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 :-)