All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go
So we spent the day getting nervous about our court date and stressing over all the right (and wrong) things to say. We got dressed in our court clothes early because we were going to have a quick visit at the orphanage before court and then go straight there. Fifteen minutes before we were supposed to leave, the phone rang. It was our coordinator, Vera. Turns out our hearing has been rescheduled for tomorrow at 4:00 instead of today. No explanation. So now we are sitting here in our hotel room not really sure what to do with the rest of the afternoon, since our orphanage visit will be back to the normal time later today. Total bummer. I guess it is better to have this hearing rescheduled instead of the actual court date on the day that we need to fly home, but we are still very disappointed. We really want to come home, and this is one of the crucial steps that we have to cross to get there.
When we get to the orphanage today, we have been instructed to bring our camera, at the request of the main caregiver for our daughter’s group. She wants us to take pictures of all the kids individually dressed up in all kinds of costumes, like doctors and teachers, and whatever other profession she can think of. Then she wants us to get the pictures developed and enlarged so she can make a sort of self esteem wall for the kids. She really is such a positive role model for the kids, and I think she wants to get the message across to them that they can be anything they want when they grow up. Whatever we can do to help that happen is just fine with us.
There is not really much more to report today. Hopefully we will have better news tomorrow….
Jeff decided to add an addendum:
Bored and Disappointed…
Unfortunately we have a little time on our hands today. We’re not really in the mood to stroll around the city, see the sites or take in some local culture. As Kim wrote earlier, we were surprised and disappointed that our court date was rescheduled. We are concerned that our final court date could be pushed back as well. Sooooo we’re not in the greatest moods.
We turned on the TV and found the English CNN. It was great, we saw the U.S. Ryder Cup Team was beaten by the Euro’s, and a guy like Colin Montgomery celebrating (I really don’t like that guy). It seems strange to celebrate when you’re team is made up of ten countries and you beat one. Then we saw the U.S. Davis Cup team losses to Russia, Great. They show a tease of upcoming sports, “Football.” Okay, now that sounds good, really good, I could use some NFL or College Football highlights, heck I’d be happy with Pop-Warner highlights. So after the commercial break, they show soccer, not just a little soccer, but soccer on top of soccer. There are so many leagues it’s crazy, I really don’t have a problem with soccer, but seriously, it’s soccer.
We read a pretty good blog last night from a family that had been here a year ago. They were pretty darn funny, so I’m sharing some of their comments, as we found there comments were so true and really funny, besides. I had written about the Lay of the Land earlier, but neglected a few topics that are worth mentioning. Jacob inspired me today. As we were walking back from the market after breakfast, a short trip as we were anticipating going to court today (not that I’m bitter or anything) we were re-explaining to Jacob that side walks could also have cars on them, so watch out. He said, they should call them, “Street-Sidewalks.” On these street-sidewalks there are man-hole covers. We’ve learned early on that these are trap door man-hole covers. There like land mines, some are sturdy and some are a quick drop into the sewer. I’m not sure why they are there as there’s a little stream that runs along side the street-sidewalk, which looks way worse than any sewer. Jacob refers to this water as “Yucky Goo Water.” I believe that’s the scientific name, even if it’s not, he’s hit the nail on the head. It’s best to stay clear of the yucky goo water.
Our room is cozy, though there’s no such thing as a king size bed. Our room is a deluxe room, which is really nice, except it comes with two twin beds. Kim calls it the Ricky Ricardo beds, I personally prefer the Dick Van Dyke ensemble, but we all see the world in a different way. We try and read, our portable DVD player hooks ups to the TV, so we’ve seen a lot of kids movies, after Jacob falls asleep we try and watch a movie, or series. Last night we decided to watch Syriana. It’s a good movie about oil barons, corruption and Kazakhstan and blowing up things. Okay, how many movies are about Kazakhstan? It’s a little like living in the Twilight Zone…So we trudge on, it’s almost time to go to the orphanage, which will cheer us up. We could use some prayers, our court date delay today is really no big deal, next week, if our court date is delayed on Monday October 2, 2006 we are going to have to scramble. It will delay our coming home, which would be near devastating to all of us. I’ve been reading Hebrews, and keep re-reading Chapter 11 about faith. Throughout our whole ordeal The Lord has guided our path. We originally thought we’d be adopting in Africa, then we looked into Ukraine, but God knew where our daughter was, so here we are. A few days or a week delay won’t really hurt us. Of course, we’d rather come home today, but His plans are always better than ours. Please prayer for our safety, our patience and continue to pray for the children here, they are never far from our thoughts and prayers.
The good news today is that the Broncos won! At least that’s something.
7 Comments:
Not that it's about me at all...but if I understand correctly I woke up at 3:00 this morning to pray for you guys and then the court date was moved? I'm sure my disappointment pales in comparison to yours! I'm praying you have a great time at the orphanage today and that the court time for tomorrow is not rescheduled. Couldn't they have it in the morning so you don't have to wait ALL day? Don't you love it when God stretches us to teach us things likes patience and perserverence? I will be praying today that God will continue to give you strength - that you will run and not grow weary, that you will walk and not faint (Isa 40:31).
Jenafer
I'm sure your disappointment is overwhelming on a day when such a big event was to occur, but it must be that you are destined to end up with a better judge in court or something! Your journey has certainly led your family in a chase around the world to come to the daughter that was made for your family, and you must need that one last test to see how strong you are in preparation for taking home a boisterous, performer of a little girl. The only true words of condolence I can try to give are that all this stress and waiting will be just a distant memory when you're at the airport picking your angel up only a short time from now... days are nothing, just a measurement of time in this seemingly endless adventure. When your little one arrives home days will turn into a final moment of unimaginable joy and relief, followed by a lifetime of wonderful emotions. Stay strong and take heart that your orphanage visit will be able to lift your spirits and get you through to this evasive court appointment. Just as you mentioned, you started with Africa... you've been led down a pre-planned path and this is just one more of those unexpected hurdles to get where you're ultimately headed.
Another idea of a way to lift your spirits. Imagine myself (a very out of shape individual) taking up running a couple of weeks ago! I go out early every other morning before work... about the time the high school kids are going to school (which I run right by) and gasping for breath for the mile or so that a can actually run, before trying to get Suka to act like SHE'S the tired one and that's why I can't run anymore! Okay, so maybe it isn't that funny, but it's okay to laugh at the attempt! I laugh at myself most days. I do enjoy having the time to think of you all over there in Kaz and feel the comfort and excitement in knowing that soon the adoption side of this will be over and you'll all be safely home and beginning the rest of the journey as a family!
Big hugs. Give Jacob a big smooch for me and tell him we miss him terribly!
Love,
Jesi and Joe
What an adventure! I have been enjoying reading about your experiences. You both write so eloquently I can picture in my mind what you see (Kim I am impressed). Hang in there, you are doing such awesome work. Tell Jacob that Jake and JT can't wait to play when you get back. My thoughts are with you.
Jennifer Lybrand
Dear Jeff & Kim,
Keep your chins up and remember we're all here cheering you on! One day you'll look back at your journey and realize what a difference you've made in a beautiful little girls life! You've touched us all with your courage! May God continue to bless you and your family!
Hugs to you all,
The Adams Family
Dear Jeff and Kim...
He never gives us more than we can handle... That is often my mantra although not always comforting. Know that your faith will lead you through and your family/friends are all praying for a happy ending and your safe return. Prayers are with you all!
Nicole Kashiwai
Jacob...
What did the eight say to the zero?
Nice belt!
I'm such a dork. Totally messed up my joke for Jacob!
It's actually,
What did the ZERO say to the EIGHT?
See what happens when you have a three-year-old telling you her stories of the day (AGAIN!) and a 5 month old crying 'cause she needs to burp?
But I'm not complaining!
Okay, Jacob. Here's another one for you (I sure hope I don't mess this one up!)
How do you make a tissue dance?
Put a little boogie in it!
Hi guys,
Oh my! What a bummer, you must be so disappointed. If everything works out fine tomorrow, it will be o.k. I did wake up a few times last night and 1 time was 2:50-I was praying. There was some perfect and good reason it didn't work today. Amber started in Matthew's class today, how great for them. I am a little lost as your plans after court? I will have to talk to your mom. Hurry home guys!
God Bless you all, best of luck tomorrow.
Love, Carolyn
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