On Friday, June 7th, we walked out of Antoshka with Paulina. We walked through a gate, up some stairs, through the doors...we changed her clothes, said our goodbyes, and walked back out. The simplicity of it all captures the facts but can't touch the depths of what went on in our hearts that day. I am so very thankful for this little girl & the beauty of her life.
Several months ago I wrote a post about a sweet little boy, Vanya. He is in the same orphanage & room as Paulina & we've been praying for him for a long time! A few days before we got on the plane to come to Ukraine we found out that a family in Alabama would be adopting him! We are SO unbelievable excited and thankful and have had the added blessing of being here at the same time! What joy to spend each day able to get to know this family & see God's hand at work in Vanya's life! Vanya is such a sweet and fun little boy & his parents love him like crazy. He will always always hold a special place in my heart as we've prayed for him so much through our journey to bringing Paulina home and also because he has quite the friendship with our girly! They make us smile & laugh & I so look forward to the day when the Tucker family can travel up to NWA for a Groupa 4 reunion!
While we have been in Ukraine the kiddos back home have had lots of very full days! Our sweet Madeline graduated from pre-school last week. We were very sad to miss but thankful for Gram who went, took flowers, pictures & videos, and loved on Madeline. This year was the first time any of our kids have been away from me for school. It was so sweet to watch her learn and grow all year and we are very proud of her.
And here is what else has been going on while we've been away...
Friends, forgive me for the randomness of the post that this is. But let me paint the picture of my life right now...
First D.J.: Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today. Second D.J.: It's coooold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach? First D.J.: Not hardly. And you know, you can expect hazardous travel later today with that, you know, that, uh, that blizzard thing. Second D.J.: [mockingly] That blizzard - thing. That blizzard - thing. Oh, well, here's the report! The National Weather Service is calling for a "big blizzard thing!" First D.J.: Yessss, they are. But you know, there's another reason why today is especially exciting. Second D.J.: Especially cold! First D.J.: Especially cold, okay, but the big question on everybody's lips... Second D.J.: - On their chapped lips... First D.J.: - On their chapped lips, right: Do ya think Phil is gonna come out and see his shadow? Second D.J.: Punxsutawney Phil! First D.J.: Thats right, woodchuck-chuckers - it's [in unison] First D.J.: GROUNDHOG DAY! Second D.J.: GROUNDHOG DAY! In case you haven't seen it, this is from the movie, Groundhog Day. It's a Brill family favorite but mostly only for this above conversation (as well as a few other quotable sections). Poor Phil repeats the same day over and over and over and over and over again... This is my life. All days run together & days feel more like months & on & on & on. My head is sometimes in la la land and goofiness is creeping in.
Andrew & I have found ourselves in the midst of several goofy and random conversations. Such as filling in mock-conversations of those around us who are speaking in Russian (which is everyone.) Or describing what we believe the ads on billboards are advertising. And they are never normal according to us. Also, another randomness. Andrew is quite the smart fella. The other day I said, Andrew, you know that story about the Gentile woman? And he thinks for a second & then says yes plus five details regarding the exact story I was mentioning. But then we walk out of our hotel room and for the hundredth time Andrew goes to lock the door. And it never fails...every single time....he turns the key the wrong way. Up to today, I have said nothing. Thinking surely he knows how to work a lock & key. However today I could no longer hold my tongue. So I said, Andrew, don't you realize how these things work?!?! All locks work the same way! Turn the bolt into the wall to lock and into the door to unlock. It was like PURE SHOCK as understanding settled in. He literally told me thank you as if I explained rocket science. I love my husband. End randomness for now. Enjoy your day friends. Mine will be the same as yesterday. And I mean that in no bad way at all because it includes seeing Paulina and I will take it!
A few more videos because I am becoming a PRO at getting these up. Not really. It's actually fairly easy. I was just not the brightest about it for a bit. This first one is the day we met her & the second is from today. Enjoy. I mean, how could you not?
A little update: On May 27th we had our court appointment and we passed! After a ten day waiting period she will officially be ours and we will take her from the place she has lived for years and bring her with us! Yea! The countdown is on and we have 5 days left. Friday can't come fast enough!
Everyday we walk to see her, about a mile or so each way, twice a day. We spend 2 hours with her each time and either take walks or hang out in the "gym" room that has therapy equipment in it. Usually we just cuddle her a lot and throw in some massages for her legs & feet, some sitting up, and a lot of tickling.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
