"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

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:

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/EventMessages/ByTitle/1991_Adoption_The_Heart_of_the_Gospel/

Keep on loving each other fervently, from the heart.

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

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 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.

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

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."

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

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.