The Next Step

We had a great Christmas this year except for one thing. Olena was missing. We hung a stocking for her and made an ornament with her name on it and hung it on the tree. We have presents under the tree, wrapped and ready to give her. We even got to speak with her a few days before Christmas, but it wasn't the same as having her here with us.

our lights at the top of the tree quit working. But I still like it :)
 

It's okay though. We know that very soon she will be here and NEXT CHRISTMAS she will celebrate with us.

WE BOUGHT OUR TICKETS FOR UKRAINE!

 

 

It is now official. We leave on January 13th to go to Ukraine. We are so excited about the next phase of our journey and especially can't wait to be able to see Olena.

I am also very nervous about the trip and leaving the rest of my children for so long. Luckily my brothers are here visiting from Australia (so excited about that)

 and are willing to help take care of them. I am not sure how it will all go, they (my kids and my brothers) are all very headstrong and I know there will be some butting of heads. But I am trying to have faith that everything will be ok.

We are still looking for help to reach our fundraising goal. We are trying at the moment to come up with the money for in country expenses. We will need money for a translator and driver, gas and train trips for our journey from Kyiv to Izmail, food, lodging, Orphan visa, medical exam for Olena, Clothes for Olena, she isn't allowed to take things from the orphanage with her. And other things need while in country.

These things total approx. $5000

(we have only been given a rough estimate of prices for food and other incidentals)

If you can PLEASE share our story again with anyone you know, it would help us greatly. We need your help to raise what wee need. If you can donate, please do. If you know someone that can donate, PLEASE ask them too. We would love to be able to raise as much as we can before we leave, in

14 days!!!! 

Please help us reach our goal. We would love to be able to eat while we are over there.

Thank you again for all those that donated to the children of the orphanage. They will really appreciate you generosity.

A BIG THANK YOU to My Sisters Closet for their donation of clothing for the orphans. They are going to love them :)
If you have never been to My Sisters Closet, please go and support this wonderful business. They have the cutest clothes around for fabulous prices!!!

My Birthday Wish

I know it is customary to not share your birthday wishes, but I wanted to share 1 of mine with you all.

 Today my birthday wish is for Olena to have a cake!

That might seem like a strange wish but,

Today is Olenas birthday. Today she is 14 year old.

If she were here with us to celebrate, this is what I imagine her cake would have been like. She would have picked what we ate for breakfast and picked where she wanted to eat dinner. We would have had a party, maybe her first party. We would have sung to her and took pictures and laughed. There would most definitely have been presents. She would have been able to blow out her candles and make her own birthday wish. 

But instead of our plans for her birthday,  I am not sure what she is doing today. We called her this morning to sing to her and wish her a Happy Birthday, but were unable to speak with her, (it may have been meal time) We were told we could call back tomorrow. We will definitely sing to her then, but it isn't the same as on your birthday! I asked her director to pass on our love and our Happy Birthday wishes and she promised she would.

I am not sure if she received any kind of gift, (we have one for her to open when we get there, the mail wouldn't get it there in time!) or if anyone sang to her. I am not sure if her birthday was even recognized by anyone. BUT I am sure that she didn't get to blow out birthday candles.

Knowing she is alone on her birthday makes me so sad. Her birthday marks another year in the orphanage and another year alone. But soon enough she will be part of our family and will never have to be alone again!

We will be able to shower her with gifts and LOVE and we will definitely get her a cake. 

Happy Birthday Olena.

С Днем Рождения Елена

 I am so glad that we get to share this day. I hope and pray that you know that we love you and that we look forward to spending many birthdays to come with you!

 

One Person Can Do SO Much Good

Each of us can make a difference in the life of someone, everyday. It doesn't take much. Something as simple as "how are you today?" or a smile to know someone cares. It may seem like your small effort will not mean anything.

But it does!

One person really can make a huge difference. You just have to try. 

Who's life will you make a difference in today?

Do You Have Any Points To Share This Christmas?

So today we have begun our search for plane tickets to Ukraine. We have been given a little longer then most people, because of the Ukrainian holidays, so hopefully that will be helpful in finding reasonably priced tickets.

The problem we have is we are unsure of a return date, so we will probably be buying one way tickets and then once we figure out when we can leave we will have to buy tickets home! This can be a very expensive way to travel!

How you can help:

We are looking for anyone that might be willing to DONATE their mileage points, or buddy passes. We are even willing to buy some points if you need us too. This would help significantly lower the cost of travel for us. You could help us out without having to find money to donate!

I have said it before, I HATE asking people to help me, but the truth is I HAVE to ask!

If you can or you know some one that might be willing to part with some points, please ask them. You could be the one that helps us get tickets to see our daughter!

Also, we have received many items for our Christmas gifts to the orphans.

Thank you so much! 

Please, if you have some hats, gloves, socks or tights, (or we even have some scarves) Keep them coming! Yesterday I checked the weather in Ukraine and it was -4F or -20C. So cold!!

 I know they will REALLY appreciate your gifts. They will help to warm them up a little during these very cold months!
Can you imagine being outside in weather like that with out warm clothes?? I can't. Please help us, help these wonderful kids stay warm this winter. 

A Bump In The Road

We have hit a BUMP.

We found out last night that Olena has an older sister that is in a different orphanage. This was something that I had heard earlier and were concerned about, but we were unsure it was true.

We are told it shouldn't be a problem, (although everything else I have heard says that they don't like to split up sibling groups). But it will cause us more paperwork then normal, and a longer stay in country. This could be problematic.

What we found out was that she has a sister, but we are unsure if she is a full sister or half sister. She doesn't live in the same town as Olena, and they only have very minimal contact. She is 1 year older than Olena and we also know that she doesn't want to be adopted., but has no problem with Olena being adopted.
After we have received permission to continue with the process from the SDA, we will then be given permission to contact her and ask her for a letter stating it is ok for Olena to be adopted. There is then what's called a guardianship committee that meets and goes over the separation paperwork that we have compiled and decides if it's ok for us to continue. That process could take up to 2 extra weeks! Since the committee rotates through people we may or may not be asked to meet with them. It all depends who is sitting on the committee at the time we present them with our paperwork.

Again we are told that this shouldn't be a problem, it will just prolong our journey a little bit. I (being my usual self) am still feeling a little uneasy about it all. I understand that for the most part it is just paperwork. And I understand that Olenas sister must have already been contacted, for them to be able to determine that she is not interested, but is ok for her sister to be adopted. But I can't help but be nervous that she might change her mind. If she chooses to refuse to give her permission, my understanding is, that we wont be able to continue. This would be heartbreaking.

So I am asking again for your prayers. We need for her sister to give permission for Olena to be with us. We also need for the process to take the least amount of time possible. We will be having some family watch our kids, but to be gone an extra 2 weeks could be too much.

For those of you that don't know me well, The Mr and I have never been away from our kids for more then 2 days EVER. And that has only happened once! I don't do so well leaving my kids in other peoples care. I understand that other people are very capable of taking care of them, but I also know that sometimes my kids struggle with things. I don't like to know that I am not there to help them through their struggles lovingly. That other people will form negative opinions about them because they may see them behave in different ways then their own kids. I am what you would call a control freak, I guess!
This time away from them should be enjoyable, but I am worried that it will be stressful for reasons other then the adoption.


So PLEASE PRAY that it can go quickly and that we can overcome this

Bump in the road and continue smoothly with our journey.

Fear Doesn't Stop Death... Its Stops Life

I have been thinking a lot over the last few days. I felt like I needed to share a few thoughts with you all.

I found this on someone's facebook page:

The events over the past several days have sent a fear surging to the bottom of my soul. My heart aches for those who have personally lived this horror. I fought tears this morning as I sent each one of my children off to school. It seems easy to be brave if it is me who might encounter something so horrific... compared to the thoughs of my children encountering it. These thoughts are paralyzing! With all of that said I came across this saying...

 Fear doesn't stop death... it stops life. Here is to taking a deep breath, focusing on good things. Here is to starving my fear of its energy and putting that energy towards being a better mother. Here is to taking a deep breath, being brave and being grateful for every moment that I am a mother --- Jackie Moretensen

I echo those words. Over the last few days we have all been rocked with the tragic events in Connecticut. No one ever expects to have to lose a child so horrifically, and to lose 20 all at once is unthinkable. I mourn with those families that lost loved ones. I applaud the bravery and honor of those teachers that so selflessly gave their life in protection of those young children.

Each of us with children, sends them to school each day with the thought that they will be safe. I think after these events, our perception of safe, has become very different.

I understand that this tragedy could have taken place in any town, or any school in this country or across the world. I understand that even in my small town in Utah, a tragedy like this could possibly occur. What a scary thought.
But, As sad as we all are, we can not allow these kinds of tragedy's to rule our lives. We can not allow fear to take over. That is exactly what Satan wants from us. He wants us to focus on the terrible events of the past, and not get out of bed each day to live. Don't let him win.

Instead take a deep breath today. Get out of bed and focus your energy on being a better parent, focus on all of the many blessings in your life. Focus on the beauty that is around you instead of the sadness. Focus on making life better for all those around you. Service is a great way to focus on what really maters. If we were all to do that, imagine what a great place it would be to live!

I am truly grateful today for the blessing I have of being a mother. It is the hardest job in the world. But, I wouldn't have any other one. I get to hug my kids and tell them that life is still great, I can teach them that bad things happen, but that we are strong enough to overcome them. I get to teach them that life is a blessing and to not waste the moments we have together, because we don't ever know when this life will end, and that's ok.

Olena has seen tragedy in her life like I can not begin to understand. Tragedy's that have affected her outlook on life greatly. Tragedy that has taken away hope and joy, and replaced it with loss and sadness. I was not there for that. I was not able to hold her and tell her life was still good. I was not able to teach her that she was strong enough to overcome her losses. I was not able to show her that love can conquer all. She does not yet believe that.
But, I can help her learn that now. I will soon be able to show her that life can be happy. Show her that she has a family that will love her always. That even if she is to experience sadness, she can overcome it, because she is strong enough. I believe that we can help her learn to focus on her blessings and that life is wonderful.  It might be a difficult thing to teach, because at some point, she will see that even here in America, the place she wants to live so badly, there is sadness and tragedy, like Fridays events. But I know with the help of the Lord, we will be able to help her.

I feel so touched by the generosity of people around us. We have been so blessed to receive donations from people both that we know and people that we don't. With the help of all of you we will be able to bring Olena home to her forever family.
People have also been so generous with donations of hats, scarves, gloves, socks and tights. But we still need more. These things, though small will truly bless the lives of these children.

While I wish we could do more, we only have the ability to bring Olena into our home. But there is such a need for families to love these children. If you know anyone that might consider loving one or more of the children let me know. I can get you in touch with the right people.

None of us were able to save the children in Connecticut.  But you can help save one young girl who is alone in an orphanage in Ukraine. You can help us rescue you her from a life of sadness and despair. Please share our story with everyone you know. Please ask them to help us.  Every little bit helps us bring her home.
Lets not let our fears stop us living today. Lets move on with gratitude in our hearts and LIVE the life we were blessed to have, with

WE HAVE OUR APPOINTMENT!!!

I am so excited! I want to jump up and down, and I  just might do that!!

The letter we have been waiting weeks and weeks for, arrived this morning!

We have been invited to meet with the Ukraine State Department on January 16th 2013 at 10am.

We now have to purchase our plane tickets and make our plans to travel. While I am a little disappointed to not be able to make it over there this year, it is expected. And I couldn't be happier to be moving on to the next portion of this journey.

for all your prayers on our behalf. We have moved through this process reasonably quickly and it is in part because of all of you.

My cup runneth over!
In just a few short weeks we will get to see our daughter again. We could not be happier.

Now comes the fun part. Looking for plane tickets!!!

Wish us luck :)

My Grown Up Christmas Wish

There is so much sadness lately. The horrible shootings yesterday have rocked the world. I cannot adequately put into words the sadness I feel for all involved in this tragedy. My heart aches for the families that lost children and for the families of the teachers that so bravely tried to protect the innocent lives they care for every day. They are true heroes.



As a child each of us at some point, sat on Santa's knee and asked him for our Christmas wishes. I asked for things like dolls and bikes or as I got older a computer or TV. Santa always tried to fulfill my wishes. This helped me to believe that there really were miracles in this world. I knew that my parents didn't have a lot of money, but each year, sitting under the tree, were my gifts.

 

As an adult I still have Christmas wishes. They are just a little different then they used to be.

This year

I WISH that there was no war. I know that this isn't a wish that can become a reality, but I know that I am not alone in this wish.

I WISH for comfort for the families that lost loved ones yesterday through the many hundreds and thousands of prayers offered in their behalf. I wish for them to know that those that died are in the arms of a loving Father in Heaven. I wish for them to know that they will see their loved ones again. 

I WISH for Safety for those serving in the military.

I WISH that people would be respectful of others and their feelings. I know there will always be disagreement, what a boring world it would be if we all agreed. But lets try to show respect. It's not a big thing to do but it is a big thing to get!

I WISH for there to be no orphans in the world. These children need love and families just like we do.

And lastly

I WISH to bring my daughter home. I want nothing more then to give her a big hug and tell her that she is safe and loved.

Maybe there is someone out there that can help me fulfill at least one my Christmas wishes.

What is your Grown up Christmas list??

 

Spaseeba (Thank you)

I wanted to tell all of you that participated in any of our 12 days of Christmas



 

Your generosity amazes me and inspires me. I know that when Olena gets a chance to read this blog she will be truly touched as well, by the support of all of you.


I have been struggling today. I was told last week that we would probably hear something today, and it hasn't happened. I am not surprised, because it seems the Ukraine government doesn't really think about those of us that are going through this process. They just take there own sweet time with everything.
I am just very disappointed. It that disappointment has been really hard to shake today. I have not been sleeping well, lately and I have a constant pain in my neck and back, I believe, from the stress.

I know that to most of you it probably sounds sill to be feeling so anxious and stressed about finding out when an appointment is.  And maybe you're right. But it has been hard to not be in control of this aspect of the application process. I have no control over what they do or how long they want to take. I just want to see my daughter again and we want nothing more then to bring her home. But, unfortunately that is out of our control.

So we wait. Waiting is so hard!

I do believe that this situation has made be understand what it means to turn our life over to the Lord. At least a little. I am not sure I will ever fully understand that and live it all the time. But I have quite literally had to turn this over to him. He led us here and now it is in his hands.

This song has been a favorite of mine for a long time. I don't begin to think that the struggles we are having finding money or the waiting and stress of paper work we have had to do, are anything like the story of Joseph. My problems really are first world! What I love about this song and the point I am trying to make with it is that The Lord really does know better then we do. He knows our trials and our heartache. He know our joys. He KNOWS us. And the best thing that we can do during any trial, is to put our trust in him.

I have Faith that when the time is right we will hear something. I know that what we are doing for Olena is the right thing, for her and for us. We will get to travel there and we will see her and we will bring her home to her forever family. I just have to be patient, and that is what is hard.

Just IMAGINE!!

On the 12th day of Christmas Olena needs from you:

Just a little IMAGINATION


" Who in your life can you not imagine living without and why?"

If you had to choose one of your children to not live with you, could you choose?

I know I can't. But I am being forced too.

So today I want you to IMAGINE. Take a few moments and think about what it would be like to not be able to see that child everyday. To not be able to tell them that you love them. To not be able to hug them, or tuck them in at night, or comfort them when they are hurt or sad. To not be able to just be their parent. Can you picture your child's face as they sit alone?

Now, IMAGINE what you would do to ensure that your child was safe. IMAGINE what lengths you would go to, too see them again. IMAGINE what you would pay to get them home.

All the imagining is meant to help you understand a little of what we are doing and why. We have a child that isn't with us. She is alone, and everyday I imagine what she might be doing, and how I could be making things better if she was here with us.  Olena has truly changed me. She has changed the way I look at the world. She has already made me a better person, just knowing her. She makes a difference in our lives already and I can only imagine what she will do for us once she is here!

 I want you to IMAGINE sharing the happiness you have with your family, with Olena. By helping us get her here to her forever family, you are Sharing your Happiness with her. Isn't that what this Season is all about.

YOU can help Olena find true and lasting HAPPINESS. All we are asking for is a small donation. Whatever you feel comfortable with. Remember every little bit helps. That donation is not to buy her clothes or shoes or even a bed, all of which would make her happy. It is to bring her home to a family that loves her and a new life. She had no hope when we met her. Now she has hope and love and a family that is eagerly waiting for her to come home. I IMAGINE that makes her very Happy.

Help us share our happiness with Olena. Please donate!

Prayer Changes Things

On the 11th day of Christmas Olena needs from you:

 

Lots and Lots of Prayers!


I realize that we have asked for a lot lately. We have begged and pleaded and humbly asked for every ones help. I have stepped far out side of what I am comfortable doing. I have done this because I love my daughter and I have to get her home. And you have all heard and have helped. I am so grateful.

But today, instead of asking for more money, I am going to ask for prayers for our family to hear something this week about our appointment. Prayers that we might be able to find the money that we need to complete this process and bring Olena home.We really would like the wait to be over and we would love you to help petition the Lord.

We would also love you to add the Frie Family to your prayers as well.
This family are good friends of ours and are in a battle to keep their adopted daughter Leah. This story has been all over the news and they have been portrayed in a terrible light. They have received a lot of hate mail and it has burdened this wonderful family.
I had the privilege of spending some of the day yesterday with Leah and her older brother James. Leah is the most darling little girl you could ever meet. This family as taken such good care of her for the past 2 years. All they want is to keep the child that they raised and consider their own.  I know there are a lot of differing opinions about this story, and I don't want to start any kind of argument. I just want to show our support for this wonderful family. All they are doing is fighting, just like we are, to keep the daughter they were led too. Wouldn't you do the same? Please consider praying for them as well.

When we spoke with Olena yesterday she was excited to find out that it was her brothers birthday today. So we wanted to wish him, Carter a wonderful 6th birthday. We are so glad that the Lord blessed our family with you, 6 years ago. You are funny and crazy and my miracle child. You keep me on my toes and challenge me everyday, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I knew I could handle anything after being pregnant with you. You are a joy to have in our family and I am thankful every day for you. We love you buddy!! Happy Birthday!

The Magic Of A Good Pair Of Shoes

 

They can change your life!

 

While Olena was here with us over the summer, we participated in many fun activities. One of them was a trip hiking up to the Timpanogos caves. On the way down she broke the shoes she was wearing. After realizing that they were her only pair of shoes, we took her straight to the shoe store (one of my favorite places) and I told her she could pick any shoes she wanted.

She was a little overwhelmed with all the choices but we had a great time and she came away with a couple of new pairs that she loved.  She is wearing one of those pairs in the picture above.


Most of us women are a little shoe obsessed. We probably all have more than one pair of shoes that we thought we like when we were in the store, but after we get home, we realize that they don't really fit, or we really don't have anything to wear with them after all. Let me tell you about a way that we can purge our closets of those unused shoes and our obsession for good.

With the help of The Fairy Godmother Institute, 

You Can make dreams come true for orphans all over the world. 

 

This wonderful organization is currently holding a fundraiser that will

benefit two families that are trying to adopt.

 

Our Family

-and-

The Truax Family

 

Here is how you can help: 

New and gently used shoes will be collected and auctioned off on ebay to earn money 

for families  like mine, that are trying to adopt.  

 

Then... just like MAGIC, 

 

 

 

orphans will have a better shot at getting adopted by loving families that currently don't have the means to pay the required adoption fees.

 

Check out how you can donate shoes.

Just think:

 You, along with my friends at The Fairy Godmother Institute, 

can help transform the lives of orphans all over the world!

10 Minutes, Can You Spare That Today?

Its a snowy day here in Utah and if you are like me you probably wont be going too many places. So instead why don't you help us out.


On the 10th day of Christmas Olena needs from you:

10 minutes of your time.

We know that your time is precious, especially this close to Christmas. All we are asking is that you take 10 minutes to call someone that you know that might be able to help us. Call and speak to a business and ask them for a donation on our behalf. It is tax deductible and could not only benefit us, it could help them out as well.

If your at work, take 10 minutes to go and speak to your coworkers. Ask them if they can each donate $2 to our daughter. Not much right! But it all adds up.

Take 10 minutes to speak with your boss or your HR department. Ask them if they might be willing to donate to a great cause as a tax deduction. Ask them if they might know other companies that might be willing to help a family get their daughter home.

Have them visit out blog or have them visit eliproject.org and read our profile on there. (that is where you can make tax deductible donations.)

All it takes is 10 minutes of you day. I know you can spare 10 minutes. You might be the difference today.

 

On an emotional note: We called Olena this morning and had a great time chatting with her. She has been practicing her English and is doing so well. It is always great to hear her call me mom. It makes all this worth while. My favorite part of our conversation was when I told her that we should be coming to visit Ukraine soon. She was SO EXCITED. She asked me when we might be coming and I told her January (just in case we don't get an appointment this month) I could tell in her voice how big her smile was. She kept saying "Really??"

I know I tell you all the time how grateful for the support we are. But honestly, without all the love and prayers and support we get from people all around us we wouldn't be able to make her day like that. She has hope that she never had before. You ALL helped with that. Listening to how happy she was has completely made my day. I know she loves us and is so excited for the day we will come and get her. And so are we. I love phone call days :)

 

I Can Not Fail

I had the privilege of meeting some wonderful young men the other day. They were both adopted from Russia when they were 12 years old. They were from the same orphanage and were best friends. Both boys had sisters, and all of them were adopted with in a year of each other, by the same family. These sibling sets were able to become family. I am so inspired by their story. Their parents apparently adopted 9 children from eastern Europe. They added these 9 children to their already large family. What amazing people.

I am only adopting one and I wonder if I can do it. I am bringing someone I feel is my daughter home. But it's not that simple. I am giving her a new life. A chance to be all that she can be. I am in effect saving her. These boys would have had a very different life, if they were to have stayed in Russia. Olena is no different. She will get to live in this amazing country that is full of opportunities. She will live a full and happy life. I am so glad that I get to be a part of that. But it's a lot of pressure!

As the days pass by and the time gets closer to us traveling, I am becoming a little more scared every day.
I am of course, excited about being able to see Olena again and to finally bring her home to her family, where she belongs. But the more I think about it, the more I worry that I am not what she needs.
The Mr and I discussed this subject last night. I cried to him about how I felt very inadequate as a mother and not prepared to parent an already teenage girl. I feel like I do a terrible job sometimes with the four children I already have and I am constantly worried about how I will be able to teach Olena and help her understand how much we love her. I worry that I wont be able to offer her the things she needs and deserves. I worry that I won't be the example of a mother that she wants or needs and that she will end up hating me.
The Mr's response was, that I don't have to be a perfect parent. I just have to love her and that will be enough. She is alone and we will offer her a family. She will have someone to care about her and be there when life gets hard. He told me that my imperfect mother status is more than enough for our biological kids and it is more than enough for Olena. But I still worry.

My Mum sends me quotes every day. Sometimes they are just words I read but every so often I come across one that is exactly what I need to hear. Today I received this one:

"We are Heavenly Father's children. He wants to be a part of our lives, to bless us, and to help us. He will heal our wounds, dry our tears, and help us along our path to return to His presence. As we look to Him, He will lead us."
Carl B. Cook
It Is Better to Look Up, General Conference, Oct 2011

I know that I can turn to my Heavenly Father and he will help me be the Mother I need to be for Olena. I know that life from here on out will not always be easy. We have taken on a challenge and it is right for me to be worried, but I shouldn't be afraid. My Heavenly Father will lead me where I need to go. He already has! I just need to continue to follow him and trust in him and I will not fail any of my children. I feel so blessed to be able to be a mother and I know that each one of my children is blessing sent to us from a loving Father in Heaven. With him on my side, I can NOT fail.

 

Help Us Help Others!

We are aware that for a lot of people this is a tough time of year. We are not the only ones that are struggling to find money for things. With that in mind,

On the 9th day of Christmas Olena needs from you:

Donations for her orphanage OR Donations to the homeless.

Today you get to choose!
I decided about 2 weeks ago that I needed to do something to help the other kids in Olenas orphanage, instead of only asking for help for Us/Olena. That is where this idea came from. The MR and I decided we wanted to take a Christmas gift of some sort to each of the children, when we finally got to go and visit. We contacted the Orphanage and got a list of things that they could use help with, After some prayerful thought we decided to choose things that would be easily transportable, since we will be carrying them over with us to Ukraine. We are looking to take enough items over to help 45 girls and 65 boys ranging in age from 6-17 years old. 

Here is what we need : Socks, tights, hats and gloves.  These items can be gently used or new. We have been able to find all of these items at walmart for fairly cheap or the Dollar store. For just a few dollars you can help a child stay warm this winter and possibly be given their first Christmas gift ever. Who wouldn't want to help with something like that?? We will be collecting until
December 22nd.
Donations for our collection can be brought or mailed to our home 1202 south 1340 east, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Or contact me at debbiemaurin@gmail.com and I will try and arrange to come and collect them.
I had a friend from Australia mail me some already. So you can live anywhere!! Please help these children by showing them the true spirit of Christmas.

The second way you can help is by donating to another good cause. A neighbor of ours is currently collecting items for the homeless here in Utah County. Here is what they need:

Donation List

We would love any type of donation, even those not included in the list! 
Blankets, Clothes, Coats, Jackets, Backpacks, Socks, Shoes, Lawn Chairs, Sleeping Bags, Tents, there are even people that are donating money to help us buy supplies....
 Really anything that you would like to offer we are willing to take to help our community! These are the items that we will be putting in the backpacks!  I would love to know what you plan to donate if you choose from this list so we can make sure we are getting it all taken care of!!  A lot of these items can be found at the $1 store!! * Pop top Canned Food * Fruit Cups * Puddings * Granola Bars * Flatware (metal forks - spoons) * Toothbrush * Toothpaste * Soap * Shampoo * Conditioner * Combs * Bottled Water * Stocking Hats * Gloves * Scarves * Hand warmers * Toe warmers * Small First Aide Kit * Candy Bars / Hard Candy * Hand Sanitizer * Coffee Mugs

THE 2012 DEADLINE FOR THESE ITEMS WILL BE DECEMBER 13TH!  WE WILL START TO DELIVER ON DECEMBER 15TH or 16TH!
Items can be delivered to my house...  1572 East 1180 South Spanish Fork, UT 84660 If someone is not there I have a huge porch and wonderful neighbors that will keep an eye on it till we get home!!!!

PLEASE consider helping this Christmas. There are people in need all over the world and with just a small amount of effort and a LOT OF LOVE you can make a big difference this year. Isn't that what this season is all about :)

White Elephant Gift

Christmas time is upon us. It is in full swing and there are all kinds of parties to attend. Most of them require that you bring some kind of white elephant gift to give to one of your fellow party attenders. Well, let me help you out with your white elephant gift this year.

On the 8th day of Christmas Olena needs from you 

 Give someone the gift of a donation!

So if you are unaware what a white elephant gift is here is an explanation: Gifts are typically inexpensive, humorous items or used items from home. The term white elephant refers to a gift whose maintenance costs exceed its usefulness.

Most people when asking you to bring a white elephant gift will ask that it cost no more than about $10.
The gifts are then exchanged and or stolen from other party attenders until everyone leaves with something.
Usually these gifts are meaningless and not very useful. That is the fun of it.
BUT, why not add a little something different this year to your white elephant party!

Instead of buying something for a friend or family member that they really don't need, (even though it is funny) give them the gift of a donation. A card that tells them you donated in their name. The best office white elephant gift ever!!! 

Of course it doesn't have to be a huge donation, remember EVERY little bit helps us and especially helps Olena. Help others enjoy the season of giving without having to do anything :) Plus it will help you tell people about our story, so its kind of like giving Olena 2 gifts!! 

Have FUN at your Christmas parties!!

Some Good News

So I have been communicating with our facilitator over the last couple of days. He is AWESOME and has really helped me stay grounded with our expectations throughout this whole process. He is supportive and hopeful but also honest and lets us know the exact timelines for everything and what we should expect.

As you know we have been waiting for weeks and weeks now to hear something from the SDA (State Department in charge of their adoptions) in Ukraine. It is such a long wait and while I know it will end soon it feels like we have been waiting forever.
I received this email from David this morning:

 

"I just spoke with Sasha about your progress.  First, there are no problems with your docs! (I didn’t expect there would be but he mentioned that as a point of progress.)  He said that your application was moved to the appointment desk and that he is expecting to hear of your appointment by Thursday of next week.  He mentioned his concern about an appointment late in December where you would hit up against the Ukrainian holidays in early January.  We decided to wait and see what the SDA offers you, then consider the possibility of asking for a delay into January.  I think if the first portion of the work can be done before the end of the year, then it would be worth considering taking an appointment.  But the appointment would need to be early enough to permit enough time to get through collecting up the documentation for the application for court that is presented to the SDA.  About eight days in Ukraine are required to accomplish that."

 

 

So good news!! and bad I guess. But I am choosing to look at the positive. We are going to hear something next week! YAY! That is so EXCITING!!!! I know you all want to jump up and down and celebrate with me that the wait is almost over. Okay maybe not, but I will!!

 

I am a little disappointed that we might not be able to travel this year. We would have loved to have been able to visit with Olena and wish her a Happy Birthday and a Merry Christmas. But, we can still do that, just over the phone. We would have loved to have been able to see the judge this year and get our first trip done before the Ukrainian holidays, but it's OKAY. The Lord knows best. We still may be able to go and that would be fabulous, so keep praying that it will happen. That would be ideal. But I have decided to not be heartbroken if it doesn't work out. We will get to spend Christmas with our other kids. We will get to spread our Christmas cheer and love and gifts with the orphans late, but we will still get to do it!

 

I am super grateful to David and Sasha (he is in Ukraine working hard for our family) for trying to help us avoid having to sit around in an unfamiliar country and wait while everything is closed for the holidays. That would be miserable and I am happy they are thinking about that.

 

So hopefully next week we will have our appointment! PLEASE keep praying for our family. We really need good things to happen. Thanks

 

Give Up An Addiction (just for today)

I have worked really hard this year to give up some things that I love. It was prompted by some medical issues, but it has been difficult none the less. I quit eating anything that contained even the slightest amounts of SUGAR, DAIRY and YEAST. I have been free of these things for a year now and my body has never felt better. As you can imagine that has limited the kids of things I can eat in general. But it has been worth it. I am not going to ask you all to give up what I have (although I guarantee that you would feel good if you did) Today I am going to ask for something a lot easier then that!

On the 7th day of Christmas Olena needs from you:

No Expensive Drinks (just for today!)
I know most people can't get by without having there coffee or their diet coke. But I know you can do it just for today!
ONE day is all we are asking. What would you normally spend on drinks like this in a day? Maybe it's only a couple of dollars. You might not think that would help. But it will. EVERY little bit helps!!
Plan: stop drinking, save money, donate money. Easy! You would have spent it anyway. Now you are spending it to save our beautiful daughters life.

It's just one day. We can all give up something for just one day! Go on, give it a try, for Olena :)

We All Like A Refund!

Who doesn't like getting money back at the end of the year?
Most of us look forward to the tax season because we get a refund. Money we can use on anything we like. It doesn't have to go toward our bills if we don't want it too.  And if you don't get one, you wish you did, am I right?!?! Refunds are the best.

So, on the 6th day of Christmas Olena needs from you:

 

Contact your local representative and tell them to save the adoption tax credit.

 

I know this sounds like a strange request for a gift. But it would really benefit our family and Olena if you were to do this. Here are the facts taken from  adoptiontaxcredit.org

The Facts
The adoption tax credit provides financial benefits to families that open their homes to children through adoption from foster care, inter country adoption, or private domestic adoption.
The adoption tax credit, with a maximum of $12,650 in 2012, has helped to offset the high cost of adoption for hundreds of thousands of families since it was established in 1997. The IRS estimates that the credit benefited 96,949 children and their families in 2010. With more than 100,000 children in U.S. foster care available for adoption and countless millions of orphans and abandoned children around the world, the continuation of the adoption tax credit is vital to providing love, safety, and permanency through adoption to as many children as possible.

The Need
The current adoption tax credit is set to expire on December 31, 2012. If that happens, adoption may require a cost insurmountable for many American families, resulting in fewer children finding love and permanency through adoption. Although the credit remains through 2012, many families will not benefit because it is not refundable. In 2013, the credit will decrease to only $6,000 and will be available to very few adoptive families.
Congress must act now to pass legislation that will protect and extend the adoption tax credit and encourage the right of every child to grow up safe and loved in a family of their own.
Help us take action today! You can find your Representative and Senators’ contact information by visiting:

HERE

I contacted our representative today and asked him to vote to keep the tax credit. It's EASY!! And, you will not only be helping our family, you will be helping hundreds of children that might not find homes if people can't afford it.

We are hoping to be able to get this tax credit to help us pay the costs of getting Olena home. Again this gift will cost you NO money, just a few minutes of your time. Can you spare that today to help out hundreds of families, including mine?? I know you can :)

Help us get our refund next year!!  Thanks
PS you can follow progress on this facebook page save the adoption tax credit

What Can You Buy For $5

What would you spend $5 on every day?? Can't think of anything. Here are some examples:





So, On the 5th day of Christmas Olena needs from you:

Five Measly Dollars. 

I know you are all very sick of me asking you for money. I understand. I am also sick and tired of asking. I hope you all understand how difficult it is for me to ask. But, I am trying desperately to bring my daughter home. I am trying desperately to help her know that we love her. I am trying desperately to do all I can. But I alone am not enough.
So today, I ask if you could find it in your hearts, to share a measly $5 with Olena, to help her find her way home. It's not much, but it could make a big difference to us. Thank you

On The 4th Day Of Christmas...

On the 4th day of Christmas Olena needs from you:

A mention in your family's Christmas letter!

So at Christmas we like to contact every person that we have ever known and tell them all about our family and how our year has gone. I don't usually do this, I think I was as little scarred from my parents telling the whole world about every little detail of our lives every year. But I do plan to do it this year!!! And so should you :)
What we are asking is that this year, in YOUR family's Christmas letter, to all your friends and family, that you mention OUR FAMILY and OLENA. It doesn't take much and it doesn't cost you anything. But it could make all the difference to our family.
You could go into detail about orphans in Ukraine and all about our story, or it could be as simple as "I have been following the story of a family that is trying to raise money to bring their daughter home from Ukraine. If you or anyone you know could help them out in any way, or you just want to follow along with their journey please visit www.themaurinfamily.blogspot.com They would really appreciate it. "

See easy :)

Letters like these are sent all over the world. Through you, our story could reach someone that might be able and looking for someone to help this Christmas. You could be the difference!!