‘What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men …… That is what love looks like.’ - St. Augustine

Monday, February 11, 2013

Overdue Check-In

I know it has been far too long. I've been focusing on work almost exclusively these past few months - first, to keep my mind off losing Daniel. And second, to save as much money as possible while the opportunity exists. however, here is what is going on at this time:

Daniel - as most of you know, Russia closed to US adoptions and I lost my chance to bring Daniel home. It was a painful time, but I'm resilient and now my focus shifts to supporting him in any other ways I can. To that end, I will be visiting him (and Anya) in late May. I promised them both I would get there no matter what. And I will! I am also actively trying to find a Russian adoptive family for Daniel before he ages out, though it is proving more difficult than I could have imagined. I'm also sending more care packages and letters so that he knows I am still committed to him and love him. I'll keep seeking out ways I can support him and I"ll keep you posted on any updates. Here is a photo Ksusha took for me of him this past week. You would not believe the effort it took to get this photo! I had requested it at Christmas, but she had to find someone who had a camera phone to borrow, and then she had to take a bus for an hour from Novokuznetsk to Prokopyevsk on the weekend to take it. 
He looks so grown up :(
Anya - I have had very little contact with her lately and it worries me to no end. We talked around Christmas, but she has not been online since then - no Russian FB, no email, no skype - nothing. However, my friend Svetlana told me she visited recently, so at least I know she is ok! I continue to send her money as I'm able, and I REALLY look forward to seeing her in May! Here is the most recent photo I could find of her. It is at her friends bridal shower, which I think was last June.


Nastia - she's doing okay, not great. But she's plugging away at school and anxious to graduate, even though its over a year away. She is busy adding pieces to her art portfolio so that she will have plenty to show when it is time to apply to college. Her plans right now are to major in 3D art. She loves clay and ceramics best, but is doing pieces with paper mache and other mediums as well.  She is tired of school and anxious to move on to the next phase of her life! ( Even though her mom is not nearly ready for that!) No photo as Nastia has forbid me!

D - We miss her a great deal, and I am counting the days till she returns for summer hosting. I'm deep in the thick of adoption paperwork, but I have no expectations. I can't. I'm still too scared to hope, but I just keep plugging along and do what I can each day. If its God's will, she will be my daughter one day. in the meantime, I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and wait to hear word from Latvia. I do call her weekly and it is so great to hear her cheery voice! Since I'm in process, I don't think I can post any identifying photos, so here is one of my favorites from her last day here - from the back:


Hope this post finds you well!

7 comments:

  1. Thank you for the update, Keri. Daniel is so handsome, and yes, grown up. I'm sure your faithful readers send their best wishes to all your kids, as I do.

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  2. Anonymous8:45 PM

    I am so glad to hear that you are doing well, moving forward to adopt D and that Nastia's preparing for college! But so so so very sad about Daniel's adoption and lack of contact with Anya. I am praying for you and your whole family!!

    Will you be able to take Nastia with you to Russia in the spring??

    Julie

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  3. Thank you for this update! I was actually just wondering about how you were getting on. Such heart break about the Russian adoption. Hang in there and please keep updating when you can!

    Best,
    Sarah

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  4. \I am sorry that you have had to let go of the dream of adopting Daniel, but happy to hear that you will be able to visit him and Anya in May. My prayers are with you in your adoption of D and with Nastia as she stretches her wings and prepares for the next phase of her life. God bless!

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  5. Anonymous2:38 PM

    It breaks my heart that you, such a warm, caring, generous, loving person (no, I don't know you--you just exude so much over the internet!)can't get your children! All you and those kids want is to be a family & I just want to scream for you that it doesn't ever happen! I truly hope you can bring little D home! Thanks for updating when you can, even though it can't be easy for you! My heart is with you all...

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  6. I've sent you a FB message with a couple of questions. I'm sorry I missed this update....I always think of you. We are such soul sisters, but in this we differ - I ALWAYS want to write just sometimes there is NO time.

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  7. Oh my goodness!!! Daniel looks so grown up!

    Thinking of you, of your children (all over the world) and especially my Sveta every day

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