First click here to learn more about Depraved Indifference......powerful video, right?  We suffer from it....and Ruslan has long been a victim of it.  We have a son....in an Orphanage in Ukraine....and we're calling every friend we know....and we're asking for your help to get to him....because if we're not doing it, no one else is.  We're willing....to get on a plane and go to him. 

Watching that video leaves my eyes wet with tears.  I am convicted, guilty of depraved indifference myself.  There was even a point in my life that I wondered..."Why would we help people a million miles away when there are people right here who need help."   But then the Lord broke our hearts for these children...He placed a stirring in our hearts to make a difference....  We are His hands and feet.

There's a girl named Landyn, who came from the same orphanage Ruslan is in.  She is home now, with her forever family.  Depraved indifference is not an option for her.  Her friends are there....for a season of her life that was the only home she knew.  She has rallied for Ruslan, making keychains and jewelry, and she managed to make $500 to help bring Ruslan home.......an huge impact from a small idea in the mind of a tremendously selfless and thoughtful girl. 

Adam and Eleni have hosted orphans before, and their hearts definitely beat for this ministry.  They began selling Citipass books to raise money for the missions team traveling to Ukraine.  When they found out the team's fundraising was very successful, and the team had a surplus, they decided to donate the proceeds from their Citipass sales to Ruslan's adoption fund.  When the Citipass company heard what they were doing, they decide to forgo their profit and give that to us as well.  Another $1000 added to our fund. 

So many family, friends and coworkers have given sacrificially to help ensure that Ruslan comes home to his forever family.  Change in a ziploc bag.....$1.....$10.......$50....$500....$1,000.......all equally important donations.  I have seen the Lord work in the most amazing ways through the tiniest of gestures, and I am so humbled by and grateful for His provision.  It is awe-inspiring to think that the Lord loves Ruslan more than we do, and that He allows us to be a part of His great plan for this little boy.

We are so close now, we just need less than 500 people who are saying no to depraved indifference...are you one of them?

"I Have No Morning Sickness But.......

....the paper cuts are terrible!" I saw this saying on an adoption website, and I just love it! I have also heard people referring to themselves as "paper pregnant". It's ironic how the timeline of this adoption process has mirrored the cycle of a biological pregnancy. We are six months in right now, and we are due to bring Ruslan home in 3 months...the equivalent of a typical 9 month pregnancy. Now I know we could split hairs about conception date, and discuss semantics of a pregnancy not technically being 9 months, but you get what I'm saying!

We are "due" in 3 months, and we have endured all of the waiting, all of the wonder and worry, all of the anticipation, all of the exhaustion and exhiliration, much like what we endured with our pregnancy when we were expecting Mason. Only there is no growing baby bump to outwardly announce to everyone that we are on this journey...there is no one telling me to go home and put my feet up, or suggesting that it's okay to be eating for two (which I do anyway, by the way!)...very few offers to take Mason for the day so I can rest, or get some things done around the house. There will be no registering for the items we need/want to be fully prepared and make this new addition feel at home and comfortable. And that's okay...I am definitely not complaining. But it is an interesting paradox!

Our frequent updates are about fundraising milestones, paperwork status, procedural next steps and more fundraising...these aren't nearly as engaging and endearing as nursery bedding, paint colors, or stroller choices...and I promise people tire of the former much sooner than the latter!

We don't have Ruslan sheltered in my womb, nourished by the nutritional choices I make, soothed and lulled by our voices, and protected physically by my own body. We aren't able to peek in on him with ultrasounds, or feel him growing and changing as the time ticks by. But, thankfully, God loves him even more than we do and is watching over him when we can't.

While I won't experience labor pains this time around, Bill and I have endured the pains of knowing that each day that passes means another day that Ruslan spends institutionalized...we also have the pains of leaving our son behind for nearly a month while we travel to bring Ruslan home.

I may not have the hormonal changes that accompany a pregnancy, but I have the same tendencies toward tearful moments, fueled by the strong emotions that are attached to this journey- and sometimes by the thoughtless comments made by others against fundraising, international adoption and the like.

If we were having a biological child, our insurance would cover nearly the entire cost. (Thank God and my hard-working husband for the blessing of medical insurance!) But we have no insurance to cover the cost of bringing this child home to a loving family...yet we feel he is worth the investment. We are praising God for His provision, and we are so grateful to the many friends, family members and strangers that have given of their time, talents and treasures to help bring Ruslan home. We have the love to give, and the desire to help, but it wouldn't be possible without Him and all of you.

We are just three months away from "delivering" this little boy...and though my stomach isn't growing, my heart is swollen with love for Ruslan. I looked up the definition of delivered...and of course there are many listed..but there are two that stood out to me. One is the definition we typically think of when we consider growing families- and another seemed oddly appropriate to describe what will happen when we bring Ruslan home for good.

de·liv·er (d-lvr)
v. de·liv·ered, de·liv·er·ing, de·liv·ers
v.tr.

1.
a. To give birth to: She delivered a baby boy this morning.
b. To assist (a woman) in giving birth: The doctor delivered her of twins.
c. To assist or aid in the birth of: The midwife delivered the baby.

2.To set free, as from misery, peril, or evil: deliver a captive from slavery

We know Ruslan isn't a slave, but we do believe we are setting him free from a life of isolation and misery...and possibly peril. We feel that we will "deliver" him on that day that he lands at RDU and steps out of the airport and into the first day of the rest of his life. And we can imagine the friends and family in the "waiting room" (or airport waiting area as the case may be!)waiting to hear that Ruslan has arrived, that he and the family are doing well, and that there is a wonderful delivery to celebrate.

As a side note, I'm voting in favor of loaning an "empathy belly" (come on, you've seen it in health class!) to adoptive families so we can more readily be aware and share in their journey and they can represent their adoption in a symbolic way!!!!

Thank you for "expecting" along with us...it's one heck of a journey!

T-Minus 3 Months!

In three months, we will leave to get Ruslan. To bring our son home. To walk out of the orphanage knowing he will never have to go back. It is just so surreal, and hard to believe it is coming so quickly! We are working to get his bedroom ready for him, we have contacted his Elementary school to make preparations for enrollment, we are excited to get him plugged in at church with a small group leader. Things are really coming together!

Some of you have been asking how to help us in this home stretch, and there are lots of ways. We offer this post as a breakdown of them all. Feel free to act as you feel led. Get involved, spread the word, pray-pray-pray! We have appreciated all the support from family, friends and community thus far and we can't wait to have Ruslan home where he belongs.

The best way that you can help doesn't cost a thing! Please just help us spread the word! Getting Ruslan's story out there is the best way for us to reach a greater circle of influence for him. You can post on facebook, send an e-mail, write a letter, whatever suits you. We appreciate you helping us get the word out about his story, and the many fundraising opportunities!

Direct, tax deductible donations can be made through Redline United. Donors must indicate the gift is for Ruslan when giving. 100% of these donations go to our adoption fund. http://www.redlineunited.org/donate/family-assistance-2/

I am selling Thirty-One gifts, and 25% of all sales goes to our adoption fund. Host an in home party to earn free items for yourself, or have a catalog party or shop directly online. www.mythirtyone.com/hope4ruslan

We have a pizza fundraiser happening on Monday, February 27th at Cozzolino's Pizza (2982 Kildaire Farm Rd. in Cary.) 20% of all eat in, take out or delivery orders goes to our adoption fund. Patrons must mention Ruslan when ordering.

I am selling some children's items in a consignment sale and all proceeds will go in to our adoption fund. If you have items to donate, or would like to help tag items, please let me know!

We are selling beautiful Quote, Earth, and Journey of Faith candles. 50% of all sales goes to our adoption fund. We could use some help selling. It is a brochure sale and it is super easy! They practically sell themselves! They also make great hostess, birthday and other gifts or are great to warm up your own space. You can let me know if you, or someone you know, wants to buy or sell.

Grace Is Truth is an awesome company with an awesome message. They have bumper stickers, t-shirts and magnets available with a unique logo that helps you share your faith. People can use coupon code "Ruslan" at check-out and a percentage of all sales goes to our adoption fund. Check them out at www.graceistruth.com

We are accepting donations of new items, or gift cards/certificates, for an online auction, and we would be interested in speaking to anyone that knows of vendors that might be interested in contributing.

Most importantly, we need prayer! That the Lord's will be done, and we can get out of the way and be a vessel for his plan. That Ruslan's heart is guarded until we can come for him. And for continued energy as we approach the home stretch of this adoption journey! Thank you to the so many of you helping us fight for this little boy! T-Minus 3 months, and counting!

A Room For Ruslan

We have started the process of turning our spare room in to Ruslan's room. We are removing stored Christmas decorations, out of season and outgrown clothes, books, scrapbook supplies and more. We'll be painting, and looking for a bed and dresser for him. The bears you see here, a gift from a sweet and thoughtful friend, will be added to his room decor. So fitting and appropriate, and a really touching addition!

Even six months later, it is so strange to go back in there. Little things remind me of him....the CD player where he put in a lullaby CD and cried in my lap a few days before he left...his little collection of trinkets still neatly arranged on the table next to where his bed was...a shirt of his that was left behind...his superhero cape from camp...the dancing Santa Claus (who sings "I Like To Move It, Move It" that he played with in the middle of the night one of the first nights he was with us and had Mason and I giggling with him until we were in tears. If I stand there and close my eyes, I can just see him the first night he was here...fresh out of a bubble bath in clean pajamas...so excited to look through the donated backpack of clothes and toiletries. He was so brave..a world away from everything he knew as normal, and with complete strangers...sleeping in a room alone for the first time ever in his life.

I have to believe it is that bravery, that courage, that child like spirit that has helped to guard his heart thus far. And of course the love of a God he barely even knows about! We can't wait to tell him the story of how God's love for him and God's plan for him all led to this! And that even on the days when he felt the most alone, the most afraid, the most forgotten....an entire community was fighting to bring him home.

We are thankful for those who encouraged us six months ago not to ignore the stirring the Lord had placed in our hearts, and for those who are still encouraging us along the way. We are thankful we found the courage to step out in faith and be bold for the Lord despite circumstance or situation, and despite our worldy fears. We are thankful for those walking this journey with us and becoming part of Ruslan's extended family. We are thankful that things have gone as smoothly as they have, and we are overjoyed that we should be traveling in just three months to bring him home.

As we prepare our hearts and our home for Ruslan, we are so thankful for the Lord's presence and provision in this process. It is so true that with God, all things are possible!

The Rubber Hits The Road

It has been a bit of a mad house over here as we were collecting documents that need to be in Ukraine before our review date of Feb. 22nd. The huge pile of documents is our "Dossier" and includes 22 items that the Ukraine government will be reviewing from State Police Clearance Letters to Homeland Security Fingerprints. It also will include our 2011 taxes, proof of how big our house (photos required), blood test, psychological test, our marriage license and about 15 more items!

Everything must be gathered, notarized and then apostilled (stamped at the State Capitol as official) so if I haven't called, texted, FB or answered my door it is because we are doing all this along with running our household and still doing "life"! We thought we might never see this day, but our dossier is DONE...complete...finished! The scanned documents are off to Ukraine for translation, and we have completed a major hurdle in our journey to adopt this little boy.

The deadline is fast approaching, and we are in prayer that the Lord's will be done. Fundraising has been tremendously fruitful, and we have been able to contribute as well. But this is where the rubber hits the road. Where we have to make gains in what we have accumulated to bring him home, and take a step beyond fundraising. We have a short window left to raise the needed funds. Our travel date is expected some time in April, and well before then we will need to make remaining payments to the adoption agency, for foreign fees, and for travel and lodging.

Today, I am boldly asking that anyone able to make a direct donation to Redline United please do so. 100% of that donation goes directly to the adoption fund, and it is completely tax deductible. Every little bit helps, so please don't think your contribution won't matter. Recently, a group of individuals was able to raise over $40,000 dollars for a woman in need...one single dollar bill at a time. Imagine that...friends asking friends to give $1. All over the country. Some sent an encouraging note, some just put a dollar in an envelope and sent it off. I share that story to illustrate the impact that even $1 can make. So please, if you are able, consider making a donation that will change the course of this little boy's life forever. No amount is too small.

For those detail oriented people, here is a VERY rough approximation of how things will unfold from here. A special thanks to the Radzinski family from Utah (also adopting from Ukraine through Stork) for ironing out the timeline!

February 22nd: Ukraine Government reviews our Dossier (AKA: huge package detailing every aspect of our lives past, present and future)

March 22nd:(approx):Ukraine is done with our file and grants us approval and a travel date!

April 22nd(approx): We go to Ukraine for our first required visit (2-4 weeks...we know how long once we are there!)

May 13th(approx): Home to the USA for the 10-day "cooling off period", required by Ukraine

May 22nd(approx): Back to the Ukraine to complete final paperwork and get Ruslan! (2 weeks)

June 5th (approx): Home to the USA with Ruslan, we will finally be together as a family! This is 20 days before his 10th birthday...and we definitely plan to celebrate!

It takes a village, there is no doubt, and we are so grateful to the many, many people that have become part of ours! Words will never be enough to say thank you, but we pray the joy in the heart of a little boy who comes home forever will encourage you and illustrate for you the amazing things that our possible with the Lord, and a community of individuals willing to rally together to make a difference. It's go time! It's so close we can almost feel Ruslan in our arms. And we are in awe at the tremendous ways the Lord's presence and provision have been evident in this journey so far. To God be the glory, and may His will be done!

Kindle Fire Raffle!

We are raffling off a Kindle Fire and all proceeds go to our adoption fund. We welcome local and out of state entries. Tickets are $20 each, which is approximately 90% of the retail price. If you win it is a great deal. If you don't win, your $20 donation is helping to give a loving home to a little boy who desperately needs it. Comment below if you would like a ticket, and thanks for your support!

Hills and Valleys

What a crazy and amazing journey this has been. If someone had told me six months ago that we would host, and then later move to adopt, a Ukrainian orphan I would have thought they were crazy!

We couldn't have predicted this journey, and yet we wouldn't change it for the world. Though I must be honest, it has been an emotional ride.

I am learning so much through this experience. About patience, about my faith, about my husband and son, about my fortitude, about generosity and sacrifice, and so much more!

There are days that are great...that I can almost feel Ruslan in my arms...that the Lord's provision is so clear before me, that his presence is so tangible. That I am sure and strong in my conviction to rescue, and love and raise this little boy. That I have no doubt in my mind that this is what the Lord would have for us, and for Ruslan. That the photos and memories of Ruslan keep us motivated and inspired. That I am simply in awe at the so many, many people that have offered support in so many different forms and fashions.

And then there are days when the "to do" list seems too long, and I think of all the "thank-you" notes I still haven't written. There are days that the tears flow freely, that my husband and I lie awake wondering if we are just dreamers. Sometimes it feels like we will never see the day when Ruslan is home. Days when I am frustrated and discouraged, days when I feel I don't have the energy to set up and organize one more fundraiser, to solicit one more auction donation, or to irritate friends and acquaintances with one more post asking for support.

We've been kept busy since Ruslan left with the "business" of preparing for his adoption. There was the homestudy, the fingerprints, the passports, the immigration application, the medical appointments for us and Mason, the documents and the apostilles, the fundraisers...and while we are constantly fundraising, everything else has sort of come to a lull. We have just two documents to finish for our dossier, and that will be sent out to Ukraine on February 22nd. And then we wait some more until we hear about a travel date. It's like the momentum swept us up, and now that things are quiet we are coming down.

Our expected travel date is less than two months after our dossier submission in February. We are all too aware of the very harsh reality is that we may need to postpone our dossier submission date if we don't raise the needed funds in time. That the likelihood of coming up with over $20,000 in a month is slim. This means even more time that Ruslan is in the orphanage, and the uncertainty of exactly when the new submission date would even be. I am sometimes embarrassed at my worldly thinking sometimes, and the feelings of defeat that creep in. And I don't know why I do that!

I know this will only happen in the Lord's time. I know that we only want His will to be done. I know that He has shown us His faithfulness, provision and presence in countless ways. So we stay the course, we remember exactly what it is that we're fighting for, and we continue to pray that the light in Ruslan's eyes, and the love in his heart are guarded and preserved until we can come for him. And we wait on the Lord. We try to be still, and know that He is God. And we praise Him through it all.