She's Leaving On a Jet Plane...Don't Know If She'll Be Back Again

Today I was reminded that I am the biggest cry baby on the planet.  (Like I needed reminding??)

I will admit, though, that the tears didn't really have to do with saying goodbye to Alyona.  As we kind of expected, our goodbye was very brief and to the point.  She slept all the way to the airport, and when we arrived, the kids went with a couple of chaperones to check their luggage, while the host parents waited.  That took about 45 minutes.  By the time they rejoined us, it was time to rush off to get them through security.  Alyona and 16 year old Anya yelled "Toilet!" and off they ran.  About 10 minutes passed and we were starting to panic, thinking they had run off or were lost.  They seriously had to get moving, as they were boarding in an hour!!  Well, the girls finally returned, but by that time, the other kids had said their goodbyes and had "crossed the line" beyond where non travelers could go.  She gave us both a quick hug while the chaperones told them to hurry up, and that was it.  

Here is one of the reasons for my waterworks:

The look on Jills' face as she comforts her son  just says it all.  They love Irina.

Precious, sweet Irina.  Oh my goodness.  About 3 days ago, her host mom (and my dear friend, Jill) started sharing that Irina was crying a lot because she didn't want to leave the family that she had grown to love so deeply.  Her 3 host brothers were at the airport, and they all cried for her.  The youngest one especially, absolutely broke my heart.  He cried and cried and cried.  Jill and Darin struggled to put that sweet little girl on that plane.  They love her very much.  I'm not sure what the future holds for her or for her host family, but we are all hoping for wonderful things!

The other younger girl (Natasha) also wept, although I was so focused on the family above that I kind of missed it.  She struggled so much that her host dad had to actually carry her to the car this morning, when it was time to go to the airport.  She was so upset that she wouldn't show her face or have any pictures taken.

Lori with sweet "Natash".  Zoya was a great, Russian speaking help and comfort.

Even the 16 year old (who had a tough time here) had a very tearful goodbye with her host parents.  I was a little bummed out that we didn't get one, but that is just not Alyona's personality.  She is very independent and a somewhat hard nut to crack.  We were told several times during her stay (through translators) that she was having a wonderful time here, loves America, and wants to be hosted by us again.  I wouldn't say that her actions really reflected that, but it does make us happy to know that it's true.  Because of her age, I'm not sure if she will be able to be hosted again.

Our final farewell

I was also very heart broken over 14 year old Alyona.  Her host family (also very dear friends) offered to adopt her. She declined.  She is CHOOSING to be an orphan.  She is saying, "I don't want filet mignon, I'm very happy with Spam, thank you very much."  She just doesn't understand the decision she is making.  She even said that many of her friends who have aged out of the orphanage are now homeless, but she doesn't believe that will happen to her.  She was handed a winning lottery ticket, but didn't accept it.  She just couldn't comprehend the value of it, and it is devastating.

This photo was emailed to me once the kids landed in Boston (to pick up more host children).  One leg closer to Ukraine...

Ask anyone who has been involved, and they will tell you the same thing:  Orphan care, of any type, is really messy.  Sometimes it can seem glamorous from afar, but it is so NOT glamorous.  There can be a lot of pain involved, and life as you know it gets turned upside down.  My precious friends were deeply hurting today.  The kids are going back to their orphanages after a wonderful vacation, and they are still orphans.  One of them, by choice.

The drive home was really nice.  We left our 3 with a sitter, and carpooled with Rebecca (14 year old Alyona's host mom). It was good for her to process what had happened over the last few days, and it was refreshing to just share stories (the sad, weird and hilarious!)
We share a special bond with the other 3 Richmond host families, and we are so grateful.

We got home around 2 and went right to work on Cole's room.  It needed a complete, top to bottom cleaning.  Alyona was not very clean, and we wanted it to be nice for Cole again.  That room alone, mixed in  with getting the playroom back to normal (Cole's been sleeping there for 3 weeks, and Loren slept there while Zoya was with us) , plus washing all of the bedding that Alyona used took 2 full hours.  I was wiped out, both physically and emotionally, for sure.

I was literally thinking "I still need to do the bathrooms and the kitchen and I'm running on empty."  Then, I checked my email.  And there was the following message (cut and pasted):

Hey Tracy! How did it go today saying goodbye? I'm sure that was tough. Hey, I have an idea. You can say no but thought I'd at least offer it. What if you and the kids (and Chris if he's not working) take a day tomorrow to do something fun as a family of 5 again while I come over and clean your house (obviously for free). I'm weird and love cleaning, and after reading your blog, thought that may be something that would take a load off. Let me know what you think. I'm free most of the day tomorrow (just need to work out) and happy to do it. xo, 

I told her I wouldn't mention her name on my blog, so I won't.  (but it starts with a B and rhymes with schmecky)
And that my friends, is when the dam broke...

Remember the verse I quoted a couple of posts ago?
Matthew 6:8
...your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

I felt so unbelievably loved and cared for that I didn't even know what to do except cry and thank her over and over again.  She said, "this is what I can do to help with orphan care."  WOW.  
I've said it before and I'll say it again...We have not done this alone.  Sometimes we get praise for being the ones who hosted, but I don't like it.  We were ONE piece of the puzzle.  I have so many people to thank for helping us during this journey that it overwhelms me.  

So, if you encouraged us with kind words or prayers, thank you.  If you donated clothes or put out the word and got donations from friends, thank you.  If you sent money or a gift card to help with Alyona's many expenses, thank you.  If you read this blog, thank you.  If you are cleaning my house or giving Chris and I a date night Saturday (Heather Jarvis), thank you.  We are blessed beyond measure.

Our Final Days With Alyona

I wanted to share some pictures of our last days with Alyona...

On New Years Eve, we went to a party with no fewer than 150 people, a third of which were teens.  I have to give Alyona some serious props, because she just wondered around and did her thing.  She even joined in with the groups of teens and made herself right at home!  I would have been petrified to do something like that...and she doesn't even speak the language!

She was wearing heels and a mini skirt, and my friend Elizabeth heard a boy say to his friends, "There's a hot girl here and she doesn't speak English!"  Three guesses who he was referring to...ha!!
Here she is, just having a grand ol' time!

We got home from the party around 9, and she wanted to go up to her room to watch her Russian videos.  We made her come downstairs just before midnight to shout "Happy New Year!", and then we sent her off to bed.  Woot!

The next day, thanks to a generous friend, we all went bowling.  Two other families joined us and we had a great time.  She had never bowled before, and quickly got the hang of it...

 The bumpers were up in her lane, but still...she was the only kid to hit 100!

My friend, Heather, brought her niece, so Alyona wouldn't be the only kid over the age of 9.  She rocks!

 I love this man.  Alyona never had a father figure in her life until now. He was and is so loving and 

patient and smart (and handsome!)He was a great example of how a man should treat a wife and a daughter, and hopefully she will always remember what she saw and be picky when it comes time to find a husband.

Bowling buddies.  Happy New Year!

After 2 hours of bowling and then lunch, we took Alyona shopping to buy gifts for her friends back at the orphanage.  I think that was one of her favorite activities of the entire trip, and she is so anxious to distribute the goodies upon her return to Ukraine!

Today we were home getting things done, until 2:30.  Then, we went to the library to see Cole's and Reid's artwork on display, followed by a trip to Sweet Frog.  Oh yeah!

An interpreter friend came over at 5 to help her pack.  It was SOOO much easier having her there.  Thank you, Lena!

She is packed and showered and ready to leave in the morning.  She doesn't seem sad about having to go back, but she has mentioned wanting to be hosted again.  Not sure if she will be too old to be considered (she cannot be adopted once she turns 16 in May), but it's really sweet that she loved it here and wants to return.  Mission accomplished!

We'll be heading to Dulles at 7:30am tomorrow.  Pictures to follow...

Secure All Loose Articles, and Enjoy Your Ride

Isn't it hard to believe that tomorrow morning we will be driving back to Dulles Airport?  WOW.  In some ways, our last trip to Dulles seems like a lifetime ago.  In other ways, time really flew.  We have very mixed emotions about the whole hosting experience.  In some ways, we are disappointed.  Disappointed that a family didn't step forward for any of the Richmond kids (yet, anyways).  Disappointed that as much as I wanted us to be that family, it is not meant to be.  Disappointed in my grossness, but more on that later...

In other ways, we are absolutely thrilled with how it all went down.  This was intended to be a hosting experience, and nothing more.  Don't get me wrong:  finding Alyona a forever family would have been the icing on the cake, but that was not the purpose of her trip.  She was able to experience being part of a family for the very first time.  Her first plane ride, her first trip to America, her first time bowling and ice skating, her first time decorating Christmas cookies and a gingerbread house, her first time at a drive-in theater, her first ballet. She was told that Jesus died on the cross because he loves her so much.  She made new friends, got all beautified for a dance,  tried new foods (a couple, anyways!), had some down time to relax, and opened more Christmas presents than she probably has opened in her lifetime.

Chris and I had the privilege of watching her experience so many new and wonderful things.  We learned a lot about her, but many questions were raised, too.  We watched as God met our physical and emotional needs through amazing friends, family, and even strangers.  Like most exciting things...hosting was like a roller coaster. Sometimes I had my arms in the air yelling, "YIPPEE" as the wind blew through my hair.  Other times, I knew that if we hit one more loop I would surely lose my lunch.

In reference to my "grossness" comment above, this experience has shown me what I knew to be true but was hoping wasn't.  I was not as grace giving and patient as I wanted to be.  In fact, she got on my nerves many, many times.  Today was probably the worst, in that respect.  I realize I'm taking a huge risk sharing this, and you might be thinking, "She's an ORPHAN!!!  How dare you lose your patience with her- get a life, Scoggins!!!!  You stink!"

Well, I've thought that about myself quite a bit, too!  Ugh-yuck!!!!  It is in those moments when I remember that without relying on God at every turn, I'm a huge failure.

1 Timothy 15-16 says this:

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience, as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

"Immense patience."  Ouch.
Let's look at today:  I started out being pretty tired from going to bed too late the last few nights.  I knew we had to get Alyona packed, and there were a lot of clothes to wash and go through (keep pile vs. "can't fit in the suitcase" pile).  Our kids were fighting, as usual.  The house was a mess, with Alyona's room being an absolute pit.  She was very neat on day one.  We haven't seen that kid since.

I wanted to take down the Christmas tree and decorations, get them put in the attic, and get the house cleaned.  The kids broke no fewer than 4 ornaments.  Alyona was watching her videos, as usual, chomping on gum so loudly that I'm sure the neighbors were wondering, "What is that noise?!"  When I would ask her to do something to help, she would huff and puff and roll her eyes, and then do the bare minimum of what I requested.  We have very different interpretations of "make your bed" and "clean your room", apparently.  I was frustrated that she wasn't lifting a finger to help me, meanwhile, thinking of all the other host families who tell me how much their host kids just loooove cleaning.  I think we got a dud!  I found pistachio shells on the carpet in her bedroom.  (Hmmmm...I'm quite certain I said those were for the plane and not to open them), as well as lollipop sticks and other various trash.  And what's this in the corner behind the sofa?  Oh!  Tangerine peels!  Awesome!

I asked her to go get my earrings that she had borrowed shortly after arriving here.  She said, "later."  Um....I was actually thinking NOW would be good.  They are my favorites and I was anxiously awaiting their return to my dresser, especially knowing that she received SEVERAL pairs of earrings for Christmas.  She returned with one. And it was broken.  OK, deep breaths, woman!  Get a grip- they're just earrings!

We then went to Costco, where she grabbed a shopping cart and promptly ran it straight into the back of my foot. You've felt that, right?  Not pleasant.  Especially with a super sized Costco cart.
We picked up about 90 prints, and I worked so hard to put them all in chronological order.  I handed them to her beaming, so she could put them in her photo albums... and she dropped them on the floor.

None of the above were big deals on their own, but they combined to produce...my perfect storm.

I shared my feelings with Chris, and he reminded me that she doesn't have manners because nobody taught her any.  Husbands, don't do that.  Just listen.  It made me feel worse, like a big loser.

So there you have it!!  This has not been easy and she gets on my nerves, sometimes.  She embarrassed me in public a lot, being loud and weird.  She wouldn't flush her TP no matter how much I begged.  (That does not make your bathroom smell very nice, FYI)
Did we make that "love connection  I was hoping for?  No, we did not.

But you know what's crazy???  I would do it all again!!!  Three weeks out of my life is nothing.  It's a blip.  Three weeks in light of eternity???  Less than a blip!!  A blippette!  BUT, there was eternal VALUE in it!!  Who knows what her time here could mean for the rest of her life!?.  Only God knows that, and he loves her a million times more than we ever could.

This experience forced us to be uncomfortable for someone else.  Cole slept on the couch for 3 weeks...and he survived!  In fact, it was good for him.  Making sacrifices so someone else can have something is a great thing.  We were reminded that the things we take for granted (like family, a home, extra money to do special things) are luxuries that not everyone has.  So what that there were tangerine peels behind the couch (in the room where we told her not to bring food) and my earrings are gone.  So What!!  We loved her and gave her a family, if even for a short time.  It was worth it all.

Children are hosted each Christmas and for 5 weeks over the summer.  I want you to do something crazy...just think about it.  Think about hosting and putting yourself out there for the sake of an orphan.  Your  house might be a mess and heck, you might not even make a love connection...and that's OK!!!  You never know until you try.  And you may never know the impact you've made an another life.  So worth it all.

The Truth Behind The Title

Alyona and I just returned from bringing Zoya to her next host family.  What should have been a 30 minute drive to our meeting spot, turned into 70 minutes, thanks to an overturned tractor trailer across the the highway.

It gave me a lot of time to just think (A fell asleep about 5 minutes into the drive), and I started reflecting on the name of the blog: "There's a U and an I in Ukraine."  When it popped into my mind several weeks ago, I loved it, but only because I found it rather clever and humorous.  

I didn't know at the time just how completely true those words would ring.  WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT SUPPORT.  There is no doubt in our minds of that fact.  

Let's talk numbers:  Getting Alyona from the orphanage to our living room for a 19 day American experience, cost $2,716.  We are feeding an extra person and buying foods that we would not normally buy (like bologna.  ew.)   There was an extra person to buy Christmas presents for.  She needed clothes.  She needed shoes.  She needed toiletries.  Obviously, we want the Ukrainian orphans to have some awesome and memorable experiences.  Newsflash:  most of those "experiences" cost money.  Even the "free" museum in DC ran us about 80 bucks.  Ouch.  For three days and nights, we had Zoya, which was a blessing, but an extra expense.  

When we signed on to do this, we had the "getting her here" part covered, and we were just trusting that the rest would work itself out.  Why do I act surprised when God not only provides, but provides more abundantly than we could have imagined?  Chris and I love to give, and it has been a JOY and PRIVILEGE to give over the years to couples involved in orphan care.  Well, this time we were on the receiving end, and it was so humbling and faith building.

Malachi 3:10

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. "Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory...

We have felt no financial burden hosting Alyona.  We've given her memorable experiences, she has plenty of clothes and shoes and toiletries.  She has been given more Christmas gifts than we ever thought she would get (we only gave her four things, but people have been incredibly generous), the fridge and pantry are stocked with foods that she will eat. 

Each and every step of the way, God has been faithful to meet our needs, as well as hers.  When funds start getting low, someone randomly hands us a Visa gift card.  When that is spent, I check the mail and there is a Target gift card (just in time to buy shoes that she needs.)  We want to take the kids bowling on New Years Day, which is pricey for 6 people.  Today at church, someone handed us a check to cover it.  Other than used clothing donations, I have not asked for any of this.  It is God, and his perfect timing.  

Matthew 6:8

...your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

The provisions have not only been monetary.  People are praying for us.  People are encouraging my heart by telling me how much they enjoy the blog (I honestly didn't think anybody would read the thing!)

When I'm feeling discouraged, someone emails to tell me that they are thinking about us.  People at church are quick with the giant bear hugs that my weary self so desperately needs (and you probably know that Presbyterians are not the touchy feely type, by nature!)

I'm just so overwhelmed with the generosity of others, that there are tears pooling up in my eyes as I type this.  Even more encouraging, is that fact that it's not just the Scoggins family.  It is the other 3 host families, too.  My dear friends have similar stories of receiving money from TOTAL STRANGERS to help cover costs.  Being handed a gift card, just when a need arises.  It's been the most amazing thing to witness and be a part of.  

I have learned so much through this experience.  The point I want to drive home now, is that when you take a risk in the name of orphan care, it won't be easy.  In fact, it could be downright hard.  BUT, God will be in it. 

He will not leave you to splash around in the deep end- someone will throw you a life preserver every time!  Just when you are about to sink...there it is!  That bright orange donut that will pull you to the side so you can catch your breath. And because God does more than I can ask or imagine, the lifeguard will hand me a warm, fluffy towel and offer me chocolate.

Ice Ice Baby

All right stop, collaborate and listen

 

 It's been 3 days since my last post (gasp), which is an indication of how crazy things have been at the Hotel Scoggins!
Thursday, Alyona made her 3rd and final trip to the dentist.  Huge shout out to Dr. Chris Maestrello, who did x-rays, a thorough cleaning, and 8 fillings completely free of charge. It was painful for her, but she bounced back quickly. After that, I took her to Target to buy her a curling iron.  She perked right up!

We returned to find another Ukrainian had moved in.  :-)  Zoya, one of the chaperones/translators, came to spend three nights with us.  Having her has been great.  We've been able to ask Alyona questions about her past and present at the orphanage (without having to type everything and wonder if she's even understanding us), and share her translating services with other host families .  She is quite in love with Short Pump Town Center, and retail therapy is her thing!!  It has been nice for Alyona to have a buddy around, too.  I love hearing them ramble on in Russian, while I listen intently to see if I recognize any words.  "Wait, did you just offer her some tea?  I'm quite sure I heard the word 'chai'... and I know that means tea!!"

Friday morning we made yet another trip to Target (we Americans LOVE our Target!) to get Alyona some heels and nylons for the big dance (thank you, Janele!)  She felt quite special!

After that, it was time to decorate for the Mingle and Jingle Dance!  It was put on by the orphan care groups of Hope Church and West End Pres.  We went all out, hoping to create some wonderful, lasting memories for the Ukrainian kids.  I believe there were 7 host kids there, as well as MANY adopted children from all over the world.  IT. WAS. AWESOME.

The DJ was great, and I'm guessing he burned no fewer than 2,000 calories  just jammin' to his own tunes.  He also rocked a pair of angel wings, at no extra charge

.  

You're probably asking yourself, "Is that Alyona I see UP ON THE STAGE?"  Why yes, yes it is.  

She was drawing quite a bit of attention to herself, but again, we pick our battles.

She squeezed every ounce of fun out of last night that she could.  In typical teen form, she completely ignored her family.  That's ok- we just hung out with the other ignored parents.  Ha!

Getting our groove on

My sweet friend, Jennifer, came and took pictures of the evening.  It really was fantastic.

Can you tell that she was NOT interested in a family photo?  We pulled her away for a moment, and that was totes uncool of us.  Parents of teenagers: my hat is off to you.

shoes optional

Today, it was time for some Ice Ice Baby...literally.   Cole and Loren spent most of their time flat on their backs, but they refused to stop and said they loved it!  If you see them covered in bruises, please refrain from calling DSS.  They are from skating...really!!!

Reid was disappointed that he wasn't skating like Scott Hamilton after 10 minutes of practice.  That child is such a perfectionist when it comes to individual sports.

It was Alyona's first time, too, and she got the hang of it and managed to stay upright, for the most part.  She was quite concerned about her hair and was constantly trying to fix it while she skated...

I got a little nervous when I saw her grab the hand of a random teenage girl.  Oh dear.  They skated a couple of laps and then the girl left the ice.  When I saw her skating later, I went up to her and explained that Alyona is here from Ukraine and doesn't speak English, and that I was sorry if she was uncomfortable.  She was so incredibly sweet and said, "I figured it was something like that, although she did point to Loren and tell me she was her sister."

We were so impressed with her and quickly told her mom what an awesome daughter she has.
Point for the teenagers!  :-)

Seriously, how cute is she?!

After picking Zoya up from her solo shopping excursion, we went home, changed, and headed out for a Mexican dinner.  It was really fun!  We even checked out a couple of homes on the Tacky Lights Tour (which was a flop when we took Alyona one rainy night before Christmas).  This time, we were able to get out of the car and walk around, and she seemed to enjoy it.

It's hard to believe that we only have 4 days left.  At dinner, I asked Zoya to ask Alyona what her favorite part of being in America was.  Her answer surprised me.  "All of it.  Everything." 

I was surprised because half the time she gives the impression of being completely bored, irritated, grumpy and/or anti-social towards us.  To pry her off of the Android  has been a chore. 

Back at the orphanage, she has little freedom and can make few choices.  She is told what to eat, what to wear, what time to go to bed, what to do with her time, etc.  I guess maybe just "being" has been really nice?  No matter what comes of her time here, I know that the things she has experienced, both big and small, will make a difference for a lifetime. 

I'll leave you with this:
If there was a problem, Yo -- I'll solve it!
Check out the hook while DJ revolves it.

Meeeeerry Keesmas- WOOWOO!

If you are reading this, congratulations are in order...you survived Christmas, too!  Having our special Christmas guest really did make things a lot of fun.  Last year we had a newborn with us...things were SLIGHTLY different this year!  (no diapers or 2am Christmas Eve feedings!)

Several times on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, Alyona happily yelled (she is loud, people), "Meeeeerry Keesmas- WOOWOO!"  It sounded like the Polar Express was about to pull into the station!

Our three were up during the 5 o'clock hour on Christmas morning (I so remember being that way as a kid!), but they were forbidden to leave their rooms until 7am.  All three bounded in at 7am on the nose, and begged us to wake Alyona.  That girl was OUT LIKE A LIGHT.  Poor kid!  I finally had to resort to shaking her, pointing downstairs and saying "CHRISTMAS!"
She stumbled out of bed and into the living room with the kids.  There wasn't much reaction when she saw the tree and presents, but she had just been abruptly awoken!

Each child got stocking stuffers and four gifts:  something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read.  We wanted things to be equal, and that seemed like a good way to do it.   Alyona was grabbing gifts and reading the name, and then piling them in front of each person.  It was funny, and we were impressed that she could read the English words so well!  (maybe she memorized them from seeing them on the stockings?)  Here are a few shots from the morning:

Go TCES Cougars!

Happy Reid

Move over Ralphie with your official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200 shot range air rifle...

Cole got a DS!

"Thirty-One bags?  For me?!  You shouldn't have!"

First person to find Ukraine gets a candy cane!

After we opened our gifts and took showers, my parents came over.  I pre-warned them that Alyona might not show excitement or gratitude for her gifts, but she actually did!  Mom knit her a matching hat, scarf and mittens set, which she seemed to love!  (phew!)  They also got her the cutest stuffed puppy dog, that we will fit into that small suitcase if it kills us!

By noon, we were on the road, headed up to Oakton.  She slept (or at least tried to sleep) all the way there.  She must have gotten at least some rest, because she acclimated to her new surroundings quickly, and got quite comfortable and silly!  The kids kept running to us saying, "She's dancing to Justin Bieber!  Come see!"  Of course, each time I did, she would stop.  Only dances for kids, I guess.  She actually did Google Translate "I dance very good hip hop" once. 

My sister in law, Karen,  set the most beautiful table (think Pottery Barn catalog cover, Christmas edition), and the food was DIVINE.  Alyona ate the turkey.  JUST the turkey.  Couldn't even get her to try a roll!  Oh well- at least she got some protein!  :-)

I'm sure it was uncomfortable being the one person there out of 14 people that didn't speak English or recognize the food.  She was a trooper.

Shortly after the feast, it was time for more presents.  What could bring out a huge smile like the one below?  New make-up!!  She LOVED it, and spent a great deal of time applying it this morning.  Very sweet!

 You might have seen the kudos I gave our niece, Katie, on facebook.  She was and is a rock star.  She is 16 and totally took Alyona under her wing.  She started by letting her try on 3 dresses from her closet. She modeled each one and found THE dress for the big dance this Friday!  She smiled ear to ear as we all clapped and told her how pretty she looked.

Then, Katie came down with stuff for pedicures.  She painted Alyona's toes (and Loren's!), and then did her hair and make-up.  Extreme Makeover...Alyona edition!

Check out the finished product.    VaVaVoom!

 I'm sure they'll kill me for writing this, but at the end of the evening, Katie's parents handed us a check to help with Alyona's expenses.  God has provided for us day by day, and we are thankful and blessed.  Just another tangible reminder of God's faithfulness, and the fact that we are not in this alone.  SO many people are playing a part in this experience with us...all for Alyona!!

After a wonderful evening, we drove to Chris's parents house about 15 minutes away.  I think she was exhausted at that point, and was very anxious to just head to bed with the Android to watch her Russian videos.  Couldn't blame her!

This morning we woke up to a big surprise..SNOW! 

"Bag feet" are totally in for 2013.  I read it in Cosmo...

 Although she did eat breakfast with us, she was really being quite a loner this morning.  I wish she would have felt more comfortable to hang out with us in the living room by the fireplace, but no such luck.  Around 11am we decided to head off on an adventure.  Sadly, the weather decided it was done cooperating and it just poured.  A super cold, chill you to the bone, rain.  And did we have umbrellas?  Of course not!  By the time we walked from the car to the Metro, and the Metro to the museum, we were downright drenched.  But trudge on, we did!

We were reeeeeally hoping she would like the museum.  There was SO much cool stuff to see, but she just acted bored.  Boohoo!  We wondered if maybe she just couldn't see things well without her glasses?  Either way, it was a nice way to spend the afternoon, and we really loved it.

we did manage to get a smile out of her!

 We asked her beforehand if she was familiar with Washington DC.  She said no.  We explained that the president of the United States lives in the White House, and showed her a picture in a book.  She said she recognized that building from movies.  Progress!

A gloomy day, but I really like this picture of Reid, checking out the Washington Monument.

 Our two hour ride home turned into three, thanks to the rain and some seriously heavy traffic.  Honestly, we were just happy to be warm!  It was getting late, so we stopped at Chickfila for dinner.  She inhaled her nuggets and fries, and then asked for a yogurt parfait!  YES!!! I typed "we are happy to see you eating!"  She gave me a very strange look.  Maybe it translated funny?  Like, "we like to watch you eat."  Who knows?!

I reminded her that Zoya is coming tomorrow (Ukrainian translator/chaperone that needed a place to stay for a few nights)- she is not happy.  I asked her why, and she said "I do not know her."  I assured her that we would give her Loren's room, and her "personal time" was not in jeopardy.  I'm looking forward to talking to her without having to type everything, quite frankly!

Tomorrow is trip to the dentist number three.  She's super jazzed about getting four more fillings.  NOT.

I hope all of you are still basking in the glow of Christmas, enjoying time with your loved ones.  They are priceless! 

Reindeer Food: Not Intended for Human Consumption

Merry Christmas Eve!

There is definitely an added excitement this Christmas.  Although up to this point, Alyona has been "hard to impress", I think Christmas has finally started her engine! 

The morning was nothing spectacular- haircut for Reid, a trip to the grocery store, laundry and cleaning, baking, etc.  After lunch we busted out the gingerbread house kit, and ding, ding, ding...we have a winner!
Our intent was for it to be a family project (or at minimum, a project for the kids), but Alyona was pretty bent on doing it herself.   She was very meticulous, icing the house "just so", and definitely had a vision in her mind of what she wanted the house to look like.  And let's just say that Loren apparently didn't share that vision.   Although things started out OK, when it came time to decorate, Loren tried several times to add a piece of candy, but Alyona would remove it immediately and shout "No, Loren!"  Finally, she had had enough and just burst into tears.  Ugh.  That was a bummer.  Poor Loren so desperately wanted to make the house with Alyona, and Alyona didn't quite clue in that a 6 year old needs to be spoken to a bit more gently, and just wanted to help. 

After much snuggling,consoling, and explaining, Loren finally backed off and let Alyona do it herself.  She is very proud of her finished product!

We went to the 4pm "kid friendly" Christmas Eve service at church, and Alyona really seemed to enjoy the music.  She kept asking me to point to where we were in the program, which was cute since I knew she couldn't read any of it. 

After church, we headed to our annual Christmas Eve shindig at the Jarvis' home.  That was fun!  I was thankful that their niece came over, so Alyona wasn't the only kid there older than 10. She was a good sport and seemed very comfortable in the chaos!  She was (and is) quite independent, and just does her thing.  She took a special shining to the the Jarvis' 8 year old, which was cute.  I think he was smitten, too!

As is tradition, "Papa Powell" did his annual Twas the Night Before Christmas reading...which always has a twist!  This year, Rudolph was MIA, and Santa needed some substitutes.  Not knowing what was being said, I'm sure Alyona was completely confused!  She followed the lead of the other kids, and just rolled with it!  Does she even know who Rudolph is?!

 Papa Powell always gives each child a bag of Reindeer Food when they leave.  The girl who won't eat soup, pizza, salad, lasagna, ham sandwiches, or a burger, dove right into her bag of Reindeer food.  Ok, that she'll eat?!  We explained that the Reindeer food was to be scattered on the lawn when we got home.  She looked at me like I had two heads, and got in the van.  I Googled Translated "Americans are crazy", and she nodded.
When we got home and she saw our 3 scattering the food on the lawn, she followed suit!

Just a few minutes after we came inside, there was a knock at the door.  There were about 20 Christmas carolers (our neighbors) who stood there with candles and Santa hats, singing at the tops of their lungs.  Alyona gasped and grabbed her camera.  Perfect timing!

Like usual, she got ready for bed and headed up to her room with the Android to watch her Russian shows.  Only this time, she was shouting "Merry Christmas!" over and over, and even had a big hug for host mama.  A perfect ending to a wonderful day.