Friday, June 16, 2006

How We are Spending Our Summer Vacation

As we wait for the reaccreditation process in Russia and the referral for our precious little girl, we are reading, researching, and studying everything we can about adoption, Russia, and the Russian language.

Here is a list of the books we have been or are planning on reading-most of these deal with adopting from Russia or caring for adopted children. We are still looking for some readings dealing with Russian life and culture:

  • Cline, F., & Fay, J. (1990). Parenting with love and logic: Teaching children responsibility. Colorado Springs, CO: Pinon Press.
  • Gardner, M. (2003). Adoption as a ministry, adoption as a blessing. Enumclaw, WA: WinePress Publishing.
  • Keck, G.C., & Kupecky, R.M. (2002). Parenting the hurt child. Colorado Springs, CO: Pinon Press.
  • Kincaid, J. (1997). Adopting for good. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
  • Maclean, J.H. (2004). The Russian adoption handbook. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse Star.
  • Melina, L.R. (1998). Raising adopted children. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
  • vanGulden, H., & Bartels-Rabb, L.M. (2004). Real parents, real children: Parenting an adopted child. New York, NY: The Crossroad Publishing Company.

Here is a list of the resources we have found helpful in our struggle to learn Russian:

  • Russian in 10 minutes a day
    This is a workbook with flashcards and labels to stick on items around the house - excellent for those who are visual learners
    Available through Bilingual Books, Inc
    www.10minutesaday.com
  • Teach yourself russian conversation
    This is a CD with a booklet - reviews basic conversations that one may need when traveling in Russia
    We found this at Barnes-Noble
    Available through McGraw-Hill 1-800-722-4726
  • Russian: The short course
    A Pimsleur Language Program
    This is a CD - reviews basic language and conversations - we like it better than the Teach Yourself CD because it drills you over and over. You will be able to speak some Russian in 30 minutes and feel good about what you can say.
    Available through Recorded Books.com
  • LearningRussia.com
    Free downloads for your computer
  • Master Russian.com
    http://www.masterrussian.com/blday_greeting.shtml

Here is a list of websites we have found helpful:

We are interested in any additional resources others have found helpful. We are especially interested in readings related to Russian culture. Please post your suggestions.

God is not man that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

Continuing in faith that we will be united with our beautiful little girl,
Elizabeth

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