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.

movie day

We started off our day with Viktorija making french toast. We then met my friend, Laurie to have lunch and see a movie. First on the agenda was to go by Laurie's parents' beautiful home so they could meet Viktorija. They love children, and it was evident by how they welcomed Viktorija into their family. Viktorija performed a few of her "magic tricks" for them, and Mrs. Mann showered Viktorija with goodies. No doubt, Viktorija felt very special. She interacted well with the new people she met today. I never know how she'll react in a new situation. I'll give you one guess where we had lunch....Matt's Chicago Dog! They know us by name now! And then, on to see "Toy Story 3" in 3-D. Oh, my, was Viktorija excited about that! The movie was cute and she laughed a lot throughout the movie. A fun day with precious Viktorija!

Tonight she wanted me to go to VBS with her to see the singing portion of the evening. She really loves music. And, I'm glad she is enjoying Christian music. Apparently, American secular music is quite popular in Eastern European countries (ie: Lady Gaga, Eminem, Katy Perry, etc). As we know, many of these songs have horrible lyrics. I don't think she realizes what the songs are about (I hope not anyway!), but I'd much rather encourage good music, with a good message. I still notice she is painfully shy with her peers. But, last night after VBS she stated she had made a friend. That new friend wasn't there tonight, so I hope she makes another new friend tonight. A BIG thanks to Yvette Salerno for taking the extra time to print out the lesson in here language--Latvian. That means so much to us and to her! Part of her shyness is a frustration of not understanding much of what's being said, in a group setting. She is, however, doing GREAT with her English overall. I'm proud of how far she's come in a short time. When Viktorija first came to us, she had a sweet smile with emptiness in her eyes. I now see a little light in her eyes, and a glow to her skin. We are on the homestretch of her visit. We have 1-1/2 weeks left to work with her and continue to share God's love. She prayed for the first time today, out loud, in front of me. I was so excited and blessed by that. Please continue your faithful prayers. She has so much potential and God has a very special plan for Viktorija. I want her to believe that!

Viktorija had a fairly relaxing day ...nothing special as far as activities -just some good simple fun together. After a wonderful spaghetti dinner prepared by Julie (which Viktorija thoroughly enjoyed), we went to the 2nd night of Vacation Bible School (VBS). Viktorija was much more comfortable and interacted better with others. She actually told me she has made a new friend. I'm glad I could be there with her for this special time. I can't wait to see how she is by the end of VBS. Her nightly bible readings with Julie and I have accelerating her ability to follow and participate in the VBS lessons and songs. I'm working all day tomorrow, so she and Julie will spend the day together.

Church, Vet and VBS

Although it was hard getting Viktorija out of bed this morning, she seemed to enjoy her sunday school class a bit more today. She also told me she was excited about vacation Bible school (which starts tonight and ends Thurs). She and Mike are there right now. I'm praying that God will work in her life this week.

After church, we went to visit a friend of mine who is a veterinarian. Since Carrie was wroking today, she invited Viktorija to come and visit the vet clinic and see what a vet does. She got to see many different kinds of dogs and a few kittens. She loved holding the kittens. she seems right at home with the animals. Viktorija was attacked by a dog in the past, so we were told she feared large dogs. She seems to be o.k. with them though. She said she thought she might like to work as vet someday. Well, she's only 12, so that could change many times. But, it's good to get her thinking about her goals anyway. She's a smart girl. She says she doesn't like math, but Mike (who loves math) quizzes her often and she does well. As I've stated in the past, she has amazed me with how fast she has picked up the English language. She has great potential in life!

This afternoon was a simple time with her playing with her "magic fabric" toy and watching "Ice Age". At 6pm Mike and Viktorija went to Vacation Bible School. Viktorija enjoyed herself and is looking forward to the rest of the week at VBS.

A day at the gym

Today was a "light" day--thank goodness! I had some house work and laundry waiting on me. Mike wanted to take Viktorija to the gym with him, He wanted to introduce her to some of his buddies, and also show Viktorija what we do when we go to the gym. She was able to use a couple pieces of the equipment (with Mike supervising, of course). I think she enjoyed it. Mike then took her to brunch and to the Old Store for some fresh produce.

She had made a list last night of things she was going to accomplish today (much like I do). She planned on writing some "thank you" notes and organizing her closet. She took great pains in writing those 8 notes and she was quite proud when she was finished.

After I finished my work, she asked if she could look at my shoes. I had a feeling that would take awhile...I can't help that I like shoes:-) She tried EVERY pair on!! She modeled each pair for Mike while asking him if he liked each pair. I found out my husband doesn't like all my shoes! Can you imagine?!? I laughed when Viktorija said to me, "boys just don't understand women"! She liked the highest heels the best, of course. I told her one day she would avoid those types of shoes because they would start to hurt her feet and back (WOW! I sound old!).

All in all, a quiet day. We needed that! She and Mike are playing the game "hot and cold". We'll call it an early night tonight. Tomorrow is church, and VBS starts tomorrow evening through Thurs evening.

Lazy 5 Ranch

Today was our day to host 2 of the chaparones that came to America with the children. Iryna, from Ukraine and Alla, from Latvia. We headed out to pick up the ladies around 10:00 and then on to the Lazy 5 Ranch. It was really cool listening to Iryna, Alla, and Viktorija carry on conversation in Russian. Although Viktorija speaks very little Russian, she seems to understand a fair amount. Iryna spoke VERY limited English, and Alla did pretty well. I was proud of Viktorija who helped to translate a little bit for us. They were impressed when I told them that Viktorija was reading to us in English. Basically it was a fun game of charades for much of our time together. But, what a super fun day it was!! The ladies were a pure joy to share the day with. We learned a bit about where they come from and what they do for a living. Can you believe full time work in an orphanage brings in $200-$300 dollars a month?!? We are so very blessed in America, and often take for granted our many blessings. We were so moved by meeting these ladies. And, I do believe it was good for Viktorija to be able to speak her language (Latvian) with familiar people.

Since it was such a hot day, I was worried that the ladies wouldn't have a good time outside at the ranch. But, they really seemed to enjoy it! They were taking many pictures of the animals and everyone in our group of 5. We took the wagon ride, which gets you up close and personal with the animals. Viktorija had fun feeding the many different kinds of animals. Her favorites were the baby giraffe and the baby kangaroo. We also saw cute baby pigs too. She wanted so badly to hold one, but they were too young to even be away from their mommy.

After Lazy 5, I asked Viktorija where we should have lunch. She replied without hesitation...Chic-fil-a!!! We're training her so well;-) Iryna and Alla really enjoyed the food too.

We had some time after lunch and I asked them if they needed anything at the store....shopping?! They happily replied they would like to shop. Since time was limited, we went to Target. I had them pick out a couple of "gifts"for themselves. They were so moved and thankful. It was such a pleasure to share that time with them. It was hard to take them back to their prospective homes. Alla offered to come over to our house and cook for us soon. They eat a lot of soup in Latvia and Ukraine. A common soup is Borscht (? sp). I've had it before and would love for Mike to try it. I hope to get together again with the ladies and have them over for dinner before they return home. Please pray that we can continue to be a witness.

This entire experience has really pushed Mike and I out of our comfort zones in every way! I'm so thankful for every second of this "journey". I pray that God will continue to lead us...and that we will LISTEN. I, personally, try to often to figure things out on my own. It usually doesn't go well when I do that. I have so many very different emotions running through my mind and body at this time. I need to STOP, wait, and listen.

CAROWINDS!!!!

What a day!!!! A very HOT and fun day was had by all! The day started with my friend Miriam and her daughter, Brooke meeting at our house. They brought Viktorija some nice gifts. I know Viktorija is excited to try out her new "Magic Fabric" toy. And, she looked like a true American kid with all those silly banz on her wrist. A BIG Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity, Miriam and Brooke!

Although Viktorija was quite shy initially, she warmed up after she started riding the rollercoasters. Our friend Sara Graham and her two sons, Fletcher and Archer, also met us at the park. They were also wonderful with Viktorija. Sara, you are raising two well mannered and polite young men. All of the kids got along well (after Viktorija got adjusted) and had a great day! Viktorija has never been to an amusement park before, but you would never have known it! She wanted to ride all of the scariest rides at thte park. I think the "Intimidator" was a favorite. Viktorija, Brooke, and Fletcher rode it 4 times! I love coasters, but even I had my fill after two times on that ride! And, it only took Miriam a couple of hours to recover after riding it:-) Even though Mike's ribs are still hurting from our lake excursion, he did manage to ride the rocking pirate ship twice and the Intimidator twice. After that though, he was done. But, what a trooper! He said he wouldn't have missed seeing Viktorija having that much fun.

We were talking about how blessed we are to have such great Christian friends. I enjoyed our time with each person there today, as did Mike.

Please continue to pray for Viktorija. She has some adjustment / people issues that need some work. We are told this is very common among orphaned children. The frustrating thing for me is not knowing how to help her when she starts to "shut down". All we can do is give her love and try to make her feel secure. She needs to know that God's love is everlasting...no matter where, or what situation she encounters in her life. A love like this would be totally foreign to her. What must it be like to go through this life, with all it's trials and tribulations, and not know there was a loving Father who will ALWAYS be by our sides?? We have that security, and it is what I want most for our sweet Viktorija.