Day Four, From Home

A step back in time! Well, after a thirty-four hour return trip home, it has taken me a few days to get my land legs back and my head on straight. There has been a large time-gap but I thought I'd try my hand again in the "World of Blog." Our Kazakhstan adventure has been a life changing experience for me in so many ways, too many to express or even comprehend. I did want to express my love for and amazement at a person that has challenged me to stake a claim in this life and do something good. And, for the first time in my life I feel just that way. The third best thing I've ever done is become Austin's stepdad. I hope he knows that I think he is awesome! The second best thing I've done is become a dad to Julia, truly a love-gift from God! And the best-est thing I've done was to marry Carrie. She is ONE in a million and has shown me the true meaning of love and family. I have been three times blessed and consider myself a very lucky man. Bruce

Day Thirty-Seven

It's been forty days and forty nights and I'm beginning to understand Noah's plight, on a boat packed with non-English speaking couples! Actually, I am still fine and enjoying the novelties of life amidst this very foreign culture. For those of you who have lived or visited abroad for an extended period, you will understand that the most inspiring moments are the subtle ones. Like walking "home" from the market, carrying bags of groceries, feeling momentarily like everybody else.

Today started out rainy and cold, reminiscent of a damp November morning in New Jersey. Julia was happy to see me and we talk now, before, during and after breakfast. She is consistently more relaxed with me during mealtime, no longer straining for her next bite before swallowing what's in her mouth! She still let's me know that she's not happy when the food is gone but recovers more quickly and we move into the next activity of the day. This usually involves crawling on the sofa, playing with her vibrating teether-dog and stacking cups, sitting and standing with Mommy's support and singing songs like "This Old Man," "The Itsy, Bitsy Spider," "Someone's in The Kitchen With Dinah" and "The Barney Song". I need some help here 'cause I'm making up words as I go along! No one told me to bring a baby song book! After digesting, Julia and I mingle with the other babies. Julia then begins to rub her eyes and pull her ear, signaling that nap time is around the bend. When I'm holding her, she will rub her whole face into mine, not unlike Lil' Buddy when it's time for me to wake up! Julia doesn't yet cry when I leave but I am hopeful that phase is approaching, just not until we get home! It's hard enough to leave when she's so happy...

We had our final farewell luncheon for the Mullins who headed for home to south Jersey this afternoon. I didn't think I would say this again but I had the BEST perrogies ever! It was a special meal and one that reminded me of the last day at overnight camp, saying good-bye to new friends who'd shared a brief but significant life experience. I walked in the light rain to the indoor mall and then to the "Gros" for diapers, water, "Leibniz" (German Butter Biscuits), grape juice and a great Kazak cup-of-soup mix. It's there that I enjoy trying out a new Russian phrase with the older, bag-check ladies whom, by their facial expressions, appear to reciprocate my enthusiasm. Today it was, "meen- YAH zah- VOOT Carrie. YAH OH- chin pree- AHT- na." OR, "My name is Carrie. I am pleased to meet you." They correct my pronunciation of EACH AND EVERY WORD but seem to get the message! This is an impossible language and I'm not getting any better at it, despite my fruitless efforts!

At 7:30 PM, the sun is now shining brightly and there is a fierce wind howling! I am the happy, NEW recipient of the "community DVD player" replete with the complete collection of Bruce Willis movies! Does life get any better than this??? Austin leaves for Italy with his 8th grade Latin and Art teachers and a few other kids on Friday. I am thrilled for him and only wish that I were there to obsess about his packing and general safety! I am really proud of his independence and self-confidence and can't wait to hear about his trip when we both get home! I am thinking about all of you on the adventures of YOUR lives. Keep me posted! Love Y'all~ Carrie

Day Thirty-Four

HAPPY EASTER! CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Although the two and a half hour, Russian midnight Easter Mass was amazing, the real feeling of Easter came with the warm reception that Yana, the State Adoption Rep, gave me when she saw me in church, "sharing the Peace" with parishioners, and attempting to say "Shast LEE vee Pass kha!" or "Happy Easter," to the hotel lobby and cleaning staff. It was in those small exchanges, plus the opportunity to say "Thank you" to God for our abundant blessings, that brought the meaning of Easter home for me.

The church itself looked curiously unfinished on the inside with bare, unpainted walls and plain, wooden benches. Sixty-five of us packed the pews on both sides. The young Priest had a gentle demeanor and the service was a mixture of the traditional Catholic Mass with intermittent scripture readings by parishioners and songs lead by a soloist and followed by a common refrain. There were no bibles or hymnals though people brought their own and shared with one another. At the end of Mass, two plates of halved, hard boiled eggs were passed. The only word I KNOW that I knew was, "Ah MEEN." It was a rich experience and a meaningful Easter service for me.

I talked to both my boys on line this morning and they sound happy to be home and together! They emailed me a short video of our cats, Katie and Buddy! How cleaver! I felt like I could reach right in and scratch their furry little heads. It's a HUGE relief to know they're okay!

Julia babbled up a storm today! She also seemed less frantic when the food arrived for breakfast. Perhaps she's beginning to trust that I am there to feed her and at a slower pace than she's accustomed too. You can't imagine the sound of nine hungry babies or the competency and agility of the two adult caretakers at mealtime! Julia wanted to stay and play with her friends in the common room today so we hung with Nikoli, in a swing and Natasha, in a walker. I see God revealed in each little face and am comforted to know that there are more families wanting children than children available for adoption at the Delfin Baby Home.

My love to all of you! I pass the "Peace" in a hug from my heart! Carrie

Day Thirty-three

I thought it was time that I included pictures of our wonderful hosts, here in Kostanai. In one photograph, Bruce is at the airport with Andre, our driver and Oleysa, our interpreter and coordinator. In another picture, Bruce is dancing with Dr. Irina. And Nellie is in the picture by herself. We couldn't have survived here without the four of them!

Today's journal will be brief as there is not much to report except that Bruce called "his girls" from Frankfurt to say that he'd made it safely to and from Almaty en route to Newark. Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan (replaced by Astana in 1997) lies in the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains, bordering Kyrgyzstan and not to distant from China. Bruce reports that these snow capped mountains are stunningly beautiful! Julia and I will get a chance to see them when we spend several days in Almaty at the end of our trip. I'm looking forward to exploring a new city!

Julia was precious today and I swear she kept looking over my shoulder for her father! She now nestles herself in my arms as opposed to pushing off of me as she did when we first arrived. I think she will be crawling by the time we get home.

I had lunch today with Oleysa and "the Americans" at the "Bistro Cafe" where I had the best "beef loaf" ever and the closest approximation to an American cheese burger! After lunch, I left our group and walked through "Central Park" as the sun was high in the sky and the weather was warm and spring-like. I bought some staples at the "Gros", including several plastic eggs, filled with surprises (?) that I will give to the hotel staff on Sunday, Easter morning. Tomorrow, I plan to take myself ice-skating in the afternoon and will attend Easter Mass on Saturday night. On Sunday, Nellie bought us tickets to "A Show" at the Kostanai Philharmonic. Best as I can decipher, it's a traditional Kazak musical production, hopefully with minimal dialogue!

I look forward to hearing that Bruce arrived safely home, that Austin is with him and the cats have forgiven us for leaving! I will write again as soon as something interesting happens! Love for now from KZ! Carrie (and Julia!)

Adoption Day!

SHE IS OURS! Yup~ our petition for adoption was granted in court today and Julia Marian Miller officially became our daughter and Austin's little sister!

First thing this morning, Austin emailed us his "statement" for the Judge, saying, (and I am paraphrasing Austin, so please forgive any miscommunication!) "I am happy to have a sibling and I look forward to making sure that her life is really happy and safe and secure. I will protect her and guard her with my life and more if necessary." Bruce took the stand, answering all of the Judge's questions with careful consideration, and, under the expert direction of our guide, Oleysa and the generous praises of Dr. Irina, our Judge formalized Julia's adoption, congratulating us ALL (Austin too!) on our new family. April 5, 2007. A day we will always remember!

After court, we had a late visit with Julia and "Dad" sponged up her beauty and her charm before saying "good-bye." We stopped at the hotel, loaded a ton of luggage into André's car and headed to the Kostanai Airport to put Bruce on the plane bound for Almaty. Characteristic of our relationship, Bruce's parting words to me were, "Be careful" and mine to Bruce were "Relax and enjoy the ride." Now I am back in our hotel room, surprised at myself for missing Bruce so much, so soon. I have really grown to rely on him and I am feeling a bit untethered. I have, however, moved myself into his living spaces, sprawling my toiletries across the bathroom countertops and usurping all the hangers! I look forward to hearing that he has arrived home safely, tomorrow afternoon.

I have been invited by our State adoption representative to attend Easter Mass on Saturday night, from 10:00 PM until midnight and I am delighted! God is everywhere! "Happy Passover" to our Jewish family and "Joyful Easter" to the Christians! You are ALL in my thoughts and prayers and I am celebrating Julia with you, in my heart! Love, Carrie

Day Thirty-One

It was another great day in Kostanai that began with a surprise telephone call from Ginny and Austin! Thanks guys! What a wonderful way to start the day...

Julia was sleeping when we arrived at the Delfin Baby Home and awoke to find both parents' big heads smiling down on her in her crib. She was delighted and delightful! We dressed her and fed her then played for nearly an hour. She is definately in the crawling stage, pulling herself forward on her elbows toward any bright objects! Everything within reach goes directly into her mouth and this morning it was Bruce's nose. We played until nap time and she went down without a fuss.

We lunched with Oleysa and the Mullens at "The Russian Pub" and all ordered the stuffed cabbage, of local renown. It was terrific! After our meal, the "boys" walked to the ourdoor market and the "girls" went for coffee and then to visit Dr. Irina's Russian jeweler friend who had finished Carrie's made-to-order bracelet. It is magnificent, a piece of art and an heirloom for our daughter when her mother's done wearing it! The jeweler and his wife were again, hospitable and interesting as they told tales of growing up in Moscow. The girls returned to the hotel in the late afternoon when the balcony thermometer read 6° C. Although that may sound unseasonably cold, the temperature of our hotel room is in the mid to upper 80's so we are adequately prepared to return home to "spring."

Tomorrow morning we take Julia out of the Baby Home for her Passport photo! Tomorrow evening, Oleysa has planned a good-bye party for Bruce so "the Americans" will gather in the hotel lobby and carpool to a new discotheque for dinner, dancing and show girls. The fun never stops, right? First thing Thursday morning, we appear in "final court", then to the Baby Home for a brief visit with Julia before heading to the airport to put Bruce on a plane, eventually bound for home.

The time has passed quickly and this has been, so far, a remarkable journey! We are eternally grateful for the love and encouragement we have received from you, our family and friends back home. We are equally grateful for the support and attention that we have received from our new Russian, Kazak and American friends throughout our stay in Kostanai. May God bless you all with the generosity and kindness that you have showered upon us! With appreciation and love, C & B

Day Thirty!

We have made it to April, Julia is out of the infirmary and recovering from a bout with bronchitis and Bruce has packed his bags for home! It's all good! Todays photos of Julia were taken this morning and she seems as relieved as we are to be back with her familiar caretakers and intermingling with the other precious babies. This morning she was a ball of energy and all smiles! This also means that we will have 90 rather than 30 minutes with her every day. This is particularly important for Julia's "Papa," during these last few days with his little girl! Both of his "girls" are gonna miss him!

On Saturday, after visiting Julia in the infirmary, Bruce and Carrie enjoyed a day by themselves, walking in the afternoon sun to the large, more distant outdoor market. We retired to our room for dinner of leftovers and watched "Anger Management" on the laptop, compliments of Oleysa, who owns movies that can be seen in several languages. It was light-hearted and enjoyable. On Palm Sunday, unable to attend church, we bought 5 stalks of Pussy Willows, appparently signifying "re-birth" or something like that. In the afternoon, we purchased tickets to a performance at the Kostanai Philharmonic where we saw the final competition of Child Performers from throughout the region. Children, seemingly between the ages four and 16 sang and danced to traditional Russian and Kazak music, as well as performed some popular selections. Although the audience far exceeded the auditorium's seating capacity, the show was riviting and the talent supurb! It was also interesting to watch the crowd. It was very entertaining and a lot of fun. After the show, "the Americans" walked to the small, indoor mall to visit the displays at the Kazak store. We finished the day with a relaxing dinner and several Bajithka 6's at "Bavaria".

Which brings us to back to Monday and our wonderful visit with Julia today and the fact that Bruce has packed his bags and placed them by the door. Do you THINK he's ready to come home?!@# He's begun to dream about real milk and butterscotch Krimpets! And also about reuniting with Austin and the cats! Our final court date is in three days and then Julia officially becomes our little girl! Please don't forget that Carrie and Julia stay behind with "the blog" so keep reading and remember that you are always close in our hearts and minds! Love, C & B