Well, the anticipation of finding out if our adoption would be underway ended last Thursday when we got an e-mail entitiled "bad news" from our attorney. The hearing never happened, to determine the father's rights, because the judge was sick. I was relieved because after reading "bad news" I thought they let the dad's rights stand. So, after a few seconds of relief and thinking that in the next day or so they would hear the case, I read on and it says " they think it may be about 3 months." So, since the judge was sick, the case wasn't heard and it's back to the back of the line. We are praying for a miracle, because this is SO unfair to Gertrude, to have to wait another 3 months after it has already been 6 months since this whole delay began. I am hoping to hear from the attorney next week that they will make an exception and do it this coming week. I don't know how we'll wait that long, or how she will. I'm just so glad we are getting her in a couple weeks for a visit. It will make the wait easier.
Yesterday, we had her friend and her new adoptive mom over to swim. Christina is good friends with Gertrude. She asked me a couple times if we like Gertrude. I told her we LOVE Gertrude and she got a big smile! I think she is anxious for Gertrude to get here. Christina is doing great so far, she has been here two weeks now. She, Tena, and Bethany (our "almost" daughter from Christian City) got along famously and spent hours in the pool and on the trampoline, and ate about 3 pounds of sugar in ice cream and popsicles!
Anyway, Tena asked me the other day, that if we don't end up getting Gertrude, will she still be able to come visit. She wants her sister so bad, and I think all these delays are causing her to wonder if we'll ever get her. I reassured her that I'm almost positive we will get her, it's just going to take some time. Hopefully it will be soon.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Court Date For "Dad"
We got the good news today that this Thursday, May 24, is the district court hearing to decide on Gertrude's father's rights. Agnese thinks the only "reasonable" verdict is to terminate rights. Of course, one never knows what might happen in some of these foreign countries. We hope to know the decision by this Friday. What a great day that will be, if we hear good news. It is Tena's last day of school (and we are ALL so happy about that!) and we may find out that our adoption is finally moving forward. Please pray all goes well on Thursday.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Visit with Gertrude
Today we got an e-mail from our friend Kathleen, who is in Riga, Latvia right now on her last trip to pick up her daughter Christina. Christina lives in the same Children's Home as Gertrude. She said she saw Gertrude and she was all smiles and seems very happy. We spoke with Gertrude just one day earlier and she sounded very happy. I think she finally gets it that she is coming here! Kathleen said she gave Gertrude a big hug from us. We are so grateful, but we can't wait to give her a hug ourselves.
We just found out that there are six children coming from Gertrude's home. This is wonderful news for Gertrude, because we believe it will help her to be so much more comfortable with the adoption. Between having her sister here, her friends here, her friend Christina here, and the prospect of her children's home director coming at Christmas or next summer (she is studying her English and hopes to chaperone on a hosting), Gertrude should start to understand that she will still be able to have some of her friends, and maybe even see some of her family after she is here permanently.
So, as you can see, God's hand is in this whole process, and the timing is perfect, even though we wish we had Gertrude now. It's exciting to watch this all unfold in a way we never would have imagined!
We just found out that there are six children coming from Gertrude's home. This is wonderful news for Gertrude, because we believe it will help her to be so much more comfortable with the adoption. Between having her sister here, her friends here, her friend Christina here, and the prospect of her children's home director coming at Christmas or next summer (she is studying her English and hopes to chaperone on a hosting), Gertrude should start to understand that she will still be able to have some of her friends, and maybe even see some of her family after she is here permanently.
So, as you can see, God's hand is in this whole process, and the timing is perfect, even though we wish we had Gertrude now. It's exciting to watch this all unfold in a way we never would have imagined!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Gertrude's Sister May Be Coming!
We received some great news yesterday, that the directors of the hosting program that we are going through to host Gertrude, are going to try and host Gertrude's 16 year old sister! They just have to wait for approval from the orphanage director. Gertrude's sister is Agnese and she is 16 years old. She has been "struggling" for the last several months, although I am not sure yet in what respect. We know she may not be supportive of Gertrude's adoption, although we are not sure of that either. We had really prayed that Agnese would be hosted, but once they chose all the children and Agnese wasn't chosen, we just let it go and decided it must not be the right time. However, yesterday I heard from Jennifer of Simple Obedience. She said that Agnese had been on her and her husband's heart very heavily for the last couple of weeks. They began to pray about what God wanted them to do and recently have felt very strongly led to host her themselves. This is great news, because first, this will give Agnese some hope and happiness in her life, that hopefully will carry her through now and through the difficult life she may be facing in the future once she leaves the orphanage. Also, we will be able to get to know her, and hopefully she will become more supportive of Gertrude's adoption and not worry about what kind of country or people she will be with. It is a great opportunity for all of us, both of the host families of Gertrude and Agnese and both girls. Also, Gertrude can see that even though she may be living 6,000 miles away from her sister, that doesn't necessarily mean she will never see her again! She will have living proof that her sister is can actually come here too. They will both also see that we accept Agnese and that we want the girls to stay in contact after the adoption. So, this is awesome news for us and we just pray all will work out for Agnese to come. We hope to be able to develop a good relationship with her, since she will be part of our family through Gertrude.
Friday, April 20, 2007
We're Hosting Gertrude!!!
We have decided to host Gertrude this summer. We don't know when we'll be traveling for the adoption, and we don't want her to miss another opportunity to come to the U.S. Below is a letter we sent to many of our friends and family, giving some background on hosting and our experiences with Gertrude. If you are interested in supporting us either financially (to help us with the expenses to bring her here) or prayer support, please read the letter below and respond to Simple Obedience Ministries. Thanks. We can't wait to see our little girl!
April 20, 2007
Dear Friends and Family,
We are very excited to tell you about an incredible mission project that we are participating in this summer with a ministry called Simply For Latvia, a missions project of Simple Obedience Ministries, Inc.
In many countries around the world, there are thousands of children who live in orphanages. Many families, including ours, are hosting one of these orphans in their homes for four weeks this summer. Many of these children have never experienced unconditional love or learned about God, and these are two of the main focuses of the hosting. Some of these children are available for adoption, and we pray these children will find their forever families. Some are not adoptable but through their experience will prayerfully have a new hope and confidence that they can take back to Latvia. Our greatest prayer is that all of these children will one day have a relationship with Christ.
As some of you know, last summer we hosted a beautiful nine year old girl from Latvia. Latvia is a very small country in the Baltic States, just west of Russia. The girl we hosted was Gertrude Liepina (Kivlina). Gertrude (pronounced “Gare-trude-a, with a rolling “r”) turned 10 on September 21st, 2006. Three weeks into our hosting, we decided we loved this child and wanted her to be a permanent member of our family. We pursued adoption and all was going well until we took our first trip to Latvia for a court date. Gertrude’s birth father showed up to court 4 hours after we got temporary custody of Gertrude, saying that she was his daughter and he wanted to take care of her. Long story short, the Latvian courts are in the process of terminating his parental rights, but we don’t know how long it will be so we decided to host her again this summer. This will give her another opportunity to live with our family here and to know that we still love and care about her. It may also help her to feel more comfortable with the prospect of being adopted, as she is torn about what she wants since she has family in Latvia. If for some reason the adoption does not work out, Gertrude will have had the opportunity to experience the love of a family at least one more time, and to get to know her Heavenly Father better.
We’re sending you this letter because we want to give you an opportunity to be involved in this mission. Two things are needed: financial support and prayer support.
It will cost about $1450.00 to bring Gertrude here. We are responsible for the full amount. It is a significant amount of money, mainly because airfare is so high, and we need to pay for her visa and medical insurance for the month. Also, while she is here we will have to buy her some clothes and a few toys and games.
If you would like to make a financial contribution, please write a check to:
Simple Obedience Ministries
6110 Cedarcrest Rd Suite 350, #165
Acworth, GA 30101
Please write "Murphy hosting" in the memo portion of your check and include the slip at the bottom of this letter.
Simple Obedience Ministries is in the process of filing for 501c3 status. Once approved, your donation will be tax deductible and at year’s end you will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Please remember that no donation is too small. If 20 people sponsored us with $5.00 each, we would have $100!! Donations for the hosting must be in by May 10, since airfare will be purchased soon thereafter. Most of the donations are needed by this date.
Any monies donated after this date will be used for clothing and toys that we will purchase for Gertrude while she is here. If you would like to sign up to be a prayer partner, please e-mail us at kstmurf@bellsouth.net and let us know so we can send you prayer requests and updates. As a prayer partner, we will ask you to pray for the specific requests that we will send you via e-mail. Prayer support is a vital part of this mission and is every bit as valuable as financial support.
You can learn more about Simply For Latvia and their mission projects by visiting their website at http://www.simplyforlatvia.org/. There you will find information about the hostings, mission trips, and easy ways to help the children and missions in Latvia. Simply For Latvia is a non-profit organization in the process of filing for 501c3/charitable status. They simply want to obey God and help children and their families in Latvia. Simply For Latvia (mission project of Simple Obedience) is completely non-profit and receives no money for the hostings. No fees are added to the hosting costs. Because of their charitable status, all donations are non-refundable. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Jennifer@SimplyForLatvia.org.
We hope you can sense our excitement, and we pray it has spread to you as well. We will be sure to send updates and pictures of Gertrude’s visit with our family. We appreciate your support so very much.
Blessings,
Scott, Karen, and Tena Murphy
cut here____________________________________________________________________
Simple Obedience Ministries, Inc. – Simply for Latvia
FOR: MURPHY FAMILY HOSTING OF GERTRUDE LIEPIENA (KIVLINA)
I would like to participate as a support and/or prayer partner for the Simply For Latvia Summer 2007 Hosting, project # H0607-KM.
o I would like to give ___________ and have enclosed a check made payable to Simple Obedience Ministries, 6110 Cedarcrest Rd., Ste 350 #165,
Acworth, GA, 30101.
o I would like to sign up as a prayer partner for the Murphy family.
o Please send more information on Simple Obedience Ministries, Inc. and Simply For Latvia.
April 20, 2007
Dear Friends and Family,
We are very excited to tell you about an incredible mission project that we are participating in this summer with a ministry called Simply For Latvia, a missions project of Simple Obedience Ministries, Inc.
In many countries around the world, there are thousands of children who live in orphanages. Many families, including ours, are hosting one of these orphans in their homes for four weeks this summer. Many of these children have never experienced unconditional love or learned about God, and these are two of the main focuses of the hosting. Some of these children are available for adoption, and we pray these children will find their forever families. Some are not adoptable but through their experience will prayerfully have a new hope and confidence that they can take back to Latvia. Our greatest prayer is that all of these children will one day have a relationship with Christ.
As some of you know, last summer we hosted a beautiful nine year old girl from Latvia. Latvia is a very small country in the Baltic States, just west of Russia. The girl we hosted was Gertrude Liepina (Kivlina). Gertrude (pronounced “Gare-trude-a, with a rolling “r”) turned 10 on September 21st, 2006. Three weeks into our hosting, we decided we loved this child and wanted her to be a permanent member of our family. We pursued adoption and all was going well until we took our first trip to Latvia for a court date. Gertrude’s birth father showed up to court 4 hours after we got temporary custody of Gertrude, saying that she was his daughter and he wanted to take care of her. Long story short, the Latvian courts are in the process of terminating his parental rights, but we don’t know how long it will be so we decided to host her again this summer. This will give her another opportunity to live with our family here and to know that we still love and care about her. It may also help her to feel more comfortable with the prospect of being adopted, as she is torn about what she wants since she has family in Latvia. If for some reason the adoption does not work out, Gertrude will have had the opportunity to experience the love of a family at least one more time, and to get to know her Heavenly Father better.
We’re sending you this letter because we want to give you an opportunity to be involved in this mission. Two things are needed: financial support and prayer support.
It will cost about $1450.00 to bring Gertrude here. We are responsible for the full amount. It is a significant amount of money, mainly because airfare is so high, and we need to pay for her visa and medical insurance for the month. Also, while she is here we will have to buy her some clothes and a few toys and games.
If you would like to make a financial contribution, please write a check to:
Simple Obedience Ministries
6110 Cedarcrest Rd Suite 350, #165
Acworth, GA 30101
Please write "Murphy hosting" in the memo portion of your check and include the slip at the bottom of this letter.
Simple Obedience Ministries is in the process of filing for 501c3 status. Once approved, your donation will be tax deductible and at year’s end you will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Please remember that no donation is too small. If 20 people sponsored us with $5.00 each, we would have $100!! Donations for the hosting must be in by May 10, since airfare will be purchased soon thereafter. Most of the donations are needed by this date.
Any monies donated after this date will be used for clothing and toys that we will purchase for Gertrude while she is here. If you would like to sign up to be a prayer partner, please e-mail us at kstmurf@bellsouth.net and let us know so we can send you prayer requests and updates. As a prayer partner, we will ask you to pray for the specific requests that we will send you via e-mail. Prayer support is a vital part of this mission and is every bit as valuable as financial support.
You can learn more about Simply For Latvia and their mission projects by visiting their website at http://www.simplyforlatvia.org/. There you will find information about the hostings, mission trips, and easy ways to help the children and missions in Latvia. Simply For Latvia is a non-profit organization in the process of filing for 501c3/charitable status. They simply want to obey God and help children and their families in Latvia. Simply For Latvia (mission project of Simple Obedience) is completely non-profit and receives no money for the hostings. No fees are added to the hosting costs. Because of their charitable status, all donations are non-refundable. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Jennifer@SimplyForLatvia.org.
We hope you can sense our excitement, and we pray it has spread to you as well. We will be sure to send updates and pictures of Gertrude’s visit with our family. We appreciate your support so very much.
Blessings,
Scott, Karen, and Tena Murphy
cut here____________________________________________________________________
Simple Obedience Ministries, Inc. – Simply for Latvia
FOR: MURPHY FAMILY HOSTING OF GERTRUDE LIEPIENA (KIVLINA)
I would like to participate as a support and/or prayer partner for the Simply For Latvia Summer 2007 Hosting, project # H0607-KM.
o I would like to give ___________ and have enclosed a check made payable to Simple Obedience Ministries, 6110 Cedarcrest Rd., Ste 350 #165,
Acworth, GA, 30101.
o I would like to sign up as a prayer partner for the Murphy family.
o Please send more information on Simple Obedience Ministries, Inc. and Simply For Latvia.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Interested in Hosting?
Have you ever thought about hosting a child from Latvia yourself? Or, do you know of someone who might be interested? The hosting program is continuing to look for families to host this summer, and soon will be working on getting children hosted over Christmas. Please think and pray about your involvement in the program. You can host a child, or if that is not for your family at this time, you can be a prayer and/or financial partner of a family that is hosting. When one of these orphans spends a few weeks in a loving, Christian home, it makes an incredible difference in their lives. It makes an incredible difference in the lives of the hosting family as well. Also, you don't have to be interested in adoption to host. If you would like more information, please check into this website:
Simple Obedience Ministries
Simple Obedience Ministries
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Live and In Person
Today we got to talk to Gertrude, her sister, and her friend Christina (who will be here early May as an adopted American citizen). Our friend Helen Vipase, Director of
Hope for Children in Latvia, had the girls come to her office today and call us on Skype, the computer call equipped with a camera so we could all see each other. It was so great! We did this once before with Gertrude and she didn't say a word, looked pretty intimidated but today she did much better. I think next time she'll be an old pro! She still didn't say a lot. Her sister asked if we were going to host Gertrude this summer. We told her we have to wait and see what is happening with the adoption, if we are going to be going to Latvia this summer. Gertrude said she wants to come here for hosting. Guess that's no surprise! I told her sister Agnese that I hope she can come one day and be hosted in America. She smiled then buried her head in Gertrude's shoulder like she was embarrased or something. Who knows what in the world goes through these kids' heads! I told Gertrude Tena got a new Game Boy and wants to give Gertrude her other one. She received that news with a very big smile. She looked great, she smiled a lot. Scott told her we went to Helen, GA this past weekend and that we had a jacuzzi on the porch in our cabin. She smiled and told Helen she remembers our jacuzzi (she loved to take baths in our jetted tub---she would say "Mom, jacuzzi, please!!) It was wonderful to get to see her while talking with her. Helen said we will try to do this again on a weekend when Tena can be there. We did put Allie in front of the camera so she could see her puppy dog..she seemed to really like that. She loved Allie. Even though her little bio said she likes cats, Allie promptly won her over!
A little update on the court. We were told on Feb. 7 that the Orphancourt notified the higher court that Gertrude's dad is unfit. This was incorrect information, and that did not acutally happen until March 21. So, the stellar communication with Latvia continues!! Well, at least it's done, now we just have to keep on waiting. Stay tuned...sorry updates come so few and far between but as soon as there's anything, I'll post it!
Hope for Children in Latvia, had the girls come to her office today and call us on Skype, the computer call equipped with a camera so we could all see each other. It was so great! We did this once before with Gertrude and she didn't say a word, looked pretty intimidated but today she did much better. I think next time she'll be an old pro! She still didn't say a lot. Her sister asked if we were going to host Gertrude this summer. We told her we have to wait and see what is happening with the adoption, if we are going to be going to Latvia this summer. Gertrude said she wants to come here for hosting. Guess that's no surprise! I told her sister Agnese that I hope she can come one day and be hosted in America. She smiled then buried her head in Gertrude's shoulder like she was embarrased or something. Who knows what in the world goes through these kids' heads! I told Gertrude Tena got a new Game Boy and wants to give Gertrude her other one. She received that news with a very big smile. She looked great, she smiled a lot. Scott told her we went to Helen, GA this past weekend and that we had a jacuzzi on the porch in our cabin. She smiled and told Helen she remembers our jacuzzi (she loved to take baths in our jetted tub---she would say "Mom, jacuzzi, please!!) It was wonderful to get to see her while talking with her. Helen said we will try to do this again on a weekend when Tena can be there. We did put Allie in front of the camera so she could see her puppy dog..she seemed to really like that. She loved Allie. Even though her little bio said she likes cats, Allie promptly won her over!
A little update on the court. We were told on Feb. 7 that the Orphancourt notified the higher court that Gertrude's dad is unfit. This was incorrect information, and that did not acutally happen until March 21. So, the stellar communication with Latvia continues!! Well, at least it's done, now we just have to keep on waiting. Stay tuned...sorry updates come so few and far between but as soon as there's anything, I'll post it!
Monday, March 05, 2007
A Letter from Latvia!
Well, we are still waiting, no news yet. However, today we received a letter from Gertrude, actually signed "Gertrude and Agnese," which is Gertrude's sister. The letter was addressed to all three of us and reads:
Hi Mom and Pop! How are you? You have lots of fun in Latvia? Agnese and I miss you! Do you like Lido? I miss all this family. (then something I can't read..looks like "I have on lots time!" By By love you! Agnese and Gertrude. there were 5 little hearts drawn on the paper. It was on this really cute stationary with puppies on it, some that even looked like they were part beagle! (like our little pooch, Allie) It was so wonderful to get this letter. We have been sending Gertrude's sister some things too for Christmas, her name day, we sent some things for both of them with our friends who went to Latvia last month. We wanted Agnese to feel part of our family too and for Gertrude to understand that we are not trying to take her from her sister, but we want to be in contact with her sister. I think maybe we have succeeded in that. Hopefully she doesn't expect to be coming home with us though! We plan only to adopt ONE and supposedly Agnese is not available to be adopted anyway.
So, just biding our time, praying this goes quickly. Gertrude now has a new birth certificate with her new last name, and they will soon apply for a new passport for her. Hoping it doesn't take long so it won't end up interfering with us bringing her home in the early stages of the adoption, or hosting her if the adoption moves slower than we think. Things sure are uncertain in this arena. We just have to close our eyes and let go of the control (not that we have any control anyway!) Hope to have some real news on the adoption front soon.
Hi Mom and Pop! How are you? You have lots of fun in Latvia? Agnese and I miss you! Do you like Lido? I miss all this family. (then something I can't read..looks like "I have on lots time!" By By love you! Agnese and Gertrude. there were 5 little hearts drawn on the paper. It was on this really cute stationary with puppies on it, some that even looked like they were part beagle! (like our little pooch, Allie) It was so wonderful to get this letter. We have been sending Gertrude's sister some things too for Christmas, her name day, we sent some things for both of them with our friends who went to Latvia last month. We wanted Agnese to feel part of our family too and for Gertrude to understand that we are not trying to take her from her sister, but we want to be in contact with her sister. I think maybe we have succeeded in that. Hopefully she doesn't expect to be coming home with us though! We plan only to adopt ONE and supposedly Agnese is not available to be adopted anyway.
So, just biding our time, praying this goes quickly. Gertrude now has a new birth certificate with her new last name, and they will soon apply for a new passport for her. Hoping it doesn't take long so it won't end up interfering with us bringing her home in the early stages of the adoption, or hosting her if the adoption moves slower than we think. Things sure are uncertain in this arena. We just have to close our eyes and let go of the control (not that we have any control anyway!) Hope to have some real news on the adoption front soon.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Finally --- Some News!
We have received some news on Gertrude's case. The Orphancourt has filed a formal claim with the higher court, recommending that Gertrude's dad's rights be terminated. Since the day her dad came to court that day we got temporary custody, he has not been seen or heard from again. He did not show up to the Orphancourt when they ruled if he could have her in his custody or not, and he has not seen, nor attempted to contact Gertrude since. Therefore, our attorney is about 100% sure his rights will be terminated. The process will take some time, however, and after they are terminted she will have to be cleared for adoption again by the Orphancourt. Agnese thinks we will be able to travel by summer. Unfortunately, this will be our second trip but technically only our first. We will have to travel three times. Parts of our dossier will be expiring in early August so we hope the process will be completed by then so we do not have to expend more time and money for that part of the process. But, who knows??!! We will just have to wait and see....
Gertrude will be out of the sanitorium on Feb. 16. There is no way to contact her there so we haven't spoken to her in a while. She is not real sick, just susceptible to colds and flu so she and 3 other kids from her home are there, while they try to heal them from their current illness and strengthen their immune systems. Not sure how they do it over there, but hopefully it will help!
Gertrude will be out of the sanitorium on Feb. 16. There is no way to contact her there so we haven't spoken to her in a while. She is not real sick, just susceptible to colds and flu so she and 3 other kids from her home are there, while they try to heal them from their current illness and strengthen their immune systems. Not sure how they do it over there, but hopefully it will help!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
No News
Thanks to all of you who have been checking in and I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long. There has been no news, so wasn't sure what to update. We still talk to Gertrude, although this last week we just found out she has been in a sanitorium, which is for kids with a bad cold or cough. When we called they said she was in "sanitary" and we thought maybe that meant she was in the bathroom! Anyway, our friends who are in Latvia right now for their first adoption trip told us that she is in the "sanitorium." They are adopting Kristine, who lives in the same home as Gertrude. We sent some gifts with them to give to Gertrude and to Gertrude's sister, but unfortunately Gertrude didn't get hers yet since she isn't there. It's hard to know exactly what is going on. Hopefully she isn't too ill and I'm not sure how to find out. Anyway, regarding the adoption, we are just waiting. Nothing can be done until her dad's rights are terminated, and the case isn't even on the docket yet. Gertrude sounds ok when we do talk to her and hope this hasn't taken too much of a toll. She is a real trooper! Please pray for her situation and that all will work out in the best interest of Gertrude.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Talked with Gertrude
Today is the day seven children are coming to Georgia for the Christmas hosting. As you know, we were unable to get Gertrude this time around. I asked her if Kristine and Olegs (her friend from the home) left today for America and she answered "yes" in a really sad voice. When I asked if she was sad she couldn't come, she answered again, a sad "yes." Poor baby! It must be hard to see her friends go, the same ones that came over the summer, and have to stay there. Especially at Christmas. It would be so special for her to be here and I know she would have such a great time.
Still no news. No news is good news?? I don't know! Maybe in Latvia no news is just no news.
Anyway, I have e-mailed with some of the families receiving their kids today. They are SO excited! We are going to get together with Ilga, the chaperone, and will spend some time with Gertrude's friends, Kristine and Olegs. Kristine's hosting parents have a court date on Jan. 29 for their first trip to Latvia to adopt Kristine. They are really happy..they had some delays as well and the whole thing was set back a few months. So, things are finally rolling for them. We pray Kristine will soon be here permanently and that Gertrude won't be too far behind!
Still no news. No news is good news?? I don't know! Maybe in Latvia no news is just no news.
Anyway, I have e-mailed with some of the families receiving their kids today. They are SO excited! We are going to get together with Ilga, the chaperone, and will spend some time with Gertrude's friends, Kristine and Olegs. Kristine's hosting parents have a court date on Jan. 29 for their first trip to Latvia to adopt Kristine. They are really happy..they had some delays as well and the whole thing was set back a few months. So, things are finally rolling for them. We pray Kristine will soon be here permanently and that Gertrude won't be too far behind!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Could Be a While
We received an e-mail from attorney, Agnese, that the next step will be for the case to go to District Court to terminate Gertrude's dad's rights. After that, she said "if the judgment will be effected on" then the Ministry will be involved again and work toward getting Gertrude cleared. I am not sure why she said "if" the judgement....I don't know why there would be any question. This is difficult when you don't even know what's supposed to happen, let alone how long it will take! I told Agnese we will try to be patient and not contact her too often. She did say it will not happen very quickly but she doesn't know how long. We are hopeful it will all be done and we can pursue and complete the adoption before our dossier expires. If not, that will be more work and expense for us to have that redone. Also, the sooner we can have Gertrude home, the better for all of us.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Court Decision on Dad
On December 5, 2006, the Orphancourt made a decision to deny rights to Gertrude's father. This is what we were hoping for! Not to say of course, that we are happy to keep a father from his daughter, but from what we have heard about the dad, life with him would be a bad and possibly dangerous place for Gertrude to be. Now we have to wait for the rest of the legal process, which we believe is to have another court date to officially terminate his rights, check out his side of the family to see if anyone wants to care for Gertrude, then if nothing comes of that, clear her again for adoption. We are not sure how long this will take, but we are learning patience through this whole ordeal! We just hope Gertrude is ok. She is probably very confused, as her dad has filled her head with fantasies of her coming to live with him, sharing the family name, and now that isn't going to happen. This has to be hard on Gertrude, even if he is not someone that is healthy for her. He is still her dad and I'm sure she loves him no matter what has happened in the past. Now, I say that, not really knowing what has happened in the past! We just have to guess based on bits and pieces of information we get. This information seems to add up to an unhealthy and potentially dangerous situation for Gertrude so this decision is probably for the best.
As I said in an e-mail to many of our supporters, we have received information that Gertrude and her half-sister have been visiting her parents regularly and there is an emotional attachment there. We hope that Gertrude will be with us one day but are not sure what is best for her. Possibly being adopted in country would be best, so she could more easily maintain a relationship with her family. However, an adoption within her country is unlikely. So, we just continue to pray that whatever is best for her is what will eventually be the outcome. Gertrude is a precious little girl that deserves a happy life and however that can be attained is how it needs to be. I would like to share a response I got to this e-mail from a friend who led a Bible study I was in recently. I just met her at the Bible study and we don't know each other that well, but she has been such an encouragement to us. Here is what she wrote:
Your prayer for the outcome that is best for Gertrude reminds me of the story in 1King 3:16-27, where the king had to decide which of two women was the "real" mother. When the king commanded that the child be cut in two, the true mother "was filled with compassion for her son" and she pleaded with the king to give her son to the other woman. I believe God will do what is best for Gertrude. I pray that the eventual ruling will be the same as this story... 27 Then the king gave his ruling: "Give the living baby to the first woman. ....she is his mother." I know how much you love Gertrude and I believe God will honor your love for her. I'm praying!
This last statement is reminiscent of another comment I received just before we got Gertrude for the hosting. Another hosting parent, that now has their adopted daughter with them, told me she "knows I am Gertrude's mother." She didn't know exactly why but she felt very strongly about this before any of us had even met Gertrude. This gives us hope that one day this will be true in the full sense of the word. However, if we are not her parents legally for some reason, in our hearts she is ours. We will continue to pray for her, call her, write and send gifts to her, and be her "American family" for as long as she will have us!
As I said in an e-mail to many of our supporters, we have received information that Gertrude and her half-sister have been visiting her parents regularly and there is an emotional attachment there. We hope that Gertrude will be with us one day but are not sure what is best for her. Possibly being adopted in country would be best, so she could more easily maintain a relationship with her family. However, an adoption within her country is unlikely. So, we just continue to pray that whatever is best for her is what will eventually be the outcome. Gertrude is a precious little girl that deserves a happy life and however that can be attained is how it needs to be. I would like to share a response I got to this e-mail from a friend who led a Bible study I was in recently. I just met her at the Bible study and we don't know each other that well, but she has been such an encouragement to us. Here is what she wrote:
Your prayer for the outcome that is best for Gertrude reminds me of the story in 1King 3:16-27, where the king had to decide which of two women was the "real" mother. When the king commanded that the child be cut in two, the true mother "was filled with compassion for her son" and she pleaded with the king to give her son to the other woman. I believe God will do what is best for Gertrude. I pray that the eventual ruling will be the same as this story... 27 Then the king gave his ruling: "Give the living baby to the first woman. ....she is his mother." I know how much you love Gertrude and I believe God will honor your love for her. I'm praying!
This last statement is reminiscent of another comment I received just before we got Gertrude for the hosting. Another hosting parent, that now has their adopted daughter with them, told me she "knows I am Gertrude's mother." She didn't know exactly why but she felt very strongly about this before any of us had even met Gertrude. This gives us hope that one day this will be true in the full sense of the word. However, if we are not her parents legally for some reason, in our hearts she is ours. We will continue to pray for her, call her, write and send gifts to her, and be her "American family" for as long as she will have us!
Friday, November 24, 2006
Screeeeching Halt
Well, we had a great trip to Latvia for a short time, but had an abrupt end to our visit. I have included some pictures here so you can see our precious girls and that we did go to Latvia, even though we are farther behind in the adoption than we were when we left. Please ignore the dates on some of them. Our digital camera has a bit of a problem keeping track of the date! So, about our setback... four hours after going to court with Gertrude and gaining temporary custody of her for the 2 weeks, her biological dad showed up to the Orphan Court with a birth certificate naming him as father. He claimed he wants to take her out of the children's home to live with him. Apparently, two weeks before we got there, Gertrude's mom and this man (maybe dad) went to the records office, told them this was dad, and had a new birth certificate issued. Once they had this "father" they said we cannot retain custody for the two weeks, and the following day we went back to court and gave custody back to the children's home. No more need for us to stay in Latvia, so we came home a week early. It was pretty devastating, as we thought we'd have her the whole time and we'd be halfway through having her permanently when the 2 weeks were over. But, on Tuesday after court, Gertrude went back to her home, and received a new last name, "Kivlina." Now the court is investigating her dad, and on Dec. 5 is a hearing to decide if he should have rights. From what we hear, he lives in a drug house, he drinks, and obviously has not taken care of his daughter for the last 10 years. It looks like they will probably rule against him, but we won't know for sure until Dec. 5 is over. We are praying for whatever is best for her, which from what we think we know, terminating his rights would be best.
While we were with Gertrude, we had a great time. We got her Friday right after we got to Latvia so we had her for 3 almost 4 days. At the children's home we got to meet her sister, who is a beautiful girl and she was very sweet. We planned to take her sister, Agnese, with us the following weekend to stay with us and go to the water park, but unfortunately that next weekend never happened...we were on a plane to Atlanta instead. Ok, back to Gertrude...the Friday before we left she spent the day with us until about 8:30 that evening. We had a great time in Latvia, and many of our friends that were here over the summer, as well as some other great people, took us under their wings, showed us around and transported us here and there. Latvia is definitely a different kind of place, but it was a great experience. We stayed in a really nice apartment with most of the modern conveniences.
Gertrude had a great time but she is very confused as to what she wants to do. She feels a loyalty to her parents and sister, to stay in Latvia. She also loves us and America and wants to be adopted. She is easily influenced by those around her, and seems to want for herself whatever those that she is with at the time tell her. It makes us a little nervous because if we are able to pursue adoption, she may waver as to what her decision is. Supposedly the Orphan Court gives them the right to decide, but at such a young age they largely make the decision for them. However, it still could cause problems and delays if she is unsure. We plan to bring her home after our next 2 week visit, so she is with us between court dates. Many of the families that have adopted recently have been able to do that, and we plan to do so as well if they will give us that permission. We think this will help her to be more comfortable with the adoption and to be away from negative influences during the adoption process.
We pray we will have her with us one day soon. She is such a precious little girl, and so deserving of a better life. Also, she and Tena get along so well, they are like best friends and sisters. Tena took the bad news of our adoption obstacles very well, and she is optimistic that this will all work out. We sure hope she is right!!
Probably won't be back to update the blog until after Dec. 5 when the court makes its decision regarding her dad. Hopefully will have good news!
While we were with Gertrude, we had a great time. We got her Friday right after we got to Latvia so we had her for 3 almost 4 days. At the children's home we got to meet her sister, who is a beautiful girl and she was very sweet. We planned to take her sister, Agnese, with us the following weekend to stay with us and go to the water park, but unfortunately that next weekend never happened...we were on a plane to Atlanta instead. Ok, back to Gertrude...the Friday before we left she spent the day with us until about 8:30 that evening. We had a great time in Latvia, and many of our friends that were here over the summer, as well as some other great people, took us under their wings, showed us around and transported us here and there. Latvia is definitely a different kind of place, but it was a great experience. We stayed in a really nice apartment with most of the modern conveniences.
Gertrude had a great time but she is very confused as to what she wants to do. She feels a loyalty to her parents and sister, to stay in Latvia. She also loves us and America and wants to be adopted. She is easily influenced by those around her, and seems to want for herself whatever those that she is with at the time tell her. It makes us a little nervous because if we are able to pursue adoption, she may waver as to what her decision is. Supposedly the Orphan Court gives them the right to decide, but at such a young age they largely make the decision for them. However, it still could cause problems and delays if she is unsure. We plan to bring her home after our next 2 week visit, so she is with us between court dates. Many of the families that have adopted recently have been able to do that, and we plan to do so as well if they will give us that permission. We think this will help her to be more comfortable with the adoption and to be away from negative influences during the adoption process.
We pray we will have her with us one day soon. She is such a precious little girl, and so deserving of a better life. Also, she and Tena get along so well, they are like best friends and sisters. Tena took the bad news of our adoption obstacles very well, and she is optimistic that this will all work out. We sure hope she is right!!
Probably won't be back to update the blog until after Dec. 5 when the court makes its decision regarding her dad. Hopefully will have good news!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
We're Off!
Well, things have been so incredibly busy since we got our court dates. I have been to Wal-Mart and Target at least three times in the last three days, getting all sorts of things we need for our trip, mostly warm clothes which we don't really need here! We are leaving tomorrow afternoon and I just now realized I haven't been keeping up with the blog. So many things to do, it was the last thing on my mind.
We are having some problems with our laptop so don't know if we'll have internet. If we do, I'll try to keep up some with the blog so everyone can know what is happening.
We found out recently that we will be able to get Gertrude on Friday, the day we arrive, to stay with us for the duration of our trip. Normally you have to wait till court (which isn't until Monday) when they give you temporary custody, but the orphanage director has agreed to let us have her early. We are really happy about that. Tena is so excited, she can't wait to see Gertrude, but I think her favorite thing right now is missing school. Even though her teachers gave her a lot to do over the course of two weeks, she feels like she is on a great big vacation from school while everyone else has to go.
Jennifer Peters, and Helen Vipase, two people very involved with the orphans and hosting program, have lined up some people to be "facilitators," while we are there. Most of them are on Helen's staff and we have their numbers so we can call them to take us places, translate for us, etc. Transportation isn't easy there and some of the couples that have gone before us have actually had to walk to at least one of their court appearances (2 1/2 miles in a foot of snow!) So, hopefully we can avert that by calling on these women.
Better get going..lots of packing still to do, etc. We are looking at 12 hours and 20 min. of traveling tomorrow..should be fun!!
We are having some problems with our laptop so don't know if we'll have internet. If we do, I'll try to keep up some with the blog so everyone can know what is happening.
We found out recently that we will be able to get Gertrude on Friday, the day we arrive, to stay with us for the duration of our trip. Normally you have to wait till court (which isn't until Monday) when they give you temporary custody, but the orphanage director has agreed to let us have her early. We are really happy about that. Tena is so excited, she can't wait to see Gertrude, but I think her favorite thing right now is missing school. Even though her teachers gave her a lot to do over the course of two weeks, she feels like she is on a great big vacation from school while everyone else has to go.
Jennifer Peters, and Helen Vipase, two people very involved with the orphans and hosting program, have lined up some people to be "facilitators," while we are there. Most of them are on Helen's staff and we have their numbers so we can call them to take us places, translate for us, etc. Transportation isn't easy there and some of the couples that have gone before us have actually had to walk to at least one of their court appearances (2 1/2 miles in a foot of snow!) So, hopefully we can avert that by calling on these women.
Better get going..lots of packing still to do, etc. We are looking at 12 hours and 20 min. of traveling tomorrow..should be fun!!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Told Gertrude the News
I spoke with Gertrude yesterday and said we are coming to Latvia on November 10. She answered with her usual "yes" but it was a definitive and excited one. I asked if she is happy we are coming and I got another excited "yes." We are working feverishly to prepare for our trip. There is so much to do it is mind-boggling but we're getting there! Besides the normal packing for a trip, there is gifts to get for orphanage directors and kids in the orphanage, phones to use in Europe, adaptors and converters, and the list goes on! Plus all the normal tasks of daily living before we go.
We got an e-mail today from the Minstry today actually naming Gertrude. Now we are sure we're getting the right child! The subject was "warrant" which automatically made my heart jump a beat, because I usually equate that word with "warrant for your arrest" or a "search "warrant" but it was a warrant to allow us to get acquainted with adoptable child, Gertrude Liepina. So, of course we replied that we accept and wish to proceed. Soon we will see our little girl. It is hard to believe we are actually going but it's coming fast!
We got an e-mail today from the Minstry today actually naming Gertrude. Now we are sure we're getting the right child! The subject was "warrant" which automatically made my heart jump a beat, because I usually equate that word with "warrant for your arrest" or a "search "warrant" but it was a warrant to allow us to get acquainted with adoptable child, Gertrude Liepina. So, of course we replied that we accept and wish to proceed. Soon we will see our little girl. It is hard to believe we are actually going but it's coming fast!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
We're Going to Latvia!
So, where were we? Ok, we received the e-mail from the Ministry in Latvia giving us rights to adopt a girl age 7-11 years. On Wednesday we received another one describing Gertrude as the girl they had available for us, and we replied that we accept. Then yesterday, Oct. 27, Agnese e-mailed us our court dates---my birthday was the 26th so this was a great present! We have dates of Nov. 13 and Nov. 24, which is excellent. This means we will only have to be there 2 weeks total. Usually the court dates are exactly 2 weeks apart, so you end up being gone over 2 1/2 weeks. Tena will only miss 8 days of school, when we originally thought she might miss 3 weeks. This is because one of the weeks we are there is Thanksgiving week, when she doesn't have school anyway, and our court dates are 3 days closer together than we thought . Scott will only miss 2 weeks of work. It is really working out well. We found airfare on Travelocity and for all three of us we are only spending $2,300.00 It might sound like a lot but the fares seem to be generally closer to $1.000 each so I think we made out. We are a little concerned about where we are staying, however. Our attorney has found a place for us that is suitable and sounds nice but you never know. We know of 2 places that are decent (one that is actually "nice") that others have stayed in but may not be available. So, who knows what we'll be looking at? We hope to have internet access but not sure of that either. It is much easier to communicate that way we have been told.
Tomorrow we will call Gertrude and tell her we will be there on the 10th and she will stay with us. I have been told she will not have to go to school during that time so we will have her with us all day! We are happy for that for 2 reasons..we get to spend more time with her, and we don't have to go through the hassle of getting her to/from school every day. Transportation there is not nearly as convenient as it is in the U.S. and it could be a real bear taking her and picking her up every day.
We're excited to see Gertrude and the place she has called home for the last five years. Also to meet her half-sister. This will be an interesting experience in this country. The stories we have heard are amazing...I get the feeling we'll have a good time but will be very ready to come home after the 2 weeks! So, lots to do to get ready to go and not much time to do it in. Better get busy!
Tomorrow we will call Gertrude and tell her we will be there on the 10th and she will stay with us. I have been told she will not have to go to school during that time so we will have her with us all day! We are happy for that for 2 reasons..we get to spend more time with her, and we don't have to go through the hassle of getting her to/from school every day. Transportation there is not nearly as convenient as it is in the U.S. and it could be a real bear taking her and picking her up every day.
We're excited to see Gertrude and the place she has called home for the last five years. Also to meet her half-sister. This will be an interesting experience in this country. The stories we have heard are amazing...I get the feeling we'll have a good time but will be very ready to come home after the 2 weeks! So, lots to do to get ready to go and not much time to do it in. Better get busy!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Official Notice
Well, we finally received an "official" document from the country of Latvia. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, we received an e-mail from the Ministry of Family Affairs that we are now approved and have "rights" to adopt out of the Republic of Latvia, a girl age 7-11 years old. They are required by law not to mention a particular child's name, but they have her name and personal code (like our SS #) and we will be matched to Gertrude in the end. Basically this letter shows that our dossier was in order and it looks as though we will be suitable parents in their view. Next, they should contact us that they have a child for us, and we will accept, then the dossier will go to the Orphancourt. We expect to be assigned our court dates within a week!!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Dossier Translated, It's getting Closer!
We received some great news from our attorney today. Our dossier has been translated and sent to the Ministry. Also, the social worker at the orphanage is going to notify the Ministry that Gertrude is now available for international adoption. The Ministry(of Family Affairs) is the department that matches the adoptive parents with a child. Once they have our dossier, and the social worker tells them the orphancourt decision was to allow her to be adopted abroad, they will officially match us with Gertrude. Then the documents will go to the orphancourt and they will set a court date. The dossier was translated in one week which is faster than I have ever heard of this being done! Usually it takes at least a week and a half, sometimes two weeks.
We talked w/Gertrude this morning and she was very quiet, and there were a lot of people talking in the background. She wasn't as excited and she didn't say much. We asked her about Halloween and if she is going to dress up. She said "yes" but we are not even sure they have Halloween there. We have received conflicting information on that. So, the ups and downs continue with our phone calls to Latvia! I'm sure she enjoys hearing from us though...it is just a nice reminder to her that she is loved. That is something she and all these kids over there really need. So, if we don't necessarily get that much out of each phone call, we believe that she does, and we are happy to brighten her day a little.
We talked w/Gertrude this morning and she was very quiet, and there were a lot of people talking in the background. She wasn't as excited and she didn't say much. We asked her about Halloween and if she is going to dress up. She said "yes" but we are not even sure they have Halloween there. We have received conflicting information on that. So, the ups and downs continue with our phone calls to Latvia! I'm sure she enjoys hearing from us though...it is just a nice reminder to her that she is loved. That is something she and all these kids over there really need. So, if we don't necessarily get that much out of each phone call, we believe that she does, and we are happy to brighten her day a little.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Talk with Gertrude-She May Understand What's Happening
Well, our dossier is now in the hands of our attorney (whew!!) She will take it on Monday to get translated, which will take 1 1/2 to 2 weeks.
We talked with Gertrude today and she answered the phone and sounded very happy, and said "hi, I'm playing Monopole!" We played "Monopole" (Monopoly) here a lot with her last summer. We told her we think we will be in Latvia in November and that she will stay with us in an apartment. We said we would have lots of fun and we would go to the waterpark. She was very responsive to us and seemed to understand more this time for some reason (maybe my Latvian is getting better!) I asked her if it is cold there and she said yes, and "gray." We looked up the weather on the internet for Riga, Latvia after we got off the phone and it said it was 52 degrees and rain showers. So, seems we talked weather successfully! I think she may understand some of what is happening with her case because she seems more excited these days. As it gets closer we are getting more excited. We looked up airfares to Latvia and apartments in Latvia just to see what we're looking at. Seems fares are going down. Apparently fall/winter must be low season in Latvia. Guess not too many people want to travel to a place where it's dark almost 12 hrs a day and 10 degrees for vacation!
We talked with Gertrude today and she answered the phone and sounded very happy, and said "hi, I'm playing Monopole!" We played "Monopole" (Monopoly) here a lot with her last summer. We told her we think we will be in Latvia in November and that she will stay with us in an apartment. We said we would have lots of fun and we would go to the waterpark. She was very responsive to us and seemed to understand more this time for some reason (maybe my Latvian is getting better!) I asked her if it is cold there and she said yes, and "gray." We looked up the weather on the internet for Riga, Latvia after we got off the phone and it said it was 52 degrees and rain showers. So, seems we talked weather successfully! I think she may understand some of what is happening with her case because she seems more excited these days. As it gets closer we are getting more excited. We looked up airfares to Latvia and apartments in Latvia just to see what we're looking at. Seems fares are going down. Apparently fall/winter must be low season in Latvia. Guess not too many people want to travel to a place where it's dark almost 12 hrs a day and 10 degrees for vacation!
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