One week from today, we are leaving for Ukraine. Leaving to bring our boy home. We can hardly believe it's here! We got the call on Monday, and we could hardly believe what we were hearing. Our SDA appointment was scheduled for Monday, May 21st and we would need to fly out on Friday, May 18th.....for those of you doing the math, that is 11 days notice!!!!! There were tears (on both our parts!) and much jumping and shrieking and hand waving on my part!
In the midst of all this excitement, we're still fundraising right up to the bitter end here, as we have a $9,900 gap to close. But we believe the Lord will finish what He started, and we believe in miracles. So we are humbly coming before you, asking you to spread the word, and then spread it again. If you, or anyone you know, feel led to give there is a link on the right side of this blog, and all donations are tax deductible. And every lit bit adds up. And we need every penny we can get. And we are so grateful for the support.
Watch for three more fundraisers as well:
I was in my office at work when a gift from two amazing coworkers arrived. It was a beautiful silver starfish bracelet. For those of you that have been following our blog, you know the starfish has kind of become a symbol of sorts for us throughout this adoption journey. (The story where the child is walking on the beach, throwing washed up starfish back in to the ocean, and a man comes along and tells him with the hundreds of starfish on the beach, he'll never be able to make a difference. The boy picks another starfish up, throws it back in, and says, "I made a difference for that one!".) So this bracelet truly means so much! While I was tearing up, and thanking the giver, I got a call that someone was waiting to see me up front. I excused myself, and went up front to find two adorable Bowers children and their Daddy dropping off a very generous donation. While I was talking to them, LJ (our cheerleader, spiritual grounder, friend and great support through all of this) came running up to tell us we had gotten our SDA date. She wanted to know if I wanted her to just tell me the date, but I couldn't!!!! I wanted to see/hear it for myself....so I was going crazy!!! Jumping, shrieking, and so excited! Glad my coworkers already know I am crazy, so they didn't think much of me acting like a lunatic!!!
I was stalking my e-mail after that....waiting and waiting and waiting....and wondering why the e-mail wasn't coming......when I finally thought to check my cell phone! There was a message waiting for me......so I fumbled to enter in my password, and start the message playing. "This is it, what we have been waiting for....your SDA date is Monday, May 21.......MAY 21 PEOPLE!!!!!! "We're leeeeeavin'.....on a jet plane...we'll have a new son when we come back again...." (Ok, I know that's not how it goes, but I like that version better!!!)
When I finally calmed down and got back to my desk, but before I had a chance to spread the word about our date, my phone rang. An awesome woman called to say that she had just felt led to call and pray for me. And she did. Right there over the phone. And if that isn't some amazing timing, I don't know what is!
On May 18th, we'll be on an airplane bound for Ukraine. On June 12th, I'll come home to spend the last few weeks with my son as an only child, and on June 29th, Bill and Ruslan will be home. And our family will be complete. Praise God, and the awesome story He has for Ruslan. So humbled we get to be a part of it. And so terribly-awfully-beyond measure-never can explain it-from the core of our beings-from the bottom of our hearts thankful to the so many of you that have been rallying to help us bring our boy home.
The to-do lists are crazy, the energy is high, my heart is just swollen with blessings these two broken people never imagined they'd have, and I just can't wait to get on that plane and bring our son home. For good. Where he belongs. Where he was always supposed to be. Where he can start healing, and hoping. Where he can learn about his worth, about a God who loves him, and that with God...truly....all things are possible.
In the midst of all this excitement, we're still fundraising right up to the bitter end here, as we have a $9,900 gap to close. But we believe the Lord will finish what He started, and we believe in miracles. So we are humbly coming before you, asking you to spread the word, and then spread it again. If you, or anyone you know, feel led to give there is a link on the right side of this blog, and all donations are tax deductible. And every lit bit adds up. And we need every penny we can get. And we are so grateful for the support.
Watch for three more fundraisers as well:
- our $5 fundraising CD's with a single on it titled "They Found Hope"...written by a firefighter who works with Bill, the lyrics are close to our heart and it is a wonderful momento of this journey.
- Apex BBQ (we're talkin' finger lickin' good stuff that you can pick up at Hope Community Church, or one of his many locations!)
- A fun spa day for the ladies when I get back, and while I am waiting for Ruslan and Bill to get home. (Ladies, I hope lots of you will join me for that because The Junction is an awesome salon bar- how cool is that- and because I'll be very much in need of some pampering and nerve-calming while I am waiting for the boys to come home! I'd love to have some fellowship time with the amazing women who have been mentors, cheerleaders, shoulders to cry on, sources of laughter, wisdom and inspiration throughout this journey!)
I was in my office at work when a gift from two amazing coworkers arrived. It was a beautiful silver starfish bracelet. For those of you that have been following our blog, you know the starfish has kind of become a symbol of sorts for us throughout this adoption journey. (The story where the child is walking on the beach, throwing washed up starfish back in to the ocean, and a man comes along and tells him with the hundreds of starfish on the beach, he'll never be able to make a difference. The boy picks another starfish up, throws it back in, and says, "I made a difference for that one!".) So this bracelet truly means so much! While I was tearing up, and thanking the giver, I got a call that someone was waiting to see me up front. I excused myself, and went up front to find two adorable Bowers children and their Daddy dropping off a very generous donation. While I was talking to them, LJ (our cheerleader, spiritual grounder, friend and great support through all of this) came running up to tell us we had gotten our SDA date. She wanted to know if I wanted her to just tell me the date, but I couldn't!!!! I wanted to see/hear it for myself....so I was going crazy!!! Jumping, shrieking, and so excited! Glad my coworkers already know I am crazy, so they didn't think much of me acting like a lunatic!!!
I was stalking my e-mail after that....waiting and waiting and waiting....and wondering why the e-mail wasn't coming......when I finally thought to check my cell phone! There was a message waiting for me......so I fumbled to enter in my password, and start the message playing. "This is it, what we have been waiting for....your SDA date is Monday, May 21.......MAY 21 PEOPLE!!!!!! "We're leeeeeavin'.....on a jet plane...we'll have a new son when we come back again...." (Ok, I know that's not how it goes, but I like that version better!!!)
When I finally calmed down and got back to my desk, but before I had a chance to spread the word about our date, my phone rang. An awesome woman called to say that she had just felt led to call and pray for me. And she did. Right there over the phone. And if that isn't some amazing timing, I don't know what is!
On May 18th, we'll be on an airplane bound for Ukraine. On June 12th, I'll come home to spend the last few weeks with my son as an only child, and on June 29th, Bill and Ruslan will be home. And our family will be complete. Praise God, and the awesome story He has for Ruslan. So humbled we get to be a part of it. And so terribly-awfully-beyond measure-never can explain it-from the core of our beings-from the bottom of our hearts thankful to the so many of you that have been rallying to help us bring our boy home.
The to-do lists are crazy, the energy is high, my heart is just swollen with blessings these two broken people never imagined they'd have, and I just can't wait to get on that plane and bring our son home. For good. Where he belongs. Where he was always supposed to be. Where he can start healing, and hoping. Where he can learn about his worth, about a God who loves him, and that with God...truly....all things are possible.
Karen I can't tell u how excited I am for u & your family!! Adoption is a beautiful blessing/gift! My older brother is adopted (because my parents were told they would NEVER have children of their own) and when my mother became pregnant with me (because the stress of trying to have a baby was off of my mom)my brother asked if he grew in my mom's tummy too. My mother replied:"No sweetie, but you grew in my heart for years", I think the same definitely applies for you. In essence I wouldn't be here if not for adoption. You all are going to have such a wonderful life together & Ruslan will be home before u know it! You are in my (& my children's)prayers every night! I wish I could do so much more for you & I wish u safe & speedy travels. Sara Grube
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