This is a record of our journey to bring home an orphaned boy from Eastern Europe who happens to have Down Syndrome, and everything that happens along that winding road.
Gretchen, Don't feel bad that you are coming home sooner than planned. God will provide for every need even when you are home. Be blessed friend and hold on knowing that many people are praying you home. {{{HUGS}}}
May God provide you strength and joy in every moment.
I'm so sad that we've been so close, yet haven't ever met. We returned to St Pete on Saturday night from Moscow--also on the Sapsan (bullet train). It is just amazing to me to see photos of you going the same way.
Another weird thing- I was at Artek Pioneer camp near Yalta in 1989. Not for a peace protest, but a Youth Ambassadors of America exchange. Is that where you were?
Lyuda's apartment is truly the most shocking thing I've ever seen in Russia. And her behavior is very typical of Russian grandmothers. Some of my friends who have Russian mother-in-laws deal with those same issues every time they're together. This is a minor setback, but don't forget that what you have taught has not been wiped clean. Even if Ian regresses, he still remembers!
One final note-I pray that you would not dread the flight. I have never traveled with an adopted child, never with a special needs child. But many times over our 13 years in Russia I have DREADED the trip. I have been 8 months pregnant and traveling with a 2-year-old. I have traveled with my three kids and no husband. And dreading it truly makes it worse. It makes the anticipation worse, as every situation before (and at the beginning of) the trip feels worse. I know I usually think, "If this is so hard now, what will it be like in the airplane... after 20 hours without sleep..." etc.
May I remind you of what you probably already know? Meditate on scripture that speaks to your heart. And every time you start dreading the trip, start reciting, or singing, the truth of God. Out loud!
He will sustain you, He can give you strength and joy, even when you are broken and weak. He will be with you, always.
There is no place like home!!! I would be coming home early also, don't feel bad and get that plane ride over with so you can finally get some rest and Ian can start adjusting to his new home! I have you in my prayers my awesome friend!!! Bring HOPE HOME!!!!!
Can you get some natural Melatonin for Ian? That may help the plane ride. That's the only way my cousin and his wife travel with their son who has autism (so he sleeps better on the flight--and they try to do late flights too). I'd probably be going home early too!
Do not call it giving up, failing, or falling short - you are doing what is best for your family. Period. Yes, there's a financial implication, but that is not the measuring stick for success. I have loved reading Ian's story and watching him blossom in your care. God bless your journey home.
Melatonin, Benadryl? I'm not a drug your kid mom but..... Just try it before you are on the plane. Sometimes it has the opposite effect and you need to know that! I'll be praying for you.
i 3rd what jennifer (and heather) said. =) it will be so worth it to be home and to have your family all together. travel with HOPE in your heart. know many are praying for you. remember the Lord is your strength and He is ALWAYS with you.
Hang in there girl! I would come home early too. It is HARD being by yourself for that long and taking care of Ian by yourself! You have done an amazing job! I will rejoyce with you when you arrive in U.S. Long flight but I am all for the sedation too. LOL Do what you need to do to get home and stay sane! Nina
When I adopted my daughter in Romania 20 years ago I was in the same situation. I paid the $500 and probably would have paid more! At a certain point the need to get home is most important. All the expenses at home will work out.
Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad that you are coming home sooner than planned. God will provide for every need even when you are home. Be blessed friend and hold on knowing that many people are praying you home. {{{HUGS}}}
~Amy
May God provide you strength and joy in every moment.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad that we've been so close, yet haven't ever met. We returned to St Pete on Saturday night from Moscow--also on the Sapsan (bullet train). It is just amazing to me to see photos of you going the same way.
Another weird thing- I was at Artek Pioneer camp near Yalta in 1989. Not for a peace protest, but a Youth Ambassadors of America exchange. Is that where you were?
Lyuda's apartment is truly the most shocking thing I've ever seen in Russia. And her behavior is very typical of Russian grandmothers. Some of my friends who have Russian mother-in-laws deal with those same issues every time they're together. This is a minor setback, but don't forget that what you have taught has not been wiped clean. Even if Ian regresses, he still remembers!
One final note-I pray that you would not dread the flight. I have never traveled with an adopted child, never with a special needs child. But many times over our 13 years in Russia I have DREADED the trip. I have been 8 months pregnant and traveling with a 2-year-old. I have traveled with my three kids and no husband. And dreading it truly makes it worse. It makes the anticipation worse, as every situation before (and at the beginning of) the trip feels worse. I know I usually think, "If this is so hard now, what will it be like in the airplane... after 20 hours without sleep..." etc.
May I remind you of what you probably already know? Meditate on scripture that speaks to your heart. And every time you start dreading the trip, start reciting, or singing, the truth of God. Out loud!
He will sustain you, He can give you strength and joy, even when you are broken and weak. He will be with you, always.
There is no place like home!!! I would be coming home early also, don't feel bad and get that plane ride over with so you can finally get some rest and Ian can start adjusting to his new home! I have you in my prayers my awesome friend!!! Bring HOPE HOME!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCan you get some natural Melatonin for Ian? That may help the plane ride. That's the only way my cousin and his wife travel with their son who has autism (so he sleeps better on the flight--and they try to do late flights too). I'd probably be going home early too!
ReplyDeleteGood luck and prayers!
Mary
Do not call it giving up, failing, or falling short - you are doing what is best for your family. Period. Yes, there's a financial implication, but that is not the measuring stick for success. I have loved reading Ian's story and watching him blossom in your care. God bless your journey home.
ReplyDeleteMelatonin, Benadryl? I'm not a drug your kid mom but..... Just try it before you are on the plane. Sometimes it has the opposite effect and you need to know that! I'll be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteYA! What Jennifer said!!
ReplyDeletei 3rd what jennifer (and heather) said. =) it will be so worth it to be home and to have your family all together. travel with HOPE in your heart. know many are praying for you. remember the Lord is your strength and He is ALWAYS with you.
ReplyDeleteHang in there girl! I would come home early too. It is HARD being by yourself for that long and taking care of Ian by yourself! You have done an amazing job! I will rejoyce with you when you arrive in U.S. Long flight but I am all for the sedation too. LOL Do what you need to do to get home and stay sane!
ReplyDeleteNina
When I adopted my daughter in Romania 20 years ago I was in the same situation. I paid the $500 and probably would have paid more! At a certain point the need to get home is most important. All the expenses at home will work out.
ReplyDelete