Feb. 28th, 2007
(an e-mail to friends and family)
Hello, From the other side of the world!!
It amazes us every day that this is truly happening, and more amazing still that we can communicate pretty much whenever we want across the globe!
I will tell you of our recent craziness in schedule.....
Monday found us leaving at 9:00 for a 10:15 appt. for the boy's medical exam. This is required by the U.S. Embassy for their Visa/citizenship/etc. to be completed. The boys also were required to have vaccinations, even if they had shown to be completed at some point in their history. I believe Isaac has has so many he could become a mutant form of MMR/ and Polio in some Sci/FI movie.........when in doubt, vaccinate!!
Even though we had talked with them, Dima, our driver said the boys were really nervous, and kept asking what all this appt.stuff involved. Like a true friend, he gave them a really hard time and told them all the embarrassing things they would need to endure. Joe said the Dr.was kind, and although a Russian working for the Embassy, spoke very good English. He stated after examining their files, that the only problem he felt we should look into was both had "flat feet' and needed arches. I believe they are my sons!! He also said another problem we may have with Matthew would be to find a way to keep the s away!! No kidding!
We then traveled downtown to the famous Amory museum, home of the royal treasures including the fabulous Faberge' eggs! These priceless and uniquely crafted masterpieces were exchanged at Easter by Russia's last royal couple (Czar Nicholas the 2nd and his wife) over the last thirty years of their reign -before the Revolution in 1917. Dima could not come in with us due to schedule, so we rented 1 English electronic guide to share and 1 Russian. This was the best 4 dollars ever spent!!
The boys were quickly bored with all the overwhelming "stuff"- honestly, to imagine that all these things are really gold and precious stones..it seems fake! When you are male, you can only look at so many gold-encrusted lavatory kits and rare china patterns!!
However, Joe sat them down with our electronic translator and had a good old-fashioned "attitude adjustment"--good job, Joe! Things got alot better, but it also helped the next few halls contained the Royal armour, battle weapons, etc.
The coolest part for me was the carriages- so well preserved and fabulous, after hundreds of years!! I want you all to know that I (accidentally, of course) set off the alarm in the carriage hall!! Yikes!! I got too close to the motion-sensor!! This thoroughly impressed our sons, as well as the school group that was following us. Of course, several boys, including our own, followed suit. I think the Armory was glad when we went to the throne exhibit...
I don't know if I mentioned it, but Dima's van is literally duct taped together!! The entire back window is duct-taped- a job that would do Red Green proud!! Sort of adds another dimension to downtown driving when the person behind you is honking, and it sounds like it's in your seat!!
Tuesday- Sasha, Marina's brother , picked up our documents at 8:30 for the Embassy to review prior to our 2:15 interview. He is our go-between, a linguist with perfect English, now working on publishing a book. We headed out a 11:00 with our new driver, Victor, a bear of a man in early 50's, who was a champion in CC-ski/archery (what's the name of that sport?)Too bad his English is not of champion caliber, nor our Russian!! We managed through, however painfully! We went to the breathtaking Christ the Savior cathedral, built in the 1800's, torn down by Stalin in the 1930's and unbelievably rebuilt in 1994.
We then drove around the block to Red Square, where just this year they have set up an ice skating rink!! This was the last day, today, and it was very reasonable. What unbelievable footage of the boys skating with St. Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's tomb in the background!!
They are amazing skater's, too- a good reward for putting up with all the museum stuff! An hour and a half later, they were pooped!! No, Mama and Papa did not skate, we had coffee at rink side with Victor.
Our Embassy appt. was pretty neat! There is incredible security to get in, AND only US citizens are allowed in the building. It was quite poignant to see so many couples adopting children, mostly younger, in this "adoption citizenship" waiting room. We had an opportunity to meet several of them and hear their stories. We connected with another Christian couple from PA, who were adopting a 14 month boy. The mom was originally from Uzbekistan, and her Russian was perfect!! Our boys were so puzzled, how could she be an American and speak so well?? She/and he talked with them and us for a long time, and we exchanged e-mail addresses. What a kinship in the Lord Jesus!!
The interview actually involved very little. We had to affirm that all we said was true, and then Joe answered a list of questions. Of course there was a bit of $$ involved!!
A 1 1/2 hour wait for 10 min. interview!!
How amazing to see, though, that on our translated documents, the birth certificates list us as the birth parents.....I delivered these two boys on a different continent!!
Fully our sons, no matter what the beginning!
Wow!! such a picture of how God has adopted us into His kingdom!
On a very sweet note, a big thank you to all who have been praying for us to bond with the boys!
It is going very well, despite the language barrier. Yesterday afternoon, I had drifted off to sleep while reading following the Embassy appt. at the flat. I awoke to a soft kiss on my cheek. I opened my eyes......... it was Matthew. "I love you, mama, spachoinya notche (good night)" How precious!
today, Wednesday, we left mid-morning to go to the very artsy and touristy mix of shops on Arbat street. A very famous and old street, the architechture is neat! We found some interesting souveniers and ate at the Arbat McDonalds......pretty much the same world wide,I guess.(although half our order was "lost in traslation")
Followong a battery, (I thought Victor might have a heart attack) we went to the Dom Knigi, (House of Books)---seroiusly it is like a Barnes and Noble on Steroids! We let the boys pick out some books in Russian, and after an hour or so of "deciding without a traslator" we think we have not purcahsed anything related to the ocult, etc. (Athough on Arbat St. we found out later Isaac's wristband that he wanted advertises the rapper 'Eminem', yuck I am not fond of that dude!!!) Oh, the many, many things we will learn!!
Joe summed it up right today when he said "my brain hurts from trying to think/speak/understand in 2 languages". We have a differnet form of empathy for our boys.
Please continue to pray for their adjustment and language acquisition. They already are picking up so much!!
To end on a funny note, the travel size "Trouble" game has become the new game in town within the last 24 hrs. Tonight, Matthew, right in our faces says: "Mama, Papa ...One(and motioning)....One.(meaning just one game)...... One 'Problem'!"
oh, no, Matthew... I beieve we have more than just one problem right now!! Hahaha!!
WE love you!!
..............will write more zaftra (tomorrow)
Love, Nancy
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
We're In Moscow!
February 23, 2007
Hi everyone!!
We have arrived in Moscow this morning 7 a.m., and it was below zero and snowing.....soooo cold!!, This was a newer train, and much quieter ride, cleaner. Our driver Dima has a large VW'ish van, which seemed much safer in Moscow traffic, maybe it was too early to have much crazy traffic!!
We were surprised last night before boarding the train that Isaac's grandmother, (his father's mother) was there to meet us at the train. Marina knew this as well as Isaac, and she hadn't told us, thinking we might be angry, but as she said,"you are nice, so I thought you would say OK" . The grandmother wanted "to see him one last time before she died". How could we say no??
It was incredibly sad, sad, sad. She cried and held him tight and asked him to write her and for us to send pictures. She pleaded for us to take care of him well, and to love him as a son and to help him remember her and his parents. She seemed very nice, the quintessential babushka, a heavy lady, with scarf and big coat and gold teeth. I think she loved him enough to sign off for him, even though she didn't have legal rights, as on Monday the orphanage had her write a letter giving her blessing so no legal fight could occur later.
She talked to him a long time, and Joe asked if he could record her on film telling Isaac her thoughts and wishes for him, so she did. Marina said she also told him to respect his new parents and follow(obey) everything that Papa said, to work hard at school, and to grow up to be a fine, respectable young man. It was a touching memory. Isaac was so worried we would be angry at her, so afraid to hurt either his grandma or new parents, bless his heart!! He kept checking with us to see if we still approved him. Matthew, on the other hand, was incredibly hurt/jealous--no one for him to see him off on the train. Oh, my heart broke, for this sweet boy!! Then we took pictures, and promised to mail some to her. Can you imagine her feelings and then to watch the train pull out...........again, something right out of "Dr. Zhivago" only with a grandmother!! Not a dry eye.
Once on the train, the boys played cards, and we talked a long time with Valentina, the inspector, and Marina Hahn, the Lighthouse coordinator on the Russian side. These are 2 really wonderful ladies, fully dedicated with their whole loves to helping children. You cannot imagine how hard Marina has been working with all the paperwork with our case alone.
We are at Marina's lovely flat now in Moscow, very large and wonderful as far as Russia is concerned. A lovely breakfast of blini, cooked by her mother, (with sweet yougert and another kind with beef, onion and garlic, kind of odd for breakfast!) and juice coffee and and tangerines. Our first fresh fruit. Can you say constipated?? Too Much INFORMATION!!
Today (Friday) is a holiday in Russia, sort of Father's Day, and so we cannot do any Embassy or Visa paperwork today, also for the weekend. We will see if Delta office is open today, and if we can change tickets. The Mathes family flew home yesterday! Congratulations!!
Hi everyone!!
We have arrived in Moscow this morning 7 a.m., and it was below zero and snowing.....soooo cold!!, This was a newer train, and much quieter ride, cleaner. Our driver Dima has a large VW'ish van, which seemed much safer in Moscow traffic, maybe it was too early to have much crazy traffic!!
We were surprised last night before boarding the train that Isaac's grandmother, (his father's mother) was there to meet us at the train. Marina knew this as well as Isaac, and she hadn't told us, thinking we might be angry, but as she said,"you are nice, so I thought you would say OK" . The grandmother wanted "to see him one last time before she died". How could we say no??
It was incredibly sad, sad, sad. She cried and held him tight and asked him to write her and for us to send pictures. She pleaded for us to take care of him well, and to love him as a son and to help him remember her and his parents. She seemed very nice, the quintessential babushka, a heavy lady, with scarf and big coat and gold teeth. I think she loved him enough to sign off for him, even though she didn't have legal rights, as on Monday the orphanage had her write a letter giving her blessing so no legal fight could occur later.
She talked to him a long time, and Joe asked if he could record her on film telling Isaac her thoughts and wishes for him, so she did. Marina said she also told him to respect his new parents and follow(obey) everything that Papa said, to work hard at school, and to grow up to be a fine, respectable young man. It was a touching memory. Isaac was so worried we would be angry at her, so afraid to hurt either his grandma or new parents, bless his heart!! He kept checking with us to see if we still approved him. Matthew, on the other hand, was incredibly hurt/jealous--no one for him to see him off on the train. Oh, my heart broke, for this sweet boy!! Then we took pictures, and promised to mail some to her. Can you imagine her feelings and then to watch the train pull out...........again, something right out of "Dr. Zhivago" only with a grandmother!! Not a dry eye.
Once on the train, the boys played cards, and we talked a long time with Valentina, the inspector, and Marina Hahn, the Lighthouse coordinator on the Russian side. These are 2 really wonderful ladies, fully dedicated with their whole loves to helping children. You cannot imagine how hard Marina has been working with all the paperwork with our case alone.
We are at Marina's lovely flat now in Moscow, very large and wonderful as far as Russia is concerned. A lovely breakfast of blini, cooked by her mother, (with sweet yougert and another kind with beef, onion and garlic, kind of odd for breakfast!) and juice coffee and and tangerines. Our first fresh fruit. Can you say constipated?? Too Much INFORMATION!!
Today (Friday) is a holiday in Russia, sort of Father's Day, and so we cannot do any Embassy or Visa paperwork today, also for the weekend. We will see if Delta office is open today, and if we can change tickets. The Mathes family flew home yesterday! Congratulations!!
Fantastic News from Russia!
February 21, 2007
Hi all,
Fantastic news from Russia. We are officially the parents legally of Matthew Joseph Valerian Schweigert and Isaac Joseph Denis Schweigert at 3:28 Moscow time!! We also heard the wonderful news that the 10 extra day wait is waived!! We were really blown away, especially after some of the procedings!! (details to follow) But we felt the power and presence of the Holy spirit in that room, and also the prayers of all of you!! Thank you, thank you, a million thanks!!! We love you!!
Today we arrived at court at 9:00am prompt, driven by Sergei, our jolly bear of a driver, we were accompanied by Irene our translator and Valentina, the cheery Inspector (social worker) of Cheboksary Children's Home. Our room for the proceedings was huge, one usually used for big criminal cases, Valentina says. It had huge celings, but furnished austurely, and no lights, although was totally windows. It was all of 55 degrees in the room!! Freezing!! Our judge was young maybe 40-45, but very direct. We began by hearing the rights of the petitioners and then all the others, (both directors from the Cheboksary orphangage and Kanash orphanage, the two homes' social workers, and the prosecutor) had to sign a paper that stated they could never discuss the court procedures or Joe and Nancy could sue. (Yes we'll be looking into that! haha)
Next, we were told of our rights, and reminded it was our job and ours alone to convince the court to grant our petition. Joe began by stating our case, who we were, what brought us to Russia, why we wanted to adopt, why from Russia, about our income, children, home and parenting philosophy. He covered our meeting of the boys and then what we knew about them medically and social history (why they were in orphanage).
Then onto what we were asking of the court, to make them our legal sons, name change and then why we would not want the 10 extra days. Joe did an unbelieveable job, very thorough!! Then it was my turn, I could state I agreed with him and then address each area again from my point of view. The judge and prosecutor could interject questions at any point, and did,
We had brought pictures, and he looked at them throughout the time and then pulled me up to the desk and asked more specific questions. He was most fascinated that Joe's dad was 94, and at the picture of Dan's dairy barn, "What is this BUIDLING??" After I completed, he kind of grilled me over what we would do in discipline situations, and it seemed it went on forever, on and on, checking could I really handle Russian boys?? There was a time when he made a comment and everyone laughed, and the traslator did not translate...can you say uncomfortable??
Then all the parties spoke their side of the story, from what has happened to these children that they are orphans, and how long they have been in their respective spots. It was very sad information!! At this point the boys were not present; they would come right before lunch.
This all went on for awhile, we broke for 15 min. "because the room was cold" and then back again. This time the boys were brought in and made to stand behind a podium and answer questions. They were so adorable!! (Those suits fit both perfectly, thanks Geyers!!) They then had to tell how we met and what they thought of us and our family. They were asked to state what their new name was be, and if they agreed to this. Then they signed a paper that contained all this info in front of the judge. They were dismissed, and the prosecutor had a few questions for us, one being if we would show any favorites in the family. Also what Taylor thought of the boys and if there was really a bond between them.
We broke for lunch at 12:15-13:30, ate a delicious lunch in the hotel nearby, with Marina, Irene and all of the directors. Vickie Pappas was also there, yesterday she did not get the 10 days off with the same judge, and at this point we were feeling very much that he would do the same. Very hard questioning. After lunch, the boys went back to Peter and Luda's and were met with all parties in the judge's office, much warmer!! But again very hard questions. They went over every single paper in our dossier, and somehow, focused on the part of the homestudy stating that Joe has a gun collection," why so many guns, they do not all shoot, are they locked up??" Then he went "like a hound" as Irene the translator would say, when he asked if Taylor shoots, and Joe answered truthfully. "How is this leagl in the United States, why are you exposing him to ?, etc, etc, etc." The home study had docused positively on his gun ownership, safety and firearm permit, so he couldn't touch that, but he went after Taylor and did we have proof it was legal?? By some act of the Lord, Joe had removed most everything from his wallet, but for some reason kept his license, and a few cards. Wouldn't you know, they were the 2 needed ones, Taylor's firearm license and a certificate for completing a safety course by the State of IL. Phew!! That argument took about 1/2 hour, Joe did so well.
They again went through everyone's recommendation re:the adoption, and all parties spoke so positively in our behalf. The directors both stated the boys came back form USA a different boy, one with hope!! God is so huge!! Even the prosecutor stated the Schweigert home seems to be " a bright spot for a life to achieve and thrive". We then had to state our petition again, and Nancy was asked to stand again, and went over a few more quesitons, intimidating. We broke for his decision at 2:50.
We were told by Irene, if he comes back and speaks briefly, usually the 10 days is imposed, This is exactly what happened, and she translated briefly, the judge left the room, and everyone started being excited, and saying congratulations. We still didn't get it!! Irene had failed to translate the final sentence, she was so stunned, too!! We all started crying, even Irene, very moved. "What just happened?", she said "I have never seen it so!" We knew what had just happened, the Lord moved. Just like in the Psalms: "God directs the heart of the king like a watercourse.." When God moves, it is moved!! Hallelujah!! We know that this is all God's doing, all praise goes to HIM!!
Thank you for tolerating the length of this, I write for my own rememberance. This means our schedule will be altered; we go to Moscow tomorrow night on the train. More detailws to folow!!
Love you,
The Schweigerts
Hi all,
Fantastic news from Russia. We are officially the parents legally of Matthew Joseph Valerian Schweigert and Isaac Joseph Denis Schweigert at 3:28 Moscow time!! We also heard the wonderful news that the 10 extra day wait is waived!! We were really blown away, especially after some of the procedings!! (details to follow) But we felt the power and presence of the Holy spirit in that room, and also the prayers of all of you!! Thank you, thank you, a million thanks!!! We love you!!
Today we arrived at court at 9:00am prompt, driven by Sergei, our jolly bear of a driver, we were accompanied by Irene our translator and Valentina, the cheery Inspector (social worker) of Cheboksary Children's Home. Our room for the proceedings was huge, one usually used for big criminal cases, Valentina says. It had huge celings, but furnished austurely, and no lights, although was totally windows. It was all of 55 degrees in the room!! Freezing!! Our judge was young maybe 40-45, but very direct. We began by hearing the rights of the petitioners and then all the others, (both directors from the Cheboksary orphangage and Kanash orphanage, the two homes' social workers, and the prosecutor) had to sign a paper that stated they could never discuss the court procedures or Joe and Nancy could sue. (Yes we'll be looking into that! haha)
Next, we were told of our rights, and reminded it was our job and ours alone to convince the court to grant our petition. Joe began by stating our case, who we were, what brought us to Russia, why we wanted to adopt, why from Russia, about our income, children, home and parenting philosophy. He covered our meeting of the boys and then what we knew about them medically and social history (why they were in orphanage).
Then onto what we were asking of the court, to make them our legal sons, name change and then why we would not want the 10 extra days. Joe did an unbelieveable job, very thorough!! Then it was my turn, I could state I agreed with him and then address each area again from my point of view. The judge and prosecutor could interject questions at any point, and did,
We had brought pictures, and he looked at them throughout the time and then pulled me up to the desk and asked more specific questions. He was most fascinated that Joe's dad was 94, and at the picture of Dan's dairy barn, "What is this BUIDLING??" After I completed, he kind of grilled me over what we would do in discipline situations, and it seemed it went on forever, on and on, checking could I really handle Russian boys?? There was a time when he made a comment and everyone laughed, and the traslator did not translate...can you say uncomfortable??
Then all the parties spoke their side of the story, from what has happened to these children that they are orphans, and how long they have been in their respective spots. It was very sad information!! At this point the boys were not present; they would come right before lunch.
This all went on for awhile, we broke for 15 min. "because the room was cold" and then back again. This time the boys were brought in and made to stand behind a podium and answer questions. They were so adorable!! (Those suits fit both perfectly, thanks Geyers!!) They then had to tell how we met and what they thought of us and our family. They were asked to state what their new name was be, and if they agreed to this. Then they signed a paper that contained all this info in front of the judge. They were dismissed, and the prosecutor had a few questions for us, one being if we would show any favorites in the family. Also what Taylor thought of the boys and if there was really a bond between them.
We broke for lunch at 12:15-13:30, ate a delicious lunch in the hotel nearby, with Marina, Irene and all of the directors. Vickie Pappas was also there, yesterday she did not get the 10 days off with the same judge, and at this point we were feeling very much that he would do the same. Very hard questioning. After lunch, the boys went back to Peter and Luda's and were met with all parties in the judge's office, much warmer!! But again very hard questions. They went over every single paper in our dossier, and somehow, focused on the part of the homestudy stating that Joe has a gun collection," why so many guns, they do not all shoot, are they locked up??" Then he went "like a hound" as Irene the translator would say, when he asked if Taylor shoots, and Joe answered truthfully. "How is this leagl in the United States, why are you exposing him to ?, etc, etc, etc." The home study had docused positively on his gun ownership, safety and firearm permit, so he couldn't touch that, but he went after Taylor and did we have proof it was legal?? By some act of the Lord, Joe had removed most everything from his wallet, but for some reason kept his license, and a few cards. Wouldn't you know, they were the 2 needed ones, Taylor's firearm license and a certificate for completing a safety course by the State of IL. Phew!! That argument took about 1/2 hour, Joe did so well.
They again went through everyone's recommendation re:the adoption, and all parties spoke so positively in our behalf. The directors both stated the boys came back form USA a different boy, one with hope!! God is so huge!! Even the prosecutor stated the Schweigert home seems to be " a bright spot for a life to achieve and thrive". We then had to state our petition again, and Nancy was asked to stand again, and went over a few more quesitons, intimidating. We broke for his decision at 2:50.
We were told by Irene, if he comes back and speaks briefly, usually the 10 days is imposed, This is exactly what happened, and she translated briefly, the judge left the room, and everyone started being excited, and saying congratulations. We still didn't get it!! Irene had failed to translate the final sentence, she was so stunned, too!! We all started crying, even Irene, very moved. "What just happened?", she said "I have never seen it so!" We knew what had just happened, the Lord moved. Just like in the Psalms: "God directs the heart of the king like a watercourse.." When God moves, it is moved!! Hallelujah!! We know that this is all God's doing, all praise goes to HIM!!
Thank you for tolerating the length of this, I write for my own rememberance. This means our schedule will be altered; we go to Moscow tomorrow night on the train. More detailws to folow!!
Love you,
The Schweigerts
From Russia With Love
February 20, 2007
Hello everyone!!
We want you to know we arrived safely, our flight arriving at 11:15, we made it through customs without incident, and found our driver, Misha without problem. He was a nice boy, our translator Katya's son, age 19. A very mature young man, skilled at weaving through Moscow rush hour, YIKES!! (It's everything you've heard about and more) No signalling, people cuting you aff with inches to spare, over the center line, no respect of pedestrains, a real video game!!
From the airport, we went to 8 doctor medical exams, in the suburbs, where our contact, Lena, had to argue for us to get us in, "they have and appt.", to a very gruff and Communist looking security guard. Overall, we survived the whole thing just fine. It was more "paperwork" than important or embarrassing exam or questions, and of course since it was a "rush" it was more expensive, surprise, surpise!!
Misha was our translator there, and did very well with the difficult medical words. The doctors refused to believe we did not smoke or drink, as everyone practically here does. So we resorted to saying we had tried smoking while in our teens. (Cover you ears, Mama!!) After payment, they invited us for a cup of tea with Lena, so we had tea to be social. It was a welcome boost. We had a good flight, just not much sleep in 24 hrs.
We proceeded to another bout of Moscow's version of the "Fast and the Furious" and arrived at Tatya's flat. She is a middle-aged woman, single in a three room flat. We had a delicious supper with her,showered, (can I have a Hallelujah) and then met Katya, and finally got rid of the fees (part). We were instructed about the train ride departing at 8:45 pm, and were surprised to find no one was travelling with us. We would be alone on the train!! YIKES! She gave us specific instructions, and our tickets, and we braved the traffic again. This time it took 1 1/2 hrs to go 10 miles with many close calls. Joe was sweating in the front!!
It was about 25 degrees yesterday in Moscow. We waited for 30 min. outside and boarded in a hurry. Everything is rush, rush, and I thought I walked fast, wow. We got on the train, and said goodbye, and then Nancy had to cry. Here we are, alone, with not much language skills. This is when we really felt the presence of the prayers of all of you! We prayed, too, and the peace of God was so real!! The train is very much a 1940's version of the Orient Express. Bathrooms however are extremely gross, and empties right out on the tracks. We went right to sleep after a lunch of salami, cheese,crackers, and water provided by Tatya.
This morning at 6:30, we steamed by Kanash, Matthew's town, and saw a school, possibly the orphanage. The most difficult part of the train ride was the arrival inCheboksary, as we had no one to help us with our luggage. We struggled and got off the train with the help of some Russian national who wanted to give us a taxi ride, but we told him "nyet". Then we looked around for Marina, only known by photos. It was a few long minutes of nerves,and Nancy was about to cry again, when we see Matthew with Marina, running Yelling "Mama!! Papa!!" It was like something out of a movie, really indescribable!! He is great, and so happy to see us. He told us he didn't sleep at all Mon. night.
We rode to our home stay, Luda and Peter's a huge and lovely flat, for Russian standards, as Peter works for the Parliment. They are feeding us quite well, blini and ham and cheese for breakfast, with coffee and tea. Then we went to see Isaac at the Cheboksary Childrens home. While something a little Dickensish from the outside, the inside was quite cheery, and they have made a real effort to have it be like home!! We met the Inspector, Valentina a jolly lady, and all of Isaac's caretakers, who are all very nice. When we saw him, he was down the hall, and he immediately ran and hugged and hugged us!1 He was embarrassed he has the chicken pox, so do many others. They didn't want us to touch him, but we told them we had chicken pox already!
We interviewed with several directors, and the mdeical hisotry of Isaac was presented. Matthew then had to sign a document satting he wants to be adopted. Lots of paperwork.
From there we had another meal in the flat, a strogonoff of some kind, and then off to exchange $, and get the boy's passport photos. They were excited for their American Name. They wanted to know right away, and pronounced them over and over. I guess "M"'s are difficult to say in Russian. [poor Matthew)
From there we had a nap, and then supper, exactly the same as breakfast, and then an intense meeting with Irene, the translator about court. We have male judge, and he is tough, 99% chance of additional days, they say, but God can do anything that's on HIS schedule!! Please pray for tomorrow, that we have clear and distinct words, that our appeal will be heard, and that we can come home early. Thanks you Mary, for trying to obtain the letter (just ask Maryann). We received the e-mail that you got ours.
We love you, and the boys are great, they are saying all the itme, "Let's go home, go swimming to the timber" They have asked about all of their siblings!! They say they miss you, so do we!!
We love you- keep praying!!
Joe and Nance
Hello everyone!!
We want you to know we arrived safely, our flight arriving at 11:15, we made it through customs without incident, and found our driver, Misha without problem. He was a nice boy, our translator Katya's son, age 19. A very mature young man, skilled at weaving through Moscow rush hour, YIKES!! (It's everything you've heard about and more) No signalling, people cuting you aff with inches to spare, over the center line, no respect of pedestrains, a real video game!!
From the airport, we went to 8 doctor medical exams, in the suburbs, where our contact, Lena, had to argue for us to get us in, "they have and appt.", to a very gruff and Communist looking security guard. Overall, we survived the whole thing just fine. It was more "paperwork" than important or embarrassing exam or questions, and of course since it was a "rush" it was more expensive, surprise, surpise!!
Misha was our translator there, and did very well with the difficult medical words. The doctors refused to believe we did not smoke or drink, as everyone practically here does. So we resorted to saying we had tried smoking while in our teens. (Cover you ears, Mama!!) After payment, they invited us for a cup of tea with Lena, so we had tea to be social. It was a welcome boost. We had a good flight, just not much sleep in 24 hrs.
We proceeded to another bout of Moscow's version of the "Fast and the Furious" and arrived at Tatya's flat. She is a middle-aged woman, single in a three room flat. We had a delicious supper with her,showered, (can I have a Hallelujah) and then met Katya, and finally got rid of the fees (part). We were instructed about the train ride departing at 8:45 pm, and were surprised to find no one was travelling with us. We would be alone on the train!! YIKES! She gave us specific instructions, and our tickets, and we braved the traffic again. This time it took 1 1/2 hrs to go 10 miles with many close calls. Joe was sweating in the front!!
It was about 25 degrees yesterday in Moscow. We waited for 30 min. outside and boarded in a hurry. Everything is rush, rush, and I thought I walked fast, wow. We got on the train, and said goodbye, and then Nancy had to cry. Here we are, alone, with not much language skills. This is when we really felt the presence of the prayers of all of you! We prayed, too, and the peace of God was so real!! The train is very much a 1940's version of the Orient Express. Bathrooms however are extremely gross, and empties right out on the tracks. We went right to sleep after a lunch of salami, cheese,crackers, and water provided by Tatya.
This morning at 6:30, we steamed by Kanash, Matthew's town, and saw a school, possibly the orphanage. The most difficult part of the train ride was the arrival inCheboksary, as we had no one to help us with our luggage. We struggled and got off the train with the help of some Russian national who wanted to give us a taxi ride, but we told him "nyet". Then we looked around for Marina, only known by photos. It was a few long minutes of nerves,and Nancy was about to cry again, when we see Matthew with Marina, running Yelling "Mama!! Papa!!" It was like something out of a movie, really indescribable!! He is great, and so happy to see us. He told us he didn't sleep at all Mon. night.
We rode to our home stay, Luda and Peter's a huge and lovely flat, for Russian standards, as Peter works for the Parliment. They are feeding us quite well, blini and ham and cheese for breakfast, with coffee and tea. Then we went to see Isaac at the Cheboksary Childrens home. While something a little Dickensish from the outside, the inside was quite cheery, and they have made a real effort to have it be like home!! We met the Inspector, Valentina a jolly lady, and all of Isaac's caretakers, who are all very nice. When we saw him, he was down the hall, and he immediately ran and hugged and hugged us!1 He was embarrassed he has the chicken pox, so do many others. They didn't want us to touch him, but we told them we had chicken pox already!
We interviewed with several directors, and the mdeical hisotry of Isaac was presented. Matthew then had to sign a document satting he wants to be adopted. Lots of paperwork.
From there we had another meal in the flat, a strogonoff of some kind, and then off to exchange $, and get the boy's passport photos. They were excited for their American Name. They wanted to know right away, and pronounced them over and over. I guess "M"'s are difficult to say in Russian. [poor Matthew)
From there we had a nap, and then supper, exactly the same as breakfast, and then an intense meeting with Irene, the translator about court. We have male judge, and he is tough, 99% chance of additional days, they say, but God can do anything that's on HIS schedule!! Please pray for tomorrow, that we have clear and distinct words, that our appeal will be heard, and that we can come home early. Thanks you Mary, for trying to obtain the letter (just ask Maryann). We received the e-mail that you got ours.
We love you, and the boys are great, they are saying all the itme, "Let's go home, go swimming to the timber" They have asked about all of their siblings!! They say they miss you, so do we!!
We love you- keep praying!!
Joe and Nance
Sunday, February 18, 2007
We're Off!
The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in Light,
and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God!
And so it begins... continue with us in prayer.
Love,
The Schweigerts
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in Light,
and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God!
And so it begins... continue with us in prayer.
Love,
The Schweigerts
Friday, February 16, 2007
News from the Russian Front
"When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 52:3&4
OK, good and not so good news.........
We heard very late last night that Bob and Susan Mathes' court date went very well. They had a very kind judge, a woman, and although it was a grueling 5 hour time, she waived the 10 day extra stay!! Apparently, everyone on the Russian side was shocked, but God really moved on their behalf!! Keep praying for our court date, and all the same details.
Speaking of which, in a move which sort of boggles our brains, we were also told our court date was changed to the 21st, which I suppose is good- earlier date rather than later. However, this changes our itinerary to look something like this:
Feb. 19th- 11:00am, fly into Moscow
picked up by driver (non-English speaking)
Taken immediately to Russian medical appts.
Meet our guide, Katya at undisclosed time
4:00pm Moscow time- board train for Cheboksary
Overnight 13hr. train ride to region
Feb.2oth- 6 or 7 am. arrive in Cheboksary. We will meet the boys some time today.
We will be extensively briefed for court, and go to our host home.
Feb, 21- Court date- time not known, the rest of our time line/schedule depends on the outcome in court. If the 10 days is not waived, we leave for Moscow night of 21st. Otherwise, we stay an extra day securing passport/visa stuff for kids, and depart for Moscow the evening for the 22nd.
The results of our time in court will shape our Moscow/St. Petersburg plans.
For someone who likes to know all the details, all of the time, this is stretching (especially Nancy) us.
Please pray: 1 )That we will not be overcome with fear- ( we will now have to take all of our mon$ey with us to the medical appts.) Our driver does not speak English, ("He will have a sign for you in the Moscow airport.")
2.)We do not know when and when we are to meet Katya,
and I quote:"She will find you."
3.)That we would not be too overwhelmed with jet lag so we can function and speak properly in court.
4.)That we could be flexible in the ever-changing Russian schedule.
5.)And that we could see God moving, even when the Light seems dim.
Communication will be limited with you all , at least initially- so just pray!
And really, that's the best thing we could ever do anyway.
"I will lie down and and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 52:3&4
OK, good and not so good news.........
We heard very late last night that Bob and Susan Mathes' court date went very well. They had a very kind judge, a woman, and although it was a grueling 5 hour time, she waived the 10 day extra stay!! Apparently, everyone on the Russian side was shocked, but God really moved on their behalf!! Keep praying for our court date, and all the same details.
Speaking of which, in a move which sort of boggles our brains, we were also told our court date was changed to the 21st, which I suppose is good- earlier date rather than later. However, this changes our itinerary to look something like this:
Feb. 19th- 11:00am, fly into Moscow
picked up by driver (non-English speaking)
Taken immediately to Russian medical appts.
Meet our guide, Katya at undisclosed time
4:00pm Moscow time- board train for Cheboksary
Overnight 13hr. train ride to region
Feb.2oth- 6 or 7 am. arrive in Cheboksary. We will meet the boys some time today.
We will be extensively briefed for court, and go to our host home.
Feb, 21- Court date- time not known, the rest of our time line/schedule depends on the outcome in court. If the 10 days is not waived, we leave for Moscow night of 21st. Otherwise, we stay an extra day securing passport/visa stuff for kids, and depart for Moscow the evening for the 22nd.
The results of our time in court will shape our Moscow/St. Petersburg plans.
For someone who likes to know all the details, all of the time, this is stretching (especially Nancy) us.
Please pray: 1 )That we will not be overcome with fear- ( we will now have to take all of our mon$ey with us to the medical appts.) Our driver does not speak English, ("He will have a sign for you in the Moscow airport.")
2.)We do not know when and when we are to meet Katya,
and I quote:"She will find you."
3.)That we would not be too overwhelmed with jet lag so we can function and speak properly in court.
4.)That we could be flexible in the ever-changing Russian schedule.
5.)And that we could see God moving, even when the Light seems dim.
Communication will be limited with you all , at least initially- so just pray!
And really, that's the best thing we could ever do anyway.
"I will lie down and and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Top Ten
In the spirit of David Letterman, I submit the
Top 10 Reasons We Need to Get to Russia Soon:
10.We have fixed our washer, replaced broken telephone/answering machine, and some electrical items gone defunct in spare bedroom.
9. Now our van is making a weird noise, and it's probably "not under warranty"
8. We believe other small appliances in our home have formed an alliance and will soon require appalling maintenance fees or replacement.
7. Joe has finished the basement shelving unit for games,videos, etc. he started two and 1/2 years ago.
6. There are no stylish, yet warm size 9 ladies black boots in the Tri-county area.
5.Nancy has convinced Joe that wearing anything camo in Russsia might make a 'military statement', and right now, he's buying it!
4. This week and last we had more snow and colder temps than Moscow.
3. Taylor is bound and determined to make another Prompt Care visit.
2.In a surprising twist, I am packed early for the first time in my life!
1. Our precious boys are waiting for us!!
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Col. 1:13 &14
"Miss"- Communication
Many have asked, "...So, have you been taking Russian lessons?", or ,"Can you read Russian yet, I bet you've been practicing a lot!". And the answers to the above statements are: "No", "no" and a definitive "not really."
Because I'm special like that.
There really is not much of an excuse, either. We've had over 7 months since the boys visited this summer, and prior to their arrival I purchased a really great CD online with basic phrases that apply to daily life, especially for children. It was all the rage on all the adoption sites, and you could practice listening then saying the phrases, thanks to linguist Teresa Kelleher, who herself has adopted from Russia.
It even contained matching and practice games for the computer. It had the same CD in reverse (Russian to English), to use in teaching your children once adopted. Taylor caught on really quick. Joe and I, however, will claim the 40th.
You see, once you reach a certain age, I personally believe the nerve synapses are permanently and irrevocably locked in, unable to retrieve even repetitive phrases of foreign language. I believe, as well, that if food was given as a reward for correct usage and pronunciation of said phrases, I would be quite a bit thinner, and Joe.....let's just say the word "cadaver" comes to mind. I do not have scientific proof of these claims, but I have this story:
This summer, in a bold rush to learn one of the most difficult languages in , oh... let's say, 3 weeks; I had that practice CD on constantly.
I began with phrases I knew I must have at the ready for 2 boys, such as: " Stop that, immediately!", and "You may not play in the street!".
Quite pleased with myself, I began to speak to our cat, Stripes, about these matters, addressing her personally.
"Miss Cat, I am pleased to meet you."
"Miss Cat, it's time for breakfast."
"Miss Cat, thank you very much for the ice cream."
On and on it went, until I felt really comfortable with it all.
That is, until Taylor came home from school later that afternoon.
"Uh, Mom do you realize you're not saying 'cat' at all? You're saying......... uhhh...... well, 'dung'!!".
It was true.
HOLY Cat.
I just shook my head.
So last week, in one of my best e-bay auction moments, I won a Russian/English Ectaco electronic translator (About the size of a blackberry) at a superb price!
I'm sure somewhere, Teresa Kehlleher is rolling her eyes.
Yes, pride comes before the fall.
At the very least, I'm sure we'll be entertaining.
A Day of Love
1 Peter 1:22 (NASB)
"Since you have in obedience
"Since you have in obedience
to the truth
purified your souls for a sincere love
of the brethren,
fervently love one another from the heart..."
What a beautiful Valentine's Day..... and it had nothing to do with Hallmark, Martha Stewart or FTD!! May I say it again, God is amazing - amazing in His Sovereignty, Faithfulness and especially His Love . First of all, not one but 2 days off of school- 2 days where we couldn't go anywhere, just sit at home and be with each other. 2 days -as a gift- to be with my kiddos and hubby before all the travel craziness begins! 2 days to pack and weigh suitcases (almost done) uninterrupted by appts & events. Delightful!!
And we were praying these last 2 days, because our visas were on a FedEx vehicle out of Atlanta, coming to the snowy Midwest. Yesterday(14th) morning at 8:00am I received a call from the FedEx dispatch, "Mrs. Schweigert, I have an important looking package, possibly documents. We were unable to deliver yesterday, obviously..... and today, we aren't taking any secondary roads. Could you meet me in town?"
For most of you, this might seem so lame, but if you live on Antioch Rd., you know how the snow fills in quickly, as the road is lower than the fields. The plow had gone by at 6, but no activity since. I could get out of the driveway, but the curve at the dairy farm is always a killer.
But God had inspired our brother-in-law to clean out his driveway at the same time with his end loader, and he did the curve as well! Hallelujah! We have our visas!!
and it just gets better....
Our dear friends Dan and Mary had us over for a delightful pre-trip/Valentine's feast, everything beautifully delicious!
And to top it off, they had invited many of our dear, dear friends from church for dessert afterward! And the very best part, we gathered around and sang praises to the Lord, accompanied by their son, Brian on guitar; and then they all prayed a sending-out prayer- for our safety, travel details , bonding, and just praise to God!! I am still teary thinking about it...
Yes, it was unbelievably humbling and encouraging at the same time- the Body of Christ, loving each other "fervently from the heart".
I believe this will be one of those one of those " top 10 life memories" for Joe and I.
Jesus' love was tangible in every person in that room- thank you all again for your words of encouragement, prayers and faithfulness to the Lord.
An article by John Piper that was incredibly touching to me this week:
Keep on loving each other fervently, from the heart.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
A Series of Fortunate Events
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10
When the boys were here this summer, our sweet friend from church, Mrs. Vera Demeter, helped translate at Dr. and dentist appointments. She came over the first day they were here after breakfast, and we had a "Q&A" session, back and forth with what we all wanted to know about each other.
She would call and ask if there was anything she could translate for us, which was great when we were trying to explain the concept of going "tubing" with our Russian dictionary and it was going something like this: "You will be pulled by a rope behind a motor boat. It is fun."
Strange and fearful Looks.
What a blessing she is, and to think she lives just 1 mile from our house!
There was mutual admiration, (who can resist a good source of "confeyati"--candy?
When they inquired about her perfect Russian, Vera explained she was from the Ukraine, and taught Russian in the school system while living in Ohio. They discussed what was new in Russian culture and lifestyle (well, as much as an 11 year old will discuss). And like the quintessential Russian babushka, she corrected their grammar and use of slang. "Oh, these young kids today, they ruin the poetry of the Russian language, " she would sigh.
Like. totally.
Yesterday, she translated 2 letters for the boys that Bob and Susan Mathes will hand deliver next Tues or Wed. when they travel to pick up their 2 sons in Cheboksary !! She took such delight in helping, and we are ever grateful! God has such an amazing way of using the Body!
Here is an outstanding article well worth your time:
http://www.adoptionsbygladney.com/html/whatsnew/index.shtml#press Go to "A Series of Fortunate Events. Dec.26, 2004.
We met the director from Shumerly orphange this summer.
Other Praises:
We heard yesterday that our visas are in the Russian Consulate. Please pray they will be approved quickly and FedExed next week.
Our bank has found all the new bills they were looking for!
***Thanks to the Body for praying!!**
A huge thank you to those who have loaned us suitcases, money belts, etc., brought food, and given monetarily. We are deeply humbled.
We love you all so much!!
the Schweigerts
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Like a Shepherd
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."
Isaiah 42:16
We have been extremely busy the last few days. Visa applications mailed off, tickets purchased, US Embassy paperwork printed off, etc. I am working on a home stay connection in St. Petersburg, which, Lord willing, we may get to visit if the extra 10 day wait is imposed. All adoptive families are required to be in country for 10 days, and the judge (very often I'm told in this region) has the power to impose an extra 10 days.
I haven't ever gotten a really good answer as to why. Most think it is to continue to supplement the Russian economy, thankyouverymuch.
We have been extremely busy the last few days. Visa applications mailed off, tickets purchased, US Embassy paperwork printed off, etc. I am working on a home stay connection in St. Petersburg, which, Lord willing, we may get to visit if the extra 10 day wait is imposed. All adoptive families are required to be in country for 10 days, and the judge (very often I'm told in this region) has the power to impose an extra 10 days.
I haven't ever gotten a really good answer as to why. Most think it is to continue to supplement the Russian economy, thankyouverymuch.
We can, of course, see as much or little of the Russian countryside during this time as we want, and within the last year, officials have been allowing the children to travel with you. It's not really like you could get on a plane with them anyway, as their visa and passports are held until the 10 days are up.
I'm told St. Petersburg http://www.petersburg-russia.com/ , formerly Leningrad, is the "crown jewel of Russia", with amazing architecture, the summer palaces of the Czars, and the Hermitage museum (Russia's equivalent of the Smithsonian).
It all sounds very exciting, but definitely unknown territory!! Our agency is helpful with suggestions, but it is up to us to make the arrangements and schedule.
Again this week, we are being asked to put our faith into actions. Please pray for us on several matters:
--First, that our visas will indeed return in the "8 work day" time frame they were promised.
--For our court date to go extremely smoothly (more about that later) and that the judge would be gracious in dismissing the extra 10 day wait.
--If he does not, that we would have wisdom, safety and travel mercies as we travel by train to St. Petersburg and then to Moscow. It may be just the way God would have us bond in a new way with our sons.
--Please pray for our banks to find enough new bills for us to take the required cash amount- it is an astonishing number!( they have had to start looking out of state). And for safety in transport of said cash. (Only one or two places take credit card, and no traveler's check s are honored.)
--That we could trust Jesus more and more to "make the rough places smooth".
This verse couldn't have been more personal to me today, as I sat in on the District Spelling Bee and watched the challenges of the English language unfold.
My lips and fingers started to lose feeling.
"Lord, how will my boys ever learn English, let alone how to spell it?"
And then He reminded me.........He's bigger than all that.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Cheboksary, Here We Come!
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."
Proverbs 25:25
We just received word about 5 p.m. last evening that we have a court date!!
Yea!! We're going!! It's really happening!
We will arrive in Moscow Feb. 19th, travel to the Chuvashia Region to the capital city, Cheboksary,
arriving the 20th, and have a court date Feb. 22nd!! Yippee!!
Today I will be getting some last minute paperwork apostilled, and applying for our Visas. We also need to get our plane tickets. We are thankful we have more we have a bit more lead time than some to do all of these things!
To find about about the region of Russia we are going to, go here:
http://www.answers.com/topic/chuvashia
Matthew presently lives in the Children's home in the city of Kanash:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanash
Isaac is from the capital city of Cheboksary:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheboksary. If you scroll down, these include maps.
As an aside, how sweet that all of our boys will have a "delivery date" of Feb. 22nd-- Taylor's 13th birthday is Feb. 22, 2007. We felt like this was a little 'smile' from God!
Love
Nancy
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. " Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 25:25
We just received word about 5 p.m. last evening that we have a court date!!
Yea!! We're going!! It's really happening!
We will arrive in Moscow Feb. 19th, travel to the Chuvashia Region to the capital city, Cheboksary,
arriving the 20th, and have a court date Feb. 22nd!! Yippee!!
Today I will be getting some last minute paperwork apostilled, and applying for our Visas. We also need to get our plane tickets. We are thankful we have more we have a bit more lead time than some to do all of these things!
To find about about the region of Russia we are going to, go here:
http://www.answers.com/topic/chuvashia
Matthew presently lives in the Children's home in the city of Kanash:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanash
Isaac is from the capital city of Cheboksary:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheboksary. If you scroll down, these include maps.
As an aside, how sweet that all of our boys will have a "delivery date" of Feb. 22nd-- Taylor's 13th birthday is Feb. 22, 2007. We felt like this was a little 'smile' from God!
Love
Nancy
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. " Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, January 29, 2007
Priceless...
Isaiah 43:5-7 (New International Version)
" Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, 'Give them up!', and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
" Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, 'Give them up!', and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
At our church we are fond of a praise chorus called "Shout to the North" by Martin Smith, which is based on several scriptures, including this one in Isaiah.
The song calls for the church to boldly proclaim the message of Christ to the ends of the earth. It calls to those who have been redeemed from the bondage of sin to "shout out" the message of Hope to a lost and dying world. The fact that verse one says: "Men of faith, rise up and sing- of you Great and Glorious King; you are strong when you feel weak, in your brokenness complete.", is especially meaningful to me this week.
It is no coincidence the Lord brought me to this Scripture, so important in the beginning of our faith journey, today and had me read it and re-read it, and then reminded me of this very song. Because today I was feeling very weak.
Within the last week we were informed of some new regulations in Russian adoption, involving new medical physicals for both parents and adopted children prior to being released from the country. They come with a "new and improved" price tag, too. Then a message about other "suggested donations" (not really a suggestion), that we were unaware of. All in all, it's roughly $7000-8000 more than we were originally quoted. And there is no room in Russian culture, especially in adoptions, for a "truth in contract" argument. If we don't like it, we can be done, right now. End of story.
Now I know, that God already knew this before time began; I know He is in control; I know the money is really all His, anyway. I know all these things, but for a little while today, I was Peter, looking around at all the water/ the waves/ and how far I am from the boat..........instead of at Jesus.
But, God, in His marvelous way, helped me really read that Scripture.
"Do not be afraid, for I AM with you..."
The Great 'I AM' -- not limited by time, governmental rules or money, is with us! The language of the next part of the verse is imperative- "I will.."- it will happen, because I say so. Whatever God has in mind for our two sons, nothing will stand in the way!
And it is when I realize and embrace my weakness, that God can work best. (2 Cor. 12:9-11)
After all, it's like that Mastercard commercial:
Home study: $1500, Mental Health exam:$600, plane ticket to Russia: $750, opportunity to bring the Hope of the Gospel: priceless!
"For every animal of the forest is mine, says the Lord, and the cattle on a thousand hills" Psalm 50:10
Friday, January 26, 2007
Hemoglobin- it does a body Good!
Prior to my surgery right before Thanksgiving, my hemoglobin was 9. Not good.
And I just didn't realize how low-energy I really was! But, now.......I'm BAAACCK!! And I feel great!
Thank you, Lord!
Good timing, too, as we have been running here and there getting the things for our packing list--
assembling clothes for ourselves and the kids (they will only come in the clothes on their back, maybe not even a coat),dressy clothes we will only wear in court (and we're talking suit/tie-ish, even for the boys),
medical papers updated and apostilled, assembling a mini-pharmacy for ourselves (don't want to go to a hospital overseas), travel necessities for international travel (one would not want me to be without my blow dryer/curling iron adaptor), a suitcase of humanitarian aid,(Thank you to all who have donated)
If you want a list of what we still need for humanitarian aid to be given to the orphanages , email me at lthouse@dtnspeed.net , OK? God bless you!!
And of course, the gifts........
Gifts, gifts and more gifts.
In Russian culture, giving gifts is Big. It's the polite and "must-do" thing if you stay with someone, are visiting someone, or if that someone helped you out in any way.
It is, as Martha Stewart would say, "a good thing".
But there are many, many people with whom we will be interacting. The Facilitators, the translator(s), driver(s), orphanage workers, orphanage director(s) (the boys are form 2 different orphanages), home-stay family(s), etc.
You get the picture.
Fortunately, the gifts do not have to be expensive or big, and our agency has given us a list of ideas .
Good job, since it's kinda difficult to know what might be dearly loved item or a "no-no" in Russian culture.
We wouldn't want to offend!
Bath and Body had little purse-size lotions and body wash at 75% off, and I bought a ton! Macy's had decorative scarves (they pack nice and flat),and "they would like anything specifically from you region'---I'm thinking CAT hat or t-shirts for the drivers, and simpler yet, Hershey's chocolate bars. Chocolate speaks an international love language.
And then of course, the liquor.
Yep, if you see Joe or I coming out of a liquor store this week, just know we are purchasing for our list:
i.e." Two large bottles of alcohol, preferably Scotch whiskey, as it is a premium item in Russia".
Apparently, it's for 2 regional officials.
Whom I'm hoping won't be driving us around.
It is totally going in Joe's suitcase.
And I just didn't realize how low-energy I really was! But, now.......I'm BAAACCK!! And I feel great!
Thank you, Lord!
Good timing, too, as we have been running here and there getting the things for our packing list--
assembling clothes for ourselves and the kids (they will only come in the clothes on their back, maybe not even a coat),dressy clothes we will only wear in court (and we're talking suit/tie-ish, even for the boys),
medical papers updated and apostilled, assembling a mini-pharmacy for ourselves (don't want to go to a hospital overseas), travel necessities for international travel (one would not want me to be without my blow dryer/curling iron adaptor), a suitcase of humanitarian aid,(Thank you to all who have donated)
If you want a list of what we still need for humanitarian aid to be given to the orphanages , email me at lthouse@dtnspeed.net , OK? God bless you!!
And of course, the gifts........
Gifts, gifts and more gifts.
In Russian culture, giving gifts is Big. It's the polite and "must-do" thing if you stay with someone, are visiting someone, or if that someone helped you out in any way.
It is, as Martha Stewart would say, "a good thing".
But there are many, many people with whom we will be interacting. The Facilitators, the translator(s), driver(s), orphanage workers, orphanage director(s) (the boys are form 2 different orphanages), home-stay family(s), etc.
You get the picture.
Fortunately, the gifts do not have to be expensive or big, and our agency has given us a list of ideas .
Good job, since it's kinda difficult to know what might be dearly loved item or a "no-no" in Russian culture.
We wouldn't want to offend!
Bath and Body had little purse-size lotions and body wash at 75% off, and I bought a ton! Macy's had decorative scarves (they pack nice and flat),and "they would like anything specifically from you region'---I'm thinking CAT hat or t-shirts for the drivers, and simpler yet, Hershey's chocolate bars. Chocolate speaks an international love language.
And then of course, the liquor.
Yep, if you see Joe or I coming out of a liquor store this week, just know we are purchasing for our list:
i.e." Two large bottles of alcohol, preferably Scotch whiskey, as it is a premium item in Russia".
Apparently, it's for 2 regional officials.
Whom I'm hoping won't be driving us around.
It is totally going in Joe's suitcase.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Ode to Al
We've been packing for a Russian winter, known at times in Moscow, to reach -20 F. Brr!! Boots, down coats, Cuddle Duds, wool sweaters, hand/foot warmers, all trying to not exceed the bag weight limit.
I hate to be cold!! I much prefer the hot, even humid summers in the Midwest to freezing my toes/fingers.
I've been praying (yes, I know its selfish) that God would allow a mild winter, and gracious travel conditions, knowing He is in control. Today I found this:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16752891
All I have to say is-- Hallelujah!
:)
I hate to be cold!! I much prefer the hot, even humid summers in the Midwest to freezing my toes/fingers.
I've been praying (yes, I know its selfish) that God would allow a mild winter, and gracious travel conditions, knowing He is in control. Today I found this:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16752891
All I have to say is-- Hallelujah!
:)
Friday, January 19, 2007
Let God Dream for You!!
Many have asked things like - "Why adopt two older kids?"; "Are you sure about the risks??" ; "Wow, .....boys?!",
when we tell them the ages of our new sons, Matthew (12), and Isaac (11).
And then their eyes sort of glaze over.
These are indeed the questions Joe and I would have asked of anyone else 12 years ago when the Lord first laid adoption on our heart. You see, at that time, we were convinced it would be a baby, or at least a toddler, perfect and squeezable and smelling of Baby Magic lotion......not 2 rowdy and uniquely fragrant prepubescent boys.
But God, in His wisdom, sovereign power and dominion over time, chose to stretch us, and to grow us up, preparing us for His dream, 12 years later.
This not to say that couples who adopt infants or younger children are any less spiritually mature; or that adopting itself makes one "spiritual" or "godly".
Oh, no-- not at all.
It's just that when God gives a burden; a passion .... a dream...it often ends up looking a whole lot different than you originally thought. But it will be beyond what you ever imagined!!
Take our dear friends the Gregory's, now missionaries in Brazil. They were mid- twenties, newly married with a heart for reaching the lost in the Amazon basin. They had applied and were making plans to be interviewed by the Missions Board, when Connie got sick.
And not just with the flu.
Long story shorter, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and it was progressing rapidly. They were told that in 10 years, she would be in a wheelchair, and in 20, unable to care for herself. Needless to say, they were devastated.
They struggled with this situation, knowing how the enemy would try to thwart any advance of God's kingdom. They struggled with the loss of their dream, one they believed had been given by God. And they struggled with their faith, knowing God could- even instantly---heal her, and resurrect the dream--His dream.
After all, He was God- all powerful, all knowing, all sovereign. So why didn't He?
Fast forward 20 years, through seasons of loss, infertility, international adoption, financial hardship, and faith-testing of varied sorts. God had moved them out of their comfort zone, both physically and spiritually. He had brought them to a new city, new ministry and new job. While they clung to Him, He had drawn them into new seasons of faith, showing Himself ever-faithful. And one day at a yearly check up with her Rheumatoid specialist, her Rheumatoid factor came back negative.
Three. sequential. times.
According to the doctor,who is not a believer, there "is no cure for RA; it just doesn't happen." But God had healed her, in His timing.
And the God- dream was still alive within them. Except now, they weren't 20 something, they were mid-late forties.
Go to a third world country, new language, no retirement or insurance securities.... it was a no- brainer for most. Yet, in all the things God had taught them over the last 20 years, they knew that God's dreams are bigger than we can imagine.
To be walking under His will and in His power is a place beyond imagination.
"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." Isaiah 64:4
So they went.
And may I say, God Is doing what He does best.
Using broken people who hang on to Him to accomplish His very big dreams.
Not without struggle, opposition or effort, but BIG.
Brent giving out the Word, friendship ministry, mentoring, souls delivered and saved, cell groups mutiplying, their sons active in ministry..... I could go on and on.
As Brent and Connie have shared with us many times, God had used the 20 years of waiting
and what happened in them to shape them to fit into God's dream, quite different from the one originally pictured.
"I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3
The treasures of darkness .......
the times of waiting, where we can only hold onto God and let Him shape and lead us.
Today, as we look back on how God has unfolded our story(to be shared in the next several days), and see His dreams for us and for our boys' lives; we stand in AWE .
Now, God has not called all of us to be foreign missionaries or into the ministry of adoption.
But God is calling you, nonetheless. Specifically. Creatively. Lovingly.
He is dreaming for you.
Maybe today, God is calling you to simply forgive,
or trust Him to provide for your finances,
or in your health, or with your marriage.
Maybe today He is calling you to not just know about Him, but to really know Him, in faith...
or more intimately in his Word.
Perhaps today, God is asking you to hold His hand and venture out from the safe shore, where His dreams for your life will totally amaze you!
It was as if Sir Francis Drake in the mid 1500's had been watching and praying for us 12 years ago when he wrote the following:
Morning Prayer
Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life!
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity;
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storm will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
and to push us in the future,
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
This we ask in the name of our
Captain, who is Jesus Christ
Amen.~
~Sir Francis Drake
Gratefully,
Nancy
when we tell them the ages of our new sons, Matthew (12), and Isaac (11).
And then their eyes sort of glaze over.
These are indeed the questions Joe and I would have asked of anyone else 12 years ago when the Lord first laid adoption on our heart. You see, at that time, we were convinced it would be a baby, or at least a toddler, perfect and squeezable and smelling of Baby Magic lotion......not 2 rowdy and uniquely fragrant prepubescent boys.
But God, in His wisdom, sovereign power and dominion over time, chose to stretch us, and to grow us up, preparing us for His dream, 12 years later.
This not to say that couples who adopt infants or younger children are any less spiritually mature; or that adopting itself makes one "spiritual" or "godly".
Oh, no-- not at all.
It's just that when God gives a burden; a passion .... a dream...it often ends up looking a whole lot different than you originally thought. But it will be beyond what you ever imagined!!
Take our dear friends the Gregory's, now missionaries in Brazil. They were mid- twenties, newly married with a heart for reaching the lost in the Amazon basin. They had applied and were making plans to be interviewed by the Missions Board, when Connie got sick.
And not just with the flu.
Long story shorter, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and it was progressing rapidly. They were told that in 10 years, she would be in a wheelchair, and in 20, unable to care for herself. Needless to say, they were devastated.
They struggled with this situation, knowing how the enemy would try to thwart any advance of God's kingdom. They struggled with the loss of their dream, one they believed had been given by God. And they struggled with their faith, knowing God could- even instantly---heal her, and resurrect the dream--His dream.
After all, He was God- all powerful, all knowing, all sovereign. So why didn't He?
Fast forward 20 years, through seasons of loss, infertility, international adoption, financial hardship, and faith-testing of varied sorts. God had moved them out of their comfort zone, both physically and spiritually. He had brought them to a new city, new ministry and new job. While they clung to Him, He had drawn them into new seasons of faith, showing Himself ever-faithful. And one day at a yearly check up with her Rheumatoid specialist, her Rheumatoid factor came back negative.
Three. sequential. times.
According to the doctor,who is not a believer, there "is no cure for RA; it just doesn't happen." But God had healed her, in His timing.
And the God- dream was still alive within them. Except now, they weren't 20 something, they were mid-late forties.
Go to a third world country, new language, no retirement or insurance securities.... it was a no- brainer for most. Yet, in all the things God had taught them over the last 20 years, they knew that God's dreams are bigger than we can imagine.
To be walking under His will and in His power is a place beyond imagination.
"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." Isaiah 64:4
So they went.
And may I say, God Is doing what He does best.
Using broken people who hang on to Him to accomplish His very big dreams.
Not without struggle, opposition or effort, but BIG.
Brent giving out the Word, friendship ministry, mentoring, souls delivered and saved, cell groups mutiplying, their sons active in ministry..... I could go on and on.
As Brent and Connie have shared with us many times, God had used the 20 years of waiting
and what happened in them to shape them to fit into God's dream, quite different from the one originally pictured.
"I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3
The treasures of darkness .......
the times of waiting, where we can only hold onto God and let Him shape and lead us.
Today, as we look back on how God has unfolded our story(to be shared in the next several days), and see His dreams for us and for our boys' lives; we stand in AWE .
Now, God has not called all of us to be foreign missionaries or into the ministry of adoption.
But God is calling you, nonetheless. Specifically. Creatively. Lovingly.
He is dreaming for you.
Maybe today, God is calling you to simply forgive,
or trust Him to provide for your finances,
or in your health, or with your marriage.
Maybe today He is calling you to not just know about Him, but to really know Him, in faith...
or more intimately in his Word.
Perhaps today, God is asking you to hold His hand and venture out from the safe shore, where His dreams for your life will totally amaze you!
It was as if Sir Francis Drake in the mid 1500's had been watching and praying for us 12 years ago when he wrote the following:
Morning Prayer
Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life!
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity;
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storm will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
and to push us in the future,
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
This we ask in the name of our
Captain, who is Jesus Christ
Amen.~
~Sir Francis Drake
Gratefully,
Nancy
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Waiting Game
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
......and in His Word I put my hope."
Psalm130:5
Yes, we are still waiting for a phone call to hear when our court date will be.
As difficult as it is for us, multiply the feeling times 1000; that's how our boys might feel. We did hear yesterday from Larisa, a translator for the Lighthouse Project www.lhproject.com , (the ministry we are partnering with) that she did speak to the boys and translate our Christmas letter to them. However, her e-mail was ultra-brief, and only said that they are"fine", and they "are waiting for us." Sigh.... No kidding....
One reason we are waiting is that Russians have 2+ weeks of holidays starting on New Year's Eve until the 15th of January. Literally, the whole country takes the entire two weeks off. There is a lot of revelry, and therefore, a bit more crime. All governmental offices are closed, and when the courts reopen, they have 2 weeks of backlog to contend with. All of our documents are with the Ministry of Education, and are translated. We are waiting for 1 paper from the International Database- the "zupros" -to arrive. Then we will be invited with a court date, and then we can apply for our visas.(also, the method of obtaining visas for adoptive couples for Russia has recently changed) We are receiving an education in international policies as well as patience.
"....for the testing of your faith develops perseverance, and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." Hebrews1:4
Please pray for God's perfect will and timing to prevail; and that we could come under that authority, once again. Thank you all so much;our prayer warriors- the Body of Christ- what would we do without you!!
Here is some interesting info about what the holidays are like in Russia:
Thirteen days after Western Christmas, on January 7th, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates its Christmas, in accordance with the old Julian calendar. It's a day of both solemn ritual and joyous celebrationAfter the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in 1992, that the holiday was openly observed. Today, it's once again celebrated in grand fashion, with the faithful participating in an all-night Mass in incense-filled Cathedrals amidst the company of the painted icons of Saints.
Christmas is one of the most joyous traditions for the celebration of Eve comes from the Russian tradition. On the Eve of Christmas, it is traditional for all family members to gather to share a special meal. The various foods and customs surrounding this meal differed in Holy Russia from village to village and from family to family, but certain aspects remained the same.
An old Russian tradition, whose roots are in the Orthodox faith, is the Christmas Eve fast and meal. The fast, typically, lasts until after the evening worship service or until the first star appears. The dinner that follows is very much a celebration, although, meat is not permitted. Kutya (kutia), a type of porridge, is the primary dish. It is very symbolic with its ingredients being various grains for hope and honey and poppy seed for happiness and peace.Once the first star has appeared in the sky, the festivities begin.
Although all of the food served is strictly Lenten, it is served in an unusually festive and anticipatory manner and style. The Russians call this meal: "The Holy Supper." The family gathers around the table to honor the coming Christ Child. A white table-cloth, symbolic of Christ's swaddling clothes, covers the Table. Hay is brought forth as a reminder of the poverty of the Cave where Jesus was born. A tall white candle is place in the center of the Table, symbolic of Christ "the Light of the World."
A large round loaf of Lenten bread, "pagach," symbolic of Christ the Bread of Life, is placed next to the Candle. The bread is most often stuffed with potato, cheese, cabbage, or vegetables. The meal begins with the Lord's Prayer, led by the father of the family. A prayer of thanksgiving for all the blessings of the past year is said and then prayers for the good things in the coming year are offered. The head of the family greets those present with the traditional Christmas greeting: "Christ is Born!" The family members respond: "Glorify Him!"
The Mother of the family blesses each person present with honey in the form of a cross on each forehead, saying: "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year." Following this, everyone partakes of the bread, dipping it first in honey and then in chopped garlic. Honey is symbolic of the sweetness of life, and garlic of the bitterness.
The "Holy Supper" is then eaten (see below for details). After dinner, no dishes are washed and the Christmas presents are opened. Then the family goes to Church, coming home between 2 and 3 am. On the Feast of the Nativity, neighbors and family members visit each other, going from house to house , eating, drinking and singing Christmas Carols all the day long.
The "Holy Supper"Christmas Eve dinner is meatless but festive. The most important ingredient is a special porridge called kutya. It is made of wheatberries or other grains which symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity. Some families used to throw a spoonful of kutya up to the ceiling.(hmmm...sounds like our house) According to tradition, if the kutya stuck, there would be a plentiful honey harvest.MMMMMmm.
Traditionally, the "Holy Supper" consists of 12 different foods, symbolic of the 12 Apostles. Although there was also some variation in the foods from place to place and village to village, the following is a good summary of what was typically served. It comes to us from Elizabeth Kontras, who celebrated the Feast of the Nativity in the traditional Russian way with her babushka (Grandmother) and zeddo (Grandfather) in Monessen, Pennsylvania until their passing in the 1970-1980's.
The twelve foods are:1) Mushroom soup with zaprashka (brown sauce used for seasoning vegetables, also used to thicken soups and stews)This is often replaced with Sauerkraut soup.
2) Lenten bread ("pagach")
3) Grated garlic
4) Bowl of honey
5) Baked cod
6) Fresh Apricots, Oranges, Figs and Dates
7) Nuts
8) Kidney beans (slow cooked all day) seasoned with shredded potatoes, lots of garlic, salt and pepper to taste
9) Peas
10) Parsley Potatoes (boiled new potatoes with chopped parsley and margarine)11) Bobal'ki (small biscuits combined with sauerkraut or poppyseed with honey)12) Red Wine
It was once common practice, on Christmas Eve, for groups of people masquerading as manger animals to travel from house to house, having themselves a rousing good time, and singing songs known as kolyadki . (Maybe we could start this in Tremont--watch out!!)
Some kolyadki were pastoral carols to the baby Jesus, while others were homages to the ancient solar goddess Kolyada,(uhhhh.........., or NOT)
who brings the lengthening days of sunlight through the winter. In return for their songs, the singers were offered food and coins, which they gladly accepted, moving on to the next home.
The origin of Santa Claus is in St. Nicholas. He was born in Asia Minor at at the Greco-Roman city of of Myra in the province of Lycia, at a time when the region was entirely Greek in origin. Due to the suppression of religion during the Soviet regime, St. Nicholas was replaced by Ded Moroz or Grandfather Frost, the Russian Spirit of Winter who brought gifts on New Year's. He is even more commonly known as, "Father Freeze." He is accompanied by Snyegurochka, the Snowmaiden, who helps distribute the gifts.The Christmas tree (Yolka) is yet another tradition banned during the Soviet era.To keep the custom alive, people decorated New Year's trees, instead. Since ornaments were either very costly or unavailable, family trees were trimmed with homemade decorations and fruit. Yolka comes from the word which refers to a fir tree. The custom of decorating Christmas trees was introduced to Russia by Peter the Great, after he visited Europe during the 1700's.
Why January 7?In ancient times, many, mostly unreliable methods had been used to calculate the dates according to either the lunar or solar cycles. By Roman times, the calendar had become three months out with the seasons, so in 46 BC, Julius Caesar commissioned the astronomer, Sosigenes to devise a more reliable method. This, we know as the Julian Calendar and was used widely for 1500 years. The month of his birth, Caesar had named Quintilis, but the Roman Senate later re-named it Julius (July) in his honour. In those days, February had 30 days every 4 years.However, this calendar was still 11 minutes and 14 seconds longer than the solar year, so that by the year 1580, the calendar had accumulated 10 days off again.
In 1582, therefore, Pope Gregory XIII corrected the difference between the sun and calendar by ordering 10 days dropped from October, the month with the least Roman Catholic Feast days. His calendar, we know as the Gregorian Calendar, which is used in almost all of the world today. Pope Gregory made further changes to keep the calendar in line, which on average is only 26.3 seconds longer than the solar year. The Gregorian Calendar is so accurate that it will take until the year 4316 to gain a whole day on the sun.That year, 1582, October 5th became October 15th and was immediately adopted in most Roman Catholic nations of Europe.
Various German states kept the Julian Calendar until 1700. Britain and the American Colonies didn't change until 1752, but Russia and Turkey did not adopt the Gregorian Calendar until the early 1900's.So, January 7th by the Georgian Calendar would have been December 25th by the old Julian Calendar and is therefore why it is still Christmas Day for the Russian Orthodox Church. Many Russians will have celebrated along with the rest of us and will then celebrate again on the Orthodox date.
This was also another interesting link explaining the slowdown because of the holiday. http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/05/news/russia.php?page=1
Don't you love learning something new everyday? Apparently, I have a little too much time on my hands.
with love,
Nancy
......and in His Word I put my hope."
Psalm130:5
Yes, we are still waiting for a phone call to hear when our court date will be.
As difficult as it is for us, multiply the feeling times 1000; that's how our boys might feel. We did hear yesterday from Larisa, a translator for the Lighthouse Project www.lhproject.com , (the ministry we are partnering with) that she did speak to the boys and translate our Christmas letter to them. However, her e-mail was ultra-brief, and only said that they are"fine", and they "are waiting for us." Sigh.... No kidding....
One reason we are waiting is that Russians have 2+ weeks of holidays starting on New Year's Eve until the 15th of January. Literally, the whole country takes the entire two weeks off. There is a lot of revelry, and therefore, a bit more crime. All governmental offices are closed, and when the courts reopen, they have 2 weeks of backlog to contend with. All of our documents are with the Ministry of Education, and are translated. We are waiting for 1 paper from the International Database- the "zupros" -to arrive. Then we will be invited with a court date, and then we can apply for our visas.(also, the method of obtaining visas for adoptive couples for Russia has recently changed) We are receiving an education in international policies as well as patience.
"....for the testing of your faith develops perseverance, and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." Hebrews1:4
Please pray for God's perfect will and timing to prevail; and that we could come under that authority, once again. Thank you all so much;our prayer warriors- the Body of Christ- what would we do without you!!
Here is some interesting info about what the holidays are like in Russia:
Thirteen days after Western Christmas, on January 7th, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates its Christmas, in accordance with the old Julian calendar. It's a day of both solemn ritual and joyous celebrationAfter the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in 1992, that the holiday was openly observed. Today, it's once again celebrated in grand fashion, with the faithful participating in an all-night Mass in incense-filled Cathedrals amidst the company of the painted icons of Saints.
Christmas is one of the most joyous traditions for the celebration of Eve comes from the Russian tradition. On the Eve of Christmas, it is traditional for all family members to gather to share a special meal. The various foods and customs surrounding this meal differed in Holy Russia from village to village and from family to family, but certain aspects remained the same.
An old Russian tradition, whose roots are in the Orthodox faith, is the Christmas Eve fast and meal. The fast, typically, lasts until after the evening worship service or until the first star appears. The dinner that follows is very much a celebration, although, meat is not permitted. Kutya (kutia), a type of porridge, is the primary dish. It is very symbolic with its ingredients being various grains for hope and honey and poppy seed for happiness and peace.Once the first star has appeared in the sky, the festivities begin.
Although all of the food served is strictly Lenten, it is served in an unusually festive and anticipatory manner and style. The Russians call this meal: "The Holy Supper." The family gathers around the table to honor the coming Christ Child. A white table-cloth, symbolic of Christ's swaddling clothes, covers the Table. Hay is brought forth as a reminder of the poverty of the Cave where Jesus was born. A tall white candle is place in the center of the Table, symbolic of Christ "the Light of the World."
A large round loaf of Lenten bread, "pagach," symbolic of Christ the Bread of Life, is placed next to the Candle. The bread is most often stuffed with potato, cheese, cabbage, or vegetables. The meal begins with the Lord's Prayer, led by the father of the family. A prayer of thanksgiving for all the blessings of the past year is said and then prayers for the good things in the coming year are offered. The head of the family greets those present with the traditional Christmas greeting: "Christ is Born!" The family members respond: "Glorify Him!"
The Mother of the family blesses each person present with honey in the form of a cross on each forehead, saying: "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may you have sweetness and many good things in life and in the new year." Following this, everyone partakes of the bread, dipping it first in honey and then in chopped garlic. Honey is symbolic of the sweetness of life, and garlic of the bitterness.
The "Holy Supper" is then eaten (see below for details). After dinner, no dishes are washed and the Christmas presents are opened. Then the family goes to Church, coming home between 2 and 3 am. On the Feast of the Nativity, neighbors and family members visit each other, going from house to house , eating, drinking and singing Christmas Carols all the day long.
The "Holy Supper"Christmas Eve dinner is meatless but festive. The most important ingredient is a special porridge called kutya. It is made of wheatberries or other grains which symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity. Some families used to throw a spoonful of kutya up to the ceiling.(hmmm...sounds like our house) According to tradition, if the kutya stuck, there would be a plentiful honey harvest.MMMMMmm.
Traditionally, the "Holy Supper" consists of 12 different foods, symbolic of the 12 Apostles. Although there was also some variation in the foods from place to place and village to village, the following is a good summary of what was typically served. It comes to us from Elizabeth Kontras, who celebrated the Feast of the Nativity in the traditional Russian way with her babushka (Grandmother) and zeddo (Grandfather) in Monessen, Pennsylvania until their passing in the 1970-1980's.
The twelve foods are:1) Mushroom soup with zaprashka (brown sauce used for seasoning vegetables, also used to thicken soups and stews)This is often replaced with Sauerkraut soup.
2) Lenten bread ("pagach")
3) Grated garlic
4) Bowl of honey
5) Baked cod
6) Fresh Apricots, Oranges, Figs and Dates
7) Nuts
8) Kidney beans (slow cooked all day) seasoned with shredded potatoes, lots of garlic, salt and pepper to taste
9) Peas
10) Parsley Potatoes (boiled new potatoes with chopped parsley and margarine)11) Bobal'ki (small biscuits combined with sauerkraut or poppyseed with honey)12) Red Wine
It was once common practice, on Christmas Eve, for groups of people masquerading as manger animals to travel from house to house, having themselves a rousing good time, and singing songs known as kolyadki . (Maybe we could start this in Tremont--watch out!!)
Some kolyadki were pastoral carols to the baby Jesus, while others were homages to the ancient solar goddess Kolyada,(uhhhh.........., or NOT)
who brings the lengthening days of sunlight through the winter. In return for their songs, the singers were offered food and coins, which they gladly accepted, moving on to the next home.
The origin of Santa Claus is in St. Nicholas. He was born in Asia Minor at at the Greco-Roman city of of Myra in the province of Lycia, at a time when the region was entirely Greek in origin. Due to the suppression of religion during the Soviet regime, St. Nicholas was replaced by Ded Moroz or Grandfather Frost, the Russian Spirit of Winter who brought gifts on New Year's. He is even more commonly known as, "Father Freeze." He is accompanied by Snyegurochka, the Snowmaiden, who helps distribute the gifts.The Christmas tree (Yolka) is yet another tradition banned during the Soviet era.To keep the custom alive, people decorated New Year's trees, instead. Since ornaments were either very costly or unavailable, family trees were trimmed with homemade decorations and fruit. Yolka comes from the word which refers to a fir tree. The custom of decorating Christmas trees was introduced to Russia by Peter the Great, after he visited Europe during the 1700's.
Why January 7?In ancient times, many, mostly unreliable methods had been used to calculate the dates according to either the lunar or solar cycles. By Roman times, the calendar had become three months out with the seasons, so in 46 BC, Julius Caesar commissioned the astronomer, Sosigenes to devise a more reliable method. This, we know as the Julian Calendar and was used widely for 1500 years. The month of his birth, Caesar had named Quintilis, but the Roman Senate later re-named it Julius (July) in his honour. In those days, February had 30 days every 4 years.However, this calendar was still 11 minutes and 14 seconds longer than the solar year, so that by the year 1580, the calendar had accumulated 10 days off again.
In 1582, therefore, Pope Gregory XIII corrected the difference between the sun and calendar by ordering 10 days dropped from October, the month with the least Roman Catholic Feast days. His calendar, we know as the Gregorian Calendar, which is used in almost all of the world today. Pope Gregory made further changes to keep the calendar in line, which on average is only 26.3 seconds longer than the solar year. The Gregorian Calendar is so accurate that it will take until the year 4316 to gain a whole day on the sun.That year, 1582, October 5th became October 15th and was immediately adopted in most Roman Catholic nations of Europe.
Various German states kept the Julian Calendar until 1700. Britain and the American Colonies didn't change until 1752, but Russia and Turkey did not adopt the Gregorian Calendar until the early 1900's.So, January 7th by the Georgian Calendar would have been December 25th by the old Julian Calendar and is therefore why it is still Christmas Day for the Russian Orthodox Church. Many Russians will have celebrated along with the rest of us and will then celebrate again on the Orthodox date.
This was also another interesting link explaining the slowdown because of the holiday. http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/05/news/russia.php?page=1
Don't you love learning something new everyday? Apparently, I have a little too much time on my hands.
with love,
Nancy
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