Moore Family Adoption

What a difference time makes.  I now look back on my time in Kiev with a lot of positive memories.  Zach and I actually have discussed going back to Kiev to visit the orphanage and take in Kiev, but this time as tourists.  When I read stories with Anya at bedtime, we often speak of Sergei and Igor, and some of  the humorous and good things we shared with them.  Anya still prays for Irina, and mentions kids she knew in the orphanage, and the kids here at prayer time. The kids are doing well.  Anya is homeschooled, as is Matthias, and Samuel will soon be getting speech assistance from the school district.  Anya is super excited to see the Journey of Hope kids coming in from Kiev tomorrow, on her Birthday, no less.  Zach is also excited and asked if he could come.  ECAS cautioned us from the start to get the kids into counseling right away, and boy, were they right.  Anya and Samuel see a counselor each week, and the improvement in each i...

 (Samuel and Anya with us at "Room to Roam" Farm Vacation in Fountain City, WI) I was just looking over some old blog posts, and the one thing I keep thinking about over and over, was how I needed to communicate better with Igor.  I wish I had always trusted the guy completely, because he was very honorable, and really understood our schedule and needs.  The time in Ukraine gets very stressful on your pocketbook, your emotions, and your will.  It is not easy being in a foreign land for so long.  At first, it is interesting, but I found I missed home terribly, especially on the days other families got to go home. I have regret now for the times I doubted Igor would get everything done.  The guy has amazing ability.  My advice, pray for Igor, and communicate with him, even when it feels uncomfortable(and of course, tell the Lord these things). Igor may not understand everything, but he will set things right.     (Samuel loves a...

Just got done reading another adoptive blog, and I'm reminded of a couple different stories.  We have good friends at Church who adopted an older child while they lived in Colorado.  He is now 17, and I really like the kid.  He is gifted in certain areas, is kind, and nice, but he is a terrible student, and like a lot of teens, has issues with listening to his parents, being rebellious, and he struggles with personal demons.  But I look at his parents, who have two very young biological children, with great admiration, because they are so upbeat.  They are also tired of these antics, tired of the problems, etc. I have another friend who adopted a young boy from Russia 5 years ago.  He said 5 years after the adoption, the kid still lies, blatantly, even though he has been reminded over and over about this behavior.  He still laughs when others are hurt, forgetting that people getting hurt is not funny.  No doubt these are institutional behaviors....

Hello All, Two children are visiting from Kiev, Ukraine through August 29th in the Twin Cities area.  Their names are Andrei and Angelica.  I have met and interacted with Angelica while I was in Ukraine adopting Anya and Samuel.  Anya and Angelica are very good friends.  I've had less contact with her brother, Andrei, but he is described as very nice and bright by the couple who is hosting him.  Will you please spread the word that these children need a forever family? I know times are tight right now, but last year, despite the cost, God made a way for Nellie and I to go to Ukraine to adopt Anya and Samuel.  With God, all things are possible, right?  Please contact me at david.moore7@comcast.net , or call 612-423-0516, or 763-971-2560 if you are interested in meeting these children. 

Nellie and I love to read blogs from other adoptive parents.  If you are checking this out, and you have started a blog, or intend to start one, please let us know when it is up.  We love to follow your stories and we will pray for you.  I remember before we left, I studied the Haak's blog for ideas about timelines, what to expect, places to see...it was all good research.  Here are some more recent photos, some from the recent ECAS picnic in Maple Plain.  Was it ever great to see the Boehrs, Ritzmans, Landry's, the Dillners and others, to see how everyone is doing.  I also got to catch up with Zina's hubby, Pat, who I think is a really cool guy. 

We got very fortunate timing in that our Church is having the baptisms early this year.  Our sons Josiah and Matthias are getting baptized.  The whole event should be done by 12:30 pm, just at the start of our Church picnic.  I've really been thinking about the ECAS picnic quite a bit on several levels.  First, it would be good for the kids, Anya and Samuel, to see their friends from Ukraine.  And second, it is time to mend fences.  Time to rest and adapt have been good for us, and I think being a follower of Christ means our Savior naturally leads us to the  good, and away from the bad.  I've been remembering a lot of the good from the experience.  We are fortunate to have a good friend in our Church life group who is a full time counselor.  He has already given me a reference for adoptive counseling.  We plan to pursue counselors who are believers.  I have to marvel at God's grace and wisdom.  The kids have been chal...

I wanted to give an update on this post, in case it became unclear.  This is the restaurant we ate at where the con man pulled his gig.  The con man knew their menu well, so well, that we ordered something off menu.  The manager knew of the guy, and had seen him in there many times, yet would take no responsibility for the deceit the guy heaps upon his victims, in their restaurant.   This restaurant was in Arena city, just off Hrischadik (not sure how to spell it). 

The testing has subsided considerably.  Anya has really started to figure out her routine in the Moore household.  She has been listening and trusting our judgement, which is just an amazing change.  You can see the trust of self fading away right now, and she is recognizing she is a Moore.  On the trip back from Oklahoma, one of the kids and I were talking about Anya, and I was teasing him that I remember way back when Anya was a baby.  My child says, "that's not possible, she is adopted".  I know this, but I don't want Anya to feel like an outsider, and the label, "the adopted one" just rubs me the wrong way.  Want to know what I think?  Our Heavenly Father, in his perfect wisdom, grafted us as a family from before the foundation of the earth.  He knew what would happen, but he still created Adam anyway.  Anya was biologically born to other parents, but she is where she is supposed to be.  I have no doubt about it.  She is a ...

After many phone calls following word that the passports sent to Chicago were now missing, a check of the mail Friday reveals the Post Office made a big error.  The original letter did not come back, but the self addressed, prepaid posted envelope came back from the Ukrainian Consulate in Chicago.  Despite two emails to the consulate, 5 phone calls to the Chicago post office, multiple calls to the Robbinsdale Post office, and a computer tracking statement saying our package was not deliverable, the post office got it done, and delivered it.  So we are very happy to have them back.  We also got the kids Certificates of Citizenship today.  All around a great day. Here are some photos. 

God answers prayer...Samuel "hid" our camera somewhere while playing with it.  I didn't like it much anyway, so I'll thank him later in life.  We were on the lookout for a new one for awhile, and we spotted one on super clearance today at Best Buy, 50% off.  We got the last one in stock.  I like the picture quality. Nellie is very photogenic.  I was impressed with the first photo off the camera.  Oh, you probably want to see the kids.  We went to the "Pond" at Elm Creek Park Reserve today. It was late in the day, so hardly anyone was there. The kids are doing well...we all are.  Anya pushes the boundaries a bit, and Samuel is kind of a typical 3 year old.  But they are such darlings.  Tonight at fireworks, Anya was in my lap, and Samuel was in Nellie's lap...I looked at Nellie, and smiled, saying, "She's my girl (Anya)".  The joy of having another daughter is so wonderful.  After our first two biological children were gir...

We are learning all over again what it is like to have a three year old in the house.  Our small camera has gone missing, this one last seen in Samuel's hands in the living room.  Our house needs about two garage sales right now just to get stuff sorted down.  After that, we'll likely find the camera.  We got some cute photos today on our 3rd, and truly lousy camera.  The photo quality would be better if I had Zach do a caricature sketch of the photos.  We will enjoy some quality time with the Haak's tomorrow (and Dillner's, and Ewings).  We are looking forward to seeing our mentors.  We've had a difficult couple of days with both kids, but Nellie and are are completely unified in our parenting approach.  The new kids are realizing mom is every bit as tough as dad, and vice versa.  This was not the case with Matthias.  With our first three kids, Hannah, Rebekah and Josiah, I parented after the style of my Dad and Mom.  Godly ...

I got a great email from another one of the adoptive families today.  He challenged me in so many words to consider the trials faced during the adoption as the Scripture does, to count it all joy.  I have to say it really encouraged me, and it was a good course correction as well.  The verse says it well: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials", James 1:2. The adoption was that.  I sure hope I haven't discouraged any of you with my commentary.  That fact still is true that God is in control, and where he leads us, we must follow.  So if he leads you to adopt in Ukraine, and through the agency we used or another, don't fear, and move forward where God leads. Our adoption had some bumps, but in the end, we got two great kids, so we are very thankful. 

I keep posting and removing info about my time in Ukraine.  I guess I didn't want to sound too negative.  I don't want to negatively impact our agency, especially because I need more of their assistance.  But lets face the facts...the blog following will wane from here, to some degree.  You who are viewing this need to know the truth.  So, here goes.  I really didn't like being in Ukraine after week four.  Anya and Samuel were the highlight, and being with the Ritzmans and Dillners and others was really nice too.  But I realized how much I love our country and Minnesota, and I truly felt great heartache for our homeland.  The timelines discussed with us never approached 8 weeks, let alone 9, so the cost was really enormous.  Had we come back for the 10 day waiting period, we only would have saved one week, as it turns out.  The worst case scenario I had learned of was about 6 weeks.  The extra three weeks was painful, and I saw...

The adjustment period has begun, and we have been surprised a little at how jarring it really is.  For instance, the tots are jet lagged, so we're contending with Samuel up for the day at 4:30 am, 5:30 am, 6:15 am, etc.  Yikes!!  The kids are also getting used to a new concept called, family rules.  Everyone in the family has been affected.  We originally planned to room Anya and Samuel,  but the two of them together just doesn't work.  So we put Samuel with Matthias, but that has led to issues, particularly because Samuel is such an early riser.  So we are going to room Matthias in the basement until the situation improves.  This means Samuel, Anya,  Zach and Matthais all have their own rooms.  Josiah is moving out in August to go to college, which will free up his room for either Zach or Matthias.  Another jarring feature is the realization that we have a  three year old, one that needs constant supervision. ...

We are interested in sharing our experiences with any of you interested in Ukraine adoption.  I will state in advance that some of the stuff that happened is not good, so we will give you a complete picture, in the hopes it will help you make a more informed decision on Ukraine Adoption.  You can reach us at: david.moore7@comcast.net Thanks for following our blog and for your prayers.     

The kids were wiggly and really, kind of obnoxious on the flight from Munich to Chicago.  The kids have no filter, and Samuel and Anya together just gets too loud.  God had a plan, I just had to figure out what the plan was, being totally exhausted, and with Zach being completely burned out.  I separated Samuel from Anya, and had him sit on my lap.  Fortunately, we had one seat on the other side of the plane.  With Anya and Zach watching movies, I took Samuel to the other side, and we sat next to one of 40 US troops on the plane.  There was an empty seat between us, and the guy was very kind to Samuel.  Samuel fought sleep, and then after much prayer, fell asleep, and stayed that way for 5 straight hours.  Praise God. The flight was two hours late, so we got to the Twin Cities after 10:00 PM, making the total trek about 26 hours.  I can safely say I have zero interest in returning to Europe, given the time it takes on the plane. The kids ...

Thanks for your prayers....got the call from the Embassy at 10:00 am, and just picked up the visas and immigration packets.  We are coming home Saturday!!!!  My William Miller moment is now near. 

The pressure is all gone.  Thanks for your many prayers, Saints.  The consulate said our applications are all in order, and at 2:30 pm today said, "Go Home, we'll call you when they (Visas) are ready".  After a power outage at home, I called, and they said they believed the visas would be ready in the morning (but you never know).  We are simply trusting God and waiting on something we have zero control over.  I would love to not stay another weekend in Kiev, but at last, all the paperwork and money handling is over.  Now I can just enjoy time with the kids.  When those visas are in hand, we literally can just go to the airport, and catch any flight to the USA. While I would like to have one more trip to the orphanage, so Anya and Samuel can say goodbye, I'm not sure we can make it at this point.  As soon as I know the Visa status, I'll post an update. All, please lift up my wife Nellie and my son Zach in prayer.  Zach has been my right h...

Igor was right again on the documentation on the first appointment.  The medical exams were a breeze, and we were down at Maidan with two hours to kill until the 2:00 pm interview.  My instincts said leave as soon as possible, becuase I had never ridden the trolley bus.  Sure enough, watching after two small children, I lost count, and was calling Igor after we were several stops past the consulate.  About 1:05 pm, I had an idea, and for the first time in my life, flagged a taxi.  I said the the driver, "US Embassy", and he took me to it.  50 Grievnna.  One problem.  This was the wrong place.  But, the guards have encountered this before, and issued a map showing us precisely how to navigate the two blocks to the US counselate.  The kids were troopers, and we made it 30 minutes early.  Got through the interview...and all is well...except the visas were not ready even by the close of the day.  They said they believe they wil...

Today was a grueling day in which Igor and Victor (names used with their permission) worked their unbelievable abilities to get the Ukrainian passports completed.  It was a full day of paperwork, running from one office to another, pleading with one powerful official, and a late run to get the passports with Sergei and Igor.  I've been told in the past the coordinators in Kiev are amazing, but I could not grasp it.  I call Igor Superman and Victor Rocketman.  When ECAS says they are doing everything for us they possibly can, they are right.  With the Ukrainian passports in hand, I've now completed all the embassy paperwork I can figure out.  It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought.  All the legal paperwork needed for the embassy has already been carefully prepared, so we are ready to roll.  I expect tomorrow to be another stellar day.  The first embassy appointment is at 9:30 am, then the medical exams, and the interview and 2nd appointment a...

Everyone, a window of opportunity has opened up for a possible departure from Kiev this weekend.  Our facilitators have worked tirelessly on our behalf to ensure the quickest possible exit for us.  I wish I could repay them somehow, but I know it is not possible. The US Embassy has also really come through and is allowing an exception in my case, likely due to my having a three year old and a nine year old.  They are permitting the 1st and 2nd interview on the same day. To accomplish this, my coordinators and I need to obtain the passports for the children tomorrow morning, and get the doctor exam done before appointment #2 at 2:00 pm Thursday.  Also, due to short notice, our airline may not give us the discount for adoption travel. I need the following items prayed for, please: 1)  That our children's Ukrainian passports get finished ASAP Wednesday morning. 2)  That we have enough time to get the medical examination for both children 3)  That ...

I just got the great news from my coordinators!!  Set the appointment Thursday, medical exams Friday, which means day 2 of the appointment on Wednesday, June 2nd, and fly home Thursday.  Hoping this all works out perfect.  I cannot wait to get home!!!

It is now 10:50 pm, and Samuel just got to sleep, and Anya has been asleep 20 minutes, thanks to another loud rock concert, this one in St. Stephens Square which is one block from our apartment.  The kids were really affected by it.  I don't want to call Igor at 10:50 pm, and those on the other side of the building are likely not affected.  I just cannot understand how they can get away with this with all the residences around the square.   I wish  there was a way to register a complaint, but I don't even know how to call the police here.  Very frustrating. Well, I called, because Igor said to call anytime.  He said concerts have to be done by 11:00 pm, one minute from now.  I'm hoping.  

Lesson number one....Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you: He will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22) I've been overly worried about Samuel and Anya.  I've been working and pressing to really look after their needs, keep them safe, make sure they have fun, and are protected.  But I found out tonight I'm actually worrying about them too much.  I haven't let God be in control of their safety.  Tonight, I got up after supper, and felt the stress through a good heart palpatation.  It didn't hurt, but it forced me to lie down, get some quick rest, and realize I was not letting God control the anxieties in my life.  I have to trust the Lord to protect them, and to point out when He needs me to act to protect them.  Yes, I will protect them, but worrying has not helped me.  Worrying means I'm looking at my resources to protect them from everything.  Only God can protect them from everything. Lesson number two..."And we know t...

Whew, what a ride!!  It was a great day, and a day of prayer.  God has been abundantly present and constantly giving parenting advice.  God really cares for kids, and the the advice is constantly, patience, patience, patience.  The kids were so excited about everything today...naptime, supper time, going to the park, going to bed.  These are good kids, but as some have told us, especially in Samuel's case, they have no idea about things like family rules. I've also worked my last day in Kiev until we return, I think.  Mr. Mom is a demanding job, and I'm glad to have it.  The day started early with a trip on the red line with the Landry's to meet up with Victor.  About 12:15 pm, our coordinator showed up with the two little gems in downtown Kiev.  We hung out at the Notary, and I thought it was for the Landry's.  Then Victor had me sign something for the Passport, and the day was done.  The Landry's and us took the train to Maida...