Day Three

Let me start off first by saying that the day started off by a punch in the gut. They said Thursday will be our last day with Phoebe. I know the others that have been in this place before know that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you are told that. NOOO! That's the rules and we will have to deal with it. The faster we can get the paperwork and money raised, the faster we can get back here to bring them home.

We woke up at 4 am again. We try to go back to sleep, but can't. Being halfway around the world kind of does that to you. We worked on the pictures for awhile, showered and skyped with the kids. Then ate breakfast. This hotel has free breakfast included and it is yummy. What I don't understand is how all the young women can stay so skinny here? This food is so good (except for things like soft boiled egg and tongue...yuck.) The driver picked us up at 9:30 a.m. and let me tell you...scary stuff. The people here drive so fast and seem not to have any rules. I'm sure they do, but it's nothing for someone to drive right in between two cars to pass them. There is on average 160 wrecks a day here. In the winter they say it's 260. That is just in the city.

We went to see Phoebe first. She is quite the character. She had a runny nose and was acting a bit different, but I think she was teething evidenced by the huge bite mark on my arm. She rocks back and forth a lot, but I understand why. So, it doesn't bother me. She will learn one day that it isn't necessary anymore. She is attaching to us both very well. She loves to play with both of us. Bonding is not an issue it seems. This little girl loves the mirror and I know that she will have to have one when she gets home. All to soon the visit was over and we had to say "Paka, Paka." These visits just aren't long enough. We left and went to the head of the orphanages to sign the paper with intent to adopt the girls. They asked if we like her? Really?? Like her?? Ummm, YEAH! We stood there for awhile and they talked. Of course I couldn't understand what they were saying, except for "syndrome down." They proceeded to thank us for wanting to adopt them. Proceeded to tell me that there are "many of them here." They talked about the kids fondly (I could tell with their expressions.) I told them to get as many pictures of them on the database and I would do my best to find them homes. They were very friendly with us. Smiling. They even showed us Phoebe's account. We felt very welcome. So, if you are thinking about adopting a child with Down syndrome...this region is awesome. The team is friendly and the officials are kind to us. Just a thought for you if you are thinking about it. We came back to the room and looked at the pictures. We then set out for the long drive to Isabella's orphanage. When we got there they said we could take her outside. Of course she was wrapped like a burrito. She didn't like shoes. She cried and fussed. When we came outside we took the hat and jacket off. Then we took the pants off. TO WARM! This kiddo has an aversion to men. She came right to me and smiled. When Matthew would come near us she would cry. It's obvious that she doesn't have much experience being around men. This little one loves me and you can tell it, but it is going to take time for Matthew and her to bond. Four days isn't enough. I felt bad for him, but he took it in stride saying, "It will just take time." The rest of the visit consisted of me carrying her and consoling her. She did like to pop my gum! After awhile she let me put her into the swing and allowed Matthew to push her. It's going to take time, but we will have plenty of that when she gets home(praying to God that it happens.)
One thing for sure, this kiddo needs to see the eye doc quickly. She can see and focus, but she has a tendency to focus then her eyes float around. Most likely from weak muscles. I can see glasses in her future.

After the visit was over we came back to the hotel and ate at a German place. Pork chops and fries over a open grill...yummy. Sorry not brave enough to eat anything with the word tongue in it. We walked around and of course crashed. It's now Thursday morning here and it will be the last visit with Phoebe. We are lucky to have had four visits. I am already crying. I just don't want her to think we don't love her. God, please let the time go fast and the money come to us quickly. I can't fathom being away from her very long. Friday will be our last visit with Isabella. I think I will need a vice grip to tear me away from her. Love you all and thanks for the continued prayers!

Days One and Two

Sorry about not updating. This time change has really messed me up. Lastnight I felt like a walking zombie when we went to find some Pepsi. Then last night I fell asleep at the computer.

Day one was a rush rush day. When we finally got to the hotel after that really long 27 hours or so of travel, we came to the hotel. It is nice, but different. The surroundings are pretty. The fountains are beautiful. It is just different then we are used to. We both got showers and crashed. We set the alarm for about a half hour before we were supposed to meet our facilitator and guess what??? We didn't wake up. So, we were a few minutes late. Not the impression we wanted to make on the first day. We hopped in the car and jetted off to our DOE appt. Set in front of us was a really beautiful woman with an arsenal of questions. She made me sweat...like rolling down my back sweat. I just wish I could pack all of what I need up from home to show them what it is like at home to raise a child with Down syndrome, but we can't. So please pray for words of wisdom to come out of this mouth now and in the future. After that we went to some place other then Phoebe's orphanage and talked with the social worker. She showed me pics of Phoebe as a baby. She has always been cute. Then we went to her orphanage, met with the head doctor and she gave me Phoebe's history. Then we went to the meeting room and they brought her in. At first she was kind of shy, but quickly warmed up to us. She laughs and giggles a lot. She loves hugs and she loves to rub her Daddy's beard. She loved the play doh and of course tried to eat it. Phoebe knows what she wants and will make a growling noise if she doesn't get it. All to soon the visit was over and we had to tell her goodbye. On the way back to the hotel our facilitator said we looked sad. I told her because we didn't want to leave her. Seriously, can we just take her home NOW??

We went to the bank and changed some money to this countries currency. We at a place called NEW YORK. It was good. Matthew had this huge hamburger. It was called a Fat Yorker. After that we walked around the square in front of the hotel. We came back to our room and we went to bed. More like died.


DAY TWO

We woke up WAY before our time to get up. We showered and skyped with our kiddos. We ate breakfast. It was good. I can't not like a country that likes chocolate with all meals it seems. It is good stuff! They eat things way different then we do and they eat a lot of meat and cheese. Not a problem for me...maybe for my butt though. We made sure we were ready and were waiting before our facilitator got there. CANNOT BE LATE AGAIN! We went to the orphanage and they brought Phoebe out. She was so happy to see us! She smiled and giggled. She let us tickle her. She even smacked me once. We had to tell her no. Do we have to do that already? hmmph.This little girl laughed so much today. She played with her play doh. She loves to walk holding onto our hands. She pretty much does what she wants because well, she can because we don't mind. This is her party afterall. They thanked us several times for loving her and for us wanting to adopt her. They said they could tell she liked us. MY HEART IS MELTING!


After the visit was over (come on why do we have to leave???) We went back to the hotel and was supposed to eat, but we just didn't feel like it. Then after posting Phoebe's pics we left for our trip to Isabella's orphanage. Let me tell you...what a LONG drive on some really BUMPY roads. Phoebe lives in the city and Isabella lives in the country side. Two vastly different areas. We met with the assistant head of the orphanage and she showed us pics of Isabella and gave us her history. We went into a very HOT room and were able to visit. She is not quite sure about men, but by the end she let her Daddy hold her and rub her hair. She doesn't like to have her feet touched at all, but loves to have her legs rubbed. She smiles so big when she is coming for me. I was able to feed her. They gave me a cup of milk, but she smacked it away. This girl eats like a champ. They said she doesn't like milk much, but loves juices. Bella played some, but was more content in just laying in our arms and letting us stroke her hair. They assured us she likes to play and interact, but frankly cuddling with her and letting her feel the touch of our hands was just fine. Bella is the polar opposite of Phoebe. Phoebe is outgoing and Bella is more reserved. The thing is though, I can see the spunky girl inside of her. She just needs time and a family. I cannot say it enough though, it is very obvious they love these girls. I cannot wait until the day they can come home. Please pray that the court will see how much we love them, and that having four kids with Down syndrome is a blessing and one adventure we will gladly undertake. We left and traveled that same bumpy road. We went to eat and I had Borscht...it was yummy. We walked around and found some Pepsi. It tastes like Coke..hmmph. We crashed again. We got up way to early again today. Time to get a shower and skype with the kids (we miss you Gabby, Dylan, Jon, Anthony and Ethan!) Then breakfast and off to see our girls!!!!!!!

We Are Here...

No pictures yet. Got in this morning, checked in the hotel and ate breakfast (they serve mashed potatoes for breakfast.) Time for a shower and a quick nap before we meet with the DOE. We will get to see Phoebe this afternoon then both girls tomorrow. Pictures as soon as we can, I promise!!!!!

In Just a Few Short Hours....

In just a few short hours we will be leaving our comfort zone to go meet our daughters. I am not afraid because I know God has this, but prayers are appreciated. Please pray that our children at home will be safe (thanks Aunt Jenni!), our flight will go without problems and we get there and back home safe, please pray for our girls that they have peace when we are with them (and that they know we will be back,) and please pray for all of us until we are all back together under one roof. I know this isn't something we should be worrying about now, but please pray if you will that we are able to raise the rest of the money we need. We will know how much when we get back and I can sit down to figure it out.

See Ya On The Other Side of The World!
Lisa

I Dance

I dance with reckless abandon
I love like there is no tomorrow
I smile to make you smile
I give my all in everything I do

My Mom says I am perfect
Even though so many people say I am not
She says that in my almond shaped eyes she sees Jesus
She says that's because God made my soul and he doesn't make mistakes

I dance to the beat of the music
I love you even when you don't love me
I smile because I just do
I give you all my love because that's who I am

My Mom says I am special, not different
Even though so many people say I am disabled
She says that I am not disabled
She says that I am able

I dance with all of my heart
I love being happy and making you feel that way too
I smile because I know happiness
I give you all of me because I can

My Mom says people should see me as I am
Even though so many people see me as something I am not
She says that I am a gift
She says that she is the lucky one, not me

I dance with my soul open wide
I love with my heart that is mended
I smile with spirit of forgiveness
I give you me as I am

~Lisa Smith

I thank God everyday for my children. Every single one of them. I am thankful that God gave me my two healthy children by birth and trusted me to be their parent. Adoption is a true gift. So many people tell me how lucky the boys and our girls will be to have us. No, we are lucky to have them. There are so many times in my life that I realize I need them as much as they need me. They have taught me so much.

AG Winner

Congrats to Jenni. I wish it could be all of you. I promise that this was done honestly. Ethan put his little fingers in there and only pulled out one the first time, and then continued to pull out piles full. He was pretty proud of himself. As for the other prizes-Rebecca Jensen won them. (She was the only one who designated and requested those items.) They were a seperate giveaway. IF you have any questions about the giveaway, don't hesitate to email me.

Isabella Daria

I have a million and one things to do to get ready and kids are getting ready to get off the bus, but I wanted to let everyone know who the "sister" is. We also got a travel date of September 17th. So much to do! BTW-I WILL TRY TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF THE AMERICAN GIRL DOLL TONIGHT....my head is spinning!!!!!