First Swimming Experience!

Today we took the kids to our neighborhood pool and they loved it.  Lena was fearless and Will grinned from ear to ear.  They also got to meet their pastor, Brother Jay Wolf, at our house tonight.  Bro. Jay couldn't keep up with Will on eating pizza and ice-cream; actually none of us could!  It was a big day jam packed with fun things.

Hope, Beth, and Lena

Will

Lena jumping to Daddy

Daddy giving Will are ride

Brother Jay with Will and Lena

Hope's 5th Gotcha Day!

Hope celebrated her 5th Gotcha Day today!  It is so hard to believe that five years have gone by since we brought this sweet little girl home.  Every year we celebrate by releasing a balloon for every year she has been home and let her choose the restaurant.  In this past year, she discovered that steak is her favorite food in all of the world!  And it truly is!

Hope cutting up her own steak - notice broccoli has not been touched!

More Pics!

We are hanging in there but everyday is exhausting.  Thanks to everyone who is bringing meals!  It really helps so much.  Thanks also to everyone who is continuing to pray.  We feel like we are making progress and look forward to making more.  We found out Will has at least a 60% perforation in each drum which probably impairs his hearing which may be why he talks soooo loud.  They are having lots of new experiences and keeping us busy.

Quick Update and Pics!

Will is adjusting remarkably well except for the dogs and he is making progress.  He got his hair trimmed up today and a Nike hat to replace the pink Minnie Mouse hat he found of Beth's.  He insists on pulling his pants up to his arm pits and tucking his shirt in!  He wants constant attention and has a desire to please.  He is incredibly bright and is learning English quickly.  We are teaching him to use an inside voice since he is just naturally loud.

Lena is a bit more challenging in that we think she has had very little discipline or structure.  She is very head strong.  She has come a long way with a spitting habit.  We are still working on hitting, pinching, and pulling hair but we are making progress.  She can also be as sweet as she can be a stinker!

They had their first outing today which was at Chick fil-A.  We went mid morning when it wouldn't be so crowded.  Lena had some incidents with a few other children but overall it was a good experience.

Beth and her friend, Katherine, took Will and Hope to Academy, Target and got Will's hair cut.

Every night I am extremely tired but at peace knowing we are doing what God has called us to do.

I am sad that my Daddy didn't get to meet Will and Lena.  Will (William) is named after my Daddy and Lena was my Daddy's grandmother's name.

Hope, Will and Mr. Chip

Katherine, Will, Caroline and Hope

Beth, Hope and Will

Lena in sports bra and pink boots with sunglasses - yes, she put that stylish outfit together all by herself

Will on his first bike

Looks like trouble

Sweet Lena!

Will and Lena playing in the sand

Will getting his first haircut - thank you Mrs. Layla!

Pictures of Home!

Well the crew made it home on Saturday, May 10th.  I have to say Lena and Will looked a bit more lively and energetic than Andy, Dow and Beth.  Nothing can really describe the long plane trip home with children who have basically never been out of their orphanage!!!  But they made it!  Hope was beside herself with excitement - giddy in fact waiting on them!

We stopped in Tiger Town and got a bite to eat at Moes and met Andy's parents there.  They took Dow back to Auburn and we headed home.

The night was quite challenging because Will became out of control when he saw our three dogs.  I don't mean a little panic attack; I mean terrified to death and screaming and crying!  It was  a long time until bed!

I also learned around 9:15 pm that my Daddy had passed away around 9:00 Saturday evening.  He had been sick for a number of years with so many issues but he had a fall earlier this week that left him in a very desperate state.  Our family didn't realize how badly he would decline but we were all planning to see him within the next couple of days.  However, God's plans were different and he "moved" to Heaven Saturday night!  I thought I was ready, but I guess one never really is when it happens.  Thankful to have had an earthly father that taught me about my Heavenly FAther!

I am sharing some pics of the kids and will update again soon hopefully.  Sunday was a good but busy day!  We appreciate everyone's prayers and interest so much - love being part of God's family!

Friday, May 9, 2014

Today, Dow, Andy, Will and Lena set out on a field trip of sorts to an area about an hour away from Chisinau to experience some history of Moldova.  Beth stayed at the apt. to study AP European History!  The kids did well.  Lena fell asleep on the way back to the apt.

As I write this, they are on their way to the airport for their first leg of the trip home (it is 4:40 am in Moldova).

Below is a pic of Dow, Andy, Will and Lena but the remaining of the post and pics came from the internet.

Orheiul Vechi, also known as Old Orhei, arguably Moldova’s most fantastic sight, is an cultural, historical and archaeological complex located about 60 km (35 miles) northeast of Chisinau, Moldova’s capital and 10 km (6 miles) to the southeast of Orhei city. This valley, shaped by Raut River, is one of the top attractions in Moldova, with a pristine natural landscape featuring huge limestone outcroppings. There are several ancient monuments and buildings set in the valley, from various historical periods dating from the 10^th century BC to the occupation of the Golden Horde in the 14^th century AD. These ancient fortresses and early Christian monasteries are among the most unusual sights in all of Eastern Europe, and a museum at the site provides further information and exhibits.

Cave Monastery. View from the bank of Raut river

Orheiul Vechi Monastery Complex is carved into a massive limestone cliff in this wild, rocky, remote spot and draws visitors from around the globe. The Cave Monastery inside a cliff, overlooking the gently meandering Raut River, was dug by Orthodox monks in the 13th century. It remained inhabited until the 18th century. In the 18th century the cave-church was taken over by villagers from neighbouring Butuceni village. In 1905 they built a church above ground dedicated to the Ascension of St Mary. The church was shut down by the Soviets in 1944 and remained abandoned throughout the communist regime. Services resumed in 1996, though it still looks abandoned. Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of a defence wall surrounding the monastery complex from the 15th century.

In addition to the unique archaeological structures at Orhei Moldova, the small town of Orhei is also one of the country’s most popular attractions. This charming town offers accommodation close to Old Orhei for those who wish to stay the night. Guests can stay at Vila Roz Guesthouse, enjoy friendly hospitality, and get the chance to sample local Moldovan cuisine.

Thursday, May 8, 2014!

They had a much more relaxed day today.  They had a translator stay with Will and Lena while Andy, Dow and Beth picked up the passports with Visas.  When they returned, Lena was waking up from a nap and Will had been resting.  The children were more settled today and easier to manage. I got to FaceTime with all five this morning.  Will can say "how are you doing?"  and he likes to say "momma."  He also like pointing out the others to me.  Lena gave me some big smiles and talked a little.   Hope and I got to FaceTime with Andy, Dow and Beth later this afternoon once the children were asleep.

Andy suggested we get supplies to "toddler" proof the house even though Lena is 3 and 1/2.  She is very curious and a climber.  It will take Will and Lena awhile just to explore our house and become comfortable with it.  But who can blame them?  They have basically been in the same environment day after day of their lives, so new things are really, really interesting to them.  We will have to strike a balance somehow.

Tomorrow morning they are headed out to the countryside.  They want Lena and especially Will Marin to see what their country looks like outside of the city.  Their plan is to eat lunch along the way home and start packing up tomorrow afternoon.  They are ready to come home and get the looong plane trip behind them.  The trip from Chisinau to Frankfort is about 2 and 1/2 - 3 hours.  Then there is a very short layover in Frankfort and then the ten hour flight to Atlanta.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

After a rough night, the kids woke up in a pleasant mood.  With the day planned out and expected to be a much less stressful day, the kids got ready for the day.  They were taken by a translator for another appt.  Then Andy got a call that he had to be at the US Embassy immediately to change the names of Lena and Will from their birth names to adopted names.  Things went downhill with that call.  Andy thought he had done this but then was informed that he didn't go through.  Then the doctor who conducted the medicals on the children, insisted Andy sign the forms before he would release them to the US Embassy.  Headed back across town to the doctor's office, they got stuck in a parade on the main road downtown.  Then when they got to the US Embassy, Andy realized he had to basically redo the app for their Visas which is about 20 pages.  They were late for the 2:00 appt with the Consul General but she was very gracious.  He took an oath that all documents were correct to his knowledge and he was given original documents - court orders, reports, birth certificates, etc.  Passports with Visas are to be picked up Thursday morning.

Afterwards, they took a long walk with the kids getting both Will and Lena traditional Moldovan shirts for souvenirs .  Then back to the apt. for a supper of mac and cheese, bread, goldfish and bananas.  They got ready for bed.  Lena fought sleep very, very hard just like Hope did for months but finally gave into exhaustion.  Will watched Elmo and finally went to sleep.

GOTCHA DAY, Tuesday, May 6, 2014!

Today was GOTCHA DAY for Will and Lena.  After a rough start and a few false starts, Andy, Dow and Beth got Will this afternoon and then Lena late afternoon.  Neither one had trouble saying good-bye but I know they will grieve over the loss of their relationships in the coming days.

Lena and Will were quite a handful to say the least and getting them to sleep was very, very challenging.  I hope to give more details tomorrow of Gotcha Day but I think it will be a day long remembered for Andy, Dow and Beth!

My favorite pic so far.  Will and Lena leaving Lena's orphanage!

Will saying goodbye to his caregiver who has known him since he was 7 days old

Lena and Beth

Will and Dow

Will and his best friend, Tanya

Lena and her caregiver, Rodica

Lena

Lena and Will fast asleep after a lot of hard work!

Monday, May 5, 2014

Yesterday, we arrived in Moldova around 1:30 in the afternoon. We made a quick stop at the apartment before heading to go see Lena. We had a short but good visit with Lena before heading back to the apartment. We walked to Andy's Pizza (the only restaurant that the Birchfields have eaten at a thousand times in Moldova). We came home and the lights were out. Traveling is exhausting.

Monday morning, the three of us were picked up and taken to the passport office. There, we met Lena again and were reunited with Will. We were preparing ourselves to wait in this extremely long line when Albina just took us all to the very front. Lines just aren't our thing. Dow and I entertained Will and Lena while my dad worked on getting the passports. It was a fun time spent coloring, trying out different snacks, and getting accustomed to iPads. Will knew exactly who Lena was and was very excited to see her. Will was also excited to see his "ta-ta" (Daddy), Dow, and myself (bee-ef). Will and Lena had fun together and with us. Afterwards, we headed to the medical clinic and we got to play a little bit outside with Will and Lena. When you spend over a year praying and anticipating two children to become a part of your family, it seems they are already a part of your family. Today validated those feelings and all I want is to get my brother and sister on that plane to Atlanta as soon as possible.

Written by:  Beth

Headed to Chisinau!

Andy, Dow, and Beth headed to Chisinau, Moldova on Saturday, May 3.  They arrived Sunday, May 4 around noon.  Chisinau is eight hours ahead of Alabama.  They were able to see Lena.  Will's orphanage asked that they not visit since it was Sunday.  I am so thankful for their safe arrival and that both planes were on time.  They are staying in the same apt. complex as we have on previous trips.

I hope to post details and lots of pictures soon.  The one below is at the International Terminal at the Atlanta Airport.

Waiting Patiently!

People ask us if we are ready for Will Marin and Lena to come home, and my answer is "as ready as we can be."  The room is ready, clothes are washed and in the closet/drawers, doctors appts have been made, and they are registered for kindergarten/preschool for the fall.  We have hired someone to help full time when they arrive, I have a speech therapists set up and a wonderful kindergarten teacher to work with them this summer.  It sounds like we are ready, right!  However, no matter how many plans are made or details  considered, you still can't anticipate the changes and challenges that will come.

While we have spent time with both children, we really don't know them well nor how they will react once they leave the only home they have ever known and enter into a completely new "world."  Lena and Will will experience new voices, smells, sights, routines, germs, food, people, places, movements (like being carried on someone's shoulders), and so many other changes from small details to life altering.   It is hard to imagine what they are about to experience from their perspective but it is very important that we try in order to understand their emotions and behavior.

Please be praying for their adjustment and ours too especially Hope's.  She is excited but yet too young to grasp all the changes that adding Will Marin and Lena to our family will mean.  Actually, I don't know what all it will mean either but know God will be faithful and help us through the rough times and appreciate the good ones.

Andy, Dow and Beth will be leaving on Saturday, May 3 and will arrive in Moldova on Sunday, May 4.  They will arrive back home with both children on Saturday, May 10.  Hope and I will stay home.  As a family, we decided that I needed to be rested and at my best for when they arrive home.

I can't remember if I ever posted the referral pictures we received when we first started the process, so I am including them below.