We have made it home!
We sincerely want to THANK ALL OF YOU for your incredible support and thoughts and prayers during our international adoption adventure in bringing Alena Eden Moss home. We certainly believe it was God's hand who blessed us with Alena.
Her transition during the first few days have had many firsts for Alena. She saw her first tall buildings in Almaty and road on her first escalator in the mall. She saw her first opera (mine too) and experienced her first long car ride through the mountains. She took her first airplane ride and really got her money's worth as it took 7 hours to fly to Frankfurt and then another 12 hours to fly to Los Angeles. She walked barefoot on a beach for the first time, saw her first ocean and rode her first roller coaster. She watched me cheer like a maniac, and then exchanged a number of high fives with me Sunday as The Ohio State Buckeyes beat Wisconsin in hoop. We had her in a golf store and Jonathan gave Alena her first lesson on a putting green. She is kind hearted, laughs a lot, likes to hug our dogs and most of all loves being with Kelly. (Who doesn't). Hopefully we can always be the loving family she was dreaming for. Next mission is to teach her English. After she masters the English language, I don't think we will be able to tell her apart from your kids.
Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers, they have been comforting and effective.
We hope you and all of your families are well!
Joe, Kelly, Jonathan, Jameson and Alena
Monday, February 26, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
News
Joe is sitting in the Almaty Airport waiting to board the 3:45am flight to Frankfurt. Alena is all smiles.
They got thru immigration and when Alena steps on US soil, she becomes a US Citizen. How awesome is that. Joe told me Alena enjoyed the Opera, but said nothing about whether he enjoyed it. By tomorrow we shall have our daughter home. Can you imagine. It is so wonderful. I will let you know if I hear any updates when they get to Frankfurt. Thank goodness for the crown room. They will go to the Frankfurt Crown Room while they wait for their next flight home to America. They will get in about 12:30 tomorrow afternoon. We can't wait.
Kelly
They got thru immigration and when Alena steps on US soil, she becomes a US Citizen. How awesome is that. Joe told me Alena enjoyed the Opera, but said nothing about whether he enjoyed it. By tomorrow we shall have our daughter home. Can you imagine. It is so wonderful. I will let you know if I hear any updates when they get to Frankfurt. Thank goodness for the crown room. They will go to the Frankfurt Crown Room while they wait for their next flight home to America. They will get in about 12:30 tomorrow afternoon. We can't wait.
Kelly
The Opera?
Our cook is awesome! Comes by the apartment every evening at 5:30 and has dinner ready at 6:00 sharp. She has made a baked chicken opening night, beef goulash the next night, pasta filled with meet the next and then mini meatloaves the next night. Always served with some form of potatoes, various forms of salads, a plate of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, and then some incredible dessert. Tonight beef stroganoff is on the docket. We've definitely stepped it up this trip and horse never made the menu this time.
Our driver Igor got stopped by the police for the second time this week. He drove straight across a regular 4 lane street into a store parking lot. Apparently there was a double yellow running down the street but it was completely gone or wore out where he crossed. He later told me you can never cross your wheels over a double yellow anytime. Seems bizarre considering all the other chaos I've seen on the roads here. Anyways, The police were sitting in this little white unmarked car. The cop jumped out and waved him over and got back in his car. He was a young heavy set cop and him and his partner were laughing their ass off as we slowly pulled by them and then parked behind them. Igor suggested for Alena and I to go in the store but I told him we would wait. Igor and this policeman go on to argue for 25 minutes about whether there was a double yellow line in the street or not, Igor often walking to the street and pointing at the spot as he pleaded his case. I wish I had the video camera rolling but I just didn't have the guts to turn it on because at that time I wasn't sure what was being said and why we were pulled over.
The following is Igor's play by play to me postgame in his limited English. (to be read in a heavy Russian accent)
No yellow, yes yellow, No yellow, yes yellow, No yellow.
I give you ticket. No No No No Nooo. Yes ticket. No ticket. The cop begins to write the ticket. Then Igor says money money. No, write ticket. Then he gestures to me that the cop put his hand on his chin in a thinking pose. "18,000". No, no, no, 2,000. 18,000. No 2,000. I write ticket. 2,000. Then a pause in the action, "money money, ....OK. Igor then gets in the back of the cop car and pays the cop 2,000 tenge. The equivalent of $15. I'm bummed I didn't video him telling me the story. It would have been all over youtube.
Here is another example of the extremes people take to avoid the police. Unfortunately the day before I arrived, our attorney representing us, Arduk, got into a car accident and totalled her Lexus into a traffic light pole in Taldy-Korgan. She is an experienced driver and one of the few women I have seen driving here. The story goes a guy was going to hit her head-on so she swerved to miss, now came up on pedestrians, so she took out the pole instead.
Thank God she only broke her leg and her passenger was fine. The other car she avoided didn't even stop to see if they were OK. Next step, they call family members to tow the car as fast as possible to an auto repair garage and then take her to the hospital where they cast her leg. No 911 call, no EMS, no police, all in an effort to not have a long drawn out police investigation that no doubt would involve a substantial bribe. Just crazy.
Yesterday we were in heavy rush hour traffic in downtown ALMATY. We are stopped at a traffic light, three lanes wide going both ways. Two cars up in the center lane is a white suv with a little girl, about 6 years old, banging her fist on the passenger door relentlessly. Finally the guy opens the door and waves the girl away. The light turns green and she weaves her way through moving traffic back to the four gypsy women sitting on the sidewalk. Unbelievable.
This is also unbelievable. I am sitting with Alena waiting for the Opera to start! Never saw that game in the states with Jonathan and Jameson.
Take care,
Joe
Our driver Igor got stopped by the police for the second time this week. He drove straight across a regular 4 lane street into a store parking lot. Apparently there was a double yellow running down the street but it was completely gone or wore out where he crossed. He later told me you can never cross your wheels over a double yellow anytime. Seems bizarre considering all the other chaos I've seen on the roads here. Anyways, The police were sitting in this little white unmarked car. The cop jumped out and waved him over and got back in his car. He was a young heavy set cop and him and his partner were laughing their ass off as we slowly pulled by them and then parked behind them. Igor suggested for Alena and I to go in the store but I told him we would wait. Igor and this policeman go on to argue for 25 minutes about whether there was a double yellow line in the street or not, Igor often walking to the street and pointing at the spot as he pleaded his case. I wish I had the video camera rolling but I just didn't have the guts to turn it on because at that time I wasn't sure what was being said and why we were pulled over.
The following is Igor's play by play to me postgame in his limited English. (to be read in a heavy Russian accent)
No yellow, yes yellow, No yellow, yes yellow, No yellow.
I give you ticket. No No No No Nooo. Yes ticket. No ticket. The cop begins to write the ticket. Then Igor says money money. No, write ticket. Then he gestures to me that the cop put his hand on his chin in a thinking pose. "18,000". No, no, no, 2,000. 18,000. No 2,000. I write ticket. 2,000. Then a pause in the action, "money money, ....OK. Igor then gets in the back of the cop car and pays the cop 2,000 tenge. The equivalent of $15. I'm bummed I didn't video him telling me the story. It would have been all over youtube.
Here is another example of the extremes people take to avoid the police. Unfortunately the day before I arrived, our attorney representing us, Arduk, got into a car accident and totalled her Lexus into a traffic light pole in Taldy-Korgan. She is an experienced driver and one of the few women I have seen driving here. The story goes a guy was going to hit her head-on so she swerved to miss, now came up on pedestrians, so she took out the pole instead.
Thank God she only broke her leg and her passenger was fine. The other car she avoided didn't even stop to see if they were OK. Next step, they call family members to tow the car as fast as possible to an auto repair garage and then take her to the hospital where they cast her leg. No 911 call, no EMS, no police, all in an effort to not have a long drawn out police investigation that no doubt would involve a substantial bribe. Just crazy.
Yesterday we were in heavy rush hour traffic in downtown ALMATY. We are stopped at a traffic light, three lanes wide going both ways. Two cars up in the center lane is a white suv with a little girl, about 6 years old, banging her fist on the passenger door relentlessly. Finally the guy opens the door and waves the girl away. The light turns green and she weaves her way through moving traffic back to the four gypsy women sitting on the sidewalk. Unbelievable.
This is also unbelievable. I am sitting with Alena waiting for the Opera to start! Never saw that game in the states with Jonathan and Jameson.
Take care,
Joe
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Coming Home
Just got some great news. Joe and Alena have their exit interview Thursday, Almaty time, at 3:00. So they can come home on the Friday 3:45am flight. Thank you God. This is huge as Joe will have an extra day to relax before the week starts. Now the real work begins. How do you acclimate Alena, without overwhelming her. She has never seen the ocean, or a city as big as Los Angeles. Shopping is going to be a trip!!
WHOA.... I am getting ahead of myself. First let's get them home.
Kelly
WHOA.... I am getting ahead of myself. First let's get them home.
Kelly
Igor
I apologize for a few inaccurate words in the last blog. The blackberry posted promoted as prompted and see as are and I just didint catch it. I know I'm writing to an educated crew so you'll figure it out.
I was happy when I saw Alena and all the kids at the orphanage, but in all honesty I was ecstatic the moment I saw Igor, my driver, in the mob of taxi drivers when I was exiting the baggage claim at the Almaty airport after midnight Saturday. He's bigger than me, ex-military, and his presence carries a comforting level of security. Needless to say no gypsies were bothering us like last time. Our ability to communicate is limited, but improving, and we have developed a cool friendship despite the language barrier. Our most common language is laughter after I butcher some Russian words in my many attempts. But it doesn't stop me from trying.
The drive between Taldy-Korgan and Almaty did prove to be just as exciting as the first time. Amazing how the drivers turn 2 lanes into 3, or 4 lanes into 6 with the middle lanes used for playing chicken with oncoming traffic when passing vehicles, just crazy. Many parts of the roads are very rough and I think Igor is in need of some new shocks in the van because we definitely bottomed out a few times at 60 mph. Fortunately his brakes worked well as he needed two quick stops to avoid taking out some cattle deciding to cross the road. The middle of nowhere is not the place to have any accidents or car trouble. We also got stopped at a police checkpoint on the way back. He just had to show them license and registration. No payoff necessary that time. I fell asleep the last hour and that was probably the best way to take that ride. If Alena took that ride in stride while sitting in the far back seat of the van, the plane rides should be a breeze.
Take care,
Joe
I was happy when I saw Alena and all the kids at the orphanage, but in all honesty I was ecstatic the moment I saw Igor, my driver, in the mob of taxi drivers when I was exiting the baggage claim at the Almaty airport after midnight Saturday. He's bigger than me, ex-military, and his presence carries a comforting level of security. Needless to say no gypsies were bothering us like last time. Our ability to communicate is limited, but improving, and we have developed a cool friendship despite the language barrier. Our most common language is laughter after I butcher some Russian words in my many attempts. But it doesn't stop me from trying.
The drive between Taldy-Korgan and Almaty did prove to be just as exciting as the first time. Amazing how the drivers turn 2 lanes into 3, or 4 lanes into 6 with the middle lanes used for playing chicken with oncoming traffic when passing vehicles, just crazy. Many parts of the roads are very rough and I think Igor is in need of some new shocks in the van because we definitely bottomed out a few times at 60 mph. Fortunately his brakes worked well as he needed two quick stops to avoid taking out some cattle deciding to cross the road. The middle of nowhere is not the place to have any accidents or car trouble. We also got stopped at a police checkpoint on the way back. He just had to show them license and registration. No payoff necessary that time. I fell asleep the last hour and that was probably the best way to take that ride. If Alena took that ride in stride while sitting in the far back seat of the van, the plane rides should be a breeze.
Take care,
Joe
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Need Help for a teenager
Hi guys,
Many of you know my brother is fighting a nasty children's cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma. In our travels of cancer with him we have been following a young man named Tyler Copley. He is a Boston Red Sox fan and a Buckeye fan!!!! Man after Joe's heart.
Tyler is struggling these days and asked if anyone, and everyone could send him a card. No special words, just get better from....wherever and your name. It won't take long. Any funny, silly card will do. Maybe your kids can send one, if you have kids!
His website is www.caringbridge.org/ga/tylercopley We appreciate it.
Everything here is good. Joe and Alena continue on the amazing adventure and Joe promises he will update soon. He is 11 hours ahead of East Coast time.
Thanks,
Kelly
Many of you know my brother is fighting a nasty children's cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma. In our travels of cancer with him we have been following a young man named Tyler Copley. He is a Boston Red Sox fan and a Buckeye fan!!!! Man after Joe's heart.
Tyler is struggling these days and asked if anyone, and everyone could send him a card. No special words, just get better from....wherever and your name. It won't take long. Any funny, silly card will do. Maybe your kids can send one, if you have kids!
His website is www.caringbridge.org/ga/tylercopley We appreciate it.
Everything here is good. Joe and Alena continue on the amazing adventure and Joe promises he will update soon. He is 11 hours ahead of East Coast time.
Thanks,
Kelly
Joe's First Update
Greetings from Kazakhstan.
I never thought I would say that again after the moment we got back in the US in December. Just goes to prove you never say never. Quite fascinating how God's plan isn't always the one you visioned in your personal playbook. Next blog will explain why I'm here instead of Kelly.
Well, let me bring you up to date since our last blog. We returned to the states with an approved adoption by the judge. Unfortunately a prosecutor protested our adoption along with 7 others in the town of Taldy-Korgan. No other adoptions in the entire country were having trouble. We later found out that this prosecutor along with a judge in Almaty got adoptions closed for about 6 months back in 05-06 timeframe. Anyways he protested that these were illegal international adoptions all in effort to get publicity and prompted. He claimed the children would be used as spare body parts for American babies! What's amazing is this insanity is even considered. Well, once he got in the paper and on TV he got prompted back to Almaty from Taldy-Korgan. Along with this nut there was a bigger scandal going on as him and others were trying to get a few judges fired. During this political battle which is still going on, a couple of these protested adoptions have been cancelled, a few are still in process and a couple have gone through. We were just very fortunate Alena's got through! Enough of that.
Alena was very excited to see me and I was greeted by her hugs as well as hugs from another 20 kids in the parking lot which continued with many more inside the orphanage. It was like old home week! They performed a little going away concert as they performed a Kazak dance dressed in traditional Kazak dresses, and then her friends individually sang a few songs to Alena. I took back tons of pictures from our first trip and all the kids split them up with smiles in their eyes. I guess that is just a universal human trait that everyone likes to see themselves smiling in a picture.
It was a day of mixed emotions for her friends as they were happy for Alena's new life but sad she was going. Thankfully the orphanage just got internet access so she will be able to stay in regular contact with them.
Alena has been all smiles and she's pretty keen on making her bed and doing the dishes. She usually washes and I'm delegated to drying. Jonathan and Jameson better step it up because she will definitely be raising the bar on doing chores at home. We are staying in an Apartment in Almaty since we drove up and back the same day from Taldy-Korgan to get her. It was an 8 hour roundtrip drive and Thank God the roads were clear and the sun was shining. Since we got back to Almaty Sunday night it has been snowing pretty steady.
Well, we are heading to the US Embassy today to attempt to get a visa for our translater Zhanara. We have invited her back for a month but it is very difficult for a single woman from Kazakhstan to obtain a visa to the US. We'll see what happens.
Alena's visa is suppose to be back in time for our exit interview Friday with the US Embassy. The courier plane was cancelled yesterday due to the snow storm so they sent it via a 16 hour train ride to be sure it got there.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as our journey continues.
Thanks, Joe
I'll post another blog later.
-------------------------------
Joseph R Moss
I never thought I would say that again after the moment we got back in the US in December. Just goes to prove you never say never. Quite fascinating how God's plan isn't always the one you visioned in your personal playbook. Next blog will explain why I'm here instead of Kelly.
Well, let me bring you up to date since our last blog. We returned to the states with an approved adoption by the judge. Unfortunately a prosecutor protested our adoption along with 7 others in the town of Taldy-Korgan. No other adoptions in the entire country were having trouble. We later found out that this prosecutor along with a judge in Almaty got adoptions closed for about 6 months back in 05-06 timeframe. Anyways he protested that these were illegal international adoptions all in effort to get publicity and prompted. He claimed the children would be used as spare body parts for American babies! What's amazing is this insanity is even considered. Well, once he got in the paper and on TV he got prompted back to Almaty from Taldy-Korgan. Along with this nut there was a bigger scandal going on as him and others were trying to get a few judges fired. During this political battle which is still going on, a couple of these protested adoptions have been cancelled, a few are still in process and a couple have gone through. We were just very fortunate Alena's got through! Enough of that.
Alena was very excited to see me and I was greeted by her hugs as well as hugs from another 20 kids in the parking lot which continued with many more inside the orphanage. It was like old home week! They performed a little going away concert as they performed a Kazak dance dressed in traditional Kazak dresses, and then her friends individually sang a few songs to Alena. I took back tons of pictures from our first trip and all the kids split them up with smiles in their eyes. I guess that is just a universal human trait that everyone likes to see themselves smiling in a picture.
It was a day of mixed emotions for her friends as they were happy for Alena's new life but sad she was going. Thankfully the orphanage just got internet access so she will be able to stay in regular contact with them.
Alena has been all smiles and she's pretty keen on making her bed and doing the dishes. She usually washes and I'm delegated to drying. Jonathan and Jameson better step it up because she will definitely be raising the bar on doing chores at home. We are staying in an Apartment in Almaty since we drove up and back the same day from Taldy-Korgan to get her. It was an 8 hour roundtrip drive and Thank God the roads were clear and the sun was shining. Since we got back to Almaty Sunday night it has been snowing pretty steady.
Well, we are heading to the US Embassy today to attempt to get a visa for our translater Zhanara. We have invited her back for a month but it is very difficult for a single woman from Kazakhstan to obtain a visa to the US. We'll see what happens.
Alena's visa is suppose to be back in time for our exit interview Friday with the US Embassy. The courier plane was cancelled yesterday due to the snow storm so they sent it via a 16 hour train ride to be sure it got there.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as our journey continues.
Thanks, Joe
I'll post another blog later.
-------------------------------
Joseph R Moss
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Joe accross Kazakhstan
I just finished my last blog, and wow, it is as harried as our life! Isn't this a pain, no blogs forever, and now two in one day! Sorry folks, spread the word, as these will be coming fast and furious.
Joe had a good night at the seismically stable Hotel Kazakhstan. He said room 1750, smoky, old but ok. That usually sums it up with Kazakhstan hotels. Everyone smokes over there. We are sure they do not understand the second hand smoke thing and old is really the norm.
Anyhoo, he made it through the night and is on his way to get Alena. He is about two hours into his trip and just found out that our translator still wants to come to America, and she may be coming with him!!!! How funny is this, Joe, our fourteen year old daughter and our 25 year old translator. If for nothing else, I know if anyone can handle it, Joe is the man.
So not only will he have our beautiful daughter, but he will have Zhanara. That is if she gets a visa. We shall see. Our goverment does not like to give single women visa's. They are afraid that they will get married and never leave. Don't laugh..... ok, I did. It sounds so much like a cartoon, but this is a real problem for our country. See for all the neigh sayers out there, who complain about America, most people do not want to leave our beautiful country once they get here. Immigration is a real problem because everyone is trying to get in, not get out!
So we shall see. Zhanara will have major culture shock, as here women are treated so differently. It will be great having her, so hopefully she will come.
Now as for Joe and what he is up for, I just want to put this in perspective for you. Alena is living in a small city, about 50,000-70,000 if that. She has never been anywhere else. She has not even taken a shower. In Kazakhstan the kids get on a bus, really a little van, and go to the Banya. A banya is a sauna that they throw water on rocks and thrash themselves with reeds. So coming to Almaty a city of millions will be unbelievable. Just think everything will be new. Everything. From the time Joe gets her she will be experiencing all new things. Just riding in a car for more than a few miles will be tough. All of our everyday things will be really new. Teeth, hair, everyday hygene will be different.
Our daughter is truly a child when it comes to her experiences. It will be amazing. And Joe gets to show her everything. A plane, a bathroom in a plane will be a challenge to her. He is going to receive a gift by being with her this week. How amazing. You know, I think I am jealous!!!! No, just kidding, I am actually thrilled that they have this time. She will know what having a dad is, and there is no better dad than Joe Moss.
Also, he heard that the other families should get their decree Tuesday. That is what we are praying for. We shall see. Joe is going to update the blog as he goes, so hopefully we shall get more information tomorrow.
Thanks for checking,
Kelly
Joe had a good night at the seismically stable Hotel Kazakhstan. He said room 1750, smoky, old but ok. That usually sums it up with Kazakhstan hotels. Everyone smokes over there. We are sure they do not understand the second hand smoke thing and old is really the norm.
Anyhoo, he made it through the night and is on his way to get Alena. He is about two hours into his trip and just found out that our translator still wants to come to America, and she may be coming with him!!!! How funny is this, Joe, our fourteen year old daughter and our 25 year old translator. If for nothing else, I know if anyone can handle it, Joe is the man.
So not only will he have our beautiful daughter, but he will have Zhanara. That is if she gets a visa. We shall see. Our goverment does not like to give single women visa's. They are afraid that they will get married and never leave. Don't laugh..... ok, I did. It sounds so much like a cartoon, but this is a real problem for our country. See for all the neigh sayers out there, who complain about America, most people do not want to leave our beautiful country once they get here. Immigration is a real problem because everyone is trying to get in, not get out!
So we shall see. Zhanara will have major culture shock, as here women are treated so differently. It will be great having her, so hopefully she will come.
Now as for Joe and what he is up for, I just want to put this in perspective for you. Alena is living in a small city, about 50,000-70,000 if that. She has never been anywhere else. She has not even taken a shower. In Kazakhstan the kids get on a bus, really a little van, and go to the Banya. A banya is a sauna that they throw water on rocks and thrash themselves with reeds. So coming to Almaty a city of millions will be unbelievable. Just think everything will be new. Everything. From the time Joe gets her she will be experiencing all new things. Just riding in a car for more than a few miles will be tough. All of our everyday things will be really new. Teeth, hair, everyday hygene will be different.
Our daughter is truly a child when it comes to her experiences. It will be amazing. And Joe gets to show her everything. A plane, a bathroom in a plane will be a challenge to her. He is going to receive a gift by being with her this week. How amazing. You know, I think I am jealous!!!! No, just kidding, I am actually thrilled that they have this time. She will know what having a dad is, and there is no better dad than Joe Moss.
Also, he heard that the other families should get their decree Tuesday. That is what we are praying for. We shall see. Joe is going to update the blog as he goes, so hopefully we shall get more information tomorrow.
Thanks for checking,
Kelly
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Finally an Update!
Please forgive us for not updating sooner. I know how frustrating it is when you follow a blog and then, poof, no updates. Hopefully you will all forgive us. Ok where to begin?
As our last blog said we have had some trouble getting Alena to America. The prosecutor who has caused all the trouble continued to protest paperwork on our adoption. Not only that we recently found out over eight families were involved. From what we have heard, all of the families have been put on hold. We were the last in a very long succession of families so we knew if anything was going to happen, then we would be the last. Or so we thought!
Every week we would get a disappointing email about the delay, which was always rescheduled for one or two weeks later. There were times where both Joe and I thought we may be getting a sign from God that adoption was not for us! Then we would think, that couldn't be true because God wants people to care for orphans and if we didn't help Alena, then who would? Joe was upbeat as ever and I did pretty well for the emotional me(ha-ha) and only lost it once. I ended calling our adoption agency and said, "Ok, Tell me what to do." "Call the Embassy, sue the country, What?" Of course that sounds mild compared to the call, I was a bit angry. Then when I thought of Alena waiting I started to cry. She has had such disappointments in her life, we did not want to add to that. We wanted to finally shield her from that. It is maddening!
Along with the frustration, we continued on the travel adventures as soon as we got home. So that helped, in that we were very busy.
Some of you know this so forgive me for repeating. Joe and I have been on a world wind tour starting last April. Our guys were involved in the Atlanta Workshop Players, a wonderful organization in Atlanta, program Hollywood Bound. So last April we started our travels by coming to Los Angeles for the guys to take classes. I was lucky to be a chaperone and Joe was out for a couple of days for work. It was a wonderful experience for the guys and they met some really neet people like, Dennis Haskins, Mr Belding - Saved By the Bell, Christina Lakin - formerly of Step by Step, and many others. They took classes on acting and the business and performed for a Talent Manager, Talent Agent, and Casting Director. Well the talent Manager, an amazing woman, named Kathy Colorado, liked the boys and asked us to contact her about them working. Needless to say, Joe and I were skeptical. But, as with any opportunity, you have to follow up. So after the guys got out of school, we ended up back in LA in June, so Kathy could get a look at the guys and Joe could meet her.
The time out here in June was so fun and the boys, through Kathy, got to meet Dawn and Cindy Osbrink from the Osbrink Talent Agency. Ok, I will be honest, it was cool. Everyone was so nice. The guys loved it and by the grace of God, the Osbrink Agency liked the guys. So we had some decisions to make. Joe and I really have faith, and sometimes what stops you from achieveing your dreams is just taking the step, or being afraid of failure. For Joe and I the thought was the only failure we could have was the money we put into renting while we give the guys their shot, and the time alone, as Joe loved his job and was not moving. So after explaining to the guys the commitment and sacrafice involved, and talking to "experts about Alena", we decided we would let them try and do this for Pilot Season, and more, if it worked. But before we could do anything we had to go to Kazakhstan for Alena, and we had to go to Scotland!
Yes, Scotland, as if we were not busy enough, ha-ha! Last year Jonathan and Jameson's performing arts high school got invited to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. After a year of performing Urinetown(terrible name, great show) in Atlanta the kids all got to perform at the largest International performing arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe. It is an amazing thing. Hundreds, if not thousands of shows are performed for three weeks in Edingburgh. People from all over the world perform at venues all over the city. It was amazing and what an experience for the guys. So last July the guys and I packed up for just over two weeks over in the UK. I went to visit my brother and wonderful Sister in Law, Hi Mike and Sue, for a week, and the guys were on their tour of London and up to Scotland to prepare for their show. I ended up staying with Mike's in Laws and to be honest, I could have stayed forever. Mo and Ernie are like the family you have or wish you have. I so enjoyed my time and loved being there. It was awesome. After a week bothering them, and drinking Pimms, I ended up in Scotland to watch the guys perform and Joe took a vacation and we had an amazing time in Edinburgh. As for Alena, she was a ways off, as with everything in Int. Adoption it takes time.
After that we got home, we had a week in Cleveland, one or two weeks at home and off to LA we went. So since April we have been in LA, Atlanta, Scotland, LA, one week home, Kazakhstan, one week home, NYC, Lake Placid, Cleveland, and one week home, and back out to LA for a bit! All the while doing school work, most important, and waiting on the call to get Alena.
Week after week went by and it has been heartbreaking. Right now we have been away for such a long time. We left Kazakhstan December 8th. It is awful. Every week we would wait to hear news and ever week we would be disappointed until two weeks ago. That email was wonderful, it said...........We Won. Our coordinator finally had good news. We won in court and for us and two other families, it ment making plans to come get our kids. It was a wonderful feeling. That was until we got a call that we needed to update our homestudy. WHAT, It was surreal. Updating a homestudy is a pain. And it could have added such a long time on our already long time of getting Alena.
In Georgia, you need to update your homestudy if you have not had a referral in a year. That is the law. OK, that was fine, but we had a referral, which is paperwork of a child you are adopting. Not only did we have a referral we were in court before a year. Well our homestudy agency wanted proof or we had to go thru fingerprinting and backround checks. I was beside myself. Not only did we tell them, but our other liscensed agency told them. As a matter of fact the ASST Dir. told them. Not good enough. So, the plan was I would go to Kazakhstan with the other mom's on Saturday and Joe, God love the man, would fly to Atlanta to give them the proof, our court invitation and pictures, get it apostilled, and Fed-Ex it to Kazakhstan before going to his meeting in MD. It actually worked out great because he needed to go to his office, but the added stress was crazy.
Ok, we got that done and then we got the call, problems, we need to be delayed again, one week. Ok, can I scream now!!!!!!! Ok, no problem. The folks at Golden Rule travel were great, and changes made, only a few thousand to bring Alena home!!
So as of last Saturday, I was still going and plans were made, no problem, right? You guessed it, more problems, only this time we were not the ones facing the difficulty. The other two families were told that there needed to be additional paperwork, and they could not come, yet. I just talked to Carrie, one of the mom's and my heart is breaking. They got their visa's and they are ready to go, and they still do not have the court decree. The only family of the eight to get their decree is us. As happy as we are, there is such a sad feeling when you are the only one of eight to actually get your court decree. They are all in limbo, and what can you say.
So now I was going alone. Ok, I will be honest, I know I would have been fine, but I didn't relish the idea. Kazakhstan is a long way away and different than what you and I are used to. Joe didn't like the idea, and after praying he decided he couldn't let me go alone. Just as I decided he shouldn't go. All I could think of is if something happened to him, his parents would never forgive me! They love me like their own, but sometimes I get the feeling they think I instigate our life. I am always up for new adventures, but I truly defer to Joe. He is the saner of the two of us, and anyone who know us, knows that!!! Where I run by emotion, Joe is logical. That is why we work so well together. Plus, I know how busy he is and I could hang at home after the trip, he couldn't sit still if you paid him. So, a wrestling match insued and he won, bigger man theory!!!!! No, we sat down and prayed, did the pros and cons and after much wrangling I relinquished. Kinda like that. It makes sence for him to go. He is a man and Kazakhstan is a man's world. As for Alena, she really enjoyed spending time with him and once she gets home, we will be together all the time. It is a great bonding period for them both.
So, yesterday, Jonathan, Jameson and I dropped Joe off at the International Terminal at LAX. Joe flew to Frankfurt and I just received an email, he is in Kazakhstan with our driver, Igor on his way to the Hotel Kazakhstan, seismically stable Hotel Kazakhstan! (on their internet page!)
I shall keep you all informed as Joe makes his way accross Kazakhstan. Please pray for him, Alena, and the other families as we continue on this crazy road of International Adoption.
Kelly
As our last blog said we have had some trouble getting Alena to America. The prosecutor who has caused all the trouble continued to protest paperwork on our adoption. Not only that we recently found out over eight families were involved. From what we have heard, all of the families have been put on hold. We were the last in a very long succession of families so we knew if anything was going to happen, then we would be the last. Or so we thought!
Every week we would get a disappointing email about the delay, which was always rescheduled for one or two weeks later. There were times where both Joe and I thought we may be getting a sign from God that adoption was not for us! Then we would think, that couldn't be true because God wants people to care for orphans and if we didn't help Alena, then who would? Joe was upbeat as ever and I did pretty well for the emotional me(ha-ha) and only lost it once. I ended calling our adoption agency and said, "Ok, Tell me what to do." "Call the Embassy, sue the country, What?" Of course that sounds mild compared to the call, I was a bit angry. Then when I thought of Alena waiting I started to cry. She has had such disappointments in her life, we did not want to add to that. We wanted to finally shield her from that. It is maddening!
Along with the frustration, we continued on the travel adventures as soon as we got home. So that helped, in that we were very busy.
Some of you know this so forgive me for repeating. Joe and I have been on a world wind tour starting last April. Our guys were involved in the Atlanta Workshop Players, a wonderful organization in Atlanta, program Hollywood Bound. So last April we started our travels by coming to Los Angeles for the guys to take classes. I was lucky to be a chaperone and Joe was out for a couple of days for work. It was a wonderful experience for the guys and they met some really neet people like, Dennis Haskins, Mr Belding - Saved By the Bell, Christina Lakin - formerly of Step by Step, and many others. They took classes on acting and the business and performed for a Talent Manager, Talent Agent, and Casting Director. Well the talent Manager, an amazing woman, named Kathy Colorado, liked the boys and asked us to contact her about them working. Needless to say, Joe and I were skeptical. But, as with any opportunity, you have to follow up. So after the guys got out of school, we ended up back in LA in June, so Kathy could get a look at the guys and Joe could meet her.
The time out here in June was so fun and the boys, through Kathy, got to meet Dawn and Cindy Osbrink from the Osbrink Talent Agency. Ok, I will be honest, it was cool. Everyone was so nice. The guys loved it and by the grace of God, the Osbrink Agency liked the guys. So we had some decisions to make. Joe and I really have faith, and sometimes what stops you from achieveing your dreams is just taking the step, or being afraid of failure. For Joe and I the thought was the only failure we could have was the money we put into renting while we give the guys their shot, and the time alone, as Joe loved his job and was not moving. So after explaining to the guys the commitment and sacrafice involved, and talking to "experts about Alena", we decided we would let them try and do this for Pilot Season, and more, if it worked. But before we could do anything we had to go to Kazakhstan for Alena, and we had to go to Scotland!
Yes, Scotland, as if we were not busy enough, ha-ha! Last year Jonathan and Jameson's performing arts high school got invited to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. After a year of performing Urinetown(terrible name, great show) in Atlanta the kids all got to perform at the largest International performing arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe. It is an amazing thing. Hundreds, if not thousands of shows are performed for three weeks in Edingburgh. People from all over the world perform at venues all over the city. It was amazing and what an experience for the guys. So last July the guys and I packed up for just over two weeks over in the UK. I went to visit my brother and wonderful Sister in Law, Hi Mike and Sue, for a week, and the guys were on their tour of London and up to Scotland to prepare for their show. I ended up staying with Mike's in Laws and to be honest, I could have stayed forever. Mo and Ernie are like the family you have or wish you have. I so enjoyed my time and loved being there. It was awesome. After a week bothering them, and drinking Pimms, I ended up in Scotland to watch the guys perform and Joe took a vacation and we had an amazing time in Edinburgh. As for Alena, she was a ways off, as with everything in Int. Adoption it takes time.
After that we got home, we had a week in Cleveland, one or two weeks at home and off to LA we went. So since April we have been in LA, Atlanta, Scotland, LA, one week home, Kazakhstan, one week home, NYC, Lake Placid, Cleveland, and one week home, and back out to LA for a bit! All the while doing school work, most important, and waiting on the call to get Alena.
Week after week went by and it has been heartbreaking. Right now we have been away for such a long time. We left Kazakhstan December 8th. It is awful. Every week we would wait to hear news and ever week we would be disappointed until two weeks ago. That email was wonderful, it said...........We Won. Our coordinator finally had good news. We won in court and for us and two other families, it ment making plans to come get our kids. It was a wonderful feeling. That was until we got a call that we needed to update our homestudy. WHAT, It was surreal. Updating a homestudy is a pain. And it could have added such a long time on our already long time of getting Alena.
In Georgia, you need to update your homestudy if you have not had a referral in a year. That is the law. OK, that was fine, but we had a referral, which is paperwork of a child you are adopting. Not only did we have a referral we were in court before a year. Well our homestudy agency wanted proof or we had to go thru fingerprinting and backround checks. I was beside myself. Not only did we tell them, but our other liscensed agency told them. As a matter of fact the ASST Dir. told them. Not good enough. So, the plan was I would go to Kazakhstan with the other mom's on Saturday and Joe, God love the man, would fly to Atlanta to give them the proof, our court invitation and pictures, get it apostilled, and Fed-Ex it to Kazakhstan before going to his meeting in MD. It actually worked out great because he needed to go to his office, but the added stress was crazy.
Ok, we got that done and then we got the call, problems, we need to be delayed again, one week. Ok, can I scream now!!!!!!! Ok, no problem. The folks at Golden Rule travel were great, and changes made, only a few thousand to bring Alena home!!
So as of last Saturday, I was still going and plans were made, no problem, right? You guessed it, more problems, only this time we were not the ones facing the difficulty. The other two families were told that there needed to be additional paperwork, and they could not come, yet. I just talked to Carrie, one of the mom's and my heart is breaking. They got their visa's and they are ready to go, and they still do not have the court decree. The only family of the eight to get their decree is us. As happy as we are, there is such a sad feeling when you are the only one of eight to actually get your court decree. They are all in limbo, and what can you say.
So now I was going alone. Ok, I will be honest, I know I would have been fine, but I didn't relish the idea. Kazakhstan is a long way away and different than what you and I are used to. Joe didn't like the idea, and after praying he decided he couldn't let me go alone. Just as I decided he shouldn't go. All I could think of is if something happened to him, his parents would never forgive me! They love me like their own, but sometimes I get the feeling they think I instigate our life. I am always up for new adventures, but I truly defer to Joe. He is the saner of the two of us, and anyone who know us, knows that!!! Where I run by emotion, Joe is logical. That is why we work so well together. Plus, I know how busy he is and I could hang at home after the trip, he couldn't sit still if you paid him. So, a wrestling match insued and he won, bigger man theory!!!!! No, we sat down and prayed, did the pros and cons and after much wrangling I relinquished. Kinda like that. It makes sence for him to go. He is a man and Kazakhstan is a man's world. As for Alena, she really enjoyed spending time with him and once she gets home, we will be together all the time. It is a great bonding period for them both.
So, yesterday, Jonathan, Jameson and I dropped Joe off at the International Terminal at LAX. Joe flew to Frankfurt and I just received an email, he is in Kazakhstan with our driver, Igor on his way to the Hotel Kazakhstan, seismically stable Hotel Kazakhstan! (on their internet page!)
I shall keep you all informed as Joe makes his way accross Kazakhstan. Please pray for him, Alena, and the other families as we continue on this crazy road of International Adoption.
Kelly
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