Christmas without Viktorija

When I woke up this morning I asked God to give me the strength to focus on all of our many blessings and not the fact that our daughter was not here with us for this special day. It turned out to be a wonderful day with many reminders that God is very much in control. We spoke to Viktorija before my family arrived to have Christmas lunch with us. She sounded good. She laughed after we sang to her, "We wish you a merry Christmas". She told us she had been to church today and that she was also going to church tomorrow. It is "family day" at her church. Mike told her she could carry a picture of us with her, and that we will be with her in heart and spirit. She liked that.

We then called Viktorija a second time today after all of my family was present. They each were able to say "hello" to her and tell her that they loved her. This is the first time she has heard anyone else's voice (besides ours) on the phone. After we told her again how much we love her, and said our goodbyes, she said, "goodbye my family, I love you" to all of us. Of course, this was a touching moment. Not to mention, she has the sweetest phone voice...ever!!!! Wow, do I miss her! I want to hug her and never let go. But, even with all of hte emotions that I am feeling, I feel very much at peace in God's timing. Next Christmas will be extra special:-)

A lovely lady that my mom works with (whom I've never met) sent a gift for Viktorija. It was a lovely snow globe with a generous monetary gift attached. As I shed my tears, my family sat quietly in amazment at the kindness and generosity of this wonderful lady with a heart for orphans.

This was another reminder to me of how God knows our needs and how He uses many different people to meet those needs. It wasn't just the monetary gift, it was the love behind it that moved me so much (the love of someone I've not met...yet, and the love of our ever present Lord and Savior).

As I sit here quiety pondering this beautiful day, I think of the greatest gift God gave to the world...His very our son. "For God so loved the world, He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life". The greatest gift of all! I am humbled and so grateful for a love such as this. As much love as I feel for our daughter, God loved us even more. It's difficult to imagine. But, I'm so thankful!!!!!

where we stand now

It has been quite awhile since I've blogged. Merely because we had no new news. Dec 7 was the day we got our "official invitation" to go to Latvia for our child...this is a formality. We were then told our court date would soon follow. Well, it's now 12/21 and no court date yet. Mike contacted our adoption liason yesterday to see if we were any closer to having our travel dates. We then got the sad news that we may not get to travel until Feb, or even March!!! Since we were counting on Jan, this was a HUGE disappointment! Mike works at McGuire Nuclear Station and the month of Feb begins at outage. This is a time when nobody is allowed to take time off (approx 30-40 dys). Needless to say, Mike was very stressed and unhappy yesterday. I pray for patience and God's perfect will and timing. I know He has a reason for the timing, even though we don't see, or understand, it. We pray for Viktorija to maintain her faith and positive attitude while she waits for us to come and get her. When we last spoke to Viktorija she told us she was packing her suitcase so she would be ready for us. This is the hard part!! This is a child who has only dreamed of having a "real family"...something many of us take for granted. It will be difficult to tell her that there will be a longer wait. I think we'll try to avoid that conversation until we do know our travel dates for certain. We ask our friends and family to continue to pray for Viktorija, and us, as we wait on the Lord. Pray that our travel will not interfere with Mike's work outage. Pray for our financial situation as we move forward with the adoption and her education when she arrives in the US.

I heard a song on the radio today called "All I want for Christmas is a family". I don't know who sings it, but it was kind of gut-wrenching for me to hear. Through the roller coaster we're on, God has been ever-present to remeind me that He is indeed in control. We are truly blessed to be on this journey with Viktorija. It's amazing what God will do in your life if you let go and follow His lead. To God be the glory!!!!

Adoption Shower

Today was a very special day for me (and Mike). My sweet mom and sister, Tracey, had been planning an adoption shower for me, and today was the "big day". It was such a beautiful event! A big "thank you" to mom and Tracey for your hard work in putting together a very memorable event. Everything was absolutely perfect!! And, that cake was out of this world!!! I was so touched by the outpouring of love I felt today. Tracey wouldn't tell me ahead of time who to expect at the shower. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see many friends I haven't seen in awhile, and many other friends and family. Each and every person there today is very special to me. I don't think I can ever express the true gratitude I feel for the support and love that each individual has given us throughout this adoption process.

Viktorija will have a great start when she gets here!!!! She received gift cards so we can shop for clothes or other necessities when she arrives, she got some games that we can play as a family, some toys (ie: barbies, and barbie heads so she can fix hair and makeup), and a bike!!! She has never ridden a bike before, so this will be a new, fun adventure for her:-) We also received some towels and blankets for her bedroom and bathroom. Every single item received is so appreciated! I will certainly make sure that Viktorija knows who gave her the specific items. Mike took pictures of everything so we can share this with her.

We weren't sure how Viktorija would react in a situation involving so many people. When she was here in the Summer she would withdraw in larger groups. So, we thought we would have the shower prior to her arrival so we could prepare. When she's home with us, we will make sure she gets the opportunity to meet every person that has prayed for her along the way. We try to tell her how many people love her and pray for her everyday.

Viktorija is doing well. We still enjoy our weekly phone calls to Viktorija and receiving emails from her. She is already trying to figure out what she is going to pack in her suitcase for America.

We are a step closer, having had our final fingerprinting session for Immigration last Friday. Our paperwork should be on it's way to Latvia soon to add to our dossier. Praise the Lord that this part of the process is over! I'm now starting to work on filling out applications for grants.

We will keep you updated as things progress. Our love to all of you special people!!!!!!!

Where are things now?

It's been a while since we've shared with our family and friends where we are in the adoption process. The reason for that is much of our time has been spent obtaining/processing paperwork. All of the work we've (well, mostly my wonderful husband) been doing has been put together to form our dossier. This is a large packet of documentation that is sent to Latvia first for translation prior to review by the ministry of affairs. Once all of that takes place, we will receive an invitation to go to Latvia for our first court appearance (we will make 3 trips total). I am so happy, and thankful, to say that our dossier went to Latvia a week ago with a family traveling on their final adoption related trip! That is a HUGE weight lifted! We are now awaiting our information from the US Dept of Immigration. They have scheduled our fingerprinting (this will make the second time we will have to be fingerprinted) for Nov 5. Once that is done we should receive our immigration documents within approx 8 days. Then we will send that paperwork to Latvia.....and wait.

We heard from our adoption liason that our hopes of getting Viktorija here by Christmas are very slim. But, we know God's timing is best. We speak to Viktorija on the phone once a week. She sounds so good! She is so full of hope (thus the middle name we've chosen for her...HOPE). She seems at peace now with whatever the time frame is. Although, she would like to come home now, she has gained understanding about the adoption process through her foster mom, her psychologist, and our openness about each step of the process.

With every day that passes we love her even more. We so look forward to the day when we can hug her again! When we asked her what she is looking forward to most she responded, "to see you and hug you and kiss you". When asked what will be her favorite thing about coming to America she responed, "having a family!".

I try to imagine how it will feel for her to come home and know that she never has to leave again. All of the little things we take for granted, she thinks are fantastic. We have spent a lot of time in the mountains this month and we constantly find ouselves saying, "I'll bet Viktoirja would like to see that sunrise", or "I'll bet Viktorija would like to see the "Fall colors", and the list goes on. Everything will become so new again, looking through the eyes of a child.

Please pray for all the orphaned children that will be coming for 5 weeks at Christmas with New Horizons For Children. I've been watching their pictures on the website and with every child that is selected by a host family, I thank the Lord. This is another opportunity to make a huge impact on a child's life. I'm so thankful that we chose to follow God's lead in the Summer when we hosted Viktorija. I am now so humbled that I will be her mom. I can't imagine loving a child more!

anxiously waiting

Mike and I got away to the mountains for a couple of days this weekend. A much needed escape from the computer and paperwork. We made sure to get home in time to call Viktorija today (taking into account the 7 hour time difference). Last week was to be her first week in school since her hospital stay. She informed us that she missed Thurs and Fri due to a fever (cold and stomach ache). Mike and I just looked at each other with sadness when she told us that she was going to the doctor tomorrow. It seems like she's been sick since she returned to Latvia!! She never even had a sniffle while she was here with us. She expressed concern that if she didn't get well "maybe they wouldn't let her come to America". We tried to assure her that we are coming for her soon. She's a tiny girl. I don't know that her little body can take too much of this. She just needs to be here with us so we can get her the care she needs. I think stress and anxiety aren't helping the situation. She told us she was sad that she couldn't go to church today. She wanted to "talk to God". We told her that God listens no matter where you are.

This entire process is a lesson in faith. We have no other choice but to trust that God is in total control of this situation. He knows how much we want to be with Viktorija right now (esp. when she's sick). We covet your continued prayers for Viktorija, and for us as we move forward with the next step.

VIktorija on the mend

Viktorija was released from the hospital on Thursday (9/9)....FINALLY!! We spoke to her on the phone today and she sounded good. She is happy to be starting school on Monday. She said, "Now time will go fast since I will be in school". Of course, she wanted to know how "the documentation" was coming along (for the adoption). We continue to try and explain that everything will happen in God's time, and that we are working VERY hard to get things completed. I think Mike is trying to break an all-time record for the fastest adoption ever :-) Our final draft of the home study should be in our hands next week, and then we are on to step 2 (out of 3 major steps).

We had a pleasant surprise in the mail yesterday...our first letter from Viktorija. It was a 2 page letter that was quite newsy and well-written. She admitted to having some help with translation. But, it was very sweet and expressed her gratitude for bringing her to America and showing her the love of a family. The letter included a "portrait" of our family, drawn by her. It included her, Mike and me, and our two dogs, Cosmo and Rosie, and her stuffed animal, Ella. For those who don't rmember, Ella is the animal she created at build-a-bear workshop. I had placed a recorded message inside Ella's body that told Viktorija how much we love her. She stated in her letter that she sleeps with Ella every night and thinks of us.

Viktorija's desire and need for a family makes me realize how much we all take for granted. She has had 12 years to think about what it would be like to have a "real family". She will soon know, and we will spend the rest of our lives letting her know just how special she is and how blessed we are to have our daughter.

People have said to me that we are doing such a great thing adopting an older child. But, this is what Jesus did for me when I accepted Him as my savior at the age of 13. He "adopted" me into His family. If He could accept me at that age, with all my sin and rebellion, then our adoption of Viktorija is really a very small step of obedience to Him. God gave us this love for Viktorija, and He knew before I was even born, that someday I would be a mom to this special young girl. It is my hope and prayer that I will be the example of the godly, christian woman spoken of in Proverbs.

With all of the hours spent on research and paperwork (Mike says he's spent over 200 hours thus far!), the financial aspects, anxiety, and excitement, we believe we are taking the path God has paved for us. We are honored and excited that He shose us to be Viktorija's future parents! Thank you for your continued prayers.

moving forward

We've spoken to Viktorija on the phone 8 times in a week and a half. She should be released from the hospital on Thursday. She will then have to stay out of school for 1 week before she can join her classmates in school. Being in the hospital with no TV and little to do, she spends her time thinking about coming to America to live, what American school will be like, and most of all, "can I come to America in December?". That is a question we get with EVERY phone call:-) When we spoke on Friday, she told us she had a list of 5 questions she wanted to ask us. Three of those questions were related to school, one was about when she can come to America (of course), and the last thing she had written was, "Thank you for wanting me". We wish she could be with us now. But, instead, our lives have been busy with the endless paperwork, online studies, meetings, and running hither and yon for necessary documents. We had our final home study visit last Friday (8/27). Once the homestudy report is complete, the next step is the immigration process and dossier preparation. Immigration approval can take up to 2-3 months . Of course, we are fervently praying that this happens much quicker!

Viktorija's education is a priority. We found out that putting her in a public school in not an option until her adoption is finalized (that will take about a year). So, we are in prayer about what is going to be best for Viktorija. We have an appointment with Southlake Christain Academy this Friday. There are so many unknowns....at what grade level will she test? Will she be able to start mid-year? Will she get the assistance she might need in regards to language? Throughout all of this, my job situation might be changing. My priority is to be available for Viktorija after school everyday. I'm not sure that my employer is willing to agree to this.

There are days I feel the stress and pressure of all of this, and I wonder what we are thinking...Mike is a rock and and doesn't seem to worry at all as he plows through all of the paperwork/budgeting. Then I remember that this is the path God has chosen for us and we need to be trusting and faithful to Him.

Viktorija Hospitalized!

When we called to speak to Viktorija again today, we were told she was in the hospital. Very scary! The young boy who answered the phone did well to understand and explain in English that she was sick. He gave us Viktorija's cell phone number and we called immediately. She was excited to hear our voices. Apparently her "mom" had taken her to the hospital with a high fever. She was trying to tell us that she had lots of shots and would be in the hospital for about 10 days. She called it "mening". Is that meningitis?!?! Since we don't know for certain what is happening to our child, we've contacted our adoption liason, who will then make contact with the Latvian adoption attorney, to find out the actual situation for us. Talk about hard....we immediately felt scared for her, and want to be there to hug her and support her. Please pray for Viktorija's health.

We spoke on the phone for about 35 minutes! Her spirits were up as she spoke about the adoption. She said that from now on she would refer to us as mom and dad. She was also telling us that she has had a sad life since her birth mother left her at the orphange when she was 4 yrs old. She stated that before coming to America and meeting us, she felt like she had a terrible life. Now she said, "I know that Jesus has a beautiful plan for my life". "He meant for you to be my parents". We, too, believe that God placed this angel in our lives for a special purpose. I'm praising our heavenly Father for the fact that she does know that God has a plan for her life!! She told me she misses our hugs and kisses everynight at bedtime. She said, "Julie, I wish I could hug you". She explained that in her foster home nobody gives goodnight hugs and kisses.

I'm sure many of us take for granted that we have family routines. I will never take that for granted again! We can't fully imagine what these children feel or what they've gone through. But, if in the end, they know that they DO have a purpose, they can blossom and become all that God wants them to be.

Hearing Viktorija's sweet voice....

Today was a wonderful blessing! We were able to call our sweet Viktorija for the first time!! We did not have the luxury of a translator like we were hoping. But, we actually did fine. She was able to understand most everything we said to her. And, she is still doing well with her English. She told us she cries sometimes when she sees a family beacuse she doesn't have a daddy and mommy. At that time is when we asked her if she would like to be adopted by us. There was shocked, momentary silence on the other end of the line. The she said, "what?" We, once again, explained that we wanted to be her parents forever. She gave an excited "yes!" and told us she has been praying to God everyday that she could come back to us. Of course, we were choking back the tears. Then she told us that she has been continuing to read her Bible every night too. This also choked me up. What a blessing to know that she might realize that Jesus does have a plan for her, and that she is so loved by Him, and us. We had made Viktorija a photo book of her time with us to take back to Lativa with her. She has been proudly showing it to her foster family and friends. Apparently many have said that she looks like me and Mike, and we all looked like a family. Little did she know at the time that we wanted so badly to make her a part of our family. Now she knows our intent and that she is WANTED. Now she wants to know "When, When, When?" That, we don't have an answer for at this point. But we tried to let her know that we are doing everything we can to come and get her (it was hard to explain without translation). Our phone call was truly a gift!

We have been forging onward with all the documentation and requirements necessary for this process. Mike has worked so diligently! I'm truly thankful for all he has been doing. I know if he could leave for Latvia tomorrow, he would go! He is doing everything he can to help expedite this whole process as quickly as possible.

For those that are keeping us in your prayers, the following are some specific prayers we have:

1) Viktorija ( in general)

2) Funding this adoption.

3) A smooth and speedy process

4) Safe travels (3 trips to Latvia are required)

5) Getting Viktorija enrolled in school and English tutoring

6) Our patience as we proceed

THANKS to all of you very special people who continue to support us through encouragement and prayer!!.

The begining of our journey

It has been almost 2 weeks since our precious Viktorija returned to Latvia. We miss her so much!! The first couple of days we shed many tears. But, by day 3 we were ready to get busy with all the mounds of paperwork, meetings, and background checks required for adoption. Mike has worked diligently on getting all the paperwork in order. I've been truly amazed at his fortitude and determination! Being an engineer has taught him to cross every "t" and dot every "I" many times. This will prove quite valuable as we move along in the process.

Thus far we have had part of our home study done, sent in our application paperwork, gotten fingerprinted, and a criminal backgroud check done. Although we've done a lot so far, there will be so much more ahead of us. We each have 10 hours of online training to do, specifically for a Latvian adoption, in addition to everything else.

I've heard from other adoptive parents that this process can be EXTREMELY frustrating. But, honestly, we feel pretty calm. God has placed wonderful, christian people in our path. We feel very confident in the knowledge and efficiency of our home study agency, as well as our adoption liason (agency). Our patience may be tested along the way, but God's timing and plan are perfect. He knows when Viktorija is coming home, and we will accept that.

Our liason, Kelly, spoke with the attorney in Lativa (she handles all of the adptions in Latvia) to ask if Vikotrija has been "cleared" for adoption, and if she wanted to be adopted. Within 5 hours we had a resounding "YES" to both questions!!! Praise the Lord for that! The attorney even got phone numbers from where she is living!! The next step we are working on is making contact with Viktorija via phone. Some coordination will have to take place...they are 7 hours ahead of us, we need a translator to have a 3-way call with us, and we have to make sure she will be at home when we call. I pray that within the next several days we will hear her sweet voice.
We want to tell her ourselves that WE want to make her a permanent part of our family, and that we love her very much.

I just wanted to give an update for those that are wondering what we've been doing since she left. Busy, busy, busy!! Please continue your prayers. We thank you:-)

Our Farewell

It's hard to believe that 5 weeks ago we stood anxiously and nervously in the airport awaiting the arrival of our host child, Viktorija. I was so nervous, I felt as though my chest would explode! Fast forward to today...Viktorija's departure. We could NEVER have imagined how difficult the "good-byes" would be. Tracey went with us to the airport to take pictures. You could see the sadness in the eyes of all the host families. Certainly many tears were shed. Those that are planning to move forward with adoption had, at least, that bit of comfort. The hard part was not being able to tell Vikotorija that we want her. In case something should happen that an adoption couldn't happen, they don't want the children's hopes dashed.

We had time at the airport together before they took the children through the gate. We played a couple of games of UNO to keep her distracted. But, as the time drew near I could sense her anxiety. Moments before she had to leave us, we prayed. She then clung to me and shed the first tears I have seen from her in all of the 5 weeks she's been here. It was truly heartwrenching. I was doing my best not to sob uncontrollably. As she walked away, I felt such an emptiness. It was like our own child was leaving us. Another host family that we've had the privilege of getting to know, Kirk and Beth Blevins, understood completely. I thank the Lord we had each other to lean on. These are special people that I feel will be a part of our lives forever.

Yesterday Viktorija was given a gift of $10.00 by Mike's mom. She asked Mike if she could go shopping and get something for me. She came home with a a lovely candle (that smells wonderful!), and a silver necklace with a dolphin on it. She knows I like dolphins. It was quite touching that she would do something so thoughtful and unselfish. I don't know when I'll take the necklace off:-)

Last night, Viktorija was reading about the birth of baby Jesus in her Bible. I asked if she knew why Jesus was born. And, she told me so He could die for us. I was happy to know that she understood this. She promised to continue reading and learning English.

I'm so thankful that we listened to God's call to be a part of the hosting program. This has been by far one of the best experiences of our lives. God has worked a miracle in our lives, and we are trusting Him as we continue on this journey. For all of you prayer warriors out there, we need your prayers for a smooth and speedy adoption process. Our hope and wish is to have her with us by Christmas. But, this will probably take a miracle.

Below is a message (in English) that Mike gave to Viktorija (in Latvian) scented with his cologne (she likes Mike's cologne) that I think sums it up best....

When God makes parents

He places a special hole in their hearts.

One place for each child He wants to send.

Sometimes that child grows out of love,

safe and warm under her mother’s heart

until she is ready to meet the world.

But sometimes God sees two people

With open hearts and empty arms.

So the angels spread out, searching high and low,

and east and west, for just the right children.

Then tenderly, carefully they guide them home.

Viktorija, since the day your angels led you to us,

We have loved you and have yearned to be there for you.

Now our hearts are yours, and our arms are open.

Thank you, God, for Viktorija!

For our friends that think this blog is coming to an end, you're incorrect. We may not blog as frequently, but we will keep you all posted on the progress of our future with Viktorija. Thank you all for being a part of this journey with us. We love and appreciate each one of you. Your prayers and encouragement are invaluable.

Sincerely,

Mike and Julie

pool today

After a good breakfast (with the help of Viktorija), we played a couple games and then headed off to the pool. My friend, Ansley, brought us a yummy lunch poolside and stayed to enjoy an afternoon in the sun. Viktorija seemed relaxed and had fun. Before we parted ways, Ansley gave Viktorija a beautiful cross necklace. It is ironic ithat Viktorija came to America with a silver cross necklace that she had received at her confirmation, but lost it during the second week she was here. I feel terrible since that necklace had a lot of sentimental value to it. The cross ncecklace that Ansley gave her is something she plans to wear "all the time". A BIG thank you, Ansley, for your thoughtfulness. The gift means so much more than you know.

I came home and started packing clothes for Viktorija. I couldn't hold the tears back. I can't believe how much harder this is than I could've imagined! She came in the room and saw tears in my eyes. I felt terrible letting her see that. She gave me a big hug and told me, "it will be ok". I'm the one that should be telling her that! She has been very selective about what goes back with her. She has chosen not take take some of her nicer items. She said she wants me to keep them for her.

Our prayer is that the Lord will pave the way for a speedy process so we can bring her back ASAP. Our house will seem so empty without her:-(

Lazy Day

I had told Viktorija yesterday that I needed to get some housework done today. She helped a little bit, and then busied herself by watching a movie, reading, putting puzzles together, and playing a virtual game on the computer. I got so much accomplished, while she seemed to be enjoying the down time.

My mom stopped by for a few minutes to see her. And, my friend, Cynda, also stopped by with a special blueberry milkshake for Viktorija. That got a big smile:-) Thank you both for taking the time out of your busy day to give Viktorija a good-bye hug.

I started the dreaded job of organizing and begining the packing process. When I asked Viktorija to pick out a few of her favorite toys/games to take back with her, she came back to me with only 3 small items....a yo-yo, box of crayons, and a word find book. I told her she could select a couple more items and she replied that anything else would just be taken by her "sisters". We are sending some small gifts back with her to give to her foster family. She doesn't seem to be as bothered as I thought she'd be about only being able to take 3 Summer outfits back with her. I think she is praying that she gets to come back for the Winter hosting program.

She was quiet today, but overall in a good mood.

Worn Out

Let me just start by saying I'm worn out as I write this.

Viktorija and I had a very busy day today. Viktorija came in our bedroom last night and wanted to sleep with us, because she said she was scared to sleep alone. I'm to blame because she had asked me to tell her stories of growing up, and some of them happened to be a little scary. She opened up to me again last night and told me I was her only real "daddy". She also asked me why I loved her. I explained that God had placed a love for her in my heart even before I met her. She said she has prayed that we would love her. She also said she has been praying for everyone of our friends. Of late she has been pointing out any planes or jets to me she sees in the sky, and saying they make her sad because they will take her away from us.

Viktorija got to watch Cosmo and Rosie get groomed this morning and then we visited the sugar glider babies again at Chrissy's house. Chrissy and her parents were very nice to us and gave Viktorija a sweet hug goodbye. After compiling a photo scrapbook to take home with her, we met Julie and our friends Tim and Carla, and their son Clayton for a evening of tubing and skiing. Viktorija was able to get up on the skis for approximately 10 seconds. We were very proud of her for trying. We can't thank Tim and Carla enough for their hospitality towards us.

That's all for now...

a memorable day

The first thing Viktorija asked me when she woke up was, "Why didn't Mike kiss me this morning?" Mike has made a habit of going in Viktorija's room and kissng her on the cheek before he leaves for work while she's till asleep. Even though she doesn't "wake up", she always remembers that Mike kissed her. This morning Mike was in a hurry and didn't give his morning good-bye kiss. The fact that she noticed and asked me about it, tells me that she looks forward to that special moment. We have learned that she likes a routine.

I told Viktorija I had a "surprise" for her today. I took her to "Build-A-Bear Workshop". It was a very sweet moment. I made a recording to place inside the dog that she selected to be her new "baby". On the recording I told her how special she is to Mike and I and that we love her very much. I didn't let her hear it until we left the store. She gave me a big hug and said she loved me too. For those of you who haven't had a build-a-bear experience, it is really sweet how the child gets to pick a heart for the animal. You then make a wish on the heart and kiss it before stuffing it into the animal. They let us put two hearts in her animal (one for her, and one for me). They talk about how the pet will always love you, always have your back, always need you, etc, etc. She liked that. I told that's how God's love is. She dressed the dog, which she named Ella, in a denim skirt with roller skates! Too cute. She "walked" Ella on a leash throughout Old Navy, Target, and then at Wendy's. People were looking and asking about her dog. For the price of this little dog, I think it should have done tricks for everyone, and walked itself:-) Whomever came up with the whole concept of build-a-bear was a genious! They know parents are suckers for their kids!

The rest of the afternoon Viktorija played a computer game she picked out called Vet Pets. It's a virtual game where she is the vet and has to diagnose and solve the pet's health issues. She loves it! And, of course, we got in a few games of UNO before bedtime.

Today she, again, told me she didn't want to go back to Latvia. She said, "Maybe I can come back at Christmas time?" I don't know how she knows about the Winter hosting program through New Horizons for Children. We certainly have not mentioned it. But, maybe (Lord willing) she will be back by Christmas:-) (??)

Taking it Easy

Viktorija and I took our time waking up this morning while Julie got up early to go to work. I told her that this day would be just a "normal" day, and we would just hang out together with no fixed agenda. We talked alot and she asked how Julie and I met and what I was like as a child. She opened up some more to me about what she knew of her background, and for the first time gave me some information about her birth mother which provided valuable insight into her ability to both receive and give love. She did explain that she was born at 730 pm on 12/17/1997, and that the line for her father's name on her birth certificate was blank. She said she didn't remember her mom, but was placed in a children's home at the age of 4, and was chosen by her foster family at the age of five. I told her how much I loved her and that she was so very specal to me and Julie. I told her that Julie and I were very fortunate to know her, and God had a special purpose for her. We ended the afternoon together with an hour at the pool. It was a special day between Viktorija and me.

Mike's b-day in the mtns

We had a lovely time at our cabin Friday and Saturday. Although it was still hot up there, it was cooler than the 100 degree temps around home! We enjoyed some R & R playing games, watching movies, and grilling out. After dinner we celebrated Mike's birthday with a cake Viktorija made, and a couple sweet gifts she also made. Mike said it was his best birthday ever:) We came back Saturday afternoon in order to attend a "kid's day" organized by New Horizons for Children. They had crafts for the kids, a cookout, bounce houses and waterslides. It was great to catch up with some of the other host families and hear about their time with their host children. Viktorija acted quite shy around the children and wanted Mike and I near her side at all times. We encouraged her to interact with the other kids. In speaking with some of the other "parents", it sounds like this is a very common issue with these children. It will take some time for her to get out of the "institutionalized" mind set.

Today Viktorija went to her Sunday school class by herself. A sweet girl named Hope was very kind to her and made her feel a bit more at ease. So many people have gone out of their way to make her feel welcome and comfortable. Thank you to Chris Youngblood, Russ and Yvette Salerno, Doug Gordon, Landon Horton and Sara and Fletcher Graham for going out of your way today to make her feel special:-)

After church we celebrated Mike's birthday again by having lunch with my family, and then later with Mike's family for snacks and cake. A special thanks to our niece, Lydia, for helping to draw Viktorija out of her shell this afternoon. Viktorija told me on the way home, "Lydia said she loves me". She won't soon forget that! Another fun day. Viktorija is "tired"...which she has only admitted one other time since she's been here. It's an early-to-bed night for all of us.

Last night she told me, "7 days until I go to Latvia. I don't want to go. I don't like Latvia". We need prayer for the right words to say. This will be a tough week. I'm already starting to tear up as I think about her departure. We are going to keep this week much like her first week in America...low key. She wants to visit the pool (which we haven't had time to do lately) and "be a family". So, that's what we'll do... just love her, and spend every last moment letting her know that!

A day with friends

Today was a fun day spent with friends. My friend, Miriam, and her daughter, Brooke met us for manicures, pedicures, and lunch at Friendly's. The girls had a great time picking out their colors and then getting airbrushed art work on their nails. Miriam and I passed on the airbrushing:-) Viktorija was bold in her selction of nail polish....fingers are neon yellow and toes are a very dark and sparkly purple. We had a fun and filling lunch and topped it off with a special ice cream treat. Viktorija seemed more relaxed with Brooke today. I'm thankful:-)

When we got home, Viktorija baked Mike a birthday cake. She is very excited about his birthday and our trip to the mountains.

Tonight at dinner I was trying to teach her to ask 'to be excused' before she gets up from the table. That lesson in manners caused her to become very quiet and pouty. After Viktorija and I had a talk, she and Mike left for VBS. And, needless to say, she was not very happy with me. I met them at VBS at my given time of 6:30 to watch the final night's presentation. I felt a little heavy hearted not knowing what to do about a situation that shouldn't have been "a big deal". I feel like she is getting more apprehensive about returning to Latvia and is showing signs of frustration and sadness. After the program was over she came up to me and gave me a big hug and said she was sorry for how she had acted. She told me she loves me "very much". Of course, I told her the same. This next week is going to be a bit different, I feel, as we begin the process of organizing and packing. Mike and I know that this experience has gone well because we've had such faithful prayer warriors. We thank you!! Please keep sending those prayers upward as we approach some new challenges in the week ahead.

Day with Mike's parents

Today we had a fun-filled day with Mike's parents (Larry and Margie). It included going to the mall, eating out, picking berries, playing the piano, and playing with the toys Margie has collected at their house. Viktorija enjoyed her time with Larry and Margie very much. Thank you both so much for showing Viktorija the love of "grandparents". Margie let Viktorija bring some of the toys home to play with and Viktorija was so excited!

Tonight is VBS again. Viktorija is looking forward to tomorrow night's VBS because it's "family night". She is also excited about going to the mountains Fri-Sat. She keeps saying "family trip". Even when she plays, she always has to depict the mommy and daddy. This child craves a family so badly. I know she has felt that while she's been in our home. And, we also feel complete with her here.