First Week of School 2012

First Week of School 2012
First Week of School 2012

Friday, October 1, 2010

Hello Again...


Fawn-doe-rosa for Alesia's Birthday.


James/Andri Football, Chris is coaching.

Go Andri & James!


We toured a unique sculpture park as well. Andri did the photos here.


Andri & Lexi the lynx. Go Sophia soccer girl! (in Blue)


Well, as per the last blog, no one stayed overnight at the hospital and if you have further questions, ask Katya, and let her know how much you care.

I've decided to lighten up a little (and no that doesn't mean smoking, but I can understand why some might need a fix here and there!).

My dad has been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, and that could really get us down (and does sometimes), but he loves the Lord, and he is a respectful, strong fighter, and Mom & Dad love each other a lot, and really, looking at their love for each other, and remembering all the good things, there is a lot to be thankful for despite this. Dad is responding well to treatment so far, but it's only treatment they say, not a cure, so we're cherishing our moments with him.

Top 10 things I'm glad we did before adopting:

1) Didn't read all the stories of past adoptions that could have left us changing our minds, but rather just plunged right in to our own host of experiences!!!

2) Didn't listen to all the horror stories our social worker told us, nor let them split up our 4 siblings, so that we could have our own stories to tell, and pray that someday our 4 will love that they could stay together.

3) Walked our dog daily so Alesia could get a little in shape for walking in Kiev.

4) Didn't get a degree in Psychology, or I would be literally going crazy right now (instead of almost going crazy).

5) Learned a little Russian so that I could tell when the kids are speaking Slava Ploho (bad words).

6) Called the orphanage often to let them know we were coming so that I could be fully "in love" and "attached" to them to offset the desire to detach at times once at home!

7) Cleaned out our last room in the house, the laundry room, so we could lock the cats in away from the rest of the house for 90% of the time. I didn't have the heart to get rid of them.

8)Gave up trying to have a perfect home, as it will never happen with 9 of us here!!!

9) Homeschooled our 3 so that I could get an interesting comparison of the school system vs. homeschool. I think there are positives to both (if I look hard enough!).

I am proud of Katya for surviving her first month of school (and we hear interesting non-academic lessons as well), and the grade school offers Andri and Natasha a balanced education. I think Sophia is enjoying homeschool, but is interested in public as well, and I think Jaclyn, Jonathan, and James have a deeper appreciation for homeschooling this year.

10) Trusting Jesus as our Lord & Savior. He's the only one who could give us the strength to make it through the daily schedule, the peace to sleep at night, and the sense of humor to keep us plugging despite setbacks.

May your day be filled with HIS love and strength. You can trust him, he never lies.

Love Alesia & Chris

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December 2011 Haak Family

December 2011 Haak Family
December 2011 Haak Family

Pray for those who persecute you....

Matt 5:11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven...."

Matt 5:44" But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of the Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.


Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.....

Phil 4:5-9 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.


2nd Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

We adopted 4 older siblings from Ukraine in 2010 and hope we can help.

We will share what we learn and help you when we can. There are great supports here on this page. Sometimes it's one day, moment and breath at a time. And you're not alone. Love, Alesia & Chris