Home Sweet Home-Beresford SD

Sam, Teresa, and Genti arrived home late Tuesday, August 23, to a sobbing family.  As we walked down to corridor and saw our family waiting, Etta, Nicholas and Gillian started sobbing because they were so glad to have Mom and Sam home but especially to finally meet Genti.  Genti did surprisingly well with all the commotion.  He even smiled a little in spite of being exhausted from the journey. We have been a family under one roof for one week and all is well.  Genti seems to be himself and quite enjoying his new home and family.  Today, the living room was filled with baby dolls and "house" stuff while all played "house"  Genti was right in the middle of it all, caring for his baby and taking it for a walk in his stroller.  We are beginning!

Still in Albania

Due to the passport taking an extraordinary (even for Albania) time to be completed, Teresa, Sam and Genti are still in Albania.  The passport did get completed and picked up Thursday morning but not in time to complete the visa for an early morning Friday flight. We did get to the US Embassy Friday afternoon to complete the visa so it can be picked up on Monday, so we are told.  We are rescheduled to fly home Tuesday, God willing.  It has been an extremely long week in Albania for the three of us.

We are trying to get out and see more of this beautiful country before we leave to help us pass the time. We went to Petrela Castle just outside of Tirana.  We can see the castle from the BATI where we are staying so it was fun and interesting to actually visit it.  The drive was scenic with extremely winding roads.  One can drive into the little village right up to the base of the stairs leading up to the castle. There are many, many, many old rock stairs; Gent walked up himself, with a little coaxing now and then.  There is a restaurant in the ruins of the castle so we all had a soda at the tip-top looking out over the mountains and valleys. Can't describe easily how interesting it was to be in that place where someone had actually lived and tried to be protected from their enemies.  (We have no pictures as we don't have the cord to get them from the camera to the computer.  I am sure they sell one in Albania but I'd have no idea how to find out where.)  We will have Genti's going away party for the children at the orphanage tomorrow morning.  Tomorrow night we will be able to attend church again and bring Genti with us (very likely his first time to attend a worship service for our Lord). Sunday we hope to go to a pool in Tirana that has really high platforms to jump off.  That will be Sam's mission; Genti and Teresa will just watch and take pictures. 

We hope the time passes quickly as we are missing home and all our loved ones in America.  Genti seems to be ready, too, as he asks very often in his own unique speaking/gestures if he is going to have to say goodbye and go back to Rozafa House.  We reassure him that he is going home to America to live with Bobby (Dad), Mommy, Sam and his family.  He is then all smiles.

First and Last

We spent our first and last weekend in Albania having lots of fun with Genti.  Saturday morning we all rode the bus into Tirana and shopped.  We amazingly found the large open-air market that Garet and Teresa visited on their first trip. All of these experiences are new to Genti even though he has lived in Albania all his life.  He is curious about the different shops, doors, vendors, cars, ...and wants to touch it all.  Since he likes to be carried, we carried him a lot just to keep him from grabbing at everything in reach. Tiring but still it was a fun morning.  We ate lunch at "Big Bite", big brother Sam enjoyed his, little brother Genti ate very little.

Saturday night we (just Teresa and Sam) went to the Disciples of Jesus Church again.  The message was great as it was God's Word preached and His Spirit that taught us.  The message is interpreted into English although the rest of the worship is in Albanian.  Afterwards we ate atop the Sky Tower with a beautiful view of Tirana.

Sundays here always feel odd as we have already been to church the previous night and life doesn't change.  It is just another day in Albania so it feels more difficult to celebrate it.  We spent time on the Bethany Albania grounds playing.  Genti spent his first full day with us, including meals and sleeping.  We thank God that  he ate well and went to sleep easily and seemingly without anxiety.

We would appreciate prayers that the passport would indeed be completed tomorrow so the visa appointments can be kept.  We are scheduled to leave Friday morning and we are looking forward to a full week with appointments and Genti's going-away party for the kids at the orphanage.

Back in Albania

Sam and Teresa arrived safely in Albania late Wednesday night after touring both Chicago and Munich on the way.  With lengthy layovers, it was very fun and interesting to get out of the airport for a few hours.  We were a little leery of venturing into Germany via train and assuming we would find our way back on time but God was faithful to guide us!  We can always ask Him directions with no language barriers.

We slept in on Thursday but spent the afternoon with Genti.  He literally jumped into Teresa’s arms when he saw us.  He was thrilled we were back, however, all the children were asking about their beloved Bobby Genti (Garet).  We spent the afternoon getting reacquainted and taking a walk to our favorite pasticeria (bakery).  Sam agreed that this could be a daily outing, as he loved the special treats! Sam and Teresa also walked into old Sauk Village to get groceries. 

Sam has seen much in a few days!  He’s taken lots of pictures and it is his sincere hope to capture one of the many little lizards that sun themselves during the day.  He wondered about how one might get one safely home on a plane, speaking hypothetically, of course.  What’s the problem with one more pet at the Wyatt house!! 

We have not started to keep Genti with us full-time (overnights, all meals, etc.) but plan to do so starting Sunday.  He is such a fun little guy that we are looking so forward to getting him home and beginning as a family together!

Back to Albania

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Teresa and Sam (our 16 year old son) are in Tirana, Albania at the Bethany orphanage to pick up Genti.  They made it safetly on Wednesday and slept in on Thursday.  Teresa said she had a wonderful reunion with Genti and he took very quickly to Sam.  I (Garet) was sad when I heard that the other orphans in Albania were asking about "Bobbi Genti" (that was their nickname for me). 
Today the plan was to transfer custody of Genti from the orphanage to Teresa.  That would allow Teresa and Sam to take Genti anywhere.  It would also mean he would stay with Teresa at night, too. 
I haven't had much other contact except to read that Sam is enjoying is time "hanging out" in another culture.  He was writing about a late-night party he could hear off in the distance.  He was enjoying listening to the music.  He's also having fun catching the little lizards!

Garet

Decree Signed!

The adoption court decree was in fact signed today so Teresa and Sam will be heading to Albania on Tuesday for what is hoped to be only a ten day visit, with Genti finally coming home! Yippee~we are grateful to our heavenly Father who is taking care of all of us.

Unexpected Delays

Our decree from the court is still being processed but, good news, the judge should sign it this tomorrow!  We did change our return flights so Samuel and Teresa will be returning to Albania August 9.  In the meantime, we do get to be home to celebrate one of our daughter's birthday and continue to prepare for Genti's homecoming as well as school in the fall. This is a good time for us to trust God whose ways are higher than ours and is sovereign over all!

Court Decree

We are still waiting for the court decree to be completed and signed.  This is the first step in the final process to get Genti home and is necessary before we can proceed further.  Since the courts in Albania are closed for the month of August, we would appreciate your prayers that this decree would be signed this week so we don't have to wait until September to get our son home. We know with God all things are possible so are trusting in Him to complete this process.

Three Weeks at Home

We arrived home on July 8 to many hugs and no luggage (all was lost en route).  Fortunately, both bags were delivered (with gifts inside) the next day.  The kids were glad we were home and glad their gifts weren't lost forever.  The first two weeks have gone by fast and it is time again to prepare for our return visit to Albania on July 30. After prayful consideration, it will be Teresa and our second oldest son, Samuel, who will be returning.
We will be busy this week with VBS, painting Genti and Nicholas' bedroom, planning a going away party for the kids in Albania, and preparing our children here for another time of separation. We are all looking forward to this being our last visit to Albania for this year and very much looking forward to getting Genti home so we can begin to live as a family under the same roof!  We would greatly appreciate your prayers that all would go well with all that is to come, beginning with the signing of the adoption decree this week!  We will write again once we are in beautiful Albania.

Preparing For Home

In our final few days here in Albania, we were not only slowly packing up but we took Genti to a few more tourist locations, the first being a carnival called "the Seven Dwarfs" as it had a Albanian Disney theme.  Initially, Genti was curious about the rides but not interested in getting on one.  There was a trampoline so we decided to force the issue as we have a tramp at home that we hope he will eventually enjoy.  As I took his shoes off, he screamed and protested.  I tried to reassure him in English (not very effective).  I held him for the first jumps and eventually he was squealing with delight as he jumped alone.  Trying to get him to leave when the time ran out was almost as difficult as it was trying to get him on!  Eventually he rode several different rides, enjoying every minute.  Hie favorite seemed to be the bumper cars.

Yesterday, we drove out to the airport.  Although we didn't see but one plane, he was comfortable in the environment and loved the electronic sliding glass doors.  He didn't seem to care much about the plane that landed but it may have been too far away to have been easy to pay attention to.  Nonetheless, we are excited for him to come home with us in a few weeks and not anxious about his reactions to new places anymore.  Praise the Lord for all the work He has done to get us this far!

Tomorrow we will have to say goodbye to Genti for a few weeks and fly home to the rest of our children.  It is bittersweet!

Finally, the Fourth!

Today we had our final court appearance and it is also our final week in Albania.  As much as we are looking forward to seeing our children in South Dakota, we are sad to know we have to try to explain to Genti how much we care about him and that we have to be gone a short time before we can return to keep him with us forever.

Our court appearance was unremarkable: official people, official documents, and an interpreter.  In fifteen days (Albania’s legally mandated period after any court decision during which anyone may appeal the decision), Genti will legally be our child.  As we prayed before the court appearance today, we were reminded not to just utter a sigh of relief when all has gone well, but instead to praise and thank our heavenly Father!  All our prayers for our family (including our newest son) He has so graciously and mercifully answered and to Him be all the glory!

Although we are thinking of our SD home, we are still sight seeing with Genti in Albania.  We regularly walk to our favorite bakery for treats. (Dad and Genti get akullore/ice cream while Mom tries a new bakery treat each visit.) Yesterday we walked to a nearby park that is a national memorial as well.  A large statue of “Mother Albania” is central with beautiful landscaping and walkways all around.  We were surprised that the park usually has locked gates. (We slipped in between broken fence and hiked up a dirt path to get to the area, the way most Albanians enter as well.)  We learned it is kept locked up in order to minimize vandalism. We are planning a few more outings into Tirana with Genti before our departure on Friday.

 Teresa is in front of the Tirana skyline 

Mother Albania looks over Genti 

Teresa, Genti & Garet visit the Mother Albania park

When we are not out sight seeing we spend our time in the BATI, the dormitory style building next to Genti’s group home that we call home in Albania.  The other children are always curious about where Genti goes and what we do so we had them all come for a visit one morning.  After putting away all breakables and electronics, it was a mini-free-for-all.  The kids checked out all the toys, rode Genti’s bicycle, colored, and eventually had a snack.  Teresa was able to share American coffee with the two staff and visit, as both knew a little English. (Most coffee in Albania is Turkish coffee, very different but Teresa likes it.)  We all had fun and made a mess.  The children are adorable, well cared for physically, but each are in need of a family!

Genti welcomes his friends to the BATI

 "Fred" (not his real name) reads to "Fred" (not her real name)

 Fred & Fred ride Genti's bicycle (not their real names - but it is really a bicycle)

We hope all in America enjoyed the July 4^th celebration.  We looked at the US Embassy website last Friday to see if there would be any type of celebration and realized they had already done it Thursday night, June 30!! Drats!  (Garet thinks it's ridiculous to celebrate the "4th of July" on June 30th - Teresa respectfully disagrees with him) Happy Fourth of July anyway!!

 

Jesuzi Shpeon!

Jesus saves.  He saves the same in Haiti, India, America, Albania and to the ends of the earth the same way, by grace through faith.  Although we have seen God at work throughout our adoption journey, especially during our time here in Albania, it is so beautiful to be reminded that God (Zoti) is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow,… everywhere!   

We have been attending the church where the Bethany houseparents worship, Disciples of Jesus Church, that meets in the Campus Crusade for Christ building in Tirana.  We met a couple, Keli and Xheve, who work with youth.  They invited us to come to one of their youth activities, and we were finally able to go tonight with Genti.  They were so kind as to walk to Bethany to meet us and walk us back to where they meet in Sauk village.

There were 9 children at their event. It was the last event of the school year so it was a mini-celebration of all they had been learning.  The kids were so welcoming to us and Genti. We realized it was the first time Genti had ever been to a youth event with peers.  He was curious and tried to participate. The kids studied John this year, learning verses, and playing games.  They were all having fun and glad to be there. Please pray for these two faithful servants of our Lord who are serving in full time ministry here with support for only one.  They are trusting a faithful God for all they need to proclaim His name.

To join in worship of our God by singing in Albanian, to hear the Word preached in Albanian, to participate in prayers spoken by children in Albanian, has been such a joy! To God be the Glory! 

 "Jesus loves you" - a child's craft at the entrance to the children's worship center in Sauk.

 The children dig into some snacks after receiving their awards.

 The leaders of the children's ministry in Sauk:  Keli and Xheve

Genti & Teresa walking the streets of Sauk (a suburb of Tirana)

HOT

Just to let you know... it is currently 36 degrees hotter in Tirana than it is in Beresford. 
We haven't worn jeans since we got off the plane!
It's supposed to be even hotter in August when we return for the 2nd trip.

Progress!

We continue to spend most of our days together with just Genti. (In the beginning, he’d often feel most comfortable having a playmate come along.) We thank God for all the progress we see Genti making, progress that at first we didn’t even realize he’d need to make.  He played an entire game of modified UNO with Teresa and although he knows colors, he tries to say them in English as we play.  On the surface this may seem like no big deal but turn-taking, attending for an extended period of time, looking at the colors, trying to speak, trying to speak in English, … all is wonderful to see.  He is also enjoying taking walks outside the Bethany campus and will even walk part of the time himself.  (Previously he only wanted us to carry him.) We are taking him into a new building on each outing and although still wary of entering new buildings, today he walked through the grocery store with us in Sauk Village!

We have also made progress in the legal process of getting Genti home.  We had our preliminary hearing Wednesday and all went wonderfully!  The judge was very gracious and was excited for the opportunity for Genti.  She even waived the need for a psychological evaluation to save time! She also kindly set the date of our final court appearance for July 4, knowing that our airline tickets home are on July 8.  We are excited that all is proceeding and Genti’s world is expanding already!

 

Teresa stands high above the Adriatic coastline in Durres.

Teresa and Genti are working on a craft.

Some of the beautiful scenery around Sauk (rural Tirana).  Notice the castle way at the top. 

The country and people of Albania are beautiful and as we can see the mountains around us everyday, we are reminded of the awesome God we have, no matter where we live or what language we speak.  “I will lift my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

A Resort & A New Bicycle

Today was an eventful day full of fun! In the morning, we joined the local homeschool group at an outing to a resort with a beautiful pool, horses, play area, restaurant,… We went more for the opportunity to have Genti experience new places with us.  He did great!  He was hesitant on occasion but did pet the horse happily, put his feet in the pool (He would have jumped in had we let him!), and ate with us at the restaurant.  He did have difficulty going into the restaurant and started screaming but we continued to hold and reassure him, albeit in English, and he calmed down, eventually enjoying the atmosphere and the food.  It may have been his first pop with a straw.  He often is frightened of new buildings so this will be an ongoing adventure for him to trust us to go new places.

After his rest time in the afternoon, we filled a large pan with water and he thoroughly enjoyed getting wet with Dad. (Mom just took pictures.)  Then we gave him his new bike.  He loved it, and although he doesn’t have pedaling quite figured out, he can make her move!  (We so appreciate the Watanabe’s, the houseparents, who helped us get the bike and get it fixed.) There is a nice play area here for the children, but he usually doesn’t want to go since it’s where he has played for six years.

 Garet helps Genti pet a horse at the Panto Resort

 Teresa and Genti enjoy the three dishes she ordered.  We couldn't read the menu so we guessed and ended up with lots of appetizers.  They were yummy.

Genti loved pouring water on himself.  We spared you the horror of seeing the white whale sitting next to him.

 Lots of smiles and pictures today~here’s a few of both! We continue to thank God for all He is doing in our family here in Albania and back in South Dakota.

Our Trip to the Zoo (Kopeshti Zoologjik)

We’ve been gone from home nearly a week and spending almost as many days with our new son.  Initially we were visiting him about an hour at a time, a couple times a day.  Yesterday, we went to the orphanage to visit and he wanted to leave with us to go to the BATI.  We spent the whole morning with him, at the BATI or outside on the playground.  In spite of walking by his “home” several times, he didn’t want to return.  We went back at lunch and as we said goodbye, he started to cry so we stayed for lunch.  Afterwards, we even asked the cook if we could try the soup and other baked dish so we’d know better what Genti was used to. (Both were tasty and not too different from our spices.) We spent the entire evening time with him as well and gave him his Panda Pillow-pet at bedtime.

Today we (Genti, Garet, Teresa, 7 other children, and staff) went to the zoo in Tirana.  The vehicle was packed and no one uses seat belts.  Still, Genti was not afraid and wanted to sit on our laps!  The driving in Albania is “anything goes” so the trips are always eventful. (Last night, while our host, Bob, was driving, a parked car decided to do a u-turn through three lanes of chaotic traffic!) The zoo was clean and had lions, bears, birds, kittens, dogs, goats, and ostriches.  The kids had fun.  Genti was afraid to go into one building but otherwise did very well the entire outing, seeming very comfortable with us. 

Genti loves listening to the mp3 player.  He wants Mom to listen to hers at the same time.  He's partial to Family Force 5.

Taking a break at the zoo. 

Garet giving a piggy back ride to Genti.

We feel encouraged and thank God for how far Gent has come in trusting us so far.

Meeting Gent

Tuesday at about 4:30 local time we met our youngest son for the first time face-to-face!  When we walked into Rozafa House (his building), at first he just stared at us as if wondering how we could be here instead of on a computer screen then he ran full out into Garet's arms for a hug.  He gave me one too.  We spent the afternoon and evening with him inside and outside, playing with him as well as all the other kids at the orphanage. He seemed to be relating best to Garet because Garet was playing more physically with him (wrestling, carrying, tickling, piggy back rides,...)  We brought him a zuzu pet and he squealed with delight.  The noises and movement were great for him (as well as all the other children).  He did well at sharing occasionally.  Although this was a great start, all the other children are sweet and enjoy attention too.  We recognize the need to spend increasingly more time alone with our son so we can relate just to him and to help both him and the other kids start to get used to being apart.  It's a great beginning, and we are looking forward to getting to know him better and have our family all under one roof.  We are so grateful to our Lord for bringing us this far! Teresa

We made it!

We landed in Tirana, Albania at 11:30 local time... which would be 4:30am Tuesday morning for those of you in the Central Time Zone. 
Our plane rides were uneventful... but LONG!  The 8 hour trip over the ocean would have been more enjoyable if we could have got some shuteye for part of it!  The view of Munich and Tirane, Albania were gorgeous.  We took a lot of pictures and will post them later. 
Bob & Cathy Watanabe (the house parents from America) took us on a quick tour of the city.  We even stopped for some groceries at a small market.  We spent 4400 Leks on a few meals. 
We got settled in the BATI which is their onsite dormitory.  We will get to meet Gent at 4:30 local time this afternoon. 
We are very excited about meeting our new son! 

Taking off

We're sitting in Sioux Falls airport ready to begin our long trek to Tirana, Albania.  Really enjoyed taking off my shoes with everybody else in the TSA line for security.
We have a backpack full of fun toys for Gent to use on his trip back.  That was the only bag they wanted to open up and look at.  They weren't sure about letting the pack of play-doh go through but decided it was ok.  They were very nice.
Saw Sherry Bathke from George, IA and Barry Duncan a former Gateway employee.  Plus a very nice woman overheard our adoption story and said she has an adopted child too.  She took our first picture of us in the airport.  We'll post the picture later.
We've memorized the "Albania Song" and performed it for Joyce Loudenslager.  I think she believes we're nuts.   Thank you to Joyce for driving us to the airport!
More later.
Garet & Teresa

The "Unofficial" Albania Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_tT-q8EF0

I walked into work and Scott Korsten made my entire day today.  I was telling him about my upcoming travel to Albania.  He immediately asked me if I knew "the Albania song" and I had to say "no".  He was reminded of this cute scene from "Cheers".  You'll never forget Albania after hearing this :)

Wrapping things up in America

I have such wonderful co-workers.  I was very nervous this week... almost butterflies in my stomach.  I felt like there were so many things to do and not enough days in the week to get them done. 
Thursday was a very productive day at work and so was Friday, but as the end of the day grew near, there were still loose ends to tie up.
My terrific Human Resources team was so gracious in taking charge of the items that were still left to be "checked-off".  Thank you so much to my wonderful Human Resources Team at Showplace.  YOU ARE THE BEST.
Garet

One Step Closer

Just under 6 days before we leave for Albania and we're blessed that Teresa's Mom is here to take over the childcare duties for the 6 kids we leave behind (the other two will be working at church camp all summer).  Teresa and Deb will be spending the next couple of days going over everything they think Deb will need to know once we leave. 
We are both happy to know that the kids will be in good hands.  We just pray that it will be as stress-less as possible for Deb!
Garet

Skyping Gent

We have been skyping (video call) with our new son for about a month, usually twice a week.  Our "chats" are rather short and with the language barrier, sometimes challenging.  Usually Gent is cheerful and as curious about the computer as he is with us.  He has learned how the earbuds work so we often sing him songs and he listens very well.  Today's skype was sad for us all.  He didn't seem to be feeling well and even started to cry.  Therefore today's chat was quite short.  We look forward to the day when we will be there with him and can be the one to hug him.
Teresa

Welcome to our blog

We'll be posting here soon about our trip to Albania.
Teresa & I leave in early June and we'll have more info on here shortly.
We want to express our deepest gratitude for all of your prayers and financial support.