Day Five -- A Break through in Communication

Day Five –

We were totally out of our element today because our facilitator had to leave last night and go back to Kiev.  He is to return tomorrow, but he did get with a taxi driver here who we will probably be using every day when our facilitator has to return to Kiev.  But thanks to language translators we have navigated the waters solo today.  I was telling Kathy the other day there is a movie that I really enjoy that has a line in it that states, “Sometimes there is something inside us that sleeps and sometimes the sleeper needs to be awaken.”  I will have to agree with this because we can become so acclimated to our own life and small corner of the world to the point that we begin to overlook the important things around us.  And it is when we step out of our comfort zone our sleeper awakens.

We should remember that we need to be thankful for what we have and not dissatisfied with what we don’t have.  Quite honestly if a huge disaster were to hit this country the people here, especially in the rural villages, are better conditioned of coping than we would be.  They can be self-sufficient if they need to be.  It is not uncommon to see a horse drawn carriage with an older couple on it headed to the village or back home.  Fields are for crops and livestock are tied near the road to graze or they are herded by a shepherd or husbandman.  Every day we have seen people of all ages working in their gardens and I will tell you they are not small gardens either some are quite large.   (Enough of that for today check back each day for more.)

Today we had a fantastic time with “H” we used some UNO cards to learn the difference in his number sign and the ASL number sign.  Also he taught me his numbering signs and I showed him the ASL.  Then we learned each other’s sign for the primary colors and I showed him pictures of the rest of our children and the grandchildren.  We have tried to give each of grandchildren a sign that will be used to distinguish them uniquely.  We have been observing them and have come up with signs that matches a unique characteristic that they have. And we showed those to “H” today and how each person was related in the family.  We learned the sign for each family members such as Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Husband and wife.  And he is beginning to understand, the assistant director has been most helpful and we are so grateful because all of the children just love her and that says something about her.

After our visit concluded today something happened that just filled our hearts with GREAT JOY, today “H” reached up and hugged each of us when it was time to go.  I think he understands why we are here and what our intentions are.  On the walk back to the taxi cab today Kathy just broke into tears of joy because she said “Ben he hugged me back.”  I too felt the same thing.  Maybe we are gradually gaining his trust because we tell him every day we will see him tomorrow and we show up.  That for me is important because if you tell a child something you need to stick to your word and don’t let the child down.

Day Five -- A Break through in communication began.

Day Five –

We were totally out of our element today because our facilitator had to leave last night and go back to Kiev.  He is to return tomorrow, but he did get with a taxi driver here who we will probably be using every day when our facilitator has to return to Kiev.  But thanks to language translators we have navigated the waters solo today.  I was telling Kathy the other day there is a movie that I really enjoy that has a line in it that states, “Sometimes there is something inside us that sleeps and sometimes the sleeper needs to be awaken.”  I will have to agree with this because we can become so acclimated to our own life and small corner of the world to the point that we begin to overlook the important things around us.  And it is when we step out of our comfort zone our sleeper awakens.

We should remember that we need to be thankful for what we have and not dissatisfied with what we don’t have.  Quite honestly if a huge disaster were to hit this country the people here, especially in the rural villages, are better conditioned of coping than we would be.  They can be self-sufficient if they need to be.  It is not uncommon to see a horse drawn carriage with an older couple on it headed to the village or back home.  Fields are for crops and livestock are tied near the road to graze or they are herded by a shepherd or husbandman.  Every day we have seen people of all ages working in their gardens and I will tell you they are not small gardens either some are quite large.   (Enough of that for today check back each day for more.)

Today we had a fantastic time with “H” we used some UNO cards to learn the difference in his number sign and the ASL number sign.  Also he taught me his numbering signs and I showed him the ASL.  Then we learned each other’s sign for the primary colors and I showed him pictures of the rest of our children and the grandchildren.  We have tried to give each of grandchildren a sign that will be used to distinguish them uniquely.  We have been observing them and have come up with signs that matches a unique characteristic that they have. And we showed those to “H” today and how each person was related in the family.  We learned the sign for each family members such as Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Husband and wife.  And he is beginning to understand, the assistant director has been most helpful and we are so grateful because all of the children just love her and that says something about her.

After our visit concluded today something happened that just filled our hearts with GREAT JOY, today “H” reached up and hugged each of us when it was time to go.  I think he understands why we are here and what our intentions are.  On the walk back to the taxi cab today Kathy just broke into tears of joy because she said “Ben he hugged me back.”  I too felt the same thing.  Maybe we are gradually gaining his trust because we tell him every day we will see him tomorrow and we show up.  That for me is important because if you tell a child something you need to stick to your word and don’t let the child down.

Day Five -- A Break through in communication began.

Day Five –

We were totally out of our element today because our facilitator had to leave last night and go back to Kiev.  He is to return tomorrow, but he did get with a taxi driver here who we will probably be using every day when our facilitator has to return to Kiev.  But thanks to language translators we have navigated the waters solo today.  I was telling Kathy the other day there is a movie that I really enjoy that has a line in it that states, “Sometimes there is something inside us that sleeps and sometimes the sleeper needs to be awaken.”  I will have to agree with this because we can become so acclimated to our own life and small corner of the world to the point that we begin to overlook the important things around us.  And it is when we step out of our comfort zone our sleeper awakens.

We should remember that we need to be thankful for what we have and not dissatisfied with what we don’t have.  Quite honestly if a huge disaster were to hit this country the people here, especially in the rural villages, are better conditioned of coping than we would be.  They can be self-sufficient if they need to be.  It is not uncommon to see a horse drawn carriage with an older couple on it headed to the village or back home.  Fields are for crops and livestock are tied near the road to graze or they are herded by a shepherd or husbandman.  Every day we have seen people of all ages working in their gardens and I will tell you they are not small gardens either some are quite large.   (Enough of that for today check back each day for more.)

Today we had a fantastic time with “H” we used some UNO cards to learn the difference in his number sign and the ASL number sign.  Also he taught me his numbering signs and I showed him the ASL.  Then we learned each other’s sign for the primary colors and I showed him pictures of the rest of our children and the grandchildren.  We have tried to give each of grandchildren a sign that will be used to distinguish them uniquely.  We have been observing them and have come up with signs that matches a unique characteristic that they have. And we showed those to “H” today and how each person was related in the family.  We learned the sign for each family members such as Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Husband and wife.  And he is beginning to understand, the assistant director has been most helpful and we are so grateful because all of the children just love her and that says something about her.

After our visit concluded today something happened that just filled our hearts with GREAT JOY, today “H” reached up and hugged each of us when it was time to go.  I think he understands why we are here and what our intentions are.  On the walk back to the taxi cab today Kathy just broke into tears of joy because she said “Ben he hugged me back.”  I too felt the same thing.  Maybe we are gradually gaining his trust because we tell him every day we will see him tomorrow and we show up.  That for me is important because if you tell a child something you need to stick to your word and don’t let the child down.

First contact - May 17th, 2013

Day three--
We got some needed rest and at 3:30 we were picked up to go to the DAP to sign our referral papers.  HUGE THING, everything was in order and now were have our referral which gives us permission to go the the facility where "H" is in and meet with him.  Also tell the Director and the Social Worker our intent and giving us permisison to meet with him each day so we can get to know each other.

Day four --
Yesterday we were up at 3:00 AM and left the apartment at 4:00 AM to begin a 5 hour trip to the region and villiage we will be in for the next few weeks.  The village where "H" is located in does not have any facilities where we could lodge so we are having to stay in a village about 18 Kilometers away.  The first few hours of the trip was not bad but when we got off the interstate the roads were very bad, and I am not exaggerating that fact.  When we finally step out of our comfort zone sometimes we have to deal with rough waters. 

After riding for several hours we finally made it to the region "H" is in and we went to the orphanage and finally got to meet the young man we are praying to make a part of our family in a couple of weeks.  The facility he is in specializes in deaf and hard of hearing children and he does have good communication skills already so that is  a HUGE plus.  After a few minutes of getting to know him, I showed him my Android pad and a game I have on it.  BIG HIT!!!! Scored some major points with him and the other children at the facility.  We had decided about a month ago to get him a NABI to bring for him again BIG HIT!!!  He loves it and is really getting into it. 

We were able to see him again today and spent more time with him and many of his friends. I remember the first day I saw him from a distanct, I was not sure it was him but Kathy, you know the momma bear instincts, knew it was him and told me which one it was.  (She was right). :)   I will tell you  he did not have to win our hearts, that happened the night we prayed and made a commitment to do this.  We are learning to communicate with him because the sign language they use is different from ASL (American Sign Language), but we are learning each day.  And we as we spend more time with him we will learn more and more.

One thing we saw that was very interesting yesterday that I will share with you is, on our way back out to the facility there was a funeral going on.  They were walking up the middle of the street holding a cross and flowers.  The women were carrying the lid of the coffin, covered in very colorful clothe and made of wood.  The deceased was the back of a flat bed truck opened with a very thin cloth laid over him.  This was a very touching moment to see the love and respect they have for the deceased. 

Also yesterday there was a wedding in the villiage and last night they really had a huge party in the cafeteria here at the hotel we are in and I do mean a party with LOUD music and everything.  Today they met again to continue the celebration of the marriage.  Our facilitator who is with us told us this was the custom that the wedding celebration was not one day but two days.

DAP Appointment Day - Day 2.

As promised, I am beginning my blog on day two.  We arrived yesterday around 4:30 EEST after about 14 hours of flying. One thing I can tell you is that each of our flights were on time and we actually took an electic cart to make it to the gate at Chicago and then in Munich we just had to walk fast but we made that flight as well and here we are. 

Today we had our appointment with the Department of Adoptions and Processing and two of the other families that are also adopting through the same program we are.  Everything went well and we will be traveling to the region where "H" is in to meet with the Social Worker, Orphanage Director and Doctor on Friday.  We also learned the orphange he is in specializes in deaf children so this is a HUGE positive because we know he has some communications skills.  We are so very eager to meet him.  I wish it were tomorrow.

But also as amazing as God is,  many might say things were a coincidence, it is not to him.  Yesterday on our flight we happened to be seated with a young woman who was going home after spending time with her family in the States. Her husband is a Youth Minstry teacher at the Evangelical Seminary here and has many contact thoughout the country.  We will be getting with them to let them know of our location so if there is a church in that village they will be able to tell us a church in the area and a contact so we can at least attend services.  May not understand what they are saying, but Amazing Grace is Still Amazing in any language.

There is a lot of very old, and beautiful buildings, in the area and today after our appointment and while waiting on the others I just started snapping pictures.  Here is one of my favorite it is of the St. Andrews church.  Look at all of the steps leading up to this church.  I told Kathy if we had that many steps that half of our congregation would not be able to climb them. 

 
We were able to get a good night of sleep and rest last night and today when we got back we both took naps.  Still trying to get out bodies back on track.  Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers and that God would continue to watch over us and open the necessary doors and hearts. 

May the Grace and Sprit of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit be with you and keep you.

Rev Ben D. & Kathy J. Dailey

The Travel To Eastern Europe Begins!!!!

April 15^th we received the long awaited call with our travel date.  After what seemed to be a very lengthy process, a huge amount of paper work for both the Home Study Agency and our Dossier  we will be traveling on Monday May 13^th to Eastern Europe.  We would first like to say how much we appreciate the support and prayers from everyone.   Also we will be blogging as much during this trip as possible but we will not be able to reveal out current location until after the adoption is finalized through the court system. 

We will try to include pictures and our progress each day and we ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as we realize we are at the mercy of the Eastern European Country’s Court and laws.  God has brought us this far and I know He will still pave the way for us but we still cherish your prayers.  So please stay tuned in the days and weeks ahead as we being the this part of the Journey.

Sincerely Rev. Ben & Kathy Dailey

How to determine when Easter is celebrated.

Today March 20, 2013 is the Vernal Equinox.  Equinox mean equal so in laymen terms this means equal daylight and equal darkness.  And it also signifies the beginning of spring.  But this day also plays a part in determining when Easter is each year. 

 You see of today is the Vernal Equinox, (Frist day of Spring), then we look to see when the next Full moon is, which will be March 27, 2013.  The Sunday after the full moon is March 31^st, or Easter.  That is how the date Easter will be celebrated on each year is determined.  That is why Easter is celebrated sometime in March and others in April.

So for 2014, the full moon after the Vernal Equinox is on March 30 and the Sunday after that is April 4 so easter will be celebrated on April 4 next year. 


Rev. Ben & Kathy Dailey

Sincere Thanks

We want to begin this blog entry with sincere appreciations to all who came out to our fund raiser; you will never know how much your support means to us!!

Special thanks to "D Goggins", don't know what we would have done without you. You were so wonderful, kept the whole thing organized and clean. And to those who donated buns, drink, chips, cookies and deserts you guys are just wonderful, and those who came and gave donations for plates, you will never know how our hearts filled with delight and thanks. To KID who just did whatever we needed and for everything else as well and to Brandy, you were such a help to you mother and me and we want you to know how much we love you and your wonderful family. Jared and his family who also came out to support us, we love you so much. "Paw T" and "Nana T" your generosity will never be forgotten because we know what you did was from your heart!!!! And then Greg and Denise who showed up and helped us load everything up, thanks so much! Those who were not able to attend but you gave donations anyways, Thanks So MUCH!

We could go on and on but there is one we want to thank above all and that is we thank GOD for his blessings to us by putting each and every one of you in our lives. Our prayer is that God will bless you all in a might way as you have blessed us by your generosity.

At the end of the day when all our expenses were subtracted we ended up with total of $1700.00. YAAAAHHHOOOOO!! PRAISE HIS NAME!!! And there are still donations coming in. We used $220 for apostille fees, (this is the States certification by the Secretary of State), and $304 was used for International FedEx postage which was done in two separate mailings. We have the funds needed for the adoption fees, but we still $7,000 for our airline tickets, in country travel, in country living expenses and for H’s medicals, paper work, passport, embassy fees and travel home expenses. I know that God is able to supply all of our needed funds.

Our paper work was received and translated last week and on Thursday, March 14, 2013, our paper work was submitted to the Easter Europe Countries Department of Adoption Processing.   So now we are eagerly waiting the three to four weeks to get our appointment date which will determine our travel date. We are getting so excited and anxious about finally getting to meet our youngest son, but at the same time going to a country where we do not know the customs or speak the language can be fear-provoking but we know “The Will of God Will Never Take Us Where The Grace of God Cannot keep us.”

We ask for each of you to pray that God will bless us in this journey and remove all obstacles.

Rev. Ben & Kathy Dailey

Operation - Bring Harrison Home

During the past two months we have made great progress in the paper work process.  We have submitted out initial paper work and we are waiting on our last document to have our dossier completed.  Then we can have all of the documents apostilled and sent.  After we submitt our dossier the waiting game begins.  So while waiting we are working on raising the remainder of the funds needed.  So far we have about 2/3 of the needed funds and are working on the remainder, so we can get this little boy, bring him home and make him a part of our family and community.

We are hosting a fund raiser Saturday February 23, 2013 at the Pea Ridge Community Center from 11:00 AM until 4:30 PM.

We will be serving:

• Smoked Boston Butt
• Potato Salad
• Baked Beans
• Cole Slaw
• Hot Dogs
• Potato Chips
• Deserts donated by some very dear friends

We are not charging a set amount for the plates.  However, we are asking for a donation to be made in any amount you can give.  All donations will be GREATLY APPRECIATED and will be used to make this child’s life much better. 

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14 KJV).   We are also told in Proverbs to “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Proverbs 3:27 KJV).

The link at the top of the page will take you to our family sponser page at Reece's Rainbow.  The donation are securely handled by Pay Pal. Donations made this way are tax deductible as it is through a non-profit organization. Remember you are doing this for the child, not us.   

We sincerely thank you, and thank GOD for you.

Rev. Ben & Kathy Dailey

Back on track and full speed ahead

Well after getting off to a very slow and confusing start, we are back on track.  There were a couple of months there when we actually had to release Harrison but God had allowed us to get back on track and and we are now in the final phases of the process.  Our home study is complete and our USCIS had just been sent.

While we wait for the USCIS we are getting our dossier documentation current.  Since most of our paper work is over 6 months old we are having to get it all redone so it will be current when we get our USCIS approval form back.  Then we can send it to the state to get it apossilled and then send it to the Eastern Europe.

We are praying that we will be able travel sometime in February or March of this year and there will be much to do before then.  We will be having seveal fund rasiers and we would be so grateful and honored if you could help us.  Currently we still need about $20,000 for travel expenses, facilitator fees and lodging. 

We have had a lot of calls this week wanting to know if the new Russian ban on American adoption will affect us.  Currently no since the part of Eastern Europe is a seperate nation and has been since 1922.  But we want to get over there and make Harrision a part of our family as as possible and we welcome all prayers and support.