Home Again

Well, we managed to tear ourselves away from St. Pete and the kids and are safely back at home. We miss them already! It has been good to start sharing some of our experiences with friends in person, and we look forward to more of that. Dasha and Dima stayed strong as we said our goodbyes, which made it easier for us to hold it together, too. We will be able to communicate with them via e-mail through Natasha, who has graciously offered to translate our e-mails.

Saying goodbye to Dima went quickly since we were late getting him back to the orphanage after our meeting with family members. So a quick picture and he was off. Dasha spent one more night with us. She was more melancholy on Friday, and Natasha mentioned several times that she did not want to return to the orphanage. The 4 of us had a late breakfast together, then made a quick grocery store stop, where Bob got scolded by an employee for taking a picture (I thought that was funny, so just had to add it in there.) Then we took her back to the orphanage and spent a few minutes with the other children in her group before heading out. We sang a couple songs, then gave Dasha the heart-shaped locket we had bought her. We showed her our pictures inside and reassured her that we love her and are coming back for her. She took it all in stride and gave us sweet hugs as we left.

Then we were off to Paris where we met my friend Amy for a great French dinner and a walk around downtown Paris. We saw Notre Dame, The Louvre, and the Arc de Triumph and Eiffel Tower from a short distance. We then headed back to Amy's place for a few hours of sleep before catching the metro back to the airport the next morning. Paris was beautiful, and Amy was a fantastic hostess! We had a good time talking about what God is doing and realized that just a couple months ago we had talked on the phone about God's timing, not understanding why things didn't seem to be working out for her to be in France or for us to be in Russia - and now look where we were!

Bob and I were serenaded on the Paris metro by an accordian playing opera singer - what a great final impression of Paris! Then we boarded the plane and headed for home. Ten hours and lots and lots of French food later, we were in Houston again where Jacob and Sarah picked us up. We've spent the day resting but did make it to church this morning - there was nothing we wanted to do more than worship with our church family after such an amazing week.

So what's next? A few more pieces of paperwork, which will include another trip or two (or 3 or 4, if history repeats itself) to Austin, then our PW gets registered with the courts in Moscow, then we wait for a court date to be set. We are expecting to be invited back in as soon as 6 weeks, hopefully not more than 3 months.

But we will be patient, because we are learning over and over that God's timing really is perfect.

Thanks for reading - lots of love,
Karen and Bob

Final Blog from St. Pete (for now)

It's 11:30pm and Dasha is sleeping here in the hotel room - one last time before we have to leave her! Dima stayed last night, and as you could tell, we had a great time. We are so grateful that his orphanage allowed it. Today we walked to a cafe for breakfast, went and took care of more paperwork (twice as much PW for 2 kids), then toured part of the Hermitage, ate fantastic food at a Georgian restaurant, met with some of their relatives (a grandmother, step-grandmother, and 2nd cousins), said good-bye to Dima for now, and brought Dasha back here for one more night.
We don't have time for details now before our internet runs out and we need sleep, but a couple significant things...first, we had great bonding time with both kids today. Again, no details right now, but it was a perfect last full day in terms of that, as there were some breakthroughs. Then, the meeting with the relatives went really well. No one knew what to expect there, since the meeting was initiated by them, but it was really great. God's spirit was felt there. Tomorrow, saying good-bye will be very difficult. We will try to make it special with a couple parting gifts and the clear message that we will be back.
And tomorrow night we look forward to spending time with my precious friend Amy in Paris!!!
Ok, we'll try to upload a couple pictures and fill in details later. Thank you for your continued support and for the special comments you have made all week - we always look forward to them!
Bob and I have really been learning to choose trust and love over fear. To God be the glory for that.

And Then There Were Two!!!

We had unexpected news today - Dima said yes to adoption!!! After Natasha picked up Karen, Dasha and I, we drove to pick up Dima. Shortly after we got there, Natasha ask Dima if the orphanage had made a decision for him to stay overnight with us, and Dima replied with, "I made a decision," and proceeded to tell her that he wants to come to America and be a part of our family. We were shocked because we thought that he would need more time. But God had arranged for Natasha and Sasha to be stuck in traffic with Dima for a long time last night, so they had had a good heart to heart. We had really felt it was not God's intention to separate the children, and it has been amazing to see how He has worked it all out.

To top it all off, Dima briefly talked with his very ill grandfather over the phone AFTER he had already made his decision. The grandfather, who is the biggest influence on Dima's life and the only involved family member, had been unsupportive of Dima being adopted, but when they talked today, the GRANDFATHER approved of his decision!!! We could not have been happier. We were praying so, so hard while he was on the phone -again, it's amazing to see God work.

We have 2 tired children here, up way past their bedtimes due to dinner on the town, more Uno, bath time, guitar lessons, computer time, silliness, etc., so we must sign off and let them sleep.

We will be a family of FOUR!!!

God is good,
Bob and Karen

Parenting

Today was a wonderful day. It started out with a little free time, and we found a nearby cafe for breakfast and got to walk in the snow. Then Natasha and Alexander (Sasha) picked us up and took us to pick up the kids and take care of some paperwork. Before we even made it out of the hotel, Natasha told us she needed the middle names we had picked out for the kids. The only problem with that was that we HADN’T yet picked out middle names for the kids. We had decided that we would give them ‘American’ names, or names MORE common in America, as middle names, in case they wanted to use them, but we didn’t think we would need them until the second trip.

Natasha really did need the names right then, so we had to think FAST, not Karen’s specialty. We had considered the name Desirae for Darya’s (Dasha’s) middle name, and we decided on that with that spelling so we wouldn’t have to bother with the French character in the usual spelling. We like it partly because it means “desired”, and we desperately want Dasha to know she is wanted and loved. So Darya Desirae Miller it is, or will be (Dasha is the informal form of Darya.)

We had not even THOUGHT about a middle name for Dima. We threw out just a couple ideas and didn’t agree, then Karen started looking around in desperation and exclaimed, “Alexander”, pointing to our driver. We both liked Dimitry (Dima) Alexander, so we went with it. It also has some nice historical reference here in Russia. We haven’t even looked to see what it means yet.

Then we had to notarize/apostille paper work for the court and take care of some adoption business that took longer than expected, but we were able to take the kids out to a late lunch and to St. Isaac's Cathedral. The time with Dima was quality time - he laughed and enjoyed using the video camera. He is a very smart boy. He was able to figure out most of the camera functions. We feel more bonded to him after our visit. He is very respectful and enthusiastic. He opened doors for everyone and even helped Karen out of the back seat of the van on his own initiative. We enjoyed watching him and Dasha interacting together. He is very protective of his little sister as a big brother should be. He kept a good eye on her in the crowds and while crossing the street.

We have officially accepted the referral for him as well! We believe that the Lord does not want these kids separated. So now Dima gets to decide. Please continue to pray for Dima and God’s direction for him so he will make the correct decision to be in God’s will.

As for Dasha, Wow, what can we say! Karen and I are ecstatic and overjoyed! We Love her! We don’t have the words to say how much we already care for her. It really does bring tears of joy to our eyes! The orphanage has allowed her to spend the night. We have laughed, played Uno, colored in coloring books, and directed bath time. What an amazing experience! We are having so much fun!!! Right now Karen is showing her how to use the blow dryer. I don’t think she has ever used one before. We have asked permission from #46 orphanage to see if Dima can stay over tomorrow night. It is not customary at all, but Dima would like to do it, so we pray that we do get permission.

Dasha is now trying to sleep (after too much Pepsi and just a little excitement), so we will sign off for now. We had a nice ‘first prayer time’ with her and over her, and she seemed to understand and respond to what was going on.

Praise God for adoption and His amazing blessing of children. There is nothing like this...

And we praise Him for you, too, the way you are supporting us. Have a blessed day-
Bob and Karen

Big Decisions

We can not stop laughing and crying at the same time - needed a little stress release, I guess!

It’s been another very, very eventful day. We can’t believe it’s only Monday! Today we had to take care of some adoption business, then went back to Dasha’s orphanage to talk with her caregivers there and to pick her up. We took her over to her brother Dima’s orphanage (we have now been advised that it is okay to post first names and pictures) and met with him, then took them both to lunch, which ended up as a bowling outing. It was the first time either of them had been bowling and it was Dima’s idea - we had a great time!

So I mentioned adoption business. Part of our business included officially accepting the referral to adopt Dasha! So unless something crazy happens (never count out the possibility), she is ours! When we went back to see her this morning, she accepted us with open arms and was obviously happy to see us. Apparently she couldn’t stop talking about us the night before. She showed us around her area of the orphanage and we got a glimpse of her more outgoing and nurturing side as she handed out snacks and interacted with the other children. The more we see her, the cuter she becomes - she is really great and we can see why everyone loves her so much!

Going to visit Dima was a roller coaster ride, to say the least. Natasha had prepared us by letting us know it did not look good. Dima had agreed to meet us but had not come anywhere near saying that he wanted to be adopted. So we had guarded our hearts and prepared for his rejection of our offer to adopt. We were all heartbroken when we saw how he tightly embraced his sister and treated her with so much care and affection, then gave little indication of interest in adoption during the initial conversation.

Our impressions of Dima were very positive. He is not only affectionate, but also polite, considerate, humble, social, fun, highly intelligent, and mature for his age. (That is a lot of adjectives...) He seemed serious and guarded at first but loosened up as he got to know us. Over the course of the afternoon, he expressed more and more interest in being adopted, to the point of telling Natasha that he will probably say ‘yes’ but is not quite ready.

So knowing he may change his mind, we are changing gears again! We have been praying for God’s direction through the Holy Spirt all day, that He would speak His will to our hearts and Dima’s as well, and we trust God has answered in leading us into His plan!

We are excited about the rest of the week! Starting tomorrow Dasha will get to spend the night with us at the hotel, and the hotel is being gracious in bringing in an extra bed free of charge. Starting the next night, Dima may spend the night as well - slumber party at the Miller’s!

We’ll try to post a few pictures here - thanks for enduring our long posts and continuing to pray for us!

Current prayer concerns: trust for financial provision, that we will choose trust over fear in all areas; continued direction as Dima makes his decision, that his decision will be based on healthy motivation and realism, and that he will continue to be confident in that decision once it is made; Dasha’s ability to cope with all of the change, exciting as it is; and continued bonding between us and both children.

We love you!
Bob and Karen

She is everything we had hoped for

(This is an attempt at a re-write of a blog we tried to post last night. We are paying for internet by the hour and unknowingly ran out of time before we posted! Sorry to keep you in suspense...)

God is good! Our meeting with Dasha was everything we could hope for in a first visit. We arrived at the orphanage around 1:30 while the children were having nap and quiet time. Natasha told Karen she could go to Dasha’s room while she got ready to spend the afternoon with us for lunch and a little site seeing. I waited patiently while Dasha got ready. Karen said when she walked into the girls’ bedroom, all she could do was stand there and smile at Dasha and the five other smiling faces that were looking at her with excitement and interest. She wanted to bring all of them home. Dasha smiled back constantly as she was getting ready, helping to ease the tension.

As I stood in the commons area I saw lots of toys and the room was decorated nicely, it was very cozy looking. I stood there with gift in hand until Dasha and Karen finally appeared. Dasha quickly ran to fix her hair and smiled really big in passing. When she came back I gave her a little hug and the gift. She reached into the bag and pulled out a photo album and graciously looked at each page. Then she reached in again and pulled out a pink CD player and Karen’s two CDs. When she realized Karen was a musician, her face lit up with excitement. Right then I knew Karen and Dasha were quickly bonding.

Then we left for lunch. Sasha, our driver, drove us for some Russian pastries, then we toured the Church on Spilled Blood, one of the most monumental and beautiful cathedrals in the country, very Russian. We took Dasha’s hand walking from place to place - by the end of the tour, she began to take ours. We finished out the afternoon by bringing her to the hotel for a little while before taking her back to the orphanage.

Dasha hardly said a word for most of the afternoon (we had been told she would be shy at first), but she smiled every time anyone looked at her. When she smiles, her eyes twinkle and she lights up the room. She is really beautiful.

When we went back to the hotel, we went through the photos and explained things in more detail, with Natasha interpreting. Dasha smiled some more. Then Karen got out her guitar and played a Russian folk song, the only one she knows (thanks to Olena!) That seemed to be really special for Dasha - she seemed touched and maybe even a little emotional. Then Karen played one of her original songs which Dasha and Natasha liked very much. Lots of smiles. Dasha made it clear that she is ready for guitar lessons. We showed her pic’s of Sarah and Erin and told her that they would be happy to give her ballet and English lessons, which made her smile, of course.

Then we showed her videos of her cousins, aunt, uncle, and grandparents saying “Priviet, Dasha”, and videos of the UHBC worship team celebrating her birthday in her absence. She loved every minute of it and was glued to the tiny screen. She also smiled over the snacks we gave her - M&M’s and a fruit roll-up. She seemed to be having a great time taking it all in. Even through the language barrier, she and Karen bonded over the color blue, things that are soft and furry, Pepsi, and music. I knew that the visit was a very good one when Dasha ran to give us tight hugs as we left for the day.

So on to day 2! Today we will pick up Dasha and go to Dima’s orphanage. Please pray for the visit - God is amazing and He is in control. We trust that He will direct us in His will, and we really feel like we will be fine and full of joy whatever the outcome.

Love,
Bob and Karen

We Made It!!!

Bonjour and 'Zdrustwui' (very approximated phonetics),

Where do we begin to tell you about this eventful day? It's been a great trip so far! We are settled into our hotel room in St. Petersburg, and Bob-who-doesn't-sleep-on-planes is lying on the bed "trying not to go to sleep" as we were advised not to sleep until 8pm. Why one would lie on a bed to "try not to go to sleep" is beyond me.

In any case, yesterday our good friend Sarah came all the way from The Woodlands to pick us up and drive us to the airport, so we were spoiled right off the bat. We had a GREAT experience with Air France, other than a particular segment when we were over the Atlantic that was...um...turbulent, to put it mildly.  But the airline was great.  Good food, French coffee, and really cool personal TV's on every seat back where we could watch anything from our choice of movies, to what was going on right in front of and below us through a camera mounted on the front of the plane.  Maybe all that is standard, but we don't get out much.  Not a lot of leg room, but we're short, so we were fine.

We flew for about 9 hours, then had a plane change in Paris.  As we were coming into Paris admiring the landscape and a few beautiful old estates of some sort, we looked and there it was...the Eiffel Tower emerging through the morning mist.  I got so excited I about jumped out of my seat.  The changeover was uneventful and timed perfectly, and we were off to St. Pete!

(OK, now Bob is watching The Simpson's dubbed over in Russian...maybe he should just go to sleep.)

After just 3 more hours of flying, we landed in beautiful, snow-covered St. Petersburg. The city is amazing. Small airport, easy to get through customs and such, even though the city itself is about the size of Houston. We were picked up at the airport by Natasha, who works with Buckner and will be our case manager, translator, and so much more while here in country. We couldn't wait to meet Natasha, and all those wonderful things people say about her are true!  She is warm and welcoming and organized and knows everything there is to know about the city, having been a professional tour guide in the past. She has a heart for orphans and loves to see them adopted, and her English is perfect.

She and her driver Alexander (Sasha) brought us to the hotel and briefed us on the current situation and the next couple days.  The day after tomorrow we will visit both children, as planned. But the great news is that we found out we will be able to meet Dasha TOMORROW! She has known about us for quite some time and is really looking forward to meeting us - we are thrilled that it will be a day sooner than expected. Her brother has agreed to meet us but seems doubtful that he will want to leave Russia.  

(Bob is asleep.)

However, there has been a new development, and something else to pray about.  Their grandfather has been very ill and is in intensive care.  He may not recover from the recent surgeries he has had. When he does die, there will be no family here for these kids. I'm sure his illness is very hard on his grandson right now, and we do not know how that will affect his decision regarding adoption. It could go either way. Please pray for clarity of mind for him, and that he will not be torn between loyalty toward his grandfather and prospects for his future.

I got Bob awake again, and I think we will go try out the hotel restaurant.  By the time we get back, it should be close to his recommended bedtime.

We would love for you to pray for us tomorrow as we go meet Dasha for the first time!  And I'm sure you will hear from us again soon.

Love you,

Karen (and Bob, who is awake and hungry.)

It's 5:45am on Tuesday - very early for us, but we're trying to go to bed and get up as early as possible to help prepare for the time change.  Only 3 more days and we're off to the Great White North! 

Yesterday we picked up our visas from the Russian Consulate. It was so easy that we made it to Houston and back in less than 3 hours during rush hour! For those adopting, we highly recommend ordering and picking up visas in person if you're anywhere near a Consulate. We were going to practice a little of our Russian but we chickened out for the most part. Oh well - there will be plenty opportunity for that.

We are still extremely excited - and still a little in shock.  I just pray that we will be able to be fully present during the trip so we can actually remember it. Today we will create little photo albums for the 2 kids to keep - pictures of our lives here in Texas so they can see what they might be in for, and so they can have something to hold on to during the long wait between our 2 trips.

3 more days!!!

We're Going to RUSSIA!!!

It would be inaccurate to say the journey starts here because for us it all started several years ago.  No time for the full story now, though, because we are finally preparing to go to Russia to meet our prospective kiddos!  We will refrain from posting pictures or revealing their full identities for now, in order to maintain appropriate confidentiality. But we do hope to post pictures from our trips as appropriate.

We received our invitation to travel to Russia on Wednesday, March 4, and we will catch our flight to St. Petersburg next Friday, March 20! We will meet a beautiful 9 year old girl who was referred to us in November. We will also meet her 12 year old brother, who will have to decide whether or not he wants to leave Russia to be adopted. We will have the opportunity to spend time with them at their orphanages and get to know both of them, and hopefully their elderly grandfather as well.

Please pray for us whenever we come to mind - pray for God's intervention in every aspect of our trip - from our physical health and safety so that we will be able to function at full capacity when spending time with the children, to wisdom and discernment for all 4 of us as we determine God's will for our family.

We are so blessed to even get to embark on this long-awaited phase of our journey! We pray that all we do will bring glory to our Father and will share His love and His light to the people in St. Petersburg, and especially to these children. 

Will try to update often!  Thank you for your prayers!