Missing My Girl & Hoping for Good 'Travel' News

most recent photo of Anya <3

We've been missing Anya so much around here. Usually we skype with her weekly, but her netbook died so we have not had contact. And buying one there is far too expensive, so she has to wait until I visit again to bring a new one. In the meantime, the silence is killing us! She was able to message me a few days ago using a friend's parent's computer, but it was brief, and sad.


Anya is not doing so well lately. The trial keeps being postponed, and her hope of coming here for reconstructive surgery seems to have completely died. She just doesn't see it as a possibility anymore. Nearly a year since the shooting, she still wears the "Llizarov Apparatus" although the surgeons promised her it would be removed 4 months ago. She still endures the pain of frequent 'screw turnings', and seems to have simply reached her emotional limit in dealing with her life circumstances. This happens whenever we go long periods without seeing her in person. its been over a year since we were last there, so it makes sense that she's grieving again.

I know that mail really does lift her spirits a great deal, so I'm hoping some of you will consider sending her a postcard or 'get well' card. It is very easy to translate what you want to say via google translate. Just go to google translate, type in what you wish to say and hit the translate button into Russian! Here is the address she is at currently, if you feel inspired to send her a note. It needs to be addressed to her 'cousin' Oksana, as Anya is not properly registered at this address and can therefore not receive mail there. but Oksana will pass on everything to Anya. Just mention it is for Anya on the other side of the envelope, where the post office won't care what you write:) Here is the address:


OKSANA ILINDEEVA
Ulitse Kanskaya, 25
Kemerovo 650002
Kemerovskaya Oblast
RUSSIA


Also, Anya's birthday is August 1st, so if you get something in the mail this week, it might just get to her in time! she has absolutely LOVED getting mail via her friend Ira. A few of you sent small packages, and she was so excited to get those she had a hard time calming down enough to explain it to me on skype! No matter what, please keep her in your prayers and thoughts. She is really feeling defeated, overwhelmed and lonely lately. She needs a great deal of support right now. With all she's been through in her little life, I don't even know how she has made it this far. 


On the potentially good news front, I finally finally finally got the remaining piece of paperwork that had to be redone for my adoption. I head to Boston in the morning to get it apostilled and ship it to the attorney overnight. This ONE document is the missing piece. Everything else is translated and sitting reading to be delivered to the Russian 'Ministry of Education. I am sooo sooo hoping my attorney says I will be travelling soon. Please send as many prayers and good thoughts as you can! I'm ready to get on a plane this minute! Wouldn't it be wonderful if I end up being there for Anya's birthday???

Looking for the Answer to Everything?

The answer is: always, always choose Love.

I have more than a few friends and students going through very challenging times right now. My heart breaks for them, and I want to remind each one of them to beware of negative self-talk, out of control rage, and self-pity.

We are human beings and our lives, while here, will always be a challenge. We need to embrace the Light as much as possible. Choose LOVE over fear, be present, and BREATHE. Reach always higher, lift yourself above the storm. Ask God for help. For my Athiest and agnostic friends - if you do not believe in a God who can help, then just strive to be your highest, most loving version of yourself. Meditate on this:

 'To understand all is to forgive all.'

We are in a time of great change and upheaval. So many people are hurting and struggling. Have patience with others! Know most are doing their best and do not mean to hurt you! Forgive, if not for another, then for yourself. 


I see on facebook how much time some of my friends spend in judging other people, posting political rants that only engender hate, or post mean, passive-aggresive statements that are meant to call someone out, but really don't. Its important to ALWAYS look inward first.  Is it imperative to share your hurt or anger? If so, what is the most loving way you can do it? Can you speak directly without resorting to name-calling or hateful words?

Life is short. 


Life is very, very short.


Don't miss the chance to extend your hand and heart to another if you can. The greatest gift you can give in this life is your unconditional love of another human being. If you hold a grudge or hate in your heart, you hurt only yourself.