Sunday, Feb. 20th - May I Have Some Fahrvergnugen Please?

Well, we were two of four people who spent the night in the Munich airport. We window shopped, played Rummy, and laughed ourselves silly. Annie had slept a bit in Paris so, although she was tired, she was having a tough time going to sleep. You have no idea how funny the word fahrvergnugen is to a slap happy 11 year old! Add a slap happy mom to the picture and you have a whole night of laughing in an empty airport that echos! We were quite easily entertained! We then heard the wonderful words that we had been waiting for - "now boarding...". Hooray! We were off to Russia. I think we were both asleep before the flight took off and we woke up when we hit the runway in St. Petersburg. Somehow the airline misplaced the carseat. After waiting while they searched, we went to claim our other baggage, and don't you know the carseat was with the rest of our luggage. I would have thought that someone would have known that (not to mention that it made no sense because if I had Max with me I would have had to carry him - which defeats the whole purpose of having a stroller! Anyway, at least I got it back. It was so great to see Katia (our interpreter/drive/friend)! We then went to a hotel where we delivered some clothes to other friends who adopted two precious little girls. We visited for awhile and finally made our way to the Anderson Hotel. We are settled in and ready for a good night of sleep in a real bed! Tomorrow is a big day - I get to see Max, but not until after 8 medical appointments! May I have some fahrfegnugen please?!

Sat., Feb. 19th - I've been to Paris, and that's all I got to say about that.

Well, we got out of Dulles with only one near casualty. With my seat in the upright position, my seatbelt securly fastened, and having been fully educated on what to do if we lose cabin pressure, I'm ready for take-off. The plane speeds down the runway, the nose of the plane lifts into the air, and the first aid drawer comes flying at the side of my head. Of course I can't move because I'm busy being protected by being strapped to my floatation device! I then activated the most important security measure at that moment - a padlock! The flight itself was pretty uneventful, once the girl across the isle from me self mecicated her panic attack! We landed in Paris and the luggage hobos were at work. After claiming all of our baggage, I had a long conversation at the airline counter. Lufthansa straightened out United Airline's mistake - ahh, the Us/Germany relationship! lol At this point, two hours have gone by but I'm still hoping that we can make it into Paris to see the Eiffel Tower. First we needed to visit the currency exchange vendor. After standing in line for awhile, I heard a scuffle betwen a very large African American gentleman and a very small Aisan man. So much for the romantacism of Paris - I was not feelin' the love! Come to find out I was in the line for a tax refund. I then got in the correct line, and the little Aisian man tried to move about 20 people from "his group" in front of Annie and I(the same thing that caused the scuffle earlier). Here I stand in the middle of about 70 Asian people and I say "no, no no, no, no." What was I thihking?! Lack up sleep and determination, mixed with a little stupidity, got us escorted to the front of the line where it took about 30 seconds for the transaction. It was very disheartening for Annie to see adults overtly lie and be so disrespectful, but I'm glad that she got to see that it is possible to stand up for yourself and still be a good of example of Christ. I then went to information to find out when the next shuttle would be leaving for the Eiffel Tower. It is then that I found out that there was a holiday and that it was rediculously crowded in the city. So, it was very cold, rainy, and crowded. I made the tough decision to not see the Eiffel Tower. I could just see us not making it back in time for our flight and Annie getting sick from being run down and cold. Annie didn't really want to go anyway. So, we bought a deck of cards and I taught her to play Rummy. I think she's addicted! We had such a good time! The highlight of her day was when we were shopping and I found this little metal box. I twisted it and turned it and couldn't figure out what it was. I held it sideways and the plastic emblem slid a bit. So, thinking I'm opening a pill box or coin case, I flung it open and a flame shot out the side and burnt my knuckles! I immediately scream and throw it, the manager is saying something to me in French - not that I really cared what he was saying at the moment, and Annie was rolling on the floor laughing! The good news is that my ring fits better. I'm not sure if it's because the heat sized it or if it's because of swelling, but... lol Then we were off to Munich for a night of more Rummy! It has been great so far. Tomorrow we leave for St. Pete where we will get to see friends adn settle in - I can't wait to see Max on Monday!

Fri., Feb. 18th-The Tale of a Threatening Modern Day Hobo!

This morning went much better! Got everything packed up, ran like fifty million errands - 2 banks since money is kinda necessary in Russia, Sears to get new boots since there is like 4 feet of snow and it's -20 there right now, and lunch at one of my favorite places - Chic-fil-A! before hopping on the plane. Got a wonderful phone call from the social worker during lunch telling me that she found a plane ticket for Max for a quarter the price that the airline quoted me. I booked it between bites - gives a whole new meaning to saving money while eating out! Then the challenge began. Three suitcases to be checked, one carseat/stroller to be checked at the gate, three carry ons, and only four hands! So, here we go - one carry on strapped to back, and two carry ons ride in the stroller. Annie pulling one suitcase and pushing the stroller while I pull the two oversized suitcases. We looked like a couple of modern day hobos! We made it to the gate at Dulles with no problems. Got our boarding passes and checked our luggage. Something told me that this went too smoothly. So, when I checked my stubs, they had only checked us to Paris. When I let them know of their mistake, they said that there was nothing that they could do and that it would have to be "straightened out" when we land. I'm sure that "straightened out" means that Annie and I will have to do our hobo routine again through the airport in Paris! I'm sure that his will bring a story for tomorrow! But, today's story doesn't end here. We then go through security. I'm thinking I'm good to go - we've done this before. I placed everything very confidently in the bins and Annie and I walk through the detector. No alarm beeps so everything seems fine, but then I'm pulled aside. A distinguished gentleman in a uniform pulled me aside and informed me that "there's a problem...we have to confiscate one of your items." Now, I have an aerosole can of mousse in my suitcase that could easily be considered an explosive, a computer and several other electronic devices that could be used to interfere with air signals, and a number of sharp objects that could be used as weapons, but the US TSA somehow decided that Max's 5oz bottle of Finding Nemo bubbles was a threat to international security! At that point, I asked the officer the only question that in my bewilderment I could muster the words - "How in the world can you stand there and tell me that you are confiscating bubbles and keep a straight face?!" Once I stopped laughing I told him to have a great day and to be careful - bubbles spill easily! lol Staoy tuned for tomorrow's story - Modern Day Hobos with Luggage Spotted in Paris! lol

Thursday Feb. 17th : 70 degrees outside - and a definite meltdown!

Well, I know that God is in control and that his timing is perfect. I get stuck somewhere betwen knowing this and human emotions. Everytime He allows a situaiton to arise in this whole adoption process, I think okay - I get it. Then, He takes me to a newer level of trust. I keep saying that nothing about this process is logical. Why me? Not in the sense that I'm a victim, but rather that I don't deserve these blessings! I'm just a country girl living in Oldtown, who is stamped with that horrible "D" on her forehead. Not only am I divorced, I'm female. Not only an I a divorced female, but I'm a divorced female in ministry AND I'm a member of a Baptist church. This is a recipe for disaster! But God's recipe's always work out. I'm not sure what the final product will look like, but I know that it'll have God's stamp of approval as long as I do what He wants me to do. Well, I'm rushing around, trying to get ready to go, and nothing is falling into place. I'll keep everbody "posted". lol

Thanks for helping the Stickleys to GO GREEN!

It has been my prayer from the very beginning to be able to complete this adoption debt free. That has not been able to happen, but it's not yet "complete" either. God is more interested in developing our character than giving us what we want. This whole thing has required faith and trust! What a character builder for Annie, too. When this whole thing started, she said that she felt that God wants her to raise the initial adoption costs. She has been right here very step of the way - reading blogs, reading e-mails, sending thank you notes, trips all over Maryland (and even one to Pittsburg!), etc.! I know in my head and heart that God not only will provide, but is providing along the way - but I have to admit, it has been really scary at times! Words don't seem to do justice to the way I felt yesterday when I got an e-mail telling me that there was already $221 in the Reece's Rainbow account for Max! Even now...tears! This is an overwhelming process at best. By the time I work my full-time job, manage my part-time business, do all the required adoption paperwork (including having to travel 3 hours one way 7 different times!), keep the household functioning, and make sure that I am totally there for my 11 year old - there just hasn't been time for fundraising. I was sleeping only 2-3 hours a night for a long time, but after Christmas just couldn't keep up the pace. I am so glad that the paperwork end is finished, but it sure doesn't leave much time for fundraising! It is hard to believe that in two weeks, I will be sitting in a Russian hotel getting ready for court! Again, thank you all so much for your financial support - there is no way I can do this without you!!!

Here we go......

http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorstickley

We got our court date! We are so excited to think that two weeks from now we will be "fly'n the friendly skies!" I am posting this to keep everyone updated and so that everyone can see our Baby Max! I will update more later. Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support!!! :-)

The "Bear" Truth

Okay - I've been getting all kinds of grumblings from friends about not updating my blog. There is one very good reason - I turned into a bear. Annie and I were exhausted upon our return from Russia. It seemed like we closed our eyes and it was Thanksgiving. We host an open house at our home for Thanksgiving for anyone who doesn't have anyplace to go. We cook a traditional meal, put it on the table from 1-3 for anyone who wants to stop by. People can come anytime they want, but if it's after 3 they may have to heat up leftovers out of the fridge. Anyway, after that came a very important tradition in our family - BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING!!! We stood in line all night for items that were for someone else - it was a blast! We met some wonderful people that night. The couple in front of us began sharing with Annie and I how they were at the beach the week before to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. They received a call from their son who said "don't hurry home - you don't have anything to come home to." They had lost everything they owened in a house fire. They encouraged me with their fire story, I encouraged them with our adoption story and before we knew it, we had talked for 5 hours! God blessed everyone there that night (actually, morning!), and we all left with smiling faces and warm hearts (and full buggies, of course). It seemed like we went to sleep again, and when we woke up it was Christmas! We had a wonderful Holiday season that was filled with blessing from beginning to end. Part of what made the time go so quickly was dealing with paperwork. When I was wasn't wrapping presents, I was doing paperwork for the adoption. Sleep - paperwork, sleep - paperwork,... this was our cycle. Paper comes from trees so I've been telling everybody that Annie and I are like bears hybernating in the forest, it's just the the trees are already cut and processed! lol The paperwork really has been overwhelming. The reality is that the adoption is very expensive. I have applied for several grants and am getting ready to begin some serious fundraising. I guess you could say that I'm hoping the forest turns green soon. Please don't take that wrong - I can easily support my family and I am not out to make any money. However, I need help wtih the initial adoption costs. I hate debt and my little Max has some real needs. I want to be the best parent that I can be (especially since I am both parents in one). So, anyway, that's the "bear" truth. Hmmm - If I had a picnic basket you could just call us Yogi and Boo Boo!