Trip #3 – The Final Journey – Day 3-4

Tuesday morning we slept in a little, grabbed some breakfast at the hotel breakfast buffet (5 min before it closed). After breakfast we loaded into our little tin can and made the trek to Liepaja. Once we arrived there we decided to tour the city a bit so that Kristen could see the city and the places that we had talked so much about. The children at the orphanage were not out of school yet so our timing was good. As we passed the outside market we decided to stop and take in the sights and smells one more time. I love the market and all that it offers. We walked through the inside area and then headed to the open air areas to see the fruits, vegetables and flowers that were being offered. As we were nearly finished, Aleks was grabbed from behind by someone. As he was spun around we all realized that it was his Great Aunt who we had visited during our stay in August. Aleks was stunned…as were Kristen and I. She was talking a mile a minute and Aleks just turned red with a look of flight in his eyes. After a couple of minutes she began to insist we come to her home but we explained we were headed to an appointment at the orphanage. We heard how she lost our address and that her sons could not find us on the internet. (protection?) I gave her my business card and we left to finish driving around the city and head to the orphanage. Once we arrived at the orphanage we found that Ginta, Liga and the boys had been waiting for us both Monday and Tuesday.

While at the orphanage we were welcomed with fresh mint tea and cookies. The hospitality of Ginta and Liga is always over the top. They are wonderful people. As we sat together and shared the boys arrived back from school one by one. It was a great reunion for the boys. There are only 5 boys left in the group in which Aleks used to be a part of. The entire orphanage is down to 40 plus children from the nearly 90 children that were there in August. Evidently the court has stopped removing children from their parents no matter what the situation. So as more children are adopted, granted back to their parents or put into foster care the numbers are shrinking in the orphanage. After a few hours we finished our day in Liepaja with dinner at Klondike with Ginta like old times (back in August). We then loaded back up in our tin can and headed to Riga. Neither Kristen or Aleks saw the Liepaja city border as we left…they were both fast asleep. The drive back to Riga was clouded with dense fog, wet snow and nuisance rain. Once back at the hotel the kids were awake and I was exhausted…but we laughed ourselves to sleep as we talked about the day.

Wednesday started with another great breakfast buffet…then a quick nap. About 12:30, Daina and Edgars picked us up and we headed to the passport office to pick up Aleks’ new passport with his new name – Aleksejs Zachary Tuttle. From there we went to the Embassy doctor once more so that she could complete the paperwork with his new passport information. Once we received this sealed envelope we could go the US Embassy to present all of the paperwork for Aleks’ new VIsa. The people at the US Embassy in Riga are wonderful and very friendly people – well those inside the Embassy. Those who are outside as security have a job to be polite but not friendly as a priority. Our entire visit at the Embassy took about an hour and resulted in our Visa application being approved! Now it was time to celebrate!

Aleks, Kristen and I walked down to old Riga to just take in the sites and explore a bit. We found most of the vendors, who were in the park during our visit in August, had moved into old Riga. It was fun as we tried new foods and saw the wonderful handiwork of many traditional Latvian crafters. I think we could fill a suitcase with the goods if we had the money to support the shopping spree. We finally decided to find a place to eat and found a great little steak house where we enjoyed a great meal to celebrate. As we walked back to the hotel, Kristen learned two things. First she learned why everyone walks so fast in Riga….TO STAY WARM. Second she found out that walking that fast everywhere is how so many stay so skinny here. All in all…a good day!

Thank you Father for protecting and preparing our way. Thank you for protecting Aleks as he grew…and bringing him into our family at just the right time. Bless our family, cover us in Your love and may we shine Your light to those around us.

Trip #3 – The Final Journey – Day 1-2

This is not our final journey to Latvia…but it is the last trip for Aleks’ adoption. For this journey, Kristen our oldest daughter – and Aleks’ older sister, came with Aleks and I. Our flight over was pretty uneventful. We got the three middle seats in the VERY last row of the plane for our flight from Atlanta to Frankfurt. I slept most of the trip while the kids watched a couple of Disney movies. We arrived in Frankfurt air space about an hour early which required us to circle a few times before landing. Once inside Frankfurt airport we headed to our connecting flight but had to go through the transfer checkpoint. Here they asked for proof and reason why Aleks was traveling with us. Thankfully I brought every document with me “just in case”. This was an unusual request but went well once I produced the court papers. (Note to those traveling for trip #2 and #3 – take your paperwork with you though you aren’t supposed to need it) Our flight from Frankfurt to Riga was an old plane with no entertainment systems in the plane…so I slept again. We landed about 45 min late.

Our hotel is very nice and was one of the cheapest in the city. We can recommend the Europa Royal Hotel in Riga. Good rates, nice rooms, free breakfast buffet that is a really nice spread. The hotel is also a short walk from the US Embassy and passport office. There is most anything within a few blocks of the hotel.

Monday was the day to visit the Embassy certified doctor and then head to the passport office. On the way to the doctors office we were informed of a few “new” items from Aleks past. Not good stuff but it is merely shadows of his old life, stuff that can’t change our love for him. This whole thing messed with Aleks head and heart…but I quietly reassured him that nothing will ever change our love for him…nothing. Once we arrived at the doctor the exam went pretty well…except that Aleks had to get three shots. Found out that he has never had chicken pox nor had he ever been immunized for it. Once we completed everything we headed to the passport office.

Once at the passport office we waited in a packed room for our number to be called. The office was filled with all types of interesting people all looking to get passports to leave and visit other countries. Once our number was called we met with a clerk who informed us that the court in Liepaja had not entered the adoption decree and information into the computer system. Fortunately Daina had certified copies of everything and was able to talk them into entering the information here at the passport office in Riga. This required that we leave for a few hours and come back after 2:00 in the afternoon. Daina had other meetings planned so she dropped us off at the hotel and we wandered around the city for a few hours. Lunch at “little” Lido, coffee and hot cocoa at Coffee Nation then back to the passport office. Once we arrived back at the passport office we found that the internet was down…and required for us to complete the application. We waited….finally things were back working and we completed everything,..without a translator. I wrote a sentence in Latvian that said I understand everything on the documents. Hmm…ok.

After we finished our official business we headed to the airport to pick up a little rental car so we could go to Liepaja on Tuesday. Once again, interesting since we were picked up at the airport for a car that was supposed to be there. We took about a 5 minute ride to where the rental car place actually was. I had to be a bit pushy to get them to fix the broken tail light on the car…and then to give me the GPS that I had also paid for. After it was all said and done…we headed to the hotel and called it a day.

Really?… Spiritual Warfare?

The question I pose to you is do you really believe there is such a thing as spiritual warfare? I mean really….is there such a thing? Is there good and evil in this world? Is it just “mans” choices or is there something bigger here?

These are questions you need to face now if you are looking to host or adopt. If you don’t believe any of this and think it is just nonsense then you will have a very difficult and frustrating time making any sense of what is getting ready to happen in your life and in your home. I don’t say any of this to scare you or make you think twice about the journey you are on or ready to embark on. Just want you to be prepared for the battles. From Genesis through Revelation we see over and over that there is a battle, a battle between good and evil. A battle for the hearts of man (and woman). How many times are we warned? The devil is like a roaring lion seeking those he can devour. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. Over and over God tries to give us a glimpse into the spiritual battle around us and for us. The great news is that Jesus came to give us life…He came to give us back that which was stolen from us…our heart. Jesus has overcome death, hell and the grave but we need to place ourselves in Him and the life He offers. Okay…you are saying that this is a bit foundational…true but you must be secure in this to understand the battles that are going to rage against the heart of that child you have chosen. You are showing the very love of God who chose us before we knew Him…as you chose that child before they even know you. Your living out obedience to Gods word and making a difference in the life or lives of others…but you too will be changed! As you open your heart and home to take in another realize you are living out boldly the great commission…and that will stir up evil and darkness against you and your family.

Be aware of the tactics that will be set against you. Yes, you will be bringing in a child who has mental, physical and spiritual baggage as well as some generational junk that has been passed down to them which was not their choice. There will be attacks of anger, jealously, materialism, depression, rebellion, fear and confusion. There will attempt to be wedges driven between you and your spouse. Between you and others who are close to you. Between the children currently in your home. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind. Fear cannot co-exist with love. I share this with you to encourage you. Be aware of what is happening around you. These are not personal attacks from your child…they are spiritual attacks against your family and need to be faced head on and prayed against. You will be amazed at the power of God as you pray specific against the attacks. Call it what it is when you pray against it: spirit of jealousy, spirit of fear, spirit of rebellion, spirit of confusion, spirit of greed. As we learn to face these things head on, the overwhelming love of Christ takes over and heals the broken parts. Count on the fact that very soon after you have a spiritual conversation with your child…there will be a spiritual attack to try and steal away that which you have shared. Stand strong. Put on the full armor of God. Create an “inner circle” of warriors which you can call upon at a moments notice and know that they will be praying with you. At times they will cover you as you rest and regain your strength and focus. It is much easier to face the battle when we know it is coming…and what we need to win!

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-11)

It is SOO worth the battle as you see your child being transformed by your love…and the love of Christ! Hold on…it will be worth it all!

Lessons from God…and Aleks

This week God once again used Aleks to bring His word to life through our son Aleks.

The past few weeks have been tough. There has been something building in Aleks that we didn’t understand. All we knew is that Aleks has had a heavy heart that has made him a bit more emotional and irritable.His temper has been short and he has had trouble focusing on much of anything. This past Thursday it all came crashing down….he broke and just sobbed in Cindy’s arms. What we found is that he missed Latvia, his friends and all that was familiar to him. All of this really got me to thinking….

I told Cindy that Aleks had a huge amount of faith to leave everything he knew and trade it for a chance to have a family. As I prayed about this God gave me a little insight into my own life…my own journey. How many times have I looked back at my “old life” and wanted to go back. The comfort of the familiar. The fun of life the way I wanted to live it. Yet I traded all that I knew for a new life, a new faith. There are times that I miss some of the old things…but I also know that I have it so much better now. The life I have now is eternal….what I had then was only temporary. The life Aleks has now is so much better than the life on the streets he once knew…but it doesn’t change the fact that sometimes he just looks back and misses all that was so familiar. He doesn’t want to go back to Latvia but he misses it sometimes he says.

Father…that is so like me. I thank You that You know so much better than me and that Life Is Bigger than me. Bless Aleks, ease his longing for the past. Let You love flood over him and change him forever.

The Dichotomy of a Day

Air 1's Verse of the Day

9/11/2009

"You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done."

Psalm 92:4, NLT | View in context

As I awoke to face Friday 9/11 I couldn’t help but remember the day eight year prior and wonder…”what will today hold?”  I picked up my Blackberry as a normally do as I wait for the shower to warm. As I scanned my e-mails that I received during the night. Normally this means deleting a bunch of junk mail and then reading the verse of the day. I read the verse of the day "You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done." Psalm 92:4 NLT. Cool, I thought…and then I moved on…then I noticed three e-mails from Latvia…”Adoption Approval from the Ministry”. WOW! "You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done." Thank you!!

Through the day as I remembered all of the emotions and heaviness of that historic day just eight years prior…I couldn’t help but balance those feelings with the joy of the approval. I spent the evening going over all of our paperwork for the next phase of information that we need to send to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. We are one step closer! Today all of that paperwork was placed in a Priority Envelope and sent.

What now? Well we are now waiting for Latvia to give us our next court date. Once we receive it I will be traveling back to Latvia to stand before the court to complete the adoption. It is at this time that we will receive a new birth certificate for Aleks…and his name will be changed to Aleksejs Zachary Tuttle.

Our prayer requests at this time are:

• Continued favor in the eyes of the Latvian court and authorities.
• Smooth and quick approval process for our I-800 in the hands of the USCIS.
• Finances for this next trip to Latvia and the fees involved. Approximately $6,000.
• That God would open hearts and doors for more of the children from the orphanage in Liepaja to find forever families. (This is what Aleks asks about regularly)

A Different Kind of Charity

As we have walked this city from one end to the other an ridden along the countryside through the western half of this beautiful country called Latvia, I am continually struck with the thought…what if we did this in America? Everywhere you go you will see fruit trees which are planted along the side of the road. Not just one or two trees, but trees which many times line the roads on both side. It doesn’t matter if there are houses around or not…there are still fruit trees or vegetables along the side of the road. They are there for anyone to stop and partake of. I have seen a hundred meters of cabbage planted in the midst of a wheat field. Sometimes there is just a little garden planted near a bus stop, a patch of asparagus left to spread. All of this just left there for those who need it.

Sure, there may be some who stop and take advantage of the charity and pick more than they need so they can sell it at the market…but is that wrong? At least they worked to harvest it and then to sell it. Think about this as well…for those who need the food, they also have to work to prepare it or to store it for the long winter ahead.

If we as a country or we as believers were to put hands and feet to our charity and plant charity gardens or line our property with charity trees…how many people could we really feed? I would dare guess there would be more than enough for every needy person, and the benefit of a more healthy lifestyle of eating would also drive down the need for so much public medicine. There is much we can learn from others…once again, just my rambling thoughts.

Capturing a Message

There is always a way out…it does not matter how tight your “rock and a hard place” is.

Freedom from the rubble!

When the window is closed…God will make a way out…we just need to look around a little.

What does your path look like…and who will you meet along the way?

Reminders

Today we spent the day visiting other areas of Latvia. First we headed north to visit an area of the city called Karosta. It is an area where the Russian army occupied for 50 years. The army families occupied building after building…which are now over 50% empty. It’s a tough area of town that looks like it may have been destroyed in the riotous celebrations after the Russian army pulled out…at least that is what I think in my mind. The housing complexes are much like some of the toughest project areas of American big cities. Beyond the project homes is building after building which is made of beautiful dark brick which may have housed the Officers…but are now vacant with the windows and doorways bricked closed. There are manufacturing facilities which are vacant as well…and the windows and doorways are bricked closed. I am sure the area was beautiful about 70 years ago. In the midst of all of this sits a Russian Orthodox Church. An ornate symbol of a man made gospel. With the community around it falling in shambles, the place of religion offers a list of rules. As we walked through the gates to enter the property we were reminded not to enter the property with an evil mind or thoughts…and we must be dressed properly. We made our way to the building and climbed the huge marble steps to the doors of history. Once inside we were once again reminded of our thoughts and attire…and a few other rules such as NO CAMERA’s. There were a pile of head shawls or scarves for the women to cover their head…but most of the ladies inside were not wearing one so our party did not either. As I walked around looking at all of the pictures of the “saints” and the prayer candle altars in front of each I couldn’t help but get frustrated at the blinders which religion has created to the gospel. This was not a gospel of freedom. As I walked around this huge room looking at everything I noticed a little old lady had made her way to the back of the room where Aleks was and the ladies of our group. She was talking to Aleks and it was clear he was not happy. We left the building while the lady was telling Cindy and the girls (In Latvian or Russian) that they needed to ask God for forgiveness since they did not have their head covered. Once outside I found out that she had told Aleks that Jesus did not love him and would not accept him because his hair was spiked! WHAT?!? She proceeded to tell him that he needed to ask for forgiveness as well. Once again my frustration at the blindness to the True Gospel just grew. No wonder these kids want to have nothing to do with church. Its a gospel of condemnation…and not the gospel of the Bible I read or the God I know. Its sad, but we need to understand that when we are dealing with these children. Reminder number one for the day….we need to share the Gospel which Jesus shared…one of love, forgiveness and freedom.

We left the religious property and headed to the sea wall outside the port area. It was amazing to see the power of the sea as it beat on the wall, yet the relative calm on the inside of the break. While there we could see a storm rolling in on the horizon. As we watched it work its way toward the shore we had the opportunity to witness it drop a water spout down out of the clouds. Pretty amazing but it made Aleks more than uneasy since we had just watched a show on tornados on the Discover Channel just two nights earlier. We left the sea wall and headed to the old Russian military base on the shoreline just north of where we were. There was row after row of underground bunkers. We got out and began to explore these buildings which were three stories deep in the ground. It was pretty clear that this was where many troops slept and kept a vigilant watch on the sea. Time and the power of the sea had taken its toll on many of these barracks and some had split and fallen to the beach below. The brig still looked to be in working order with bars and all across the front. A symbol of restrictive dominance over those who would dare stray from what they were told to do. Reminder number two for the day…no matter how powerful the forces are around us, God is bigger than all of that. He can destroy those forces and crumble them to mere ruins.

After leaving Karosta, the area where Aleks lived much of his life till now, we headed south of Liepaja toward Lithuania. We could not cross the boarder but we headed that direction. As we left the city limits of Liepaja things changed almost instantly. It was like we had entered and area of the country which was alive. They still had hope and lived a life which would be closer to what we would experience in America. There were new homes, well kept properties and businesses which still had the doors open. It was pretty amazing to see the contrast of life just outside of the city walls.

We stopped for lunch at a great little resort south of Liepaja. It was more good food and a pretty cool place on the coast just over the dunes at the edge of the beach. After some nourishment we continued to head south to a little park along the shoreline. It was incredibly beautiful and once again reminded me of northwest Michigan near Lake Michigan. There were wild blueberries carpeting the forest floor as tall majestic pines towered above creating a canopy. Birch trees added contrasting white streaks of color against the deep green forest vegetation. This was also the first place where we actually walked on ground which was not flat. We climbed to the top of a large hill as we made our way through the forest which opened up to show us a view of the Baltic Sea over the treetops of the valley below us. Reminder number three of the day…God has created some incredibly beautiful places…even in the midst of a depressed and forgotten place.

Please don’t read my blog wrong, Latvia is an incredibly beautiful country with a history that we as American’s can’t understand. But Liepaja is a city that needs hope and the freedom that Christ offers. The people need hope and purpose again.This city could be restored to a magnificent charm and beauty to match the countryside and history this country has to share. The last reminder of the day…I am thankful for God brining us to Liepaja, Latvia for Aleksejs Zachary Tuttle!

Today the Sun is Shining Again

This morning I awoke to the sun shining again. The past two days have been a bit cool and rainy. We have not ventured out too far except to the market or to go eat. Tuesday night we headed across town to Cili Pica (aka Chili Pizza). Its a great thin crust pizza that has become Aleks favorite pizza. It is only about a 15 minute walk from here if we stay focused, but you know the two who I am traveling with and also that the camera backpack is with us everywhere we go. On Tuesday it was a bit cool (about 60) and then it started to rain so we made pretty good time getting there. It’s also a good place to people watch since it is in a small mini-mall type complex which has everything from a grocery store to a pet store in it.

Before we headed out for pizza on Tuesday we had our first “check-up” with the Orphanage Court Director (Tiga) and Ginta. It was a nice visit where we were just asked basic thing about how we are spending out time here in Liepaja, have we had any problems and what are we going to do about school back in America. Nothing we couldn’t answer easily. Our time here together has been great but it shows on everyone’s face that we are all ready to go. I think Tiga saw that as she commented that “there are no problems with this family”. After about 15 minutes they left….and we prepared to head out for pizza!

Yesterday it rained most of the day. We played games and watched movies together. American movies in Russian…a different experience. Our DVD’s won’t work in the DVD player here and the ones from here won’t work in the US. We decided to venture out and have lunch at the Rock Cafe’ and look for another map of the city, since we left ours at home in America. It poured on and off while we were out but we had fun ducking into several small shops to see what treasures they contained (and wait for the rain to ease). While we were out this time we also ventured through the indoor market…Wow…what a cool place. I love just walking through the market and smelling all of the fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. It is a great place to just watch people…and get some great food. We found that the indoor market is where the bakery, cheese and meats are located with a handful of fruits and vegetable vendors. Downstairs is the fresh fish market….okay it was the end of the day and maybe it was just a fish market….not really fresh fish.

Last evening we had the pleasure of having Ginta fix dinner for us here at our apartment. It was a simple potato dish but it was wonderful! I could eat this every day. Mashed potatoes with a cream sauce full of ham and some spices. The potatoes acted as the boat for the ham and sauce inside….I could eat this for breakfast now, but we ate it all last night. After dinner we quizzed Ginta about all of the children we have seen from the orphanage while we have been here. We wanted to know the stories behind each of them. There are so many lives just longing to be loved, to have a smile to be affirmed that they are acceptable just as they are. No mask, no front, no positioning….accepted just as they are – and loved.

Please continue to pray for these children. Please pray for this city…that they would find “The GOD of this City”…because greater things are still to be done here…

Monday and Another Milestone

Yesterday was another milestone in this journey…we went with Aleks to visit the orphanage which he called home for the past few years. As you might expect, it was bitter sweet for each of us, but unique for each as well. The day seemed to start slow as we each prepared to go but none of us was in a hurry to get there. Aleks was excited to see his friends again and we were looking forward to finding more pieces from the puzzle of his past.

As we left the apartment we decided we should grab a quick bite to eat so we stopped at a little cafe’ by the bus stop. It looked good but none of us finished our plate….and the latte’…YUCK! We left the cafe’ and jumped on the bus which would take us to the orphanage. As we jumped on we were greeted by the bus security to make sure that we were actually going to pay for our ride…which we did. The ride was hot…no A/C…but if they could only open the windows. We reached our destination and jumped off. As we walked down a dusty dirt road to the side of the orphanage property we were all quiet. A million things running through our heads but each keeping them inside. We walked along the property to the front of an old two story building. It looked to be maybe an old military building from days gone by. There are also two underground bunkers on the property which each person had a different explanation as to what they are for. We were told the building was only 19 years old…but it was much older. We believe that it may have been converted to an orphanage only 19 years ago….but there is much more history to that building and the property it sits on.

Aleks quickly found his friends as we entered pod 7  where Aleks had lived with his friends. They buzzed with excitement as they reunited but it was clear also that there was some tension with the new “leaders” of the group as the old and respected “leader” entered and took his former position. Once the children left the building on their adventures Ginta brought the Orphanage Director, Inara, to us. We sat at the dinning room table discussing Aleks and answering questions about our previous six weeks together. It was clear, Aleks had played a much different role in the orphanage than he did with us in America. After about 30 minutes together Inara excused herself so she could tend to other issues. Ginta left the room as well to go and get Aleks files. She returned with two binders that contained pages of documents, events, incidents and reports. The wonderful boy with the warrior heart and the tender heart…he had lived a life which very few would understand. My respect for Aleks was taken to a whole new level yesterday. I love my son and ache for his past at a whole new depth…yet I understand his heart. There is no doubt that God has protect Aleks and prepared his path…my prayer is that he will come to understand the depth of Gods love and embrace it with his life. Pray with us…

We left the building Aleks called home…and walked toward our new life together. Each of us longs for the place Aleks now calls home in America! Just 13 more days…and we will be there.

Sunday…a low key day.

Yesterday was Sunday and it was a pretty low key day. There was a small celebration at the promenade where there were several military ships in port which were open to the public. We walked down there after lunch and met up with some of the children from the orphanage too. It was interesting to see the kids when they saw Aleks. The kids were on one of the ships when they saw him and immediately started yelling Losa! Aleks! (Losa is Aleks in Russian) The kids came running off the ship to greet Aleks, then in an instant they were gone, running back on the ship. They all played and teased each other, but there was a clear pecking order among the children. Aleks had been gone for six weeks and others had moved in on his leadership role, but it seemed they expected him to take it back upon his return. Aleks was a bit perplexed trying to balance his new life and his old. The other children clearly look to Aleks for direction…and affirmation. Affirmation is something that I have not seen anyone give to the children….or anyone now that I think of it. It is just not part of the culture. As we talked with the children yesterday and on Friday at the park it is clear that they long for love….for just a kind word of affirmation. A smile is something that is not shared much in this town but it can light the face of a child.Cindy’s pictures at the park show just how beautiful these kids are when they have a smile on their face. I am encouraged that there may be five more children from Aleks’ orphanage who may be going to their “Forever Family” in the coming months…but there are still so many who long for a touch, a smile the security of a forever family. Aleks wants us to take pictures today of his friends and help to find them families too. Once again his leadership qualities are kicking in as he wants to make sure those he cares about are taken care of.

We finished the night at the park and then on the beach watching the sunset. The fear of many is that the sun may be setting on the orphanage as money is running out. Where will the children go then…

A Day in Ventspils, Latvia

Yesterday we had the opportunity to travel about an hour and a half north of Liepaja to a small town called Ventspils. Ginta, one of the caretakers at the orphanage, and one of her friends took us to Ventspils for the town celebration. Each year the town celebrates the anniversary of its founding. Ventspils is 719 years old yesterday! That is nearly impossible for us to comprehend as Americans. The town is a beautiful quaint coastal port town which most of the Swede and Dutch sailors choose to use rather than Liepaja. The homes look to have been kept up for hundreds of years and still carry much of the original architecture and feel. It is also evident each time a family expanded and they added on to their home because the brick or stones vary from the original. Another common thing is that the streets are made with either cobblestone or river stones. Both are very beautiful though I must say I like the river stone streets the best. With years of driving and walking on, they have a polished look which shows the stones character. For the most part it is all granite stone but rounded shapes and sizes.

When we arrived we went to a small home a few blocks from the water where we met an interesting lady who spoke no English nor do I think she understood it either. Through a gate betweens the homes we followed a brick path to the back of the building where we walked into a small garden that contained varied vegetables and flowers. Scattered along the fence and pathway were fruit trees as well. I really wanted to pick the last ripe cherry I saw on the tree…but I didn’t figure that would be too polite. After a few minutes of Latvian conversation we left the home and headed to the promenade along the waterfront, this is where the festivities were taking place. Music, dance, beauty contests, booths with the handiwork of local artisans and food all lines the promenade. Yes, the center of it all was an area with a large crowd…this is where the “strong man” competition was taking place. Aleks and I would have stayed and watched the whole thing but the ladies wanted to keep moving and see the art as well. I have no idea what the food we selected was called but I do know that it was good. We passed on the pig snout and opted for the cooked pork on skewers with potatoes and shredded cabbage. Dill is a favorite herb to cook with here. A flavor which brought back a lot of memories and a taste which I had nearly forgotten. It is used with sour cream to make a cream sauce for potatoes, fish, chicken or whatever else happens to be on your plate.

While in Ventspils we also found another amazing park. This one was filled with families…unlike the park in Liepaja. Granted, it was the weekend but there were families everywhere and smiles on the faces of most of the people. Ventspils seems to be a happy town which is weathering the financial crisis of the country well. They have industry there, and active port as well as both an oil refinery and electric plant. Latvia has also figured out that wind is a viable source of energy. They have huge wind turbines throughout the countryside.

After leaving Ventspils we headed back to Liepaja but made a slight detour into a small fishing village where we had a wonderful meal. Not the quickest service but the food was great. Unfortunately due to the not so quick service, we missed the sunset on the water. Sunset is about 10:00pm and sunrise is about 5:30am right now. If you plan to visit Liepaja, make sure your room has black out curtains or you have one of those classy face masks to cover your eyes.

Finally…Tomorrow is August 4th

Its hard to believe that August 4th is nearly here and we leave for Latvia tomorrow. The time has flown by and its hard to believe that Aleks has been here for nearly six weeks already. He has become such a part of our family that it would be hard to remember what it was like before he arrived. There is plenty of excitement as well as anxiety about leaving tomorrow. Twenty days is a long time. It wouldn’t be so long if Rachel and Kristen were coming with us. Financially it just wasn’t possible this trip…but we have gotten a webcam for the girls and installed Skype on their computers so we can keep in touch every day.

God has continued to show Himself is so many ways over the past few weeks. Ways of the heart in our home as Aleks has opened and shared his heart and we have opened our heart to him. Our hearts have melded together so strongly as a family and not just a group of individuals in a home together. We have shared joy and laugher, tears and pain…but each one has brought us closer together. Have there been challenges…sure, but again each challenge has brought us closer on the other side. Here are a couple of things where God left His fingerprints even yesterday:

Over the last two months our plans have been to fly to Riga at the same time as the NHFC Hosting kids, but we would not be on the same flight as the children. Our flight lands about an hour and a half after the kids. Because of this, we were not going to be able to have Aleks stay with is in Riga our first night in Latvia. They were going to send him back to the orphanage with the other kids for the first night and we would then see him the next day at the orphan court. This has been a tough thing to accept and has been a point of apprehension for everyone. Well…yesterday morning I received an e-mail from Daina, our Latvian attorney, and she said she had received permission to keep Aleks with her at the airport until we arrived and he could stay with us in our hotel the that first night!!!

Just over a week ago we were still way short of what funds we needed to travel. God spoke through the message that Sunday to say…just trust me. He reminded me that He is Jehovah Jirah, and I declared it. That evening we were handed a card which contained a check which covered 75% of our shortfall! WOW! God has continued to provide over the past week and we have what we need for this trip.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support! Thank you for following our story and walking this journey with us.

As You Pray

As you pray today would you please take these too before the Father?

• Pray for God’s continued provision. We still need an additional $4,000 before the end of business on Monday August 3rd.
• Pray that Aleks would understand that we are flying on another plane but at the same time as Aleks. We were not able to get on the same plane and will be landing about an hour behind him. Most likely he will be gone from the airport by the time we make it through Customs in Riga.
• Pray that Aleks would understand and trust that we will see him the very next day after we land. Thursday August 6th is our first court date and we will be reunited with him then. It is also Cindy’s birthday that day.
• Pray for Kristen and Rachel while we are gone…safety and comfort. This will be the longest we have ever been apart. I hope to get a webcam for them and have Skype installed on their computer so we can talk while we are gone.
• Safety and health during our travels.
• Pray that we would find favor in the eyes of the officials and court personnel who will be reviewing and hearing our petition for adoption. A quick and smooth process!

This entire process from February till now has gone incredibly smooth, why should we expect HIM to change that direction now? Thank you to each one of you who is standing with us or walking this journey with us. Your prayers, support and words of encouragement are appreciated more than you will ever know.

We will be gone August 4th through August 24th…your daily prayers during this time would be appreciated.

Random Thoughts from Aleks

Our time together with the kids before bed is a time I look forward to each night. After we all gather together and talk –n- laugh about the day we pray together. After that we spend a few minutes with each of the kids…but Aleks likes to talk at this time. It has become somewhat of an expectation that both Cindy and I will spend time laying in bed with Aleks just talking about random things that he wants to talk about. It’s a time of openness and honesty that has sprouted and grown over the last three weeks.

A couple of nights ago Aleks wanted to make sure that Kristen and Rachel were making the trip to Latvia with us. When I told him that they were not traveling with us he immediately wanted to know why. He understood that it is very expensive for us all to travel to Latvia but he said “whole family go together to Liepaja together”. Wow…he is seeing us as a family. After he found out the girls are not traveling with us Aleks decided that he wanted to stay here in America too. He said that Cindy and I can go to Latvia and he will wait here. The next night I had to explain that we need him to go with us to take care of us and show us around Liepaja. I also explained that the court will want to talk to him and ask him questions about why he wants to come to America. Aleks was quick to respond that “I like America, I like my room, I like my home, I like my family (YEA!), I like my sisters, I like both my little sister and my big sister. He also said that Cindy and I are “good people” and he wants to stay here.

Other topics recently have been Aleks mother, father, grandmother, school in Latvia. He has also talked about his “stupid” friends in Latvia who do not want to come to America. “They don’t know how good home is”….wow…how much truth is in that for all of us! Too many times we stay and hide in our corner of comfort because we have no clue how good home can be outside of where we are stuck.

Please pray with us that God would continue to open our hearts to one another. As Aleks learns to trust us he learns our heart is filled with unconditional love for him….hmmm…sounds like another Father I know.

Overdue Update

The last two weeks have been incredible. What was “two steps forward and one step back” has become more like three or four or five steps forward and one step back. Watching our family bond together has been wonderful. Aleks is now calling the girls his sisters and says he likes his “little sister” and his “big sister”. He now refers to us as a “family”. There have been so many nights that I want to write about the progress and events of the day…but I have been exhausted. As I fall asleep I think about all of the things I want to share with you.

It has been three full weeks that Aleks has been here…and three weeks from today we will be standing before the court in Latvia presenting our petition for adoption. Over the past three weeks we have seen an excited, high energy yet a bit apprehensive and scared little boy transition and take on a role as part of our family. Brother…he is quite good at this and enjoys it. He is an accomplished teaser and picker. He has learned the girls buttons to push and the order to push them. He loves to have fun with them. Aleks is also quick to protect the girls. His thoughtfulness and tender heart is balanced with the heart of a warrior who is quick to protect when there is a perceived threat yet tender hearted when someone has been hurt. This same heart has extended to Cindy as well. She has become “mom” much of the time. He loves to spend time with her at the end of the day. He is tender and respectful around her…(most of the time). Alex looks for our acceptance and approval. Acceptance is unconditional no matter what…approval is lavishly given when earned and appropriate. His attitude is changing daily as he sees that we love him no matter what…unconditional love has also confused him at times as well. In the end…love has won every time. We love being together. I love to see what Aleks brings out in each one of us.

Yes, we have had challenges. Battles of the will. Testing of the limits and boundaries. Once again consistency of position and rules balanced with unconditional love…this has been the winning combination.

To those of you who are reading this…thank you for caring and following this journey with us.

Today is July 4th…

It’s been over a week since my last post and so much has happened. I miss sitting here in my quiet spot with a cup of coffee and just time to think and pray. It’s nobody’s fault but mine that this seat has been empty. Our home is different, now changed forever. In a way that that only God can do, the love in our house has been multiplied.

Aleks has become so much a part of our family in just a few short days. Its hard to believe that we just met each other face to face for the first time only 10 days ago. Yet these past 10 days have gone by so fast. The way that each family member interacts has changed, and I would say for the better. Aleks looks to both Kristen and Rachel not just for fun and laughter, but for acceptance which he finds each time he looks. The girls love him in a way that has surprised them and a way that they don’t really understand. All three I find are looking out for each other and they love to be together. When one is missing it shows in the other two. Each also has their boundaries which the others respect. Our family routine has quickly morphed to include one more. Our family time together each night before bed is an expectation and Aleks looks forward to that as well.

Yesterday we had to fill out a “progress report” for the hosting program. The gist of one of the questions was how would you describe Aleks’ personality. That  one is pretty easy: he is strong willed with a tender heart. How could you ask for anything better. The opportunity to mold and guide him through life is incredible. He has the strength to stand strong in his beliefs yet has such a tender heart and compassion for others. He is much like the son of some great friends. (Blake meet Aleks…your soul brother) Aleks wants to do what is right, but on his terms. He wants to be the one leading out in what is right, not necessarily being told what is the wise choice. He is quick to share whatever he has with others. His generous heart abounds. Friends, God has placed the makings of a great leader within this young boy. A boy with a warrior heart that seeks adventure and justice but is tempered with compassion and grace. Please continue to pray for him as he comes to know the God who has made his heart and that he has the courage to pursue the passions that God has placed within him.

In short, our journey continues to be great! Aleks, Kristen and Rachel have been incredible. There is still fear of the unknown ahead. The fear of leaving the familiar and trading it all for a new life. Just one month from today we (Aleks, Cindy and I) will be leaving to head back to Latvia for our first court hearing. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We still need about 5k before we leave for Latvia. We have our tickets and a portion of our funds. We still have lodging, food, transportation, translation fees and visas to cover.

Once again, thank you! May God bless you as He has blessed us.

Life is Good…and God is Incredible!

The last few weeks have been emotional overload. Overload to the point it has been difficult to sort through my thoughts without just on purpose taking time to get away…which I have not done. Each member of our family and so many friends have worked hard to prepare for today. Last night at 11:30pm, Terminal T at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Aleks arrived! Wow, the gamut of emotions, questions and excitement as we waited for Aleks to appear walking down that hall from the terminal. The day is here…he is here! The day we have long awaited for. As we hugged and greeted Aleks it was almost surreal yet such peace…he’s really here. Just a few hours earlier we were able to welcome Matt & Christy Brogden home with their new daughter, Charis, from China. What an incredible joy, yet only to continue with the welcoming of Aleks.

As we made out way out of the airport, Aleks was ready to go! He walks as fast as I do which made it difficult for Cindy and Nana to keep up.The car ride home was a bit more quiet since everyone was exhausted but it was also a time of checking each other out and trying to figure out what the other was thinking. Awkward but funny within a moment. Once we got home we showed Aleks around the house and his room to familiarize him with everything. We went through our normal routine of praying together as a family before the girls headed off to bed. Cindy, Aleks and I spent another hour sitting in his room chatting and beginning to communicate. He wanted to check everything out and play with as much as he could. When it was time for laying down in bed, Chip our Dachshund became Aleks best friend. This gave Chip the access to sleep with Aleks and the two quickly fell asleep together.

Today was incredible. We played together. Went to Chick-fil-a together (his favorite place to eat), went shopping together (for clothes and shoes that fit), rode bikes, played soccer, played basketball, had a huge water fight, met new friends and family. Today was great as we just laughed, talked, sang and played together. Yes, Aleks has an abundance of energy! But it needs to also be noted that Aleks has very good English skills. He understands most everything…and can say nearly as much (if he chooses to). As we tucked each of the kids in tonight it was evident that each was happy and truly excited about our new family structure. Aleks was the last one we tucked into bed and once again we spent more time just talking about the day. We were both honest that we were a little scared of the unknown since we didn’t really know each other until last night. What would the other think…would he/they like me? This all got washed away when I told Aleks that I love him…a huge smile broke across his face and he answered…”yes”.

Good-night…

17 Days and Counting…

It’s only 17 days until Aleks arrives in America. The past week has been filled with exciting news and information. Our summer plans and adoption plans are beginning to solidify. Here is the latest:

• We have our official invitation to travel to Latvia to meet Aleks and present our petition of adoption to the court. (More details to follow)
• Aleks will arrive on the 24th of this month with the New Horizons for Children hosting program. They will be here in America for nearly six weeks and staying with us, leaving August 4th.
• We will be leaving for Latvia with Aleks on the 4th…arriving in Latvia on the 5th. (Pray for our travel arraignments – we are trying to book flights to leave with the NHFC kids)
• We have our first court appearance on Thursday August 6th! We will be staying with Aleks in Liepaja, during which time we will be visited several times by a Latvian social worker to monitor our bonding process. (Should be fun since we have already had a six week head start)
• We will have a second court appearance on Thursday August 20th…then we go to the US Embassy for an appointment to get Aleks visa.
• On Friday August 21st we will return to the US Embassy to pick up Aleks’ visa paperwork….and then we are free to return to America with Aleks!

So for now I am just getting the list of ALL that Cindy wants me to finish before Aleks arrives in just a few short days. Yes, we have a lot to accomplish, but we also have a LOT of fun ahead of us.

For those who have contributed to our adoption fund and helped to stock Aleks’ closet and dresser….THANK YOU! We appreciate each and every one of you.

Another Step Closer

Today I received the following:

Please find in the enclosure the allowance to get personally acquainted with a child for TUTTLE family.

In accordance with the article 47 of the regulations No.111 of the Cabinet of Ministers of 11^th of March, 2003 “The Procedure of Adoption” the Ministry for Children, Family and Integration Affairs issues a warrant to the adopters – citizens of the United States of America Kevin Scott TUTTLE, and Cindy Denise TUTTLE,  by presenting their documents of personal identification, to get personally acquainted with adoptable child ALEKSEJS JURČENKO.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! God is amazing!

Now please pray with us as we need to raise 10k for this next phase in our journey. For those who have prayed and given already…THANK YOU! For those who would like to help be a part of this journey, please contact either Cindy or myself directly.