Dear Family & Friends,
Jim, Roman and Matt are in Kiev! They arrived there in the evening last night. When Jim texted me yesterday afternoon I just assumed that it took a while to get the passport and that they headed for Kiev after receiving it. However, I heard from Jim after they were in Kiev and he said that he, Matt and Roma left for Kiev in faith as the passport had not arrived!! He explained that whoever was supposed to have sent it over the weekend forgot and therefore it was not going to arrive until sometime early Tuesday morning. Jim said that they decided that they would head on to Kiev while Svetlana stayed behind in Vinnytsa to wait for the passport. The plan was for her to call on Tuesday morning when she had the passport in her hands so that she could give them the passport number, which would allow them to proceed w/the U.S. Embassy appointments necessary today, and then she would take a taxi to Kiev asap. Jim said there were no guarantees that the passport would arrive Tuesday morning.
Jim texted me this morning to let me know that Svetlana DID receive the passport this morning AND she was on her way back to Kiev AND they were on their way to the U.S. Embassy for their first appointment!!!!!! Praise the Lord!! We are so relieved to know that they are officially in the home-stretch of this journey...
About Roma and leaving the orphanage and traveling...Jim said that he was holding back the tears when Ruslan showed up at the flat to pick them up. We have waited for the day we could take him home for so long...it just seems so surreal. They drove over to the orpahange just as the workers had Roma dressed and ready to go outside for a bit w/the other kids, but the workers could tell that Jim had "the bag" (the bag w/Roma's new clothes, jacket and shoes to take him in) and so they took him back inside and undressed him. Roma was so excited to change into his new clothes...Jim dressed him one piece at a time all the while holding in the emotion of the moment! (How I wish that I could have been there!!--they did video each step of the way). Once he was dressed and ready to go they went outside where the Director, Maria, was waiting for them...she kissed Roma and told him that he was going to go w/his Papa and Uncle and go on airplane home--it was a very tender and precious moment. They waved goodbye to the children and the workers and hopped into Ruslan's van and drove on to Vinnytsa. Jim said that Roma was so excited to get inside the van and that as they drove he was fascinated by all that he saw...like a typical boy he got really animated whenever he saw a big truck on the road!
Once they arrived in Vinnytsa they dropped Svetlana at the passport office and then Ruslan took them to his home where they waited for a few hours before heading to Kiev. Ruslan's wife, Archie, had prepared a great lunch for them--to use Jim's words: It was Awesome!--and Roma enjoyed it too. After lunch Roma explored the house a little and actually learned how to go up and down their steps--Jim said that he really liked doing this...he has never really been up and down steps before since the orphanage was all on one floor. They waited a while and then made the decision to head to Kiev. Roma had NO motion sickness at all the entire day--not from Tulchyn to Vinnytsa NOR Vinnytsa to Kiev!! A direct answer to much prayer...
They arrived in Kiev sometime in the early evening hours and are staying at a great flat right in the heart of Kiev...and right near McD's! :) Jim gave Roma his dinner and he ate just fine but after that it was apparent that he was nervous and a bit afraid. Jim said that Roma's eyes became a little red and it was clear that he was holding in the tears...so they turned on Madagascar on Jim's computer and he was delighted to watch that. Eventually he fell asleep watching the movie and Jim moved him to his bed and snuggled w/him for a bit. He fell back to sleep w/out a problem. It is apparent (and we expected this) that Roma is nervous and unsure of all that is happening...so much change! Please pray for Roma and the anxiety and sadness that he is experiencing...as this is so hard on him...pray that the Lord would enable Jim and Matt to meet whatever needs he has and pray that Roma will feel and accept such love and care. He is so tender right now...
Thank you for your prayers...Hopefully Jim will be able to update a little later w/some pics!
Love and Blessings,
Karen (for Jim, Matt & Roman!)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
On the Move
Dear Family & Friends,
I heard from Jim yesterday and he sounded wonderful! He and Matt held a little party/fellowship group at their flat last night--he said it was GREAT! Albina and her family came (Andre, little Andre and Katya), Pastor Sasha and his wife Natasha, Svetlana and Ruslan & Archie were there also. They sang some worship songs in English and in Ukrainian and were able to share the Gospel w/their new friends as Ruslan translated for them. Jim also took the opportunity to thank our new friends for all that they have done to help us and how God had used them to minister to us as streams in the desert. We both agreed that these dear people will be forever in our hearts as each plays a special role in Roman's road to home and they are all now lifelong friends!
Well, this morning they were headed to the orphanage to pick Roman up and say good-bye to his friends and caregivers--a day we have prayed for, for almost 2 years! It is hard to believe that in 3 short days they will be home...we are all so excited! Here's how you can be praying:
1) Please pray for Roma--yes, he is ready to go w/his Papa and Uncle but we are not sure if he understands that he is never going back to the orphanage and this will cause him to be fearful and anxious. Please pray that God would comfort his young heart and mind and ease his fears. Pray that he would embrace even more the love of his Papa. Pray for Jim and Matt to know how best to help him over the next few days. Pray also for Roma as he is not used to traveling for so long a time...apparently kids who are not used to being in a moving vehicle for so long a time get motionsickness pretty easy! Please also pray for the transition and adjustment to a new life that lies ahead...
2) Please pray that they don't have to wait all day Monday to get the passport. The plan is that Jim, Roman, Matt and Svetlana will be picked up by Ruslan and taken to Vinnytsa. Once there Svetlana will head to the passport office to wait until the passport is ready, while Jim, Matt and Roma wait at Ruslan's house. Once she gets the passport IN her hands they will head to Kiev--about a 4 hour drive. It is important that they get to Kiev at a good hour so that Svetlana can get the paperwork to the translator for translation (they can't leave the country w/out all the documents translated!) and it takes about 3 days to do this. Pray for the timing of everything...and for peace as they wait to go to Kiev.
3) Please pray for the U.S. Embassy leg of this journey...pray that they will be able to process Roman's visa in only 2 days. When we were at the Embassy before I left the guy helping us said that it should only take 2 days but they tell people 3 days (that is cutting it close since they have to be at the airport in the morning on Thursday not the afternoon). Pray for swiftness and that God would once again go before them w/His favor and allow everything to just fall into place. Pray for peace as they go the appointments necessary in Kiev.
4) Pray for safety as they travel to Kiev today--still snow on the ground.
5) Please pray for our children here in the States as they await the arrival of their daddy and new brother. I have been talking w/Nicholas nonstop since I got home about his new brother...he nods his head in agreement and seems to understand some things but I don't think he fully understands how his little world is about to change. He is adjusting to having his mommy back, which has been good, but just as he is getting used to things all will change again, and it will be yet another adjustment to have his daddy and new brother home--a lot for a 2 year old! Pray also for the girls...they remember last year and how long it took to find a new "normal" and they are a little anxious. However, they are really excited to see and hug the brother that they have prayed for for so long! It will be a sweet reunion on Thursday night...we are ALL going to the airport...please pray for our safety as we travel there and back.
Thank you for your constant prayers and support of our family--we are overwhelmed at how God has loved us through all of you. We can't wait for you to meet Roma...a little treasure!
Love and blessings,
Karen (for Jim, Matt & Roman!)
I heard from Jim yesterday and he sounded wonderful! He and Matt held a little party/fellowship group at their flat last night--he said it was GREAT! Albina and her family came (Andre, little Andre and Katya), Pastor Sasha and his wife Natasha, Svetlana and Ruslan & Archie were there also. They sang some worship songs in English and in Ukrainian and were able to share the Gospel w/their new friends as Ruslan translated for them. Jim also took the opportunity to thank our new friends for all that they have done to help us and how God had used them to minister to us as streams in the desert. We both agreed that these dear people will be forever in our hearts as each plays a special role in Roman's road to home and they are all now lifelong friends!
Well, this morning they were headed to the orphanage to pick Roman up and say good-bye to his friends and caregivers--a day we have prayed for, for almost 2 years! It is hard to believe that in 3 short days they will be home...we are all so excited! Here's how you can be praying:
1) Please pray for Roma--yes, he is ready to go w/his Papa and Uncle but we are not sure if he understands that he is never going back to the orphanage and this will cause him to be fearful and anxious. Please pray that God would comfort his young heart and mind and ease his fears. Pray that he would embrace even more the love of his Papa. Pray for Jim and Matt to know how best to help him over the next few days. Pray also for Roma as he is not used to traveling for so long a time...apparently kids who are not used to being in a moving vehicle for so long a time get motionsickness pretty easy! Please also pray for the transition and adjustment to a new life that lies ahead...
2) Please pray that they don't have to wait all day Monday to get the passport. The plan is that Jim, Roman, Matt and Svetlana will be picked up by Ruslan and taken to Vinnytsa. Once there Svetlana will head to the passport office to wait until the passport is ready, while Jim, Matt and Roma wait at Ruslan's house. Once she gets the passport IN her hands they will head to Kiev--about a 4 hour drive. It is important that they get to Kiev at a good hour so that Svetlana can get the paperwork to the translator for translation (they can't leave the country w/out all the documents translated!) and it takes about 3 days to do this. Pray for the timing of everything...and for peace as they wait to go to Kiev.
3) Please pray for the U.S. Embassy leg of this journey...pray that they will be able to process Roman's visa in only 2 days. When we were at the Embassy before I left the guy helping us said that it should only take 2 days but they tell people 3 days (that is cutting it close since they have to be at the airport in the morning on Thursday not the afternoon). Pray for swiftness and that God would once again go before them w/His favor and allow everything to just fall into place. Pray for peace as they go the appointments necessary in Kiev.
4) Pray for safety as they travel to Kiev today--still snow on the ground.
5) Please pray for our children here in the States as they await the arrival of their daddy and new brother. I have been talking w/Nicholas nonstop since I got home about his new brother...he nods his head in agreement and seems to understand some things but I don't think he fully understands how his little world is about to change. He is adjusting to having his mommy back, which has been good, but just as he is getting used to things all will change again, and it will be yet another adjustment to have his daddy and new brother home--a lot for a 2 year old! Pray also for the girls...they remember last year and how long it took to find a new "normal" and they are a little anxious. However, they are really excited to see and hug the brother that they have prayed for for so long! It will be a sweet reunion on Thursday night...we are ALL going to the airport...please pray for our safety as we travel there and back.
Thank you for your constant prayers and support of our family--we are overwhelmed at how God has loved us through all of you. We can't wait for you to meet Roma...a little treasure!
Love and blessings,
Karen (for Jim, Matt & Roman!)
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Our God is a Prayer-Hearing God
Greetings Family and Friends,
It looks like everything is coming together wondrously for us to leave Tulchyn with Roman on Monday! Just a couple of days ago it looked like we might be stuck here for 1-2 more weeks, but God has heard our cries for help and has intervened in amazing ways to shorten our stay and allow us to come home this week. This doesn't mean we should get lazy with prayer...things can change for the good or the bad overnight here in Ukraine so please continue to remember us in your prayers. Let me update you on a few other matters.
Yesterday, while praying and reading in the morning I had a real burden for Tulchyn. I told the Lord that I was ready to leave today(that is yesterday) if it was best, but if he were to give me a few more days here it would mean frutiful labor and an opportunity to "shine" for him. I asked theLord to give me some opportunity to say to these people whom we have met in Tulchyn that our chief motivation for adopting Roman is the love of God in Jesus Christ that has gripped our hearts. O how I wish I could articulate my thoughts to these people and speak plainly to them in some understandable way. Well, God answered this prayer in such an incredible way. Later that day we recieved a call from Svetlana that a reporter here in Tulchyn had heard of us being here and what we were doing and wanted to meet with me for an interview later that day at the orphanage (at 4). Well, I met her at 4pm in the director's office withSvetlana, Maria, and Matt present. She had a little tape recorder to tape everything I said and spoke to me through Svetlana--though I starting to understand a lot more what is being said these days. Her first question was, "Why have you decided to adopt this boy and what are your hopes andplans for him in the USA." Well, I took the opportunity to tell her our whole story from beginning to end in great detail...the picture, the prayer, the girls asking if we could be Roma's parents, the decision, the long wait, the sad news that we would have to wait longer, the money, Nicholas' adoption, the trip this summer, and now our adoption. I told her that our chief motivation was that God had sent Jesus into this world tosecure our adoption into His family. She said, "But he is an invalid." I replied, "And so am I!" I told her that we really are all invalids spiritually and physically (since we are all dying)--all of our arms are too short to reach out and grasp God and obtain a right standing before him. The good news from the Old Testament and New Testament is that God saves. And that God saves with "outstretched arms". With outstretched arms he saved the Israelites from their captivity in Egypt (Ps. 136) and with outstretched arms on the cross He saved us from our sin. His arms are long when ours are too short. He reaches down to us through the person and work of Jesus and says, "I love you with all of your problems." I told her that when that kind of love grips your heart and you realize that you have been adopted into God's family that you begin to grow--just like when we adopt these orphans and bring them into our home and love them they begin to grow in new ways. It is God's love that has brought us to this point of wanting to adopt Roman. Maria also explained how Roma is a fighter and how no one expected him to live. I chimmed in and told the reporter that Maria had saved Roma's life twice. Maria explained how Roma is really growing and developing rapidly and that he has a bright future. The reporter asked,"Who will take care of all of these children at home?" I told her that my wife would be at home caring for these children and that I would be helping every day. She really couldn't understand all of this. She asked me if there would be other people from the US who would follow our example of taking in these needy children and I said, "I hope so!" But then I said this--"My real hope is that more and more people from Tulchyn and all ofUkraine would realize how precious these children are--all of them masterpieces made in the image of God--and care for them." I told the reporter that it would be better for these children to have loving homes here in Ukraine where they were born. The reporter told me that life is too hard here and she and her husband have to work so hard to make a living and caring for children like this would be impossible. She thanked me immensely for what we were doing to give Roma a life in the US. Etc. Etc. It was really neat. The article will come out sometime this week after weare gone but I will arrange for a copy to make it our way. I just can't believe how God answered my prayer from that morning--"Lord, just give me some way to share you with these people."
Today Matt and I went on a complete tour of the orphanage facility with the director and Svetlana. We got to see every child in the orphanage and learn of many of their sad situations.I was able to get some information on a few of the children to bring back with me. Maria also pointed out many needs here. The old septic/drainage system for the facility has been repaired many many times and now has completely collapsed. Part of the children's play area is flooded with sewage and has posed a health concern. The government will not provide the needed funds to replace this system anytime in the near future. The newborn nursery is ill-equipped and in need of renovation--ceiling, heating, windows, etc. This nursery is for very very sick children.
Matt and I are planning to host a celebration tomorrow night at the flat. Our plan is to invite Sasha and Natasha from Lideszian, Ruslan and Archie,Svetlana, Albina, Katya, Andre and Andre and maybe a couple of others for a time of sharing and thanksgiving before leaving. This will take the form of a very basic worship/outreach event. Ruslan is helping us think through this a bit and thinks it is a great idea. We will sing some songs and I will preach/present the gospel (w/ Ruslan translating) to the friends we have made in Tulchyn. Please pray about this as we are flying by the seatof our pants a bit. This is looking a lot like a fellowship group kind of meeting. It was Ruslan's idea to invite Sasha and Natasha so that there can be follow up with Alina's family if they are interested. Who knows what the Lord will do.
Roma is doing great...he seems to be learning new things from us everyday. Pray for our departure on Monday as we will be on the road for 4-5 hours. He is not used to long car rides and we are not sure how he will do. Pray for the remaining appointments in Kiev. Pray for our safe trip home.
Blessings,
Jim and Matt
It looks like everything is coming together wondrously for us to leave Tulchyn with Roman on Monday! Just a couple of days ago it looked like we might be stuck here for 1-2 more weeks, but God has heard our cries for help and has intervened in amazing ways to shorten our stay and allow us to come home this week. This doesn't mean we should get lazy with prayer...things can change for the good or the bad overnight here in Ukraine so please continue to remember us in your prayers. Let me update you on a few other matters.
Yesterday, while praying and reading in the morning I had a real burden for Tulchyn. I told the Lord that I was ready to leave today(that is yesterday) if it was best, but if he were to give me a few more days here it would mean frutiful labor and an opportunity to "shine" for him. I asked theLord to give me some opportunity to say to these people whom we have met in Tulchyn that our chief motivation for adopting Roman is the love of God in Jesus Christ that has gripped our hearts. O how I wish I could articulate my thoughts to these people and speak plainly to them in some understandable way. Well, God answered this prayer in such an incredible way. Later that day we recieved a call from Svetlana that a reporter here in Tulchyn had heard of us being here and what we were doing and wanted to meet with me for an interview later that day at the orphanage (at 4). Well, I met her at 4pm in the director's office withSvetlana, Maria, and Matt present. She had a little tape recorder to tape everything I said and spoke to me through Svetlana--though I starting to understand a lot more what is being said these days. Her first question was, "Why have you decided to adopt this boy and what are your hopes andplans for him in the USA." Well, I took the opportunity to tell her our whole story from beginning to end in great detail...the picture, the prayer, the girls asking if we could be Roma's parents, the decision, the long wait, the sad news that we would have to wait longer, the money, Nicholas' adoption, the trip this summer, and now our adoption. I told her that our chief motivation was that God had sent Jesus into this world tosecure our adoption into His family. She said, "But he is an invalid." I replied, "And so am I!" I told her that we really are all invalids spiritually and physically (since we are all dying)--all of our arms are too short to reach out and grasp God and obtain a right standing before him. The good news from the Old Testament and New Testament is that God saves. And that God saves with "outstretched arms". With outstretched arms he saved the Israelites from their captivity in Egypt (Ps. 136) and with outstretched arms on the cross He saved us from our sin. His arms are long when ours are too short. He reaches down to us through the person and work of Jesus and says, "I love you with all of your problems." I told her that when that kind of love grips your heart and you realize that you have been adopted into God's family that you begin to grow--just like when we adopt these orphans and bring them into our home and love them they begin to grow in new ways. It is God's love that has brought us to this point of wanting to adopt Roman. Maria also explained how Roma is a fighter and how no one expected him to live. I chimmed in and told the reporter that Maria had saved Roma's life twice. Maria explained how Roma is really growing and developing rapidly and that he has a bright future. The reporter asked,"Who will take care of all of these children at home?" I told her that my wife would be at home caring for these children and that I would be helping every day. She really couldn't understand all of this. She asked me if there would be other people from the US who would follow our example of taking in these needy children and I said, "I hope so!" But then I said this--"My real hope is that more and more people from Tulchyn and all ofUkraine would realize how precious these children are--all of them masterpieces made in the image of God--and care for them." I told the reporter that it would be better for these children to have loving homes here in Ukraine where they were born. The reporter told me that life is too hard here and she and her husband have to work so hard to make a living and caring for children like this would be impossible. She thanked me immensely for what we were doing to give Roma a life in the US. Etc. Etc. It was really neat. The article will come out sometime this week after weare gone but I will arrange for a copy to make it our way. I just can't believe how God answered my prayer from that morning--"Lord, just give me some way to share you with these people."
Today Matt and I went on a complete tour of the orphanage facility with the director and Svetlana. We got to see every child in the orphanage and learn of many of their sad situations.I was able to get some information on a few of the children to bring back with me. Maria also pointed out many needs here. The old septic/drainage system for the facility has been repaired many many times and now has completely collapsed. Part of the children's play area is flooded with sewage and has posed a health concern. The government will not provide the needed funds to replace this system anytime in the near future. The newborn nursery is ill-equipped and in need of renovation--ceiling, heating, windows, etc. This nursery is for very very sick children.
Matt and I are planning to host a celebration tomorrow night at the flat. Our plan is to invite Sasha and Natasha from Lideszian, Ruslan and Archie,Svetlana, Albina, Katya, Andre and Andre and maybe a couple of others for a time of sharing and thanksgiving before leaving. This will take the form of a very basic worship/outreach event. Ruslan is helping us think through this a bit and thinks it is a great idea. We will sing some songs and I will preach/present the gospel (w/ Ruslan translating) to the friends we have made in Tulchyn. Please pray about this as we are flying by the seatof our pants a bit. This is looking a lot like a fellowship group kind of meeting. It was Ruslan's idea to invite Sasha and Natasha so that there can be follow up with Alina's family if they are interested. Who knows what the Lord will do.
Roma is doing great...he seems to be learning new things from us everyday. Pray for our departure on Monday as we will be on the road for 4-5 hours. He is not used to long car rides and we are not sure how he will do. Pray for the remaining appointments in Kiev. Pray for our safe trip home.
Blessings,
Jim and Matt
Friday, January 11, 2008
Pictures and Video
Dear Family and Friends,
As Matt and I were posting this blog of pictures and video covering the last couple of days we recieved an incredibly huge phone call from our facilitator, Svetlana. She was so excited to share the good news that all of our passport stuff went through in Kiev the first time and as soon as our passport arrives in Vinnytsya we will be taking Roman from the orphanage and heading out of here. I can't begin in to explain how many things had to fall in place over the last several days to get us to this point. There have been so many incredible answers to prayer. Our first response when Svetlana called was not "surprise." I really had a sense this morning that God had our time table laid out and that something "big" was going to happen today. Though Matt and I are not surprised we are overwhelmed by our Great Prayer Hearing God.
Now we all need to be praying that some last minute details get wrapped up here in Tulchyn and that we can leave here sometime over the next 2-3 days. Our return date of January 17th is looking pretty good at this point. Wow!
Enjoy these pictures and brief videos...Today we were able to take each of the kids in Roma's group for a small ride on the sled. I've never heard them laugh so much. Roma, of course, got a few extra rides and really loved it. We had a great time with him today watching a video of mommy singing songs on the computer.
Blessings,
Jim and Matt
Picture in Tulchyn News Paper
Roman going down for a nap
Roman playing with cell phone
Check out this wierd Doo-rag
Matt and Jim checking out local transportation
Video of Papa putting Roman down for a nap
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Things are moving
Dear Family & Friends,
I heard from Jim yesterday afternoon and he sounds great. Yesterday was a very full day of traveling to several towns to accomplish what they needed to. At 8 am yesterday they packed into Andre's car (Albina's husband) and they headed over to the town of Lidizjan--apparently the roads were pretty slick and down to only one lane.
They arrived at the birth certificate office to find our pastor-friend, Sasha, whom we had met the week before! Jim said that Sasha knew they were going to be there but he hadn't asked him to come, but Sasha came anyway to help make sure that everything went smoothly obtaining Roma's birth certificate.--very thoughtful. While at the office Jim had to state Roma's name at birth and when he said his last name (Likhenchenko) Sasha's eyes widened--yes, he knew Roma's birthfather!! Amazing!!! Jim was floored and couldn't believe it...he was able to learn a little bit more about Roma's birthparents (which will mean much to Roma when he gets older) and found out how they are doing...his birthfather is a well-known plumbing, heating, HVAC guy in the town and very well respected! He and his wife (birthmom) were married when they had Roma and are just a little younger than Jim and I. Sasha said that they are very sweet people and have had a lot of heartache in their life as they did have another child, a baby girl, who lived for a short while after birth but died. Jim asked Sasha to tell Roma's father about us and that their son is being adopted by a "good American family"...Sasha said he would do that. Jim also encouraged Sasha to share the Gospel with them as Jesus is the only hope of this life--especially as they have had much suffering and are in need of the Good News. Simply amazing...Jim said that all of the birth certificate hoo-ha could have taken 2 days but they were able to have it all done in a matter of hours--answered prayer!
After the birth certificate office they had to travel all the way to Vinnytsa to have the birth certificate authenticated...then after that they had to travel to Nemirov to have copies of the birth certificate notarized. (Apparently the notary in Nemirov is related to someone either at the courthouse or orphanage and she knew all about us and was more than happy to help--another answered prayer!) They finally arrived back in Tulchyn at 6 pm--enough time to go and see Roma!
Jim said that Roma was sooooo excited to see them last night...he was probably wondering where they were! They arrived just in time to "hear" him get his bath/shower--more like hose down! Jim said that they allowed him and Matt to wait outside the bathroom door while he got "clean"--Roma screamed and cried as they hosed him off...the worker told Jim that the water was very cold (I'd scream too!)...Jim said that they really didn't clean him b/c he still had remnants of his dinner on his face when he came out! Nonetheless they really enjoyed playing w/him and he w/them...it was great...won't be long now before they can take him out of there.
Now, there is still a lot of paperwork that has to be done and officials who have to "officialize" things...Today they have to take the authenticated birth certificate over to the Tulchyn police station (I am not exactly sure why as we did not have to do this last year in Kherson)...they told Svetlana that if the passport office called from Vinnytsa that they would expedite whatever it is that they have to do w/the documents and that would mean that today they could go and apply for the passport! This would be fantastic and great...Please pray to this end! (f they don't get all that they need by tomorrow it will be a setback b/c the weekend will be here and everything is closed. It would also mean that Jim most likely would have to change his tickets to a later date and come home alone, as Matt has to come back by the 17th. If we think too much about it all we get anxious, so we are trusting God and asking Him to make the paths clear and make a way where there doesn't seem to be one.)
Please pray for the passport officials to be merciful and that God would put it on their hearts to complete the paperwork and process his passport in one day...pray that the Lord's favor would continue to go before them in all things.
Pray for Roma as his whole world is about to change...if they do get his passport today or tomororw they could be traveling to Kiev as early as Friday or Saturday! It will be a HUGE change for him and he will have many fears. Pray for all that is about to take place...
All of us here at home are fine...just getting things ready for Daddy and Roman and counting down the days. Nicholas has an ear infection and Kaitlyn has had an increase in asthma but overall we are fine. God is carrying us in this time of separation...He is faithful!
Thank you for praying and holding us up in prayer before the Lord...we love you!
Love,
Karen & Jim (and Matt too!)
I heard from Jim yesterday afternoon and he sounds great. Yesterday was a very full day of traveling to several towns to accomplish what they needed to. At 8 am yesterday they packed into Andre's car (Albina's husband) and they headed over to the town of Lidizjan--apparently the roads were pretty slick and down to only one lane.
They arrived at the birth certificate office to find our pastor-friend, Sasha, whom we had met the week before! Jim said that Sasha knew they were going to be there but he hadn't asked him to come, but Sasha came anyway to help make sure that everything went smoothly obtaining Roma's birth certificate.--very thoughtful. While at the office Jim had to state Roma's name at birth and when he said his last name (Likhenchenko) Sasha's eyes widened--yes, he knew Roma's birthfather!! Amazing!!! Jim was floored and couldn't believe it...he was able to learn a little bit more about Roma's birthparents (which will mean much to Roma when he gets older) and found out how they are doing...his birthfather is a well-known plumbing, heating, HVAC guy in the town and very well respected! He and his wife (birthmom) were married when they had Roma and are just a little younger than Jim and I. Sasha said that they are very sweet people and have had a lot of heartache in their life as they did have another child, a baby girl, who lived for a short while after birth but died. Jim asked Sasha to tell Roma's father about us and that their son is being adopted by a "good American family"...Sasha said he would do that. Jim also encouraged Sasha to share the Gospel with them as Jesus is the only hope of this life--especially as they have had much suffering and are in need of the Good News. Simply amazing...Jim said that all of the birth certificate hoo-ha could have taken 2 days but they were able to have it all done in a matter of hours--answered prayer!
After the birth certificate office they had to travel all the way to Vinnytsa to have the birth certificate authenticated...then after that they had to travel to Nemirov to have copies of the birth certificate notarized. (Apparently the notary in Nemirov is related to someone either at the courthouse or orphanage and she knew all about us and was more than happy to help--another answered prayer!) They finally arrived back in Tulchyn at 6 pm--enough time to go and see Roma!
Jim said that Roma was sooooo excited to see them last night...he was probably wondering where they were! They arrived just in time to "hear" him get his bath/shower--more like hose down! Jim said that they allowed him and Matt to wait outside the bathroom door while he got "clean"--Roma screamed and cried as they hosed him off...the worker told Jim that the water was very cold (I'd scream too!)...Jim said that they really didn't clean him b/c he still had remnants of his dinner on his face when he came out! Nonetheless they really enjoyed playing w/him and he w/them...it was great...won't be long now before they can take him out of there.
Now, there is still a lot of paperwork that has to be done and officials who have to "officialize" things...Today they have to take the authenticated birth certificate over to the Tulchyn police station (I am not exactly sure why as we did not have to do this last year in Kherson)...they told Svetlana that if the passport office called from Vinnytsa that they would expedite whatever it is that they have to do w/the documents and that would mean that today they could go and apply for the passport! This would be fantastic and great...Please pray to this end! (f they don't get all that they need by tomorrow it will be a setback b/c the weekend will be here and everything is closed. It would also mean that Jim most likely would have to change his tickets to a later date and come home alone, as Matt has to come back by the 17th. If we think too much about it all we get anxious, so we are trusting God and asking Him to make the paths clear and make a way where there doesn't seem to be one.)
Please pray for the passport officials to be merciful and that God would put it on their hearts to complete the paperwork and process his passport in one day...pray that the Lord's favor would continue to go before them in all things.
Pray for Roma as his whole world is about to change...if they do get his passport today or tomororw they could be traveling to Kiev as early as Friday or Saturday! It will be a HUGE change for him and he will have many fears. Pray for all that is about to take place...
All of us here at home are fine...just getting things ready for Daddy and Roman and counting down the days. Nicholas has an ear infection and Kaitlyn has had an increase in asthma but overall we are fine. God is carrying us in this time of separation...He is faithful!
Thank you for praying and holding us up in prayer before the Lord...we love you!
Love,
Karen & Jim (and Matt too!)
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Hi It's Mateusch (Matt!)
Dear Family and Friends,
So far, my introduction to the Ukraine has been fairly quiet; however exciting. As it turns out I have some possible distant relatives here in Tulchyn! My last name (Kwiatkowski) leads to some interesting conversations as Poland once ruled the Ukraine! Funny thing is, people always expect me to be able to speak Polish, but all I know is Ya Cha Ko Hum (I love you!). We spend the first day in Kiev, tripping to a couple old orthodoxed churches. We haggled with some market people and traveled on their very dependable train transportation. At the center of the city, all was decorated for the celebration of the holiday. There is a big Christmas tree and around it are about 15 Santas dressed exactly the same, smoking cigarettes. The one in the picture to the right was the "best" Santa and Jim quickly snagged a picture of him with Karen the day before. We think the cat is out of the bag when it comes to the children believing in Santa here....not too sure how that works with several Santas all in the same spot at the same time!!! Jim is able to communicate sufficiently in the Ukrainian language making things easier, but interesting at times. A Ukrainian tradition here is for people to travel door to door singing songs Christmas Eve and Day (they celebrated their’s 1/7), like our caroling. We got a knock on the door to see a couple in their late twenties, dressed very nicely, singing a Ukrainian song. However, at the end of their song, it is also tradition to then give them money! The next thing we knew, our doorbell was ringing for the next 2 hours…we didn’t answer the door!
The past few days have been wonderful, filled with opportunities to visit Roma at the orphanage. He has such a warm spirit, gentle and playful. Jim and I have had some great play time with him creating rough and tough games. He continues to love to throw things with his feet, place objects (really anything laying around) into his dumptruck, into a basket, or
at each other! I have noticed that he enjoys finding the limits of things, taking them to their capacities. It is never enough to put just one or two items into the dump-truck, it always has to be filled to the brim. Jim and Karen had purchased a slinky that he loves to stretch out across the entire room! It is amazing to watch him do that as he continues to push and challenge himself with each task we so easily take for granted. He is so perseverant. The ladies at the orphanage let Jim feed him lunch yesterday. Roma was very adamant about feeding himself, something the workers never allow; they are very demanding in all they expect of the children…everything done quickly and institutionalized. So anyway, Roma constantly finds ways to adapt. He is so beautiful.
The past few days have been wonderful, filled with opportunities to visit Roma at the orphanage. He has such a warm spirit, gentle and playful. Jim and I have had some great play time with him creating rough and tough games. He continues to love to throw things with his feet, place objects (really anything laying around) into his dumptruck, into a basket, or
at each other! I have noticed that he enjoys finding the limits of things, taking them to their capacities. It is never enough to put just one or two items into the dump-truck, it always has to be filled to the brim. Jim and Karen had purchased a slinky that he loves to stretch out across the entire room! It is amazing to watch him do that as he continues to push and challenge himself with each task we so easily take for granted. He is so perseverant. The ladies at the orphanage let Jim feed him lunch yesterday. Roma was very adamant about feeding himself, something the workers never allow; they are very demanding in all they expect of the children…everything done quickly and institutionalized. So anyway, Roma constantly finds ways to adapt. He is so beautiful.What an important day today !! We are dependent on God for everything, but especially the important documents which will determine the length of the rest of our stay here. Svetlana is currently obtaining documents to get Roma’s birth certificate and identification card with his name change. We will then also need to get his passport in order. Getting things accomplished here in the Ukraine is “like a box of chocolates”, you never know what you are going to get…thanks Forrest Gump. We remain in prayer that these important documents would get done quickly without fail. The past day and a half has been met with about 7-8 inches of snow; we also pray that all roads are passable as we will need to travel into Lidesian, a much more rural road system than you can imagine. Thank you for your prayers that all matters are laid at God’s feet as we wait to see how things will unfold.
We will be writing again soon as we have more information about the rest of the week!
Love,
Matt and Jim
Monday, January 07, 2008
Some Specific Prayer Needs
Dear Family & Friends,
I heard from Jim earlier today and he asked me to ask all of you to pray very specifically over the next few days about the remainder of the process.
First, he said that it was snowing like crazy in Tulchyn today--by evening 4-5 inches had fallen and it was still coming down hard. All of this snow may make it hard for them (Jim, Matt & Svetlana, our facilitator) to travel to Lidizjan (Roman's birthtown) to get a copy of Roman's birth certificate--the roads are pretty hazardous without snow so you can imagine that they will be harder to navigate in such conditions. Please pray that they would be able to go and for safe travel to and from Lidizjan.
Second, Svetlana told Jim today that she knew of several families who are currently in the process of obtaining their adopted children's passports and it was taking a very long time to receive them and she is concerned about how long it will take to get Roma's. If it takes longer than a few days to get the passport it may mean that Jim & Roma would have to come home later than the projected date of Jan. 17th (next Thurs.) and changing their tickets is not only a hassle but it is VERY expensive. It would be very hard and discouraging for us if he was unable to come home by next week, especially as the children are counting down the days until they see their Daddy and meet their new brother. Please pray that God would go before them and make a way. Pray for God to give Svetlana wisdom. Pray that God would give Jim great peace during this time of uncertainty.
Third, there is also some concern that the special power of attorney that I had done in the U.S. and translated in Kiev may not be enough. Svetlana has said that sometimes the officials at the birth certificate office and the passport office want to see both Mama and Papa. Please pray that all those who need to see this document would accept it without hesitation and allow Jim to act on my behalf.
On a side note...Jim sounded great and said that he and Matt were having a great time. They had "church" yesterday--listened to a great John Piper sermon and had a wonderful time of worship and prayer...so wonderful that they lost all track of time and were up until 3 am praying! They are enjoying the snow but it is making walking back and forth to the orphanage (about 1 mile each way) a little difficult. He said that today the workers not only let him feed Roma lunch and dinner but actually put him in his bed after lunch for nap and at bedtime this evening--he was loving it. They bought smaller markers today at the market and Roma loved them--easier to hold than the fat crayons--and enjoyed coloring with them. Jim also took in the ipod and played some music for Roma--he LOVED it! He and Matt had a great time playing with him today.
Jim also told me that earlier tonight he and Matt had some interesting visitors at the door...the first visitors rang the doorbell and upon the opening of the door broke into song! Of course Jim and Matt thought this was great but when the people wouldn't stop singing they decided they better ring Albina's flat to see if she could explain why the people would not leave. Apparently, on Christmas Day (today is Orthodox Christmas) there is a tradition that people "carol" from house to house singing and they don't stop singing until you give them money!! Albina's mom told Jim that they would sing there all day until Jim or Matt gave them some money...of course they paid up! ha....ha...ha...
The second visitor was an older lady...she rang the bell of the flat and was talking on and on in Ukrainian to Jim and Matt--of course they had no idea what in the world she was saying. So once again they rang Albina's flat and asked for help...the old lady is a known widow who lives in the town and she has no relatives to care for her and is unable to work so she goes inside to the apartments and begs for food. She was not looking for money, just food to get by for the day. Jim said that they felt so bad for her and they went inside and gave her some food. It is sad to think that this woman in her old age has no one and that she must beg just to survive...As Jim shared this story with me I was reminded of Matthew 25:35-40 where Jesus says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" It is easy to overlook the least and last of this world, but what a great challenge given by Jesus to remember that when we serve the least, the last and the lost we are serving Him.
Thank you for praying and walking through this journey with us...We love you!
Love and blessings,
Karen & Jim
I heard from Jim earlier today and he asked me to ask all of you to pray very specifically over the next few days about the remainder of the process.
First, he said that it was snowing like crazy in Tulchyn today--by evening 4-5 inches had fallen and it was still coming down hard. All of this snow may make it hard for them (Jim, Matt & Svetlana, our facilitator) to travel to Lidizjan (Roman's birthtown) to get a copy of Roman's birth certificate--the roads are pretty hazardous without snow so you can imagine that they will be harder to navigate in such conditions. Please pray that they would be able to go and for safe travel to and from Lidizjan.
Second, Svetlana told Jim today that she knew of several families who are currently in the process of obtaining their adopted children's passports and it was taking a very long time to receive them and she is concerned about how long it will take to get Roma's. If it takes longer than a few days to get the passport it may mean that Jim & Roma would have to come home later than the projected date of Jan. 17th (next Thurs.) and changing their tickets is not only a hassle but it is VERY expensive. It would be very hard and discouraging for us if he was unable to come home by next week, especially as the children are counting down the days until they see their Daddy and meet their new brother. Please pray that God would go before them and make a way. Pray for God to give Svetlana wisdom. Pray that God would give Jim great peace during this time of uncertainty.
Third, there is also some concern that the special power of attorney that I had done in the U.S. and translated in Kiev may not be enough. Svetlana has said that sometimes the officials at the birth certificate office and the passport office want to see both Mama and Papa. Please pray that all those who need to see this document would accept it without hesitation and allow Jim to act on my behalf.
On a side note...Jim sounded great and said that he and Matt were having a great time. They had "church" yesterday--listened to a great John Piper sermon and had a wonderful time of worship and prayer...so wonderful that they lost all track of time and were up until 3 am praying! They are enjoying the snow but it is making walking back and forth to the orphanage (about 1 mile each way) a little difficult. He said that today the workers not only let him feed Roma lunch and dinner but actually put him in his bed after lunch for nap and at bedtime this evening--he was loving it. They bought smaller markers today at the market and Roma loved them--easier to hold than the fat crayons--and enjoyed coloring with them. Jim also took in the ipod and played some music for Roma--he LOVED it! He and Matt had a great time playing with him today.
Jim also told me that earlier tonight he and Matt had some interesting visitors at the door...the first visitors rang the doorbell and upon the opening of the door broke into song! Of course Jim and Matt thought this was great but when the people wouldn't stop singing they decided they better ring Albina's flat to see if she could explain why the people would not leave. Apparently, on Christmas Day (today is Orthodox Christmas) there is a tradition that people "carol" from house to house singing and they don't stop singing until you give them money!! Albina's mom told Jim that they would sing there all day until Jim or Matt gave them some money...of course they paid up! ha....ha...ha...
The second visitor was an older lady...she rang the bell of the flat and was talking on and on in Ukrainian to Jim and Matt--of course they had no idea what in the world she was saying. So once again they rang Albina's flat and asked for help...the old lady is a known widow who lives in the town and she has no relatives to care for her and is unable to work so she goes inside to the apartments and begs for food. She was not looking for money, just food to get by for the day. Jim said that they felt so bad for her and they went inside and gave her some food. It is sad to think that this woman in her old age has no one and that she must beg just to survive...As Jim shared this story with me I was reminded of Matthew 25:35-40 where Jesus says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" It is easy to overlook the least and last of this world, but what a great challenge given by Jesus to remember that when we serve the least, the last and the lost we are serving Him.
Thank you for praying and walking through this journey with us...We love you!
Love and blessings,
Karen & Jim
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