7 Days ... {day 2 with Miranda}

What a fun day ... I told Miranda we were going clothes shopping for a new Christmas outfit and shoes. She was so excited. Thanks to a generous donation of a Kohl's gift card from our friends the Pearson's - Miranda was able to get  a new outfit, some needed undergarments, a new winter coat, a Hello Kitty shirt she saw and loved, and a new pair of shoes. Only a few discussions via google translate to explain appropriate and inappropriate attire for church. 

After Kohl's a quick stop at Whole Foods, thanks to another host mom who recommended this. We found some salads Miranda liked, and a few other items. She wanted tomato juice, tomato flavored crackers, and all the girls got a slice of pizza for lunch.

Back at home it was time for some gingerbread house making ... found out Miranda is really good at decorating with icing and candy! :) All the kids were impressed. I asked her if she enjoyed cooking and baking and she does! I told her a trip to our International Farmer's Market is in order ... we will head there this week or next and let her pick out some Russian/Latvian food items.

We introduced Miranda to our Wii today ... loved hearing all the laughter from the kids. It is great to have something that does not require English for Miranda to understand.

Miranda also was able to talk to a friend who is being hosted by a family in Illinois. So thankful for that host mom who was a lifeline for me in the morning - give me some food ideas to try with Miranda and just sharing our joys and frustrations over language barriers.

Then it was off to the ballet school for a ballet party with the class Lexi helps with on Tuesdays. After that, Miranda asked for me to take her to the school the kids attend on Fridays. We were in luck that it was the last day the Academy was in session so Miranda was able to see a classroom and what was going on with kids her age. She loved the basketball court and said this school was better than hers. I thought it was nice that she really wanted to see where our kids go to school.

Evening brought dinner from our wonderful friends, The Freeman's, Miranda was not sure about the BBQ but, she tried it after I asked her to and she liked it. She really liked the salad which had tomatoes and cucumbers cut up in it.

Dinner table conversation was fun as we all tried to speak Latvian and Miranda laughed at our mispronunciations - which she always corrected politely.

After dinner we had our first English lesson with Miranda. The kids all wanted to help and walked Miranda through a phonics app on the iPad. Then they had her write and repeat the words she had learned. Miranda seemed proud of herself and we were so happy for her cooperating and learning quickly some words.

At bed Miranda spent time looking through a magazine showing us things she liked and giving us the Latvian and Russian words for each item. She is a true teenage girl ... she loves fashion, nail polish, jewelry, hair styles and makeup. The one request she had was for a pair of sneakers which we are heading out today to get - she explained the winter boots she wore were way too hot plus, I think they might be a few sizes too big.

Stay tuned as our journey continues ...

8 Days ... {day 1 with Miranda}

Our first day with Miranda ... We were up early and stumbling through translations. She was asking for flakes for breakfast - I think she meant cereal so that is what we served along with yogurt and hot tea. 

The girls could not wait to do make up and nails. Then they showed Miranda a Russian ballet documentary with English subtitles. Then we were stumbling again through translations ... after going on Facebook and posting in our hosting group what Miranda kept typing and gesturing we came up with she was asking for seltzer water. So, a quick trip to the grocery store where we picked up Perrier and some other flavored non-sugar bottled seltzer waters. We also let her pick out some fruit and she asked for chocolate and chips {Cheeto's}.

Later in the day, it was an UNO game fest ... Miranda won 3 rounds. Then time for dinner brought by our dear friends, The Memory's. Miranda ate every bite but, by the time we finished we were all exhausted and we did a quick bible devotional and then it was off to bed for all of us.

So, our first day was wonderful! Miranda is such a sweet girl - very quiet. We hope to get her talking more today. She told me alot about her life over google translate this afternoon. I will share that at some point but, still processing everything myself. One thing we found out is that Miranda is not from Riga but, a small town on the eastern side of Latvia - closer to Belarus. I was utterly exhausted by the end of the day - past the point of being able to coherently speak or even text with anyone. Thankful today for all the texts and emails letting us know that y'all were thinking of us and praying! Keep those prayers coming ...

9 Days ... {Miranda Arrives!}

What a miraculous night! After a long wait and over 24 hours of travel for our sweet host girl, we were able to meet Miranda!!

It was fun to arrive at the airport and see all the other families, many who we met at training, with their signs and New Horizons t-shirts. Everyone was anxious but, the flight was delayed flying out of JFK so we all hunkered down for a long night of waiting. 

Ava Mae made bracelets to pass out to the families ... red and white, which are the colors of the Latvian flag.

All the kids found friends ... Devin announced at one point - "well it's time for me to go meet some boys my age and find out who they are hosting".

Finally, shortly before Midnight our host kids arrived to cheers and lots of clapping. There was a little more waiting ... each family was called individually to meet their child{ren}. We watched with joyful anticipation ... then we spotted who we thought was Miranda. We held up our sign and she smiled this huge smile and then started crying. I didn't know what to think at first but, realized quickly, we were all on the verge of tears and I cannot imagine after traveling for 24 hours and getting ready to meet a family and leave the comfort of your traveling group who all speak your language, what she was thinking. Then our name was called and we rushed forward ... I could not wait to hug her {I will post a video soon}. Then quick pictures for the Latvian court and off we went. We made a quick potty stop and then to the car. I showed her our translation cards and she said immediately she was thirsty. We had water bottles and snacks ... she just wanted a drink and a banana. Thankful for google translate - we were able to let her know it was a very short ride home {so many families had 2+ hours back}.

At home, we introduced her to our pets, showed her the room we had prepared and asked her if she wanted to take a shower. Hand gestures to show her shampoo, face soap, body soap, etc. and a quick lesson how to work the shower. A quick tour of our home after the shower and then we were all off to bed but, not before Miranda let us know she had gifts she wanted us to open. Sweet girl had brought us Latvian chocolates and a clock. It was such a sweet moment! To be continued ...

11 Days ...

No words ... just prayers for the families of those precious children and brave faculty who lost their lives. {Pictured above - a house in our neighborhood with a fun Christmas display chose only to illuminate this snowman bowed in prayer.}

12 Days ...

Kids Christmas Party {games, crafts, snacks, and Christmas carols}. 

And, we ended the day with a wonderful Stargazing Night with our GENESIS 1:TEN group. Lots of shooting stars and one large meteor burning up in the Earth's atmosphere.

13 Days ...

Our tree ...

14 Days ...

14 Days and counting ... time to finish up the outdoor decorating!