... my newest daughter

Snow

2010-01-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

Medical Training

2010-01-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

Hope has a bright future in the field of medicine!

Someone is Pulling Up Now

2009-08-25T07:23:00.001-07:00

I'm hungry!

Could I Love Another One As Much?

2009-07-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

Is 54:2

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back

I married my lovely wife 14 years ago. After 2 years together and our love growing stronger year by year, we found out we were going to have a baby! I thought to myself, how could I love this child as much as I love my wife?

It's a BOY!

Simeon was born. I loved that boy. Watching him grow up so quick. My son! That was my son and I love him so much! A gifted talented young man is has become.

Then, Charissa said, I'm pregant again. I thought, how could I love this new little one as much as I love Charissa and Simeon. Would I have enough love to spread to this new child?

It's a GIRL!

Liesel was born. She was beautiful. I delivered her. She has grown into a beautiful young lady. Tender hearted and full of Jesus. I love her more than words could say.

Zone defense! We found we were going to have another child! I asked, how could I love this new little as much as I love Charissa, Simeon and Liesel? Would I be able to love and nurture and provide for this new one like I do the others?

Its a BOY!

Jude! What a joy he has been! Inquisitive, sensitive and a heart of compassion! I love him so very much! He is truly a great blessing and I love him so much.

Its time again... number 4... Charissa showing me the little white stick. I said, oh my 4 kids? Will I have enough love to spread to a 4th child? Will I be able to love this child as much as I love the other 3?

It's a GIRL!

Hope was born! How I love throwing her in the air, listening to her laugh. Hearing her speak with such intended articulation. She is beautiful and I can truly say, I love her too, so much!

Ah oh, another one? This time it was time to extend our family outside of our own biological means. Adoption of a very special girl on the horizon. My question: Will I be able to love this little girl as much as I love the others?

It's a GIRL!

Ava became my newest daughter. She is full of life. I love dancing with her, jumping on the trampoline with her and making her giggle. What a blessing she is! I love her so much. I cannot being to put into words the love that I have for that beautiful girl.

Can I love more?

How much capacity for love do I have?

Is there a limit?

Lord, how much do I need to expand my tent?

How far can I go? Where will You take me?

... Ethiopia?

Bliss's Resting Place

2009-06-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

Sad Day

2009-06-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Bliss died today.

She was 14.

14 years ago today, I bought her for Charissa on her birthday. I was apprehensive at first. Never had a dog before...

I loved her. She was the best dog a family could ask for.

Services will be pond side at 7pm Friday evening. We'll have a tennis ball throwing and Nelly will retrieve. Much like an F-16 missing man formation. She'll be laid to rest by the pond where she LOVED to swim almost daily.

I'll miss her dearly. She was a loved Gold Retriever.

I'm Proud of the 2 Boys

2009-06-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

Simeon and Jude took it like men on the paint ball field yesterday!!!

Jude

The Koens

2009-06-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

Our great friends Frikkie, Tina, Josh and Matthew

are right now about to arrive in South Africa for an exciting journey that most would not even dare think of, much less actually do. Jesus has called them to go helps kids have a new chance in life by teaching them life skills and encouraging them to follow Jesus. Bridge To Cross is an organization they started bring this dream to reality.

If you would like to follow them and keep up to speed, their blog is:

http://www.koenjourney.typepad.com/

We are so proud of you Frikkie and Tina and doing what God is calling you to do. We love you and we support you. And, we can't wait some day to come and visit you!

Crappie...

2009-05-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

Passing it on to the next generation...

I keep asking the boys if they'll take me fishing when I am old. They say they will. I hope they are better at finding crappie than I am...

Strawberry

2009-04-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

This sweet little girl's name is Strawberry:

Isn't she beautiful? She loves floating in the swimming pool or bath tub. She loves to play patty cake if you guide her hands. She can't talk but she can jabber. She's lovely!

Strawberry has severe medical problems but she has a smile that lights up a room and a robust laugh.

Strawberry needs a family to love her.

My wife posed a question to me last night that really got me thinking... Her question was:

"What is Gods heart and plan for Strawberry?"

I've been thinking about that all day.

Read Charissa's post now: Little Guy

Another One of My Beautiful Daughters

2009-03-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

I'm so proud of Liesel. She was up early this morning feeding our new
baby calf.

Welcome To My Domain...

2009-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

My good friend Kasey, emailed me some old pics. this is Jude on top of a very dangerous cliff near Valle de Bravo Mexico. What kind of parents would leave thier kid so close to the ledge? Isn't he a cute little guy?

Gotcha Day!

2009-02-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

Many of you woke up to this Headline News story one year ago today....

We Have The Package

Well, we very much remember that day at the Urban household. She has come so far. Done so much. I couldn't help but be moved today in church when Ava looked in my eyes and said.. "Pa Pa!", while signing it TOO!

Everyone turned around to look, but I didn't care. I'll just let them think I have an unruly child. They just have no idea.

Look at Ava's first photo again, as an Ava Alina Grace Urban... dashing away from the orphanage and turned the corner in the tiny Nissan Sentra Taxi cab, to her brand new life.

She's come a long way.

1 Year...

2009-01-24T21:21:00.001-08:00

Its been 1 year.

1 year ago today I met my beautiful new daughter Ava. Not feeling well and barely able to grunt. Chicken pox all over her face. But, she was able to smile on the first day we met...

She was able to reach her tiny hand out and stroke mine.

She was able to capture my heart in ways no-one will ever know.

1 year ago today Charissa and I braved an action packed trip to Ukraine to meet her for the first time.

1 year ago today, Ava started a brand new life.

1 year ago today, Ava started her forever transformation.

1 year ago today, Ava NEVER had to worry about going to an institution ever again.

1 year ago today, Ava didn't have to wonder anymore where her dad was.

1 year ago today, Ava got to see pictures of her brothers and sisters.

1 year ago today, Ava got a mom, dad, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, grandparents, great grand mothers, great uncles, great aunts, semi-great uncles, semi-great aunts, 25+ cousins and tons of friends

1 year ago today, Ava got to start counting the hours until she goes HOME... forever.

Now, I just can't imagine what I ever did without her. Why did I ever even question adopting a little girl like this? She has brought so much life to us. She is simply beautiful. Have you ever noticed her beautiful blue eyes. Her smile is contagious.

365 days later, she is still working miracles in my life. Stealing my heart and tiny little ways. Looking into my eyes and signing Pa Pa. So much life to give. So much life to live.

Now, she is pulling up, all by herself! Charissa is going to post the movie soon. Until then, just look at the "Amazing" video that Charissa did many months ago, then go to her blog and see what she is doing now:

I'm so proud of Ava.

I'm so proud of my wife.

I'm so proud of my kids. They are doing a wonderful job with, my newest daughter!

Ava and the Rubiks Cube

2009-01-11T15:46:00.001-08:00

Ava and I spent some time together this afternoon working the Rubiks cube while watching the Steelers beat up on the Chargers. And, I'll have to say, she loves working the Rubiks cube!

I don't even have to look at the cube!

"Let me get the blue first!"

So fast, the camera can't even freeze the shot...

Hmm.. almost there...

Intense concentration....

I GOT IT!

Look Who Is Jumping!

2009-01-03T08:25:00.001-08:00

Training up a child

2008-11-27T15:50:00.001-08:00

Ava loves NFL football!!

Why Do I Find These Things....

2008-11-17T21:12:00.001-08:00

In the back seat of my suburban!!!

Ava Speaks To Me...

2008-11-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

I often wonder what Ava would say to me if she could talk. Its just amazing how she seems to communicate so well without saying a word. Here is interpretation of her actions and mannerism's:

* Oh dad! I love it when you pick me up and hold me

* Dad, watch me, I can pick up a cracker and eat it all by myself

* Dad, when you throw me up in the air like that, it makes my tummy feel like butterflies. Do it again!

* Dad, I'm so glad you came and picked me up out of my bed. I was crying because I wanted you to hold me. I'm OK now, you can put me down and I'll go to sleep now

* Dad, I sure am glad to see you! Where have you been all day?

* Dad, watch me! I can sign "Dad", "Music", "Eat", "More"! Are you watching?

* Dad, quit looking at your phone and pay attention to me. I'm about to crawl.

* Oh, yea! Please lay on your back and throw me around using your legs! I love that! It makes me laugh real hard.

* Dad, I love it when you kiss me on my neck. It makes me feel so special.

Holding Hands

2008-09-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

I love it when my daughters hold my hand.

Target Practice...

2008-09-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

29 Cups

2008-08-18T18:39:00.001-07:00

Last time I checked, there were only 7 people living in my house
TODAY! I don't understand why there are 29 dirty cups and 1 coffee cup
in just 10 hours????

Saturday Afternoon Soccer...

2008-08-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was taken off guard by this special chair. It seems it can serve as a seat + potty. No need to make a trip to the lieu with this device. Just, enjoy the game!

Look who is sucking from a straw?

2008-08-15T18:19:00.001-07:00

Look who is stand/leaning!

2008-08-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

On her own.

Why Not?

2008-08-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

When Charissa came to me and asked me, "Can we adopt a little girl with Down Syndrome?". I didn't say anything. I just thought.

Then she said, "... there is a little girl in Ukraine that needs a family." I didn't say anything except.. mmmm.

I began to go over and over in my mind how MY life would change. How would this affect ME. What if this happened what if that happened. How would this little girl integrate into our family?

So, here is a list of questions I asked, prayed over and meditated on for several days:

- This is a huge commitment

- Will she talk, eat, walk

- What will folks think of me having a child with a disability

- How will my life change with this little girl

- Will my kids accept her

- Will my kids rebel

- Will my kids be safe while I am half way across the world

- Can I afford this

- and many other thoughts

Then I had this thought.. What is this little girl thinking:

- When is my daddy going to come kiss my neck and throw me in the air?

- When is my daddy going to come help me get my eyes fixed?

- When is my daddy going to help me learn how to eat, walk, talk?

- When is my daddy going to take me out of this crib and put me on his shoulders?

- When is my daddy going to hold me close at night before he puts me to bed?

- When is my daddy going to tell me he loves me?

- When is my daddy coming to get me? Why's he taking so long? I'm ready!

God defends the orphan! He will defend me and my family..

What a blessing little Ava has been in my life! I just cannot imagine life without that little girl. Jesus will increase your ability to love every child you bring into your home. He'll work miracles in your heart and in the hearts of a whole lot of other folks too.

Don't be afraid to LOVE! Love heals.

2008-08-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

Hope... loves her Dad...

2008-07-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hope came in to see me while I was working in the office. As she came over to me she was scattering Austin Cheddar Cheese crackers across the floor. Instead of scolding her for dribbling crackers, I smiled and asked her.. "Can I have one". She quickly responded, "No daddy, you have to get your own". I just picked her up, gave her a big hug, then let her down and she was on her way.

A few moments later, she came back into my office with a whole set of the crackers, 6 to be exact. I smiled again and gave her a big giant hug.

My turn!

2008-06-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

looking over you

2008-06-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

journal entry 06-11-2008

Wow, that was a loud thunderstorm... what time is it? 3am, oh good... I get about 3 more hours of sleep.

Wait, before I go back to sleep, I need to check on the kids.

Simeon, upstairs sleeping sound in the game room because its too hot in his room he says.. CHECK. Simeon, you are amazing. I think you'll be an engineer.
Liesel and Hope.. Liesel is sleeping sound and Hope is in my bed kicking me! When did she crawl in bed.. CHECK, CHECK. Liesel, you are so mature and Hope I love giving you kisses!
Jude.. Phooey, he crawled in my bed too! No wonder I can't get any sleep. Jude, you are amazing too! A great communicator. Maybe you'll be President some day!

Ava.. My newest daughter. Wow, I love you so much! How could I love you so much. How did God put such a powerful love for you inside of me. That was so neat when you held your little arms out to come to daddy today! I really do think you loves me. You look cold, I'd better put a blanket on you and make sure your vitals are good! Oops, you're moving around, into a contorted position! How do you sleep like that?

Thank you Jesus for my wife and children. I love them so much.

Ok, back to sleep. Its just a gentle rain now and an occasional rolling thunder.

Fishing?

2008-06-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

The boys had a different agenda...

looking for live bait... giant spiders?

casting into the rocks

trolling at a high rate of speed...

Urban Diet

2008-06-06T19:20:00.001-07:00

I decided its time to go on a diet! So I went to the local ice cream
store for a snack.

Someone is in my bed!

2008-05-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

Oh well. She can have some special treatment. She can sleep in Pa Pa's
bed.

Happy Girl

2008-05-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

At the breakfast table, laughing.

Simeon on Pro Bass Circuit..

2008-05-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

His first large mouth, and a good one. Already a very skilled angler. He shows me up every time we go fishing. After many failed crappie trips, he still wants to get into those.

Great job Simeon!

Princess Fisher

2008-05-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

So patient and willing learn. Liesel did great today. Caught several
and learned to bait a hook with a worm.

Train Up A Child

2008-05-11T16:17:00.001-07:00

Jude tore it up today. About 9 fish and turtle.

Jude...

2008-05-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Jude had a play this week. He was one of the stars in the production. I'm sure glad I drove 18

miles to see him. I sure am proud of that boy! He is the one in the middle holding the kite!

Proverbs 23:10-11 - version 2

2008-04-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

A charge and a promise...

Do not move the ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, For their Defender is strong; He will take up their case against you.

encroach: to trespass upon the property, domain, or rights of another, esp. stealthily or by gradual advances.

Is your journey into of the fields of the fatherless to act as God's ambassador or to say, "That isn't my calling?"
Is your journey into the fields of the fatherless to pluck these little ones from a certain death, or to say, "Sin passed from generation to generation causes horrible things like this."
Is your journey into the fields of the fatherless to pave the path for someone else to reach God's most vulnerable treasure, or to say, "I pay my tithes and I give offerings. I'm sure my money will eventually get to them."

If so, you may be encroaching on the fields of the fatherless. By doing nothing, you may be delaying their rescue. You may be starving them. You may be denying them the shelter they need to stay warm.

Defender/Redeemer

I can't help but think about how Ava was defended and redeemed...

A tiny child without a father or mother shortly after birth, she was cared for and kept alive by nurses and doctors for several weeks before moving to her only orphanage
Her wonderful care givers ministered life to her daily. Changing her dirty diaper, cooking her food, grinding it up so she could drink it. Washing her clothes. Lets not forget keeping her very warm and cozy!
4 years of caring loving compasion
Faith moved heads of nations to keep her alive through laws and government funding

God DEFENDS the fatherless!

Plead their case against you...

- He'll find someone to rescue these little ones. Is He calling you?
- He's looking for a family! Is he pleading their cause so you can welcome them into your family.
- He is protecting them! Is He defending them so your family can be so beautifully transformed?
- He finding ways to care for them. Is He caring for them using your finances, or is He having to find someone else?

Wow, Jesus loves these children with such a wonderful, incredibly powerful love!

As my good friend Buddy Wright said, "John, Love heals!" It can't be put any better than that.

Allow Jesus to transform your family, your thinking, your priorities. Allow Jesus to speak to you! Let Him come into that area of your life that is the most protected and guarded and He will show you things you never dreamed possible! He will show you Love!

... So Amazing

2008-04-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

My wife has produced the most tremendous video yet of Ava and her progress. I have to say, I love my family so much. My wife and every one of my kids are just so amazing! Little Ava is loved.

So here it is, my incredibly amazing wife and her ever increasing technical skills have produced an amazing video about an amazing little girl.

I love playing with this ball!

2008-04-17T18:45:00.001-07:00

Someone is seeing straight now!

2008-04-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

Resting my eyes...

2008-04-11T11:32:00.001-07:00

> In a few minutes I'm going to be able to see straight!
>

New Blogger In Training

2008-04-10T06:06:00.001-07:00

4 Kids Fishing For Crappie

2008-04-07T03:41:00.000-07:00

In the BRUSH! Next time... On the dock, straight down, no casting!

week of sadness

2008-04-05T05:05:00.000-07:00

As most of you probably already know, our 6th little one, JOHN SAMUEL, beat us to heaven.

My words now are that I love my lovely wife and family with all my heart. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful woman of God. A beautiful woman who loves Jesus so much, that she would lay her life down for a sweet little girl from Europe, while also lovingly laying her life down every minute, every hour, of every day for me and the children. Her passion is caring, and show glows with caring passion!

On Monday morning my reading was Proverbs 31. I can't help but tell you that I am truly blessed with a P31 woman. You want picture of my wife, read Proverbs 31.

Worn out!

2008-03-30T09:54:00.001-07:00

Thanks Jude for getting me to sleep.

I'm Home

2008-03-29T06:54:00.001-07:00

Going home now!

2008-03-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

I'm ready, let's go!

Feeling much better!

2008-03-28T18:50:00.001-07:00

Safe in MaMa's Arms

2008-03-28T11:35:00.001-07:00

I'm tired!

2008-03-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

What did they do to me?

I'm Done..

2008-03-28T08:57:00.004-07:00

Why is my throat so sore?

HEY!!! I can hear things I've never heard before! WOW! This is great!

Pa-Pa and Ma-Ma will take a picture soon.

I'm Done..

2008-03-28T08:57:00.003-07:00

Why is my throat so sore?

HEY!!! I can hear things I've never heard before! WOW! This is great!

Here I go! Weeeeeee

2008-03-28T08:57:00.001-07:00

On my way...

2008-03-28T07:20:00.001-07:00

To get rid of my tonsils and adnoids and to get new ear tubes! Ava

Shopping w/ MaMa

2008-03-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

I love these pictures of Ava. I hope you enjoy them too:

And some smiles too....

Mirrors

2008-03-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Miles and Smiles

Someone Loves Balloons!

2008-03-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Aquarium or Jungle Gym?

2008-03-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

Big Turtles

2008-03-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Bull Rider

2008-03-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

Log Cabins -Ft Worth

2008-03-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

Dinner

2008-03-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

And center of attention.

Just Relaxing

2008-03-20T15:33:00.001-07:00

Our Good Friends the Koens

2008-03-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

Congrats Tina & Frikkie. We love you!

Fort

2008-03-08T06:40:00.000-08:00

Ava loves Simeon and Judes fort!

Big Sis Is A Great Helper!

2008-03-06T06:01:00.001-08:00

Bounc'n and Spin'n

2008-03-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

I've got to boost my numbers. I hope these videos help.

bounc'n up and down:

spin'n around:

Ava Is Bouncing...

2008-03-02T18:04:00.001-08:00

On her own and putting weight on her feet!

Hope's Project

2008-03-02T16:44:00.001-08:00

Ava Loves Her Uncle Ken!

2008-03-02T11:00:00.001-08:00

Ava with Heather

2008-03-02T09:45:00.001-08:00

She loves Heather!

Clovis Cousins

2008-03-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

Came to see Ava.

Ava's First Hike

2008-03-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

still here.. still posting

2008-02-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

Just not as often. My good friend Josh Harrel sent me this article... enjoy:

click here to read the article from Sports Illustrated

Thanks Josh!

The Eye Doctor

2008-02-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

============================================
BREAKING NEWS: AVA IS GETTING EYE GLASSES NOW
============================================

We have ordered cute pink eyeglasses for Ava. She does not like
anything on her face. This will be fun! They arrive on Friday.
Tune in then for photos.

===========================================

Fun with The Cookie Monster

2008-02-23T11:09:00.001-08:00

Big Sister's Love

2008-02-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Ava sure loves her big sister Liesel.

Tiny feet

2008-02-23T08:24:00.001-08:00

Ava loves having her feet rubbed!

Ava Is Loved

2008-02-23T08:19:00.001-08:00

Big bro Jude caring for Ava while Hope practices her motherly instincts.

Grape Vine

2008-02-21T21:05:00.000-08:00

I'm not only the proud father of my newest daughter, Ava Alina Grace... I am also the proud father to #6! If you haven't heard by now, my lovely wife is with child with numero seis.

I so love her! What an incredible mom and wife! I am truly blessed! I have to say, I am as excited about this pregnancy as I was with the first. Eventually, I'll get this dad thing down.

Watch for some cool charts in upcoming posts.

John

Ava's Physical Therapy...

2008-02-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

The professional's all agreed that she is going bloom and blossom. She love the room and the lights. We'll keep you posted.

John

Good News...

2008-02-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

Charissa just called and said that Ava's Echo Cardiogram showed NO sign of a heart deffect! Thank you Jesus.

We are blessed.

Happy Birthday Simeon and Ava!

2008-02-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

My lovely wife, has surpassed my blogging skills. She has created 2 videos. Click on the links to view them:

Simeon's Birthday Video

Ava's Birthday Video

Enjoy

Ava Alina Grace Joy Urban

2008-02-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'll try to keep my posts up, but I'll never be as good as my lovely wife.

Tomorrow morning we have an EKG for sweet Ava. We are praying for a good report about her heart.

She keeps getting stronger and happier every day. She is a joy! I think I'll add a middle name for her.

Would like for you to remember the Cornish family as they are in Ukraine now. They've had their court date and they are now the parents of 2 sweet children. The arrived Kiev 1 day before us. They now are into their 10 day waiting period. Lets agree with them that the process of passports and visa's will go very quickly and that they can get home QUICKLY! These are great folks and they have been in an intense battle!

Special Flower...

2008-02-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

Ava had a special flower just for her at her Grandma and Pa-Paws church, First United Methodist Church in Clovis NM this last Sunday.

This flower is very special. Every time a little one comes into the congregation, a flower is placed on the alter as a symbol of new life! Ava has a new life now and some pretty proud grandparents!

Ava had no Grandmothers Jan 31, 2008, but on Feb 1, 2008, she got 2! Oma and Grandma, I sure love you.... Ava.

Ava Loves Her New Chairs!

2008-02-11T04:55:00.000-08:00

A fun new game with a cheap toy!

Hi-Chair.. I like to throw spoons!

Bumbo Seat! Look Ma-Ma! No hands!

My Brother...

2008-02-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

My brother, Ken Urban, has giftings from Jesus that he has not even discovered. He created this video for Charissa and I from a perspective that is unique and touching. Thank you Kenny! You have truly blessed us captured a moment in time that will last for all eternity.

To: Ma-Ma and Pa-Pa From: Ava Alina Grace

Kenny, I speak life and encouragement to you in the path that Jesus has for you and your family. God has wonderful plans beyond your wildest dreams for you. Be encouraged in your new decisions and keep looking to Him!

Mission Complete + Pictures

2008-02-05T18:28:00.001-08:00

We are home. Ava is greatly loved!

Pictures are worth 1000 words...

See Charissa's blog for details.

Last Leg

2008-02-05T15:50:00.001-08:00

We are buckled in. Ava is looking for her brothers and sisters.

Where is Ava?

2008-02-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

Denver...

2008-02-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Cleared immigration, customs and security. Well be home in 5 hours.

Ava is good. She is wore out... Will sleep good tonight. Its 1030pm
her time.

On to Denver

2008-02-05T00:02:00.000-08:00

We are locked in for our 11 hour flight to Denver. Ava is doing well.

Through Security

2008-02-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

Waiting on plane in Kiev at KBP.

Homeward Bound

2008-02-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

Kiev -> Munich -> Denver -> Tulsa

Be in Tulsa 620PM Tuesday night! Mission almost complete.

LH3233 W 05FEB 2 KBPMUC HK2 605A B 650A 820A

LH 480 W 05FEB 2 MUCDEN HK2 835A 2 915A1205P

UA6556 W 05FEB 2 DENTUL HK2 349P 620P

Watch for GE updates and posts on each hop.

2 pictures this time. The red clown suit photo was the first day we saw her. The second pink coat suit was leaving the orphange on Friday... 8 days later. She looks like a million Grevnas!.. doesn't she!

Its Official!!!!

2008-02-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

BREAKING NEWS:

Ava has a passport and a visa and the moment our plane lands on US soil, she will become a dual citizen of US and Ukraine!

Person after person has talked about this adoption being a miracle. Maybe we should change one of her middle names to, Miracle!

Working on plane reservations now. Stay tuned!

paperwork

2008-02-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

Is that a trampoline Dad? I can't wait to lay on it! Some day soon, I'll be able to jump!

Kiev skyline. No-one here gives a rip about the SuperBowl. Quiet as a mouse.

Wow dad! What is that? Kool!

Today we go to the US embassy for a visa and the medical clinic for an exam. We hope to be done by 4pm and make plane reservations to COME HOME! We have favor with God and man. Jesus is so good to us. We are so blessed to have Ava! Watch for GE updates on our journey home.

Back in Kiev..

2008-02-02T02:38:00.000-08:00

Someone LOVES riding the Ukranian train!

What is the world are you doing to my mouth Dad?

Our home for the next few days high on a perch in dowtown Kiev.

Nice train ride. Ava slept well and ate well. She is a happy little girl.

Tomorrow we rest.
Monday to the Medical clinic for an exam required by US Embassy.
On the to embassy to get her papers in order.

We are working on plane tickets now to come home, leaving either Tuesday or Wednesday.

We'll keep you posted.

GE Update

2008-02-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

Coordinates:

49 12.195

31 54.084

0 mph

308ft altitude

603am

Bumpy ride, but Ava is sleeping peacefully. We keep pinching ourselves, to make sure it isn't just a dream. We are so excited to be going home. I can't wait to see my kids! I miss them so much.

We have her for 5 minutes and already have an inventory of hairbows to keep track of. Isn't she a doll?