We are thrilled to report that our foreign dossier is COMPLETED, submitted, and has already arrived in Russia!
It has been a great relief for me to have those pieces of paper completed - something I've looked forward to for 2 years now. Thanks to Dr. Reed (our doc), Mr. Davis (our CPA), Dr. Bankhead (SHSU SoM Director), our mortgage person (name unknown), Jennifer (my Close Personal Friend and favorite notary), Jacel (my favorite LOCAL notary), Diane (owner/manager/hostess of 'The Treehouse', fine Austin lodging establishment, i.e. friend's house), our three different fingerprint ladies, the Texas Secretary of State (should know HER name by now!), Anyra and Irina at Buckner - oh, the list goes on and on but the overhead music is about to start and I'll have to rush off stage...
Seriously, so many people have contributed to this part of the process going amazingly smoothly and quickly. Everyone has been so quick to respond to our strange and unusual requests - blue ink only, sign here and only here, gold sticker please...
So here we are! Our paperwork now has to be translated and submitted to the Russian committee, then to the judge. Either could ask for revisions or more information, but I'm not worried about that. At least the bulk of it is done.
In other news, we hear that the kids are doing well and asking about us. We may even get letters from them soon! Their grandfather is still in the hospital but doing better. Bob is busy building a dresser for Dasha and a bed and desk for Dima. We're working on other preparations as well.
In non-adoption related news, we said good-bye to our precious feline friend Peanut a couple weeks ago. Tragic loss, and we miss him. Maybe Dima and Dasha will get a kitten to raise while Bob and I continue to spoil the other two.
We appreciate your prayers, as always! We're praying especially that the paperwork will go through smoothly so that we won't be delayed and can get the kids here with lots of summertime left! We are more confident than ever that God is completely in control of our situation and the timing, yet we know He wants us to pray and He responds to our prayers, so we thank you for talking to Him on our behalf.
Until next time,
Karen
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Preparing...again
It has been 2 1/2 weeks since we returned from our first trip to Russia. We miss the kids and can't wait to go back. At the same time we are busily preparing Part 2 of our foreign dossier (including doctor visits, accountant visits, letters, forms, mortgage reports, background checks, 2 different kinds of fingerprints, a home visit, notarizing, appostilling,...) Once all that is completed, which will hopefully be within a week, we will submit everything to Russia and wait for a court date. The court date determines when we will get to go back. During the second trip, we will go to court, then spend 2 weeks or more in Russia or somewhere nearby while we wait to bring the kids home.
In the meantime, there will be furniture to make, rooms to paint, clothes and household items to purchase for the kids, books to read, rules to post, items to label in English, resources to compile...I'm not sure what people mean when they talk about the "wait" between trips. When will we have time to "wait"? I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining, though - all of this is FUN when we picture Dima and Dasha and remember what it is all for.
We have been incredibly blessed by friends and family who have contributed to this process! The majority of expenses for our first trip were paid for by donations, and we are eternally grateful for the investment many of you have made in the lives of our children. We would love to thank you all individually, but thus far we do not have records identifying individual donors to the Miller Adoption Fund. So if you are reading this and we haven't thanked you personally, please know that your contributions have made all the difference in the world.
Some have asked how they might contribute to the second trip and the remainder of the process. Donations can be sent to the following:
Miller Adoption Fund/Robert E. Miller
First National Bank of Huntsville
PO Box 659
Huntsville, TX 77342-0659
Checks can be made out to 'Miller Adoption Fund/Robert E. Miller'
Thank you again for reading and praying and keeping up with us, and contributing in whatever way you are led. We hope to have our family together within a couple months!
Love,
Karen
In the meantime, there will be furniture to make, rooms to paint, clothes and household items to purchase for the kids, books to read, rules to post, items to label in English, resources to compile...I'm not sure what people mean when they talk about the "wait" between trips. When will we have time to "wait"? I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining, though - all of this is FUN when we picture Dima and Dasha and remember what it is all for.
We have been incredibly blessed by friends and family who have contributed to this process! The majority of expenses for our first trip were paid for by donations, and we are eternally grateful for the investment many of you have made in the lives of our children. We would love to thank you all individually, but thus far we do not have records identifying individual donors to the Miller Adoption Fund. So if you are reading this and we haven't thanked you personally, please know that your contributions have made all the difference in the world.
Some have asked how they might contribute to the second trip and the remainder of the process. Donations can be sent to the following:
Miller Adoption Fund/Robert E. Miller
First National Bank of Huntsville
PO Box 659
Huntsville, TX 77342-0659
Checks can be made out to 'Miller Adoption Fund/Robert E. Miller'
Thank you again for reading and praying and keeping up with us, and contributing in whatever way you are led. We hope to have our family together within a couple months!
Love,
Karen
Sunday, March 29, 2009
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
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
Thursday, March 26, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
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
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
Monday, March 23, 2009
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
