Not Good News
Trip Start
Unknown
1
8
9
Trip End
Ongoing
Shimkent, Kazakhstan
Friday, February 24, 2006
Well, it turns out that the coordinator only actually saw one child and his health is questionable. I've not yet had the chance to see him.
The two children I saw earlier this week had not been seen by my coordinator. We were basically traveling by the seat of our pants. When I tried to discuss this with her, she said that the best children are reserved for native Kasakhstanis who wish to adopt. The others are made available for international adoption and that I shouldn't expect to get a healthy child. I explained that I should've been told this prior to traveling so I could've decided if I wanted to take the risk in coming. I told her that I was lead to believe that there were viable options and that there was more than one child to consider.
She became defensive and the conversation deteriorated from there.
I've called the rep in the States and she is very upset about this and will try to fix it from there. The reputation of her agency is on the line here.
Needless to say, I'm very upset. My gut is telling me I'll be coming home alone and my dream will have ended.
I'm trying to keep faith, but it is very difficult. I'm hoping to see this one child tomorrow, but I know he too has health issues.
In the meantime, I'm trying to take away what good I can. The people I've met from Kazakhstan have been very nice and generous to me. The driver in Kzyl Orda was very cute in that on the second day when I got in his car, he greeted me with a very accented "Good Morning." In his frustration at not being able to communicate with me, he went home after the first evening and stole one of his young daughter's basic English phrases book.
He was going down the list...whot du yo like to du own vahcahshun? Du yo enjoy sport? How old are yo? Du yo have brudders and sisters?
I answered in a mixture of Russian, Kazakh, Turkish and gestures.
Anyway, I guess that's all for now. I don't want to end up bawling here in the internet cafe. (Robin and Anna, you've seen enough of that in the office lately!)
I appreciate everyone's nice notes, your thoughts and prayers. Perhaps they'll work.
J & A, please forward the Oliver and his Harley Picture to my work email. I had to delete it from my tds account in order to free up memory.
More to come...
Comments
Labor of Love
Leyla, do not be discouraged. There is a special child out there who needs you, you just haven't met him/her yet. Your waiting and searching are truly a labor of love. You are in my prayers. LG
What Can I Do?
Hi
Is there anything I can do?
I know of a couple that traveled last fall
and had the same problems. There Agency
is now closed due to that.
Will your agnecy let you travel to another
orphanage? Like big cities like Astana, Taraz,
Semey or UST______.
Candy
If this will help
Leyla,
My agency said they could help you. You would have to travel to a different city/orphanage and sign a
contract with them $8850.00
If this is of any interest please call direct
Orson at 866 969-8445 (Adoption International)
info@adoptaip.com
Candy
How are you doing today?
Hi Leyla. [HUGS] I know you are in public reading this & don't have much time so I'll keep it short.
How are you doing today? Was your agent able to sort things out state-side? I know there isn't much I can do from here but I will if I can. Chin up. Your determination, charm, class, and big green eyes should certainly win them over.
We ALL are routing for your back home. If you want any of us to call & just listen, post a cell # or hotel phone number.
Love you....Pauler
603.742.2842
Keep the faith!
Dear Leyla,
We are very upset to hear you so upset. Angela and I will say a special prayer for you. Do what your heart and brain tell you equally. Remember that an unhealthy child, no mater how needy and deserving, may not be best served coming home with you. I promise that everything will work out the best for you in the end no mater your coming home with a child or not. Oliver has the BEST aunt in the world and he will love you forever! I have the BEST sister in the world and I will love you forever.
If there is anything you would like me to do here, just say the word.
Your brother.
I believe in love
Aunt Leyla, As I read this tonight, I am reminded of a song from when I was in Church Choir when I was in middle school. 'I believe in the Sun/ Even when it isn't shining/ I believe in love/ Even when there's no one there/ And I believe in God/ Even when He is silent' So remember, God may not be talking to you right now, not in how you want Him to, but He is there, and He is planning your future the way He wants it to be. Do not despair if you find and fall in love with a child with needs. You fell in love with me, and I am not perfect. I know you can do whatever you put your mind to, don't let anyone make your decisions for you. But remember, these are Children of God just like you and me. And they ALL deserve a chance, even if it is just to be loved. If I had been one of those children, you certainly wouldn't have passed me up. So think hard and listen to your heart, and believe in yourself. Not all children with needs are costly. So don't let that be the SOLE reason you refuse to adopt one of these children. I love you!!! Don't forget that. Love always, Lauren XOXO
It's me
I tried writing you yesterday but obviously didn't do it right. Keep up a strong will and don't let them walk all over you. I'm still trying to win the lottery. Take an infant if it is the only healty child they have. More money for an infant for the next few years but probably less money in the future than a toddler. Did you try and contact Sara's agency? Maybe Sara can get some info from them. Thinking about you constantly....All of our love and prayers and wishes. We love you...us.