Sunday, September 24, 2006


Well, we've been working at it since last December 2005 but after the long wait we now have an appointment in Ukraine on 10 Oct 2006. We know we are blessed to receive this appointment since there are so many wonderful families that have waited even longer.

We depart on 07 Oct and arrive in Kiev 08 Oct via Vienna. Once there, we start the real rollercoaster ride of the actual process. We ask for your prayers in the hope that it will go relatively smoothly but are ready to fight for Irina and Victoria if we have to. Irina (left) is 13 years old and Victoria (right) is 12. They stayed with us while visiting last December as part of a singing group. We fell in love with them immediately. They are truly wonderful children. Unfortunately, We called Victoria a few months ago and she told us that she felt she should stay to take care of her mother who lives locally and is an alcoholic. Although her mother doesn't have "rights" to Vika, we want to honor her wishes. That said, we are still going to work through the process in case she changes her mind. We can't imagine how difficult this is for a 12 year old. So very sad. But we are trusting in God to work this out one way or another.

We will be traveling just 2 days ahead of the Schweickert's who have their appointment on 12 Oct so we are glad that we will have friends going through this with us.

We will try to check our email and this blog site as often as possible.

Thank you all for your support so far and your prayers and support in the future.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gary and Bev,
Terri and I are sitting in an internet cafe in Kiev and looked at your blog site. Nice job on the blog site!

We have our appointment in a few hours, so keep the prayers going.

When we get a few minutes on Friday we will try to update you on a few things we have experienced.

Congratulations on the appointment...now the fun really begins!
Stan and Terri

Anonymous said...

Gary and Bev,

How exciting! We've been praying for you here in NO.VA. Now that I know others go before you, will have them prayed for as well. God continues to bless you for your faithfulness. He will be amongst you as you travel through this process also.

Our prayers & love go with you & family left here in the states..
Grant & Lisa

Anonymous said...

Gary and Bev,

You will be in my prayers continually.I'm looking foward to meeting my new granddaughter soon.

Love,
Dad

Anonymous said...

Bev,
I will keep you in my prayers while you travel and throughout your adoption process. Hopefully you will have your precious daughters back home really soon. Be safe and remember that God will always be a prayer away.
Love ya,
Victoria

Anonymous said...

Dear Gary and Beverly,
We will keep you and your family in our prayers througout your journey. You know that we love you dearly and have always seen Jesus in you. I pray that those you come in contact with will see Him too and God will open the door to their hearts as you witness when you don't even realize it. God bless and keep you safe.
Love, Amy, Mark & family

Anonymous said...

Gary and Bev,

May God bless and protect you in your travels, and may all of the angels and saints hold you and your new family. I have cousins who have adopted internationally, and you are dedicated, devout, and forthcoming people. Your strength, honor, and faith are astounding. My husband and I are dealing with potential adoption ideas, and your courage is inspirational.
God bless you and yours, today and always,
CC

Anonymous said...

Dear Beverly and Gary,
We wanted to let you know that we are praying for you as you prepare to leave tomorrow. Never doubt that this will be the adventure of a lifetime and remember that even the adoption roller coaster is not too big for God. He will most certainly use this time to strengthen your marriage and draw you closer to him.
We are praying for safe travels, quick resolutions of "redtape" and a speedy return with your youngest children. Godspeed!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Bev and Gary!
Ken and I, along with Mom will be praying for you and the new addition to our family. So glad I can keep up with you through your blog. Enjoy EVERYTHING!
Love,
Phyllis

Anonymous said...

Hey - Did you make it yet?

We had lunch w/ Stan& Terri, the Henry's and Beth.

We're praying for you-all.

Tim & Char

Anonymous said...

Hi Bev & Gary,

Thankful you had a safe trip. The wedding went well. I'm not starting a wedding chapel though.

It is great to stay in touch while you are on your trip and really look foward to your return.
Love,
Dad

Anonymous said...

Hi Bev and Gary,

This is Cleve at your Dad's office.
Just want to say hi and hope everything goes well.

Have a nice flight home.

Cleve TTFN

Anonymous said...

Bev and Gary,
I am so glad to hear every thing is going well for you so far. I thought I would call Abby this weekend and see what her plans are. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray God will have his hedge of protection around you all as you do his will and as you travel home. We love you!
Chris and family

Anonymous said...

Hi Bev & Gary,

Just want to say hi and that I miss you. I'm glad things are going well. Look foward to your return.

Love,
Dad

Anonymous said...

Hi Gary and Bev,

I am having the best time with Abby. She is a wonderful young lady.

I am praying for you,
Beth