Yep, Christmas is tomorrow morning. The kids are EXCITED, to say the least!
We will take many photos and post some after Christmas.
Since we arrived from Ukraine, the kids have done odd jobs for friends and earned some spending money. They had us take them to the "magazine" (store) to buy gifts. They had so much fun buying gifts for each other and others in their new family.
Tonight, we went to Christmas Eve service at church and had 10 or 12 extra friends and family over for supper. It was a nice service and evening with the family and friends. The kids are in bed now and I don't know how much sleep they will get tonight!
Well, I will get a post as soon after Christmas as possible, complete with pictures.
Until then, the Ellisor family wishes all who visit this blog a very Merry Christmas.
Remember Who we worship on this day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!!
Steve and Carol
Open Arms
...caring for orphans and adoptive families...
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
a few photos
ON THE STEPS OF THE STATEHOUSE
THE COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART
RUNNING DOWN THE STEPS OF THE STATEHOUSE (DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA)
HANGING OUT IN GRANDMA'S
MATTHEW AND BECKY GET MARRIED
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The "typical" day
Hi there, everyone!! I know it has been a long time since our last post but here we are. We've been home for 5 weeks and all are adjusting pretty well with a few hiccups along the way. The children are being schooled, they are playing soccer, basketball, and riding their bicycles (our thanks to Keith and Randy). Pasha is playing French Horn with the Ben Lippen High School band. Lots of new and "new" clothes (thanks to Lyudmyla, Candy, Kathy, Pat, Jenny and others).
The children have settled into the daily routine of waking, dressing, breakfast, chores and school in the morning. Moving on to lunch, PE-in-the-Park, play time, music lessons, errands and chores in the afternoon. Then it's Dad getting home from work, suppertime, more play time and getting ready for bed in the evening. Throw in bible reading, prayer time, making the beds, showers, getting dirty clothes to the laundry room and maybe some TV or a movie here and there, you have our "typical" day... and don't forget going to church on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Pasha had his 14th birthday Nov. 12th. Another son, Matthew married his longtime sweetie, Rebekah Shrum yesterday, the 21st. We are getting ready for Thanksgiving and Grandma Polly's birthday this week and Andrei's birthday on the 6th of December. Now just to add to the excitement of the holidays, our son JD announced that he and his girlfriend Margaret (Meg) are engaged and plan to be married in late December. Our daughter, Rebekah, and her husband, Tim, are expecting their third child the end of December or the first of January. Don't know what we are going to do if life gets any busier!
I will get Carol to add some pictures soon because I don't know how. Besides, she picks out better pictures.
Please keep all of us in your prayers.
Until next time,
Steve
The children have settled into the daily routine of waking, dressing, breakfast, chores and school in the morning. Moving on to lunch, PE-in-the-Park, play time, music lessons, errands and chores in the afternoon. Then it's Dad getting home from work, suppertime, more play time and getting ready for bed in the evening. Throw in bible reading, prayer time, making the beds, showers, getting dirty clothes to the laundry room and maybe some TV or a movie here and there, you have our "typical" day... and don't forget going to church on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Pasha had his 14th birthday Nov. 12th. Another son, Matthew married his longtime sweetie, Rebekah Shrum yesterday, the 21st. We are getting ready for Thanksgiving and Grandma Polly's birthday this week and Andrei's birthday on the 6th of December. Now just to add to the excitement of the holidays, our son JD announced that he and his girlfriend Margaret (Meg) are engaged and plan to be married in late December. Our daughter, Rebekah, and her husband, Tim, are expecting their third child the end of December or the first of January. Don't know what we are going to do if life gets any busier!
I will get Carol to add some pictures soon because I don't know how. Besides, she picks out better pictures.
Please keep all of us in your prayers.
Until next time,
Steve
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Settling In
We've been home a week now and are finally back on the current time zone! that took a few days longer than we anticipated.
The kids are enjoying all the new sights and sounds. Several people gave us bags of clothing to go through, but most of it was way to big so last week we made a trip to Old Navy. Each of the children have a new pair of jeans and a couple of long sleeve shirts. It's a nice start and they were thrilled to shop.
A lot of our time this week was spent visiting with family and friends and just hanging out. Over the weekend our close friends the Clinebelle's invited us out for a cookout complete with S'mores. On Sunday we went to church and introduced them to a lot of people. The attention was a little overwhelming, but they were all troopers. The Pastor's daughters made each of the kids a blanket. That was such a special surprise for the kids. They were a little shy to receive the gift, but have sure enjoyed them these last few chilly mornings.
Monday we started school lessons, with lots of English practice and math drills. We attended "PE in the park" too. The boys were particularly excited to meet some kids and have a chance to play soccer. Each of them are so positive about their schoolwork and all the English practice. They all have sweet spirits and a quick wit. We've had a lot of fun learning and laughing.
We all miss Odessa and our friends there, but for this time, we are thankful to be home. Below are some photos of the kids here at home.
Thank You all for your prayers and support. We couldn't have made it this far without you. Hope you have a wonderful week.
Praising Him,
Steve and Carol
BACK YARD COOKOUT AT THE CLINEBELLE'S HOUSE
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MATTHEW AND PASHA IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH
NEW BLANKETS
MEETING UNCLE DOUG
LYONYA ON THE STAIRS
SCHOOL WORK
GALIA LIKES WORD PUZZLES
PLAYING WITH JOSIAH AND SAMUEL
ANDREI ON THE TRICYCLE
The kids are enjoying all the new sights and sounds. Several people gave us bags of clothing to go through, but most of it was way to big so last week we made a trip to Old Navy. Each of the children have a new pair of jeans and a couple of long sleeve shirts. It's a nice start and they were thrilled to shop.
A lot of our time this week was spent visiting with family and friends and just hanging out. Over the weekend our close friends the Clinebelle's invited us out for a cookout complete with S'mores. On Sunday we went to church and introduced them to a lot of people. The attention was a little overwhelming, but they were all troopers. The Pastor's daughters made each of the kids a blanket. That was such a special surprise for the kids. They were a little shy to receive the gift, but have sure enjoyed them these last few chilly mornings.
Monday we started school lessons, with lots of English practice and math drills. We attended "PE in the park" too. The boys were particularly excited to meet some kids and have a chance to play soccer. Each of them are so positive about their schoolwork and all the English practice. They all have sweet spirits and a quick wit. We've had a lot of fun learning and laughing.
We all miss Odessa and our friends there, but for this time, we are thankful to be home. Below are some photos of the kids here at home.
Thank You all for your prayers and support. We couldn't have made it this far without you. Hope you have a wonderful week.
Praising Him,
Steve and Carol
BACK YARD COOKOUT AT THE CLINEBELLE'S HOUSE
.jpg)
MATTHEW AND PASHA IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH
NEW BLANKETS
MEETING UNCLE DOUG
LYONYA ON THE STAIRS
SCHOOL WORK
GALIA LIKES WORD PUZZLES
PLAYING WITH JOSIAH AND SAMUEL
ANDREI ON THE TRICYCLE
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!
We are home. We are home with 4 more blessings around the table.
Our flights went well and we are so thankful. (just a little motion sickness for Andrei)Our final flight was slightly delayed, but we still had a crowd waiting for us at the airport. Samuel(4) and Josiah(1.5) came running toward us screaming Papa, Papa, Papa.
The kids had a great day meeting their new siblings and family members. We are exhausted and going to bed now. We will try to update with photos and comments tomorrow.
Good night!
Our flights went well and we are so thankful. (just a little motion sickness for Andrei)Our final flight was slightly delayed, but we still had a crowd waiting for us at the airport. Samuel(4) and Josiah(1.5) came running toward us screaming Papa, Papa, Papa.
The kids had a great day meeting their new siblings and family members. We are exhausted and going to bed now. We will try to update with photos and comments tomorrow.
Good night!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
FINAL DAYS IN KIEV
Yesterday was like coming full circle as far as divine appointments go. You may remember one of our very first post mentioned a dear lady named Esther. We had hoped we could see her again while we were here in Kiev, but we weren't sure how to contact her now that we are staying a a different place and she is probably not working at the church on the weekend. God knew our desire and that was where we left it.
Friday, our close friend, Cameron, emailed us that a mutual friend, Chad Smith,who lives near Columbia with his family, was in Kiev for a conference this week. We emailed him and asked if he would be available to connect for lunch on Saturday. He was.
Chad and his friend Rustam came to our apartment and visited for most of the afternoon. We caught up on where we all are in life now and some of what the Lord is doing in this region. As the conversation continued we told them where we had stayed when we first came to Kiev back in August. Rustam grew up in that church and, even though he no longer attends there, is friends with Esther. We now had a contact to send a goodbye note to her. We were so excited. Rustam said he had asked the Lord that morning to use him in some way....He did.
Today is Sunday. Andrei was packed and ready to go by 10am. We don't leave until 3:30 am tomorrow morning. He wanted to be ready! We are going for a short walk around the city and then catching up with Natalia to say goodbye to her. May God bless her beyond her belief for her ministry to us. Our next post should be in Columbia. See you all there.
Blessings,
Carol and Steve
Friday, our close friend, Cameron, emailed us that a mutual friend, Chad Smith,who lives near Columbia with his family, was in Kiev for a conference this week. We emailed him and asked if he would be available to connect for lunch on Saturday. He was.
Chad and his friend Rustam came to our apartment and visited for most of the afternoon. We caught up on where we all are in life now and some of what the Lord is doing in this region. As the conversation continued we told them where we had stayed when we first came to Kiev back in August. Rustam grew up in that church and, even though he no longer attends there, is friends with Esther. We now had a contact to send a goodbye note to her. We were so excited. Rustam said he had asked the Lord that morning to use him in some way....He did.
Today is Sunday. Andrei was packed and ready to go by 10am. We don't leave until 3:30 am tomorrow morning. He wanted to be ready! We are going for a short walk around the city and then catching up with Natalia to say goodbye to her. May God bless her beyond her belief for her ministry to us. Our next post should be in Columbia. See you all there.
Blessings,
Carol and Steve
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