Room

Jen: I thought this poem was fitting as you wait to get your darling daughter. Love, Mom

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.

You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seams.

I know you wonder where I am ... what's taking me so long.

But remember child I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let me touch your skin.

Because today as always I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.

I promise you, my daughter I'm doing all I can do.

Very soon you'll have a family for real and not just pretend.

But for today as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.

Let the Angels bring the kisses that I send to you each day and night.

Falling Into Place....

Things are beginning to work themselves out and fall into place. Dylan and I went to Los Angeles today to get a couple more documents taken care of for Victoria’s citizenship and immigration. I do not think I will have to go back, thank goodness. I think in the last week and a half I have been 5 times. Los Angeles is not one of my favorite places, especially considering my issues with being directionally challenged. I have requested to be off of work until the 26th of May. For adoptions, my work offers 4 weeks of paid leave using my accumulated sick time; thank goodness I have lots of sick time. It will be nice to have the extra time off work when I return to help Victoria get used to her new surroundings.

Finally got the plane flights booked. We will be leaving LAX on April 14th at 12:10 am and arrive in Korea on the 15th at 4:55 am (confusing because of the different time zones and flying over the International Date Line). We leave Korea at 11:30 am on the 15th and arrive in Vladivostok, Russia at 3:50 pm on the 15th. The journey there consists of 21 hours and 40 minutes of travel time. That includes a 6 hour and 35 minute layover in Korea. We had a layover last time in Korea and it is a great airport to be in, if you have to be in one for a long period of time. The airport is huge, very modern, they like our money, and they have Diet Coke. What else can I ask for?! But, I do know from my experience last time, nothing is open at 4:55 am. We will figure out where we need to be and sit. So, just a little over 15 hours flying time, if I did my math correct. This time our luggage will go all the way through, I think? Last time that was not the case due to two different carriers. On the 16th we will be taken to the orphanage to finally see Victoria again! The 17th is court! Ugh! Mom found an internet site that gave a list of questions that might be asked in court. I will review this while traveling, as I know sleep won’t come easy for me.

I will be away from Dylan for the longest we have ever been apart. The most we have been away from each other is 6 days, and that was my last trip to Russia in September. I really am not even sure how many days I will be gone this time and am not ready to really think about that. It will be a long time though. He will be fine, I do know this. I will miss him as a mother should, I suppose.

Yesterday was a day for furniture rearranging and making her room look more like a bedroom instead of a spare room. Grandma Vicki has been busy making a canopy and decorating letters that spell her name, to be placed above her closet. Gordon and mom filled holes in the wall from shelf removal, painted some, hung stuff and so forth. Dylan and I hid in my room, trying to get the computer back together that was moved from Victoria’s room into my room. Karen was supposed to come, but that plan was cancelled at the last minute (you just have to ask her about that one! Haha). I am posting a few pics of her room thus far.

I am reminded often of what an amazing family I have. I truly appreciate the support of everyone, especially my parents, all of my parents; Dad, Jan, Mom and Gordon. Not only are we blessed to have Victoria join our family, but she is blessed to become part of such a great family!

The Call!!!!

I am happy to be writing this and letting you all know the time has finally come!!! I got “The Call”, yesterday at 7:25 am, with the news of, “We have a court date for you!” Wow! Have I been waiting for that call or what? On my birthday, which was the 18th, I received an e-mail from the adoption agency……

Hello Jennifer
I was just informed that your documents were submitted to the court. Hopefully we'll soon know which judge is assigned to your case. Then the judge will review the documents (normally takes them a week) and let Irina know if anything else is needed. Good news……
Thanks
Pam

I met a wonderful couple on my first trip to Russia, Steve and Sharon. They are currently in Russia right now, finalizing the adoption of their daughter Victoria. We have kept in touch and they recently shared with me their timeline as to when they had docs completed, submitted to court, and notification of court date. I knew I would hear any day now, but I still had the concern that when the judge reviewed the info., maybe something else was needed…..can’t imagine what else unless they decide to request a limb!!!! Seriously!!!

I e-mailed Pam on Thursday (26th) with the question of “Any news?”

Her reply was, “No, sorry. I will call you when I hear something.” =(

At that point I thought, well maybe next week….BUT the very next morning the phone rang, YES!!!! The call….”Jennifer, did I wake you?” …who cares if she did….HELLO!!! Ok seriously, no small talk! Not soon enough Pam says, “We have a court date for you!”

Wow! Immediately I am frantic trying to find a pen and well just frantic! I took down some information, asked a few questions, got off the phone and tried to get Dylan moving for school because he was still just standing there in his underwear very excited too and was already late! Made a few calls to family, got Dylan to school, got back home and Pam called again…details and stuff! I had to get out the door because I was now late! Got to work and at the start of first period one of my female students says to me, “Ms. Elbe, I am not used to seeing you without make-up.” Lol, yep, I ran out of the house without make-up and about ten minutes later it dawned on me that I forgot to BRUSH MY TEETH too!!! Oh well, right?

That morning we had an assembly for the kids because we were tracking off for a month. I had not really mentioned it to anyone at work yet except my boss and the record’s clerk, Paula (she is sweet; she asks me often if I have heard anything). At the end of the assembly I got on the microphone and announced to my students, other teachers present, and the parents attending the assembly that while we were off track I planned on traveling to Russia to finally bring MY DAUGHTER home!!!! The room full of 200+ erupted! It was awesome! I was trembling, shaking, and lots of emotion going on! What a great day! And I continue to be on that high…I have lots to do though! That is OK, I will get it done!

This has been a long road, one which is really just the beginning. I have been in this process since June 2007. The last time I saw my sweet little girl was September 25, 2008. I will see her again for the first time on April 16, 2009. That makes 6 months and 22 days…I can’t wait!!!!! With regards to Victoria Irina Rae Elbe, over the last 6 months I have felt joy, wondered, worried, prayed, been frustrated, smiled, thought about, viewed pictures of over and over, laughed, remembered, been sad, answered questions about (lots from her brother!), been excited, lost sleep over, anticipated…..the list goes on…I just want her home, I just want to bring her home!!!! Soon…...

Oh…BTW…I appear before the judge on April 17th. Please pray I pass the biggest examination of my life!
My love to you all,
Jen