Life isn't all that Bad!!!

Thank you for all your support, you have successfully lifted us up and we are again running to win the race! We have had two wonderful days. Saturday we picked up the girls and walked into town. They love to walk and they love to take us on adventures. We walked a new way into town, straight down a bluff, and I mean straight down. The girls love to run. Papa is a great runner, Marina and Yana have won medals for running and then there is Mama. Marina will never leave Mama behind, but she will not be in last place either, so Marina holds Mama's hand real tight and runs as fast as she can and Mama just has to keep up. Some times I come up with good short cuts that put us ahead of Papa and Yana with less effort. Adopting two teenage girls might end up being a weight watchers program, we will run everywhere.

Our day was spent having lunch, shopping for a few DVD's and going back to the Hotel and watching movies and just being silly. Yana was alittle under the weather so she even fell asleep. It is difficult to do much outside because of the cold and wind. The girls enjoy being with us, they don't even mind the 4 walls as much as I do.

Today is sunday, December 30. Our 10 day waiting period is over for Yana, but the 7 day holiday just began. Last week Victor, our facilitator, called the court offices and asked if they would be open between New Years and Christmas (Jan.7th) and they said yes they would be open on the 3,4, and 5. He called yesterday to make sure since he is in Kyiv and didn't want to make the trip for nothing. They have decided to close for the week. Wonderful flexibility on their behave, oh well cultural difference. We did not see the girls today, we spent the day going to church and having dinner with the founder of the church, Ernie and Anna Smith. This is the 2nd sunday that we were with them. Last week we had an translator and this week the service was in English and a translater for Russian. The service was written just for us and our situation. God is good! There was no magic to give us, but there was a whole lot of Jesus in the flesh. The people in this church have showered us with love. They asked for pictures of the girls today and prayed for them. We get as many hugs and kisses as we get at home on sunday. It is such a sweet experience to be there. The church has 2 finished apartments, they have offered us to stay in one. There is someone coming at the end of January, but hopefully we will be home by then. We will be at Hotel Berdyansk until January 2nd. The apartment is really nice, and it has a washer! It also has a kitchen. It will save us alot of money. After church we went to Erinie and Anna's home for lunch and enjoyed the visit. Their daughter was there for the holidays. She is a teacher in Chicago. We stayed with them most of the afternoon and returned to our 4 walls for a day of rest.

As you see, God has not left us in the wilderness longer then we could handle. We both are seeing His hand everyday, He is not quite. We are still praying for a miracle and want to bring Marina home now. We just adore her. I know that all things are God's will and we know we don't see the big picture. We do trust our God and no matter what we will continue to always praise Him.

We are picking the girls up Monday afternoon and keeping them until Tuesday evening. We plan to usher 2008 in together. Marina promises to stay awake, as long as we can eat at midnight. I am sure that the fireworks will keep us awake most of the night.

Rick and I would like to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR
Thank you all again for being there for us.
Fran

Not a Happy Day

We are beside ourselves today. The doors are slamming in our faces. No one hears or cares that Marina has not been re-registered. We have been waiting for 11 days for an official report from the SDA on Marina's re-registration. On the day we went to court on Yana, our facilitator told us that an offical request was filled on our behalf and they have 11 days to get it to us, plus 2 days to write it up. Today was the day it was to be picked up. Today, there is no report, our facilitator is on the way to Arizonia with orphan children, she was to hand it over to some one else but never called her. There is not any evidence that an official anything has ever been done. The SDA will not give us information because the US embassy have contacted them, therefore they will no longer speak to us. The embassy is shutting the doors on us with their beauracratic formalities of we don't get involved in private matters. Is there anybody out there?, Does anybody hear, see or care? What an unmerciful system of dealing with children. The responds that everyone gives us is "There are worse cases out there? Are they proud of this? Thank you all for your prayers. We have not reached the end of our rope. We will fight for Marina, our daughter, until she comes home. When all human doors close, only miracles can happen. Thank you for continuing to pray for the miracle. Your comments is giving me the strength to fight.

Our new friends that were here had their day in court, and are on their way home. They were great support. I will miss them and their morning hugs. Now I am here with Rick who is out walking the river beds.

We are on our way to the orphanage. We both love going there. That is the happiest place in all Berdyansk. The sound of children laughing is so uplifting. Hope you all are enjoying your holiday week.
Fran

Goliath shows up

Man, what a morning-
This is the day we had planned to make some headway. Today we "pull the lever" and use our "ace" card to gain favor w/SDA and find some MERCY and GRACE! Geez, the mindset out here is the pits...
We've had some encouragement from another source who agreed to help us w/ a higher-up @ the U.S. embassy here in Ukraine. We get our case, and have a person assigned to it. The ambassordor himself is involved (a little) w/our cause and all concerned know (or should) Fran and I do not want Ukrainian laws broken, but simply want Marina's registration RE-INSTATED! They misplaced her papers in 2006 after being registered since 1999. Now they've had 3-4 attempts to re-register her and as yet can't overcome their own ineptitude. Their response? It's Marina's problem- please go away-
The U.S. embassy is of NO use. The case worker assigned to us is out for the week, then out for most of next week, then a few days after that. They got it down pat here, combining U.S. holidays w/ukrainian ones. Must be nice living off of other peoples sweat..
Person on the other end of the phone is professional @ being polite while blowin' you off. There is ZERO concern for your behalf and I got the distinct sensation she was lookin' @ the clock to see if her break is coming up. I'm doing everything to stay resonable while my blood starts to boil. Fran signals to pass the phone to her, which I do. Asking for help woman to woman, the phone lady REALLY pours on the callusness- she's seemed to find her rythum and goes for it- how to blow the minds of someone seeking help on behalf of a orphaned child-
To this person's credit, she did say she is familiar w/our case, her supervisor is fully aware of it, and she does know our case worker e-mailed a request of our status- and then REALLY exerted himself and made a phone call. WOW! I'd need to take time off from that kind of stess too, I guess.
We just need ONE person w/a backbone out here. This is sooo easy to fix. One person who can show some class, be a proffessional- get it done. The attitude out here is "Gee, I'm sorry you're in such a bad way, but would you mind getting out of mine?"
The "Goliath" is taunting our GOD. Wagging his massive head back and forth, he snickers @ our position- in a foreingn land, can't talk their language. We don't know their rules, customs, laws, time's running out- and even our own "camp" succumbs to the "frozen mindset" of ukrainian beaucracy.
"LORD, would you please hand me a sling and point me to a riverbed?"
Marina's Papa

American Christmas in Ukraine

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Our human Christmas Tree is the perfect representation of what this season is all about. The beautiful faces of a small segment of orphans in one little country on the other side of our world. Each and everyone of the children is becoming embedded into our brains so that we can pray for them and never get so comfortable in our life that we forget them. Jesus has not and will not ever forget these precious children.

As many of you already know we Americans are running around getting ready for Christmas 2007 that is celebrated on December 25th. In Ukraine we are getting ready to celebrate Christmas 2008 on January 7th. Rick and I are going to celebrate all of it. In fact we are starting a new tradition this year. We will celebrate Christmas as normal in the states and keep our tree up and celebrate the Ukraine Christmas as a celebration of receiving our daughters, Yana and Marina. What a gift from God. How I which we had a huge house, there are so many children I would love to take home. We are here with another couple adopting 3 beautiful boys, full of talent and life. They already have adopted 2 girls and 1 other boy from Berdyansk orphanage. What wonderful people they are. We have had many wonderful people cross our path. There is another couple that is adopting 3 beautiful sisters from the orphanage. What a Christmas! I couldn't ask for a better present then to be here witnessing all this. My heart leaps with Joy and yet I still have the sense of a heavy heart if I think of the day we leave and leave the others behind. I encourage all of you to pray for the orphans around the world, all 143 million. Speaking of which, I do not have the e-mail for you Lyn, but I got your blog. You are getting you baby from China, did I ever break down crying when I read your comment to me on my blog. We are so happy for you and can not wait to give you a hug. You got your miracle that you were praying for Addie in 2007. Praise God, Praise God.

Today we went Christmas shopping, a gift for each girl, decorations for our human tree, flowers for teachers, all in the open markets behind the hotel. This is a very foreign way of shopping for us. I am so fascinated with the markets. We started out by going to the bank to get money exchanged, on the way to the bank an older women comes up and gives me a hug and a kiss. I met her yesterday at church. This is cool, I am feeling more and more like a local. Even some of the homeless dogs follow us as we walk by. Some of the merchants that used to be so forceful, now know that I am just looking and never buy very much. It is so much fun being a local.

Before I sign off for the evening, I would like to ask our God, who gave us His precious son, Jesus, to deliver us from sin, so that we could have a personal relationship with Him, to bless you all in a real personal way on this Christmas day. My personal encounter with Him this year is beyond what I ever could be worthy of receiving. He is a fantastic God. Before you open your presents, eat your good food. and enjoy this holiday, take time to reflect on all that He has done for you and give Him all the glory.

Merry Christmas from all of us,

Papa, Mama, Yana and Marina

Peace be with you.

Yana's Birthday

Here's a pic of our two, Yana w/her "do" and Marina (in a rare moment of stillness). We had Yana's b/day party @ the orphanage, there were 10 girls and 1 teacher who loved to be included.
After the party we load up some of their friends into 2 taxis and "speed" off to our hotel room. It's night (4:30) the streets are loaded w/people going home from their work, and I'm in the front seat of Ramon's rice burner wearing out his floor pad as we plunge down Berdyansk hill.
We have our first girl party, 5 teenagers and us in a 4 walled room (confinement). The girls love the change up. What do you feed ukrainian girls @ this get together? Kielbasa, string cheese, pickles, russian white cheese chunks and tomato juice. We are a instant hit. They loosen up and soon the room is full of- cooties- (male observation from someone beginning to miss his tablesaw). These kids are our delight- they are so well behaved- yet they truly are enjoying themselves. We bought a dvd player and they watch a movie picked out earlier. There's games after that and both Fran and I notice one of the children quieter than most, Rita. This is where you have to be made of cold stone not to experience heart ache for these kids. Rita has very little emotion. She's 12, tall for her age, and very pretty. She has no brothers, no sisters, or parents. Yana is her friend which is why she was invited. Yana now has 2 parents who love her very much and she soon will "disappear". How else is she supposed to respond? How often has this happened to her? And why isn't anyone asking for her?
We wrap it up, and prepare to leave. Without a word the kids pick up after themselves(I like this). Bundled up we're soon in the narrow elevator for the last joy ride of the night. Just for kicks, I pretend to lose my balance when the elevator starts it's drop, open my arms and back into everybody, squishing them all together- much to their delight. They respond by pushing against me just when the ole' girl stops and opens. We all sort of ooze out @ same time- just innocent fun and only a few seconds worth @ that. But there was a belly laugh unlike one heard before- it was Rita. As we said our goodbyes for the night it was Rita who came to Fran and kissed her. Then she came to me w/ a hug and a kiss goodnight. Right there I done did it again and melted. I am simply NO match to a child who wants to belong, or one who just needs to feel what it's like to be hugged back by a papa.
This is the season of gift giving, a tradition handed down to reflect the ultimate gift given to us from heaven above. Would you remember to hug your loved one, and do it for Rita's sake?
Merry Christmas
Rick

Prepping for B/day

Saturday, our "sleep in" morning. It's 9:30 before we DROP (ukrainian elevator) from our 4th floor level to the lobby floor. It's better than it's sister elevator,"the Chernobol". That one has lost it's shocks so when it hits lobby level, it hits lobby level. For all you tourists out there here's a tip: When entering a ukrainian elevator first look @ it's general condition- walls, ceiling tile , etc. Chernobol's walls are laminate- stuff we make kitchen counters and flooring out of- and the walls are missing large chunks- small wonder....
They are still serving breakfast and I take them up on their special. It's delicious. Rabbit and mashed potatoes w/a carrot salad. I'm happy even if the bride gawks. I'm wondering what was the slow seller left from friday night...
We're still high from yesterday's meeting w/the inspectors. Boldness and resolve have galvanized together. What was once faith is now faith w/sight. The glimmer of hope is now STEAMING LIGHT from above. The curtain is moving and we're glimpsing what's behind it. We're so excited we fight the desire to lag behind and "bathe" in it longer. His spirit in us is LEAPING w/delight and it's everything I can do to control myself from smothering Marina w/ hugs and kisses when we meet. This kid is so full of life! We can't wait to show her to everyone- especially you who have given of yourselves for her. I know @ some point our jobs are going to get their due, but all I want to do is show these 2 off to everyone as a testimony of what CHRIST did w/us.
Please don't stop in your prayers for us. They're flowing upward, pressing the kingdom forward, pounding on the very gates of hell- Let my child Marina GO!
Papa

Success in Court

It went well, Everyone in court treated us very well. We were suppose to go in at 4:30p.m. but there was an adoption in front of ours, the people came out crying at 4:40. I thought the worst. We went in and by 5:10 we had Yana. Of course we have the 10 day appeal and the rest of the stuff to go through, court is over. The good news is that we don't have to wait for the whole holiday season to be over, the public buildings are opening on January 2nd for business and Christmas is January 7th. Poor Victor, our facilitator and blessing. I am sorry he has to make that long trip again. Yana was quite, I think the reality is setting in. The language barrier is affecting her the most. She loved having Victor back. She will be disappointed that he has again left for the holidays. Tommorow, December 22nd is Yana's birthday. If you would like to send her an e-card use my address and I will bring her to the internet cafe to see them. We are having a party for her on Saturday at the orphanage. She has asked us if she could have 4 of her friends come to our room after. Maybe we will do a spa day together. One of the 4 friends does not include Marina. Back to the court time, I was impressed on how happy everyone was. The judge shock our hand and seemed very pleased. The inspectors both gave me a hug, and the representative of the orphanage smiled (the first time since that I have seen).
By 5:30 we were in the car and the phone rings. It is Yulia, congratulating us and then we dive right into Marina. Please-----let Yana have the stage tonight! Something is going on at the SDA office. There was a bit of a shake up finally. Marina's paperwork is moving. Everyone is fully aware of Marina's full name. We go out to dinner, after we take Yana back and we get a late call from Yuri. Congratulations....then right into Marina. It is very obvious that something is happening.

Friday morning, Victor is going to help us go see the inspectors at Priovorsky, Marina's birthplace. We have been advised not to go. Romas the driver is ready to leave at 9:00 a.m. Off we go. We are expecting the worse. They tell us go away, they won't talk with us, they lie, the have no compassion. You get the picture. Once again everyone is saying "the law says".
We get to Priovorsky, it is old, and dirty. The federal building is small, the rooms are like closets. We wait and wait. Victor goes up, he doesn't come down. Rick and I pray and claim that the people will help us out and praise God for the heart He has given us for Marina. Victor comes down. We go up to the office with Victor. The halls are so narrow that 2 people can't pass each other. I just know that the door is going to open and some old military type person is going to snap at us. I am nervous. We are invited in...there are two young, very sweet, compassionate women waiting to speak with us. Another man is in the room. All of them are listening eagerly and willing to help us. (We both had to slap our faces a couple of times are we dreaming, are we in the Ukraine, are we hear discussing Marina?) What joy, people who care. She got out Marina's file, talked to us and listened to our plea. She got on the phone and gave us all the answers we needed.....even that the SDA has the ability to waive the one year waiting period. She was willing to do anything she could to have this happen. The three of the people spoke openly without referring to the law. They agreed with us that Marina has been shorted by the system and it should be made right. They even offered assistance in anyway they could.
Even Victor was numb with shock, he never expected that. We left there with hope. Marina has to be registered by January 13th at the very latest! She said everyone is aware of Marina's case from the SDA down. Praise God, the noise is helping, people are finally listening. Don't stop praying for a miracle. We want to bring Marina home. All of this is zapping my energy. That is good. I will never believe this was from my strength that this happened today. I am feeling so week.

We are on our way out the door tonight to see our girls. I think we are going out for dinner and then we will pick up a few things for Yana's birthday.

If anyone wants a homeless puppy they are everywhere out here. I don't think anyone will care if you take them away, they are free, and there is no laws that say you have to wait a year.
Blessings to all,
Fran

Happy St. Nicolas Day

Today we walked up the hill to the orphanage. It really is a short walk. If it wasn't so icy we could make it in 20 minutes. The stray dogs (which are everywhere) are getting to know us. When we get to the road that is behind the church we have a couple that follow us. Even some of the older ladies are starting to crack a smile as we pass by. I figured out why everyone looks down in the Berdyansk. They have to do it in the winter in order not to fall. Every time Rick or I look up we slide. Now, I look down too. We have mentioned our drivers several times. There are two, a husband and wife team. They are great people, Romas and Streta. Their driving is not bad, it is Ukrainian. I keep telling Rick to stop looking out the front window. When your in the car look to the left or right but not straight ahead. Everything in the Ukraine is "the law says". Does the law give the cars the right away? Does the law give the walkers the right away? The answer to my questions is yes. You just compete for the right away. I don't care how young or old you are, the cars come soooo close to the people crossing the streets. I try my hardest to keep Rick out of the front seat, he is just too practical. He thinks the driver should slow down if there is a person in the road or a car that we are about to hit. I am less practical and pray the whole time I am in the front seat.

Today, the girls had a fun day at school. It is St. Nicolas Day. This is the day that St Nickolas and his side kicks that ride motorcycles to deliver a sweet treat gift under all the less fortunate people's pillow. The school had a concert today. It included Yana and Marina. I think it was all about St. Nicolas. It was beautiful. The younger children and the older children performed. Singing, ballet, dancing. Very festive. Tomorrow is another one. I hope we can make it. The teacher kept saying Marina. Tomorrow Marina is having her concert. I don't really get it she was in the concert today too. Today was Yana's and tomorrow is Marina's. I am sure that there is a Law in there somewhere. Everytime I don't understand, it is because of the law!!!!!

Tomorrow is Yana's day for the court. Marina is fully aware of this and is very happy for Yana. She is praying for the day as we are. I have been blessed with two very sweet girls. That doesn't mean they can' t be moody. We have seen moody.
Happy St. Nicholas Day to all of you,
Fran

Ice skating to the orphanage

The streets and sidewalks are ice covered. Would someone tell the people who drive? Geewhiz- We decide to walk,(no brainer) and set out to the orphanage. It's not far- maybe 45minutes- but our boots are not nonskid, so we do...

There is a short cut up the hill behind this big beautiful church and we take it. It turns out to skirt the crest of the bluff of Berdyansk. Awesome is the first picture word that comes to mind. It's a rare day today and for awhile the sun comes out and stays the afternoon. The ocean is smooth and placid, the town is in full view, and our girls are just a few steps away from greeting us w/their smiles and presence. My pulled muscle ache seems to fade as I take this all in.

After we round them up we head out in the prearranged taxi for a "busch gardens" drive back to the hotel. I've done wore out the pad on this guy's floor braking for him.(actually braking for me) Let' review- When you need to brake, don't- that's a sign for someone to overtake you. Instead you exercise your options, swerve or hit the gas. Well, we swerve and hit the gas all the way down the hill to town. It's 24* f. outside and I'm dripping wet. I keep turning my head, looking to see who's chasing us w/ ak47. I'm not completely helpless, I have an option too. I put Fran in the front seat and crunch in the back w/girls.

At the hotel we spend 4 hours w/girls, and discover more about them every visit. We prepare dinner in the room, picnic style, and the girls love it. Yana cannot possibly eat that much food w/o repercussions- This tiny kid eats like a horse. She's into the pickle jar like she's never seen one before. I stop her after she tips the jar and drinks down a few gulps of the pickle juice.

After dinner and clean up, it's time for Yana to "engage" papa. She is having SO much fun wrestling w/me that she temporarily loses "body control". (Did I mention she eat's like a horse?) This causes more laughfter than ever before. Yep- she truly is a Rahn...

We go downstairs to the internet and Fran links on , "interpretor.com". This is fantastic, and we get streams of questions - one after another-

It's cut off too short because of time. Their precious little hearts are just POUNDING to belong. Please do not EVER think that older kids grow out of being wanted, or somehow they only are looking for a "sugar daddy".

Tomorrow is our court date for Yana. We rejoice in her! It will be the day Heaven itself intervenes w/the works of man here on earth and blesses our hearts w/a (HIS) child.

God bless.

Rick

Differences in Our Daughters

This is a great contrast in our daughters. Yana is fun and love affection from both of us. And Marina....well you just never know where she will show up and when she does what configuration you will find her in. She loves to twist, bend, flip, stretch, roll, etc. She hates sitting still. Yana can sit still and relax her body, Marina is always making her body do something. The differences in the two girls is like day and night. They are both outstanding in our eyes. Papa loves his girls and the feeling towards Papa is the same. Is this a God thing or what? Papa will never make these girls mow the lawn, he is going to be wrapped around their fingers. There are many more beautiful children where these two came from. Today we went to an outstanding performance at the orphanage that emphasized family and unity. Two teams made up of siblings competing for best acts. It was really fun and well done. In between the family skits, individuals performed. For those who know Vika, she sang and it was beautiful. She was so pretty in her national outfit, high heel shoes, such a lady she is. The performance was anhour and 15 minutes. This little 7 year old sat next to me. Soon she is holding my hand and leaning her head on my arm. She got up to participate in an activity and another little girl rushed over to sit with me. She looks at me and says in English, I want a mama and a papa. Everyday is a crusher.

Our focus is still on getting things lined up for Marina. We have some new hopes, but no new news. Thank you all for praying, your keeping us going.

Fran

A Family Picture

Finally, the pictures have come. I am sorry, the way I would normally download at home wasn't working and I was trying to read Russian instructions to get it. I now know how to get pictures to you. Here is our first family picture. It is a happy and said one. The inspectors just came to the orphanage and Yana has been told offically that she is being pursued for adoption. We have just been told that Yana has never had a home that she was taken from birth to orphanage. How blessed we are that God has directed her to us. The sad part is Marina was just told she is not registered for the 4th time and the system has failed her again. It does get better. I will send more pictures tonight. We have a day planned ahead of us.

Pray for a miracle,

Fran

What a Day!

Saturday, December 14th, it was 2 weeks ago tonight (plus 7 hours later) that we were being entertained by the Russian Shoemaker and the beautiful children from the Kherson orphanage. That night I knew that I was on a journey, but I didn't know what it was going to be like. Today, I discovered the answer to any questions I might have about adding 2 young people to our lives. Today Yana and Marina spent the day with us. We picked them up at 11:00 a.m. We stopped at our hotel and dropped off a few things and went shopping for boots for Yana and gloves for both girls. Marina received new boots yesterday at the orphanage, but Yana didn't have any. It is icy, cold, slippery, snowy and wet out here and no sun at all. Anyone jealous of our weather?
We bought what we were looking for and were going to just shop some more and both girls said no mama and papa, hotel. They just wanted to spend time together. Papa was happy, he could put his wallet away. We had so much fun together. We played games, Yana braided Marina's hair, we laughed and were silly together. It was a dream day. Marina got a pen and paper and wrote mama, papa, Yana Pam Rahn. I looked at her and said no...she wrote Marina. Yana asked her what her mildde name will be, she wrote Christine and looked at me. I asked her if she wanted more, she wrote Rahn. She wrote in big letters in english "Family". WOW that made my day. Marina got quite after awhile. I reassured her that we pray for a miracle and so must she. She has told us many times that she is religious. She is praying for a miracle.

By the way we are no longer by the sea, but in the middle of town at Hotel Berdyansk. The place that we were at turned out to be not a nice place as far as customers go. Drunks, women of the night and lots of noise during the night. We also went to the internet cafe one night and it was pretty hairy walking home on those dark lonely streets. We decided that we would move before Victor left. He was very happy about our decision, he wasn't comfortable leaving us at the other place. Rick told Victor that he was worried the police would come, he said no you don't have to worry about that I am sure they have paid off the police. We out of there.......Henry's you were at that Motel at the right time of year, winter is not the time to be there unless you fill the place up with your own group, like CBN did. That billard room is alot more then a billard room, I know, our room was right next to it!!!!

After the girls left, Rick and I were so overwhelmed we couldn't do anything, but pray. How God has given us a sense of family. It feels so family when we are together. What a great feeling. Oh, speaking of family, We are the proud great aunt and uncle to Ethan, my niece and nephews baby in Florida. He is a beautiful baby. It will be wonderful to go to Florida and visit Ethan, his brother Dakota, mom and dad, and grandma. The side benefit to the visit, the sun.
God Bless you all and remember-----
Pray for a Miracle!
Fran

Today is friday, our 11th day and we're on our own till next thursday. Victor our interpretor left yesterday and will come back for our court date. This seaport city is cold , wet(rainy), and33* f. The winds were hard enough that it prevented us from going forward @ one point. Many plaques and statutes here. One says that @ this spot in 1879 the wind quit blowing and 487 people fell over. (just kidding)
Got a ride in the taxi today. Got her to pick us up @ 3pm in front of our hotel and drop us off @ the orphanage with the promise to pick us up @ 5pm and return us back to our hotel. " How do you do this thing , Oh international one?" Simply put, I discovered her son knows english- so I got his phone # and I call him our itenerary and tell him to call his mama and relay the message. Ride to and from orphanage is $4.00 U.S.
Marina was snoozin' when we got there. Yana was out "shopping". Everthing is locked up, so we go to Marina's dorm. There we meet Natasha, her roomate. We invite her to stay, please don't feel you have to leave because of us. She stays and plays "jenko". She seems so sweet. Yana arrives and is all of her smiley self- How can a grin get bigger?
We're just killin' time, being together. Ultimately "jenko" degenerates to pound on papa time where there are no rules. We stop short of "waterboarding"- @ least for the day...
I can't keep my attention off of Natasha. She seems too quiet. We change gears and break out the Christmas cards. We have the girls write to their friends and sign their names to the others. Natasha knows one of the williamsburg kids, so I give her a card and encourage her to write. Her handwriting is impeccable. But she has nothing to say. Marina hands me a watch that needs a battery. Says her older brother gave it to her some time ago. I ask Natasha if she has a brother. "No". Marina tells me she has no brothers, no sisters, papa, mama, nobody. I ask her of her age. "I'm 15".
Three days ago a cople we'd met here to adopt a 3yr. old left empty handed. All the work, effort, committment, $$$- all of it -gone.
This is very real stuff we're working against here. It's not a given, nor any quarantee any or all will take place. I may make light of our time together, but know WE'RE FULLY AWARE we're up against a "goliath" of obstacles.
Just want you all to know their are times we have our lows. But being "low" is not being "lost".
This is not our fight. It's His. We're only doing what He's asks us to do.
Christ himself say's that what GOD requires of us in the form of work is simply to believe in the one who sent Jesus to us ( John6:29).
We're asking for our girls sakes all who are reading this blog, "go to work" and pray on our behalf. Pray to the GOD who healed my eye 24 years ago. (It's still 20/15) He's the one who put these kids on our hearts. He's the one who moved all those who gave of themselves financially for us to do this.
This is His battle.
Thank you all for following along and being our support. You are witnesses to all that's about to happen in the next 6 days.
Spiritually speaking, you in front row seats of His theater. The stage is set. Sit back, and get ready- the curtain is moving...
Papa Rick

Time for Pictures--I Hope

Hi Everyone,
We have our papers in for Yana as of today. We rejoice in that. We go to court next Thursday, for Yana. We had a great break through about Marina last night. We know most of the story, and now we know that it will take a miracle. Marina was registered with the NAC, pray that they find those papers. Ukrainian people fear the law, the law is not serving them, they serve the law. Our American blood is going crazy with this philosophy. With every word we get about Marina, we are told, you can't say anything cause it is against the law. What does all this mean,
Rick's hair is getting whiter. Papa wants to bring his little girls home. He doesn't want to hear, "the law says" or "it is against our laws". Then they say...."We have laws to protect our Children".

Today we spent time with Yana and learning English. She is getting more bold in saying the words. She isn't as shy about mistakes. When she got tired of studing, she beat on Rick. She loves to beat on Rick. It has become her favorite pastime.

I Hurt all Over

So one week in Ukraine and my whole body hurts. I have played soccer in the mud, arm wrestled, tried to do a back bend, been dropped on my head, and hugged and kissed more then I ever have. This is motherhood? I did discover what to do when you are at an orphanage and the girls want to play soccer. You invite any child that comes to watch to join the game. That's less work and less pain for my part. It works.

We would like to thank everyone for all the encouragement. We still feel hope during a hopeless time. We love both Marina and Yana and look forward to being home with them. Your prayers are powerful, and they are so appreciated. I keep reminding myself everyday that Rick views the world through a blind eye that was miraculously healed, it is a breeze for Him to work out the details of our adoption. Pray for a Miracle!
Fran


As we're leaving the orphanage, Marina is cartwheeling and backflipping when she's not holding my hand down the hall. Her way of escorting us out today. She is such a precious kid.
I just got off the phone w/our main advocate, Yuri. He's calling from the SDA office and I believe he might be on speaker phone w/Julia, his in-source of information. She gets on the phone and diatribes how good SDA has been in our case and we haven't been ignored and we're wrong to assume anything less. Before I can respond I let go of marina and Yuri gets on the phone and proceeds to tell me I can file a complaint if I wish if that would make things better.
INTERPRETATION:
Yuri is siding up to his ONLY source @ the SDA and we're just a temporary problem that needs to go away. Julia needs to switch departments here to a area better suited to her compassion for the clients she represents, like cattle or maybe chickens.
Last words Yuri had w/me is to suggest I meet w/the president of Ukraine. I thanked him for his effort and hung up. I look @ Marina as she cartwheels down the hall, escorting us out for the day. I can meet someone higher up than your president, and we have an appoitment w/him tonight, on our knees.
Rick

Great Day Filled with Hugs & Kisses

-Just a "snippet" before the bride shows up, validating who's on the, "Most Highly Favored" status today-
Fran is suspended mid-air in Yanna's room today and lets all in the immediate dorm area know she just recieved papa's clearence to get off my back from horsen' around and land, head first. The girls are frightened and rush to her aid- it was quite a bang (cheap floors} When they realize all parts are still working and a friend of theirs is mad I did that they both rush to me to protect my, "dignity". They won't let me go, even when I insist (sort of).
Fran gets the bruisin'- I get the hugs- I think I'm gonna like papa status...
Rick


If you can't understand the above post, I will interpet, We have been in the Ukraine for one week and can't talk to anyone with out a translation, Rick is getting used to it. Here is the translation:
Rick threw me off his back and I landed on my head. The girls were so scared that I got hurt, but I got up laughing and they ran to Rick and hugged him, one on each side. What is wrong with this picture?
The girls really love Rick. He makes them laugh (that doesn't surprize anyone does it) and he gives them alot of hugs and kisses. He will make a good papa. We had alot of fun in Yana room today. There was Marina, Yana, and Vika. We had to communicate without an interpreter. Vika is doing well with English and Marina understands a lot of English. We made necklaces with beads today. Many laughs. Marina is a clown. If Marina is around there is no silence. A language difference doesn't matter. She just keeps on talking and laughing. Yana and Marina are so different, they are day and night. By the way, Marina is was born in 1993 not 1994 like Galina had told us. She is only a few months younger then Yana. They both look like they are 12. They are so tiny.
About Marina, Galina was not an advocate for Marina infront of the inspectors. The doors were closed there. The inspectors didn't really care and the doors keep closing. Miracles happen when all human ability is exhausted. Please keep praying. The little girls is sooooooo precious.
Charlsey and Neil please send us an e-mail, we need to write to you.

On a happier note, tonight while walking on a dark street going to dinner the police walked up to us and made us pull out our passports. After we showed them we asked Victor what was that about, he responded, "if you didn't have your passports they would have made you pay money or take you to the center". YEAKS!!!!

We love you all keep praying for us,
Fran

The Inspectors are coming

Today is our day w/the district inspectors. He/them (we don't know) will "officially" introduce us to Yanna and if all paperwk is in order allow us to visit her in orphanage. This is where we get our info background on Yanna (and hopefully) including Marina (unoffically of course) . The director is wonderful to us and we've seen the girls every day. I stand amazed! These two are precious- to see Yanna for the first time flush, out of breath, and shaking w/anticipation nearly did me in. She's such a tiny kid from what I expected for a 15 year old . Beautiful dark eyes w/a healthy glow about her- Wow! I was still doing good until after she greeted Fran then came to me w/a hug, a kiss, then sat near me and held my hand . Now I'm well aware it's winter here and these buildings are far from our U.S. standards of temperature expectations, but if you were a fly on the wall you would have seen one guy melting in that cold room!
Marina is also my surprise! What a joyful kid. She radiates life itself, so full of energy (can't wait to tapp into that energy w/ a lawnmower). And beautiful! As we're sitting in the director's room going over important preliminary information, my attention spans kicks into a familiar mode and starts to "drift". My first thought is - "these two are gonna REALLY cost me- I'm gonna have to build a perimeter fence around our place w/ a steel gate to monitor "boy" traffic. Wonder what the up charge is to electricfy it? Hmmm..
The more we visit the more we're won over. These two want to be included. They so desire a mamma and pappa. And they LOVE to be held! I have prayed for this very thing concerning these two, plus that God would put into them the same desire we have towards them. From the looks of things here, the Lord got that one months earlier....
I have 2 requests.
1. Would someone call the chapel and have us put on the prayer request e-mail? Marina's paperwork is a mess and we're not getting breakthrough yet. there has been 3 attempts to register her into the orphan data base and as yet none are being honored. After her registration is recieved there is a 1 year wait before she is eligible for us (international family). She's technically been registered since 1999, but the SDA (social adoption agency) doesn't have it (can't find it). We need prayers....
2. Would someone go to my house, unlock the workshop and pet my table saw? It's never gone this long w/o attention, and probably by now feels orphaned. Might want to set a hot coffee on it, spill a little on it's top, curse, then reach down and grab a handful of sawdust (it's everywhere) and rub it out. It needs to feel belonged. If your adventurous you could turn it on. Careful of the blade- it's a lot like Star Trek- if the nut wasn't tightened before I left that blade will go where no blades have gone before...

We love you all!
Rick

The Inspectors are coming

We meet our Girls

We have the best two daughters to be that a person can ask for. When we walked in the orpanage today we heard a voice calling out and there comes Marina running down the hall. What a greeting. Hugs and kisses for both of us. Yana was brought into the directors office with a smile from one ear to the other. She was so nervous she was out of breath. More hugs and kisses. Yana is overwhelmed that we want to adopt her. She is so excited that she is coming to America and coming home. We visited with Gelina, the director for about an hour then off the 3 of us went (no Marina) into a room. Then they sent for Marina. She came in crying. She had been told that she is not registered. We spent time talking to her, but nothing was going to change the situation. We told her we loved her and she is our daughter. We will get her. Then the good old game "UNO" saved the day. We laughed, Rick cheated, Marina followed Rick's footsteps (definately his daughter) and we all laughed. Victor our facilitator is great. He has a great sense of humor, really loves the children, and gave peace to everyone. We spent a great afternoon together. When we left we got more hugs, more kisses. We will see them tomorrow, Saturday.

About Marina. She has a file at the SDA, they would not review it with us. She was registed in 1999 and has a file number and a letter verifying the records were sent to the SDA, the SDA claims they don't have it. The SDA says they have checked and rechecked but says they can't find her file. The file that has been misplaced is preventing us from taking her home. We are praying that a higher authority will intervene and hear our plea. We are looking for her 1999 status to be reinstated, to allow us to take her home. Pray for a miracle.
Thank you all for your prayers, we feel your presence in our calmness.

Ice cold and freezing,
Rick and Fran

Thanks all!

Thank you all for helping us. Fran is commenting online because they charge here @ the internet cafe by the hour- she's fast by the hour- I'm in the, "he'll finish posting hopefully before CHRIST'S return" category.... (why aren't these keypads thumb size?)
I'll do better as time goes on- as for now I'm headed back to the lobby!

Blessings
Rick

No Thrill at the SDA

Another day in the grey skies of Kyiv, we did see the sun for about 30 seconds, that was the highlight of the day so far. The visit to the SDA office happened today. That was not a good experience. They claimed that they never knew that we were interested in specific children, yet they had Yana's file ready for us. The claim they never knew about Marina. It was very ovious that the truth was not coming out. We don't know the facts about Marina, but they want us to forget it and move on. We are not going to. We want to know about where her papers are. It seems that there is some problems between two inspectors. Yuri has been great, he is a great advocate for us and Marina. I think Victor will be too. We will leave for Berdyansk Thursday night, we couldn't get the papers today. Both Rick and I are at peace, we know the prayers are out there because after all that didn't happen for us at the SDA office, we came out encouraged. Maybe that is jet lag, but I don't think so. Thank you all for your comments, it really does help. The comment from Jane was a great confirmation that everything is okay, even when they are not okay.
Love you all,
Fran

We have Arrived!!

The day is here, we can hardly believe it, we are Kyiv and we are here to adopt 2 daughters. The trip was long, but uneventful. I did get a wonderful reminder from God, that He is with us and will protect us. We were in Regan National waiting for our plane. We checked in with alittle bit of a hassle, American Airlines doesn't accept one way international flights unless you have a medical passport. So why did they book us, (for those that have been to Ukraine, does this sound like we are in Ukraine rather then America?). We had to classify as a domestic flight to JFK and when we get there reclaim our luggage. That did not bother us, then we know that our luggage will arrive in Kyiv, since it is a non stop flight. When we get to JFK we hope for the best. I told Rick Aerosvit isn't going to care and of course they did not. We had every kind of religious person that can be imaged. In the a.m. people walking around the plane praying to the different directions of the plane, wearing all kinds of interesting garp. I said to Rick, I hope they don't do anything else for their gods. At the end of the flight we found out I was sitting next to security. Back to my God story. While in JFK, we bought hot drinks. I told Rick to go have a seat. He told me where he would be sitting. I went to where he was suppose to be and stood there looking at every person, no Rick. I went to the other side of the wall and I heard Rick call to me, "Franny, over here". I turned around expecting to see him standing there and he was no where in sight. I went back to where I first was and in plain sight, there is Rick looking out the window. He had no idea that I was looking for him. So who called my name? The same God that promised to be with us throughout this journey. What a great reminder that was.

The rough road will start for us tomorrow. We have been told Marina can not be registered. Please pray for the miracle that we are seeking and God's will. Pray for Marina.
Fran

Farewell

Good Bye all my family and friends and friends I have never had a chance to meet. We wish you all a safe Christmas Season, don't do too much shopping. Our morning is full of STRESS, but now our friend Dale is here to drive us so off we go to a day of rest, I hope.
We love you all,
Rick and Fran

Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for, especially this year. We are preparing our path to take our journey to the Ukraine to adopt our daughters. It is a busy time, but our time for rest is coming. The girls room is almost done. We have been expanding the size of the room, added a closet and now we are doing the finishing touches. I am thankful that I have a husband that can do all that and more. He is a very talented carpenter. There is alot to get ready in the last 9 days before travel, it is becoming a reality. The clothes we bring is the easiest of all.

To take our mind off of our own journey, we have be helping prepare the way for the Old Russian Shoemaker team and 17 orphan children from Kherson, Ukraine, to come to Williamsburg. On Tuesday, November 20th they all arrived, 19 children and 11 adults. Since the arrival was late we all stayed at our church for the night. The following morning we had breakfast and fellowship time with these precious people. The children are beautiful, each and every one of them. Some of them knew alittle English and others were trying hard to speak our language. I extend an invitation for anyone to come to Williamsburg to see the performance of the "Old Russian Shoemaker" and the children will do a performance after that. The children sing, play bells and do a puppet show. All are done very well. For more information look at the website for Hearts for Orphans: www.heartsfororphans.com . There are performances in Williamsburg on November 30th at Crosswalks Church at 7:00p.m. and on December 1st at Williamsburg Community Chapel at 7:00. No tickets needed, it is free. A love offering is taken.

Rick just walked by to give me the signal, it is time to go to work. Wallpapering has to get done before we eat turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving and Blessings to all,
Fran

Getting Ready

We are putting things in order to leave for Kiev to adopt our two beautiful daughters, Yana and Marina. We have booked our flight, our one way flight, to Kiev, Ukraine. Since this process of adoption has alot of question marks, coming home and when, is one big question. When we started this whole process of adoption we figured that we would be celebrating Rick's birthday, Octiober, in the Ukraine. Wrong, it turns out that we will probably celebrate mine, January, there. I mention this because most of the blogs I read someone is celebrating a birthday along the path of their adoption journey. It looks like Christmas and New Years will be a part of our journey. That will be fun (I hope). We are booked to leave on December 2nd, a Sunday, at 1:00 p.m. from Washington Dulles. Today we received our final list of things to bring . #1 Money and #2 more money because stays are longer and gas is more expensive. Those are things you pray about and move to the next items on the list.

We are getting very excited. People keep telling us our lives are going to change, we are looking forward to the whole adventure. We have a lot of work to do before we leave. Our lives are very busy right now. Pray for strength for us and endurance. We need both. Rick keeps reminding me that rest is coming.

We are only51 days away from leaving, but who is counting?
Fran

Marina, Marina, Marina!!

All I think about day and night is the 2 beautiful girls I am bring home from the Ukraine. Yes, I said two. I am believing that Marina is coming home too. We are praying and have lots of friends praying for the SDA to let us take her home. I believe and God has healed me of the disbelief. We are fixing up the bedroom to have 2 queens instead of one. This is going to be a great Christmas.

Now starts the packing. Anyone have any suggestions of what to bring to make your stay in the Ukraine alittle better? I do look forward to seeing our friends out there and meeting new friends.

Please keep on praying. I am asking for a miracle and believing for it based on all the miracles in our life. List all your miracles and see how great God is and then pray for Marina.
Thanks,
Fran

Someone should be Fired

We have been going back and forth with Yulia at Sense in Kiev, she is a doll and has been working hard to get me answers. It all boils down to someone didn't do their job. The Berdyansk Inspector had made a file for Marina's name in 1999, when she was 5 years old. It was sent to the former NAC (National Adoption Center) to be put into the database. It never made it, it was lost. Berdyansk Inspector made up a new package in March of 2007 and sent it to her town of birth and in April sent her medical records, it was ignored and is still sitting on the person's desk. We need to get her in the database registered and wait one year for her.

I still believe in miracles and God's timing. We are receiving one miracle and her name is Yana. I will make contact with Yana and Marina. Yana gets news we want to adopt her and Marina gets the news that we will be back to get her.

Pray for a miracle to happen for Marina's sake and for mine. I try to picture leaving the orphanage without her.

All things are in God's hands,
Fran

Some Days are Up Others are Down

We got our appointment this week, December 5th, that is the good news. We were flying around all day on Friday with excitement. That gives us plenty of time to prepare for our 2 teenage girls. I met the girls when I was in the Ukraine in February of this year. It started out that we were going to adopt Marina. Another couple was adopting Yana. The small still voice that many of us recognize told us to also pursue Yana. The other couple pulled out. To call the girls daughters is an honor beyond my wildest dream. We are so looking forward to them coming home. Praying for the girls over the last 7 months has given us a love for them that only comes from heaven above. When we came home on September 20th and saw our date, we were lifted up right off our feet. You might say we danced through the evening and into the next day. I forgot all caution, we're dealing with the Ukraine.

Friday afternoon we came home to good news and bad news. Our joy is only half complete. Yana is available, Marina is not registered. How can this be, Marina told us she was registered!
Looking for a miracle. We want to bring our girls home. For all those believing in miracles, please pray with us for the miracle. When we come home in January, we are believing that Marina and Yana will be with us.

The Spiritual Labor Begins

My first post, testing things out. I am ready to go, but they are not ready to invite us yet. God's timing is perfect, so we will be patient.