Arefino

We took the bus to Arefino today. It is a village about 1.5 hours east of Rybinsk. The bus was an experience in itself. Very rusty, rickety and run down, but it did have ruffled curtains, go figure? Michelle bought our tickets early to ensure we got a seat. If not, we would have been standing, since the bus was jammed with people. The roads everywhere outside of Moscow are in horrible condition. Some of the potholes are so big, I think you could lose a small child in them. Our bus bumped along through the countryside. I love the quaint village houses which I have discussed in this blog on our 1st visit here. There are a very few that have seen some repairs in the last several years, most are very shabby and almost uninhabitable.

The orphanage in Arefino is one of the most run-down and bleak. They do not get much funding for anything. As we walked through the gate, I couldn't believe the state of the playground. There was only a couple of rusty metal poles to climb on. We went in and set up to do a craft project with the children. We started with the younger children. How sweet and beautiful they were. They were so excited to have the little craft project that we brought. Even though, once again, I couldn't understand what they were saying to me, they sure seemed like they enjoyed my attention and help. There was one little guy, who looked like an elf that was very attracted to Ken. He giggled and laughed as Ken helped him with his project. We found out that he just recently came from the orphanage that Ruslan is in. In fact, he said he remembered Ruslan. The children in Ruslan's orphanage all graduate to this one in Arefino when they turn 7. This is where Ruslan would have gone in just a couple of months on his birthday. That knowledge really shakes me.

The older children were lining up chomping at the bit to get in for their turn. We barely had enough seats for all of them. There are 51 children in this orphanage from 7 to 16 years old. We only worked with some of them today, since about 18 have gone home for spring vacation. The rest (33) are true orphans. The ones that went home to family, are social orphans. There parents are just too poor to care for them, so they live in the orphanage. The children we worked with all enjoyed making the key chain projects we had for them. I was surprised that even the older boys seemed to enjoy it. At every step of the process, they looked to us for approval on what they had accomplished. They were so unsure of themselves. The small amount of recognition we gave them, really seemed to lift them up. I can't express how much my heart goes out to them.

I really admire Michelle for being able to do this wonderful ministry week after week. It is heart breaking work, but she brings such hope and joy, even if for only an hour or two. These children deserve so much more. I truly hope that we can help her with some of the goals she wants to achieve for them. This summer she is hosting a mission team that will come and build some decent bathroom stalls. Right now, they just have an open room with windows. No privacy at all. Thank goodness I brought my own TP because I noted that they had old books next to the commodes so that the children could tear off a page to wipe themselves. One of Michelle's goals is to be able to get them some decent playground equipment. I hope that we can come home we will be able to help do some fundraising to support that effort. What a miracle it would be for these children.

As we left the children were lined up outside to walk us to the taxi that was waiting for us. They were all so grateful for our short visit. You will be in my heart, bless you children of God.

Amazing Journey

Today there is so much to report I hardly know where to start; but I guess I will go where my heart leads.

We are now staying in the town of Rybinsk. It is rare for a foreigner to be here. No tourists come here. We are here for two reasons. Our son's orphanage is here and we met a wonderful woman doing amazing work for the orphans here. She invited us to stay with her, so we are very near our son's orphanage. Otherwise, it would have been about a 2 hour drive each direction to visit him. It would be unlikely that we would get to see him very much otherwise. (She is really treating us well, cooking for us and translating for us. Very Russian hospitality - even though she is Australian, her Russian friends call her Russian).

Rybinsk is much larger than we originally thought. It is a city of about 500,000. There are several factories here; a working man's town. The average salary is about $400/month. Food and shelter is slightly cheaper than in SF, but not that much. You can see that people really struggle to get by. Regardless, it is a beautiful town with many beautiful friendly people.

We visited Ruslan today at his orphanage. They had a puppet show (put on my orphanage staff) and we went to see it with him and all the other children. It was the 1st time that we got to see the other kids. There are 25 of them right now from 3 yrs to 7. They let us see where Ruslan sleeps and otherwise lives. We got to play with all the kids outside for a while; ring around the rosey, hide & seek, chase, and a little soccer. Ruslan was giving us the grand tour and definitely showing off. It was a side of him we have never seen before. He was so proud to have a mama and papa. He was quite a bit possessive. All the other children were so excited to have us there. They all wanted attention from us. Ruslan didn't like that he was having to struggle to monopolize us (one of the staff told me that he was worried we might change our mind about him and want one of the other children instead). The other children really broke my heart also. I can't get them out of my mind today. They all really want a mama and papa. They don't understand why Ruslan gets one and they don't. They are all so starved for love and affection. My only regret today is that I don't understand more Russian. All the kids (including Ruslan) were trying to tell us things that we just didn't understand. We read their eyes. Those haunting eyes.

The weather here has been gorgeous, about 65 degrees clear and sunny. The sunset tonight was like nothing I have ever seen. There was so much glow coming from the sun that it made the sun look kind of oval. The red was so scarlet, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The clothes I brought are totally inappropriate; far too heavy. Everyone says that this beautiful weather is very unseasonal and could never have been expected, so we are just very fortunate (even if a little over dressed).

We are also doing work with the missionary we are staying with (getting around on foot and by bus just like the locals- no cushy driver this week). So far, we are helping work on their church, but we will also help with some of the other orphanages. I will post about that later in the week. We met tonight to clean the church with a couple of their cell groups. They were very much like family. We enjoyed the fellowship with them. They really made us feel welcome. We cleaned and cooked alongside them. We learned how to eat Russian style. Over the meal (of boiled potatoes, sardines, oil, some kinda veggie/caviar spread, bread and sweets) we all shared how we came to be there and to our faith. It was a wonderful ecumenical cultural fellowship experience. When I shared about Ruslan, there was much crying with and for us. My heart is on overload right now. I think I must go pray. Thanks to all of you out there who are reading this for being with us through this adventure. Love, Elaine & Ken

Prayers Answered

Thanks to everyone who helped us sail through court today! Your prayers and ours were answered. It has to have been the easiest court proceeding ever in the world. Everyone was introduced, the motions were read, our rights were explained, then we were asked to present anything we wanted to support our petition. We explained that we always wanted a child and how we would care for Ruslan. The prosecutor made a statement, saying basically that she did not contest the petition. Then, the social worker read a statement, explaining why she thought we would make a good home for Ruslan. The judge did NOT ASK us even one question. He just asked us to leave the room while he made his decision. Two minutes later he asked us to come back in and he read his final decree. As he pronounced that we were officially Ruslan Cole Rachko’s parents, I started to cry. The serious nature of the court did not lose any meaning on me. All rose to depart the room as Ken and I embraced in a very joyous and emotional hug. The whole affair lasted around 20 minutes. HALLELUIA!!!

Now what you ask? Now we wait for the mandatory 10 day waiting period to see if any one comes forward to contest. I thought that any Russian family could come forward and decide to adopt him, but I am told that this is not true. The only ones, who can come forward at this time, would be his biological family. Since no one has been able to contact them, it is very unlikely. After the 10 day wait period is up, the official court decree can be obtained. Then, we can go pick up Ruslan and take him with us as we process his paperwork for travel (passport, visa, etc.).

During the next 10 days, we will be staying with a missionary in Rybinsk, the town where Ruslan’s orphanage is. We hope to be able to see him daily and begin to forge our bond with him. The orphanage director told us that she could not let him go with us overnight, but that we can take him out during the day, so long as someone from the orphanage is with us. Chaperoned visits only. It’s not what we hoped for, but we will take what we can get. Our chaperone will be Olya, the assistant orphanage director that we like so well.

This is truly a time for REJOICING! I think Ken and I will go out now and celebrate.

We Meet Again

Today was Monday. We went to visit Ruslan. Although, we started out full of anxiety about our meeting; our little guy totally warmed our hearts. He was so excited to see us, and also nervous. He was a little shy at first, but opened up in a short time. He recited some of the English words he had been practicing (he can count to 10 and ask for "macaroni"), and we recited some of the Russian we had been practicing (counting to ten and no I didn't let Ken ask for a "piva"). He gave us the art project he had worked on earlier that day. We played with him with a auto-center pop-up toy we brought. If we got distracted by one of the other adults in the room, he would quickly say "Papa, look!" or "Mama, watch this!" He was very much enjoying our attentions. He is such a sweet loveable little guy. He wanted us to know that he still wants to come with us. He promised that he would do chores, like always pick up his toys, clean his room, and wash our cars. Not sure why how he came up with the washing of cars (maybe 'cuz he likes cars?), but Elaine was very happy since hers is always in need of a wash. Although, Ruslan is such a little guy we are not quite sure how he will reach the top of the car. He hasn't grown much since we saw him last. In fact, for some reason he seems a little smaller. Hugs and kisses were had all around (several times). Ruslan even asked for a kiss in English. Once again, we are busting at the seams. We are so happy to be the parents of Ruslan Cole.

We go to court tommorrow morning. Everybody here (our coordinator/translator, the orphanage director, and her assistant director) all seem to think we will sail through court. We are feeling much more confident by all the support. We know that the Lord is with us. We prayed together this morning for His Spirit to guide us. The readings this morning were of the annunciation. This really brought us back to the beginning of our journey and the realization that we are right on track with God's plan.

We will post again after court.

Final Preparations

These last two weeks have been a whirl of activity getting ready to go get our boy. Making travel plans for Moscow, Yaroslavl, Rybinsk and back to Moscow, gathering items needed for gifts, tying up loose ends on the home front, and packing for us and Ruslan. We are filled with every emotion under the sun. Things are winding down as we prepare to fly out of the country tommorrow (Friday, March 23). It will take several days to actually reach the region of Yaroslavl. We should be there Sunday evening and expect to see Ruslan on Monday. Overall, anticipation and joy reigns. We keep reminding ourselves that we are blessed and every stone on the path helps us to know who it is that we need for strength, nourishment and peace. We can't wait to share the rest of this phase of our journey.

Amazing Grace

We were blessed in a big way this last weekend. Ken was looking at the mail and he held up a strange looking letter and said "what is this?" I walked over to see what he was talking about and started looking at it also. We both stood there in a little shock with the envelope in the air. I started to shake, then I started to cry. I said through my tears that it looked like a letter from the orphanage. What a beautiful envelope, with a winter scene all over it. We tried to make out the address in writing (all in Russian) and could decipher that it was from Yaroslavl Oblast (region). Finally, I said, "Why don't we open it?" Sure enough it was a beautiful letter from our son. He told us that he missed us and wanted us to hurry and come get him. He told us of the plans he was making for celebrating the New Year (obviously it was written around Christmas time). He told us that he loved us and missed us. It was an amazing blessing! Also, included in the letter was a beautiful painting he called it "Winter." It is painted on white paper. We attached a copy to share with you all.

Reality Sinking In

Reality is sinking in today. I am going to be a MOM. Yesterday - - still in a little shock. Today seems more real. We made our flight plans this morning and got off our visa documents. We even purchased a one-way airline ticket for Ruslan Cole Rachko. This afternoon, I talked to Dr. Curtis at the Children’s International Clinic in Oakland to make an appointment for him. It is very important to make sure he gets evaluated right away, so that if he needs any special care of any kind we can get going on it up front. It really felt like a mom-ly thing to do, making a doctor appointment for my boy.
I am taking the time right NOW to reflect on just how wonderful this is. It could be easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle in what has to be done; BUT I am savoring every second of this life that I have waited so long for. Is it Thanksgiving? For me it IS! Thank you, Lord!

Praise God! We are off!

Our long awaited court date has finally been scheduled! We are off to Russia to get our son. Ruslan, here we come. Hallelujah! We are now scheduling our trip and plan to leave for Russia sometime between March 22 to 24th. Our court date is March 27. We need you all to pray really hard for us that day so that we sail through court on angel's wings (remember Russia is about 11-12 hours in advance of us). We don't expect to be back before April 17. We will let you know as things transpire. Right now the hurry up and get things ready has begun! We need to go work on our visas, etc. Thank you all for helping us get to this point.

Refreshment

Today's 1st daily reading really effected me today. I feel compelled to share part of it here.

"Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes., and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.

The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse-- who can understand it? I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doing." Jeremiah 17:7-10

This passage was a great comfort to me and has renewed my strength. I feel like the tree stretching its roots out into the stream for refreshment so that during this time of drought my leaves will remain green. It is a challenge to live in the moment continuing to bear fruit when so much importance is at stake. As the 2nd paragraph of the reading says, "the heart is devious." My heart is certainly devious, it trys to drive me to anxiety and despair. I am grateful for these reminders that help me re-focus on my source of nourishment and the good works I have the opportunity to do right here and right now.

All Ready!

Re-painted, new linens, grandma's homemade quilt, new lamp, new rug, new toys and lots of new clothes. Thanks to all of you, we are ready for our little man's arrival.

Judge has been sick, apparently an epidemic of flu in the region. Once he is back it will be close to 2 mos. since our final documents were delivered. Hopefully, it will be our turn SOON.

Playing Games?

The judge is really playing games with us. Every week he makes an appointment with our coordinator, then finds some lame excuse (at least in our view it is lame) and tells her to come back next week. This has been going on for 6 weeks already. There is much speculation as to why he is doing this, but nothing that we can know for sure. The last family that went through in this region with our agency waited for two months before finally getting a court date. Looks like we might have a couple more weeks if he goes on the same schedule with us. This waiting is very hard, but we are doing our best to take advantage of the time and continue to reorganize the house, etc.( a life-long project for us). Nonetheless, we are hopeful that our day will come. As I have said before - SOON.