Bummer...this site is restricted from playing this song, but it gives you the link to Youtube...it's worth it!
I love this song...and I love that we have Internet access so we can listen to songs over YouTube. If you've ever sat next to me at church when this song is sung, you've probably heard me sob. It gets me every time. God IS God alone...He is worthy, He is on His throne, He loves us. Even when I feel lost, alone, angry, unloved...He is still God. This line got me today: "unchangeable, unshakable, unstoppable...that's what You are..." God doesn't change. He can not be stopped. His will be done. I think about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane..."not as my will but as you will". I'm so afraid of "messing up" and adopting the "wrong" child...someone different than what God has chosen for me. The thing is...I KNOW God has my story written...
After meeting with Natalia today, Todd and I desperately need to hear God speak to us and lead us to the child(ren) He created specifically for our family.
Today was a hard day and a sweet day all at once. Thank you Jesus for small Bibles for traveling...thank you Mom for the "In Touch" magazines...thank you God for YouTube...thank you everyone for your prayers! This had been an emotional day in many, many ways. We both needed a good cry this afternoon so we don't have a meltdown tomorrow in the SDA office:) I can't believe this day has finally arrived...here we go!
Oh yeah...one other thing to be thankful for...CURLY HAIR! After three days of no shower (no conditioner for my hair because it's in our lost bag...) it still looks good...really! Even Todd says so:) ha
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
We are here!!!
Thank you prayer warriors! We have arrived and are finally in our apartment in Kiev...4:30am Ukraine time. Here are some highlights of our journey...wish I could post pics but Todd is sleeping and I don't know how to add them from our camcorder:) Tomorrow maybe...
We know God was protecting us throughout this first leg of the race. I felt like I was on "Amazing Race"! ha:)
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
1. Dad takes us to airport and we meet up with Todd's mom and step-dad (Mark and Marlene)
2. We check two bags and then visit with our parents until time to leave
3. When going through security they stop both my bags and take out all 4 jars of peanut butter!!!:( They are considered a "gel" so I couldn't bring them. We were told Ukrainians love American peanut butter so we brought them as gifts. Bummer! Was able to give them to Dad because he hadn't left.
4. I kept telling everyone to leave, we would be fine, but PRAISE GOD they didn't listen to me! Our plane was cancelled due to mechanical issues and we heard it was dents/holes in the wing! Glad they cancelled the flight:)
5. All flights had to be re-booked and while waiting I began chatting with a gentleman next to me (surprise...me, talking with a complete stranger:) He was from Olathe and graduated from KU and we knew some of the same people. He gave us a 1800 number that helped us get booked faster than the line:) PRAISE GOD!
6. Problem with the next flight:
*** would take off 5 hours later, but this gave us time to eat lunch with our family, so that wasn't bad. We at at On the Border and we decided not to order beans (hehe)
*** there would be a 12 hour layover in Frankfurt, Germany
*** wouldn't arrive to Kiev until 1:30am...turns out it was 2:30 am
7. Once in Germany we attempted they had already sent one of our pieces of luggage...but to D.C.! Have no idea why, but we are still waiting for it. Thanks to our trip to Romania last summer and first hand experience from our friends, Mitch and Nicole, we split up our clothes into both bags. However, I do not have conditioner or my black shoes I will need for Tuesday's meeting with the SDA. Praying we will get the luggage tomorrow!!
8. Answered prayer on flight from Chicago to Germany!!! Our tickets were not together and we didn't even have our tickets until the last 15 or so people were boarding. At this time my spirits were up but they suddenly dropped. I felt tired, scared, and alone. I felt tears welling up when I thought about not sitting next to Todd for the next 9 hours. Emotions and nerves are on edge anyway and Satan is attacking. I knew it was all up to the kindness and willingness of the people around us to move and I just thought, "Alicia, pull yourself together--don't be a baby--PRAY!" So I did...I had been all morning and I knew there was a purpose if we were separated, I just didn't want to be:( Fortunately, my ticket was an aisle ticket and Todd's was one in from the aisle seat. I asked the gentleman to trade with me and he graciously agreed! PRAISE GOD! Oh, I almost cried tears of joy at that point...but held it together:)
9. ALSO...the woman next to me was assigned to a different seat so I had an empty seat to sprawl out in all the way to Germany! PRAISE GOD!! I got a few hours of sleep on the plane because of it:) WOOHOO!
10. We knew God had paved a way for our parents to stay with us, the man in line, the man to switch seats, and the open aisle seats. We were greatly encouraged and thankful--thank you Jesus we were not traveling with a toddler during these tiring hours!
11. Flight--movies, reading, sleeping, eating:) Good times!
12. Germany--international phone dead; one flight available at another far-away gate and no guaranteed seats PLUS we would have to pay for the extra tickets in addition to the one we already paid for; then none of our luggage would arrive for us. We decided to wait the 12 hours. PRAISE GOD we were able to contact our coordinator with the little bit of juice left on our phone.
13. I was stopped through security AGAIN (I think I look like an innocent young lady, apparently others do not! ha:) They checked both laptops and the German man was SO FUNNY! I was so tired I couldn't stop laughing...it was a much needed happy time:)
14. God boarding passes, ate lunch, washed our faces, brushed our teeth, slept in the terminal a few hours. PRAISE GOD for connecting chairs to lay down on:)
15. Read some devotions and the prayer book Deb made me. THANK YOU to all of you who contributed to our book. It is a book I know I will continue to read and be encouraged by throughout this journey. Thank you friends!
16. Picked up from Kiev airport and brought to a beautiful, studio apartment. Fridge, microwave, and washing machine! WOW! I wonder how much this place costs?? Too bad it's only for one night...:)
Time for bed...missing my puppies but I know my Daddyo is taking good care of them:) Love to you all!
Please continue praying for the Lord to lead us as we have our meetings tomorrow and Tuesday.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalms 32:8
We know God was protecting us throughout this first leg of the race. I felt like I was on "Amazing Race"! ha:)
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
1. Dad takes us to airport and we meet up with Todd's mom and step-dad (Mark and Marlene)
2. We check two bags and then visit with our parents until time to leave
3. When going through security they stop both my bags and take out all 4 jars of peanut butter!!!:( They are considered a "gel" so I couldn't bring them. We were told Ukrainians love American peanut butter so we brought them as gifts. Bummer! Was able to give them to Dad because he hadn't left.
4. I kept telling everyone to leave, we would be fine, but PRAISE GOD they didn't listen to me! Our plane was cancelled due to mechanical issues and we heard it was dents/holes in the wing! Glad they cancelled the flight:)
5. All flights had to be re-booked and while waiting I began chatting with a gentleman next to me (surprise...me, talking with a complete stranger:) He was from Olathe and graduated from KU and we knew some of the same people. He gave us a 1800 number that helped us get booked faster than the line:) PRAISE GOD!
6. Problem with the next flight:
*** would take off 5 hours later, but this gave us time to eat lunch with our family, so that wasn't bad. We at at On the Border and we decided not to order beans (hehe)
*** there would be a 12 hour layover in Frankfurt, Germany
*** wouldn't arrive to Kiev until 1:30am...turns out it was 2:30 am
7. Once in Germany we attempted they had already sent one of our pieces of luggage...but to D.C.! Have no idea why, but we are still waiting for it. Thanks to our trip to Romania last summer and first hand experience from our friends, Mitch and Nicole, we split up our clothes into both bags. However, I do not have conditioner or my black shoes I will need for Tuesday's meeting with the SDA. Praying we will get the luggage tomorrow!!
8. Answered prayer on flight from Chicago to Germany!!! Our tickets were not together and we didn't even have our tickets until the last 15 or so people were boarding. At this time my spirits were up but they suddenly dropped. I felt tired, scared, and alone. I felt tears welling up when I thought about not sitting next to Todd for the next 9 hours. Emotions and nerves are on edge anyway and Satan is attacking. I knew it was all up to the kindness and willingness of the people around us to move and I just thought, "Alicia, pull yourself together--don't be a baby--PRAY!" So I did...I had been all morning and I knew there was a purpose if we were separated, I just didn't want to be:( Fortunately, my ticket was an aisle ticket and Todd's was one in from the aisle seat. I asked the gentleman to trade with me and he graciously agreed! PRAISE GOD! Oh, I almost cried tears of joy at that point...but held it together:)
9. ALSO...the woman next to me was assigned to a different seat so I had an empty seat to sprawl out in all the way to Germany! PRAISE GOD!! I got a few hours of sleep on the plane because of it:) WOOHOO!
10. We knew God had paved a way for our parents to stay with us, the man in line, the man to switch seats, and the open aisle seats. We were greatly encouraged and thankful--thank you Jesus we were not traveling with a toddler during these tiring hours!
11. Flight--movies, reading, sleeping, eating:) Good times!
12. Germany--international phone dead; one flight available at another far-away gate and no guaranteed seats PLUS we would have to pay for the extra tickets in addition to the one we already paid for; then none of our luggage would arrive for us. We decided to wait the 12 hours. PRAISE GOD we were able to contact our coordinator with the little bit of juice left on our phone.
13. I was stopped through security AGAIN (I think I look like an innocent young lady, apparently others do not! ha:) They checked both laptops and the German man was SO FUNNY! I was so tired I couldn't stop laughing...it was a much needed happy time:)
14. God boarding passes, ate lunch, washed our faces, brushed our teeth, slept in the terminal a few hours. PRAISE GOD for connecting chairs to lay down on:)
15. Read some devotions and the prayer book Deb made me. THANK YOU to all of you who contributed to our book. It is a book I know I will continue to read and be encouraged by throughout this journey. Thank you friends!
16. Picked up from Kiev airport and brought to a beautiful, studio apartment. Fridge, microwave, and washing machine! WOW! I wonder how much this place costs?? Too bad it's only for one night...:)
Time for bed...missing my puppies but I know my Daddyo is taking good care of them:) Love to you all!
Please continue praying for the Lord to lead us as we have our meetings tomorrow and Tuesday.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalms 32:8
Friday, April 8, 2011
What a BLESSED day!
This week has been busy! We are packing, wrapping things up at work, fitting in visits with family and friends, and spending time with our puppies! Of course I’m cleaning like a mad woman too! I’ve spent hours communicating with others who have adopted from Ukraine via Facebook, email, and/or phone calls, as well as Ukrainian contacts and our agency. I’ve thought many times I’m ready to leave so I can relax and sleep! ha
Amidst all the busyness I’ve lost sleep and precious time with God. My quiet times are late at night reading a short devotion from a book or on-line at Proverbs 31 Ministries. I spend much of my quiet times in the car listening to Christian radio. God really speaks to me through His music. I’ve posted one song that I’ve loved listening to for weeks now…I love the line, “He will never let you go”. I forget how enormous God really is and that He has orchestrated all these events in our lives. “For such a time as this” Ester 4:14.
Well, as I’ve prayed for encouragement, God has truly answered my prayer throughout these past weeks! It's like He's saying, "Alicia, keep going, don't give up, there is a little person waiting for you!" I wish I could capture them all in a jar or a movie and re-play it daily when we are in Ukraine. Here are a few examples:
1. My co-workers made a special lunch and dessert for me! How awesome is that…I didn’t have to plan a lunch for three days because of the left-overs! I love you girls…thank you! Another example are the prayers that covered us in Sunday school with our closest friends and church family.
2. My principal recognized me for being nominated for the "Excellence in Teaching" award. He made me feel so special and that I really deserved this honor.
3. Another co-worker is selling items at school and has given me 1/2 the profit! Are you serious?? YES! What a selfless act!
4. A parent in my class donated 4 tubs of clothes, books, movies, shoes, toys, ect. to me and didn't ask for anything in return. Another selfless act!
5. Notes, gifts, donations, hugs, phone calls, emails, etc. continue to arrive at our feet. God is working in so many lives and we are being directly impacted. It's amazing and humbling.
Thursday was so special for me. My friend, Becky, emailed the staff and planned a prayer meeting before school. I was over-whelmed by the response! There were at least 20+ people holding hands and lifting Todd and me in prayer! The prayers were so special to me as God spoke to my heart about how richly blessed I am! The entire school community has been so supportive and encouraging and God is working in the lives of many people there. The cards, kind words, gifts, donations, and prayers are cherished by our family and will have a lasting legacy in our lives.
Another blessing came in the afternoon. My 21 students have been keeping a secret from me for a while now…and they threw a surprise baby shower for me!! In the middle of my read aloud, parents with arms of cupcakes walked in my room for a special time. The students had been hiding their gifts in my co-worker’s room all week long and I had no idea! I was showered with cards and books for “Little Bo”. Tomorrow I’m going to have each student sign his/her name in their book and one piece of advice. I will share those funny and beautiful pieces of advice laterJ It is going to be tough good-bye tomorrow…tears were already flowing today.
Then, my friend Deb, who has been such a faithful and true friend, created a book of prayers from co-workers, family, and friends. Such a treasure for me to read through each page as many others are praying for us while we are away! Thank you Deb!
As I’m typing this, I’m listening to Chris Tomlin’s song, “Forever”…”forever God is faithful, forever God is strong, forever God is with us, forever, forever…”
Yes, today was a blessed day indeed!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
NEWS!!!!
Well, we got a call that will change our life...we travel to Ukraine on Saturday, April 9th for our appointment date in Kiev on April 12th!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE:) Here we go!
Many of you have asked how the process works...here it is:
1. Meet with our coordinator/lawyer in Kiev and look through files that match our paperwork and criteria. Our paperwork includes correctable special needs children under the age of six.
2. If we agree to meet a child presented to us that day, we will get an appointment with the orphange and may travel that day to meet the child via train, car, or sometimes a small plane.
3. If we do not feel a child will fit into our family, we have the option to decline meeting any children and wait up to two days to view different files.
4. Once we meet the child, we are told we can spend several days before making a decision to adopt. Our prayer is that we will recognize our child as soon as we meet him or her!
5. Then, paper-pushing begins...it takes 14-15 days before we can get a court date.
6. During this time we can visit the orphanage two times a day...once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
7. After the court date, there is a 10 day waiting period before we can apply for the Visa.
8. On rare occassions, the 10 day waiting period is waved.
9. We apply for the Visa and it takes 1-4 days.
10. We come home!
Thank you for all your support and prayers...we are so grateful for everyone's interest in this process and we look forward to sending you pictures and videos of this process!!!:)
Love,
Todd and Alicia
Many of you have asked how the process works...here it is:
1. Meet with our coordinator/lawyer in Kiev and look through files that match our paperwork and criteria. Our paperwork includes correctable special needs children under the age of six.
2. If we agree to meet a child presented to us that day, we will get an appointment with the orphange and may travel that day to meet the child via train, car, or sometimes a small plane.
3. If we do not feel a child will fit into our family, we have the option to decline meeting any children and wait up to two days to view different files.
4. Once we meet the child, we are told we can spend several days before making a decision to adopt. Our prayer is that we will recognize our child as soon as we meet him or her!
5. Then, paper-pushing begins...it takes 14-15 days before we can get a court date.
6. During this time we can visit the orphanage two times a day...once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
7. After the court date, there is a 10 day waiting period before we can apply for the Visa.
8. On rare occassions, the 10 day waiting period is waved.
9. We apply for the Visa and it takes 1-4 days.
10. We come home!
Thank you for all your support and prayers...we are so grateful for everyone's interest in this process and we look forward to sending you pictures and videos of this process!!!:)
Love,
Todd and Alicia
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
bowling for little Bo
Thank you so much to everyone who was able to come out or who donated to this event to help us bring our little guy or girl home! We hope to be able to announce a travel date very soon!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Bowling for Little Bo!
We expect to be authorized for travel to Ukraine this spring or early summer! We are holding a bowling event to help raise funds to bring "Little Bottorff" home!
WHEN: March 12
WHERE: Mission Bowl Olathe
TIME: Noon
TICKETS: $27 per adult
You will get three games and shoes are included. There will be music, cosmic bowling, colored pins, food specials and PRIZES throughout the day including a $100 debit card! Whether you are a once a year or once a day bowler you will have a chance at winning a prize. Bumpers are available for kiddos too! All bowlers will be given a ticket for a chance to win a prize and will have opportunities to earn more tickets during the event for an increased chance to win prizes!
You will get three games and shoes are included. There will be music, cosmic bowling, colored pins, food specials and PRIZES throughout the day including a $100 debit card! Whether you are a once a year or once a day bowler you will have a chance at winning a prize. Bumpers are available for kiddos too! All bowlers will be given a ticket for a chance to win a prize and will have opportunities to earn more tickets during the event for an increased chance to win prizes!
Please use the "Donate" button above to secure your spot on a bowling lane. Each lane can hold 4-6 bowlers. Please make note if you want to bowl with a particular couple/person in the comment section.
If you would like to make a donation, but not participate in the bowling event you can still use the donate button and just mention in the comments that you do not want to participate.
If you would like to make a donation, but not participate in the bowling event you can still use the donate button and just mention in the comments that you do not want to participate.
If you do not want to do PayPal, please email me at tb5174@netscape.net for our address and you can mail a check for your reservation.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
News...
We got word last week that we can proceed with our adoption as scheduled and it shouldn't be delayed!!!!! Of course, things can change by the minute, so please continue praying that we can travel this spring to adopt our little guy! As of now, it seems likely for us to travel in March or April of this year. Soooooo, here we go!
Also, we continue to pray for a place to stay as we are in country during those 4-6 weeks. We are so thankful to some friends in our Sunday school class who have put us in contact with a woman who used to live in Ukraine. We hope it will lead us to a place to stay...they are Christians AND they speak English! We have another possible lead from our mission trip in Romania last summer as well with someone in Kiev who also is a Christian and speaks English! Please help us pray for these opportunities as we continue through our adoption.
Thank you for your support and prayers...they are much appreciated and we are so grateful to be surrounded by our loving friends and family.
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