You'd think that after having lived the rollercoaster that is my life for 48 years that I'd be used to all the ups and downs. No such luck! This week could possibily go down in the history books as one of the most hectic and jam-packed weeks ever lived. It would definitely make a great sit-com episode. I've managed to keep positive, despite the craziness, and to that I credit God and God alone. There is no way I could weather such nonstop busy-ness without the peace that God gives.
So, we're off to Siberia in a matter of days. Although they did grant my visa, I noticed yesterday (and just in time) that they only gave me a small window of time -- not the 30 days I usually get. So we cannot stay the two weeks we hoped to, but we will make the nine days we've been allotted work to our advantage. Honestly, it just means less sleeping while there.
Of course, luck being what it is, my USCIS approval to adopt Daniela came in the mail this week (YAY!) but two weeks later than anticipated (Boo!) so I cannot get it apostilled before I go to Russia. And I realized my Police clearance may expire before my court date in Latvia, so I just had to submit for a new one. Ah well. Just have to roll with it.
And my lovely local health department (which certifies and oversees my summer Shakespeare program) has changed their rules...and suddenly I have to submit more documents, and they want them before I leave for Russia if I want to be recertified. Don't know how I'm going to pull that off this weekend, but I'm going to try my best.
Add to that two doctor appts, another orthodonist appt, registering our dogs, car inspection, and various other headaches that must be done by Friday - and you get why I am quite frazzled and sleepless lately.
I spoke to both Anya and Daniela today, and both conversations were joyful, laughter-filled, and also so full of anticipation for our upcoming reunions. These are the things that get me through these insane weeks. Hearing their voices, and knowing they are happy, and that I'll see them soon - it does my heart good.
Our flight leaves Monday night. We have a stop in Munich for a few hours, and then a 7 hour layover in Moscow (yuck), and then the final flight to Kemerovo. We arrive in Kemerovo at 6:40am on Wednesday. I absolutely dread the travelling part, if I'm honest. I've been an anxious flyer for a long time, and nothing seems to ease it. I just try to tuned out and listen to soothing music the whole time. Nastia hates it more than I do, so I try to focus on putting her at ease and that helps me be distracted from my own fear.
The plan is to spend as much time with Anya as possible, but I'm also hoping to spend a few days in Prokopyevsk. I don't want to go just for one day, because I have so many people to see there -- especially Daniel. so I'm hoping I can stay with one of the older girls who aged out last year. I want to spend a whole day with Daniel and also a whole day taking the older girls shopping for things they need. I really hope that works out.
If you'd like to donate a few dollars towards the older girls, you can use the paypal link on the right. Right now I have $450 for them, but I'd love to leave with $1,000 so I can help a few more. I'm holding an impromptu yardsale at my house this Sunday to raise some funds. I'm selling a vast quantity of Shakespeare items I've accumulated over the years. Let's hope many of my students show up!
I'll be sure to post daily from Russia, so stay tuned. I already warned Anya that I'll be taking millions of photos.
Keep us in your prayers and thoughts!
So, we're off to Siberia in a matter of days. Although they did grant my visa, I noticed yesterday (and just in time) that they only gave me a small window of time -- not the 30 days I usually get. So we cannot stay the two weeks we hoped to, but we will make the nine days we've been allotted work to our advantage. Honestly, it just means less sleeping while there.
Of course, luck being what it is, my USCIS approval to adopt Daniela came in the mail this week (YAY!) but two weeks later than anticipated (Boo!) so I cannot get it apostilled before I go to Russia. And I realized my Police clearance may expire before my court date in Latvia, so I just had to submit for a new one. Ah well. Just have to roll with it.
And my lovely local health department (which certifies and oversees my summer Shakespeare program) has changed their rules...and suddenly I have to submit more documents, and they want them before I leave for Russia if I want to be recertified. Don't know how I'm going to pull that off this weekend, but I'm going to try my best.
Add to that two doctor appts, another orthodonist appt, registering our dogs, car inspection, and various other headaches that must be done by Friday - and you get why I am quite frazzled and sleepless lately.
I spoke to both Anya and Daniela today, and both conversations were joyful, laughter-filled, and also so full of anticipation for our upcoming reunions. These are the things that get me through these insane weeks. Hearing their voices, and knowing they are happy, and that I'll see them soon - it does my heart good.
Our flight leaves Monday night. We have a stop in Munich for a few hours, and then a 7 hour layover in Moscow (yuck), and then the final flight to Kemerovo. We arrive in Kemerovo at 6:40am on Wednesday. I absolutely dread the travelling part, if I'm honest. I've been an anxious flyer for a long time, and nothing seems to ease it. I just try to tuned out and listen to soothing music the whole time. Nastia hates it more than I do, so I try to focus on putting her at ease and that helps me be distracted from my own fear.
The plan is to spend as much time with Anya as possible, but I'm also hoping to spend a few days in Prokopyevsk. I don't want to go just for one day, because I have so many people to see there -- especially Daniel. so I'm hoping I can stay with one of the older girls who aged out last year. I want to spend a whole day with Daniel and also a whole day taking the older girls shopping for things they need. I really hope that works out.
If you'd like to donate a few dollars towards the older girls, you can use the paypal link on the right. Right now I have $450 for them, but I'd love to leave with $1,000 so I can help a few more. I'm holding an impromptu yardsale at my house this Sunday to raise some funds. I'm selling a vast quantity of Shakespeare items I've accumulated over the years. Let's hope many of my students show up!
I'll be sure to post daily from Russia, so stay tuned. I already warned Anya that I'll be taking millions of photos.
Keep us in your prayers and thoughts!
I have been reading your post for a few months! being an adoptive mother to 1 Russian and 2 Ukrainian teangers I Love your blog and spirit! I will contribute I just wish I could help more. I know how it feels not to be able to help more! Have a safe flight and my prayers are with you! deb
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Debbie, and thanks for your prayers!
DeleteI know what just a few dollars can do in Russia. I so admire your tenacity - you keep going back. I am sending a little something, but wish it were more. I've followed your blog for years and I'm always impressed with what you get done when you're over there. Thanks for helping these kids. - Andy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Andy :)
DeleteOnly a nine-day visa? How truly odd!
ReplyDeleteBut, those precious nine days will be amazing. :>
The visa is for 10 days, but since we're going to Kemerovo, we need a day to get back to Moscow and be out of the country by the 22nd. I was warned that they were denying visas to US citizens lately. I'm glad they gave me mine, but was surprised it wasnt for the usual 30 days!
DeleteI hope you know how grateful some of us are that you give us the chance to help these kids. I know that you and I had a chat conversation once about the uncomfortableness of asking for help, and I know you struggle with that. But I know I am not alone in feeling nothing but gratitude that you allow me to be a part of this healing work you do. I can't travel to Russia, but I can send you money knowing it will be spent on kids who truly have nothing. Please don't ever feel you can't or shouldn't ask. Dont let those naysayers ever intimidate you into pulling back from those kids. They need you, and you're one of the few people in the world brave enough to help them. God bless you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI needed to hear that, thank you. my friends Lisa Roy and Leigh D have often told me the same thing. it never bothered me before my brother said I was 'ruining the family name' by asking for help. It just really hurt. The good news is, my love for these kids and desire to help them supercedes my pride...so I just silence that anxious part of me, and ask :) Thank you for recognizing the importance of helping them :)
DeleteWell, if anyone can accomplish what needs to happen both before and during the trip, it's you, Keri. Keep rolling with the punches- I admire your ability to keep getting back up. Can't wait to hear about the trip, but don't worry about posting every day while you are there. Your online friends can be patient til you get back!
ReplyDeleteThank you hoonew!! And I really enjoy blogging when i"m there. Its like keeping a journal, but easier!
DeleteThis is from Rachel D...
ReplyDeleteI've read all your recent posts, and the only reasonable responses are BREATHE & YOU ARE LOVED!!!
Additionally, I baby-sit for a 6 week-old who was 3 weeks early. His Mom has a slew of Newborn-sized diapers he's quickly grown out of. I don't think she's given them away yet. I told her about your situation, and she'd like you to have them. She lives in M-head. I called your home phone from her house several days ago, but it just rang and rang.
Please call or txt me on my cell if you'd like them. XOXO, Rachel
Thanks Rachel! I'll call you tomorrow afternoon when I get home from running errands :) THank you for thinking of Anya!
Delete