It's Tuesday evening here in Moscow and I wanted to give you an update on what we've been doing since we left Voronezh. The 11 hour, overnight train ride back to Moscow went quite well. We were really crammed into our little compartment with all our luggage and a little one too. Natalie slept well on the train--I think she was the only one though. As soon as we ended our journey into Moscow, we were met by our facilitators who took us directly to the medical clinic for Natalie's required checkup. Then to a photo place to get her picture taken for her visa and then to the American Embassy to apply and pay for the visa. Finally, to our hotel. Natalie was incredible. She went with the flow of the busy morning, without her morning nap, with finger snacks and juice to sustain her till we could check in. Then it was straight to the crib for naptime. While she slept, Steve and I ordered a filet dinner and split it---yummmmmmmy!
Today, we completed our Embassy visit and Natalie now has her own visa to enter the USA! Our facilitator will register her with the Russian Embassy tomorrow and will give us her passport with all the necessary seals and stamps. We are getting closer to home and I can almost 'taste' it!
Natalie is still not feeling well. Please continue to pray for her. It's hard to watch her cry and try to figure out how to comfort her, it's a learning process for all of us. Also, pray for me. I have been sick with a sore throat and horrible stomach pain. Our facilitator believes that I have picked up a germ from Natalie---this is hard to imagine!!
I want to end this blog by bragging on my husband. He has become one of the best daddies in the world. Natalie adores him and even wants him over mommy---and that's o.k. with me. They play and laugh together over the smallest things and I love watching them together. My heart is bursting and I think Steve's is as well.
Love to all (Friday's coming!)
Karen
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8 comments:
Wow! We have missed alot. We have been away. Happy belated Father's Day Steve! We are so excited and beyond happy that Natalie is finally your daughter. We love the big bow on the her hair we approve! We will be pray for healing and God's protection as you prepare for your journey home. We love you and can't wait to see you all.
Praying that you will feel better soon and that God will continue to give you wisdom with little Natalie.
Heather Brandt
What a day! Sounds like you were all pretty busy. I hope you and Nat feel better by the time you get home. Sounds like you are already experiencing all the joy that comes with being a parent. The laughs, the tears, the scratching your head trying to figure out why your precious little one is crying, etc. All I am sure you would not trade for anything!! Love to all of you. We can't wait to see you on Friday. Hurry home!!!
Erick, Tonya, Josh, and Ben
Dearest Karen, Steve and Natalie,
We are so excited for you and how you are doing as a family. We are continuing to pray for every step of the way as God opens doors to complete the rest of the process.
We will lift you and Natalie up to the Lord for healing and strength. We love you and are counting down the days until Friday.
Elaine, Rick and kids
Love the updates and the pix! We've missed chatting with you, but we know you've been busy!! and sick... glad to hear the girls are feeling better. Natalie's making huge strides and that's just awesome! God is good and life's never going to be the same for you... but way better! We can't wait to see you and hug and kiss that little sweetie!
Love and continued prayers, Michelle and Steve and family
Pastor Karen and Steve,
I've been following your blog site...it is so exciting! Congratulations and blessings on the addition of Natalie to your family! and happy first Father's Day to Steve. Natalie is adorable!
With prayers that you feel better and for a safe journey home,
love,
Kimberly Coffman
We are so, so thankful that God is faithful. Natalie is beautiful, and seeing the pictures of you all together has me sitting here in tears. I cannot wait to meet her and to hug you! Friday is only a short time away - and we will be praying you home!
Love,
Melissa, Todd, Jenna, and Brandon Layton
Looking forward to seeing you all when you get back! I'm praying for you!
- Jen A
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