Christmas with the Family

This Christmas the entire family was able to spend several days in Topeka at Mom and Dad's. I had not seen my nephews for over a year and the boys had not meet Elli (my niece-Bob and Sara's little girl). The kids had a wonderful time playing with toys from our childhood, sledding, decorating a gingerbread house, waiting for Santa to bring new toys and running around the house screaming. Elli and the boys quickly became best buddies. I never grow tired of hearing words "Aunt Kirsti" from such sweet little ones.

A Wonderful Surprise

On Dec. 1st the UCM community had a Holiday Market. Any student or employee could sell crafts or goods. About 16 years ago, Bob and I produced a Missouri verson of Monopoly. The company is now desolved, but we have a few 100 games left. After visiting with Bob, we decided I would sell the games that night and the proceeds would go toward Annika's adoption. I was so surprised when the night concluded and 83 games had been sold in just 3 hours for a total of $420.

SOLD!!!

After almost four years, I finally sold my house in Blue Springs on July 22nd. In May Dad and I put baseboards on in the basement and finished a couple door frames. I'm sure that was just the extra touch it took to find a buyer.

I enjoyed living with Bob and the experience of purchasing and fixing up my first house. It was fun hosting family and friends for a variety of holiday's and special occasions, but the time has come to close this chapter and see what God has in store next.

It was amazing to see God work out all the details of the negotiations. I truly believe Mom and Dad are correct, God sold this house in His perfect timing. I am now one step closer to that next phone call letting me know I can go meet little Annika.

Enjoying the Wait

This past week I have been reflecting on the last two years. Almost two years ago I submitted my application to the agency. As you may know I had anticipated having Annika home already, but I continue to wait for the long anticipated phone call. To be honest it is challenging to not get discouraged but God is truly in control. My prayer is that I will take time to enjoy this amazing adventure and see God working every step of the way.

The first part of this summer I was extremely busy with work but now I am taking time to enjoy the summer. It is time for Royals games, motorcycle rides, game nights, movies, scrap booking and catching up with friends.

I'm reminded of the verse in Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." I will not be weary of this adventure but embrace it and enjoy every moment. God has created little Annika and chosen her to be my daughter. He will bring us together just at the right moment. Thank you for keeping both Annika and me in your prayers!

Forty Years!

Happy Anniversary! Mom and Dad celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on July 5th with friends at TBC. We had cake for them during their Sunday school. I am so thankful for my parents! I have learned so much from them and can not wait for Annika to get to know two of the best Grandparents around!

Home Improvements

Today Dad and I spent some great bonding time at my house in Blue Springs. When I moved into the house, Dad replaced all the baseboard on the first floor. We now spent the day making improvements to the basement. Dad cut the boards and I nailed them in place plus we finished a couple door frames. Hopefully this be just what it takes to sell the house.

More Paper Work!

This week I submitted another round of paper work. Because it has been a year since my home study and paper work were submitted to Russia, they had to be updated. I mailed them to the agency on Tuesday and they mailed them to Russia on Friday. It is once again in Russia's hands.

Financial Update

I mentioned in one of my previous blogs that one of the benefits of the region of the region was a shorter stay in Russia on the second trip. Unfortunately this might not be the case any more. The first trip will be six days; however, the second trip might be a month long. Although this change will cost about $5,000 more, there are benefits. This time will allow my little girl a chance to get to know her mom a little bit before we get on a train and airplane for hours. It will also give me a chance to learn more about her culture, city and country.

I have updated the goal chart with the expense increase, the generosity of wonderful friends and the money I have saved. So many of you have blessed me far beyond my wildest dreams. When I began this process, I had it all figured out how I would pay for the adoption. God had other plans. With the stock market crash and my house not selling my plans fell extremely short. The simple words “Thank you” do not seem to adequately express my feelings. In the middle of this crazy adventure, the love I feel from each of you that have generously given of your time and money is overwhelming. I am so grateful for the countless prayers so many of you have lifted up for my little girl.

I am working on a couple more fundraisers and applying for two more grants.

A Little Girl's Room

It may seem a little early, but I can not wait any longer. With butterflies and polka dots I began decorating my little girl’s room. Thanks to a generous gift from Aunt Mary at Christmas 07, I purchased adorable furniture. One of the last things Aunt Mary told me was to “buy her bedroom furniture”. I love the fact that she will have a gift from her great Aunt Mary that she can enjoy for years. Unfortunately my little girl will not know her wonderful Aunt here on earth, but I pray that someday they well get to know each other in heaven.

Not Great News But His Timing Is Perfect!

When I submitted my dossier last March, the agency told me it would be about 9-12 months before I would receive a referral. As March drew to an end, so did my hope of receiving a referral “on schedule”. Talking with others that have adopted or are in the process, this is not unusual. I know with all my heart that God has created a perfect little girl that He will soon allow me meet. Until then I will pray for her safety.

The agency said there are couple reasons for the delay. Several people have requested a daughter. In fact there are 5 people ahead of me still awaiting a referral. Another reason for the delay is due to the time it took a couple of families to accept a referral. Now that they have accepted a referral hopefully the process will begin moving faster. Please pray for those that are awaiting a referral.

So for now the generous gifts from so many of you are in a savings account awaiting for the call that will forever change my life. God’s timing is perfect, but the delay is a bit frustrating. I can hardly wait to hold her in my arms and bring her home!!

Amazing Friends!!

That is right, an amazing group of friends helped pick up trash after two of the UCM Mules MIAA Regional basketball games!

Second Pancake Breakfast

Another successful Pancake fundraiser for my little girl. About 70 people came to support me in this amazing process and donated $500! Little Elli even came to support her newest cousin.

Patiently Waiting!?!

True to most international adoptions, I continue to wait month after month. The agency has been able to offer me very little information. Currently there are five families ahead of me. They still hope I will receive a referral in March or April. To be honest, I’m not always patient. There still seems to be a million things to do or pull together before my first trip to Russia.

This past week I struggled with wanting to plan (imagine me wanting to plan) all the details of my trips. In God’s perfect way, the sermon on Sunday was “Trust is a Must”.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3: 5-6

God is in complete control of the entire adoption process. I believe He has created her to be my daughter and will bring us together in His perfect time. There is so much about this process and even His plan for me to adopt that makes absolutely no sense to me. It has not been a smooth process. I am trying to not lean on my understanding, but “acknowledge Him” with each step I take. My prayer for the next few weeks/months is that I will allow Him to “direct my path”. It will not be easy and I’m sure there will be times that I desperately want to plan, but it is truly out of my control.

Please continue to pray for her safety and every detail of the adoption process...thank you!