Halle Grace in the Big City

I just put Halle Grace to bed, and it was easy-peasy! Hooray! She was READY because we had a very exciting day (and very little sleep last night!). After getting back from the Embassy, we rested for awhile at the apartment, then headed out to explore. Really, she just wanted to take her coloring book and crayons to one of the benches in the courtyard, but it turned into an all day event (so, yes, we ended up carting the coloring book and crayons all over town!). We walked down to Independence Square, which she was dazzled by! Everything must feel so new to her - so exciting.
I also took her through the underground mall beneath the square for her very first escalator ride! I wish I had videoed it, because it was just priceless. She must of thought it was a carnival ride of some kind, because she just giggled the whole way and wanted to go over and over again.
Then we sat on a bench in the square and watched the skateboarders. It's amazing to me that fashion can be so different in Ukraine, but the skateboard-look is exactly the same here. It must be universal.

I called our adoption friends, Drew, Michelle, Luke, and Tatyana and we got to meet them for dinner. They knew about this great place that has a little indoor play area, and really good pasta dishes. :) I had spaghetti (with the real tomato/basil sauce, not the ketchuppy stuff you find in Ukraine). I ordered Halle spaghetti carbonara. She picked at it a littie, then ate all the cherry tomatoes out of my dish. It was so funny to see Halle meeting new people and feeling all shy again - it reminded me of when we first met her. After awhile, she warmed up, and even went to the play area with Luke and Tatyana. She had a great time, and so did I. I'm so proud of how she's adjusting! That Tatyana is amazing as well - you'd never know those girls were orphans!

Those of you that will meeting our daughter over the next week or so, you will most likely see the shy little Vica at first. Stick around, and you'll get to watch her warm up and become the little Halle Grace we know and love! It's quite a transofrmation!

Another change of plans...(when is there not?). We're heading out of here TOMORROW at 3:45pm (that's 7:45am Texas time). We'll go to London, and then to New York. We'll have to stay the night there because we'll get in too late to connect to Dallas. We'll be in Dallas sometime Thursday morning (depending on how early we decide to head to the airport in New York!). Our plan-A Thursday Delta flight is getting too full to risk flying stand-by, and this is the best plan B we had that didn't mean staying until Saturday. At this point, I really don't care how I get there, I just want to get home!

Pray for me tomorrow as I have to try to explain through pantemime that we have to turn off the electronic devices for landing and take-off, as well as keeping the tray tables up. This was a challenge on our flight to Kiev! :) We are getting quite good at pantemiming, actually. I'm sure we're quite entertaining for the Ukrainians to watch. Now that I think about it, I might need a little more praying than that. What I really want is supernatural patience for both Halle and me as we make this journey across the globe. I once went to Hawaii with the boys by myself to visit my friend, Lyndy. I thought that was brave. At least they understood me when I yelled at them... hehe. No, of course I won't be yelling at sweet Halle (because of the supernatural patience you will all be praying for...:)

I'm off to weed through our stuff and make sure we'll still be able to carry-on our bags. Flying through London makes that crucial because of the new terminal at Heathrow and all the craziness that goes along with that. Too bad I can't pack socks and things inside all those stacking dolls! :)

I can't believe it, but I'm signing off from Ukraine! Hallelujah!

I hope I still have things to talk about when I get home. If you read the blog, you've already heard all the good stories! I'll have to be thinking up some more on the way home so I'll have something new to say when I see ya'll in person! :)

Love and hugs to all!
Julie

Flashback...Going Away Party

Sunday Night

Halle Grace’s Going-Away Party was one of the highlights of this whole experience. Katie and I went shopping for the kids in Halle’s groupa, and we found all kinds of goodies! Johnson & Johnson body wash and new toothbrushes for all…bubbles and tiny stuffed animals for all…a cake, bananas, and juice, too. All the makings of a great party! : )

Oksana was on her way back to Mariupol, but wouldn’t be in until late, and we knew there would be no time on Monday for a party. So Brandon, Katie and I seized the moment and just showed up with all the goodies! We brought one of Brandon’s friends from church to help us translate (SO glad we did – he was a huge help getting permission from the caretakers).

The kids were so excited to see us – Halle especially. She was such the proud little hostess! I doubt she grasped the significance of this little event. It was her last night with this group of orphans who have been her family for the past 14 months…and that she will likely not see again. The kids enjoyed all of their treats, and thanked Halle over and over, “Spa-see-ba, Vica!”. So sweet!

After they had their goodies, we all just played for a little while. The caregiver on staff was great and really let us interact with the kids, which is rare at this orphanage. You realize why the more time you spend with the kids…they all call you “mama”. They all desperately want families. I will never forget these sweet little faces, and Halle’s groupa will now become a regular part of our family’s prayer life. I wish I could take them all home. One in particular was a precious little girl named Christina. She’s the girl that performed with Halle for me the other day. She’s a beautiful, soft-spoken little sweetheart. Halle usually saves part of her snack for Christina when I come to visit her (“Christina’s a good girl”, she says). At the party, Halle and Christina came to me together and asked if Christian could come be a part of our family in America, too. Ughhhhh! Unfortunately, odds are good that she is not even available for international adoption. I just may have to check on that…

As the party went on, I think we all had to fight back the tears. The reality of these kids’ situations, and the future ahead of them if they are not adopted, is overwhelming. I see these precious, healthy kids without families, and I know of all these families waiting and struggling with referrals in Ukraine, and I can’t make any sense of it. But I trust in the Lord, who is the “defender of orphans”, and I choose to believe that he will be merciful and that he will protect and bless these kids. I believe that prayer can and will work miracles in the lives of these children. I urge you to add the orphans of Groupa 1 at the Little Sun Orphanage to your prayer list… or any orphans for that matter!
The Lord led us to our little Vica, and I believe he will continue to use the power of prayer to unite orphans with families. He is bigger than the red tape and he is bigger than the SDA! Please, Lord, move mountains for these precious children…

When we left, the caretaker told me that she would not be here tomorrow when I pick up Halle. She wanted to tell me (again) that Halle is a very good girl and that she will be so happy in our family. With tears and a hug, I thanked her for taking such good care of our daughter for us.

Thank you, Lord.

We're DONE!!!

Tuesday, 2:30pm

We just got back from the Embassy (where we got our visa in practically record time (1 hour!), and we are completely finished!!! All that's left is to come home. I broke into tears when the lady at the Embassy handed me Halle Grace's visa and said, "she will become a US citizen when your plane lands in America." It is finally time to go home! I am so overwhelmed with the reality of it all. This girl, who was a Ukrainin orphan just days ago, is now our daughter, and in 2 days, will be an American citizen. After a month in Ukraine, I realize more than ever what a blessing it is to live in America. Don't get me wrong - Ukraine has a lot to be proud of, and overall, I have enjoyed being here. But there is just no place in the world like the USA. The freedoms, the opportunities, and the conveniences we enjoy are such priveldges. I feel so blessed to be a citezen of such a great country. Not to mention the fact that it's just HOME.

Scott checked on flights tomorrow, but we'd have to take 4 different flights to get home (Kiev-Munich-Frankfurt-Chicago-Dallas). I don't think I'm up for that being by myself with Halle Grace. Actually, I don't think I'd be up for that under other circumstances either! Waiting until Thursday means 2 flights - Kiev to JFK (Delta) and JKF to Dallas (AA). That sounds much better, doesn't it?

Halle is adjusting well to being with me 24/7. We're finding ways to communicate, and most of the time it works! Last night was really hard. By the time we got into our apartment and ready for bed, it was 11pm. Halle was so tired, and coudn't get to sleep. First she cried because she wanted to watch TV, then she cried because she wanted a banana (she had just had a little snack before bed), then she cried because she missed "Mama Nadia" (her favorite caregiver). Break my heart! I didn't know what to say to make her feel better, but I just held her for about an hour while she cried. Not a fun night. But finally, she drifted off to sleep, and she woke up happy. God knew I would need a good cappuccino this morning...there just happened to be a great coffee shop next door.

To those Ukraine rookies, any suggestions on what to do tomorrow in Kiev with a 5-year-old, and a mom that's by herself and speaks little-to-no Russian? :)

Big Day...small post

Things went a little differently than we expected! We got everything done - including passport (yippee!). But we could not get tickets out of Mariupol or Donestk for tomorrow morning, so we left tonight!

Now Halle and I are in Kiev! But we are exhausted and are off to bed. I promise I'll give all the fun details tomorrow. Night night! :)

Tommorow

Brandon and Katie have the Annie soundtrack, and for those that know me well, you know it's one of my all-time favorites. And now I'm sort of living it (except our home isn't EXACTLY like Daddy Warbucks)! Yes, we admit we've made jokes about teaching Halle some of the songs...like "It's a Hard Knock Life". hehe. Aweful, I know! It's only funny because her life at the orphanage has been NOTHING like Annie's (except maybe for the "orphan wear"!) :)
Sometimes, while out walking, we'll sing the "Sandy" song to the wild dogs that roam free..."dumb dog, why are you following me...I ain't got a crumb dog, how about letting me be...".
I'm telling you, the parallels to that classic musical just go on and on! :)

Anyway, the Annie theme song for today is "Tommorrow", because that is the day I get to take Halle with me, and the day her life changes forever! Let's have a quick look at the classic orphan theme-song.... :)

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!

Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!

When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh!

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!

(wow - I feel like I've been posting a ton lately! It will slow down over the next couple of days, though. If you haven't checked in in awhile, scroll down and catch up. Also check out the new Mariupol pics to the right)

and the Commies go to...

Ya'll are the best comment-making readers a blogger could ever hope for! Seriously, I can't tell you what it means to have so much support and prayers. We are so blessed by all of you!

I'll start with the category winners.

1 - Best idea for visits with Halle Grace:
The Commie goes to...Brandon and Katie Price - "I've got an idea for what you can do with Halle on a visit! You can bring her to our house to spend the night, and we can do our nails, and stay up and eat strawberry swirl ice cream! Yessss!"
Although there were TONS of great visit ideas given (which I used MANY of, by the way), none could compete with this one!

2 - Best "Hang-in-there" comment:
The Commie goes to...my Aunt Carrie - "HANG IN THERE!!!!!!!! WOW you really are in the final stretch and I know how those last days must feel like ten in comparison because it is so close.
Look at the positive side of all this waiting. God is teaching you and your entire family so much about patience and an even deeper appreciation for family and friends.
I will definitely say Larry and I learned those exact same lessons the two times Luke was in Iraq. Hang in there became our motto as we would get rare calls from Iraq to hear about six hour firefights or that our son and the other Marines he was with were spared only because an insurgent buried a bomb to deep.
But, the BEST lesson in having to "hang in there" has got to be how powerful our God is and how He hears our heart and what we need even if we have yet to ask. Just as He brought you all Halle Grace,
before you even knew of her and how God would know to speak to you through one of your own children so that you would be listening and hearing as only a Mother could. Blessings to you all. :))"
Love you, Aunt Carrie! No one knows "waiting" like you!

3 - Best frivolous news from home.
The Commie goes to...Scott Hinshaw -
"1. There is a man who is pregnant and he was on Oprah.
2. Oprah cried yesterday because her dog died.
3. The Clinton's made over $109 Million in the last 7 years
4. Obama bowled a 37 (you may even be able to beat that!)
5. Gas is $3.21 now.
6. Central market had the Grilled Chicken Herb Panini on special today - Joy said it was great.
7. Zoey gave me five, on the side, and in the hole.
8. Joy is pregnant (ok, just kidding).
9. Your dad is supposedly building the tree house.
10. Naomi Campbell was arrested at Heathrow again for spitting on a policeman.
11. Jamie Lynn Spears may be engaged.
12. Jessica Simpson was hospitalized (can't remember why), but is doing fine now. Romo had prior engagments, so he was not at the hospital.
13. Grant guessed the amount of candy in the jar at school and won the whole thing. It was 86."
I also LOVED hearing bits and pieces of what's going on with many of your families. Can't wait to get home and really catch up!

4 - Most inspiring poem.
The Commie goes to...Elizabeth Whatley
"Today is the day there are 5 more to go. I am so ready to be gone and away on our own.

The days seem longer, like a 70's afro. On the bright side we can play "salad cafe" 'till they mow

I am sick of the clouds, I am sick of the time...just creeping along leaving Veeka behind.

I want to go home, and play with the boys, I want them to see how much of Veeka we enjoy!

So until then, we will laugh and we'll giggle. We sit on the tables and slides and we'll wiggle.

We'll be thinking of things we get to do on the plane. We'll long for the moment we get to feel sane.

We'll hope that the jet lag and is left as far behind. As these days in Ukraine .... and then we won't mind.

'Cuz we'll have Veeka-Halle-Grace-Victoria-Elizabeth-Hinshaw and say:
"Hip Hip Hooray, our puzzles complete, I love it in Texas! Yee-Haw it's been really neat!"

The End...

It really is better when you "rap" it or sing it free-verse style...peace out!"
Honorable mentions in this category: my mom, Crista Ashworth, and Megan Mitchell. Ya'll are awesome!

5 - Wild Card
The Commie goes to...Kendra Vaughn, because not only did her post bring tears to my eyes, but she mentions several times how cute my son is! Flattery gets you everywhere! :)
"just wanted you to know I saw cute little Garrett's face today on his way into class and thought of you. He looked so cute . . kinda like he might be missing his Mommy, but so very cute!"

AND the Grand Prize winner for the most faithful and enthusiastic comments is Elizabeth Whatley!!! Your hand-painted (by Olga right here in Mariupol) Matrushka stacking doll is already packed! :) Congratulations! Aren't you glad I ran into you at Walmart just before I left and gave you our blog address? I know I am! :)

SIDE NOTE (literally) - look at the side bar and click on the Mariupol picture to see Brandon's great photography collection of this town our daughter calls home!

Last Saturday in Ukraine!

Todays visit with Halle was one of my favorites...and it's the one time I didn't bring my camera!!! Ughh!
We were outside, playing near her groupa. She ran over to "Mama Nadia" (her favorite caregiver) to take the dried apricots I brought for the kids. A few minutes later, all the kids came running over to us to say "spa-see-ba" (thank you). It was precious! Eventually, Halle's friend, Christina, came over to play with Halle and I. She is 6 years old, and beautiful - so sweet and polite, too. Halle Grace says she is a "good girl". The rest of the visit, she and Halle Grace put on little shows for me, taking turns singing and dancing - sometimes individually, sometimes together. It was the cutest thing ever! I'm going to check and see if Christina is available for adoption and just bring her home, too (just kidding, but I pray that she will find her "happy ending").

For lunch, Brandon, Katie, and I went downtown for a last little celebration! We had great food, and just wandered around a little. Tomorrow will be a busy day with church and Oksana coming in. I'll also need to get laundry done and packed, because Monday will be even busier! I'll try to post Monday after we pick up Halle Grace from the orphanage. Please pray for favor with the judge and other workers that will process our paperwork on Monday so we can get it all done. It will be a crazy day!

I will be announcing the "Commie" winners soon...if you want to enter one last comment for the grand prize, now's your chance! :)