I often sit at the computer and wonder what updates to make for the Blog. I feel like there is a long time that passes where there really are no updates. Like the last three weeks. It has been just over three weeks since our dossier was submitted to the Ukrainian adoption department. Three weeks of hovering over the phone, waiting for it to ring, waiting for those awesome words that are going to make my eyes flood with tears of joy.
That's the thing though. It has only been three weeks. In my correct mental state I know that three weeks is not really all that long in the dossier submitted world. Three weeks. It is probably still sitting on someone's desk somewhere in Kiev. Untouched. Oh, but how I know that anything and everything is so unpredictable. They could call at any moment and have my appointment scheduled for 5 days from now, or 20 days or tomorrow! You just never, ever know, and so I sit like a hawk. Watching, listening and waiting. Of course this is difficult when you have three other children at home and you're still in the fundraising trenches. What can I do next? How can I get more sales from this idea, etc. It is so hard and I can only Thank God for the endurance to keep me moving. This is such hard work and until you've done it I don't believe you can appreciate all the time, effort, stress, loss of family time and sanity it really is.
I pray we get at least one other grant in to boost us much closer to our funded number. We are so close and I think another $6,000 should cover everything. Pray with us. It is such a tedious task. I could not imagine being a board member trying to decide which families you can help. There is such a great, great need out there. How do you tell a family who is really struggling to earn the ransom of an orphan that there just is not enough money? Pray long and hard for these men and women for God's guidance.
I am hoping that with our next update I will have wonderful news of travel to share with you!
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Submittal and C&DL
Hello Friends,
Awesome news this week. After months of paperwork and stress levels beyond words..... we have been submitted to the courts to request permission to visit our little boy! I am beyond excited and maybe I cried in relief a little. It always feels like a bit of a cliff hanger until you know for sure everything is in perfect order. We have had some bumps along the way, but all looks well at this point. So in about 4 weeks we should receive our travel dates and I do expect to be heading to Eastern Europe around the second week of August. Exciting!
We have also received our direct link for donations to our account with Lifesong for Orphans. This is exciting as well. We were chosen by an organization called, Chosen & Dearly Loved as a sponsor family. Catherine from C&DL called me on my birthday to let us know we were chosen and she is the kindest person ever. I love when strangers can come together and pray and gush over their love for this ministry. There is no better feeling in the world- talk about Goosebumps!
This grant from C&DL is being monitored by Lifesong so all donated funds will be sent there. Once we reach $2,500 in this account, C&DL will match it, dollar for dollar. That's $5,000!! Please feel free to share this information for us. We are nearing the end of this leg of our journey and soon our boy will be home with us!
Awesome news this week. After months of paperwork and stress levels beyond words..... we have been submitted to the courts to request permission to visit our little boy! I am beyond excited and maybe I cried in relief a little. It always feels like a bit of a cliff hanger until you know for sure everything is in perfect order. We have had some bumps along the way, but all looks well at this point. So in about 4 weeks we should receive our travel dates and I do expect to be heading to Eastern Europe around the second week of August. Exciting!
We have also received our direct link for donations to our account with Lifesong for Orphans. This is exciting as well. We were chosen by an organization called, Chosen & Dearly Loved as a sponsor family. Catherine from C&DL called me on my birthday to let us know we were chosen and she is the kindest person ever. I love when strangers can come together and pray and gush over their love for this ministry. There is no better feeling in the world- talk about Goosebumps!
This grant from C&DL is being monitored by Lifesong so all donated funds will be sent there. Once we reach $2,500 in this account, C&DL will match it, dollar for dollar. That's $5,000!! Please feel free to share this information for us. We are nearing the end of this leg of our journey and soon our boy will be home with us!
https://mystory.lifesongfororphans.org/stories/second-chance-family/
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Christmas in July
Things are just plugging along here in Central Florida. It's been a not-so-breezy 95* all week and just all around hot and sweaty and miserable.
That is when a genius idea struck me! Why not make this miserable time as happy as possible? What is the happiest time in year? (Not including when you get the phone call that its time to go see your baby) Christmas time of course, and thus "Christmas in July" was born.
I'll be working on a few Christmas themed crafts and gathering items to hold an auction in the middle of July. If you have anything you'd like to donate please let me know. Anything goes... Christmas related items, anything that would make a good present, gift cards, gift certificates, etc.
Hopefully around that time I will also receive travel dates. Everything is coming down to the last bits and pieces until we can bring our son home. I am so thankful for our amazing team and my awesome family for dealing with my craziness and inability to think straight at any given moment.
That is when a genius idea struck me! Why not make this miserable time as happy as possible? What is the happiest time in year? (Not including when you get the phone call that its time to go see your baby) Christmas time of course, and thus "Christmas in July" was born.
I'll be working on a few Christmas themed crafts and gathering items to hold an auction in the middle of July. If you have anything you'd like to donate please let me know. Anything goes... Christmas related items, anything that would make a good present, gift cards, gift certificates, etc.
Hopefully around that time I will also receive travel dates. Everything is coming down to the last bits and pieces until we can bring our son home. I am so thankful for our amazing team and my awesome family for dealing with my craziness and inability to think straight at any given moment.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Chosen and Dearly Loved
So this week some amazing things are happened.
1. On Monday - It was my birthday; yay 31! I appreciate growing older. It is a privilege denied to so many. I look forward to what this next year in the journey of my life will bring: A growing family, career and learning opportunities, building a stronger faith and foundation with God and so forth.
2. On Monday evening I received the BEST gift ever. I received a phone call from Catherine with an organization called, Chosen and Dearly Loved. They are an amazing organization that offers advocacy and support for adopting families and orphans around the world. Catherine called to let me know they chose our family to feature and offered a matching grant of $2,500 through LifeSong for Orphans, a second well known and cherished organization.. This is AMAZING! What that means exactly is Lifesong for Orphans has opened an account for us similar to our RR account where tax deductible donations can be made. Once donations have reached $2,500 they will match that amount for us. That's means $5,000! If we can hit that we will be so close to fully funded. I'll post those details on how to donate below.
3. My boys (hubby and our two sons) are visiting family this week in Michigan. This week our son Pasha was able to meet his Grandpa Frank and aunts and uncles for the first time this week! Also, our two boys were able to meet their step brothers for the first time this week. Its been extra special for them and I am so thankful they were able to spend this time together.
4. Lastly, today, the 16th the very last of our needed dossier documents have flown over the Atlantic. Please say a little prayer that this families trip went well and was smooth for them. Fingers crossed that this time next week we will be submitted.
We do still have a very long way to go. Please send the vibes and the prayers and whatever well wishes you can our way and also remember there are so many families out there in the same position we are. I see so many Mom's and Dad's who work their butts off to earn extra funds. They make and bake and sew and babysit and anything else you can think of. It is hard to do. It is hard to not become discouraged and it can be difficult to pick someone else up when you yourself also feel the weight of pressure to reach these goals. Earning the money is truly a ransom and it is not earned easily or else everyone would be adopting, right? ;)
If you'd like to make a donation into our Lifesong account to join us in meeting this matching grant then please visit this website. Add our Last Name: Chinchak and Account Number: 7012 to the appropriate fields.
1. On Monday - It was my birthday; yay 31! I appreciate growing older. It is a privilege denied to so many. I look forward to what this next year in the journey of my life will bring: A growing family, career and learning opportunities, building a stronger faith and foundation with God and so forth.
2. On Monday evening I received the BEST gift ever. I received a phone call from Catherine with an organization called, Chosen and Dearly Loved. They are an amazing organization that offers advocacy and support for adopting families and orphans around the world. Catherine called to let me know they chose our family to feature and offered a matching grant of $2,500 through LifeSong for Orphans, a second well known and cherished organization.. This is AMAZING! What that means exactly is Lifesong for Orphans has opened an account for us similar to our RR account where tax deductible donations can be made. Once donations have reached $2,500 they will match that amount for us. That's means $5,000! If we can hit that we will be so close to fully funded. I'll post those details on how to donate below.
3. My boys (hubby and our two sons) are visiting family this week in Michigan. This week our son Pasha was able to meet his Grandpa Frank and aunts and uncles for the first time this week! Also, our two boys were able to meet their step brothers for the first time this week. Its been extra special for them and I am so thankful they were able to spend this time together.
4. Lastly, today, the 16th the very last of our needed dossier documents have flown over the Atlantic. Please say a little prayer that this families trip went well and was smooth for them. Fingers crossed that this time next week we will be submitted.
We do still have a very long way to go. Please send the vibes and the prayers and whatever well wishes you can our way and also remember there are so many families out there in the same position we are. I see so many Mom's and Dad's who work their butts off to earn extra funds. They make and bake and sew and babysit and anything else you can think of. It is hard to do. It is hard to not become discouraged and it can be difficult to pick someone else up when you yourself also feel the weight of pressure to reach these goals. Earning the money is truly a ransom and it is not earned easily or else everyone would be adopting, right? ;)
If you'd like to make a donation into our Lifesong account to join us in meeting this matching grant then please visit this website. Add our Last Name: Chinchak and Account Number: 7012 to the appropriate fields.
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Fly Safe, baby!
Our very last dossier docs have made it to the next traveling family. The family leaves from Utah on June 16 to head to Kiev where they will meet up with our facilitation team. This is so exciting! Please keep this family in your prayers over the next two weeks. The Mrs. is already in country and they are waiting for their final days of the adoption process as well.
Our timeframe is closing in. I expect we will be submitted within the next two weeks and could receive travel dates anytime after that. We are looking at around another $6500 minimum to raise before we are fully funded. It is still a big number, but I believe in a big God. We will make this happen but I am in need of help. Do you think you could spare a few dollars to us today? Could you share our story with 5 friends today?
The easiest way to donate from our blog is to hit that pink donation button or visit our Reece's Rainbow page. ALL donations are tax deductible! Please pray for us and that we will meet this goal soon!
http://reecesrainbow.org/114490/sponsorchinchak-2
Our timeframe is closing in. I expect we will be submitted within the next two weeks and could receive travel dates anytime after that. We are looking at around another $6500 minimum to raise before we are fully funded. It is still a big number, but I believe in a big God. We will make this happen but I am in need of help. Do you think you could spare a few dollars to us today? Could you share our story with 5 friends today?
The easiest way to donate from our blog is to hit that pink donation button or visit our Reece's Rainbow page. ALL donations are tax deductible! Please pray for us and that we will meet this goal soon!
http://reecesrainbow.org/114490/sponsorchinchak-2
Sunday, May 21, 2017
I serve a Mighty God
It is about 8:15 on Sunday May 21, 2017.
I should be getting ready for church. We have a big day today with our First Responder Appreciate Day and the kids are going to have a blast. BBQ lunch and Fire Trucks will accompany us today.
I just want to take a second and say that I serve a Mighty and Powerful God. This week has been a real test of my patience and understanding. I've been nervous this week. We've had a fall out with our Social Worker of the many mistakes she has made through our process. The lack of communication and her ability to just drag all things out. I've said some truly unkind words and maybe even said I was going to mail her some of our chicken's poop.
I did not know what we were going to do. Thankfully I calmed down and took a deep breathe and just went in the direction I felt God was telling me to go and its been in our favor. We have ceased working with her and found a new, awesome Social Worker who has managed to fix every wrong doing in the course of one day. Incredible!
More details to follow. I really do need to get ready!
I should be getting ready for church. We have a big day today with our First Responder Appreciate Day and the kids are going to have a blast. BBQ lunch and Fire Trucks will accompany us today.
I just want to take a second and say that I serve a Mighty and Powerful God. This week has been a real test of my patience and understanding. I've been nervous this week. We've had a fall out with our Social Worker of the many mistakes she has made through our process. The lack of communication and her ability to just drag all things out. I've said some truly unkind words and maybe even said I was going to mail her some of our chicken's poop.
I did not know what we were going to do. Thankfully I calmed down and took a deep breathe and just went in the direction I felt God was telling me to go and its been in our favor. We have ceased working with her and found a new, awesome Social Worker who has managed to fix every wrong doing in the course of one day. Incredible!
More details to follow. I really do need to get ready!
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
I received an email today...
... that told me we are USCIS approved!!!
This is huge. I thought for sure it would take a couple more weeks to receive this, but Officer Krost in the Adoption Department of the U.S. Immigration service assures me our approval letters are in the mail by tomorrow. So here is our timeline for those interested in where USCIS currently stands:
This is huge. I thought for sure it would take a couple more weeks to receive this, but Officer Krost in the Adoption Department of the U.S. Immigration service assures me our approval letters are in the mail by tomorrow. So here is our timeline for those interested in where USCIS currently stands:
Application and Home Study received 4/13/2017
Finger printed 5/8/2017
Officially Approve 5/15/2017
I'm thrilled that this leg is over! Once the hard approvals are received I will send them to Tallahassee with a few other documents to be apostilled and I will send them to the next family traveling to Ukraine and we will wait to be submitted to the court. A couple weeks after submission we should receive travel dates for our appointment at DAP.
It is officially crunch time. There is no other way to describe it. I need to raise an additional $8,000 in roughly 2 months or close to. Pray for me. I'm really going to need it. :)
Saturday, May 6, 2017
FaceBook Auction and USCIS
Hello Everyone! So excited to be back with somewhat of an update for you.
The last week of April we held an online auction and all money is going towards our adoption fees. We had some amazing donations from our friends in the adoption community along with several GENEROUS Etsy store owners. In all sincerity, without these donors we would not have had much to work with and our gratitude can never be expressed. I'd like to give these folks a little shout out so if you have time please check them all out and support them if you're in a shopping mood.
A huge, "THANK YOU" to these stores and their generosity. I am very sure these small shops are bombarded with requests, often fake ones, and they took the time to check out our blog and story and saw that we are very real.
That being said, after bids and a little extra in donations (before taking out shipping costs) we made just under $1400.00. That is fantastic! Much more then I anticipated. Thank you to all our bidders! Your support is very appreciated.
We are still plugging away on fundraising and saving towards the remaining funds we need. At this point we need right around $8,000 more to be fully funded. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but honestly, we can do this. Look how much we have raised in such a short amount of time anyway. Remember, we do have our tax free account where donations can be made. You can click the "Donate" button our blog to be taken directly to the site. :)
Great news!! We have our Immigration fingerprint appointment on Monday morning at 8 am. We are praying for a quick turn around with no requests for additional information. I tried to be very proactive in sending everything they could possibly ask for. Fingers crossed!
We want to just say, Thank you again to everyone for all your love and support along the way.
The last week of April we held an online auction and all money is going towards our adoption fees. We had some amazing donations from our friends in the adoption community along with several GENEROUS Etsy store owners. In all sincerity, without these donors we would not have had much to work with and our gratitude can never be expressed. I'd like to give these folks a little shout out so if you have time please check them all out and support them if you're in a shopping mood.
HearttoHomeOrganics
Reborn Furnishings
TubiePockets
WCDShoppe
BelindasGarden
Country Tags
Stitching Families Together (find her on FaceBook)
QberryCreations
GreyBunnyPaperie
The Village Gifts
21Blessings
Beyond Paper Flowers
HoneyThorns
FleaCircusDesigns
Madison Street Leather
In A Different Package
Bushel&Bobbin
A huge, "THANK YOU" to these stores and their generosity. I am very sure these small shops are bombarded with requests, often fake ones, and they took the time to check out our blog and story and saw that we are very real.
That being said, after bids and a little extra in donations (before taking out shipping costs) we made just under $1400.00. That is fantastic! Much more then I anticipated. Thank you to all our bidders! Your support is very appreciated.
We are still plugging away on fundraising and saving towards the remaining funds we need. At this point we need right around $8,000 more to be fully funded. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but honestly, we can do this. Look how much we have raised in such a short amount of time anyway. Remember, we do have our tax free account where donations can be made. You can click the "Donate" button our blog to be taken directly to the site. :)
Great news!! We have our Immigration fingerprint appointment on Monday morning at 8 am. We are praying for a quick turn around with no requests for additional information. I tried to be very proactive in sending everything they could possibly ask for. Fingers crossed!
We want to just say, Thank you again to everyone for all your love and support along the way.
Friday, April 14, 2017
7th Inning Stretch!
This morning I woke up to an email from Immigration that confirmed they have received our application. This is excellent! We will receive an appointment letter in the next 2 weeks to have more fingerprints taken in the upcoming weeks. After that we will wait to be assigned an officer and they will either ask for more information from us or they will approve us. This is possibly the longest process ever. It could take 6 weeks or 3 months. Let's pray for the smoothest, easiest process possible. I'm praying we have approval by June 1.
So receiving USCIS approval is our second to last step. After that approval our team will submit us to the courts to petition to adopt. That's it! Yay! This also means that time is quickly closing in for our fundraising efforts. We still have about $12,000 to raise/earn. That is a lot of money, but I'm holding on to our faith. We know God will provide, but it does get a little heavy thinking about it. Please continue to pray for us and share our need. We will continue our own saving and scrimping and fundraising, but now is the time that I ask you all to give if you can indeed spare a little. If you can not, we understand. Would you be willing to share our need with those you know? You never, ever know who is listening.
There is a direction donation link for us through Reece's Rainbow, which means all donations are tax free! Just click the pink donation button and you can easily give through PayPal.
Thanks to those hanging in there with us!
So receiving USCIS approval is our second to last step. After that approval our team will submit us to the courts to petition to adopt. That's it! Yay! This also means that time is quickly closing in for our fundraising efforts. We still have about $12,000 to raise/earn. That is a lot of money, but I'm holding on to our faith. We know God will provide, but it does get a little heavy thinking about it. Please continue to pray for us and share our need. We will continue our own saving and scrimping and fundraising, but now is the time that I ask you all to give if you can indeed spare a little. If you can not, we understand. Would you be willing to share our need with those you know? You never, ever know who is listening.
There is a direction donation link for us through Reece's Rainbow, which means all donations are tax free! Just click the pink donation button and you can easily give through PayPal.
Thanks to those hanging in there with us!
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Welcome to Holland and other fundraisers
Fundraiser's
1. Welcome to Holland - Tee shirts in Adult and Children ( check out the back too!)
https://teespring.com/dashboard/stores
2. Chinchak Family Adoption Auction
Facebook auction scheduled for April 24-April 28
There is a closed group set up for this. Just search Chinchak Family Adoption Auction on Facebook and request to join. There will be some items from Mexico, Ukraine, China and some goodies from locally owned business'. If you'd like to donate an item just send me a message. :)
Welcome to Holland
"Welcome to Holland" is a poem written by a fellow special needs Mom in the late 1980's. When I read through this poem there are a lot of different emotions I feel and thoughts I think.
For one, the late 1980's... how so many things have changed since that time. We are still changing many common misconceptions here in 2017. As of this moment we are fighting like hell to stop the "R" word. We are just coming up with better technology and equipment for our kids.
I think of the traveling aspect. I consider myself a world traveler. I've mainly been through the US, Mexico and Europe, but I think that counts as a World Traveler. My eyes have been opened to different cultures and heritages and I feel I have a deep respect for them. My eyes have seen happiness and trauma in these places and I've seen things that I'll never be able to un-see. I think being a good traveler is having respect for your destinations.
For this Mom (and undoubtedly many others) Italy was the place to be. She had already learned the language and the sites she wanted to see. It is what any expecting Mother dreams of it being and then God threw her a curve ball and tossed her into Amsterdam. She was unprepared, hadn't done any research. Over time she came to find out that although Italy and Amsterdam are nothing alike, they are as equally as beautiful as another. The view is just a little different and at times, a curve ball is exactly what you need.
I feel inspired by this poem. I feel better when I read this poem. I signed up for special needs motherhood, but I still had no idea what the differences would be. I had to get into the trenches. It is challenging to have a child who can not speak. He can not tell me when he doesn't feel well. I just have to kind of figure it out. It's hard.
Traveling to Holland has been challenging and rewarding. Therapy appointments, Dr visits all begin to add up and it can feel exhausting, but I've never felt more privileged. I look at my kids and I just know that God led us to him for a reason. My view has never looked so beautiful!
For one, the late 1980's... how so many things have changed since that time. We are still changing many common misconceptions here in 2017. As of this moment we are fighting like hell to stop the "R" word. We are just coming up with better technology and equipment for our kids.
I think of the traveling aspect. I consider myself a world traveler. I've mainly been through the US, Mexico and Europe, but I think that counts as a World Traveler. My eyes have been opened to different cultures and heritages and I feel I have a deep respect for them. My eyes have seen happiness and trauma in these places and I've seen things that I'll never be able to un-see. I think being a good traveler is having respect for your destinations.
For this Mom (and undoubtedly many others) Italy was the place to be. She had already learned the language and the sites she wanted to see. It is what any expecting Mother dreams of it being and then God threw her a curve ball and tossed her into Amsterdam. She was unprepared, hadn't done any research. Over time she came to find out that although Italy and Amsterdam are nothing alike, they are as equally as beautiful as another. The view is just a little different and at times, a curve ball is exactly what you need.
I feel inspired by this poem. I feel better when I read this poem. I signed up for special needs motherhood, but I still had no idea what the differences would be. I had to get into the trenches. It is challenging to have a child who can not speak. He can not tell me when he doesn't feel well. I just have to kind of figure it out. It's hard.
Traveling to Holland has been challenging and rewarding. Therapy appointments, Dr visits all begin to add up and it can feel exhausting, but I've never felt more privileged. I look at my kids and I just know that God led us to him for a reason. My view has never looked so beautiful!
Monday, April 3, 2017
Efforts and set backs
Hello Everyone-
Sometimes I am so stuck in social media updates that I completely forget this blog exists. Have I complained yet that they discontinued the Blogger app?
We have experienced a mild set back and made some really great progress in the last couple weeks. So about..... 10 days or so ago our Social Worker decided to call us about a change in our oversight company's fees. The short of it was that they had spontaneously tripled the fee. I'm more then sure my face was not pretty when she told me that and I am positive I thought some evil thoughts for several moments. None the less, she assured me we would work everything out and in the next coming days I was told some confusing things; one of which was, "we will pay for this unexpected bit" and "we will call around for other agency pricing". I assumed all was going to be well, they said they'd pay, they'll find someone surely. I gave it until last Thursday before I decided to check in; low and behold, nothing had been done. I got an email in response that I was not to happy with and ended in "I'm out of town until Monday". I was expectedly quite angry and decided to make a few phone calls of my own including one to the oversight agency originally in place. I spoke with a great lady who was able to explain some changes in law and explain the updated fee's and she assured me all would be alright and explained what I needed to do from there. I am quite happy to say that our Home Study report should be in hand this week and we can FINALLY get it to the immigration department. (At some point I'll post a timeframe of how things work)
Now on to the good stuff!! Our almost complete dossier is flying over the Atlantic as we speak! A wonderful, beautiful family graciously offered to carry it in their carry on and will hand deliver it to our team tomorrow. Prayers for safe travels for this family are so appreciated. Literally the only thing we need to complete our dossier is our Home Study report and Immigration approval. That's it! We are soooo close!
Our fundraising has picked up a little bit and I am excited for it. I was trying to keep it low key as to not scare people off but I've decided that just doesn't matter. On my social media in particular there are people I've known 20 years who don't say two words to me. I've had more strangers participate in our fundraisers then "friends" and that's ok. Some are drawn to adoption and its purpose and some aren't. Oh well, honestly I've figured out that if they want to be active they will and if they don't they won't. I'll post about our current and upcoming fundraisers in a separate post. :)
I'll be back with an update as it comes along!
Blessings-
Hope
Sometimes I am so stuck in social media updates that I completely forget this blog exists. Have I complained yet that they discontinued the Blogger app?
We have experienced a mild set back and made some really great progress in the last couple weeks. So about..... 10 days or so ago our Social Worker decided to call us about a change in our oversight company's fees. The short of it was that they had spontaneously tripled the fee. I'm more then sure my face was not pretty when she told me that and I am positive I thought some evil thoughts for several moments. None the less, she assured me we would work everything out and in the next coming days I was told some confusing things; one of which was, "we will pay for this unexpected bit" and "we will call around for other agency pricing". I assumed all was going to be well, they said they'd pay, they'll find someone surely. I gave it until last Thursday before I decided to check in; low and behold, nothing had been done. I got an email in response that I was not to happy with and ended in "I'm out of town until Monday". I was expectedly quite angry and decided to make a few phone calls of my own including one to the oversight agency originally in place. I spoke with a great lady who was able to explain some changes in law and explain the updated fee's and she assured me all would be alright and explained what I needed to do from there. I am quite happy to say that our Home Study report should be in hand this week and we can FINALLY get it to the immigration department. (At some point I'll post a timeframe of how things work)
Now on to the good stuff!! Our almost complete dossier is flying over the Atlantic as we speak! A wonderful, beautiful family graciously offered to carry it in their carry on and will hand deliver it to our team tomorrow. Prayers for safe travels for this family are so appreciated. Literally the only thing we need to complete our dossier is our Home Study report and Immigration approval. That's it! We are soooo close!
Our fundraising has picked up a little bit and I am excited for it. I was trying to keep it low key as to not scare people off but I've decided that just doesn't matter. On my social media in particular there are people I've known 20 years who don't say two words to me. I've had more strangers participate in our fundraisers then "friends" and that's ok. Some are drawn to adoption and its purpose and some aren't. Oh well, honestly I've figured out that if they want to be active they will and if they don't they won't. I'll post about our current and upcoming fundraisers in a separate post. :)
I'll be back with an update as it comes along!
Blessings-
Hope
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
It's possible!
Since we committed to Pasha for adoption in May 2015 I have met many, many people. Some I have met face to face and others just through Facebook contact. Since our commitment I have learned from each of these people. Some were already in the adoption community and some came along afterward. Some do not grasp the concept of adoption, specifically special needs adoption.
I've bumped into folks who say things like, "Why are you adopting outside your own country?", "Why are you adopting a broken child?", "Why are you taking on someone else's burden?", "why would you do that to your children?", "How can you afford to adopt?" Each time I hear one of these questions and countless others, I'm never sure how to answer. I try to keep in mind that many people have never really been educated about adoption let alone special needs adoption. When I was younger my vision of an adoption was two parents adopting a small, perfectly healthy, blue eyed baby. It's what you see in the movies, right? It is in reality so much more then that.
Adoption is long nights completing paperwork. It is months of crunching finances, saving nickels and painting on canvases that will hopefully sell even though there is not a touch of artistic talent in your DNA. It is time spent away from the children and husband you have at home because you are so desperately trying to figure out any way you can to make a little extra cash to go towards all the cost associated with your adoption fees. It is a year long (or more) roller coaster of emotion accompanied with thoughts like, "can I really do this?" and "how do we get the rest of the money?" Adoption is not knowing if your child is ill or if they are upset. You wonder about their safety when you know their country is currently at war. It is hard, it is exhausting, it's heartbreaking.
When I am asked those questions I can only answer for myself. I think so people have the idea that when you have adopted children you can suddenly speak for all adoptive parents. Truth is.... that just isn't true. Adoption is like pregnancy. No two are alike, they can not be compared to one another and no two children are the same. I do feel comfortable saying all orphans have experience some type of trauma in their lives. Birth parents have their reasons for leaving their children to be adopted. Some are pretty noble in my opinion even though they are said and should never be forced to make a decision so large. When I am asked these questions my answers are pretty steadfast. We adopted because we felt drawn to our son, not based on where he was. We did not adopt within the US because we felt God put us on a path to Pasha. Simple. There were times when I felt I could not take another step forward. I was so tired from everything. Was I doing the wrong to my family? I think everyone has moments of doubt- it is natural.
Special needs adoption was not something I knew of either. I basically stumbled up an organization called Reece's Rainbow. Their mission is to find homes for children in countries all over the world and those children have special needs that range from Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, hearing impairment, Celiac Disease and so forth. These children are blessing in so many ways. Some of them have never known simple things like hugs in the morning, kisses at bedtime and they never will. The adoption of these children is essential. These children need families to thrive in. I don't know any other way to put it and it is because of organizations like Reece's Rainbow that it is even possible.
I've bumped into folks who say things like, "Why are you adopting outside your own country?", "Why are you adopting a broken child?", "Why are you taking on someone else's burden?", "why would you do that to your children?", "How can you afford to adopt?" Each time I hear one of these questions and countless others, I'm never sure how to answer. I try to keep in mind that many people have never really been educated about adoption let alone special needs adoption. When I was younger my vision of an adoption was two parents adopting a small, perfectly healthy, blue eyed baby. It's what you see in the movies, right? It is in reality so much more then that.
Adoption is long nights completing paperwork. It is months of crunching finances, saving nickels and painting on canvases that will hopefully sell even though there is not a touch of artistic talent in your DNA. It is time spent away from the children and husband you have at home because you are so desperately trying to figure out any way you can to make a little extra cash to go towards all the cost associated with your adoption fees. It is a year long (or more) roller coaster of emotion accompanied with thoughts like, "can I really do this?" and "how do we get the rest of the money?" Adoption is not knowing if your child is ill or if they are upset. You wonder about their safety when you know their country is currently at war. It is hard, it is exhausting, it's heartbreaking.
When I am asked those questions I can only answer for myself. I think so people have the idea that when you have adopted children you can suddenly speak for all adoptive parents. Truth is.... that just isn't true. Adoption is like pregnancy. No two are alike, they can not be compared to one another and no two children are the same. I do feel comfortable saying all orphans have experience some type of trauma in their lives. Birth parents have their reasons for leaving their children to be adopted. Some are pretty noble in my opinion even though they are said and should never be forced to make a decision so large. When I am asked these questions my answers are pretty steadfast. We adopted because we felt drawn to our son, not based on where he was. We did not adopt within the US because we felt God put us on a path to Pasha. Simple. There were times when I felt I could not take another step forward. I was so tired from everything. Was I doing the wrong to my family? I think everyone has moments of doubt- it is natural.
Special needs adoption was not something I knew of either. I basically stumbled up an organization called Reece's Rainbow. Their mission is to find homes for children in countries all over the world and those children have special needs that range from Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, hearing impairment, Celiac Disease and so forth. These children are blessing in so many ways. Some of them have never known simple things like hugs in the morning, kisses at bedtime and they never will. The adoption of these children is essential. These children need families to thrive in. I don't know any other way to put it and it is because of organizations like Reece's Rainbow that it is even possible.
Monday, March 13, 2017
One step forward- Two steps back
Good Evening--
I have some news to update you all with, some good and some not so good.
We have just been skipping right along this time around and it is by the Glory of God without a doubt. So for the good news; our FBI clearance seals came back today and they look GLORIOUS (you should sing-song read that just like I typed it!) The rest of our documents are being apostilled tomorrow and then they will be on their way to Ukraine.
Semi bad news- Our Social Worker (SW) called Friday afternoon to tell me some very disturbing news. The oversight agency they use has decided to nearly more then triple their current cost for reviewing our Study. Suddenly, out of the blue what was once $400 is now $1500, and naturally they want us to pay that additional cost even though our Study was complete and only needed the review.
When I tell you that I had a near death panic attack..... that doesn't even come close to how I felt. An additional $1500??? After we have agreed on a price and the HS is done!! I thought for sure they had lost their minds. So our SW is calling a few other oversight agencies (an oversight is required because we are adopting from a Non Hague country, more on that in another post) to see if they will do it for cheaper. I don't know what our final number will be but please pray it is NOT an additional $1100. I'm leaving this in God's hands. I won't let $1100 stand in the way of our son having a family. NO WAY!
In the mean time I am focusing on fundraising and getting that thermometer up! Way up! I am anticipating submittal for our dossier mid May. That's a long way to go and not much time so please expect to see the fundraisers kick it up a notch, or three.
Blessings!
I have some news to update you all with, some good and some not so good.
We have just been skipping right along this time around and it is by the Glory of God without a doubt. So for the good news; our FBI clearance seals came back today and they look GLORIOUS (you should sing-song read that just like I typed it!) The rest of our documents are being apostilled tomorrow and then they will be on their way to Ukraine.
Semi bad news- Our Social Worker (SW) called Friday afternoon to tell me some very disturbing news. The oversight agency they use has decided to nearly more then triple their current cost for reviewing our Study. Suddenly, out of the blue what was once $400 is now $1500, and naturally they want us to pay that additional cost even though our Study was complete and only needed the review.
When I tell you that I had a near death panic attack..... that doesn't even come close to how I felt. An additional $1500??? After we have agreed on a price and the HS is done!! I thought for sure they had lost their minds. So our SW is calling a few other oversight agencies (an oversight is required because we are adopting from a Non Hague country, more on that in another post) to see if they will do it for cheaper. I don't know what our final number will be but please pray it is NOT an additional $1100. I'm leaving this in God's hands. I won't let $1100 stand in the way of our son having a family. NO WAY!
In the mean time I am focusing on fundraising and getting that thermometer up! Way up! I am anticipating submittal for our dossier mid May. That's a long way to go and not much time so please expect to see the fundraisers kick it up a notch, or three.
Blessings!
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Updates Galore
Hello Everyone!
I sat back this morning and realized it had been a hot minute since I updated everyone on our FANTASTIC progress. It was so much easier to update when Blogger had their app. Why did they take that away again???
Our HomeStudy should be in my hot little hand at some point next week. YES! Then off to the USCIS office it goes. Then at some point after they receive it we shall get our appointment for fingerprinting. Super official! Once our prints are done......we wait. Will we get a first time approval? I hope so. Pray it is so.
All of our dossier documents are signed. A large portion of them are on their way to the capital for their official seals. We will still need to get all of our Home Study copies sealed and a few scragglers but that's it. Once they are sealed they will make the long journey to Europe where my AMAZING team will put it all together in a beautiful packet for us.
So it is like 84% ok to say that all my paperwork is done. Handled. Signed. Almost sealed. Almost delivered. It is an amazing feeling. Depending on how long USCIS takes to approve us, we could be traveling several weeks earlier then anticipated. That's awesome!
So the last thing to do is raise that pesky $14,000 that we still need. I'm off to print grant applications and brainstorm fundraisers. If YOU want to join me in making that number a weeee bit smaller please feel free to hit that DONATE button. All donations to this account are tax free and much appreciated.
I sat back this morning and realized it had been a hot minute since I updated everyone on our FANTASTIC progress. It was so much easier to update when Blogger had their app. Why did they take that away again???
Our HomeStudy should be in my hot little hand at some point next week. YES! Then off to the USCIS office it goes. Then at some point after they receive it we shall get our appointment for fingerprinting. Super official! Once our prints are done......we wait. Will we get a first time approval? I hope so. Pray it is so.
All of our dossier documents are signed. A large portion of them are on their way to the capital for their official seals. We will still need to get all of our Home Study copies sealed and a few scragglers but that's it. Once they are sealed they will make the long journey to Europe where my AMAZING team will put it all together in a beautiful packet for us.
So it is like 84% ok to say that all my paperwork is done. Handled. Signed. Almost sealed. Almost delivered. It is an amazing feeling. Depending on how long USCIS takes to approve us, we could be traveling several weeks earlier then anticipated. That's awesome!
So the last thing to do is raise that pesky $14,000 that we still need. I'm off to print grant applications and brainstorm fundraisers. If YOU want to join me in making that number a weeee bit smaller please feel free to hit that DONATE button. All donations to this account are tax free and much appreciated.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Home Study
Hello Friends,
Nothing overly exciting to report on today except the fact we did have our Home Study visit last Tuesday! I feel it went really well. Our social worker, Debra, is always really sweet and loves to chat with us. This was her first time meeting Pasha since he came home almost one year ago. I'm pretty sure she adored him like we all do! ;)
At the top of my wish list is to have our report final and in hand by March 1st. That's my hope and what I pray for. Once that is in hand I will be sending in our USCIS application and I think that will take at minimum 30-60 days to be approved. So many aspects of adoption are a "Hurry up and Wait" scenario. Hurry and do this paperwork....wait for someone to approve it. Now hurry up and do this part......wait for someone to approve it. Then somewhere in the middle of all that waiting I'm working my butt off to raise all the necessary funds for everything: pay the notary, pay the state to notarize the notary's notary (that's confusing all in itself), pay for shipping paperwork, pay for fingerprints, get fingerprints done 2-3 times for different things. It is a lot to keep track of. Thank you Lord for providing a team as fantastic as mine, HHA, look them up if you ever decide to go for international adoption through Ukraine.
There are so many feelings involved with international adoption and domestic, I would think as well. It is very much like pregnancy for a woman. With Pasha's process and even so early with "Chance", I have felt eager, restless, angry, annoyed and so on. I do feel more relaxed and at peace this time. I know the routine- I'm practically a pro now! Sometimes pregnancies aren't planned and I'd say this adoption wasn't really either. I was praying for it, but Joe kept saying no. Then it was like, "Merry Christmas! Let's go get this baby", and I'm all "whaaaaaat? yay! wait, what?"
Nothing overly exciting to report on today except the fact we did have our Home Study visit last Tuesday! I feel it went really well. Our social worker, Debra, is always really sweet and loves to chat with us. This was her first time meeting Pasha since he came home almost one year ago. I'm pretty sure she adored him like we all do! ;)
At the top of my wish list is to have our report final and in hand by March 1st. That's my hope and what I pray for. Once that is in hand I will be sending in our USCIS application and I think that will take at minimum 30-60 days to be approved. So many aspects of adoption are a "Hurry up and Wait" scenario. Hurry and do this paperwork....wait for someone to approve it. Now hurry up and do this part......wait for someone to approve it. Then somewhere in the middle of all that waiting I'm working my butt off to raise all the necessary funds for everything: pay the notary, pay the state to notarize the notary's notary (that's confusing all in itself), pay for shipping paperwork, pay for fingerprints, get fingerprints done 2-3 times for different things. It is a lot to keep track of. Thank you Lord for providing a team as fantastic as mine, HHA, look them up if you ever decide to go for international adoption through Ukraine.
There are so many feelings involved with international adoption and domestic, I would think as well. It is very much like pregnancy for a woman. With Pasha's process and even so early with "Chance", I have felt eager, restless, angry, annoyed and so on. I do feel more relaxed and at peace this time. I know the routine- I'm practically a pro now! Sometimes pregnancies aren't planned and I'd say this adoption wasn't really either. I was praying for it, but Joe kept saying no. Then it was like, "Merry Christmas! Let's go get this baby", and I'm all "whaaaaaat? yay! wait, what?"
There are moments where you feel like no one is working fast enough, again with the Hurry up and wait. Moments you think there is absolutely no way you can continue with the stress of fundraising, piles upon piles of paper staring you in the face that you just dread and you just can't sign your name ONE MORE TIME. Then there are the feelings when you know there is just no one supporting you. No one in your corner. Rocky never would have made it if Mickey didn't have his back, right? Who is my Mickey? I need my Mickey. Don't give up though! You always have a Mickey. They may be silent, but they are there.
With Pasha there was not a great amount of "local support". Many of my local events planned were flops. One was a great success by total accident, but all in all, they were not great. Maybe it is because there are not a lot of adoption stories shared around here? I'm really not sure at all. So this second time around, I don't expect to receive much of anything and I guess I'll just have to be ok with that. There is plenty of the "Good, Bad and Ugly" when it comes to adoption. A lot of people are in love with the idea and a lot of people aren't. It's weird in a way. I have plenty of people who scroll right on past my social media posts. Not a peep. Maybe I'll get a "like" if it is a picture of my adorable children. Maybe if I write something funny. Most of the time everyone outside my adoption community is silent when I share the travesty of these poor little people who wait in a room by themselves. Most of the time I don't get a "like" or a comment about them. It makes me sad. Hell, it makes me angry at times, but what am I supposed to do? Unfriend all these people? Maybe. Not like their adorable pictures? Maybe. But then who would I be shouting to? The choir. That's who. I'd be shouting to my own choir...those who I know feel these same feels. Who would I reach? I am one woman. I can not "rescue" all these children. I wish so much that I could, but it is impossible for one woman or one man or even two of each. I can however, muddle along and just pray that I reach someone. It has to be true, that old saying about how you never know who is watching, who is listening, who is praying. So people can unfollow and they can unfriend and I'll be alright with that. I'll continue to shout into the void as long as necessary.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Just a few notes
Hey Everyone,
I've had several questions asked in the last few days,along with random thoughts just flutter through my head so I thought I would lay them all out here.
These are in no particular order...
1. I have been advocating for adopting families for a couple of years now. You will still see me post on behalf of those families even though we are currently in process. My love for these families will not die out, even in my own time of need.
2. When a person makes a Tax Deductible donation to our family through our Reece's Rainbow link I am not notified. Around 6 months in the process I will ask for a list of our donors so I may thank them. I will ask again after "Chance" is home. I will personally thank you at some point just not right after your donation is made. Please know we are always grateful and appreciate pennies to dollars! :)
3. If you prefer to send a check in for a donation that is perfectly fine too! You can make checks Payable to Reece's Rainbow P.O. Box 277 Monrovia, MD 21770-- Just be sure to Memo: Chinchak Family
4. There is a very stigma in the world that goes something like this: "If you can't afford to adopt a baby then you can't afford another baby". Please do me a favor and take those 14 words and throw that thought right out the window. Adoption is hard enough as it is and no one needs that negativity in their life. If you personally have something against adoption then please move along. Fact is there are more people who believe in adoption than are against it and you'll just have 17 Adopt Moms come to the rescue. Trust me, it is better for you to move along.
5. Adding to #4... Adoption is hard. It is time, money, ..sanity stealing hard. The average adoption is around $20,000 (some are more, some are less). Every country is different and the requirements are different. Does anyone just have that money laying around? At this time likely not. I hate to compare kids with cars, but think of it as a car. Do you have $20,000 laying around to buy a new car? No. You make a down payment and you finance it right? You can afford a monthly payment but not the amount down. Same with adopting. You don't have that money set aside (most of the time) but you can afford the additional monthly stipulation.
6. Also kind of going back to #4... Do not judge adoptive families. Some have 12 kids, some 1. A family is a family and how they choose to grow is not up for debate. I couldn't take care of 12 kids, but that is me. Some can and POWER TO THEM!
7. So you can not give money to help a family? That is OK! I can assure you that adopting families do not expect everyone or even a majority of people they know to give. It just isn't in the cards. There are so many other things you can do instead!-Pray for this family. If you don't pray, send the good vibes, thoughts of positivity, believe me, they go a long way. - Host a fundraiser for them... bake sales, car washes, whatever you want. - Cook a meal for them once they are home and settled. This might actually need to be the #1 thing you do! :) - Help them spread the word. Share their blog post or FB post. You never know who is watching!
I am sure I missed a few things, but there is plenty of time! Just Love Thy Neighbor :)
I've had several questions asked in the last few days,along with random thoughts just flutter through my head so I thought I would lay them all out here.
These are in no particular order...
1. I have been advocating for adopting families for a couple of years now. You will still see me post on behalf of those families even though we are currently in process. My love for these families will not die out, even in my own time of need.
2. When a person makes a Tax Deductible donation to our family through our Reece's Rainbow link I am not notified. Around 6 months in the process I will ask for a list of our donors so I may thank them. I will ask again after "Chance" is home. I will personally thank you at some point just not right after your donation is made. Please know we are always grateful and appreciate pennies to dollars! :)
3. If you prefer to send a check in for a donation that is perfectly fine too! You can make checks Payable to Reece's Rainbow P.O. Box 277 Monrovia, MD 21770-- Just be sure to Memo: Chinchak Family
4. There is a very stigma in the world that goes something like this: "If you can't afford to adopt a baby then you can't afford another baby". Please do me a favor and take those 14 words and throw that thought right out the window. Adoption is hard enough as it is and no one needs that negativity in their life. If you personally have something against adoption then please move along. Fact is there are more people who believe in adoption than are against it and you'll just have 17 Adopt Moms come to the rescue. Trust me, it is better for you to move along.
5. Adding to #4... Adoption is hard. It is time, money, ..sanity stealing hard. The average adoption is around $20,000 (some are more, some are less). Every country is different and the requirements are different. Does anyone just have that money laying around? At this time likely not. I hate to compare kids with cars, but think of it as a car. Do you have $20,000 laying around to buy a new car? No. You make a down payment and you finance it right? You can afford a monthly payment but not the amount down. Same with adopting. You don't have that money set aside (most of the time) but you can afford the additional monthly stipulation.
6. Also kind of going back to #4... Do not judge adoptive families. Some have 12 kids, some 1. A family is a family and how they choose to grow is not up for debate. I couldn't take care of 12 kids, but that is me. Some can and POWER TO THEM!
7. So you can not give money to help a family? That is OK! I can assure you that adopting families do not expect everyone or even a majority of people they know to give. It just isn't in the cards. There are so many other things you can do instead!-Pray for this family. If you don't pray, send the good vibes, thoughts of positivity, believe me, they go a long way. - Host a fundraiser for them... bake sales, car washes, whatever you want. - Cook a meal for them once they are home and settled. This might actually need to be the #1 thing you do! :) - Help them spread the word. Share their blog post or FB post. You never know who is watching!
I am sure I missed a few things, but there is plenty of time! Just Love Thy Neighbor :)
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Being Called
First, I want to wind it back a little....
I have a friend, an amazing woman and mother, Kara. About 4 years ago she and her husband were in process to adopt a cute little Ginger (that's a compliment, not a back handed slap!) from Russia. It is hard to remember just how far along they were, but it was a decent way into the paperwork and the fundraising and All The Feels for that little man when suddenly, Putin pulled the plug on American Adoptions in Russia. Now, this is in no way a political post, but gosh darn it.... he sucks for that. Kara and this kiddo are important to us because she is how we found out about RR and special needs adoption.
So with this devastating blow to her and Hubby she recouped and re-committed to a little boy in Ukraine and I was able to watch her process from start to finish. Soon after she brought him home I joined the RR Facebook group and saw all these Momma's and Dad's who had made the journey, were in the process or who were already home. Some hadn't even adopted, but they have a serious heart for this devastation, and want to show these children to the world. Obviously I had knowledge of adoption and I had always wanted to adopt, but I never had the resources or support to do so. By joining this group my eyes were opened to something I never knew much about.... the special needs children in orphanages.
Now when I was younger and thought about adoption I didn't think there could be such a separation between orphans and special needs orphans. Maybe it is just a fine line....barely visible to some, but once you know it is there it is like a totally different world. In my younger years when I thought adoption I thought, "baby"...newborn, one year, two year's old. I didn't think about children who were eight, nine or ten, or with Down Syndrome or Limb differences. It is hard to explain these thoughts and I truly hope they make sense. A lot of international orphans and largely those with special needs are treated unfairly...disgustingly infact. The lack of love, attention, hugs, nutrition, food and everything else you can imagine is heart wrenching. So much so that most of the world would rather not give it a second thought. It is a well known fact that in countries like Ukraine, children who are "different" are viewed as a curse. A curse on the Parent for some wrong doing in their time and are given a child that is different to shame them. Now, I believe a child is a blessing, not a shame or a burden, and I know a lot of people who would agree with me. In these countries the thought of abortion is frowned upon (that is not something to debate here- I am just giving you facts) so in lieu of that option, the next best thing is to place them in an orphanage where they will wait. What are they waiting for? They wait for a family to find them and provide, love and cherish them. They wait to die- depending on their conditions and care or lack of. They wait to be thrown onto the street at 16 when they are expected to care for themselves or they are placed in an institution for their remaining life. Could you imagine? Do you even want to imagine?
After joining RR I browsed the photos of waiting children and said a little prayer for them knowing I can not help them all. At the time I didn't think I could help any. I came across a certain photo and felt like I had seen that little face before. Stared and stared and then moved on. A few days passed and I couldn't shake this feeling. Where had I seen this kid before? A couple nights later I had a dream, but not just any dream. You know how you can sometimes tell when you are having a dream that you've already had? Tell me I am not the only one! :) It was a dream of a little boy running around playing in a big field. He was wearing a light blue sweater and a crooked smile. It felt so real and it just consumed me. It was like I was there and I was watching him. I was seeing them dream in real life. It was crazy!
I have a friend, an amazing woman and mother, Kara. About 4 years ago she and her husband were in process to adopt a cute little Ginger (that's a compliment, not a back handed slap!) from Russia. It is hard to remember just how far along they were, but it was a decent way into the paperwork and the fundraising and All The Feels for that little man when suddenly, Putin pulled the plug on American Adoptions in Russia. Now, this is in no way a political post, but gosh darn it.... he sucks for that. Kara and this kiddo are important to us because she is how we found out about RR and special needs adoption.
So with this devastating blow to her and Hubby she recouped and re-committed to a little boy in Ukraine and I was able to watch her process from start to finish. Soon after she brought him home I joined the RR Facebook group and saw all these Momma's and Dad's who had made the journey, were in the process or who were already home. Some hadn't even adopted, but they have a serious heart for this devastation, and want to show these children to the world. Obviously I had knowledge of adoption and I had always wanted to adopt, but I never had the resources or support to do so. By joining this group my eyes were opened to something I never knew much about.... the special needs children in orphanages.
Now when I was younger and thought about adoption I didn't think there could be such a separation between orphans and special needs orphans. Maybe it is just a fine line....barely visible to some, but once you know it is there it is like a totally different world. In my younger years when I thought adoption I thought, "baby"...newborn, one year, two year's old. I didn't think about children who were eight, nine or ten, or with Down Syndrome or Limb differences. It is hard to explain these thoughts and I truly hope they make sense. A lot of international orphans and largely those with special needs are treated unfairly...disgustingly infact. The lack of love, attention, hugs, nutrition, food and everything else you can imagine is heart wrenching. So much so that most of the world would rather not give it a second thought. It is a well known fact that in countries like Ukraine, children who are "different" are viewed as a curse. A curse on the Parent for some wrong doing in their time and are given a child that is different to shame them. Now, I believe a child is a blessing, not a shame or a burden, and I know a lot of people who would agree with me. In these countries the thought of abortion is frowned upon (that is not something to debate here- I am just giving you facts) so in lieu of that option, the next best thing is to place them in an orphanage where they will wait. What are they waiting for? They wait for a family to find them and provide, love and cherish them. They wait to die- depending on their conditions and care or lack of. They wait to be thrown onto the street at 16 when they are expected to care for themselves or they are placed in an institution for their remaining life. Could you imagine? Do you even want to imagine?
After joining RR I browsed the photos of waiting children and said a little prayer for them knowing I can not help them all. At the time I didn't think I could help any. I came across a certain photo and felt like I had seen that little face before. Stared and stared and then moved on. A few days passed and I couldn't shake this feeling. Where had I seen this kid before? A couple nights later I had a dream, but not just any dream. You know how you can sometimes tell when you are having a dream that you've already had? Tell me I am not the only one! :) It was a dream of a little boy running around playing in a big field. He was wearing a light blue sweater and a crooked smile. It felt so real and it just consumed me. It was like I was there and I was watching him. I was seeing them dream in real life. It was crazy!
I woke up the next morning and starting researching. I asked questions in the RR group.. What do I have to do? Well first thing was first-- I needed a husband. Hmmmmmm-- good thing I was already engaged. I looked at him and said, "we should adopt this little boy" and he said, "no". He slammed the brakes, HARD! This was sometimes in March and we were set to be married in October. I was heartbroken, but I gave him some space and time to think about it. Maybe a month later I asked again and this time he said, "do you really think we could do this?" and I responded with a solid, "YES!". We moved up our date and were married in May 2015 and started our adoption journey together. I believe in a BIG GOD. There is no way we could have made through each aspect of this journey without him. God had our back and close to 10 months later he was home with us. Close to 11 months after that we have committed to a new sweetie pie and we feel great. I honestly did not think we would go back. It is almost like a covert operation. Such care and detail go into every aspect.... being positive you can/want to commit again, working out fundraiser details, knowing down to the penny what amount of money you need, having a support system behind you. It is emotional, it is stressful, it is psychotic, it is WORTH it. Even if you are not religious or spiritual. If you believe in God or if you believe in nothing-- You are believing in something right? Something is telling you to go for it. Something is calling. Listen to it. What is it telling you?
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Ukie Pack
So this time last year (or in a few hours anyway) I was landing in the beautiful city, Kyiv and greeted by a country that would forever be in my life story. Growing up I never knew I could love another place as much as I loved my home. I am an American through and through, but this Chick has some real feels for Ukraine. It is the country in which I would meet people who would forever change my life; they helped bring a joy to my life that I never knew was missing.
I was a bundle of nerves as I landed. I didn't know who I was looking for, so I waited, and eventually ran into my driver, V. Now for anyone who has not seen or met V, he is a piece of pie.....Cutie Pie! Oh, very polite and professional, but a cutie non the less. We drove around collecting groceries, water, and exchanging American dollars and I was pooped. It is always easy to think that you will sleep on the long flights, but I found that nearly impossible. I was excited, nervous, the time change was excruciating and so it just didn't happen. We arrived to my apartment in Kyiv, right outside St. Michael's Cathedral and we rode the scariest, tiniest and darkest elevator to the 4th floor where my little loft apartment waited for me. From there I was able to look out onto the street and just take in the view and collect my thoughts.
The street view was beautiful from that high up. I had a clear view of a painting on the side of a building. A painting of a man, I don't know his name, but I am told it was the first person killed in Maiden, which happened about 2 years earlier. Maiden is the first of the riots and war that happened in Kyiv between Ukraine and Russia. It was a little haunting to me at first; you do think of your own safety for a few moments.... thoughts of. "I hope nothing happens while I'm here" crept in but then I thought, "oh well. I'm here for a purpose". It was cold with the window open but almost refreshing. It is always hot where I live and it was a welcomed change. I can't explain it but it made the quiet and my thoughts feel pure and clean.
I threw up that night. I was worried I was getting sick then I decided nerves are crazy little monsters that steal a good night's rest.
The next morning I met a few more team members. It was very surreal to me. I've heard of these people. Seen them in pictures from other families and on Facebook, but I'm here now. I'm in their country and they are welcoming me. Meeting the big guy, S, is something crazy. I have always referred to him as, "The Don". The team is like his Mafia and he is the boss. (I say that with love!) He is like my version of Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone. It was pretty rad, in my opinion. This team makes things happen. Good things. Things other people are willing to overlook. A Ukrainian Pack of really great people with morals and traditions they want to share with others. (Note: I have no idea if a Ukrainian Mafia exists currently or ever has)
I am a proud Mother to all my children. They are my life. I am proud to have a child with such a rich heritage and culture. I am proud to incorporate Ukrainian tradition with our own. I am proud to say that I have one of the Pack, soon to be two. It is like I am in this cool club with people all over the world.
If you also have a Pack member or two or seven, take a look at these T-shirts we have up and going. Perfect for a boy or girl of any age. You can click the link below to purchase and have them shipped directly to you.
Thanks for all your love and support!
Cheers--
Hope
Purchase Here
I was a bundle of nerves as I landed. I didn't know who I was looking for, so I waited, and eventually ran into my driver, V. Now for anyone who has not seen or met V, he is a piece of pie.....Cutie Pie! Oh, very polite and professional, but a cutie non the less. We drove around collecting groceries, water, and exchanging American dollars and I was pooped. It is always easy to think that you will sleep on the long flights, but I found that nearly impossible. I was excited, nervous, the time change was excruciating and so it just didn't happen. We arrived to my apartment in Kyiv, right outside St. Michael's Cathedral and we rode the scariest, tiniest and darkest elevator to the 4th floor where my little loft apartment waited for me. From there I was able to look out onto the street and just take in the view and collect my thoughts.
The street view was beautiful from that high up. I had a clear view of a painting on the side of a building. A painting of a man, I don't know his name, but I am told it was the first person killed in Maiden, which happened about 2 years earlier. Maiden is the first of the riots and war that happened in Kyiv between Ukraine and Russia. It was a little haunting to me at first; you do think of your own safety for a few moments.... thoughts of. "I hope nothing happens while I'm here" crept in but then I thought, "oh well. I'm here for a purpose". It was cold with the window open but almost refreshing. It is always hot where I live and it was a welcomed change. I can't explain it but it made the quiet and my thoughts feel pure and clean.
I threw up that night. I was worried I was getting sick then I decided nerves are crazy little monsters that steal a good night's rest.
The next morning I met a few more team members. It was very surreal to me. I've heard of these people. Seen them in pictures from other families and on Facebook, but I'm here now. I'm in their country and they are welcoming me. Meeting the big guy, S, is something crazy. I have always referred to him as, "The Don". The team is like his Mafia and he is the boss. (I say that with love!) He is like my version of Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone. It was pretty rad, in my opinion. This team makes things happen. Good things. Things other people are willing to overlook. A Ukrainian Pack of really great people with morals and traditions they want to share with others. (Note: I have no idea if a Ukrainian Mafia exists currently or ever has)
I am a proud Mother to all my children. They are my life. I am proud to have a child with such a rich heritage and culture. I am proud to incorporate Ukrainian tradition with our own. I am proud to say that I have one of the Pack, soon to be two. It is like I am in this cool club with people all over the world.
If you also have a Pack member or two or seven, take a look at these T-shirts we have up and going. Perfect for a boy or girl of any age. You can click the link below to purchase and have them shipped directly to you.
Thanks for all your love and support!
Cheers--
Hope
Purchase Here
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Continuing the Chase
Hello Friends,
I return once again with fantastic news... The Chinchak Family is continuing their chase this year with a return to Ukraine.
We thought we were complete after bringing Pasha home in early 2016, but we were wrong. (That's ok- I can admit when I'm wrong!) After much thought, prayer, silent pleadings to the husband, (hehe) we feel led to go back once again and bring home the sweetest bundle of joy ever. Seriously, just wait until you get to his picture... sweetest little thing ever!
Our little sweet pea is from a completely different region then Pasha was from which means I will again learn to navigate my way around the town and meet new people. I will need to practice my Russian again! With it being a new region I will likely be working with a different facilitator and driver and possibly learn to use their public transportation system and while I'm nervous, I'm sure all will be well.
This is our second adoption ever and they will both have been within two years of each other. BIG THINGS for this family! We are blessed beyond words right now and I look forward to sharing all the details.. the ups and down's with you. There will be bumps but that is to be expected.
Please pray for us, for "Chance", for our children and our team. Between paperwork, appointments, fingerprints and fundraising there is a lot of work to be done. Our tax deductible account should be up and running in the next week or so, please put it to good use!
Meet "Chance" and just oogle away! :)
I return once again with fantastic news... The Chinchak Family is continuing their chase this year with a return to Ukraine.
We thought we were complete after bringing Pasha home in early 2016, but we were wrong. (That's ok- I can admit when I'm wrong!) After much thought, prayer, silent pleadings to the husband, (hehe) we feel led to go back once again and bring home the sweetest bundle of joy ever. Seriously, just wait until you get to his picture... sweetest little thing ever!
Our little sweet pea is from a completely different region then Pasha was from which means I will again learn to navigate my way around the town and meet new people. I will need to practice my Russian again! With it being a new region I will likely be working with a different facilitator and driver and possibly learn to use their public transportation system and while I'm nervous, I'm sure all will be well.
This is our second adoption ever and they will both have been within two years of each other. BIG THINGS for this family! We are blessed beyond words right now and I look forward to sharing all the details.. the ups and down's with you. There will be bumps but that is to be expected.
Please pray for us, for "Chance", for our children and our team. Between paperwork, appointments, fingerprints and fundraising there is a lot of work to be done. Our tax deductible account should be up and running in the next week or so, please put it to good use!
Meet "Chance" and just oogle away! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)