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!