Part 2 - GOTHA DAY - March 9, 2011

Just to catch you up to date.. it's now Saturday March 12th.   We are at our friends home in Almaty.. scheduled to leave on Tuesday @ 4 am!   Wahoo!   I am going back to last Wed. and trying to catch everyone up to date.    Yes, they are asleep... my precious adorable wondeful babies are sleeping!  :)  (Papa too!)  so.. I only have a good hour to get this written uploaded and posted... 
on to the good stuff...

Now to continue from Part 1:
We then headed to Faith and Grace's group/room to pick them up. The caregivers had dressed them already in the clothes we brought.   I also brought as assortment of barrettes and hairbows, and planned to figure out the best/cutest way to fix their hair.. lol!    The caregivers had put EVERY single barrette in their hair!  :)
As you can see in the picture below of Faith.. :)   I just smiled and let it go and knew inside that I had YEARS to fix their hair!  :)    (oh and I was so excited to see that they hadn't cut their hair again while we were gone...  thank the Lord!  I know it's just hair, but I can't wait to get it cut cute and fix it for them! ) 

I asked if we could take a picture with them beside their beds.   The caregivers weren't very happy, but agreed.   Symbat (translator) took the picture.   I was hoping she'd get the entire room of beds, but as you can see she didn't.   The room is JUST like this - lined from one end to the other with little beds.   SO SO sad...

The caregivers put their coats on them etc...  This is one of their caregivers telling them Paka (bye)!

This is the door to their group.   We went out it for the LAST time!  Thank you JESUS!!   I don't know if I had Faith or Grace here.. but, they were waving at the caregivers and their friends and telling them bye for the last time!   WAHOO!

Going down the stairs from their group...  FOR THE LAST TIME!

One of the doctors wanted to see us in her office one last time.  We were just coming out of her office here.  It made our stomachs DROP, but she just wanted to tell the girls bye and wish us luck!

When we got to this corner the staff (doctors, caregivers, etc) were all gathered out here and waiting to tell them Bye.   I still can't believe all the people who came out to tell them bye.  The girls just smiled and laughed and said Paka and Bye bye both!   Their doctor (the nice one I've posted pics of before) was about to cry.. so I hugged her.  Faith then hugged her too, and the doctor took Faith from me.  Faith started to whimper and said NYET (no) Mama and reached back for me.  The crowd LOVED that and so did her Mama!  :) 

Notice in the picture below...   if you've followed our blog all along you will remember that this is the doctor who was SO incredibly mean to us.   She was in the group.   She was all smiles and very kind.   I patted her and smiled HUGE and she smiled back.   It was one of those moments where you just KNOW that God is all over it! 

Papa and Grace are coming up the hallway.. we are heading to the door!!!!  :)

We are signing FOR THE LAST time the registry book in Bagdat's office (director)!!!  

Here we are with Baghdat.   Baghdat told us that the donation money we gave (you are required to give a large donation when you adopt a child(ren) from an orphanage here) was used to redecorate this entry way.     We were happy to hear this.. but, a little sadden that it wasn't something more for the children there.. BUT at least we know the money was used at the babyhouse. 

The classic BREAK-OUT picture!  We are OUT OF THERE!  On the front steps and about to embrace the world!  PURE joy and the praises all go to our wonderfull faithful Lord and Savior!

We then went by the ministry of education office because some of the ladies we met and got to know at court wanted to see us!!  TRULY amazing!   The twins however, were NOT happy campers in the van.   The women came down to the van to see us..  We got to hug them and they wished us the best,, etc.. but, overall it was so stressful.  The girls were so on overload!  

Svetlana said the ladies asked to see us specifically.  Isn't that wonderful?!  God so has plans and we are so thrilled to see those coming to pass!   Pavlodar.. you have not seen the last of the Gobble's!  :)

We made it back to the apartment and things were a LOT better.   It was about noon when we got back.. so we needed a little lunch.  My plan was to fed them some lunch...  give them a good bath, a nice massage with some lotion,  brush teeth and take a nap!  We discovered when we got back that we had NO water!  URG... gotta love Kazakhstan!  :( 

However, we did eat some yogurt and a banana.   They were SO hungry! 

In our bed at the apartment.. with their blankies!    This ended right after this picture was taken and one went with Papa to the living room and one stayed with me in the bedroom.  They both went right to sleep VERY easily.   Incredible!   

They slept for about 1 1/2 hours.    :)   They were in shock when they woke up and thrilled to see us!  It was SO sweet.. we got the Mama and Papa screams!  :)    Here they are playing in the apartment!

The water came back on while they were napping, so we were able to take a bath (the water was NOT clear, but it was water!)   The girls LOVE water which we already knew.    Remember the day I got to see them 'smimming' at the babyhouse in the 'pool'?   They are 1/2 fish!   Perfect cause we have 2 more 1/2 fish girls at home!   Summer-time HERE WE COME!  :)

Svetlana felt SO bad for us when they dropped us off at the apartment, in fact she really wanted to come up and stay with us to help.   :)  It was SO sweet, but we insisted that we would be ok...  She wanted to take us to dinner (since it was my birthday) and thought we could go to the RubyCom to the indoor toys that are on the 3rd floor.    Here the girls are all bathed, lotioned and ready for another outing! 

Here they are waiting to go play at the indoor playground.   Grace LOVED every second.  Faith DID NOT!   Faith was scared and ended up not playing at all.  Mama just held her.  Honestly, I should have followed my gut and declined this outing.. but, it was our last evening in Pavlodar with the staff... so we wanted to spend some time with them as well.   It was ok.. they helped us a lot, but this was to much for the twins.  

We then spent more time at the apartment packing up and getting ready to go.   We then headed to the airport.  The drive to the airport was once again KILLER.  The girls would not sit still at all. They were from one end of the van to the other and NON-STOP.  It was absolulty insane.  They were on the floor boards, standing in the seats, etc..  It was all SO overwhelming to them and they had NO clue how to react!     We finally made it to the airport and the REAL fun started!  (the van was NOTHING compared to the rest of the day.. ha ha! )     They are remodeling the airport (have been for months) so it's a complete MESS..they are construction junk scattered everywhere and everything is COVERED in dust and dirt.    The girls are running all over the place.   We literally chase them all over the airport.   At one point EVERY single person in the airport waiting area was STARRING at us!  LOL!   It was such a FUN experience!   They were not that interested in the 'survival' Dora backpacks that I packed... and I was trying HARD to save the 'snacks' for the plane ride!    The 2 hour wait felt like 17 hours.    I laughed when I looked through the pictures.  I honestly don't remember taking this picture... however, it is THEM and it's in th airport in Pavlodar.   I think this had to be the ONLY time they sat down!   I can't believe this picture.. so I included it.  

After 9,543 minutes they FINALLY announce boarding... EVERYONE gets up to leave and heads out... Grace decides she wants to be carried.  Faith throws herself in the floor.   We are LAST already... trying to head that way!    We head out the door.... the COLD blast of night Kazakhstan air hits us and they do not want to walk.   I have Grace.. Phil has Faith.   Grace will NOT let me carry her, but when I put her down she will NOT walk.  She's fighting... she is upset.    I am trying to walk against 120 mile per hour bitter cold.   They start the plane engines... YES, they do...  The blast from the engines about knocks us over and scared them to death!    Faith starts SCREAMING and kicking and YELLING Mama... we try to change kids... They are in shock, scared to death, freezing and over stimulated.    Phil and I... well, you can imagine.     Now, I have to be honest here... when I get to the point of complete stress and about to breakdown I have this CRAZY insane reaction that I can't control...   it's so wrong.. but, I start laughing.. and usually when I get to this point.. the tears and laughter all mix together.   By the time I get one twin (Faith) to the top of those stairs SCREAMING... I am at my end emotionally...  The tears start falling and the laughter starts!  Yes. you read correctly.. I walked down the entire aisle of the plane with a SCREAMING kid while I was laughing and crying at the same time...    and yes, our seats were the next to the last BACK row!  Lovely! :)

Phil finally makes it on as well.... we are trying to get their coats off and calm them down...  Phil gets Grace calmed down...  Faith is sobbing, but it's getting better.... as you can imagine I'd been praying for a solid 2 hours for peace, comfort, DIVINE intervention from our heavenly father!  ;)      Faith is still crying some and Phil looks over at me and smiles (across the aisle) with about  1/4 smirk.. like.. what's your problem lady.. I got my kid calmed down.. and the second he looks at me like that... Grace touches the window and the ENTIRE side panel of the plane comes CRASHING in on her!    Now..If you aren't laughing by this point.. just laugh!  (we are all better now.. so just go ahead and enjoy the humor in this REAL LIFE story.. and I'll admit it.. I'm cracking up writing it all out!)..

humm...  Mr. Papa had it ALL together.... NOW he's putting the plane back together cause we sure as heck don't want them to delay the flight..  lol!!!   He gets it all stuck back up there... sort of!  lol!!!! 

We sigh.. and think we're headed to the runway.. so we break out the dum dum suckers.   I thought I was so good and thought of it all.. dum dum suckers for take-off and landing... go Mama.... However, NOTE TO SELF:  Do not administer suckers to early... or all suckers will be in belly LONG before flight leaves the ground!  LOL!  Yep... you guessed it..  They chewed them up in about 2.3 seconds and we then stopped before even taking off.... LOVELY!

The suckers were LONG gone before take-off.      However, they did fairly well once we got in the air.   Landing in Almaty was some stressful.... had some crying, but nothing bad.   Faith slept a little, but Grace never went to sleep.  

We then finally land in Almaty.  (if you've ever flown into Almaty you understand this.. you exit plane and stuff yourselves on these shuttles and head in to the airport.   The shuttle ride was KILLER.. they hated it and were so exhausted and overwhelmed.... it was a nightmare again.   We finally head to baggage claim and Phil says... Ok..  can you take them both and walk straight to Penny (our new friends who were meeting us here in Almaty)... I carry them both and we head out... and I see Penny!   It was like she was GOD!   :)  She could see the desperation on my face.  Thankfully Grace let her carry her and we went straight to the car.  Their driver was waiting.   Penny got us settled with their sweet driver and went back in for Phil.      I will write more later about Penny and Richard and how wonderful staying here has been.  It's been ABSOLULTY another God thing... you will get chill bumps reading about how God once again provided for us and these precious babies!   I will write all about this later.     We arrive at their BEAUTIFUL home here in Almaty @ about 1:30 am...  We went ahead and gave the girls another bath to try to calm them... (in CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER)... Here they are sitting on the bed after their bath and lotion!

I know my stories of the nightmare mere seconds before this are hard to believe... given the adorable sweet cuteness that this picture radiates!  :)     ... and with some back rubs from Mama and Papa and some kisses and pats...  they are asleep @ 2:30 am!     

... and that's the wonderful ending to the longest, yet most rewarding, fulfilling and exciting birthday of my life! 
Check back soon..   I will post more pictures and details.. this story is LONG from over!   We continue to see God's hand and wonderful provisions for our family and these precious babies!
Did I mention that I'm still in shock!   wow!   They are really with us!
We give YOU all the praise and glory Lord!!  YOU ARE SO FAITHFUL!!!  
gotta go.. they are up!   Bye for now!

March 9th, 2010 - Gotcha Day - Nauryz Party - PART 1

WOW! The day was incredible!     We are still in shock I think... but, none the less thrilled and excited! 
I think sharing about 50 (ha ha) pictures will tell the story of our day much better than I can write about it... :) 
Here's the day.... (it was a LONG LONG LONG day for us!!!) 

It started out with the staff picking us up at 8:30.   We were able to dig Svetlana's special gift out of the donation suitcases and give it to her. I made her a frame with pictures of all the families that I know that she has helped find their children. She was THRILLED and blown away by the gift! She sends her warmest regards and best wishes to all those families!

Here we are taking all the luggage (donations) into the babyhouse.  As you can see it took LOTS of help!  :) 

There was a special program @ 9:30 that focused on a couple of adorable twin girls!  :)  They were SO thrilled when we walked in...  :)   Here are some pictures of the program.  Yes, that's Faith in the cream dress... grinning at us from ear to ear... AWE!!

That's Grace with her fingers in her mouth.   She was VERY excited to sing and do the motions! 

That's Grace in the caregivers lap.  :)

We took pastries and goodies for the children.  We were able to give them out to the children after the program.   Phil had the camera and was supposed to take pictures of me handing the treats out..however, he took a video of it.   SO, we don't have pics of the kids eating their treats... but we have a video!  :)

The other children went back to their rooms and we took these pictures with the twins!

The lady in the midde below is the music director.   She was so kind to us for the entire MONTHS we've been coming to the babyhouse!   She got teary eyed as we were talking after the production and told us that the special (solo) that Faith and Grace sang was a song she wrote just for them to sing today for us!  Awe.. precious!  :)

After the show was over the caregivers and staff wanted us to give them the clothing we brought for the girls to leave in... and they wanted to dress them in them.  I was a little sad about this, but agreed.   I have LOTS of times to dress them in the future...so I just let it go.. :(    We then went to the offices to unpack and donate the things we had brought.    Here we are unpacking the donations.

The above picture was when we were completly finished.   We literally filled the entire room up with clothing and toys.  The staff was in SHOCK!   Word quickly spread throught the babyhouse and staff would appear at the door to look at all the stuff.   It was amazing.   The director and staff were in shock and said that they've NEVER had anyone donate so much stuff.  They were so thrilled and excited.   We smiled and said that we just wanted to bless this babyhouse and the children who weren't going home today.    They were very kind and appreciative.     If you donated items... thank you so so so so so very much!  
We were then able to go to a couple of different rooms and hand out trucks and babydolls.   I have to say this was my FAVORITE part.    These kids are precious and BEGGING for attention and love.   I don't think I have to say anything else... you can see it in the pictues.

As you can see in the above pictures.  The Nauryz party was a SUCCESS!  I do wish that we could have brought more food and actually seen them eating more of it.. but, we were able to give them the treats we brought after the celebration, and we left more with the director for the entire babyhouse.  

This is part 1 of our day... I will post more soon... We are doing good.    My goal is to try to get caught up on the blog this weekend.  We are in Almaty until Monday night late.   However, there are 2 precious bundles who are sleeping in this room right now that might have different plans for this tired Mama... and if they do...  oh well!  ;)    

I think I'm still in shock that they are WITH us forever!   I will write more about all that soon.. I have to get some sleep.. the nights are SHORT these days!  ha ha!  :) 

Paka for now... PLEASE keep praying for these sweet babies!  

... and I promise the next post is the break-out pictures and some we've taken since they've been with us!   Check back soon!!

March 8th! We saw them today!

(It's now Wed. morning.. I was not able to post this last night due to internet/computer problems.. but, trying again this morning at the hotel!)     I wrote all this yesterday:

We made it to Pavlodar last night... and had an appointment with Svetlana today @ 11am. Translator (Symbat) told us it was to get the paperwork and discuss the party, but I had this nervous feeling that I just couldn't shake.. LOL!! It's amazing the emotions and feelings we feel just being here in this country and in this apartment!

We attempted to sleep (attempted being the key) and then went to Krendal's for some breakfast before meeting with Svetlana @ 11 am. Breakfast was GREAT and we both commented and laughed that we'd missed Krendal's.. and some of our favorites here! (NEVER thought we'd say or think that! lol) We then met with Svetlana. We had a GREAT visit and it was incredible seeing her again. We really missed her and honestly were so glad to see her again. Everyone hugged and tried not to bawl!

We made BIG plans for the Nauryz party for tomorrow. It's going to be an incredible celebration. Bagdat and Svetlana have been discussing things and ideas and we are excited to experience it tomorrow. Svetlana gave us all the paperwork and adoption decrees etc. for the girls and we discussed the things we have to complete in Almaty. It is truly amazing having all this in our hands. A true testament of God's favor and GRACE! Wow!! Honestly, it all still seems so SO unreal!

We then asked about visiting the twins today and Svetlana arranged for us to go and visit them @ 4pm this afternoon.

Svetlana was so excited to hear about tomorrow being my birthday and insisted that she and I go and get our hair styled at her Salon!

Symbat went home... Phil went back to the apartment and Svetlana and I had a girls afternoon! It was a lot of fun... lots of laughs.. trying to communicate and just a fun time! I can now say I had my hair styled in Kazakhstan... I mean seriously, who else can say that? lol!!

A Svetlanas stylist was busy so I drew (ha ha) the young girl... She decided after shampooing my hair that I had plenty of natural curl and she went with that! :) I was hoping of a calmer look... with some curls like Svetlana's.. but, when you can't really communicate.. you get what you get!! She spent a lot of time on it... and WOW it's big! Phil hesitated when opening the apartment door.. lol!

Here are some pictures of our salon visit:


Here I am with my stylist!  :)  



Svetlana with her stylist!

Fun times at the salon in Kazakhstan!  :) 

So... we waited then for what felt like YEARS and finally 4 pm rolled around!   We were VERY excited...   
The caregivers really messed up our arrival.  (as you will see in the video below) they made the girls wait and wait and wait.    The caregivers also said that the girls 'knew' we were coming tonight.  We asked how and they said they had NO idea, but Grace said we were coming tonight.   :)  Isn't that interesting!     The caregivers said they have asked and talked about us daily!  awe... melt my heart! :) 
Here's the reunion video:

(Can't get it to load.. I am emailing it to my friend Starr.   Keep checking back here.. she will upload it soon! )  :)  Thanks Starr!

As you can see in the video they were VERY excited.. but, seemed in shock honestly.  (and my HUGE hair scared them.. lol!)  We then went into the back playroom to play.     They were in shock... it has been 46 days since we last visited them.  That's a LONG time when you are 3 1/2 years old.    They were happy and seemed to relax as the hour and a half progressed, but they both really had their guards up.  This breaks our hearts completly into...  it was just so obvious that they were thinking it wasn't for real and we were leaving them again.  Faith BAWLED and SOBBED when we left.   Grace acted like she really didn't care we were leaving.    It was heartbreaking.  We told them both that this was the last time we'd leave them, but it would be hard to believe given the things they've been through. 
Now.. don't get me wrong, I have NO doubt that we'll regain EVERY single step we made in bonding and skills in RECORD time.    We have no doubt that tomorrow will be the beginning of a wonderful life... and we are focusing on that.   You just can't help but be a little sadden that they've had to endure this one last bit of sadness... bless their little hearts!     
Tomorrow at this time we will be FLYING out of here WITH THEM!     Oh what a SWEET day it will be!  
Here are some pictues from today.   Symbat didn't take many.. and we were more interested in playing and hugging and kissing than pictures... SORRY!  ;)
But, we got a couple decent ones:

Grace snuggling in... I had to show her again, but she snuggled right in and just looked at me like wondering if I was really there... :(   YES!!!! Starting tomorrow for the rest of your life!  :)

This one is funny cause Papa ended up in the background.  We ended up right in front of Symbat and she snapped this one! 

I have to admit though that my heart is breaking into for the other babies here... you see I know that Faith and Grace are going to be OK.. I KNOW this!  They are going home with us tomorrow to a home and family of love and JESUS!     I only have a few hours left to give these other babies some love... so, I asked Symbat if she'd ask the caregivers if we could play with the entire group for the last 30 minutes or so.   The caregivers didn't mind.. I asked about taking pics so F and G would have some of their group and rooms.   They agreed... so I got to sit in the floor and HUG babies for 30 minutes.  TRULY an answer to my prayers.    The twins were jealous and I dealt with that the best I could.. but, kept telling myself that after tomorrow they will have me for the REST of their lives!  :)      These kids are BEGGING for love!   
Here are some pictures I wanted to share:  

That's Grace in the red shorts and Faith in the green shirt!  :)   Faith elbowed the little girl on my lap kissing me at one point and said, "NYET - - -- - -- - - - Mama!"    LOL!  Poor baby.. tomorrow starts the rest of our lives and YES it's for FOREVER!

Giving my Faith a little attention.   She was jealous.   Grace didn't show her jealously as much...

It's Wed. am here and I'm finishing this post up..   I have so much to say, but fear I will lose my computer (it's overheating BADLY) and then shuts down... and internet is off and on.. urg!
Internet will be fine in Almaty and hopefully I'll find the time to post frequently..  however, loving on two babies is my main goal!  :) 

Today is the beginnging of the rest of our lives together and the day I've waited and prayed and trusted God for for years!   Oh glorious day...
and it makes me cry thinking that my Jesus loved me enough to give it to me on my birthday.   I felt like that is just a little extra something from my Jesus.. my best friend!   A pat on the back and a hug of HUGE portions...  :)    Makes my heart swell and isn't it just like HIM to make us feel so very special!  
Wow... what an amazingly awesome and personal God we serve! 

Staff is picking us up in an hour and a half.. (8:30 am) to have the party and get the girls!!! WAHOO!!
Our flight back to Almaty is at 11:10pm tonight..
I will post pics from today asap...
PLEASE keep praying for us and the girls.. and the party today....  Pray God pours out his sweet spirit on that babyhouse and staff....    I can't wait to feel his pressence in there!   

We are Kazak bond!!!

We found out last Thursday that we can come and pick up Faith and Grace!!  We are so thrilled.
Things have been falling into place day by day and we are in AWE of the Lord... 
I know I've said it a million and ten times on this blog... but, God so provides if you TRUST him... even when it looks so bleak!!!

Wow...  goose bumps just writing that out..  What an awesome God we serve!!
It's 12:42 am on Thursday night.. we leave on Sat. @ 12:04 pm!!!   YES, we are excited!!

I am most definitely nesting... ha ha!!!
I just scrubbed our kitchen floor and am now waiting on it to dry... so I decided this was a good time to post some info and news on the blog!!! 

I have lots of various things to share... so stick with me while I ramble!!! 

First I want to post some pictures of Faith and Grace's room:  (finally.. sorry that it's taken me so long to get them on here!)

This is the scripture that the Lord gave us when we were praying about their names! This scripture is why they are named "Faith and Grace!"

You can't really see the details on the walls, but I added dashes showing where the butterfly were flying.  Grace looked at this picture and told Symbat that she's going to cook something yummy at that stove!  (Amazing language skills!!!)   

You also can't see the details on the squares either... but, there are dashes around those making them look like quilt blocks.. matching the comforter!  When we showed the twins the pictures...  they  were already fighting (in Russian) about who gets the top bunk!  :)

We are on the countdown until our babies are in this room in REAL life... oh what a joyous day it will be!!  :) 

The next bit of amazing news...  I've posted about it on Facebook, but not on the blog yet... sorry about that!
We were contacted by an amazing organization about throwing a Nauryz Party at the babyhouse in Pavlodar.   Nauryz is a national holiday in Kazakhstan on March 22nd and they celebrate the end of winter, new beginnings and abundance.      The organization who contacted us is Two Hearts for Hope.   Most of my readers are familiar and support Two Hearts For Hope, but everyone doesn't... so if you aren't familiar with them.  I encourage you to click here and visit their website!   They are doing some amazing things for the orphans in Kazakhstan and we are honored to get to be apart of their wonderful mission.  
We are looking forward to partnering with Two Hearts for Hope in the future and working together to bring hope and love to those babies who are still waiting!  :)   
So.. Stacy and Kim contacted us from Two Hearts and asked if we'd be willing to throw a HUGE Nauryz party at the babyhouse when we pick up Faith and Grace. 

I just have to share what an amazing answer to prayer this was for us.   I had felt in my heart for weeks that we had to do something big... that we had to 'show' those babies, the workers, the staff Jesus.. We had to somehow.. someway SHINE for him!!    This is EXACTLY what I had been asking God to help us do... I wanted to throw a HUGE party... and get to take FOOD to those babies.      Two Hearts gave us $450 to throw that party! 
We have it set up with the babyhouse director through our lawyer and it's going to be an amazing day!!!

As most of you remember I asked for donations of clothing and toys to take back to the babyhouse with us... 
We have had LOTS of donations...   We are SO excited to take all these suitcases and give these toys and clothing to the babyhouse. 
My mom and I have worked several different times on packing these.
Here's a breakdown of what all we are taking!!!    

- OVER 1,000 pieces of clothing!!!!
(This includes the following items from birth - 3T:  onsies, sleepers, shirts, pants, outfits, overalls, dresses, tights, underwear, panties, snow suits, jackets, socks, blankets, etc)

- The following toys:
(wooden train set, Mr. Potato head, shape sorters, pop-up toys, mega blocks, stackable cups, wooden beads and lace sets, jack-n-the-box, trucks, balls, recorders, toy animals, jump ropes, bubbles, yo-yo's, stunt gliders, planes, crayons, activity books, chalk, dress up clothes and jewelry, baby books, baby teethers, baby rattles, coloring books, colored pencils, tractors, babydolls etc)

You get the general idea...  The donations are OVERWHELMING!!!
Here are some pictures:

Isn't that just like the Lord.. amazing .. truly amazing!     We found out that it will cost us $200 per suitcase extra for the extra bags.   This is ONLY to get to Almaty... then we'll have extra baggage overages with the Air Astana flights as well.    We said.. ok Lord a few days ago.. and you know what... God has provided.   Today alone I was handed $1,400 for baggage overages!!!  God is SO faithful and amazingly awesome!! 

My heart is overwhelmed with his goodness and mercy!  

The Lord has once again provided for us financially... I am in awe and so humbled as I sit here paying our bills and about to embark on another journey around the world.    We are so blessed!!!

Let me just tell you that there is NO way we could have done this without the Lord.   His plan and amazing provisions are beyond anything we could have ever even dreamed!   

CLING to his promises... they WILL come true!!!!

I have had lots of friends and family ask about coming to the airport next week when we return.   This is my response.  We are not asking anyone to NOT come.   If you would like to be there and join us in celebrating our AMAZING savior.. then PLEASE come!   We know that it will most likely be overwhelming for the twins... however, we feel it will be ok!   

YOU are invited to join us... if you would like to be there! 

We know that everyone will be courteous to our immediate family and allow us to have a few moments of snot slinging, hugs and introductions before everyone else comes forward!     

We have NO doubt that everyone will have Faith and Grace's best interest in mind...  :)  

Whew... just typing that all out makes my stomach roll and my hands sweat and shake...  I wonder if I will be able to stand... it's like that moment will be the completion of 3+ years of TRUSTING God!!   Tears now...  wow... I can not imagine the emotions and the amazingly sweet presence of our Jesus that we will feel!     Our Lord is SO faithful and good and just!

Next topic.. we've had lots of you ask about specifics of travel, etc..

Here's the details:

March 5th - Leave OKC @ 12:04 pm

OKC to Washington

Washingto to Frankfort

Frankfor to Almaty, Kazakhstan

Arrive in Almaty on March 7th  (12 hour lay over)

Leave Almaty on March 7th @ noon

Almaty to Astana

Astana to Pavlodar.   Arrive in Pavlodar March 7th @ 5:45 pm.

Arrive at our second home!  :)  

March 8th - Visit Faith and Grace (hopefully) and get things ready to the BIG party the next day!

March 9th -   THE BIG DAY!!!

(Oh..and just so you know.. March 9th is MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!  Isn't that amazing?  Out of 365 days in a year.. it's on my b-day.. Just like the Lord!) 

We then have the Party - Lanetta's b-day.... Faith and Grace busting out - and Nauryz Celebration for the kiddos in their babyhouse! 

Wow... what an amazing day it will be!!!

We then leave Pavlodar on March 9th @ 11:00 PM

Arrive in Almaty @ 1:00 am on March 10th.

We have to have 3 business days in Almaty... so we have the 10th, 11th.. then have the weekend and then the 14th...  We leave Almaty for home @ 4 am on the 15th.    Almaty to Frankfort, Frankfort to Chicago and Chicago to OKC... arriving in OKC @ 7:34 pm!!!!   

whew... makes me tired typing all that out.. ha ha!!!

Ok.. I have to share this then I've got to get back at the house cleaning... (it's 1:43 am.. and yes, I'm working tomorrow!)

Anyway...  most of you remember when we were trying to get home at Christmas time.. and we were delayed and canceled and stalled.   It took us 70+ hours to get home... remember?

Well... God works in ALL things.. and if it had not been for those delays, we would have missed his PERFECT plan.   We met a lady also traveling from Almaty - she also happened to be from Oklahoma as well.. .AMAZING! 

She and her husband live in Almaty and we quickly became friends.   They are amazing people and have insisted that we stay with them in their home.    They have other (English speaking) friends who happen to have 6 year old twin daughters and they have already brought toys, clothings, etc. to their home preparing for us to stay with them.    They have friends who I've been emailing who are SO SO SO sweet.  They are ready with their drivers, translators and kids for playing, sight seeing, etc....   They are SO kind and willing and want to help us!

We are SO humbled by all this... this saves us from days in a hotel room with 2 girls who have never left the babyhouse before.   We will have toys and a home and lots of HELP!   We are SO thrilled and excited to spend some time with our generous and amazing new friends!

So.. the moral of the story is this:  REGARDLESS of how things look.... you see we REALLY wanted to get home quicker back in Dec....  but, God had a plan.. and even though I knew that and wondered... it was NOT my choice to be delayed.. but, it was the best thing for us...

so... regardless of what you are facing.. and it might look like God is NOT rescuing you... keep in mind that HE KNOWS BEST.. and when you think he's not there and not working... OH, my sweet friends... HE IS!!!!  

I am just overwhelmed with emotions... 

Please pray for us and for Faith and Grace.... there are some serious issues that we need prayer for...  PLEASE join us in covering those babies with prayer!  

This will most likely be the last post before we hit the air... so I will post as soon as I can when we are there and have news!!!

Thanks for reading and for the love, support and prayers!!!  

YOU are such a blessing to us! 

Keep holding on to Jesus.. and know that HE IS MOVING even when you don't see or hear him.. he's right there!!!  :)  

Blessings... and HUGS!