Sweet surprises....

This was our third Christmas to spend with the girls.....the best by far! The first Christmas was 2008 when we 'hosted' the girls for three weeks. This year we laughed at how silly we all acted. The girls made fun of how we showed them around the house! This year the girls received gifts from Santa that they really really wanted. Both Santa's got huge hugs!!! The hugs were the best gift ever.

Because of our work schedule, we were not able to be home during the day the first week of their winter break. Everyday we would come home to surprises! They cleaned the house top to bottom, practically decorated the entire house for Christmas and did it all with pride and smiles! They were very concerned about getting gifts for each member of the family...wanted to make sure it was just the right gift!! I told them a clean house without being told to do it was the best gift they could give. It was so sweet to watch them show our friends and family all the rooms in the house that they cleaned and decorated. Of course, Mark and I bragged on our sweet girls to everyone. I overheard Chrissy say they are making Anthony and her look like schmucks!

My birthday is the 29th of December. The girls waited till our company was gone, cake was eaten and all was quiet to give me my gift from them. They bought me a necklace with a heart that says 'mom'. Anya read to me the card that the necklace came on...'Mother....in my heart I remember every hug you gave me'. Ok .....yes I cried. This is the first time they openly referred to me as mom!! And then there were more hugs!!!

What a great ending to a wonderful year and a beautiful start to the new year!

The Kids ~ Tanya, Chrissy, Anthony, Anya

(left to right)

The Beautiful Kapp Family - Christmas 2010

Anya and Tanya's One Year Homecoming Anniverssary!

Can you believe it! A year has flown by!! All I can say is what a year we have had! We have had some set backs. Mark lost his job 5 months prior to going over to Ukraine. But God blessed! We stepped out on faith like we have never done before. We knew that we were to continue on our journey of adoption of our two beautiful girls! Mark received 6 months severance, was able to work a temp job until we left and received 1/2 of his pension in a lump sum. The severance sustained us while we were in Ukraine and then some. We paid off our house with his pension. We brought our sweet girls home August 8, 2009!

As to be expected, we had some bumps along the way, but I never imagined that God would bless like He has done! The girls started school two weeks after being home. Anya had a tough time at first. She cried the first two weeks of school. I think she thought it would be easier than what it really was. After much assurance by the faculty and us, she settled in. Tanya just took one day at time. About 6 months into school, she told me that she tells the teachers she does not understand and then she doesn't have to do work!! What a toot! She keeps us laughing all the time! Anya received 5 awards and Tanya received one! I am so proud of their progress!!

Spring Break 2010 we went to Alabama so the girls could visit with about 10 kids that were adopted from their orphanage. What a great time we had on our first road trip!

March 2010 I lost my job of 12 years! At first I was devastated! I could not figure out how we were going to make it with both of us collecting unemployment!!! Two days later Mark got a job! Hallelujah! God is faithful! I have been looking for a job since. But it has been absolutely awesome to be home with the girls! We have had a blast together. Once again God has blessed us!

All I know is that my faith in God has grown immensely. I have learned this past year to place all my trust in HIM and HE is faithful in taking care of ALL! I have learned to definitely not sweat the small stuff!! Love is all that matters! I love my beautiful girls but most of all I love God!! Anya accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at church camp this summer! She was baptized 08/15/2010! What an amazing journey this has been. I can't even imagine experiencing this with out trusting God all the way! Thank you Abba Father!

Friday! Last day in Kiev

Friday morning we meet with Zhenia and the three other couples. We head to the medical clinic for check ups and blood work. We wait forever in a very crowded hall way. Then Anya, Tanya and I were called into a room where eye 'exams' were performed. They covered each eye and read three letters. It was marked they have 20/20 vision! Then Tanya gets an immunization and Anya gets blood drawn. Then we wait some more. Again we are called into another room and meet the doctor. Tanya cannot stop giggling and she can't look at the doctor because she is so shy! The doctor does an 'exam'. He tells me Tanya had her appendix removed. She had no scar when she removed her shirt. So confused? Then later he tells me she had a hernia operation. Not sure what to believe! After exams we go to the US Consulate to get their passports. After an agonizing 2 hour wait we are finished.

Outdoor Museum

This morning we meet with the other families, Veronica and Ira at 10am and head to the outdoor museum. It is at least 10 acres or more of village life in Ukraine. We first take the metro then a bus. It was about an hour and 15 minutes away. The day is partly cloudy and cool thankfully. Once there we had an issue with the lady at the counter. She did not believe us that all the kids were under 17! OMGoodness! So frustrating....anyway...

Once we pay more than we should have, we get a phone call from Zhenia saying he will be at our flat in 15 minutes to pick us up to take the girls for medical check ups and visas! What??? We told him where we were and we had just paid. I reminded him that he told us we would be doing this on Friday since the passports will not be ready until then. He said he got the passports on Wednesday. I asked why he did not let us know this so we could be prepared. Finally we come to an agreement we will enjoy the day and meet him at 8am on Friday.

We all get on a golf cart trolly and head out. It was amazing! The kids were not at interested but enjoyed the ride. Hopefully they will enjoy the pictures when they are older and realize this is there heritage. We saw houses inside and out with thatched roofs and the fireplace/oven in the middle to heat the entire house. We saw awesome windmills, beautiful flower gardens, fruit trees and vegatable gardens. We spent the entire day there. We loved it! The girls bought rings that had a Ukranian saying on them, I bought a handmade doll with traditional Ukrainian dress. She is so beautiful.

Once back and we get off the Metro we walk to a beautiful park with a restaurant in the middle. We enjoyed a nice dinner and then head for home. What a great day!

The Zoo!

Wednesday morning we get up early and meet Linda and her roommate. We head to the Metro aka subway. We meet Linda's friend Sasha there. The girls were in great moods and were happy to go! The Zoo was interesting. We saw animals we had never seen before and then some familiar ones. Linda got the Giraffe to stick his neck through the fence. The girls were so excited and tickled about this. Tanya was anxious to see the monkeys. We road the ferris wheel there. It was me and the girls together in one car and Linda and Alona, her roommate, in another. The view was amazing! As like every other place in Ukraine, fruit trees were all over the zoo. Plums, pears, apples and cherries. And just like every other tree, all the fruit was picked within reaching distance. Tanya was determined. The girl has an arm on her as good as any Texas Ranger! Wait! That's not saying much.....well the girl can throw! She pitched rocks into the trees and down came the apples. We make it to the monkeys which were all in cages. It was very sad sight to see. Especially the gorilla. Linda bit off pieces of the apples and through them into the cages. The girls were so amazed that the monkeys were sticking their hands out and catching the pieces! It was 6pm and the zoo was closing so we head home. Sasha drives us home in his newly acquired 1986 mini van. It was a fun ride! Linda, Alona and Sasha join us for pizza and fun! It was a really good day! Happy Girls!!!

Monday we got up late and just lazed around the flat. We get dressed and go for a bite to eat. We do some window shopping and walking around. We call Sue and Rebecca and go to their flat for a visit. We meet The Garvers from Alabama. They are here to adopt as well but just at the beginning stage. They are very nice and I have a nice chat with Terri! The kids are running all over silly as ever!!

We all walk over to TGI Friday's for dinner with everyone. It was a nice evening.

Tuesday is more of lazing around. We get dressed and head out. The girls were reluctant about going out but we encouraged them. We walk to the rainbow arch. I am sure it has a name but I dont know what it is. It over looks the river and the view is amazing. They have bumper cars there. We all hop on and Tanya gets so angry at Mark becaused he bumped her. She stops her car and refuses to go. Then she gives him a gesture! We get off and she is super angry. I told her she will apologize or we go home with no TV. All I can understand is "Zhenia" from both of them. When one gets angry they both get angry! I hand the phone to the both of them and told them they are welcome to call Zhenia if they want to. They both turn away and got quiet. I am so confused! I will be glad when we can communicate. Again I tell Tanya to say I'm sorry to Mark and I get no response. I know she understands what I am saying. Mark and I tell them we will go to the flat with no TV. They walk ahead of us all the way home. We get home and we are very hot. We all go into the kitchen and get a drink. The girls just stay in the kitchen. Zhenia had called us on the way back and said he would be over in 30 minutes. I tell the girls he will be over. Mark and I sit in the living room quietly. Mark starts pacing and said he is going in the kitchen to talk to Tanya. I stay in the living room. He comes back into the living room and tells me she said in English "I'm sorry"! ANNNNNDDDD gives him a hug! Wooo HOOOO!! "Houston, we have made contact!"

Zhenia comes over just to check on us. We have had problems with the A/C. Still doesn't work.
He stays for about 15 minutes.

We clean the flat a bit and prepare for the other two families to join us for a pancake feast. Mark makes the best pancakes so they brought fruit and jam to go along with them. We all watched iRobot.

After they all went home we go out for a walk to find a phone card for our phone. We ended up going on a nice long walk. The evenings are very cool and a nice break from the hot days. On our walk we meet a family from Washington DC who lives here in Kiev. They talked to us for quite a while. They told us of a few places the kids might enjoy doing. We will check with the other families tomorrow to see if they want to join us. Our walk was a good ending to a stressful day.

First Time at Church as a family!

First things first. I cannot remember if I have blogged about this. So sorry if it is a repeat! Sometime while we were in Poltava, we were in a bus and Linda and Anya were talking. She told Linda to tell me she has decided to change her name to Annette! So once we get home and get their US birth certificates she will be officially Annette Grace Kapp.

Sunday morning we all get up. The girls are grumpy. I believe because they are in Kiev, not Poltava, one step closer to leaving Ukraine! It hurts to see their pain, anxiety and frustration. Anya wanted so badly to have a family. Reality is setting in and it's a very scary thing to the both of them. I wish I knew their thoughts and understood their emotions more. I also wish they knew how much we love them and we care about them!

We started getting ready for church. I was not about to make a fuss on what they chose to wear. Tanya picked out her fairly new shorts and shirt we bought her. I noticed she had a big rip in the bottom, so I showed it to her. She was upset they were ripped. She changed and appeared in a cute dress we bought her! I complimented how nice she looked and I got a smile! Anya dressed in nice jeans and a new t shirt we bought as well. They primped a bit longer than usual.

We meet Dara and she gets us to a taxi bus. We arrive at church. It's a very small congregation and very young. We meet two ladies from Austin Texas! There were two other American families as well. The service was very much like home. The music was nice and they played Wonderful Maker! It's nice to recognize something from home! All was in Russian. When the sermon started a young man sat behind us and the ladies from Texas and translated for us. It was a great sermon. He was teaching on the importance of a church family. I totally agree!! It was great to hear and to know what an awesome church family we have back home! We cannot endure this process without the love and support of our brothers and sisters in Christ!
As I sat there I realized this was the first time all four of us have been in church as an official family! Very special day!

After the service was over we hung out a bit and met all of Dara and Katia's friends. Katia translated many phone calls for us. Sometimes when we called she was at church band practice. All the people at church knew about us from the phone calls! It was nice to put a face with the names! They invited us to hang out with them and have lunch and then tour a historical church.

We went home to change and met at the restaurant. The girls were excited because their were cute guys! Oh Boy! (We need a big baseball bat when we get home!) After lunch we walk to the Metro aka subway. That was a neat experience! You get on an escalator that descends into the earth. Very steep and very fast. You cannot see the bottom from the top. If I had to guess, we descended at least 1/2 a mile or more. Then we wait on the subway. As it approaches it is going so fast. Katia warns us that as soon as the door opens you had better hop on quickly. All are on safely! It takes off like a speeding bullet!!! All I could think is were all gonna die!!!! AAAHHH! In a blink of an eye we are at our stop. Again we quickly exit.

We walk a good two miles to the church. This church was destroyed by the Russians who used it to store their artillary in it during WWII. It has been rebuilt. Inside the main church is part of the original church. The area is probably 10 acres in all and houses a monestary and catacomes as well. It over looks the left bank of the river and has an amazing rose garden. It was very beautiful. Lots of steep hills covered with cobble stone. We spent a good two hours there.

Time to walk back. We pass a beautiful park with angel statues that are at the entrance. Ukraine has the most beautiful parks! The girls are super grumpy at this point because they are tired. We get back home and rest a bit then go out for dinner at McDonald's!!! It was a good day but we are soooo exhausted. We all go to bed early. (Before 11pm!)

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday!

Wednesday
Another day of hurry up and wait! We still have more documents to sign today for passports. We are to meet Zhenia at 3:30. Anthony and Mark really wanted to experience the out market. It is very much like a flea market or for those of you who know...Trader's Village. It was quite the experience! Rebecca, Artuem, Linda, Me and the girls plus their friends head to the clothes area while Mark and Anthony went to the food area. Tanya hangs a bit with me and finds a guitar shaped purse. She wants it really bad. She asks about it and finds that it is 265 grivna...about $34. Her eyes bugged out when the lady told her then she looked at me with defeat realizing it was too expensive. We continue on and see the same purse in other places. We have caught up with Linda while looking at the purse in another area. Linda haggles with the lady and we get 15 grivna off. Tanya again looks to me as if to say 'it's cheaper and I want it bad'. I smile and give her the grivna to buy it. She is so happy!!

Meanwhile, Anya is looking for flip flops! She finds a pair she likes and again she thinks it to be to much money. We go from area to area finding the same flip flops. Instead of looking to Linda to haggle with them, she does it herself! She went back and forth between two different areas and finally feels good about the price offered! Wow! I couldn't wait to tell Mark! I told her she is a true Kapp now! She knows how to bargin hunt! She laughs and smiles big!

We bought a few more things for the girls and each time they say 'spa-ce-ba balshoy' aka a big thank you! They always say thank you even when we buy them an ice cream! We met up with everyone and ate lunch then all of us went to the food market. It was like the farmer's market for us. Sweet babooshkas were selling homemade meat and vegtable fried pies. All the kids saw this and begged for one. Pies for everyone! Just after lunch! Wow these kids can eat! We bought some yummy peaches, dried fruit and lollipops for all!

We still had a couple of hours before we meet with Zhenia so all the kids, Linda and I went to the Concord Mall and watched the new Harry Potter Movie! It was a nice nap time for me! I couldn't understand anything except that Dombledorf dies! Oh No! Hope I didn't ruin the movie for anyone! LOL!

After the movie we briskly walk about 2 miles to our flat. Irene was there with Mark waiting on me. We had to be at the passport office at 4pm. It was only 3:37 and the passport office is 10 minute drive away. Mark said Zhenia was upset that we were late. ????? We totally make it on time only to wait some more! We sign the birth certificates and wait some more then sign some more documents!

Back at the flat the kids were hungry so it was pizza for all!!! We walk with Rebecca, Artuem, Linda, the girls and their three friends, Mark and I to the pizza place around the corner. I lost count at 7 pizzas. All were stuffed and it was back home for showers and yet another movie.

Thursday
It is Anthony's last day in Poltava! His time with us went so fast! We were to meet Zhenia again today at 4pm. We sat around the apartment and Louda and Anna, friends of Anya's, wanted me to make them over. It was fun! I tried to get Anya to let me make her over. No way she said! Mark left with Linda to go to the train station to get tickets for us to go to Kiev on Saturday. The kids plus Anthony were bored so all nine of us decided to take a walk to the orphanage. About a 1/4 of the way there we stopped for ice cream and soda. I called Zhenia at this point to check the time of our meeting and let him know where we are going. He said to enjoy! We continue our walk and I got to show Anthony the park where I spent the first day with the girls! We were then on the road that leads to the orphanage and Irene and Zhenia drive by in a taxi, waving and smiling. We arrive at the orphanage and look around a bit outside. We go inside and make it into the wash room when the kids say the director is here and wants to say hello. I say hi and introduce Anthony. She looks perplexed and very upset. We leave immediately. When just outside the gate the director pulls up in her car. Anthony and I are about 20 feet ahead of the kids. The director has the driver turn off the car and she chats with the kids and as she drives away I try to wave but she has a very upset look on her face. I am so confused. About 1/2 way back to the flat we get a frantic call from Zhenia telling us to immediately go back to the flat. Director is upset that so many kids are away from camp and with Americans. I feel bad that I have caused such a disturbance but had no clue of any issues with this! Apparently if the other kids are seen with us it would not be good for the director. Her job is still on the line regarding all the American adoptions. It makes no sense to me!

We meet with Zhenia, sign more papers then back to the flat. We send all the friends off to the camp via taxi and just our family goes to Khazachok Restaurant for a last meal with Anthony. The girls are funny and silly on our walk to the restaurant. At the restaurant, we were trying to remember the word for potatoe pancakes. The girls were trying to trick us into saying it the wrong way. The waiter was laughing at us! It was a nice dinner.

We walk back to the flat, get Anthony's things and meet with two taxi's and Linda to head to the train station. The girls want only Anthony to ride with them in one cab. They love him so much. I love that! We say our good byes.

Friday,
The girls begged to go back to camp the day before so we have decided to let them go on the train and they have agreed to be back at 4pm. The get up early and rush out the door but come back about 30 minutes later. They have missed the train. Luckily Linda was just about to leave to take Artuem to the camp so they got a ride with her. Mark and I packed and cleaned. 4:15 rolls around and no girls. Linda has arranged for paint ball for all the kids. We call the girls and cannot reach them. I have Sue's daughter call friends and they are still out at the camp. Zhenia was counting on them being back as well so he could get a photo of them for their documents. I called Zhenia to tell them there is no train to bring them back until 8pm. He agrees to go and get them by taxi. When the arrive Anya is very upset. She wanted to stay longer with her friends. We go with taxi driver and Zhenia to go eat and the mood lightened up after that. We get home and pack up the rest of our things and it is off to bed.

Saturday
6am we all get up and get ready to leave for Kiev. The landlord arrives at 6:30 to finalize our bill and collect the key. 7am taxi arrives and we are off to the train station. The girl's brother is meeting us there to say good bye. When we arrive he is there with an older woman and another man. It's their grandmother and their mother's brother. Wow! I was not expecting to meet them. I had asked Anya several times if she wanted us to meet them or her mother and she said no. She told Linda about her mother and did not want us to meet her. The grandmother is so sweet. She brought us apples for the trip. She cries as she hugs me and kisses me several times on the cheek. She is happy for the girls but sooo sad that they are leaving. I give her our address and promise to keep in touch. She talks to us a bit about their mom and apologizes for not being able to care for them. She tells us that the girls were very excited after they returned home at Christmas. They showed her all the pictures. She tells us she knows we are good people and will take good care of them. She hugs me and holds my hand the entire time while waiting on the train. It was a very difficult thing to endure. Part of me felt horrible for taking the girls from her. It was obvious she loves them very much but has no means to care for them.

The train arrives and it is time to board. All three families and allllll the endless luggage was quite an ordeal to load. All of our taxi drivers stayed with us to see us off. We had become good friends with them. They were all kind to help the guys load the luggage. One last hug to the grandmother then their brother hugged me tightly and kissed me on the cheek and said good luck in english. I was fighting back the intense lump in my throat at this point. We get all the luggage setteled in the train compartments and Mark and I sit alone. He held me while I let it out and cried!!! Linda came into our compartment and just sat with me and hugged me too! I told her I did not want the girls so see me so upset. About that time Tanya came around the corner and Linda got her and took her to another compartment. I finally dried my eyes, put on some make up and a happy face!

Several times Anya has said she wants to just stay in Poltava. Not meaning she doesn't want to be adopted. She is having a real hard time leaving her friends. Anger and defiance is how they both handle tough emotions. We arrive in Kiev and it is a huge hassle with many stairs to get to the taxi with all the dang luggage!! All the families are trying to get the kids to participate in helping and well....just isn't happening. We finally load the van and get to our flat. It's a very large flat. Older one, as most affordable ones are in Kiev. We are just across the street from McDonald's on Independence Square. The girls are very mopy, sad and tired. We get settled then meet the others for lunch and a walk in Kiev. We come across a haunted house and all the kids, Linda and Mark go in. Mommas stay outside and wait. They all come out and said it was very scary and then were laughing at Mark because he screamed so much. Pretty funny! We go back to the flat after a couple of hours of site seeing and all of us take a much needed nap. We get up late eat a bit and watch some tv, shower, then it was back to bed.

Sunday we plan to go to church with Katia and Dara!

Tuesday....Moving Day

Zhenia asked us all to be ready by 9:00am. At about 9:15am we call Zhenia to let him know we are all waiting in the van. He was delayed with more paperwork so we all went to camp to pick up the Boycott's daughter and a friend so they could go to her birth place to get her birth certificate. An hour or so later we return and Mark and I were told it will be 2pm or so before we will sign documents. So we wait.... It's always hurry up and wait here. But worth all the wait time in the world.

We sign documents and then wait about an hour and sign more documents. Then we wait some more... Finally it's time to go get the kids! Wooo! Hooo! They will be leaving camp and the orphanage forever. I have been concerned for the girls when it comes time to leaving for good. I have tried to imagine their lives up until this point. It's hard to take it all in.

The camp was buzzing with excitement! All the kids knew that Anya, Tanya, Tanya G. and Artuem are leaving! We brought gifts for the teachers. Artuem's teacher was there to greet us and sent for the other teachers. We were introduced for the first time to Tanya's teacher. She seemed like a nice lady. We gave her a gift and said thank you for caring for Tanya. Then, Svetlana, Anya's teacher arrived with Anya. Svetlana is a very kind sweet person who is obviously loved by all the kids. We presented her with her gift and she began to cry. I hugged her tightly and said thank you for loving my girls. Yes yes yes....I was crying too! I asked how long she had been their teacher. All the girls around counted and said 7 years! She has been momma to Anya. Svetlana asked that I please keep in contact with her. We exchanged addresses and phone numbers. She pulled me aside with Zhenia and told me Anya has had a very very hard life...alot of hurt and pain. She asked if I was a Christian. I said yes, that God is the one who brought me to Anya and Tanya. She said Tanya is good she just needs someone with patience and kindness. She said she is making progress; she is now able to say 'I'm sorry' when she is wrong. I told her we can see a sweetness to both girls and that along with God we will always love them. She said she wants her to have a future and to be loved. I told her that's what we are here for. Tears were flowing during the conversation. Zhenia while interpreting was tearing up as well. It was so hard to hear what my girls have been through. I am sure more will come with time. Anya shared some with Linda but does not want me to know...she said she does not want us to feel sorry for her! All Anya's friends were circled around and they asked if they could spend the night again. Of course and I asked for two nights. Svetlana agreed! Yeah! Slumber Party!

All this time, Tanya was not to be seen. When walking to the car she was there standing in a huddle of friends. All were hugging her as she stood with a sad face. Once in the car she was a little quiet for a bit then seemed ok. Once home Mark and Anthony went to the market. I started food. We had dinner Furr's style! Blinchkes aka pancakes, cucumbers, tomatoes, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit etc. They ate till they were about to pop and the settled down and watched a movie. Soon they all fell asleep.

Sunday and Monday

Sunday and Monday, July 26 and 27, we went to the camp and picked up all our kids along with many others and went to the river for a picnic and swim. We had tons of fun! You could hear Big Booty for miles! Sunday our taxi driver, Sasha, prepared shish k bobs for us. Very tasty! We also played cherades (sp?). I was the first clue and Linda was acting it out. First thing she did was to hold her hands to her side to show my...curves! Tanya said "Phillips", my new nickname, immediately! I chased after her while she about fell over laughing so hard.

I have seen a side to Anya that I have not seen before. She is just as silly as Tanya! Lots of fun in the river with Anya and her friends thinking it's funny to dunk me! Both days were great!

Anthony's 1st day with the girls!

Saturday, July 25, Mark stayed at the flat and we let Anthony sleep while me and the other two momma's went to pick up the kids at the camp. We we got back it was lots of giggles, smiles and hugs for their new brother!! They both fought over who was going to sit by him on the couch!! After a couple of hours at the flat we met up with the other families and went to Equator Mall for bowling and ice skating. This is one time I wish I could skate. Tanya was stuck to Anthony like glue. We bowled first and all the 'old' people were on one team and all the kids, including Anthony, was on another team. Tanya thought she was a big shot because she got to order ice cream and soda on her own! Then we ice skated....oh wait....no 'we' to it....all the kids, Linda and Bill skated while moms, Mark and Anthony watched! We all grabbed a bite to eat at Fat House in the mall then it was back to our flats with the kids.

Our family went down to the monuments to show Anthony and Linda came along to translate. There were two college age girls down at the monuments that were sketching. For 20 grivnas (about $3) each of the girls got their portraits sketched. The artists emphasized the necklaces we gave them after court that say "If Daughters Were Flowers I'd Still Pick You!" So special! Both girls were so excited to have them done!!! After they were finished Anya could not stop smiling and said thank you enthusiastically and gave us the biggest hug so far! It was a very precious moment! Then Linda took our picture and Anya put her arm around me and squeezed!

It was time to get the kids back to camp. Anthony went this time. It was his first time to experience something of this magnitude. He met Oksana, Denis, Sergey and Vicka and a couple of others that always greet us with hugs and smiles. He couldn't believe the ages of Sergey and Vicka because they are so small. He was overcome by the conditions of the camp and of some of the children. The ride back to the flat he was very quiet. Until you get our of your 'box', you just have know idea of the pain, hurt and neglect of others. I know for me the mission trips I have been on, both domestically and internationally, have changed my perspective quite a bit. Love God...Love People....plain and simple! Anthony says he wants to come back here next summer with a group to minister and love on the kids at the camp. I sure hope he gets the opportunity along with Miranda and Christen!

Catch up time....

Sorry we haven't blogged in a while! Everyday with the girls has been full and exhausting! Friday, July 24th at 8am we got visitors! Tanya and a friend ring the door bell. Her caregiver is not very caring and lets them leave the camp whenever they want to! So frustrating! We were greeted with big smiles and hugs. We all had planned to go at 9am to pick up all the kids so Mark, Tanya and her friend stayed behind while just the three mommas went to camp to get the rest of the kiddos. When we got back with Anya we hung out at the flat for a bit and watched yet another movie! Thanks Randy and Valerie for the Russian movies!

We then joined Rebecca and her son and went on 'malinky machinas' aka go carts. We had 4 kids total, Anya and Tanya, Tanya's friend and Artuem. When we arrive they only have 3 cars running! So Anya, friend and Artuem went first. Tanya was a little grumpy that she would have to go by herself. So Mark purchased a ticket. She really wasnt happy about thatn either!! She was the first car and Mark was second. When given the ok to go she went just enough to let Mark out and waited for him to be side by side with her. The race was on! I am telling you that girl can drive! I think it's gonna be a few long years before she gets her license. Mark was behind her most of the time. She blocked him from passing. Each time she passed us she was laughing! She wiped out two times. Once into the tires and once just did a complete 360 when turning! When they got off she said with a huge smile and giggles, "Mark is foo, I am #1!" Foo means no good! It was just the cutest thing ever to watch her!

Tanya and her friend had to be back at camp at 4:00 so we dropped them at the train station and then we took Anya and Artuem back at 5:00. That evening at 8pm Anthony and Linda arrived in Poltava. Lufthansa lost both pieces of Anthony's luggage! Thank goodness he wears the same size as Mark. We get a bite to eat at the restaurant below us and then went to bed. Anthony was exhausted!

We're Back!

We went to Crimea on Sunday, July 19th. It was awesome! We went with the two other couples and Veronica, translator and friend. We all stayed in one large house and shared the expense. We ate breakfast at the house and snacked during the day and had dinner out together in the evening. It was the least expensive, most awesome vacation we have ever had. Crimea is penninsula that is on the Black Sea. It's almost an island. It is primarily mountains by the sea and the beaches are all rocks. A bit tough on the feet but beautiful clear water. The last day we chartered a sail boat and by chance, got to see blue dolphins! Wow! So amazing! Mark and the other guys fished off the boat. Mark was the only one that caught one! It was a whole 2 inches long! LOL!

We were all missing our kids but had a great time. The day after we returned Anthony arrived. Well gotta boogy...we are picnicing and swimming in the river with the kiddos today. I will blog more about the last two days tonight! We had no internet in Crimea and since we got back our internet service has been hit and miss. Things are going really good with the girls!! Love ya'll!!

1st Day as Momma and Pappa!

Couldn't wait to get to the camp today to see my precious girls! We stopped at the market and bought enough food for an army and then some. Each family bought 'care' packages for their kiddos. The Boycott's had a detailed list! I asked Tanya what she would like me to bring her the night before and she said 'I just want you to bring what you think I would like, I want to see what you bring!' I guess that was my first test at being mom to her! LOL! I know that she likes these stinky dried anchovies and calamari so I got several packs of those for her. Plus lots of other goodies! I passed the test! She was happy with her goodies!

After the market we picked up all the kids. Tanya called twice wondering where we were!! Artuem Thomas had a friend and the girls had three friends come along. Sasha, our bus driver, brought his little girl along as well. We went by the river and had a wonderful picnic and a swim in the river. I unfortunately did not bring a swim suit but wore light clothing. Sue had all the girls pull me into the water!! It was crazy fun just playing and being together. The older girls, Anya and Alina teased me about my Russian. I like it!!! Makes me feel at home!! Also makes me miss all my Shady Oak Youth!!

Tanya got bored and decided to head back to camp on her own! We were a good 3 miles or more from the camp! So Mark took after her and behind him was Veronica. Once they caught up with her they all sat in the field for a bit to talk. Veronica translated that Tanya said she is not used to having parents to tell her not to go. She was used to just going when she was ready. It's good that she understands. On the way back I caught Tanya looking at me and I winked at her and she smiled. We recieved lots of hugs when we dropped them off at the camp.

It's amazing now that the stress of court is behind us and the girls have 'committed', we seem to really be enjoying each other. Subtle hints, the way they interacted with us throughout the day, showed us they are ready for home.

Tonight we are packing and getting ready for our mini trip to the Black Sea in Crimea. Oh how I wish the girls could go with us. Not sure if we will have internet service while we are there...if not...we will blog when we return!!

Until then....oh....have I told you lately how grateful we are to have such wonderful people in our lives that have supported our decision to adopt our sweet girls! Thank you, a thousand times, for your prayers, support and love!

It's official!!!

The Judge!

We are officially proud parents of two beautiful precious girls!
Anya Grace Kapp and Tatiana Faith Kapp!!!

Last night Mark and I tossed and turned and could not sleep! We woke up at 4:00am then 6:00am! We went from the bed to the couch then to the bed again! AAAHHH! To exthited to thleep!! Finally we just get up and get ready. The other two families and Zhenia were all meeting here at 11am at our flat to prepare for court. Mark ran out and got some pastries for all. The kids arrived around 12:30 so we ordered pizza for them. Anya seems a very reserved and Tanya was in a very good mood! (I will be glad when I can figure their moods out! Oh wait...they're girls! It will be impossible!! LOL!) It was time to go! We stopped at the notary office first then on to court. Zhenia told us court may take about 45 to an hour per couple. The Boycott's were first! Twenty minutes later and they are done. We are next! I was a nervous wreck. Mark was very attentive to me and held my hand and told me not to worry. We walk into a small room. We have a podium in front of us. Seated on the opposite side of us was the judge and two jury, both women. In front of the podium seated on our side was the court reporter. To our left was seated the Inspector and prosecutor. Behind us was seated the attorney for the orphanage and represented the girls. Anya and Tanya sat behind us on the opposite side of the room. It was a lot more people than what I expected.

First Mark spoke and stated his name, date of birth and our address and where he was born, then I was asked to do the same. Then the attorney spoke giving her info. Mark again stood at the podium and was asked how did you meet the girls, why does he want to adopt, how many children do we have and what he does for a living. Mark said he was a foster child and felt it was his turn to give back! Our children are grown and now we have opportunity to care for other children. He met them in December when we hosted them in our home in the winter. He loves them and thought they fit well with our family. All of this of course, is being translated for everyone! Loved the fact the girls got to here how we love them, 'officially'!

Next....Me! Same questions for me. I said I met them in October when I came to Ukraine. I first met Anya and was amazed how beautiful she was. Then I met Tanya. We had a wonderful walk in the park and got to spend time together! When I returned I told my husband about them and we both decided we would like to adopt them. We hosted them at Christmas and had such a good time. (I then began to get choked up! I promised Anya I would not cry and I hear her heavily sigh! I apologized and regained my composure!) I told them we showed the girls the culture in Texas and I fell in love with them. I think they are amazing girls and want them to be our daughters. I said our faith compells us to reach out. I told them we will treat them as we do Anthony and Chrissy. And we promise to love them forever!! Whew! That was it!

The prosecutor then stood and said she had no objections whatsoever and she feels we will be good parents for the girls. Then the girls were asked their names and dates of birth. They asked them if they were in agreement with being adopted by us and if they felt comfortable with us. Anya was first and was very serious and spoke very confidently. Then Tanya...you could tell she was nervous. She smiled the entire time and said yes to every question. The best 'da' I have ever heard in my life. And the smile.....oh the smile!

After all had spoken the judge and two jury left the room to deliberate and came back in after about 30 seconds and granted the adoption! I immediately went over to the girls and hugged them but they were still a bit nervous and a bit stand offish. We shook hands with all and the inspector wanted us to know not to worry about Tanya...she is in good hands and will be just fine!

That was it! We went back to the flat and changed clothes. We gave the girls necklaces that have a silver square that has a flower engraved on one side and the other side says "If daughters were flowers I'd still pick you!" They loved them! We love the girls that will wear them!
We then met with the other families for an afternoon of bowling and a celebration dinner at our favorite restaurant, Kazachok! Soooo good! Tanya was a very happy girl all day and talked quite a bit to me! Anya was quiet most of the day. I think she is a deep thinker and just taking it all in!

We took them back to the camp. :( Mark and I received big hugs from both the girls! It was awesome. Tanya says she cannot wait to see her brother! Tomorrow we plan to take them all on a picnic again since we had so much fun before! Fun in the sun and the river! Shhh! dont' tell anyone we play in the river! Tee hee! Oh! forgot to tell you....at dinner Anya got everyone at the table to play Big Booty! Lots of laughter!!!

Now we wait again!! It's mandatory that we wait 10 days before everything is final! This gives the opportunity for ALL those Ukrainians to make up their minds about adopting Anya and Tanya! (Sarcasam!) All the couples have decided to take a trip to Crimea. We are giving up our flat for four days but have a deposit to get it back when we return. The money saved not paying for the flat for four days covers the cost of our trip to Crimea! We are looking forward to seeing the coast of the black sea. We leave Sunday night on a sleeper train and we will return Thursday by train. It's going to fun and a mini adventure! We are really bummed about the girls not being able to go with us but the government will not let them in our custody until after the 10 day wait! GRRRR!

Tonight, after taking the kids back to camp and dropping off all the other families, Zhenia came up and talked with Mark and I. Zhenia is a genuinely nice and caring person. He says yes his job is to be a facilitator but he really cares about each family and more so about the kids he is helping. He says he knows that God is with him and feels God has placed him in this position. Our conversation was much more deep and I have nothing but good things to say about our facilitator. He works hard and works diligentely to get us through this process as quickly as possible. God has been so amazing.....blessing us and helping us with even the tinyest fo details! Prasie You Abba Father!!!!

Yesterday was amazing! Simple summer day! We took Anya and Tanya, Tanya II, Artuem, Vika and Sergey, Oksana, Deniska and Alina all on a picnic. The day was glorious and so much fun!! I taught all the kids Big Booty!! We giggled and laughed so much! Anya kept saying Big Buddha! So fun! Tanya was a bit moody. Not sure what was up with her. I gave her space. Before we ate Linda, a friend and translator, said the blessing. During the prayer the kids giggled. All the adults were perplexed. Later we asked what she said and she said she prayed that Tanya would not be so grumpy but just find happiness. She said it in a light hearted way. She has had several people tell her to be happy and not so grumpy. My sweet baby girl is scared. I can only imagine her thoughts!! Please pray!

Today was another day of waiting...walked around the city a bit. Had dinner with our friends. We laughed alot thanks to Linda!! Love that girl! We are back in the flat now and getting ready for bed. I am not sleepy....anxious like no other. Tomrrow is court. Zhenia called and will be here at our flat at 11:00 to meet with all three families and prepare us for court. Court is at 1:30 starting with the Boycott's, we are at 2:10, and then the Thomas's at 2:50. Please pray for all three families. And I ask you especially to pray for our sweet Tanya.

Until tomorrow....

Moments and Discoveries...

Today we had time to ponder over the past week or so. We are learning more and more about the girls. We would like to share some moments with you.

Before we found out the girls were going to have to stay at camp....At dinner, one night, Tanya realized that Katia, Dara, the both of them, Mark and I were all going to be together when Anthony comes. She was worried and said: Where will our brother sleep? It's nice to know how thoughtful she is!

We came back to the flat with the girls and the housekeeper was still cleaining. We went to sit on a bench and Anya said: Why is father coming over here to sit with us? Wasn't a real postive moment but she said Father!

Mark took the girls to the market with him to buy food for camp. They had a ton of stuff! They wanted suckers too and Mark said no. They told Dara they like it when Phyllis comes to the market, she doesn't say no! Uh OH! They have us figured out already! Dara and Mark make me practice saying NOOOOO! LOL!

Both girls tease us on our Russian!

While walking in the park one day, they both were giddy and silly. Anya said to Dara she wants us to only speak English because she likes it when people look at us! Then Tanya was tickeling Anya and Anya said with my voice inflection and in English: Tanyaaaaa! Be niiiiice! It was so funny!

A fun moment with Mark....we were all walking back to the flat and it was dark outside. There are two entrances to the courtyard that leads to our flat. We started to go into the first one while the girls went ahead to the second one to hide and scare Mark. Our gate would not open...so I told Mark to run and scare them. Before I could turn the corner to our gate I hear blood curdleing screams! LOL! Then Dara was hiding in the unlit stairwell and scared all three of them! Good Times!!!! I am sure our neighbors really love us here! It's kinda funny, our stairwell has been lit every night since! LOL!

Tanya had a memory card from a camera, not sure where it came from. She downloaded pictures. I was in the kitchen and she called me into the living room. She looked at me sweetly and said look. They were pictures of her! It was a wonderful moment between us. Another sweet moment with her...she was sitting in the floor of our bedroom with the computer on the bed. I went in there to check on her. I stroked her hair and told her I loved her than rubbed her back a bit. It was sweet and tender. She did not pull away. (Ok....Mark keeps teasing me 'cause I say 'sweet' a lot! Sorry! But they are just so darn sweet!)

We have learned a lot about the girls. They have spent 7 summers, a couple of months each time, in Italy but in seperate families. The Italian governement gives tax breaks to those who host orphans. I knew they had been to Italy but did not realize they had been their 7 summers and seperated. They both said they did not like the families they stayed with. Both girls are fluent in Italian!

We have learned that Anya cooks and cooks very well. She is always polite and says Thank you for everything! Tanya always asks before she does anything, like taking a shower, going out on the balcony, playing with the computer, etc. We have also learned that Tanya is extremely boy crazy! Cute but not so much...you know what I mean!

We have learned that they love each other deeply. They may be stinkers to each other at times but they always, always watch out for each other.

Our girls have amazing friends! We are proud that they have made good choices for friends. (We wish we could bring them all home!) Most of you know that Tanya has a wall built up around her. She uses anger and attitude as her wall. We believe that it has been a blessing that we have to visit them at the camp. When Tanya acts angry or has attitude with us, her friends ask her why she behaves that way. They tell her it's obvious that we love and care for her very much and she should be nice to us. Not the we NEED that but SHE needs that. She watches us interact with her friends and the other kids....she watches how her friends interact with us. She is taking it all in and slowly learning to trust. It's like watching the snow melt and seeing a beautiful flower unfold from beneath the cold. God knew what He was doing by having them stay at the camp. God is always in control! I will trust in HIM!

Just wanted to share some sweet moments! Missing all of you!