NINE...
Sorry - no pics today - we forgot to bring the disk. We promise, we will try to get more on but believe me, it is SLOOOW going here!
Today we are taking it easy - Vasya took his car in for repairs and we are without it so we are walking around and looking in shops. They have a ton of "Second Hand" stores here with clothing. We found a jean jacket for one of the boys (probably Zach, the younger TALLER one!) and we have another one to go to across the street (THRIFT STORES IN UKRAINE!!!!). Don't worry, though, just clothes so I won't be coming home with a suitcase full of stuff for eBay!
We started our laundry in the tub this morning and got it all washed and ready to rinse when PFfffffffffffffftt blurp, blurp. That was the sound the faucet made when I turned it on. Yeah, the water is GONE. So, we have washed and unrinsed clothes sitting in the tub waiting. On the good side, we both took bathes before the laundry and we DID get to rinse so at least WE are clean.
Tom and I were talking as we walked down here and were recalling what the judge said to us. The LAST thing he said was "The boys will live with you FOREVER." Uhhhh. Forever? We were thinking college in about 9 or 10 years...FOREVER? Then again, that is kind of what has happened to my mom and dad - we couldn't live MUCH closer! And when we move, we are tasking them WITH us sooo - maybe forever isn't all that long!
Later this afternoon, (after Vasya gets his car) we will head to the orphanage to see Tyler. AND to repair a door that I RIPPED THE HINGES OFF OF (three of them...LONG STORY...not really but I choose not to embarass myself...). Today we will write another petition to take him for the weekend hours but we are also going to try to take him with us to see Zach on Friday. That should be fun. They have only seen each other for that short time at the court house (and they were already poking, pinching and pulling on each other!) and it might be nice for them to have some more time together. PLUS - I want to take a long ride with Ty and get to hug on him (yeah, I have ulterior motives). This week has gone quickly.
Please pray for the boys - they have a lot of changes coming up. Of course, pray for their hearts to hear THE message of Christ and His love. Pray that the next few days fly by. PRAY WE GET WATER!!! Zach will need another bath and clothing change by the time we see him on Friday! Pray for Vasya and his wife and son - Vasya has opened up a lot to us and...that is a family in need of the love of Christ. I have already told him that our family and church at home is praying for his family - pour it on. He and his family have had a lot of stressful things happen to them in the last year and a half (and they have only been married about that long). Vasya is a great guy and has been a huge help to us.
Tomorrow we will be up in Djoncoy so we probably won't post - but we will get another picture on here by Saturday! Love to you all!
Vissyo!
posted by Falling for Ty and Zach @ 5:45 AM
17 comments
17 Comments:
It is good to hear that your time is going quickly - that is another answered prayer.
About the door hinges?? It better be a good story or it may be too late to NOT embarass yourself.
We are excited for you and the future you have to share with the boys. I'm sure you both have had a great impact on Vasya and we pray the Spirit will contine to be with him and he will remember the Love of Christ that you have shown after you are safely back in the states.
Have a great day & we will be looking forward to more pictures!
Russ & Connie
Yeah, about the door, I know you said you'd move mountains to be a mom, but seriously, its only nine more days surely you can leave the buildings in tact for these people!
I know Tom loves to remodel, but I think you did enough of that before you left!
We'll pray you get Ty for the weekend and that you soon have water again. Also, of course everyone's salvation will be our first prayers. Ya know, maybe you've been there longer than expected so that Vasya would have more time to hear about Jesus. You have definatly made impressions if I know you at all.
Have a great day, and please try to leave the structures of the Ukraine as you found them! =)
Its good to hear your joy and laughter!
Love you
Ki and Chel
Door hinges? I don't think you can give us so little information on what must be a great story, and expect us to be satisfied...details (funny details) is what we want! :)
We are all praying that the remaining days goes extremely quick, and that your family will be together forever before you know it!
Praying not only for the two of you, but Vasya and his family and of course for our newest friends, Ty and Zach!
Take care of each other - keep the pictures coming - and know that we love and miss you!
God bless,
The Osborne family
tom and lois,
i can't even BEGIN to tell you how exciting this has been... to read your blog everyday. it is like reading a very, very, very good book that you don't want to put down! and the best part is...IT IS A TRUE STORY and it is happening to YOU!!! the only hard part is... the waiting! we can't read on until you write!
i know that you have been waiting for this to happen for way too long. i am so happy for you. not only did God pick those two little boys especially for you, He picked YOU especially for those two little boys! i wish you much happiness in this, your new lives together!!! keep the "pages" coming!!!
love,
kelley (allison)
Any thing involving Lois and door hinges has to be good! Kelley is right this is better than a Karen Kingsbury story! We will keep praying for all of you and your needs, also for Vasya and family especially , what an opportunity for you guys to share with him. The title of your book could be "THE FAMOUS FANELLI FOUR"! Kinda like the Vontraps with no singing! Yes Lord Yes Lord Yes Yes Lord, keep blessing the Fanelli's!!!!!!!
Loveya,
Bud & Reta
Love You
Lo and Thomas,
I am so happy for all of you. When I saw your first family photo posted I was wiping tears. I can't wait until your wait is over and return plans come to light. Thank you God for this long awaited gift!
Heidi
Tom and Lois,
There is not much I can say that has not already been posted. I am in agreement with everyone else though, I want details on the hinges story. Remember, if you do not tell us we will be forced to let our imaginations run wild....
I do want to tahnk you as well for your blog. We would all just hate it if we were left to wonder about what is happening. You have included us in the greatest adventure of your lives, and we are loving being able to go through this with you. We just CANNOT wait to see you guys and your precious boys!
Love you all,
Steve and Anita
Tom & Lois,
Thanks so very much for sharing so much of yourselves with us through your blog. It's been wonderful to see how God has been working in all your lives & see the beautiful tapestry He is weaving. We know God is using you to be a light for Him to all those you are with. We will certainly pray for Vasya & his family that they will come to know Christ--and also for your boys, Ty & Zach!!! You are doing a wonderful job of sowing the seed & we are praying that God will bless it with an abundant harvest! Praying that others will feel God's love through you. Keep shining!
We are all anxious to hear about the hinges--you can't tell us that much & not finish the story--it's like waiting for the second shoe to drop & it never does.
Sounds like you had fun shopping at the thrift stores--one of my favorite pasttimes. There are of nice surprises out there. You did take a big suitcase with you to bring home all your treasures, right?
Praying you have water again soon, so you can rinse your clothes, etc. Bathtubs are a lot more work than washing machines. I remember doing that with my mom. Certainly makes me thankful for our washers today.
Pray you get to spend time with both the boys on Friday. I know God is making their hearts tender & receptive to His love through you. Praying that your witness will bear fruit beyond anything you can imagine! Our God is a great God!!!
We had a great time caroling with several from our kids choir last night, going to the Schultz house & Bowman Estates--a first time for most of the kids. Think they're ready to do it again next year--and your boys will get to go too!
So many things to look forward to when you come home! :-)
So thankful for so many answered prayers for all of you! Our God is an awesome God!!! (another song to teach Ty & Zach)
Praying your mom's surgery goes well tomorrow & that she has a quick recovery!
Our love & prayers are with you all!
Gloria
OK... lots of prayers - isn't it amazing all the hearts He touches... you, Tom and the boys.. in creating a family... and wow, Vasya and his family, the young boys with EB... what is His purpose.... we are so called to prayer... it is as if He has said to each of us... there are many - reach out... call upon Me... I am here... I am always listening. He has brought you 4 together.. and made your family complete.... we are so joyous in our love and in His grace for this... and He exposed us to the need of others, to the heart of others... I am so thankful that He reminds us to call upon Him... to utter the words in prayer.. Praise God. He is so wonderful, we are so loved... you are loved.. and He IS listening. Please all lift up Mom (Marta) in prayer, surgery (and the drive in the snow) tomorrow. Fran
Okay--
I am really jealous. Mitchell has his picture on the blog comments. I am impressed. Well, I have The Fanelli Family set as the wallpaper on my computer....are you impressed with me?
Anita
Tom & Lois:
I agree with everyone, it has been so much fun to get to go through all this with you. All the ups and downs and through it all your family has been lifted in so many prayers. God hears them all and has answered in His time and His way and now you are a family. That is just amazing. Reading about all the things you have done with Ty and Zach so far reminds me of all the stuff I used to do with Jim and Joe and now they are grown men. Time moves so fast, so enjoy every moment. Take pictures, keep a journal whatever you need to do so that you dont lose a single memory. You are a very blessed family and you have a wonderful church family to bring your children home to. They will be showered with so much love and attention and in all of that they will see Jesus and how he works in our lives. Have a good time and if you love thrift stores, try www.shopgoodwill.com, it's my favorite store...LOL
Penny
Hello-
I am really missing a blog update today, but you are still in my thoughts & prayers.
One thing tho - when you get home and get all caught up and are bored....(like the 2nd or 3rd week, haha). I would like to know who all of these people are that are sending blogs.....
You may be able to hear our voices when you read these but I am really curious about who some of these people are. I know that it really isn't any of my business but...I still would like to know the connections. "Like who am I praying with in the middle of the night?"
Of course the door hinge story first, then you can fill me in on the who what where and when of your faithful prayer wariors.
Have a good weekend!
Connie
UPdate of sorts... My Mom (Marta- also Lois' Mom - so Connie, I'm Lois' oldest sister)... anyway.. she did NOT have knee replacement today, will have to wait until Jan due to not yet healed up mole removal.. Dr fears infection so no go now. That means she'll be waiting here at my house (chicago land area)post Christmas to meet new grandchildren and hug our Lo and Tom, and our new boys.. as we all are! I believe the info I heard from Mom is that they will get Edik/Zach for the weekend - Lo, correct me if I'm wrong.
Love and Prayers. Fran
Hey guys! Glad to hear someone else has had plumbing problems. Nobody's going to let Nancy rent from them if her luck keeps up. One hot water heater exploded with scalding water spewing everywhere. Then the bathtub of another apartment leaked, flooding the whole bathroom while Nancy was taking a bath. The days WILL go by fast. I'm hoping for easy travel back home for you all.
Mike and Nancy
Thanks for the update - I had called Dad and Mom and said, HEY, you are gonna call tomorrow right??? Good info - knew they'd had both boys - though didn't know about Tyler staying for the entire weekend. What a wonderful, joyous time ! looking forward to their update and pics! Fran
Yeah Tom and Lois!
I have not had time to send you a comment - but I have been watching your blog! Hang in there - you are so close to coming home! What a wonderful Christmas present for your boys - a forever family! This will be the most memorable Christmas ever for them!
God Bless!
Amy Libenow
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