We made it!!! We are finally home and things are going so well. I am just waiting for all the breakdowns and meltdowns that I hear are so common but so far we have not experienced that.
Our flight home went very well. The girls were extremly tired since they didn't get much rest. Aida met us at 12:30 AM to catch our 3:20 AM flight and the girls didn't get to sleep that night until 10:30, so you can see how much rest we got. They slept on the flight from Almaty to Frankfurt. We got lost in the airport in Frankfurt (the signs were wrong!), so we were not able to get them any food or drink, so when we boarded in Frankfurt they were famished. The steward was very kind and got them some things. They won everyone's heart on the airplane from Frankfurt to Chicago. They were laughing and loved the earphones, they were dancing to the music and switching the channels on the TV in front of them. As we were getting to land in Chicago they were singing America, America!!! It was so cute!!!
Immigration was a little tricky. I didn't know what I was doing and it seemed that no one else did either. I only had an hour to catch my connecting flight so it was a bit tense for awhile. Even as I was leaving passport control they man asked me for my paper (which they did not give me), but by that time I was antsy and told them I was going to miss my plane! He let me go and told me it was not his fault if my papers were messed up. I figured I rather work that out at home over the phone than wait in the airport for another flight. We'll see how it all plays out.
Larry, the boys and my mom were waiting at the airport when we arrived. Anastacia was so excited, and Maria was too until we touched ground. Then she started clamming up. I think it started sinking in. She was a little quiet at first but as we started driving home and when we got home they were both brimming with excitement. They loved the house, they loved their rooms. They thought it was so neat they had their own private park (our backyard!). We had some toys and clothes in the closet for them and they just loved them. It was so fun to see their utter joy and excitement over everything.
I do admit that I feel that I have two toddlers to look after. Because they are not familiar with things they are into EVERYTHING!!! They love the phone and run to answer it all the time. Sometimes hanging up before I can get to them. They love the computer and want to be on it all the time. They love the TV, DVD player, CD player, everything and anything electronic. They touch everything and they don't have the concept of not everything is theirs to touch.
They are fearless. We asked them if they knew how to ride a bike, they said yes. Both hopped on the bikes and started riding. Maria did and was OK, Anastacia did not and fell immediately. But yet she tried to do it again several times. We had to watch her like a hawk so she wouldn't hurt herself. The same thing happened with swimming. They both said they knew how to swim but as they jumped into the pool it was very apparent they didn't when they both started drowning. Thank heavens Caleb pulled Maria to the side, and I got Anastacia! It is so amazing to me. I would have thought that this type of knowledge came from age, but it is apparent that is comes from experience. Even with the curling iron, Anastacia grabbed it by the metal side and burned herself. It is a learning experience for me to remember to act and watch them as I would a 2 year old!
But they are learning so fast. They are amazing. It has been so much fun. Everyday we have had lots of people visiting to meet the girls and while they are shy at first, they open up really fast. Anastacia is constantly giggling and is so cute. She loves everyone. Maria is a little more reserved, but has meet some friends in the neighborhood and they absolutely love her. I have had more kids at my house in the last few days than I have in the past year! It seems to be OK for the girls. I sometimes wonder if they are overwhelmed but they seem to thrive on it, especially Anastacia. I think I am the one overwhelmed! To go from two kids to four is double the work. But it is great.
Larry and I said many times while going through this process that if we had known how hard it was going to be we would not have started it. But after having these girls in our homes and in our family, we would have done it and more. They are precious and wonderful and it feels like they have been ours forever. We are so grateful for these two beautiful girls!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
We're Coming Home
Today we had a great blessing! I went to the embassy and asked if we could have our interview today and we were told no. I explained that I didn't realize it was a holiday yesterday and that my plane tickets would have to be changed and it would cost money, and I was told no. I asked if I could pay an expediting fee, I again was told no. So I started to leave with a lot of sorrow in my heart. I then remembered that we didn't even have a time for the appointment for tomorrow so we turned around to ask. Something inside of me told me to ask one more time and maybe even ask if there was someone else I could talk to. We went back to the window and waited, and waited and waited. The lady was talking to someone else who Aida said was the consulate. I thought I am not going to leave until I talk to her again. Aida wanted to leave but I said no. The lady finally came to the window and told me to take a seat. So I did. About 15-20 minutes later she called me up and told me I could have my interview today!!!!! Then she told me how sweet and cute the girls were! I was so grateful I almost starting crying. I know it was God's answer to mine and many others prayers.
So we had our interview and we are leaving in about 2 1/2 hours. It went very smoothly.
The rest of the day we took a walk, went to the market, and went to lunch. There is a cafe underneath us that I like going to but today it took an especially long time (over 1/2 hour just to get our drinks!) In Kazakhstan don't expect to be in and out of a restaurant quickly, it is at least an hour and sometimes more. But it was good because it filled up time. I had a little problem with the girls, the communication is hard and they don't understand what I am doing and I don't understand what they are doing and we sometimes come to the wrong conclusion, but they still love me and they are so excited to go to America. They are especailly wired tonight.
The sister missionaires came over one more time and taught the girls about prophets and baptism. Since our friend Hannah is getting baptised this Saturday I thought it would be good that the girls understand what they are going to. Once again Maria was a very quick learner. She said she wanted to get baptised as well, but we will probably wait for awhile, at least until she understands English. It was great to have the sisters here. They stayed past their time but the girls LOVED having them here and it was good for them to help me explain the trip better to the girls. Things like don't run away from me in the airport and make sure you eat when they bring you your food because your not getting anymore until the plane lands! Just simple things but they need to be communicated. The sisters were a great blessing to me and I am so grateful for them!!! Although they feel they didn't do much, just the knowledge of them being here, coming over each day, and teaching the girls was a great blessing to me.
The girls are so excited to go they can hardly stand it. I hope they crash on the plane because it will be a long 24 hours! They are so cute, they just jump up and down and giggle. Maria is constantly hugging me and saying she is going to America to see her Papa and brats. (Brat is brother is Russian!)
Almaty is a wonderful city and I think my desire to hurry and get home is more from the fact that I want my family reunited rather than I want to leave this city. In fact it would have been a lot of fun to visit the zoo tomorrow with the sister missionaries. But just having us all together is what is driving me to get home. It will be wonderful!!!!
So we had our interview and we are leaving in about 2 1/2 hours. It went very smoothly.
The rest of the day we took a walk, went to the market, and went to lunch. There is a cafe underneath us that I like going to but today it took an especially long time (over 1/2 hour just to get our drinks!) In Kazakhstan don't expect to be in and out of a restaurant quickly, it is at least an hour and sometimes more. But it was good because it filled up time. I had a little problem with the girls, the communication is hard and they don't understand what I am doing and I don't understand what they are doing and we sometimes come to the wrong conclusion, but they still love me and they are so excited to go to America. They are especailly wired tonight.
The sister missionaires came over one more time and taught the girls about prophets and baptism. Since our friend Hannah is getting baptised this Saturday I thought it would be good that the girls understand what they are going to. Once again Maria was a very quick learner. She said she wanted to get baptised as well, but we will probably wait for awhile, at least until she understands English. It was great to have the sisters here. They stayed past their time but the girls LOVED having them here and it was good for them to help me explain the trip better to the girls. Things like don't run away from me in the airport and make sure you eat when they bring you your food because your not getting anymore until the plane lands! Just simple things but they need to be communicated. The sisters were a great blessing to me and I am so grateful for them!!! Although they feel they didn't do much, just the knowledge of them being here, coming over each day, and teaching the girls was a great blessing to me.
The girls are so excited to go they can hardly stand it. I hope they crash on the plane because it will be a long 24 hours! They are so cute, they just jump up and down and giggle. Maria is constantly hugging me and saying she is going to America to see her Papa and brats. (Brat is brother is Russian!)
Almaty is a wonderful city and I think my desire to hurry and get home is more from the fact that I want my family reunited rather than I want to leave this city. In fact it would have been a lot of fun to visit the zoo tomorrow with the sister missionaries. But just having us all together is what is driving me to get home. It will be wonderful!!!!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Counting Down The Days
Today we visit in the embassy and yesterday we had our doctor's appointment. It went very well. We were an hour late because of our driver, but luckily they waited for us and had us come anyway. The girls were pronounced very healthy, and the only thing the doctor said was that Maria was quite short for her age. I already knew that!!
Afterwards, Aida, our driver/translator (but she really doesn't know english very well!) took us to the big mall here in Almaty. It had pizza (more like American pizza than what we had in Petro), hamburgers, dunkin donuts!, Baskins Robbins, and an ice skating rink. That was fun to be there. We even let the girls try their hand with ice skating. Although Maria had said she had been before I don't think either of them had ever had ice skates on their feet! It was funny to watch. Anastacia scouted around the rink twice holding on to the edge before she gave up, but Maria actually started venturing off to the middle and really skating. She is a determined little girl.
Afterwards the sister missionaires of our church came by and stayed a few hours with us. We took them to dinner and the girls loved them. They taught them a little about the plan of salvation, which they were very surprised at how much Maria knew! She answered all the question right! When they were talking about sin, she said that when you do wrong things God knocks on your heart and tells you you are doing wrong. I thought that was a cute expression! The only thing she did not comprehend or know was the difference between our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. To her they were one in the same instead of two distinct beings. But afterwards when they were asking Anastacia who the picture was of, Maria was quick to say Jesus Christ, not God. It was interesting to hear of her beliefs and when asked where she learned about God she said she taught herself. She said that she was so smart that she doesn't even listen at school because she already knows everything!
Anastacia was more interested in putting on makeup, nail polish and doing the missionaries hair than listening. I don't know if she learned anything. I was wrong about her being our tomboy. She is ALL girl. She puts on makeup, does her nails, and wants me to do her hair about three times a day. She is constantly wanting to put lip gloss on me and brush my hair as well. It is so cute! She also LOVES dresses!
It was a good day. At night we had a little more trouble getting to bed. Maria doesn't like to go to bed and we seem to have a problem there. But we finally go to sleep. Then I heard noises at 2:00 AM and went into their room to find the light on and they were wide awake playing! I had Maria come and sleep with me and know I fing Anastacia on the floor sleeping. I don't know if she feel off or what! It is cute. I guess I won't be having her on the top bunk for awhile!
We have really been blessed. The girls are wonderful and as hard as this process has been I see an end where our family will all be together. I cannot help but express my love and gratitude to God for blessing us so much. I have learned and continue to learn so much and one thing has been my dependence on God and how when I do depend on him, he always has things work out for me and comforts my heart. I guess he is down there knocking on my heart telling me what to do!
Afterwards, Aida, our driver/translator (but she really doesn't know english very well!) took us to the big mall here in Almaty. It had pizza (more like American pizza than what we had in Petro), hamburgers, dunkin donuts!, Baskins Robbins, and an ice skating rink. That was fun to be there. We even let the girls try their hand with ice skating. Although Maria had said she had been before I don't think either of them had ever had ice skates on their feet! It was funny to watch. Anastacia scouted around the rink twice holding on to the edge before she gave up, but Maria actually started venturing off to the middle and really skating. She is a determined little girl.
Afterwards the sister missionaires of our church came by and stayed a few hours with us. We took them to dinner and the girls loved them. They taught them a little about the plan of salvation, which they were very surprised at how much Maria knew! She answered all the question right! When they were talking about sin, she said that when you do wrong things God knocks on your heart and tells you you are doing wrong. I thought that was a cute expression! The only thing she did not comprehend or know was the difference between our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. To her they were one in the same instead of two distinct beings. But afterwards when they were asking Anastacia who the picture was of, Maria was quick to say Jesus Christ, not God. It was interesting to hear of her beliefs and when asked where she learned about God she said she taught herself. She said that she was so smart that she doesn't even listen at school because she already knows everything!
Anastacia was more interested in putting on makeup, nail polish and doing the missionaries hair than listening. I don't know if she learned anything. I was wrong about her being our tomboy. She is ALL girl. She puts on makeup, does her nails, and wants me to do her hair about three times a day. She is constantly wanting to put lip gloss on me and brush my hair as well. It is so cute! She also LOVES dresses!
It was a good day. At night we had a little more trouble getting to bed. Maria doesn't like to go to bed and we seem to have a problem there. But we finally go to sleep. Then I heard noises at 2:00 AM and went into their room to find the light on and they were wide awake playing! I had Maria come and sleep with me and know I fing Anastacia on the floor sleeping. I don't know if she feel off or what! It is cute. I guess I won't be having her on the top bunk for awhile!
We have really been blessed. The girls are wonderful and as hard as this process has been I see an end where our family will all be together. I cannot help but express my love and gratitude to God for blessing us so much. I have learned and continue to learn so much and one thing has been my dependence on God and how when I do depend on him, he always has things work out for me and comforts my heart. I guess he is down there knocking on my heart telling me what to do!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
We Already Miss Maria
Well yesterday we had to wake up the girls to get them ready for chuch. There were so tired. They are use to taking long naps everyday, and then they go to bed around 10:00 and wake at 6 or 7, but without the naps I think they will sleep a little longer. I fixed breakfast (scrambled eggs) and they devoured it like they haven't eaten in months! They have been so hungry since they have been with me! I showed the blankets that they Grandma Darlene had made for them and they loved them, and I bought them dresses for church. They loved the dresses but then Maria said she didn't want to wear it today. I thought she didn't like it but then to come find out she didn't want to match Anastacia. I always buy matching things!!! I guess my matching days are coming to an end, the kids are getting to old. She wore the dress anyway and they both looked very cute!
The sister missionaries met us to take us to church. We had to catch a couple of busses and that was quite an experience. Evidently the busses are on the own profit center, there is no schedule and they drive as fast as they can so they can get to the next stop before the other bus does so they can get the money! They will start moving before you are even on or off the bus!!! It was quite interesting. Church was wonderful, it felt just like home. That is one thing I love about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it doesn't matter where you are it is the same, the people love you and you feel like you are at home. I wanted to stay there all day. There were several Americans there, and one girl was getting married in October to an American and moving to Safford, AZ!! She was so excited to hear I was from Arizona and said now she had a friend in America. They were all so kind and they translated every meeting for me. Everyone thought it was wonderful that I was adopting the girls and wanted to talk with me.
Big Maria came with us to church but had to leave after the first meeting. She had to get to the airport. That was a moment I don't want to relive and I wasn't wanting to come. I personally will miss her so much, and the girls will too. She has become part of our family. We were all crying, the girls were just sobbing as we watched her walk away. My heart just broke. What was I going to do without her?? And I am sure that is what the girls were thinking as well! Everyone at church didn't quite understand what was happening and was wondering why we were all crying. But some young women took the girls hands and took them to primary. I think being there was the best place we could have been to have Maria leave because there were others who could still talk to the girls and comfort them and translate for me. And we were able to direct our attention to something else. The Primary President said that they did really good and once she started asking them questions and making them think of something else they stopped crying. Anastacia was hugging and kissing and flirting with everyone by the time church was over, she loved it! She said she was going to go all the time to church. Maria said she wasn't going to go again, but I know it is because she was still having a hard time with big Maria leaving. The missionaries will come over on Monday and teach them some more. I am so grateful we found them, they will help with this transition of losing Maria. They could never replace her, but they have definately helped!
The girls are fascinated with all the electronic equipment we have. The gameboys, the DVD player, the laptop. We played on the laptop learning the alphabet quite a bit. I am trying to teach them the ABC song. Maria kept typing over and over again Papa, Caleb and Nathanael's name. It is amazing to me how fast they learn. I will be so glad when we can communicate. This is definately harder than I thought. Especially when I told them it was time for bed and scriptures and prayers. Anastacia was very complying and went along with everything, but Maria did not want to do anything but play on the computer. We had a little power struggle and after I put away the laptop she moved to the DVD player, then I said no, and she moved to the gameboys. After a very firm "NYET" she realized I was making her go to bed and she started pouting and crying. I thought, I have a very spoiled child already!!!! But of course I couldn't communicate with her. At first I thought she was doing it to get her way, but then her tears turned more than that and I could tell she was really scared, really worried about the future. It is just as hard on her as it is on me to not communicate. I keep praying that the communication of love and the communication of the spirit will help us during this time. I just held her and hugged her. She finally settled down and was completely happy and back to the laptop again. Once again I said no, she gave me a pouty face but this time went back to bed and finally settled down. It is interesting how she and Caleb have such similarities and Anastacia and Nathanael are so similar!
Well I have two more days and counting, at least I hope! I hope the embassy will allow me to meet with them on Tuesday so we can come home on Wednesday. If not, the sisters said Wednesday is their P-day and they will take us to the zoo. They said the girls could ride the camels and it was an incredible zoo! So we will see what happens.
The sister missionaries met us to take us to church. We had to catch a couple of busses and that was quite an experience. Evidently the busses are on the own profit center, there is no schedule and they drive as fast as they can so they can get to the next stop before the other bus does so they can get the money! They will start moving before you are even on or off the bus!!! It was quite interesting. Church was wonderful, it felt just like home. That is one thing I love about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it doesn't matter where you are it is the same, the people love you and you feel like you are at home. I wanted to stay there all day. There were several Americans there, and one girl was getting married in October to an American and moving to Safford, AZ!! She was so excited to hear I was from Arizona and said now she had a friend in America. They were all so kind and they translated every meeting for me. Everyone thought it was wonderful that I was adopting the girls and wanted to talk with me.
Big Maria came with us to church but had to leave after the first meeting. She had to get to the airport. That was a moment I don't want to relive and I wasn't wanting to come. I personally will miss her so much, and the girls will too. She has become part of our family. We were all crying, the girls were just sobbing as we watched her walk away. My heart just broke. What was I going to do without her?? And I am sure that is what the girls were thinking as well! Everyone at church didn't quite understand what was happening and was wondering why we were all crying. But some young women took the girls hands and took them to primary. I think being there was the best place we could have been to have Maria leave because there were others who could still talk to the girls and comfort them and translate for me. And we were able to direct our attention to something else. The Primary President said that they did really good and once she started asking them questions and making them think of something else they stopped crying. Anastacia was hugging and kissing and flirting with everyone by the time church was over, she loved it! She said she was going to go all the time to church. Maria said she wasn't going to go again, but I know it is because she was still having a hard time with big Maria leaving. The missionaries will come over on Monday and teach them some more. I am so grateful we found them, they will help with this transition of losing Maria. They could never replace her, but they have definately helped!
The girls are fascinated with all the electronic equipment we have. The gameboys, the DVD player, the laptop. We played on the laptop learning the alphabet quite a bit. I am trying to teach them the ABC song. Maria kept typing over and over again Papa, Caleb and Nathanael's name. It is amazing to me how fast they learn. I will be so glad when we can communicate. This is definately harder than I thought. Especially when I told them it was time for bed and scriptures and prayers. Anastacia was very complying and went along with everything, but Maria did not want to do anything but play on the computer. We had a little power struggle and after I put away the laptop she moved to the DVD player, then I said no, and she moved to the gameboys. After a very firm "NYET" she realized I was making her go to bed and she started pouting and crying. I thought, I have a very spoiled child already!!!! But of course I couldn't communicate with her. At first I thought she was doing it to get her way, but then her tears turned more than that and I could tell she was really scared, really worried about the future. It is just as hard on her as it is on me to not communicate. I keep praying that the communication of love and the communication of the spirit will help us during this time. I just held her and hugged her. She finally settled down and was completely happy and back to the laptop again. Once again I said no, she gave me a pouty face but this time went back to bed and finally settled down. It is interesting how she and Caleb have such similarities and Anastacia and Nathanael are so similar!
Well I have two more days and counting, at least I hope! I hope the embassy will allow me to meet with them on Tuesday so we can come home on Wednesday. If not, the sisters said Wednesday is their P-day and they will take us to the zoo. They said the girls could ride the camels and it was an incredible zoo! So we will see what happens.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
A Brighter Day
Now that I have food in me and I have slept a little, things are much brighter!! Reading over my last blog I feel silly for being so emotional. Many people get diverted, many lose their luggage, many cannot figure out how to work the silly phones, and many get scared. It just is hard when it is you that it is happening too! But to think of more serious concerns, this is not all that serious. I am here, I am safe, and I am much better!!
I did however miss picking up the girls at the airport. Evidently Aida and I miscommunicated and when she came to pick me up I was out getting a bite to eat. So they all showed up at my door around 6:00 pm! It was so great to see them. They were so excited and just chatting up a storm. There were exploring everything, it was fun! They wanted to send an email right away to their papa and brothers, but my computer battery had died by that time and I didn't have my converter. We took a walk around town, go them some food (they ate a ton tonight!!) and went to the supermarket. While we were there Maria asked if all this food was free! It was very cute. I don't think she has ever been in a market before.
It took awhile to get them to bed tonight. Luckily big Maria agreed to stay with us tonight so Aida could take me to the airport at 1:00AM (Yes that is AM!!!) to get my luggage. I wanted them to be asleep before I left. They giggled and played but finally drifted off to sleep. It was interesting watching them in their nighttime routine. For one, at the orphanage, they didn't flush the toilet paper down the toilet! So we had a little training there, Maria was amazed that you could do that! Another is that they always sponge off in the sink before going to bed. Also they are not use to wearing PJ's. So that took awhile. I couldn't figure out what they were doing so long in the bathroom with the sink running, but then big Maria clued me in!
Tomorrow we are meeting the sister missionaries to be able to go to our church. I am so excited about that. They said they would come every night and teach the girls while I am here. That is a huge blessings, especially because big Maria will leave us tomorrow! I will miss her so much. But she is needed with other families.
Thank you all for your prayers in my behalf. When traveling to Kaz the first time there was a place you have to be where nothing really matters anymore, at least things that are not that important. It is a inner faith that comes to you knowing that God will take care of everything. I had to come to that place once again today. Who would have thought that I had already forgot what I learned the first time!!! I guess that is why I needed some trials the second time!! These are great learning experiences, and hopefully I am becoming better because of it.
I miss the boys and Larry a lot though. As I was walking to the market I saw some camels the boys had played on the first visit and it made me so homesick for them. I wish they could all be here, that we could all be here together. That is where the true joy comes, all your family together. Soon we we will have that, hopefully in the next week!!
I did however miss picking up the girls at the airport. Evidently Aida and I miscommunicated and when she came to pick me up I was out getting a bite to eat. So they all showed up at my door around 6:00 pm! It was so great to see them. They were so excited and just chatting up a storm. There were exploring everything, it was fun! They wanted to send an email right away to their papa and brothers, but my computer battery had died by that time and I didn't have my converter. We took a walk around town, go them some food (they ate a ton tonight!!) and went to the supermarket. While we were there Maria asked if all this food was free! It was very cute. I don't think she has ever been in a market before.
It took awhile to get them to bed tonight. Luckily big Maria agreed to stay with us tonight so Aida could take me to the airport at 1:00AM (Yes that is AM!!!) to get my luggage. I wanted them to be asleep before I left. They giggled and played but finally drifted off to sleep. It was interesting watching them in their nighttime routine. For one, at the orphanage, they didn't flush the toilet paper down the toilet! So we had a little training there, Maria was amazed that you could do that! Another is that they always sponge off in the sink before going to bed. Also they are not use to wearing PJ's. So that took awhile. I couldn't figure out what they were doing so long in the bathroom with the sink running, but then big Maria clued me in!
Tomorrow we are meeting the sister missionaries to be able to go to our church. I am so excited about that. They said they would come every night and teach the girls while I am here. That is a huge blessings, especially because big Maria will leave us tomorrow! I will miss her so much. But she is needed with other families.
Thank you all for your prayers in my behalf. When traveling to Kaz the first time there was a place you have to be where nothing really matters anymore, at least things that are not that important. It is a inner faith that comes to you knowing that God will take care of everything. I had to come to that place once again today. Who would have thought that I had already forgot what I learned the first time!!! I guess that is why I needed some trials the second time!! These are great learning experiences, and hopefully I am becoming better because of it.
I miss the boys and Larry a lot though. As I was walking to the market I saw some camels the boys had played on the first visit and it made me so homesick for them. I wish they could all be here, that we could all be here together. That is where the true joy comes, all your family together. Soon we we will have that, hopefully in the next week!!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
This is interesting. DeAnn and I are both blogging from halfway around the world. I am in Arizona and she is in Almaty. Oh...Technology!
In Arizona, we are very happy that DeAnn made it to Almaty. I was worried about her for her whole trip and I was checking my email at work every five, ten and fifteen minutes. My day wasn't nearly as frustrating as DeAnn's but I haven't slept much or very well either. I did take the boys to see "How to Eat Fried Worms." Cute show, but a little gross, like Fear Factor gross.
Well, not to be too long-winded on the blog right now, but there are a couple of emails that I wanted to share. One made me tear up yesterday morning. Caleb didn't quite understand why. I told him I was happy and sad at the same time. The other mades me relieved and not so worried.
The first was from Maria, Maria and Nasty...
Dear Larry!I'm here with Masha and Nastja. We are writing an e-mail for you.
Masha is writing:Dear Papa, we are already came to Masha. The whole day we were waiting for her, because we wanted to go home soon. We miss you very much! We cant wait when we can see you! I miss my brothers!
Nastja:I want to papa!
Masha: I miss Mama and Papa very much.Nastja: And I miss Mama.
M: And I miss the whole family!
N and M: Buy buy!
Dear Larry, you cant imagine, how much they were happy when they were leaving! You really cant imagine how mich they want to see you! I'm so happy for you and for them! Miss you a lot!
Masha, Masha and Nastja
P.S> Svetlana knows about DeAnn flights. Aida will fech us and her.
The second email was from DeAnn...
Things are getting brighter.
I did take a nap and it was very helpful. I went and ate and that was helpful too!
They called me about my luggage, it is coming in on a Luf... flight tonight at 1:00! I got ahold of the missionaries. They had their phone off this morning for a zone conference with their mission president, so maybe I will meet him tomorrow as well.
Aida still doesn't know when the girls are coming, so I am waiting on her to call. I am feeling better and can't wait to get my luggage.
I won't check my email until tomorrow and I'll update you then.
Love ya!!!!~
DeAnn
So...anyway. Maybe we just needed a little (well I am sure DeAnn doesn't think little) reminder of the lesson we learned on our first trip. So we hop on and let God be the driver again and we can enjoy the ride.
Larry - signing out for now.
In Arizona, we are very happy that DeAnn made it to Almaty. I was worried about her for her whole trip and I was checking my email at work every five, ten and fifteen minutes. My day wasn't nearly as frustrating as DeAnn's but I haven't slept much or very well either. I did take the boys to see "How to Eat Fried Worms." Cute show, but a little gross, like Fear Factor gross.
Well, not to be too long-winded on the blog right now, but there are a couple of emails that I wanted to share. One made me tear up yesterday morning. Caleb didn't quite understand why. I told him I was happy and sad at the same time. The other mades me relieved and not so worried.
The first was from Maria, Maria and Nasty...
Dear Larry!I'm here with Masha and Nastja. We are writing an e-mail for you.
Masha is writing:Dear Papa, we are already came to Masha. The whole day we were waiting for her, because we wanted to go home soon. We miss you very much! We cant wait when we can see you! I miss my brothers!
Nastja:I want to papa!
Masha: I miss Mama and Papa very much.Nastja: And I miss Mama.
M: And I miss the whole family!
N and M: Buy buy!
Dear Larry, you cant imagine, how much they were happy when they were leaving! You really cant imagine how mich they want to see you! I'm so happy for you and for them! Miss you a lot!
Masha, Masha and Nastja
P.S> Svetlana knows about DeAnn flights. Aida will fech us and her.
The second email was from DeAnn...
Things are getting brighter.
I did take a nap and it was very helpful. I went and ate and that was helpful too!
They called me about my luggage, it is coming in on a Luf... flight tonight at 1:00! I got ahold of the missionaries. They had their phone off this morning for a zone conference with their mission president, so maybe I will meet him tomorrow as well.
Aida still doesn't know when the girls are coming, so I am waiting on her to call. I am feeling better and can't wait to get my luggage.
I won't check my email until tomorrow and I'll update you then.
Love ya!!!!~
DeAnn
So...anyway. Maybe we just needed a little (well I am sure DeAnn doesn't think little) reminder of the lesson we learned on our first trip. So we hop on and let God be the driver again and we can enjoy the ride.
Larry - signing out for now.
Friday, September 01, 2006
I Can't Wait Until This Is Over!
Well here I go again! I am in Almaty (thank heavens!) but things definately have not gone as plan. I don't even know if I want to go over the story again for fear that I will break down again and cry. I am sure all the airline agents from here to Denver think I am the biggest emotional wreck to ever fly the friendly skies! To make a long story short, my plane was delayed in Denver and I took a long way to get to Almaty (though Moscow which I would never recommend, especially if you don't have a Russian visa!). I made it but my baggage did not!
Sometimes you wonder why things just can't go smoothly, and that is where I sit today. One 10 minute rainstorm in Denver has caused me so much grief. I was picked up at the airport and dropped off at my apartment. Aida is a nice girl, but she is not Maria! I have nothing!! I don't even have her phone number to get ahold of her. She said she will call me later this afternoon to tell me what time we will go to pick up the girls. That is the one bright side, I made it here before the girls.
I tried calling our church missionaries, but for some reason the phone isn't working correctly. I can't seem to dial any number, not even the airport to see if there is sign of my luggage. I suppose I will venture out into the city to get some needed items like a toothbrush, a hairbrush, some water, and some food! How I wish Larry was here with me!!!! This has definately been one of those experiences that has pushed me to my farthest limits. At times I almost just got on a plane back to Phoenix. I don't know why it has to be so difficult but it has been.
I also found out that I may not be returning home on Wednesday. That is the day we are suppose to visit the embassy. I was upset that our agency did not know this fact beforehand. It is something they should have had arranged, but I will try to go early Tuesday morning and beg them to see me Tuesday!!! Please everyone pray for me. I just want to go home!!!!
Hopefully I will be able to figure out how to contact the missionaries, hopefully I will find my luggage, and hopefully I will see the girls tonight. I am totally leaving everything in the Lord's hand, he is my traveling companion on this trip.
Sometimes you wonder why things just can't go smoothly, and that is where I sit today. One 10 minute rainstorm in Denver has caused me so much grief. I was picked up at the airport and dropped off at my apartment. Aida is a nice girl, but she is not Maria! I have nothing!! I don't even have her phone number to get ahold of her. She said she will call me later this afternoon to tell me what time we will go to pick up the girls. That is the one bright side, I made it here before the girls.
I tried calling our church missionaries, but for some reason the phone isn't working correctly. I can't seem to dial any number, not even the airport to see if there is sign of my luggage. I suppose I will venture out into the city to get some needed items like a toothbrush, a hairbrush, some water, and some food! How I wish Larry was here with me!!!! This has definately been one of those experiences that has pushed me to my farthest limits. At times I almost just got on a plane back to Phoenix. I don't know why it has to be so difficult but it has been.
I also found out that I may not be returning home on Wednesday. That is the day we are suppose to visit the embassy. I was upset that our agency did not know this fact beforehand. It is something they should have had arranged, but I will try to go early Tuesday morning and beg them to see me Tuesday!!! Please everyone pray for me. I just want to go home!!!!
Hopefully I will be able to figure out how to contact the missionaries, hopefully I will find my luggage, and hopefully I will see the girls tonight. I am totally leaving everything in the Lord's hand, he is my traveling companion on this trip.
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