We Are Home!

Mr. Pasha Ray and I have been home now 2 weeks. What a blessing he is. What a blessing to be home with my loved ones.

We are all doing so well together and it seems he has been with us forever. What a perfect little addition.

He is sleeping well and understands when it is bed time. He loves to run around and play, laugh and be silly. He is pure perfection and everyone is madly in love with him. No issues have come up so far, but we expect something to eventually. Wen even had his hair cut for the first time the other day.

I previously mentioned we were starting a new project with a NP and hope to make strides this year now that we are home and settling in. Please also join us along that journey. We pray we can touch many hearts along this path as well. You can find us at http://peacelovebirthdaycake.blogspot.com

Updates to follow soon. Many Blessings.

Hope

Back in the USA

Hello Everyone!! 

I am so excited to be home from trip number one to visit sweet Wetherby and attend court. 

I was gone for just about 17 days and what a whirlwind of a trip! My appointment for DAP was on January 13th at 10 am. This when I met a few of my team members with Hand of Help which is my facilitation team in country. What an amazing team!! DAP went well and my official referral was available late that afternoon and that night I took the overnight train to Krivoy Rog. 

The following morning I met Wetherby and what a rush of emotions. I was excited and relieved and maybe a little said when I first saw him. Sad by terms he was living there under and relieved he was really there at the same time. It is a very surreal moment to experience.

Over the next 2 weeks I would visit with him for about 2 hours a day and we would just play and laugh and giggle. He seems to be a happy little boy and I think he will thrive and progress so much once he is home! 

Court was on the 26th and after about an hour of questioning, the judge congratulated us on our newest addition. We do have a mandatory wait period of 10 days which is standard in his country. I fly back on the 7th to finish his passport paperwork and embassy papers and then we are homeward bound!! 

Valentine "love" blocks

In an effort to help raise money for us and our fellow 5/5/5 families we are making these festive Valentine's blocks. These are a perfect little decoration for the office desk or the mantle at home. For a donation of $22 to the 5/5/5 link I'll make these up and ship out to you during the first week of February. I will be working on these between trips 1 and 2. Be sure to save a copy of your receipt and email it to me along with your address. 

Hoperenea@rocketmail.com

Please also keep in mind the color background may vary a little depending on our successful our order amounts are! 

January 5/5/5

We received some excellent news today. Those in the RR group with me will already know all about this but for those folks who aren't... The Chinchak's were picked by the 5/5/5 group as a January Family. Each month 5 families are chosen to be entered into a sort of "pot" for fundraising. There is a special link that families can donate ANY amount to one time OR sign up for a monthly payment of your designated amount. This is a wonderful way to support 5 families with one donation. At the end of the month the pot will be split amongst those families. The families chosen are usually days or weeks from traveling and can really use the assistance in their fundraising. Please consider visiting this link and making a donation. Just think... If you sign up to donate $10 a month for 5 months, you're actually helping 25 families and every penny adds up AND I can assure you each family is thankful. 

http://reecesrainbow.org/555families

Happy New Year!

Who kicked of 2016 with a bang?!?! This chick sure did. I am so thrilled to say I officially have my dates for travel to meet my handsome son, Wetherby. I fly out on January 11th and have our DAP appointment on January 13th.

Our file was officially submitted on December 10th so it took exactly 3 weeks to receive our notification. The call came at 3:36 pm on New Year's Eve. I had honestly given up on the idea of being called before Monday. I actually messaged Nancy (my go to Queen) a little earlier in the day and pretty well confirmed there would be no call. The New Year's celebration's are very big in his country and I was sure EVERYONE was happily drinking their Vodka and dancing the night away. 

My family was actually in the midst of getting dressed to drive to Orlando to visit a special family in town. The Karrick Family was in town and they have been a big part in our families adoption. Their daughter, Maria has been our family warrior and has assisted in sharing our story and bumping posts about fundraisers and so forth. 

I had my phone in my hand, scrolling through Facebook as I let my hair dry when my screen changed from FB to a picture of W and the special duck ringtone I assigned to Nancy. For the first few seconds I was confused. Nancy wouldn't be calling me yet. I ran to the bathroom to answer the phone. IDK why, just figured I'd hear better I guess.  My little Olivia followed me. I can't really remember how I greeted her; In my head I was thinking, "holy crap". She said Hello and asked me what I was up to, and I explained we were meeting the Karrick family. Then she said those magic words... "I have your dates". I heard those words and just instantly the tears began to roll. Tears of happiness, my heart felt so big and Olivia asked me why I was crying. It was a brief call, 3 or 4 minutes but man, oh man, it was the single best phone call I've ever received. 

She sent me several e-mails with details and instructions. I got my flight over secured within an hour and now I'm just waiting to get meet our son. This is the best feeling ever! I am excited to share additional details as they come along. 

Peace and Blessings for the New Year!!!! 

New Project

So earlier this year my sister and I began to lay the ground work on a new project we want to build. Things were put on the back burner for a while due to being so busy with Wetherby's adoption. It is no joke that paperwork and fundraising is a job and a half in itself!! 

We have started a NP called, Peace, Love & Birthday Cake! I can't tell you how excited I am about this. We live in a community outside of Orlando and right here in our own back yard there is a Missions Home where displaced families sleep, eat and take the positive steps forward to get back into their own homes. I've done a few hours of volunteer work with them and I can't explain how important this organization is for our community. 

Last year, just before Thanksgiving the mission took in 21 new families. TWENTY ONE families... Fathers, Mothers and their children. How heartbreaking is that?  

The goal of PLBC is to come in and help make their children feel they can still be kids that have fun and celebrate the milestones in their lives, regardless of their living situation. I want to go in and throw little birthday parties for the children, ice cream socials all while raising awareness in the community and help raise funds for the mission to keep them going. I have dreams of expanding and taking on more projects but for now, this is our goal. I believe in it and I see the good in these children and their families. I want a community that supports everyone. I want a community my children can believe in. 

We are still working on details and ways to raise money and so forth. We will apply for 501c3 this upcoming year. I don't know how to build websites or anything like that so we are starting small. We do have a Facebook page we just started so please find us, like us, and share us!! 

Cheers--

Merry Christmas

I know I am late, but Merry Christmas to all from The Chinchak Family. 

I must admit that all I wanted for Christmas was my travel date but that has not happened yet. I'm trying to remain patient and know that they are coming at any moment. A moment when I least expect it and I will be super excited. 

It was a wonderful day spent with my family. It is 8 am the day after and I get the joy of listening to by Hub snore. He has today off as well which is rare!! :) I guess I can deal with it for a little while! 

This will be Wetherby's last Christmas he spends in an orphanage and that is the best gift I could ever be given. I can't wait to love him and squeeze him and tell him he has a family!! 

To each and all, prayers for you for continued well being and happiness during the season. 

This Dog is Hunting!!!

We were officially submitted to the courts today, 12/10/15. The last day for submissions before the winter cut off. Thank the Lord for such an awesome team! 

Today, my heart hurts....

Everything is going well with our process and soon we should be submitted to the courts. From there we will wait for an appointment for our referral for Wetherby. 

A little earlier we had considered adding a second little boy, Charlie, who happens to be in the same orphanage as W. Such a handsome and sweet little man of 11 years old. We waited and waited on our social worker to send us our amendment approving us for 2 children. It never came; still hasn't. We decided we couldn't wait and pressed forward. I learned today that Charlie has been transferred to a boys home that is hours away from where he was. They also transferred a little girl, Rebecca. The worst part is that the two of them aren't together anymore either. They have been pulled from their friends and are now in a village where adoptions are less likely to happen. 

It breaks my heart to know this. I should have pushed harder to get the right paperwork and I didn't. I feel terrible and sick over it. I know I could not have 100% prevented it, but maybe there is something I could have done. I pray the Lord will find them their Momma and soon. They shouldn't have to wait so long. They deserve better. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a blessed year we have had as a family. Today was a great day spent with family. We cooked, laughed and had a great time. 

I am so excited for next year when our Wetherby will be home with us as well. We took a little time to reflect on what we are thankful for and said a lovely grave before chowing down. 

We hosted a turkey coloring contest and finally chose our winner. Congratulations to Jack from Nevada!!! We can't wait to get your prize out to you. 

Love is Greater

Immigration Approval

Holy Mackerel!! When I first submitted our USCIS application I was so worried about the time frame. I did not submit right away like I was supposed... Just slipped my mind. I submitted our application in September 19th and didn't expect to hear anything until December and I anticipated them asking for several additional items. Call me paranoid, :)

Well folks, it's November 9th and we received our approval today. APPROVAL!!   In less then 2 months we received approval from Immigration to bring this little boy into our wonderful country. 

We are still plugging away with our fundraising. We need between 6-7,000 more at minimum. If you have any good ideas please let me know. We are still taking orders for Santa Letters as well! 

Did I mention already that we have USCIS approval? 

I managed to get a really awesome picture of my kiddos while at Hobby Lobby recently. 

We love you from every mile between us, sweet, sweet Wetherby! 

Angel Tree Fundraiser

Each year, the wonderful people from Reece's Rainbow do a fundraiser called, The Angel Tree. Warm hearted folks pick a child (or five!) to warrior for. The hope is to raise as much funding as possible to be held in a grant for this child which will in turn be given to their adoptive family while in process. These grants are so so important. They are there to help the adoptive families and the funds are used to pay orphanage fee's or visa's or whatever they need to get them home. 

This is tough work! The goal is $1,000 but really anything is appreciated and goes a long way. There are a few kiddo's I want to bring attention to. Please keep in mind there are SEVERAL children listed with RR; These are only a few! 

My family has signed up to be a warrior for Zeke. Look at this kid! Sweet, handsome, active... He has waited for a family for 6 years. Let's help make this his last. 

http://reecesrainbow.org/38452/zeke-l

I have heard Marv is smart, sweet and wants a family. His grant has grown and will continue to grow until his family arrives. He has an entourage of followers and you can check him out here! 

https://m.facebook.com/comment/replies/?ctoken=10206879022627465_10206881353725741&ft_ent_identifier=10206879022627465&gfid=AQAE_Xcf9VQzzK-j&ref=m_notif&notif_t=feed_comment_reply&actorid=1034170099

This last little boy has stolen so much of my heart. I wish, wish, wish I could bring him home. He is in the same orphanage as my W. From what I have heard he is very much the big brother to my little boy. My heart melts every time I look at. Those big eyes and that beautiful smile. I will do cart wheels the day I see he has been brought home. 

http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=Charlie

I am begging each and everyone of you who read this to please consider a dollar to each of these boys. The cost of one day's coffee. That is it, $3. Think about it and DO it! :) 

Buddy Walk DeLand and more!

It has been a super busy few days and I am whooped! :) 

We were honored to be present for our very first Buddy Walk and represented Reece's Rainbow while we were there. I had no idea what to expect but I was able to speak with several people about the foundations mission and it was awesome! 

We have begun work on our beautiful Festive Blocks and are going strong at about 20 orders! Shooting for shipping them all by the second of November. 

We are only waiting on our USCIS a approval and then we are on to our Country submission! 

Humbled

As everyone knows, I have had a few periods of utter stress during our process of adopting W. I know this is very normal. I know there will be days that I will question every tiny decision that gets made because in essence, each of them will effect this process in some fashion. I've had days where I just thought I was absolutely crazy and some days where I felt... Is this how Mother Teresa felt? (No, I am not comparing myself to her.. no where near that!)

The last few days however, I have felt wonderful. I feel good about things. The time is coming closer and closer. I am mailing off our last document needed for USCIS and that will likely be resolved and done in the next 2-3 weeks and then it will be time to submit our dossier to Ukraine and wait for a court date. This could move quickly or it could drag out. I don't know and it is out of my control and I have accepted that. 

I was very humbled this week during church service. I feel the Lord just laid it out for me that I am a lucky woman. I have an amazing husband whom would clearly do anything for me. I have two beautiful, healthy and intelligent children who may drive me crazy sometimes, but they are mine and they are here. Last week a church family had a SIX year old daughter die. Suddenly. To my knowledge she was not sick from anything. She was a happy and gorgeous SIX year old. I didn't ask for details, maybe I don't want to know or maybe I don't need to know. But I do know a family had to bury their daughter. I can only pray I don't ever have to do this in my lifetime. I have Parents (we butt heads about a lot, but they would do anything for me), Sister's and niece's that I care for so much. I have a lot of love that surrounds me and I am grateful for this. I have Angels in Heaven who I know fly down I-4 with me to protect me from all the crazy Florida drivers. 

I went to service last week with a Hard heart. I was upset that the church wouldn't let me use their dining hall for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. I spoke with the office director and even though I felt her answer was a little snide, I can understand they have to be fair to everyone. If they let me use it then they have to let everyone use it. I was so angry they wouldn't give me the opportunity. Sunday morning I went back and forth, "Do I really wanna go today? I'm tired. I could use the sleep.", but I mustard it up and went. I enjoyed this week's service and so I went to my Pastor and told him. He began speaking with me a little about W and that he was sorry, but he did welcome me to print fliers and let everyone know the date and time. That was encouraging for me. He then said, "Let's Pray Together" and so he prayed with me right there in the front of the alter under the large Rose Window. I felt so blessed in that moment. He said to me, "The money will come. If it is God's will for you to be this boys Mother then it will happen". It is hard to feel so positive all the time because there is so much fighting against you. I know I am working hard. My family knows, and my friends. More importantly, God knows. 

This is what I have to trust in. I have to put my Faith out there and let the world know I am fighting for this boy. If someone feels led to help me then so be it and it will be appreciated far more then I could ever say. I believe in this boy and our decision. I believe we are meant to be his parents and his siblings and this is what is important. 

Blessings! 

Farmer's Market

This weekend the Hubster and I tried our hand at the farmer's market downtown. This was our first attempt and I had no idea what to expect. So Friday night I asked my Momma to take my two kiddos so I could prep and they wound up spending the night with her (say whaaaat? WHOOP WHOOP). Around 8 that night I began baking. Now I'll be honest... I can not cook worth a diddle, a few things, sure but for the most part Im terrible, BUT I can bake the crap outta some cookies and muffins! 

While I was slaving away in the kitchen my husband was in the garage with some last touches on his beautiful flags... Just wait to see them! We finally laid down to rest around 1 AM. Saturday we were up bright and early and headed downtown! 

We got all set up and say and waited for our first customer!!! .... And waited and waited. 

Things picked up around 11 and we sold some Banana Nut and Pumpkin muffins and a few other things. No sales on his flags which did honestly surprise me. He worked so hard on this and I know he would have been so proud if they would have sold. All in due time! 

I was so proud of him and the way he kept saying, "our son". He went on and on to people about Wetherby and how he was ours. I'm not sure I've heard him actually say it out loud to people and it just made me melt. So even though we didn't sell a lot we got to spend some much needed time together! Here are a few photos of other items. Feel free to message me with any interest! 

USCIS

Today's fingerprint appointment went very well. We showed up for our appointment and checked in. Then waited for a while for our number to be called. There were so many people there being printed for various reasons. Some were there to adopt like us and some are applying for citizenship status. Living the dream! We also watched a few moments of a documentary about being a citizen, but I did not catch the name of it. In the film they were traveling the states to interview folks working towards citizenship. There was even an interview with Gene Simmons, who is originally from Israel. 

I can't even describe how excited we are.  This is pretty much the last thing we are waiting on. One other document for USCIS and we will be approved, then off to Ukraine for translation and submission. My heart and brain could burst from pure joy and the usual stresses of fundraising. We still have $7500-$8000 to raise and our time frame is fast approaching. It will happen! The Lord will move mountains to see this through; I know he will. Since we could not take pictures inside the USCIS building here we are in the parking lot! 😁💜

Santa Letter

One of the ways we are raising funds is by working on our Santa Letter's. 

This is a great way to celebrate the Christmas spirit with your children this year. Each letter is personalized to your child or family by completing our form with a few pieces of information. 

Each letter will be signed, sealed and sent to the North Pole for mailing. Yes!! It will be stamped from the North Pole. This is a great stocking stuffer, and would be a great first thing to do in the morning after waking up. In past year's I have had my son open his letter a few days earlier by giving it to him like his own piece of mail at the mailbox. 

Each letter is a donation of $10 and each letter after that is reduced in price by $3. So the 1st is $10, 2nd is $7. 3rd is $4 and each after that is $1. Or you could do a family letter for a donation of $15 and it will be addressed to the family (The Smith Family for example). 

This is a great tradition and it is great to keep these as a momento for years to come. 

Please complete our order form to get yours ready to go! 

​https://docs.google.com/forms/d/167QmAXYA5pBapxWPOvPgjtvikDGN7Ut6WGHFEhgGvsE/edit

Fingerprints!! Again

We received our appointments for finger printing yesterday. So this means Immigration has received our application to adopt and they tell us when and where to go to get scanned by the government! ☺️ We are moving further and further through the process and (knock on wood) everything has been smooth sailing. We are still at least $9,000 away from being fully funded, and at this point, only about 2 more months until travel time. We ask that if you are feeling led to help us, please make a donation of any size to get us a little further. 💜😊

Christmas with the Chinchak's

Great Morning to everyone! As I am sure the world knows we are working so hard to bring home our sweet, "Wetherby" and with each day that passes we get a little closer! 

I have been working on a couple crafty ideas and we are so excited to hopefully start receiving a few orders on these. We are having a lot of fun with some of these and we pray they will bring your family happiness. 😍

We have our fun Santa Letters which are written to your littles from Santa, signed, sealed and stamped and sent all the way from the North Pole! They are personalized to fit your little one's personality and they will love getting their own mail. Perfect for stockings too! Just use our form to order! We can also work out a price to get a "family" letter as well. $10 for the first, $7 for the second, $4 for the third and $1 each after that. 

https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/my-drive?gl=us&source=mog&rfd=1

Next up, our beautiful ornaments personalized for your family! Tell me your child's country or state and I will hand cut from cork and pin their region or city with a heart, my favorite verse will grace the front, Samuel 1:27 and your family name and year on the back. Glitter and twine wrap up the outsides. These are only $15 each (again, discounts for multiples) and will last a lifetime. These would be beautiful gifts to friends who have adopted and you could pass them on to your children when they have their own trees too! 

Lastly, and my favorite!! Our book, "The Christmas House", that my son and I wrote this time last year. We are so proud of it. I wrote the words and he drew the pictures. I have always wanted to write a children's storybook and I finally did it with his help! He was always the inspiration and encouragement. In our story, Cody learns the holiday season is more then presents and candy; it is about your family and their presence too! For $12 we will sign and ship your copy to you ☺️

We will combine shipping on multiple items as well. You can always email me at hoperenea@rocketmail.comwith any questions! Thank you and Be Blessed!