength, people to encourage and pray and a good sense of humor. Even with all the drama and stress, we laughed a LOT. It helped having the Cashions with us. They have become dear friends and the experience has knitted our hearts.

Paxton is happy to finally be home. He had seen pictures of the kids and house and was excited to get on the plane and begin this new life. For Phoebe everything was new. She just met her brother for the first time 2 days prior to our departure. She has never left her orphanage, so everything from the car, apartment, light switches and beds were things to explore. Today the kids are exploring the house and every nook and cranny. Paxton learned how to ride a bike this morning and has stopped only for lunch and an occasional potty break. He loves having a brother and is not far from Lukas or Daron. Phoebe likes the house and all the electronics: washer and dryer, clock, dish washer, etc. She helped to make tea for us and is a sweetie. She struggled going to bed in the beginning, but thankfully today nap time was great! She loves being read to and mimics the words with giggles. Berkeley, Lukas and Isabelle and so thrilled to have their new siblings home. Everyone is getting acquainted. Please continue to pray for all of us as we adjust to one another.

I will write more soon. Thank you again and we look forward to the day when we can see you and acquaint you with our new family.
Love and Blessings,

Last Day in Ukraine

Susan and the kids are leaving Ukraine early in the morning and will be back in the states Thursday night. The kids are pretty tired of sitting around in cars and government buildings, so it's nice to have a down day before traveling again. Phoebe was a little bit anxious on Tues. night. The reality of not going back to the school seems to be setting in, but after some sleep she is doing better today.

Paxton and Phoebe...together again

Susan was able to pick-up Phoebe from school today. Paxton gave Phoebe a big hug then she wanted to lead him through a tour of her school. She said good-bye to her teachers and classmates through a small cookies and juice party; then without much looking back she jumped in the car with Susan.

The whole group arrived in Kiev a few hours later. The driver was willing to take them all the way Kiev for a reasonable price; so they were able to avoid the whole over night train adventure. We're very grateful for this change in plans as it will give them time to get acquainted in a more comfortable space.

There was lots of giggling and excitement in the car between all the kids...a good sign. We're praying the mood endures. At the apartment in Kiev, Phoebe was delighted to play with the light switches, faucets, etc. and dig through everyone's luggage.

They will be in Kiev until they head home on Thursday. Susan and Jamie are looking forward to some more Americanized food in Kiev, but the kids are still not quite willing to try McDonald's again. They found it a little below their standards :-)

It's Official

Good news, Our ten day waiting period is up ( and so are some pictures :-). Susan has the last round of paperwork done. She was able to "pick-up" Paxton today ( Saturday ) and will travel again to pick up Phoebe on Monday. Then from there, it's a train ride to Kiev for final embassy work and medicals. Susan, Jamie and all three kids should be home Thursday night.

Paxton's first whole day with mom started with a half hour bath and ended with bedtime stories ( about seven... in English..but he didn't seem to mind). In the meantime, he and Andrew enjoyed the games some of you sent along.

Pray for Sunday as they rest together before the big trip home and say good-bye to all their new friends at the hotel. Sounds like the Italians will be leaving soon too with their new son.

Hopefully Phoebe will enjoy seeing her brother again. We know Paxton is excited to see her, as he has been asking about her every day. Pray for peaceful transitions here as it will be right from school to train for her.

The kids ( and Dad ) back in the states are about ready to bust out of their skins in anticipation of having the whole family together for the first time.

Best Birthday Gift

This is Susan and I am doing well in Ukraine! Today is Karen and my birthday and I received the best gifts:2 amazing children that I will be able to pick up for good tomorrow and Saturday and some lovely notes from the children at the orphanage. Daron and my kids at home called while I was enjoying some tea and cake that our host bought in honor of my birthday. Jamie, I and our children are well taken care of by the staff at our lovely hotel. On the night the guys headed home to the states, Jamie and I were a little sad. We came home to an amazing meal, some special chocolate and a comfy place on the couch. They made us feel a little better.

P is getting anxious to leave. We get to be together every day for about two hours and then a little more on the weekends. Everyday it gets harder and harder to head back to school; but after Saturday morning, he should be able to stay with me which will make us all happy.

Jamie is giving everyone new hairstyles here including our facilitator who now looks like a whole new person. P was especially proud of his haircut and spent a long time primping in the mirror afterward.
He wrote me a note in school the other day that when translated expresses his gratitude over having a family and a new life. Sometimes these long waits are difficult, but the unique bonding time we have has is irreplaceable.

I'm enjoying getting to know some of the other kids at the school too. They call out my name when I walk on campus. Several of them have congratulated us over P and they seem to be genuinely happy for him. There are some great kids here, I wish we had enough room to take them all home. There is one boy who like to give a shopping list to our driver every day. It started with gum, then chocolate, and is now up to soccer shoes :-).

Friday morning I'm heading back to see Z who is four hours away. Hopefully this will be the last round of paperwork in this town and we might be able to bring her back to the hotel with us. It would be great to have a few days to get to know each other better before we travel home. If all goes well, we could be traveling home next Thurs.

Half Way Home.

After a 40 hour trip, Daron is home safe and sound. He had a wonderful reunion with our natural born kids. Even the standing water in the basement didn't dampen the joy of being home...much. Huge thanks to Steve, John and George for keeping their "fingers in the dike" and helping to clean the mess. This whole adoption process has helped us see what great friends we have. Whether mopping our basesment, or being great to our natural born kids while we were away, or helping in a thousand other tangible ways, you all are awesome.

Susan will be visiting Z again tomorrow. She is four hours away from our home base. So, pray for safe travel. The last time we drove there was on a bumpy, icy road... in the snow and fog...at about 80mph... in the dark... while the driver was watching TV (no lie). When we we pray for "straight paths" we are being very literal. Also pray for more good bonding between Susan and Z. We've had a very good start with her, but she is young and doesn't fully grasp she'll be leaving soon to head to a country with a woman she's just met and a brother she barely remembers. These kids have to be so brave in so many ways.

If all goes as planned, the court decision will be final and effective on Feb. 6th. and Susan can return to with the kids about a week later. We will be so thrilled to finally have the whole family together for the first time.

Our hotel 'home base' near P's boarding school is somewhat of a bed and breakfast atmosphere with community meals, and a common area where we can gather with the other guests. The staff has gone out of their way to offer their very best. An Italian family, also adopting, has been staying with us at the same hotel. Ironic, given our history with Oleg...but healthy. They are wonderful people who clearly love their prospective child...they also make some fine pasta..."best ever". Despite the language barriers, the shared adoption experiences and the natural hospitality of our Ukrainian hosts provides a context for some real camaraderie between everyone...although we're not quite sure if Daron's Karaoke performance helped or hindered international relations. In any case, we Americans can learn a lot about the value of conversation during long, lingering meals. A sincere toast between friends is beautiful...and Ukraine is gifted with a lot of this type of beauty.

We'll be able to post pictures of the kids after Feb.6th. We want to make sure we respect protocol.
Hang in there.... They're coming.

Welcome Paxton and Phoebe Benson!

Guest blogger: John Caves

It's official! Paxton Pasha and Phoebe Zoya joined the Benson family after a successful court appearance with Ukrainian officials. Paxton's first question was, "When do we go home to America?"

Daron is traveling to Kiev this week and will arrive home this Thursday. Please pray for safe and comfortable travel. Also pray for Susan and the children as they work through the necessary travel arrangements to get home as quickly as possible.

Daron will upload the pictures shortly after he arrives home, so check in this weekend for pictures!

Thank you for your prayers and support! They couldn't have done this without an amazing community of believers!

Time in Region

Well, it is Susan, finally finding time in our schedule to go to an internet cafe. Since we landed in Kiev, we have been non -stop. We were able to take in some beautiful sights on the way to our SDA appt. We received 2 referrals and have spent some time with the kids. They are 5 hours apart, so we have been in cars and trains A LOT. Luckily, our travel companions are wonderful. We love having the Cashion's with us to laugh with, pray with and share the experience. We were lucky o also have Molly with us for 2 days and that was a blessings as well. She was wrapping up her adoption and showed us the sights in Kiev, and showed us the most amazing restaurant for traditional Ukrainian food. Mc Donalds has also been a friend a few times because we can just point to order (some speak a little English).

Our team here has been wonderful. We LOVE our translator. She makes us laugh and works so hard for us and the kids. She calls us her children and tells us what to do and say like a sweet Mama.

Today we had the whole day with P. We played cards, hot wheels and monopoly (a free gift in one of our Happy Meals). Adorable. We will do the same tomorrow. Monday we travel for 2 days to spend with our other referral. I cannot give our many details until after court. Please pray. There is still much to do and some small road blocks. We are confident that all is being done on this end, and God's purposes for these children will prevail. We feel your prayers and miss you all so much. WE know that our children are in good hands back home and that gives us great peace as we work for our children here.

Our friends the Cashions, have received their court date and are excited that things are going smoothly. A.was happy to see them. We had a fun time with the boys in one office while changing names, They kept repeating their new last names giggling at one another.

Daron is feeling well. He has made a reputation for himself as the funny, intelligent, absent-minded American. We laugh a lot to help relieve the stress. Once we get a date, we will let you know. Please pray for smooth paths and peace. We KNOW that God is at work here protecting and loving these amazing children.

Love to all!
D and S

Travel Update

Guest blogger: John Caves

Susan and Daron asked me to update everyone that their travel journey began with weather delays in Chicago. This caused a 6 hour delay and lots of stress. They need your prayers that the remaining parts of the journey, Duesseldorf and Kiev, go smoothly. Pray specifically that their luggage stays with them and remains in good condition.

One bright note is that missing their reserved flight put them in business class on another flight. Susan sent us this text, "We are in business class and it ROCKS!!! We have a massage chair, nice blanket and pillow, glass of wine or juice and the chair can lay flat!! Long day, but in style :)"

Thanks for your continued support and pray!

On our way!

Today has been hectic in running errands and packing (shoving, squeezing, kicking). I think we have everything we need, but am confident that something will come to mind that I forgot while in the air : ) Thank you dear friends for your phone calls, texts and notes. We feel that we are not in this alone, and thank God for putting us in this place, at this time of our lives with you all by our sides. Our hearts are ready for tomorrow and beyond. This blog will be our way of communicating with you. We hope to find an internet cafe and keep everyone updated.

We love you and feel blessed to call you sisters and brothers!