Friday, November 7, 2014
The Burger in Kyiv
I had lunch at The Burger yesterday with our Daughter and son and a great driver Vitaly. He took us to The Burger for lunch, I must say if you are ever in Kyiv, you must eat here it is GREAT. He also took this picture of Bogdan, Sasha and me. Bogdan ate all of his salad and French fries but hardly touched the burger, which was almost as big as he is. Sasha on the other hand gave it a run for the money, she finished almost all except for some of the bun. It was a very long day first the U.S. Embassy and then medicals, all we are waiting on are passports so we can get VISA's and travel home.
Now Officially In Our Care
What started nearly a year ago finally became a reality Tuesday. We had all of the paper work necessary to go to the orphanage and finally take the children into our care as their official parents. There were times in the past week honestly when I felt like this day was never going to arrive and from a child's perspective it can be even worse.
Each day they would ask me how many more days and all I could tell them was what I knew and the day I had been told. Having a definite date helped because it gave them something to count down to. When I left yesterday I told them to take a shower and be ready for today. They reminded me to bring their new clothes and the teachers kept asking me if I brought them coats. I think I met with their approval today when I showed up with not only new clothes, underwear and shoes but also with a thick coat for each and new cloves and toboggans.
The scene reminds me of a song by the Primitives, Title "I'm No Longer an Orphan." It states how grace showed up with mercy and adopted me. It says also my clothes are no longer worn and tattered because they gave me a new robe. This be a part of this again today puts things into perspective. Each of them came out of that orphanage with only the blankets we gave them earlier this year and what few personal possession they have managed to accumulate over the years. But for each what they brought out fit in a small plastic bag. When we are adopted into the family of God all of the baggage we have we need to leave behind. We don't need to bring any part of our old life with us, because that is a life we are leaving behind.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
A Father’s Kiss
There are some blessing we get from God that sometimes come to us as a total surprise and today I was blessed to have received one of these special blessings. When I arrived at the school today one of the Ladies who work there told me to go to the cafeteria so that is where I went and half way there I was met our little girl and boy. They took my hands and lead me the rest of the way. When we arrived I learned they were having a birthday party for all of the children who have or will be having a birthday during the months of September, October and November and it included both Bogdan and Sasha.
The director gave each of the birthday boys and girls a gift, and to me this was so touching because as he gave it to them he kissed each one on the cheek as a father would do. He does these things for the children and I get to see just how much he really does love and cares for each one. He has not put any restrictions on us and children are allowed to come in and be with us all during our visits nor have we been restricted to a certain building or room but they all know when we arrive each day we head to the TV room. I have been allowed in any building and room and he has been very friendly and cordial with us this year. I think last year he just did not know us and stayed away and kept many of the children from us. This year we came bearing gifts for the children and school and clothes that had been given to us and I knew they were too big or small for Pasha and Bogdan. And I have seen some of the older boys wearing the clothes many times.
For me to be there today for this birthday party was so very special because this is something they keep in the school and kind of a private family event, but they timed it today so I could be there and they wanted to have this now with Sasha and Bogdan. To me it was sort of a happy birthday and a farewell at the same time and I got to be a part of it which is why I said this was one of those day God blesses in a great and mighty way and totally unexpected. I am so thankful he counted me worthy of this great honor and blessing. As I sit now and reflect back on the day a verse of scripture keeps coming to mind "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jer 29:11 ESV). This gives me such great peace, joy and consolation just knowing he has thoughts for me and today I was the child receiving a gift as God reached down and kissed me on the cheek. I know he loves me I can feel his love and I feel him in my spirit.
So parents today, take time to hug your children and kiss them because there are so many children today who are so starved for that family connection and they dream of it. All of my children know I love them and I kiss them on the forehead every time we part ways. I do the same thing at the school when I leave, I don't just say bye to Sasha and Bogdan I tell each one around me bye and I kiss them on the forehead. I feel they see me as their father figure and that is ok I do not mind and feel it an honor that God has allowed me this time with them each day. I hope some of what I have conveyed to them about serving and loving God will stay with them and they will continue to grow in his grace and knowledge. I know I can't take them all home physically but I am carrying them in my heart, and I will pray for them every day calling out their names to God to watch over these little lambs.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Two More Jewels Added
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
To God Be The Glory!
Saturday, October 18, 2014
The Changing of Leaves
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Arrival
A huge prayer request is that they will be able to get their second court date moved up to tomorrow as well, because then, their ten days (of waiting and gathering official documents) will begin on Monday and thus the sooner they can come home!
Blessings,
Big Sister
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Pasha says: "Please, please, please come and help us!"
- Smoked Boston Butt
- Potato Salad
- Baked Beans
- Cole Slaw
- Hot Dogs
- Potato Chips
- Deserts donated by some very dear friends
“But Jesus said, Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14 ESV). We are also told in Proverbs to “Do not withhold good from them to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27 ESV).
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 children, not us.
We sincerely thank you, and thank GOD for you.
Rev. Ben, Kathy & Pasha Dailey
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Homecoming #1
Hi "Ma" and "Da!" |
Looking for J and T. |
Now, Mama and Daddy have explained more to him about the situation of going back over there in a few weeks, the thought has consumed him, and it is just about all you can get him to talk about.
On another note, we went out to dinner this night (Mama and Daddy, their kids, and grand kids). We met a new deaf friend at the restaurant named Ryan, who as a child attended the same school Pasha now attends. While Pasha was too distracted to talk with him much, Daddy had a very nice conversation with him. It is amazing how God causes people's paths to cross. Daddy felt very blessed at having met Ryan, and we hope that Ryan got a blessing from meeting us.
'Til next time,
~ Big Sister
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Sonny with Showers of Blessings
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Communication between two continents...
However, thanks to God for giving us the knowledge of technology. With video chat, we have real time communication. It allows Pasha to stay connected to Mama and Daddy.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Showers of Blessing
Friday, August 22, 2014
Understand the word Bittersweet
The restaurant is really nice and the waiter knows some English and you can tell they are doing everything they can to make our stay very comfortable. The only drawback is we are on the top floor so there are many steps for Kathy to climb which is quite painful with her bad ankle. Each day as she is standing there looking up at each flight of stairs I remind her that, “I can do all things through Christ which Strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13 KJV).
Hand of Help in Adoption Blog: I can't do this
Hand of Help in Adoption Blog: I can't do this: I can't do this. That's what you're thinking, right? Their faces are so sweet, their need for love and a family so great- bu...
Thursday, August 21, 2014
He's Already There
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Meanwhile back at home...
Pasha is sharpening his cooking skills. |
Creating Lego masterpieces (and messy rooms, along with G, IA and A). |
Excited about the start of the new school year! (Note: these photos indicate the second week of school. I had a dead camera battery the first and was unable to capture any photos of him last week). |
Saying goodbye to his family. |
And off he goes to school. |
He has been loving on his dogs at home and telling them he'll see them soon when we go to check on things at Mother and Daddy's house. He checks for eggs in the chicken coop. He snacks on whatever he can find of his familiar snacks (apparently I don't have the right snacks at my house). He visits with Mawmaw. He gets his electronics fix by playing on his laptop and kindle. He ALWAYS asks can he swim in the pool.
The biggest thing though, he tells everyone he meets about Mama and Daddy flying on an airplane across the ocean and about him getting a new brother and sister. He is so excited and it's hard for him to understand why it's taking so long. We all love to see his excitement every day!
Praying for expeditions,
~ Big Sister
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Second Adoption Journey
Saturday, August 16, 2014
And a Child Shall Lead Them
Friday, August 15, 2014
Being Accepted
Thursday, August 14, 2014
A Double Portion
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Doing It For Them
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Same Shirt A Year Later
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Adoption Journey Number Two has Officially Begun.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Travel Plans
It's interesting as the "big" sister seeing this how this new dynamic will develop. Daddy cut all of his hair off in a short buzz cut in preparation (one less thing to fool with, right?). Babushka is not pleased, HA! Lessons learned from the trip last year are being applied to this years travel plans.
This year's trip holds some of the same emotions, but some different feelings as well. Having been to there before, Mama and Daddy are more familiar with the "lay of the land" as well as the proceedings/steps they must take once over there. A few small things that bring comfort are knowing where to find certain products (ketchup and chocolate!), knowing what restaurants are good and what to order at the resaurants, knowing where to launder clothes, etc. However, the excitement and concerns over travel safeties remain. It is a tiresome journey with lots of layovers/transfers/different travel methods. In addition, there a few minor physical/health burdens that we must work around, but we serve a big God who has opened all of the doors thus far, and we have faith that He will carry us through this with an even bigger testimony than before. God is not contradictory.
I am sure you will all join us in prayer as we prepare for this adventure!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Paper Journey is complete!
Also we received a miracle when they were trying to find the source of his wheezing. At sometime in his life he had inhaled the tip of a writing pen or pencil in his lung and it lodged in the bronchial tube. Thank goodness it was hollow and he was able to breath and after they were able to remove this his wheezing immediately quit. Not only did his wheezing cease but his energy level increased three fold. He has hit a growing spurt and is quickly growing taller and quickly the pants we both him are getting to short. He is in the second size and they are also getting to short for him however he still has his slim build and that is something I hope he can keep so I am hoping we can find an extra slim in the next size. I am hoping I can find an extra slim after all they do make and extra large.
Next it was after much prayer and meditation I resign as pastor of my church because God is leading me in a new direction. I am looking forward to this because the new direction is a deaf ministry and we are very excited to be a part of this and that God is leading us in this direction. We have been attending the Deaf Church at Brook Hills and we are really enjoying it. We are also attending and working in another church on Sunday evenings and Wednesdays. Our son is making many new friends and everywhere we go they are trying to work with him and learn how to communicate with him. We have met so many wonderful people at each church and our son is making lots of friends. We are learning more and more about how to communicate with and be a part of the deaf community, however; we still have much work and learning but we are getting there one day at a time, and yes old dogs can learn new tricks, just takes a bit longer and more practice.
But on with the adoption journey. After much paper work and get this and that from many sources we have finally finished our paper work and it was taken last week to the Secretary of State to be apostilled and it is now in Ukraine. We are praying that all goes well and we are submitted and approved very soon. We are looking forward to going back and seeing all of the children and taking pictures of our son so they can see him in his new home with his family, friends and school . We met so many friends along the way and we are anxious to see them all again.
Please continue to pray that God will continue to open the doors for us and provide the needed funds for this adoption. But just to keep you hanging here is a bit of news we are hoping to adopt two this time both the same age as our son and also both are deaf. Stay tuned more news to follow in the coming days.