Received an emailed prayer request this morning from Ed & Vonda regarding travel: (Note their journey/flight time total is approximately 30 hours.)
OK, it's 8:00 pm and we're checking out of the B&B and getting our ride to the airport. We are getting to the airport very early for good measure - plane leaves at 1250 am. The trip is over and now we just have to get home!
You are receiving this late morning your time; please pray for our trip home today.
Big love,
E&V&E&S
Showing posts with label Eva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eva. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
(#7) Check Out Ed's Blog!
Check out Ed's blog (Swirlingeddy) for his perspective as a brand new dad! I can't keep the tears from coming! Praises to God!!!
Now that Ed & Vonda have better email/computer access, you may not be hearing anything more from me. Keep checking Ed's blog. I will post anything else that comes by email if it isn't on E or V's blog.
(#6) "We're In Delhi!"
(Yes, the 3:30 AM time stamp is correct...my Nathan awoke screaming a little while ago. From there I was wide awake and so I had to see if there was word from India. And alas! An email written by Vonda received at 11:20 PM our time last night. Incidentally, E&V saw all of our blog comments, and noted that they are 10.5, not 12, hours ahead of us. Vonda has been sick, but other than that, it sounds like things are going beautifully. I'm crying tears of joy! Thank You God for good beginnings! Again, feel free to leave them comments here):
Hello, dear ones!
Sorry for the communication gap these past couple days. Our dear hosts at SKB were conducting a conference on adoption, and hosting their son's family at the same time we were there. They were so sweet to make time to answer all our questions and accommodate us - but there was no access to email there as we had expected.
I woke 'early' this morning, our first morning with our precious Eva Prathibha. (Early is relative as we have all slept about 10 hours after a really full day of travel yesterday). Eva is curled into her Papa's chest, her beautiful, small brown fingers laced over his arm. In the morning half-light, their profiles look similar, beautiful brown eyes under sleepy lids...
There is no question she is ours - it was obvious in the first 5 minutes. Within 30 seconds of our meeting, she moved from crying softly to finding shelter in her daddy. Since then, she has bonded closely to both of us, showing healthy wariness of strangers and clinging to us in crowded places. Our daughter is incredibly strong and courageous. Not only has she embraced us as her 'Mummi' and 'Papa', but she went through an entire day of travel yesterday (difficult travel) with calm and good humor. She is truly amazing.
On the ride down the (thoroughly lush and beautiful) mountains from SKB into Cochin, she got sick 3 or 4 times with the harsh motions. Barely a wimper though - just clung to us and let us comfort her. KJ - this was the 'puke bags accessible' part of the itinerary... :-) We were prepared with a back-up outfit and bags, wipes, etc. The 'mommy purse' has come in very, very handy...
Now she has woken and sits here on my lap patiently as I finish the email, and we wait for breakfast. After breakfast, we'll delight in her first bath (no bath tub, but great shower - she's not used to taking baths anyway). We are so thankful to have a day of rest before embarking on the embassy adventure tomorrow morning.
We are no longer apprehensive about travel or plane rides or waiting in airports - we have braved these things together and are finding we are a wonderful team. The Lord's protection has been with us every moment, and His peace is obviously surrounding us. His preparation has gone ahead of us - getting us ready for one another. There is no question this is from Him and it's in His strength that we are accomplishing this.
I have been sick for a couple of days now (since the 2:00 AM the night after we met Eva). But God is giving me the strength and energy I need for every moment - fully leaning on him as my body strength intermittently empties. If the sickness continues, we will be able to see a doctor here.
The B&B we're at now is above and beyond what we'd expected - it's everything we need. SO thankful. We will have a day of baths and play and naps and learning about one another.
So much more to tell... we have better internet access here so will try to do better with keeping in touch. Thanks for your continued prayers... please keep it up! We will be home soon. Our family is forever changed...
Hello, dear ones!
Sorry for the communication gap these past couple days. Our dear hosts at SKB were conducting a conference on adoption, and hosting their son's family at the same time we were there. They were so sweet to make time to answer all our questions and accommodate us - but there was no access to email there as we had expected.
I woke 'early' this morning, our first morning with our precious Eva Prathibha. (Early is relative as we have all slept about 10 hours after a really full day of travel yesterday). Eva is curled into her Papa's chest, her beautiful, small brown fingers laced over his arm. In the morning half-light, their profiles look similar, beautiful brown eyes under sleepy lids...
There is no question she is ours - it was obvious in the first 5 minutes. Within 30 seconds of our meeting, she moved from crying softly to finding shelter in her daddy. Since then, she has bonded closely to both of us, showing healthy wariness of strangers and clinging to us in crowded places. Our daughter is incredibly strong and courageous. Not only has she embraced us as her 'Mummi' and 'Papa', but she went through an entire day of travel yesterday (difficult travel) with calm and good humor. She is truly amazing.
On the ride down the (thoroughly lush and beautiful) mountains from SKB into Cochin, she got sick 3 or 4 times with the harsh motions. Barely a wimper though - just clung to us and let us comfort her. KJ - this was the 'puke bags accessible' part of the itinerary... :-) We were prepared with a back-up outfit and bags, wipes, etc. The 'mommy purse' has come in very, very handy...
Now she has woken and sits here on my lap patiently as I finish the email, and we wait for breakfast. After breakfast, we'll delight in her first bath (no bath tub, but great shower - she's not used to taking baths anyway). We are so thankful to have a day of rest before embarking on the embassy adventure tomorrow morning.
We are no longer apprehensive about travel or plane rides or waiting in airports - we have braved these things together and are finding we are a wonderful team. The Lord's protection has been with us every moment, and His peace is obviously surrounding us. His preparation has gone ahead of us - getting us ready for one another. There is no question this is from Him and it's in His strength that we are accomplishing this.
I have been sick for a couple of days now (since the 2:00 AM the night after we met Eva). But God is giving me the strength and energy I need for every moment - fully leaning on him as my body strength intermittently empties. If the sickness continues, we will be able to see a doctor here.
The B&B we're at now is above and beyond what we'd expected - it's everything we need. SO thankful. We will have a day of baths and play and naps and learning about one another.
So much more to tell... we have better internet access here so will try to do better with keeping in touch. Thanks for your continued prayers... please keep it up! We will be home soon. Our family is forever changed...
Saturday, July 5, 2008
(#5) No News Yet
To me it feels like the minutes and hours are just ticking by. Slower than molasses. I can't remember the last time I was this anxious to hear word of something! Like Jen mentioned, I, too, feel like I'm in the waiting room--anxiously anticipating the cries of a newborn baby. Yet this new life is all the way across the world.
We've heard nothing from Ed & Vonda since I last posted. I am praying that they made it just fine to Eva's orphanage after the transportation strike. (Albeit a day late.) And I'm hoping that the reason for no news is just that they've either been too busy, or just haven't had easy access to email in this city. Maybe both. Either way, I think we should keep praying. The enemy has fought hard against them through this entire process. But we are on the winning side! God will be faithful to see this to completion.
According to the itinerary (note: for them it's already Saturday evening right now) today they were supposed to have had Eva's dedication ceremony, and later have taken the short flight back to Delhi. Vonda notes, they'd also be on a hunt & mission to destroy any lice or scabies they may have discovered. They're so prepared!
Keep praying for God's peace to reign. And for Eva to have a sense of calmness--not rushed frenzy, as all these changes and big events are taking place.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
(#4) Meeting Eva Delayed By One Day :(
Received this email from Ed this morning: (Feel free to leave comments to Ed & Vonda here, as they do have access to the blogs & I'm sure would appreciate encouraging words!)
Hi, again, everyone!
Today has taken a couple unexpected turns, but we are fine and happy to have been at Cherai during the transportation strike (and ban on road usage). The people here have been extraordinarily kind to us. Also, Sarah's presence and 'calm' have been such a blessing to us throughout the day.
The strike ended at 6:00 PM tonight (Thursday, July 3rd) and we understand the SKB driver is on his way to pick us up. Please pray for safety on the roads as we understood it would not have been safe to travel during the strike, and we will be traveling so soon after it. We are thankful for the expectation of being able to move ahead - our meeting Prathibha has been delayed a day, but hopefully, we will be there to meet her when she awakes tomorrow morning.
We are being taught by every opportunity to wait and trust His timing, rather than our plan. He is faithful to watch over us in every moment of clarity or uncertainty - we are abiding in His peace.
Love to all of you. The next time you hear from us, we will likely have met our daughter... :-)
Hi, again, everyone!
Today has taken a couple unexpected turns, but we are fine and happy to have been at Cherai during the transportation strike (and ban on road usage). The people here have been extraordinarily kind to us. Also, Sarah's presence and 'calm' have been such a blessing to us throughout the day.
The strike ended at 6:00 PM tonight (Thursday, July 3rd) and we understand the SKB driver is on his way to pick us up. Please pray for safety on the roads as we understood it would not have been safe to travel during the strike, and we will be traveling so soon after it. We are thankful for the expectation of being able to move ahead - our meeting Prathibha has been delayed a day, but hopefully, we will be there to meet her when she awakes tomorrow morning.
We are being taught by every opportunity to wait and trust His timing, rather than our plan. He is faithful to watch over us in every moment of clarity or uncertainty - we are abiding in His peace.
Love to all of you. The next time you hear from us, we will likely have met our daughter... :-)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
(#3) An email from Ed & Vonda
I just received this in my inbox, from Ed & Vonda:
Hello, everyone!
Just wanted to touch base with dear friends and family at least once while we're here at Cherai. We're just finishing up the perfect day in anticipation that tomorrow (when we meet Eva Prathibha!) will somehow surpass even this.
As you all know, it's monsoon season. Yet, all our flights were EXACTLY on time, or even arriving early, throughout our journey here. When we landed in Mumbai (and took off) it was raining VERY heavily. Yet no delays. Today, there was an article in the Kerala paper showing people walking on a Mumbai road in water up to their waists, stating that Mumbai is having problems due to flooding, (starting the night we arrived) and that many offices had been closed. Yet we had zero delays. We are so thankful for your prayers!
Today, we lounged in hammocks, had the most amazing Indian food (and service) ever, took a tour of the beautiful Kerala 'backwaters' via boat, and Sarah and I enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime (so far) massage experience that we can elaborate more on later. :-) No rain - beautiful blue, sunny skies all today (again, during monsoon season). Amazing.
We can't wait to meet Eva tomorrow - our level of anticipation is brimming tonight. Over dinner, we reflected with Sarah on the process, in gratitude for God's presence with us through every step. We are full in so many ways tonight, refreshed, and we close this - our last night as 'almost parents' - in hope, gratitude and readiness for what lies ahead.
Please continue to pray as tomorrow starts a new chapter of this trip - and of the Rankin family. Also, please pray for transportation as there is a transportation strike here through tomorrow evening and, though we have a private driver, we are praying roads will not be closed or blocked for our journey into the mountains to SKB.
You all are a blessing and an encouragement! Feel free to write - we will be able to check our emails from SKB. Love you all!
-Ed and V-
Hello, everyone!
Just wanted to touch base with dear friends and family at least once while we're here at Cherai. We're just finishing up the perfect day in anticipation that tomorrow (when we meet Eva Prathibha!) will somehow surpass even this.
As you all know, it's monsoon season. Yet, all our flights were EXACTLY on time, or even arriving early, throughout our journey here. When we landed in Mumbai (and took off) it was raining VERY heavily. Yet no delays. Today, there was an article in the Kerala paper showing people walking on a Mumbai road in water up to their waists, stating that Mumbai is having problems due to flooding, (starting the night we arrived) and that many offices had been closed. Yet we had zero delays. We are so thankful for your prayers!
Today, we lounged in hammocks, had the most amazing Indian food (and service) ever, took a tour of the beautiful Kerala 'backwaters' via boat, and Sarah and I enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime (so far) massage experience that we can elaborate more on later. :-) No rain - beautiful blue, sunny skies all today (again, during monsoon season). Amazing.
We can't wait to meet Eva tomorrow - our level of anticipation is brimming tonight. Over dinner, we reflected with Sarah on the process, in gratitude for God's presence with us through every step. We are full in so many ways tonight, refreshed, and we close this - our last night as 'almost parents' - in hope, gratitude and readiness for what lies ahead.
Please continue to pray as tomorrow starts a new chapter of this trip - and of the Rankin family. Also, please pray for transportation as there is a transportation strike here through tomorrow evening and, though we have a private driver, we are praying roads will not be closed or blocked for our journey into the mountains to SKB.
You all are a blessing and an encouragement! Feel free to write - we will be able to check our emails from SKB. Love you all!
-Ed and V-
(#2) More Communication from Ed & Vonda in India
Here's a little update/message from Ed via Jen's blog:
I'm (Ed) going to try to put updates on my blog (Swirlingedddy)too; we'll see how that goes.
India is awesome!!!
I'm glad Vonda was able to send that email off; hopefully you will forward to everyone. The trip was really smooth, just really long. Reeeeeally long. After Amsterdam, we entered a bizarre Twilight Zone time warp. Sometime after I had been sleeping on the plane from Amsterdam to Mumbai I woke up and for a few minutes didn't know if the time on my watch was am or pm. After a little thought, I decided it was am. Later, I realized I was wrong! Disconcerting. Then we were up all night in the Mumbai airport because it felt like it should be day, then we crashed we we got to the resort in (near) Cochin.
To continue with Vonda's update, dinner was amazing last night here at the resort. We slept all night, and our internal clocks are pretty much back to normal. We had breakfast here, and went for a serene non-motor boat ride around the backwaters here at the resort. The resort is beautiful and tropical, and we are greatly enjoying taking in the sights, smells, tastes, people, culture, language, money, etc. here. It has been very relaxing, and has included time spent in hammocks reading.
Vonda and Sarah are getting massages right now before lunch, and I am taking some time to do emails, facebook, and blogs. We are filled with anticipation and apprehesion about tomorrow. Prayers appreciated!
And also a little note from Vonda too, again, via comment on Jen's blog:
I just got the most AMAZING massage. Hmmm...
Headed back to the bungalow for more R&R. Too lazy to log Ed out and me in...
After much deliberation, I think I will attempt to say the following phrases to Eva Prathibha in Malayalam tomorrow:
Hello, Prathibha.
I am your mother.
This is your father.
We are a family...
Love to you all! P.S. I was commenting to Ed and Sarah this morning that a palm tree paradise overlooking Kerala backwaters from a tree-house perch, and lounging in hammocks pretty much beats being in a hospital with contractions... :-)
-Vonda-
I'm (Ed) going to try to put updates on my blog (Swirlingedddy)too; we'll see how that goes.
India is awesome!!!
I'm glad Vonda was able to send that email off; hopefully you will forward to everyone. The trip was really smooth, just really long. Reeeeeally long. After Amsterdam, we entered a bizarre Twilight Zone time warp. Sometime after I had been sleeping on the plane from Amsterdam to Mumbai I woke up and for a few minutes didn't know if the time on my watch was am or pm. After a little thought, I decided it was am. Later, I realized I was wrong! Disconcerting. Then we were up all night in the Mumbai airport because it felt like it should be day, then we crashed we we got to the resort in (near) Cochin.
To continue with Vonda's update, dinner was amazing last night here at the resort. We slept all night, and our internal clocks are pretty much back to normal. We had breakfast here, and went for a serene non-motor boat ride around the backwaters here at the resort. The resort is beautiful and tropical, and we are greatly enjoying taking in the sights, smells, tastes, people, culture, language, money, etc. here. It has been very relaxing, and has included time spent in hammocks reading.
Vonda and Sarah are getting massages right now before lunch, and I am taking some time to do emails, facebook, and blogs. We are filled with anticipation and apprehesion about tomorrow. Prayers appreciated!
And also a little note from Vonda too, again, via comment on Jen's blog:
I just got the most AMAZING massage. Hmmm...
Headed back to the bungalow for more R&R. Too lazy to log Ed out and me in...
After much deliberation, I think I will attempt to say the following phrases to Eva Prathibha in Malayalam tomorrow:
Hello, Prathibha.
I am your mother.
This is your father.
We are a family...
Love to you all! P.S. I was commenting to Ed and Sarah this morning that a palm tree paradise overlooking Kerala backwaters from a tree-house perch, and lounging in hammocks pretty much beats being in a hospital with contractions... :-)
-Vonda-
(#1) They Made It!!! First Update from Ed & Vonda
(See previous post for itinerary)
Ed & Vonda will get to meet this beautiful child tomorrow!
The following is an email E & V sent out. I received it through Martha as E & V somehow didn't have access to their full distribution list at that time.
Hi, guys.
Don't have our full distribution on me at this second, so just sending to those whose emails (I think) I can remember...
We're here at Cherai Beach Resort, and it's beautiful... Rained hard when we got here, but has cleared enough for us to go exploring now. Wow. We're in a rainforest!
God answered prayers about travel from Saturday night in amazing ways as he did both: allowed everything to go smoothly and all luggage to arrive (no delayed flights!) - AND, there were enough times of extended waiting (for buses, customs, driver pick up, etc.) to continue to teach us (mainly me) patience... ;-)
We slept all morning/afternoon, woke to hot showers and re-orging our suitcases, and are now on our way to dinner. It's starting to sink in that we're here, but is SO different (and SO beautiful), that's it's been slow to really catch up to us. This is our daughter's homeland...
Love all of you, please forward to anyone else who wants to know - we'll have a fuller distribution next time. :-)
Ed & Vonda's Itinerary in India
As many of you know, our dear friends Ed & Vonda are, as I type, in India for their long awaited journey to meet & embrace their newly adopted daughter, Eva!
There have been a few requests for itinerary info or updates, so I've decided to post info as I get it. We had started doing this on Jen's blog, but she is in Indiana right now & only has access to a computer when she can get to the library there. And Ed & Vonda desire that everyone who wants to, be kept in the loop! (E&V, my blog is blocked from search engines, so the only people who can access my blog are those with the link. But just say the word and I'll delete the posts.)
ITINERARY: (Was originally done in spreadsheet form, hence the phrase layout)
Sunday, June 29th – 30th
11:30 am Arrive at Mom and Dad’s Passport, Paperwork & ID check
12:30 pm Arrive at MSP Check all the way to Cochin? Exchange $ for Rupees? Ask on Jet Airways baggage limits Baggage reclaim in AMS?
3:15 pm – 6:30 am KLM flight out of MSP, to AMS No baggage reclaim in AMS
Monday, June 30th
10:15 am – 10:50 pm KLM flight out of AMS, to BOM Visit airport bank – is it open? Customs – go to domestic term. V – need to check blue carry-on?
Tuesday, July 1st
5:45 am – 7:35 am Jet Airways flight out of BOM, to COK Tag carry-ons if necessary
~8:00 am Airport pick-up by Cherai Beach Resort 650 Rupees rolled into total Have change for tip
~8:45 am Explore Cherai, shower and crash
Wednesday, July 2nd
ALL DAY Relax and enjoy… $15 massages!!! J Call to confirm pick up by SKB Try to call to confirm Jet Lite
Thursday, July 3rd
~10:00/11:00 am Check Out, 11:00 am Ashraaf from SKB picks us up from Cherai Take Bonine, puke bag accessible Questions for Delsini accessible Bubbles and gifts accessible Driver fare goes to Elizabeth Call to confirm Jet Lite flight?
~2:00 pm – EOD MEET EVA PRATHIBHA!!! J J J J J
Friday, July 4th
ALL DAY Enjoy getting to know our daughter… Call Mr. Singh to confirm driving for July 7th & 8th Get extra copies of NOC and guardianship Don’t forget tips to Ashraaf, cook, gifts for everyone, etc.
Saturday, July 5th
Morning Packing up, & Eva’s dedication ceremony Take Bonine Redistribute luggage for Jet Lite Paperwork check includes NOC, guardianship, Eva’s passport and sealed envelope
Time TBD Ashraaf brings us back to COK for Jet Lite flight Puke bags and pull ups accessible Snacks & entertainment for Eva
4:10 pm – 7:15 pm Jet Lite flight from COK to DEL More Eva snacks and entertainment
~8:00 pm ‘Eleven’ driver picks us up at DEL
~8:30 pm Meet Ajay, Eva to bed and crash Scabies? Lice? Any need for laundry or bagging used clothing?
Sunday, July 6th
ALL DAY Hang out at ‘Eleven’ – maybe shopping or zoo? Get Ajay’s take on activities, shopping, drivers, food, and doctors for Mon. medical check. Call Mr. Singh to confirm Monday pick up time.
Monday, July 7th
Morning TBD Mr. Singh picks us up at B&B – to the embassy by 8:30 am Refer to travel notes to navigate embassy Sealed envelope and ALL adoption papers accessible – copies of NOC, guardianship, etc. Eva snacks and entertainment
Talk to Mr. Mahay Interview and lines – refer to travel notes.
Go to Dr. Get Ajay’s and Sofi & David’s recommendation
Go to Laundromat Get Eva’s visa photos
Go to Lunch Have Ajay’s recommendation
Back to Embassy Get time to return on Tuesday Be sure to give them sealed envelope from Dr.
Back to B&B Dinner & crash Call to confirm KLM flights from DEL to MSP
Tuesday, July 8th
Morning TBD Mr. Singh picks us up at B&B – to the embassy at time requested. Guard sealed envelope from embassy with your life.
Rest of Day Shopping? Whatever…
Wednesday, July 9th
ALL DAY Hang out in Delhi and do whatever we have energy for. SLEEP!! Pack up.
Evening Malhoits pick up Guff at the Rankin house See email for list of Guff stuff.
~7:00 pm Check out of B&B? (Ask Ajay if we can stay later?)
8:50 pm B&B driver gets us to DEL. Labor begins…
Thursday, July 10th
12:50 am – 5:50 am KLM flight from DEL to AMS (10 hrs.) Huge contractions.
8:00 am Mark Felton picks up Duncan at Rankin house – en route to Lakeland Vet Clinic for 8:15 drop. Remember paper bag with list of Duncan stuff.
10:40 am – 12:35 pm KLM flight from AMS to MSP (10 hrs.) Eva, please sleep… J
~1:15 pm Hugs and tears and Eva’s 1st carseat encounter Food for Eva?
~2:00 pm Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in… (maybe)…
WAKE UP TO A BRAND NEW LIFE… FOREVER FAMILY…
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