90 Days Before I Leave!!!!!!!!!!

Well - I said I wouldn't start a countdown until it hit the double digits -- well here I am!!!!!!!!! My plan is to leave on the 23 or 24th - and my appointment is on the 27th -- so 94 days until that appointment! OH people - I am going to need prayers on the 27th especially. (feel free to pray before then - but especially on the 27th). The director is a mean lady and hates Americans.

But, I digress. So, what has happened since August when I last wrote. So much. I am hating on the job. It is too high stress, long hours, interesting projects to say the least...Managing egos is a full time job there. Anyway, 90 days..........

So, what is happening? Britney had her baby! The world is complete now. (just kidding)

I went to Ukraine Sept 2 - 11. I fell in love with the country and the people. And, the kids in the orphanages. I went to 4 orphanages while there. OY! There are too many kids that need homes. I went to a baby orphanage in Donestk (near Russian border) - be still my heart. There were some of the most beautiful children there. All calling me "mama" --- of course I would love to be mama to any of them. It was also heartbreaking to see some of the kids that were sick and unhealthy. Just very sad.

I got to visit 3 orphanages in Kiev that I work with and meet the people I interact with daily. They are such awesome people. So giving. Yet, they have nothing. Needless to say, there was a 3 year old girl in one of the orphanages that I fell in love with. She was so shy - then attached to me quickly. OHHHHH - I can't get her out of my head. I have her photo but am scared to view it. It depresses me. You see, this child had red hair. Which is an oddity in Ukraine. (and a national geographic fact for you ---- only 4% of the worlds population has red hair)..... I know I have told you people how much I want a red headed child......... It kills me. And, no - I can't just go get her. (or she would be here now!) She was found on the streets looking for food - at age 3 - they found relatives who did not want her --- so she will be in orphanage. Why does God allow some people to reproduce? This baby was searching trash cans for food.

The orphanage I work with takes in kids found on the streets of Kiev. They do amazing things with these kids. They are teaching them English, how to succeed in life, and trying their best to teach them how to be loved. At the older kids orphanage - I met so many kids who just wanted a family. Some of them told me their stories - to which I cried. But, they comforted me - and kept saying it was OK. They were happy now. They would love a family - but are so happy to be off the streets. These are kids as young as 3 and old as 13. I met one girl whose parents prostituted her at 4 - then at 6 got to old and used and turned her to the streets. Another girl talked about having to sleep with grown men just for food at age 7 - 9. We have such a sick world. This girl was an artist and she showed me some of her paintings - but I couldn't buy them. She said they were her heart and soul. Those kids taught me a valuable lesson. They are happy with nothing. They live day to day - and if needs are provided for a day --- they could ask for nothing more. I realized how we all get caught up in stuff. And, how selfish I sometimes am. Worried about petty things.

The Ukraine system is so broken. I went to another orphanage that is labeled as "retarded kids" - but these kids were not retarded. They had typical delays from not having love, attention, nurturing and proper education - but they were not retarded. They were just typical kids. All 120 kids at the orphanage were adoptable, but because the orphanage is labeled as such, no one will go adopt there. Most of the kids are older there. My friend Bogdan (who is the most incredible person I have ever met) works as the director of this orphanage. He is such a champion for these kids. God bless him is all I can say.

By the way, this orphanage has never had a Christmas party - and I want more than anything to give them one this year. I am donating money - but can't foot it all. Is anyone willing to help? I estimate it will cost $500 --- for a small gift and treats and decorations. If you are able to help - email me and let me know.

I got to witness the adoption experience first hand. I got to grow me some patience. I did pretty good this visit. But, that sitting around waiting is crap! And, it was like 90+ degrees and miserable. No ACs anywhere. At night it cooled down. (too hot won't be my problem in December) But, there were times we'd have to sit outside on the curb (literally) for hours and wait for someone to sign a piece of paper.

Anyway, I am ready to go tomorrow. But, I will wait my 90 days!

I was hoping to take Russian lessons - but the class got cancelled. Then, I tried to do private lessons - but Russian is rare (so they tell me) and they wanted $100 per lesson. Never mind I took Spanish for $25 per lesson. SO, I guess I will have to resort to the CDs I bought.

That's it for this update. I am just doing my update and hoping for rain from Rita.

Jennifer

August - One Month Closer

Well, a lot has been going on in casa-Hanks. Another month down, 5 more to go. (I did say I wouldn't do this didn't I?)

First and foremost, my friend in Atlanta found the most adorable 3 year old girl - she is beautiful! I am so happy for her. I also get the privilege of going with her in September to pick her up. In Ukraine, they have a law that no child can be released to adoptive parents for 30 days. But most times, the judges will waive the 30 days. This one did not -- so she had to come home without the child and go back. I am excited and nervous to go. But, bought my ticket so off I go. So, the 8 weeks of hell in Ukraine turned out to be worth it. And expensive. Anyone willing to donate to the adoption fund? : )

Next, I haven't had to travel for work in a few months! YEA! However so much has gone on and taken lots of time off....going back to work was hard. But, que sera! I get to stay in town, but have to drive an hour and 15 minutes to work - unless I leave at 6:30am/pm.

What else....Well, I had the rare privilege of visiting a group home for kids here in Dallas in July. Let's just say --- I cried when I got home. Actually, I sobbed in my car outside the children's home. You see - approximately 4 to 5 miles from my house, there are about 40 kids that need homes (aged 0 to 11). I don't know how long some of those kids have been there - but they have been abused and neglected. It kills me so much when I think about this. I am going 6,000 miles from my home to get a child, when there are so many close to home. I saw some toddlers I would take in a heartbeat. Many have asked "Why aren't you adopting kids here - so many kids here need a home" - I just want to scream "PEOPLE - FOR THE LAST TIME - I KNOW THAT. Before you ask a STUPID/ JUDGING question like that - do your research". For all of you fortunate enough to be able to have your own kids and never have to delve into the adoption world -- let me tell you -- 1) it is not easy, 2) be on your knees thanking God you were blessed with fertility. CPS is the biggest joke. And, lots of times the parents come back for the kids, and 9 times out of 10 -- a judge will award the kids to their biological parents. Even though their parental rights were terminated - mainly abuse, drugs, neglect. CPS steers you toward "fostering" - so you will take the kids in and they can rip them away in 1 to 2 years. And, as a single, they are very willing to offer me an older child with AIDS, severe emotional/physical challenges -- i.e. the kids that need most attention. Let me just say, if you are interested in how the process works - go to http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/ I made it very easy for you - just research all you like.

I have told limited people about my adoption. If you are getting this blog, it is not for you to share. I did not forget to send to anyone - I sent only to those I intended to see. The predictability in Ukraine is nonexistent - and the possibility of coming home without a child happens. I pray daily it does not happen to me --- but it could. Would I be devastated if that were to happen? YES. Would I be angry? YES. Then, the last thing I need is everyone feeling sorry for me. Hence, the limited list of those who were sent this site. The details of my adoption are private and for a few select people to view.

Oh - and while in Ukraine in September - I get to meet my facilitator - Vlad. Got lots to say to him. And, I get to meet three people - Bogdan, Kristina and Alla -- as I work with them on a daily basis for Life 2 Orphans. They are the Ukraine contacts for the 1 orphanage and 2 college programs I manage from the US. I am very excited. I can go meet everyone without the stress of the adoption. I will also be taking all my updated paperwork to Vlad - as since my appointment is a year late - I had to redo all the paperwork. You guessed - double the cost!

What else???? Oh - the employer gave all the managers Treos. You know those handy gadgets - all in one - includes a quad-band phone, keyboard, camcorder, digital camera, MP3 player, radio, etc - I thought my little quad-band Nokia with keyboad, camera was awesome. Can't wait to get mine - it is on order. How cool will this little device be in Ukraine? A camcorder the size of a cell phone??? What an awesome perk!!!!

Ok - that might be the August update. I am still healing from surgery. Silly me, I thought it would only take a couple of weeks - here I am 5 weeks out and still sore and in pain. I thought when they removed organs there was nothing to be in pain anymore.......I guess I thought wrong.

Anyways - Happy August to you all. Please keep me and my adoption in your prayers and that there is a healthy little girl under 3 just waiting for me to pick her up on December 27.

Jennifer

July -- 6 Months to Go! (woohoo)

OK - it is mid-July. Not much has really happened.....well. First off, I have been off work since June 10 -- and loved most every minute of it. I had to go to training for 3 days in Colorado Springs in late June, and 3 days in Dallas --- but other than that, just been hanging. I go back to work (actual work) tomorrow. Gonna be busy catching up. I was in office last Friday and my to do list was a mile long....guess I will spend the next month catching up.

I had surgery on July 1. That was not fun. The healing part has been longer and harder than I thought. Mommy Dearest came to stay with me for a few days. That was so much fun. This woman who takes 2 naps a day wants to go to Ukriane with me.....she better start weaning herself of those naps and get some pep! Needless to say, 4th of July was uneventful for me.

No adoption news. Have a friend in Ukraine right now and after 4 weeks, she does not have a referral for a child. This is not good and not encouraging to me. They showed her very unhealthy kids. (I will leave it at that) It has been such a strain on her. She has her last appointment tomorrow -- we are hoping it goes well. It is such a scary thing. Sometimes I ask myself "why are you doing this". Probably one of the most stressful and emotional things I have ever done. One reason so many problems right now is the restructuring. Maybe it will be better by December when I am there. I did hear from my facilitator that on December 30 everything will shut down for 2 weeks in Ukriane. SO, I will have to find something to do or just wait around. My appointment is Dec. 27 --- so who knows what will happen.

I checked on direct flights to other European cities from Kiev and there are plenty - as well as some African cities. So, since mother has never been outside the good ole USA --- I am thinking we will venture out to see some of Europe. Our choices will be Athens, Greece; Riga, Latvia; Sofia, Bulgaria; Stockholm, Sweden; and Warsaw, Poland. If Linda will relax a little -- I will try to get her to Tripoli, Libiya or Cairo, Egypt. We will see.........

We will be leaving for Ukraine on December 24.....may or may not hang out in London for a day. Haven't decided yet. If we are having so much down time --- may just cirlce back and go later.

Oh yeah -- my house did not sell. The buyers backed out because I would not vacate in 9 days. There was no way I could because of the trip to Colorado Springs and surgery. So, they wanted to take possession by July 1 -- there was no way for me to do that. I have thought about doing some remodeling on the house and keeping it if it does not sell by late July/early August.

Well, that is the July update. Maybe August will be more interesting. Please keep me in your prayers and my adoption. I firmly believe that is what it will take to bring home a healthy toddler girl!

Jennifer

Jennifer at the Taj Mahal - Agra, India 

St. John USVI

Lazy Days of June

Not much is happening in June....well, I am sitting around waiting on the people who submitted an offer on my house to decide if they like the counter-offer. I am guessing since it has been 3 days, they don't much like it. I love my house, and it pains me to sell it --- but I need more room. What - with all my stuff, a dog and a kid. I need my space! : ) Anyway, my realtor decided to do an "open house" today, but nobody showed up. He forgot it was Father's day. Oh well....

As you all can see I am trying to play with this blog thing to learn how to post pictures. I posted one I took this week in St. John, and one from India in January. Do you all want to hear again how awesome India is? What a cool place. If you ever get the chance to go -- GO. You will never forget the place. It has been months since I have been back -- and I miss it at times. Don't get me wrong, it had it's moments. The poverty wore on me quick. I have never in my entire life experienced something so life changing. I have never seen poverty or such horrible social injustices any where else in the world.

I actually took 7 days off of work. That is a first in a long time! But, I got the ole use it or lose it memo (vacation days) -- and they decided I could not carry it over to the next year (that being the work year - so as of 9/30) I still have 5 more days to use before then, so I guess I will just have to plan on going somewhere cool. On my list --- Thailand. I hope I can find an airfare cheap enough to go -- as I was heartbroken at not being able to go in May because of the wreck.

Speaking of which, I am on the mend. Had an MRI (I will get back to that in a minute) and it came out all clear. I will still be having surgery on July 1 (just in time to ruin my 4th of July weekend)....Wish someone would have told me about the MRI -- oh my gosh -- I cried like a baby. The guy thought they'd have to restrain me -- I kept hitting the panic button telling the guy the table was moving in closer and was about to have my head in the tube --- he kept telling me the table was not moving...whatever. I am way clausterphobic.

I went to St. John for a week this past week. Found a cheap airfare, used hotel points, and got myself a cheap vacation and a sunburn from hell. I did nothing but go from my room to the beach every day. It was nice, but now back to reality.

While I was gone, a lot happened in Ukraine. Since they got a new President in January, he is making a lot of changes. So, as of June 15, they will not accept dossiers (paperwork to request a child) for 2 months. I am told this will not affect me since I have been approved and have a date. But, Ukraine (UA) is trying to make things better for the orphans -- and they think a "foster care system" like the US will be great. (is anyone laughing yet?) One thing they are tossing around is for people who take kids in UA (adopt them) they will give them a monthly payment for their care.....great. We all know how this works, the people take the money and don't care for the kids. Especially in a country where the average annual per capita is the equivalent of $2460. Also, children will now be offered to UA families first -- not a big change there. There seems to be a stigma that the kids in the orphanges are "untouchables" of sorts. Anyway, the goal of the new system is to keep as many kids in UA as possible before they are offered to foreigners. Ho-hum --- let's see how much this changes before I actually go in December. Provided that does not change.

My friend Stacey Parker left today (she lives in Atlanta) for UA. She is hoping to adopt a toddler girl. Her appointment is on June 22. We have been counting down the days since she got her notice in late January. For those of you who pray, if you can say a little prayer for her on Tuesday night -- that would be awesome.

On a much more side note, I just slammed my ankle into the side of my desk and am in excrutiating pain. So, I will stop here now. I won't even bore you with the countdown number of days until it is at least double digits! : )
Happy Fourth of July to all.

Appointment Date is Known

Well, today I am starting a blog for my adoption to find my daughter. I received my appointment date on May 19 via FedEx from Ukraine. That date is December 27, 2005. Not exactly the July to September date I asked for --- but I am dealing with many unknowns. I am very blessed to at least have a date as many people are still awaiting dates and submitted their paperwork months before me.

All of my paperwork expires (how is this for timing --- December 27, 2005)! I was looking at my submitted dossier today and saw that -- then cracked up laughing. What an interesting occurrence?

For those of you wondering, I have requested a 1 to 3 year old girl. But that is very hard to find in Ukraine. Seems everyone is looking for that age and gender. For some reason, there is 1 girl for every 4 boys. Why does no one want the boys??? I ask myself that all the time -- it seems sad. I am just as guilty. I don't want a boy, as I am single, and I think it would be too hard to raise a boy without a constant male role model in his life. Plus, my heart's desire is a little girl.

Another thing, I have sent a letter to the NAC (Ukraine National Adoption Center) and pleaded for an earlier date so that I do not have to re-do all the paperwork. The cost is roughly $2000 --- but my little princess will be worth it if I have to re-do.

My house has been on the market for 6 weeks now, and I have had 3 offers. None that we could settle on. So, I at least have time to get settled in a new house before Princess arrives. Hopefully the house will sell soon enough. I have located several houses I like. 3 in Plano and 2 in Firewheel. We'll see how it all turns out once I sell the house.

I am slowly getting over the May 6 car accident. For those who do not know, I was coming home from the airport in my car service, minding my own business in the back seat (not wearing a seat belt) when we were side-swiped and rear-ended. Won myself a trip to the ER. I broke the passenger side window with my head (concussion), crashed on my butt (slightly fractured tailbone), and messed up my mouth pretty bad. Still limping a little, have a permanent dent in my butt, have bad headaches; but am functioning. I am now a proponent of back-seat belts. EVERYONE --- WEAR THEM!

In the meantime, to keep myself busy (as if the job doesn't busy me enough), last October I became involved with Life 2 Orphans (L2O). It is an organization that was started by some women who adopted children from Ukraine and saw firsthand the horrible conditions in which they live. I am the coordinator for all vocational programs. These programs help to support children once they leave orphanages. Currently, they are released at 16 -- to the streets unless some kind souls choose to help them find a job or get educational training. L2O also helps kids within the orphanages. We seek sponsors to send care packages to kids so that they will have a little light in their lives. It makes such a huge difference. I pray every day that I find my child at one of the orphanages we happen to support - because at the baby orphanages we have programs for feeding the children. Rather than me rewriting what we do --- take a look at Life2Orphans.org. We are growing by leaps and bounds. If anyone wants to help out -- let me know.

I will try not bore everyone over the next 7 months, but will periodically update to let everyone know how things are progressing. I decided to make the blog in pink, to represent my search for a little girl. My main facilitator's name is Vlad. From what I hear, he is the best. So far, he has proven himself from what he can control. Let's hope he delivers in December.

I will update periodically until I get ready to leave for Ukraine. Then, I will try to update daily or as often as I can while in Ukraine. It will be below zero freezing weather, what else will I do?

With that, I will sign out!

Jennifer