About Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is in central asia. It was once part of the Soviet Union. It is nestled to the south of Russia and northeast of China. The national language is Kazakh but the common language spoken is Russian.
Lilypie

Monday, June 8, 2009

Catching Up

We finally have a chance to catch up and I hope we will be able to download photos. Two major problems have hindered us and I apologize for leaving everyone hanging- not intentional!!
Daves computer has some sort of virus and we are often kicked of the internet and weird things happen when we try to do anything. We have even had trouble trying to make files of our photos- necessary for court, which by the way is next Wednesday. By the grace of God we have managed to stay and get through all our visits and be allowed to go to court next week. This leads to our other really major problem. Our passports, ID, Money, were all stolen our first week here. We now have a replaced Credit card, money wired from home and permission from Immigration to go to Almaty at the end of "our business". There was a chance they were going to send us home at the time of the police report. There was talk that we may have had to go to Almaty immediatley for replacement passports and Visas but that they would not allow us to come back. There was a chance that the judge would not allow us to go to court without passports. And there was a chance we would not be able to fly to Almaty- 10,000 km away and that we would have to drive (10-12 hours or take a 2 day train trip- through RUSSIA!) So to say the least I have been anxious and stressed for what seems like forever.
through the awesome power of God and the work of His angel here on earth- ALMA who we consider our personal pit-bull (to see here in action) we have been allowed to stay, complete our visits, and will be allowed to go to court next Wed. We will then fly to Almaty next thursday, spend several days to get emergency passports/visa's and fill out paperwork for escort of the children home when they can be released.
I know it is through the prayers of so many that this is working out.
Thank-you!!

8 comments:

aultfamily said...

Kari & Dave,

Please know that our prayers continue to be with you. Those darned computers!!! :)

Okay, so the 1st 1/2 of your trip was filled with stress (beyond our imagination). I'd like to propose that the 2nd 1/2 of it be filled with FUN! You are being well taken care of by Alma and all WILL work out.... Don't make me sing the "Little Ant" song again. Haha! :0

I'm grateful that the bonding and time with the children has gone well. A smile from your child can turn everything around.

Wrapping you in prayer,
MaryAnn

Becki Stone said...

Our prayers are with you! Lets hope the rest of your trip is smooth sailing!!! I can't wait to see pics!

Vonda Kaye said...

We're praying for you daily and are so happy to hear from you. The purpose of you being there, the bonding, sounds like it has been amazing and all the pesky process stuff will all be resolved. So great to hear you have Alma (love the pit bull image) in your corner. Thanks for taking the time and effort to update us. Was thrilled to see your photo on the Storen's blog! Beautiful beyond words!

Anonymous said...

You are both in our thoughts everyday. Cher forwarded me some pictures, which I have loved, and shared with a few folks from MCHC. Many people have asked me to relay to you both that they are thinking of you and praying for you. Linda Wade wants to set up playdates, as Jack and Catherine are the same age (I told her that could wait a bit):) I saw your daughter at Target yesterday, and she brought me up to speed a little bit! MAN!! These are the times when you get to see what you are made of.... Just keep your eye on the prize; you'll get there. You will all be home together before you know it.

Take care of yourselves. Talk to you soon.

Heidi

Cindy Pearson said...

Hi Kari and Dave,
We are thinking of you! So sorry for all your troubles, but so glad that the time with the children is going so well. We loved seeing the photos. Hang in there--it's all part of the journey and you will all soon be home. We're so excited for you!
Love, Cindy, JP and Jack

Kris said...

Kari and Dave,

What a ride! I was so glad to see your update. It sounds like you have been blessed in circumstances and with your children. Can't wait to hear more. Will continue to pray for you as you finish your trip.

Blessings,

Mark and Kris Wolverton

Karen, Glenn, Allie, Max, and Sam said...

If there is one person you could pick to get you through a jam in Kaz, it's Alma. We know -- she was our coordinator, and we saw her work miracles every day. Still -- yikes almighty, you've been through alot. We appreciate the update and we've added you to our prayer list! Hang in there!!!

Dean and Janie said...

Kari and Dave,
I am so sorry to hear about all of your trouble, but so inspired to see your perseverance and attitude in the midst of it. Like the book of Job, your "trials" and the way you've handled them will be an example for many of us in the future. I know it wasn't any fun for you, but what a testimony for those of us, in any situation, going through "scary and uncertain" trials. So proud of you and thankful for you and I look so forward to seeing pictures when you return. Blessings and prayers! Janie

Timeline to Kazakhstan

  • July 28, 2009: Gotcha Day
  • June 17, 2009: Court in Ust-K
  • May 21, 2009: left for Ust-Kamenogorsk
  • May 7, 2009: received LOI and region assignment to Ust-Kamenogorsk
  • March 12, 2009: dossier approved and sent to Kazakhstan
  • Feb. 26 2009: dossier sent to Kazakhstans DC embassy
  • Jan. 23 2009: updated documents apostilled and fed-ex'd to AA
  • Jan. 20 2009: received FBI clearance
  • Jan. 7 2009: Re-did the Re-do of the FBI fingerprinting (Kari) and sent for clearance
  • Dec. 19 2008: Re-did FBI fingerprinting and sent for clearance
  • July 11: Dossier authenticated and Fed-ex'd to Adoption Ark.
  • June 21: received I-171h
  • April 19- received fingerprinting notice in the mail
  • Feb. 13 went to Sherrif dept- got black fingers (fingerprinting) for FBI clearance
  • Feb. 8: received dossier packet via email from AA (Adoption Ark)
  • February 6: mailed contract and initial paperwork
  • 2008