Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the
east...
bring my sons from far, and my daughter(s) from the ends of the
earth;
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him
for my glory,
I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Isaiah 43:5-7
It was 10 years ago today when we arrived home from the Philippines with our children Nathan, Elaina, and their older brother, Derick. They have an amazing back story of their coming into our family, which can be read here; however, ‘the vision’ was true...our last three children, giving us 7 sons and 7 daughters, finally were home!
Here is that part of their story......
May 2, 2004 - As Bob read My Utmost for His Highest during our couples devotion time, the Lord affirmed loudly in Katherine's heart, "Though it tarry, wait." She later wrote in her journal:
"This Philippine adoption is going to be all about waiting on the Lord
and trusting his timing. It is also about obedience. It is insane to take
on three more children filling bedrooms, the van, and our kitchen table
to the max! And what will people think. We are crazy and they are right.
I fancy myself not needing people's approval, but I do not relish their
disapproval. Yet, as I set my eyes and heart on Jesus and think about
'His chosen' needing us as parents and family, people's thoughts and
opinions no longer matter; 'the just shall live by his faith' Habakkuk 2:4b."
and trusting his timing. It is also about obedience. It is insane to take
on three more children filling bedrooms, the van, and our kitchen table
to the max! And what will people think. We are crazy and they are right.
I fancy myself not needing people's approval, but I do not relish their
disapproval. Yet, as I set my eyes and heart on Jesus and think about
'His chosen' needing us as parents and family, people's thoughts and
opinions no longer matter; 'the just shall live by his faith' Habakkuk 2:4b."
Exactly one year later...
May 2, 2005 - We receive
an email informing us that the children would be having their visa interviews
at the American Embassy either the coming Friday or Monday. Once that was done
we were free to travel and 'fetch' the children. Seven days later, on May 9th, we receive
word we could go.
And go we did!
May 14, Saturday - Our family
delivered us to the Peoria airport. After a two hour wait, the time had come to
say 'good-bye' and go through security. It was a heart-wrenching time for
Katherine. Though she knew her children would be fine with her
parents, and actually have a wonderful time, her mother's heart felt as
though she were abandoning them. Bob reminder her that she was going to
her children as well and to focus on that.
After a 23 hour plane and airport experience, we arrive in Manila, Philippines!
The flights had been chilly, but
when we passed through the threshold of the airplane into the enclosed gangway,
it was like hitting a wall of thick wet heat! This thick heat never abated until we were back on
the plane Thursday.
Our deepest prayer at this time was that our driver, Israel, would still be waiting for us as we were an hour and 21 minutes late in arriving. It was also 12:30 AM!
What relief washed over us, especially Bob, when we saw a man holding a sign that read, 'Sanford'! The drive to the hotel was quick, the bellmen were extremely nice, and our room was a large two-room suite on the sixth floor overlooking the American Embassy across the street.
May 16, Monday - We awoke early for
having gone to bed at 2:00 in the morning, had a nice breakfast at the hotel
buffet, and then went to send an e-mail to the USA letting the family know we
were safe and secure.
We then took a walk across the street and behind the American Embassy to a park beside the Manila Bay. Going out on the pier, we were able to get a closer look at the ships in the Bay as well as a panoramic view of the city behind us.
That afternoon Israel took us shopping for
gifts, taking us on a back city tour of Manila to avoid traffic which
is at least three times worse that Chicago traffic!
It was a mind-numbing experience...
The squalor and dilapidation was beyond description. Tin shacks built on old stacks of garbage, rows and rows of them. Thinly clad children everywhere and gaunt adults sitting in doorways. Street children going up to stopped cars tapping on the windows trying to sell things before the light changed and adults walking up the middle of the street selling fruit or water to slowed traffic.
We actually had to harden our hearts to keep from sobbing at the hopelessness, all the while realizing this was how our children lived just five years ago!
Returning back to the hotel, we spent a quiet
evening first with a steak dinner costing $1,000 (in pesos that is!) and
then a movie back up in our room.
May 17, Tuesday - Another good
breakfast and then back to the room to call Beth at Inter-country Adoption
Board (ICAB). We were told that we should be there for our appointment at 11:00
AM and we would go from there to the Parenting Foundation (PF) to meet our
newest blessings. That meant we needed to leave the hotel at 10:00 AM, as ICAB
was at least one hour away.
Bob called our driver letting him know when to pick
us up. We had prepared all the gifts the night before so we were off to
the business center to send an e-mail to the States. We did not have much news,
but it was wonderful to think we were able to be in touch. Then back up to the
room to wait.
Time seemed to be in slow motion as we waited for Israel to
arrive. We were tremendously anxious about whether or not the children
would want to come home with us, and we were unsure how prepared they would be
for our arrival. Finally the time came.
Israel was late. But we quickly
loaded his car, merged into the ever present traffic, and headed to Quezon City.
The hour passed rapidly as we learned more about the city and islands from
Israel. Even the types of vehicles were a topic of conversation.
Jeepneys were
everywhere! These are American Army left-behinds from WWII. They look like
small troop transport trucks with a roof but no back and the sides are
open as well, holding about 20 people. The styles, designs, and names all
vary and they became a very familiar sight. There were thousands of
them.
We arrived at ICAB and met the two social workers, Beth and
Danny, who had worked most closely with our children over the years.
Danny
pointed to a cloth-seated bench where two years ago, he had to break the
terrible news to these children that their first adoptive mom from the USA did
not want them. The story goes that after having spent a day with them, under full guardianship, she gave them back again to the Philippine
authorities, officially disrupting the adoption. This was the second 'mom' to abandon them in their short lifetimes.
However, this was the Lord's plan to make it possible for their real parents to adopt them. (That story in the next blog.)
We peppered Beth with questions:
How long have the children know we were coming?
Since July of last year. WOW!
Are
they excited about being adopted?
Yes, very much. They show their picture albums to everyone they meet
and know all of their new siblings' names.
Yes, very much. They show their picture albums to everyone they meet
and know all of their new siblings' names.
Do they speak English? Yes.
After a bit, we packed into the car and rode to the Parenting Foundation. Along the way, we shared our story with Beth and Israel, sang a couple of Worship songs, and learned more about the future of Filipino foster & orphanage children.
Their fate is the same as in the USA and Russia. On your 18th birthday, you are out on the streets to fend for yourself. The only advantage American children have is there are State & Federal programs in place to help them with college or job training. No such programs exists in Russia or the Philippines. And sadder still, this is the case in most countries around the world.
The
hour passed quickly and we turned into a gated section of the city off of an access
road running along side the highway. A couple of turns on the narrow streets
and we pulled up to the little blue building with' Parenting Foundation' written
over the doorway.
We excitedly grabbed our gifts from the back of the car and head into the building. The Director met us at the door with a sincere welcome, then ushered us up a narrow staircase to where the children had been waiting. They had arrived over a half hour early with anxious hearts to meet their new mommy and daddy.
We excitedly grabbed our gifts from the back of the car and head into the building. The Director met us at the door with a sincere welcome, then ushered us up a narrow staircase to where the children had been waiting. They had arrived over a half hour early with anxious hearts to meet their new mommy and daddy.
Katherine went first. Bob followed
carrying the video recorder capturing the first glimpses of our children.
The moment had finally arrived...after years of prayer and waiting....
The moment had finally arrived...after years of prayer and waiting....
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Jonathan, Jay-R, and Maggie's smiles lite up their whole faces and their hugs
were genuine expressions of love and relief.
The joy that filled that room was
palatable by all, including Pazie- the director, Beth- ICAB social worker,
My-My- PF social worker, Lilia- the foster mom, and three other social workers
who joined in the festivities.
My-My shared how Maggie was insistent that
morning that if any 'text-messages' arrived she did not want to hear about it!!
Seeing our perplexed expressions, My-My then went on to explain that that is how the 'other' adoptive mom
communicated her intention to disrupt.
Katherine gave Maggie a tight
squeeze telling her that was not going to ever happen again!
We gave
each of the children a backpack with a watch, tape player, and GI Joe for
the boys with Maggie getting a baby doll (more treasures awaited at the
hotel).
Maggie proceeded to name her doll Joleen. Then cradling her,
she feed the baby her bottle. It was precious, as well as an
immediate sign to Bob and Katherine that she has been well nurtured by her foster
parents, PF and ICAB staff, though her young life began with abandonment
on the streets at 2 years of age!
Jonathan and Jay-R admired the GI Joe rifles after
they asked their dad to set their watches.
Jay-R declared, through
Beth translating, his new mommy was beautiful and that Daddy had big feet!
He also asked a very thoughtful question, which we are sure he had heard
discussed by adults at some point in time, "Are you able to parent
us with all of those other children you have?" We stated emphatically that
we were and that a lot of other people believe that we are capable as
well. He seemed satisfied, but we think it was the social workers who
really needed to hear our answer.
Pazie returned with a lunch of Mango cake and Paupoui (sp) which was like a pizza with thin rice noodles layered up with mashed potatoes colored orange by a certain seed oil, crunchy fish and pork sprinkled on top, and sliced hard-boiled egg as a garnish. It was absolutely delicious! Jay-R took it upon himself to serve his new parents.
Pazie returned with a lunch of Mango cake and Paupoui (sp) which was like a pizza with thin rice noodles layered up with mashed potatoes colored orange by a certain seed oil, crunchy fish and pork sprinkled on top, and sliced hard-boiled egg as a garnish. It was absolutely delicious! Jay-R took it upon himself to serve his new parents.
During our time there, we took lots of pictures of memorabilia's sake. Below, the children's social worker, My-My is on the left, the Parenting Foundation director, Pazie, is on the right, and the children's foster mom is sitting beside Maggie.
Towards the later half of our
two hour visit, the children began to calm and act very subdued. We began to
think they were struggling with the idea of leaving with us.
Yet, when Beth gave the word it was time to go, they jumped up, grabbed their backpacks, and with nary a wave or hug to anyone, headed to the car. So much for that idea of struggling! They were thrilled to finally be on their way with THEIR mommy and daddy!
It was a wonderful hour and a
half drive with our children safely in our care, Maggie rode on
Daddy's lap in the front seat and the boys rode in the back with Mom. Poor
Israel's air-conditioner could not contend with the heat so we were all soon
dripping wet (literally) with sweat soaking our clothing and running down our
faces. Yet, when Beth gave the word it was time to go, they jumped up, grabbed their backpacks, and with nary a wave or hug to anyone, headed to the car. So much for that idea of struggling! They were thrilled to finally be on their way with THEIR mommy and daddy!
Arriving at the hotel, we
climbed out of the car bring forth many looks as well as several
helping hands from the ever present army of bellhops! (Of course, they are
hoping for a nice tip from the big 'rich' American!)
One brave bellhop did ask, "Are these your children?," to which Katherine smiled and answered, "Yes, they are!"
We hurriedly headed to the elevators which was a bug-eyed experience for our three, and down the hall to the room, quickly changing into our swim suits. Then up to the roof we went for a refreshing dip in the pool. Daddy took some pictures and video as each child showed off their swimming abilities. It was a perfect time for bonding and touch as we held the children in the deep end or lead them around by the hand as they floated in the water.
Soon it was time for the pool to close so we headed back to the room for showers and then down to the restaurant for a dinner of hamburgers and spaghetti. The children ate great.
Back in the room we put the roll away
mattresses in the bedroom around the bed and by 8:00 we were all tucked in for
a good-nights sleep. That evening the children did not talked
much, but their constant smiles and ready hugs were all the language any of us
needed.
One brave bellhop did ask, "Are these your children?," to which Katherine smiled and answered, "Yes, they are!"
We hurriedly headed to the elevators which was a bug-eyed experience for our three, and down the hall to the room, quickly changing into our swim suits. Then up to the roof we went for a refreshing dip in the pool. Daddy took some pictures and video as each child showed off their swimming abilities. It was a perfect time for bonding and touch as we held the children in the deep end or lead them around by the hand as they floated in the water.
Soon it was time for the pool to close so we headed back to the room for showers and then down to the restaurant for a dinner of hamburgers and spaghetti. The children ate great.
May 18, Wednesday - Jonathan was the
first one awake with Maggie popping up behind him. After about 20 minutes Jay-R
got up because of the talking, came into the other room, looked around and then
went back to his bed for about another 10 minutes. It was cute and a definite
sign, he is not a morning person!
When he finally did wake up the first and only word he spoke, looking right at his dad, was "eat"! We got a good laugh out of that. But it was still to early, so we invited him to join us for a game of UNO. Jonathan had already played a few hands with Mom and Dad and had become quite the rival opponent. (It is the perfect game for teaching English, colors, numbers, and for learning children's personalities when communication is limited.)
Jay-R was not that awake so he went to watch TV. Maggie colored and played with her toys. Finally it was time to dress and head to breakfast.
The restaurant was full and we made a bit of a disturbance as we arrived all dressed in our blue and khaki clothing, not to mention the obvious difference of light-skinned, brown and blond haired parents with three dark-skinned ,black haired children which resulted in many looks and stares.
The children acted like themselves, but we, as their parents, walked a little taller and smiled a little broader!
The children eat an amazing amount of food, especially Jay-R, then we headed once again to send an e-mail in the business center of the hotel. This time we had an e-mail waiting from home.
Imaging our surprise when we read....
Well, we have had a flat tire, power outage, dog got lose, oven caught on fire, etc. other than that we are fine! We have had lots of sugar, we have only been outside the house once (plus church)! We are praying for your safe return!
WOW! We were going to have to wait till we got home to discover what that was all about.
There were several hours to spend before Israel would be back to take us to the ICAB once again to get the final paperwork, so we took the children to the park and pier that we had visited on Monday. It was a beautiful day and a tiny bit cooler (probably like 97 degrees instead of 110 degrees).
The children enjoyed seeing the ships
and the fish that swam near the pier. The park was in the middle of a horseshoe
street so we went down the other way for a longer walk back to the hotel and to
see different sights.
This took us past a monument with two Filipino Marines keeping guard. It was fascinating to watch them do their guard walk and rifle salute.
After drinking lots of water and resting in the room, the time came to go take the hour drive to the ICAB.
Israel picked us up and in an effort to get across town faster took back city roads again. This actually ended up costing us two hours in the car, yet we made the most of it observing the buildings, people, and playing a game of who can find the Jollibee, McDonalds, or ChowKing restaurants' sign first. Needless to say we had a lot of fun especially with the Jay-R's enthusiasm to beat Daddy. We did have one exciting moment when a police traffic guard walked up (remember slow to still traffic, they do not need cars) to Israel's window asking for his driver's license and registration while pulling out his ticket book.
Since this was all done in Tagalog (Filipino language) we had no clue what was going on. He then walked over to talk with two other police officers and Israel went to join them; all happening 20 feet in front of our vehicle stopped in the middle of the road! Quick talking was done by all, and finally Israel comes back with his license and registration stating that it was a traffic-light trap and he told them he never saw the light as he followed closely behind the Jeepney in front of him. The Lord was good, no ticket.
When he finally did wake up the first and only word he spoke, looking right at his dad, was "eat"! We got a good laugh out of that. But it was still to early, so we invited him to join us for a game of UNO. Jonathan had already played a few hands with Mom and Dad and had become quite the rival opponent. (It is the perfect game for teaching English, colors, numbers, and for learning children's personalities when communication is limited.)
Jay-R was not that awake so he went to watch TV. Maggie colored and played with her toys. Finally it was time to dress and head to breakfast.
The restaurant was full and we made a bit of a disturbance as we arrived all dressed in our blue and khaki clothing, not to mention the obvious difference of light-skinned, brown and blond haired parents with three dark-skinned ,black haired children which resulted in many looks and stares.
The children acted like themselves, but we, as their parents, walked a little taller and smiled a little broader!
The children eat an amazing amount of food, especially Jay-R, then we headed once again to send an e-mail in the business center of the hotel. This time we had an e-mail waiting from home.
Imaging our surprise when we read....
Well, we have had a flat tire, power outage, dog got lose, oven caught on fire, etc. other than that we are fine! We have had lots of sugar, we have only been outside the house once (plus church)! We are praying for your safe return!
WOW! We were going to have to wait till we got home to discover what that was all about.
There were several hours to spend before Israel would be back to take us to the ICAB once again to get the final paperwork, so we took the children to the park and pier that we had visited on Monday. It was a beautiful day and a tiny bit cooler (probably like 97 degrees instead of 110 degrees).
This took us past a monument with two Filipino Marines keeping guard. It was fascinating to watch them do their guard walk and rifle salute.
After drinking lots of water and resting in the room, the time came to go take the hour drive to the ICAB.
Israel picked us up and in an effort to get across town faster took back city roads again. This actually ended up costing us two hours in the car, yet we made the most of it observing the buildings, people, and playing a game of who can find the Jollibee, McDonalds, or ChowKing restaurants' sign first. Needless to say we had a lot of fun especially with the Jay-R's enthusiasm to beat Daddy. We did have one exciting moment when a police traffic guard walked up (remember slow to still traffic, they do not need cars) to Israel's window asking for his driver's license and registration while pulling out his ticket book.
Since this was all done in Tagalog (Filipino language) we had no clue what was going on. He then walked over to talk with two other police officers and Israel went to join them; all happening 20 feet in front of our vehicle stopped in the middle of the road! Quick talking was done by all, and finally Israel comes back with his license and registration stating that it was a traffic-light trap and he told them he never saw the light as he followed closely behind the Jeepney in front of him. The Lord was good, no ticket.
At ICAB, we were greeted by Beth and
Danny (on left and right ends respectively) who introduced us to the Director and several other social workers. The
children received gifts, and pictures were taken, even a sign had been made and
hung to celebrate the occasion. It was a joyous time.
We learned from Beth that the folks at the American Embassy was very excited to hear the Tumlos children were being adopted. It was horrible for them two years ago when the children were abandoned by the American mom and they were thrilled to push through the visas for us.
Also, she shared that in January 2005 she went to an ICAB matching committee with the expectation of getting approval for the match that day. They asked her, why she had not written up a referral for the match, first to be reviewed by the committee, and at some later dated, voted on for approval? They also asked the question, why ICAB should even consider this family since they already have 11 children?
Beth told them that because of the disruption status on their file, no family from any country in the world has been willing to accept these children for a referral in two years, this family wants them. And she told them, " I believe they should be matched so I didn't even bother with writing a referral." A miracle of God!!
That is why what usually takes at least 18-24 months only took us 10!
This also explains an email received last year on August 13, 2004 from the Executive Director of ICAB stating, that it was "good news that the above named children (Tumlos) have a possible family who are interested in adopting them...we look forward to receiving the adoption application and dossier of Robert and Katherine Sanford."
Diane, our social worker, upon reading this wrote us saying, "It has been rare in my experience to get such a definite and concrete response from the Philippines. It surely seems as though this is meant to be."
We learned from Beth that the folks at the American Embassy was very excited to hear the Tumlos children were being adopted. It was horrible for them two years ago when the children were abandoned by the American mom and they were thrilled to push through the visas for us.
Also, she shared that in January 2005 she went to an ICAB matching committee with the expectation of getting approval for the match that day. They asked her, why she had not written up a referral for the match, first to be reviewed by the committee, and at some later dated, voted on for approval? They also asked the question, why ICAB should even consider this family since they already have 11 children?
Beth told them that because of the disruption status on their file, no family from any country in the world has been willing to accept these children for a referral in two years, this family wants them. And she told them, " I believe they should be matched so I didn't even bother with writing a referral." A miracle of God!!
That is why what usually takes at least 18-24 months only took us 10!
This also explains an email received last year on August 13, 2004 from the Executive Director of ICAB stating, that it was "good news that the above named children (Tumlos) have a possible family who are interested in adopting them...we look forward to receiving the adoption application and dossier of Robert and Katherine Sanford."
Diane, our social worker, upon reading this wrote us saying, "It has been rare in my experience to get such a definite and concrete response from the Philippines. It surely seems as though this is meant to be."
All the necessary paperwork was
signed and our chosen names for the children
presented to Beth. She was very pleased.
Goodbyes and hugs were given and the children disappeared to the car.
Israel took us by a mall on the way to the hotel so that we could get the children socks, telling them that they would get new shoes in America. The Mall was as beautiful and huge as any upscale mall in the USA.
We also got some McDonald's 'to go' which cost $491 pesos equal to less than $10 US for six value meals. We had not eaten since breakfast and it was almost 5:00 so we ate the French fries in the car while they were still hot. (Israel needed to get to choir practice at his church as he was the director). In the room, we all chowed down on the burgers.
Then we got the cameras ready for the most precious gift yet that we had for the children.
We sat them on the couch, gave them each a little box tied with ribbon, and motioned for them to open it. In broken English, we told them that they were now Sanfords and just as we named all of our other children, we had a name for them.
They opened the folded paper to see their new name and new birthdate.
(Their birthdate was the date of placement in social services care, July 30, 1999. We kept the day and year, but gave them new months to correspond with what the Lord had done with our other children born in the same year. All of those children are two months apart so we calcutated with Derick and Peter being both born in 1993, Derick needed to be two months older than Peter. As well as Elaina's was to be two months behind Rebecca. Nathan was one year younger than Zach so his was put in the same month like several of this other siblings who shared the birthday month of their one year older sibling.)
They also tore open the tissue paper at the bottom to discover dog-tags for the boys with their entire name and birthdate.
Elaina receiving a locket necklace exactly like the one each of her other five adopted sisters received.
Derick and Nathan each practiced writing their new names.
To celebrate, we walk the block to Wendy's for a Frosty.
Unfortunately, their machine was down, so we trekked back to the hotel restaurant ordering strawberry ice cream for four and a chocolate ice cream for Mom.
A remembrance picture of where we stayed.
Before coming to the Philippines, we had been praying that Nathan would have a temper-tantrum in the hotel as that was one of the main reasons for the disruption over two years before. We wanted to give it a different ending so that healing would be complete. Our prayers were answered and the ending was blessed. Daddy held a crying Nathan while we told him we wanted him and wanted him to go to America with us. We even asked him if he wanted to still go to America with us to which he answered, "Yes." It was just as we had hoped.
The children played while we finished packing. We were all in bed by 7:30 PM as we would be up at 3:00 AM.
Goodbyes and hugs were given and the children disappeared to the car.
Israel took us by a mall on the way to the hotel so that we could get the children socks, telling them that they would get new shoes in America. The Mall was as beautiful and huge as any upscale mall in the USA.
We also got some McDonald's 'to go' which cost $491 pesos equal to less than $10 US for six value meals. We had not eaten since breakfast and it was almost 5:00 so we ate the French fries in the car while they were still hot. (Israel needed to get to choir practice at his church as he was the director). In the room, we all chowed down on the burgers.
Then we got the cameras ready for the most precious gift yet that we had for the children.
We sat them on the couch, gave them each a little box tied with ribbon, and motioned for them to open it. In broken English, we told them that they were now Sanfords and just as we named all of our other children, we had a name for them.
They opened the folded paper to see their new name and new birthdate.
(Their birthdate was the date of placement in social services care, July 30, 1999. We kept the day and year, but gave them new months to correspond with what the Lord had done with our other children born in the same year. All of those children are two months apart so we calcutated with Derick and Peter being both born in 1993, Derick needed to be two months older than Peter. As well as Elaina's was to be two months behind Rebecca. Nathan was one year younger than Zach so his was put in the same month like several of this other siblings who shared the birthday month of their one year older sibling.)
They also tore open the tissue paper at the bottom to discover dog-tags for the boys with their entire name and birthdate.
Elaina receiving a locket necklace exactly like the one each of her other five adopted sisters received.
Derick and Nathan each practiced writing their new names.
To celebrate, we walk the block to Wendy's for a Frosty.
Unfortunately, their machine was down, so we trekked back to the hotel restaurant ordering strawberry ice cream for four and a chocolate ice cream for Mom.
A remembrance picture of where we stayed.
Before coming to the Philippines, we had been praying that Nathan would have a temper-tantrum in the hotel as that was one of the main reasons for the disruption over two years before. We wanted to give it a different ending so that healing would be complete. Our prayers were answered and the ending was blessed. Daddy held a crying Nathan while we told him we wanted him and wanted him to go to America with us. We even asked him if he wanted to still go to America with us to which he answered, "Yes." It was just as we had hoped.
The children played while we finished packing. We were all in bed by 7:30 PM as we would be up at 3:00 AM.
May 19, Thursday - The hotel
messaging system called at 3:00 AM as expected. We were already awake anxious to
go home. The children were still dead asleep, and hardly stirred as we showered
and dressed.
At 4:00 we got the children up and dressed then headed to the lobby at 4:30 were Israel was waiting for us. He drove a bit and then pulled off the side of the road. We asked what was up. He said he wanted to pray for us! It was such a blessing. The rest of the drive to the airport was quick, but there were still many cars on the main road. Imagine that!
Once in the airport we moved quickly through check-in, customs, and three security checks. We did stop mid-airport to eat some sandwiches at 5:30 A.M. It was still be a long time till breakfast on the plane.
We finally boarded the 747 aircraft at 7:30 for our 8:05 flight. Four hours later we were in Tokyo, Japan. A 45 minute wait and then we were on another 747 plane for our 12 hour flight to Detroit.
The children did great, sleeping most of the time. After about six hours on the plane, Elaina did have a temper tantrum while over the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.
She was beyond exhausted, and she was mad at Mom. But when Dad moved her to sit beside him putting Nathan beside Mom, she almost immediately stopped crying and kept looking at mom as if to say, "Don't you miss me?" Mom was on to her moves and talked to Daddy, ignoring her eyes the whole time.
Finally, she could not stand it any longer and told Daddy, "Sit by Mommy" motioning that she wanted to move back. Next thing Katherine knew (because she was watching the movie), Nathan was getting up and Elaina was standing beside her saying, "I love you, Mommy." It was awesome! And as exhausted as she was, she was the happiest child for the rest of the trip.
At 4:00 we got the children up and dressed then headed to the lobby at 4:30 were Israel was waiting for us. He drove a bit and then pulled off the side of the road. We asked what was up. He said he wanted to pray for us! It was such a blessing. The rest of the drive to the airport was quick, but there were still many cars on the main road. Imagine that!
Once in the airport we moved quickly through check-in, customs, and three security checks. We did stop mid-airport to eat some sandwiches at 5:30 A.M. It was still be a long time till breakfast on the plane.
We finally boarded the 747 aircraft at 7:30 for our 8:05 flight. Four hours later we were in Tokyo, Japan. A 45 minute wait and then we were on another 747 plane for our 12 hour flight to Detroit.
The children did great, sleeping most of the time. After about six hours on the plane, Elaina did have a temper tantrum while over the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.
She was beyond exhausted, and she was mad at Mom. But when Dad moved her to sit beside him putting Nathan beside Mom, she almost immediately stopped crying and kept looking at mom as if to say, "Don't you miss me?" Mom was on to her moves and talked to Daddy, ignoring her eyes the whole time.
Finally, she could not stand it any longer and told Daddy, "Sit by Mommy" motioning that she wanted to move back. Next thing Katherine knew (because she was watching the movie), Nathan was getting up and Elaina was standing beside her saying, "I love you, Mommy." It was awesome! And as exhausted as she was, she was the happiest child for the rest of the trip.
In Detroit, it took some time to
get through immigration and naturalization. And then we discovered that one of
our suitcases was missing. The attendant assured us that because it was tagged
to go to Bloomington that it would probably arrive with us, and if not ,just
report it missing; Northwest would track it and deliver it to our home.
During our hour wait to get on the 'puddle jumper' plane, Bob called home and talked with Josh then passed the phone to Katherine. What a mixed blessing it was to know we were close enough to call, but not close enough to touch! That would come after an hour and 15 minute plane ride.
At the Bloomington Airport, this was the scene...
During our hour wait to get on the 'puddle jumper' plane, Bob called home and talked with Josh then passed the phone to Katherine. What a mixed blessing it was to know we were close enough to call, but not close enough to touch! That would come after an hour and 15 minute plane ride.
At the Bloomington Airport, this was the scene...
Reality set in when the plane touched down and the children perked up knowing that they were finally going to see their brothers and sisters. It had been a 25 hour airplane and airport experience and we never left the May 19th date (leaving Thursday morning Philippines, arriving Thursday evening Bloomington). It was 5:15 P.M.
Exiting the plane and taking a brief walk on the tarmac, it was such a joy to see our family standing at the large window!
Once inside, we discovered that it was not only our children and Katherine's parents there to greet us, but also several dear friends from our church!
It was a beautiful, overwhelming, blessed sight!
Derick, Nathan, and Elaina were especially overwhelmed by the masses. But they kept their eyes on their new siblings, which they knew by sight and name; watching every move they made.
Our Christ Church, PCA family!
Gramma and Papa with 'all' their IL grandchildren!
Our '14 children from Him' finally all together!
After hellos, hugs, and pictures, our 'little' family headed to our two vans.
Derick went right away with the big boys in the small van, Nathan climbed in the back of the big van smiling from ear to ear with Zachary. Elaina was holding court with her six sisters in the middle of the van. With Papa driving, the four adults swapped stories in the front seats.
One very happy family!! One short drive home.
The first weeks home were interesting regarding language and names.
Their
'speaking' English was extremely limited but they are adding new words and
phrases everyday. They did understand most everything we said to them making
communication fairly easy. William commented that it was not
fair that they understood English and they didn't understand any when they
came from Russia! The first day it was wild to listen to Peter teach Derick and
Nathan how to say or pronounce certain English words, when all of Peter's words are
spoken with a distinct Russian accent. And even more crazy, he was the one who
did not want to learn the language! A gentleman in our church
told Bob that it was going to be interesting to hear the Filipino's speak
English with a Russian accent. We so agreed.
One evening we were at church for a Home School Choir Concert. Papa called 'Jonathan' wanting him to do something for him. Derick looked at him and said emphatically, "No, Derick!" We asked Nathan soon after that, "Are you Nathan or Jay-R?" Pointing to himself, he said, "Nathan." One day Elaina was looking longingly at Derick who was just outside the window. Susanna heard Derick tell her, "Elaina, ask mommy, go outside please." Susanna was so excited by this English and use of her new name that she brought Elaina to Mom to tell the whole story.
If ever we wondered about changing their names these examples were the affirmation we needed that it was a blessing to them.
One evening we were at church for a Home School Choir Concert. Papa called 'Jonathan' wanting him to do something for him. Derick looked at him and said emphatically, "No, Derick!" We asked Nathan soon after that, "Are you Nathan or Jay-R?" Pointing to himself, he said, "Nathan." One day Elaina was looking longingly at Derick who was just outside the window. Susanna heard Derick tell her, "Elaina, ask mommy, go outside please." Susanna was so excited by this English and use of her new name that she brought Elaina to Mom to tell the whole story.
If ever we wondered about changing their names these examples were the affirmation we needed that it was a blessing to them.
Our lawyer agreed to facilitate the
finalization of Derick, Nathan, and Elaina's adoption, including our request to
give them their own birthdate. So one year later from the week we arrived home
with them, May 23, 2006, these three orphans became our true sons and daughter!
Our family was finished. We had 7 sons and 7 daughters, 14 from Him…
(or at least so we thought at the time).
Our family was finished. We had 7 sons and 7 daughters, 14 from Him…
(or at least so we thought at the time).
And on June 26, 2013, they became American
Citizens!
Nathan graduated from High School this spring. And he is now working at Samaritan Ministries in Peoria, where his brother Josh also works.
Elaina turned 18 years old this year. And she is delighted to stay at home to help her mom while waiting for the Lord to bring her husband.
When the Lord told us to "go to the Philippines and name the boy Nathan", we had no real idea what that meant. Yet we chose to 'walk by faith', trusting that we would be blessed and so would these new children. How happy we are that we did!
Nathan graduated from High School this spring. And he is now working at Samaritan Ministries in Peoria, where his brother Josh also works.
Elaina turned 18 years old this year. And she is delighted to stay at home to help her mom while waiting for the Lord to bring her husband.
When the Lord told us to "go to the Philippines and name the boy Nathan", we had no real idea what that meant. Yet we chose to 'walk by faith', trusting that we would be blessed and so would these new children. How happy we are that we did!
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.....
Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and
the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man: so
are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of
them.
Psalm
127:1,3-5a
