(The most recent entries are included first )
Friday, February 6, 2004
Name: |
Mark Lawrence |
Email: |
markandleslie_at_bigpond.com |
Message: |
Jen, Steve, this is fantastic!! Congratulations!! I have made it to day
9 but have to go to bed now as it is 2:00am here. I'll be back on the
weekend to finish the story!! (Couldn't download the movie clips,
though...)
I loved the battle of the bots (yeah Jen!).
Love,
Mark (Leslie and Kathryn are in New York) |
Wednesday, February 4, 2004 7:23 pm
Name: |
Stephanie Haiden Maresch |
Email: |
ssm529_at_hotmail.com |
Message: |
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with me. The pictures were
incredible and the two of you injected your trademark humor into the
narrative so well that I almost felt I was there with you. I am so happy
that Benjamin Aidos has joined your family and look forward to hearing
more how he's acclimating to Wisconsin. Dare we hope for a sequal? |
Wednesday, February 4, 2004 2:29 pm
Name: |
Abbe Herzig and Ian Glasgow, Arlyss and Heath |
Email: |
abbe.herzig_at_aya.yale.edu |
Message: |
We are so glad to hear that you are all together and well. We can't wait
to meet Benjamin Aidos! All our heartfelt wishes for a long, happy,
healthy, and peaceful life together. |
Monday, January 26, 2004 7:08 pm
Name: |
Dottie and Peter Harvey |
Email: |
dodo_at_berk.com |
Message: |
Your Mom sent us your website address and we have thoroughly enjoyed
each day of your incredible journey to becoming parents for the second
time. We send you our wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness
together.
Congratulations!
Peter and Dottie
|
Tuesday, January 13, 2004 8:38 pm
Name: |
Paula Kedzie |
Email: |
pkedzie_at_tds.net |
Message: |
Congratulations! Benjamin, welcome to America. You have no idea how much
joy you will bring to your parents and brother!
I loved your website. It has a nice mix of your adoption journey,
information about Kaz, photos, and your sense of humor.
My husband Mike and I met you this summer at the Milwaukee picnic. We are
friends of Missy and Joe as well. We live in Madison and are waiting for
travel dates for Karaganda!
Good luck. Benjamin, you'll be beating your parents in the Vtech
competition some day! |
Monday, January 5, 2004 10:44 pm
Name: |
Kimberlie & Paul Meyer |
Email: |
kimberliemeyer_at_new.rr.com |
Message: |
Steve, Jen, Joe, and Ben, We enjoyed meeting you yesterday at church.
Your website is wonderful and has been informative for us. We did contact
WPA to receive information on the Kazahk program though we are committed
to China for our first adoption. We look forward to talking with you some
more about your experiences! Kimberlie & Paul Meyer |
Wednesday, January 31, 2003 9:37 am
Name: |
Dawn Awrey |
Email: |
awrey_at_juno.com |
Message: |
Hi! I'm a friend of Dana's in Brighton. Kent gave me your website to
check out. I just spent the last hour and a half reading some of your
journey. Awesome. My husband and I met an 8 year old boy, Bolat, this
summer from Ust-Kamenogorst, Kazakhstan. Bolat was here on a Summer
Miracles program through Kidsave International. Long story short, we met
him and are now in the process of adopting him. Our dossier is in
translation right now, hopefully done or almost done. I know you just got
home and are probably quite busy but when you have a few minutes do you
mind if I email you a few questions? We are bringing our 3 children (10, 6
and 6)with us so I'm trying to get as much advice as I can about what to
take, what not to bother to take and what to do, etc... Congrats on your
new addition and welcome home! Dawn Awrey awrey_at_juno.com |
Monday, December 29, 2003 5:45 pm
Name: |
Joyce Lucia-Kolb |
Email: |
luciakolbj_at_frontiernet.net |
Message: |
Congratulations on your new son. Our prayers have been with you and your
family as you have made your journey. Your Mom told me about your adoption
when you left and I have been anxiously awaiting news. I have just found
your website and haven't finished exploring it yet but the pictures are
beautiful and I have forwarded it to Joyce and Killy. Stay safe and God
bless.
Joyce Lucia-Kolb |
Monday, December 29, 2003 5:04 pm
Name: |
Joyce Fernandeza |
Email: |
joyceannfernandez_at_hotmail.com |
Message: |
Congratulations! You're following in your mother's footsteps, helping
every little life that comes along! Welcome home Ben! |
Saturday, December 20, 2003 7:33 pm
Name: |
Pat and Chuck Ernst |
Email: |
pjernst_at_stcloudstate.edu |
Message: |
Jen and Steve,
Trying again. Congratulations! We've spent a couple of hours reading your
story. Sounds great...and you've learned alot already. Sure Bob and Gail
and Joe are anxious to see you this week. Best of luck! Have a great
Christmas. I'll send your web page to Dave. He just passed both his
written and oral exams...should finish by next fall.
God bless you all,
Chuck and Pat |
Saturday, December 20, 2003 12:25 pm
Name: |
Joe and Jeanie Beer |
Email: |
beerman2951_at_yahoo.com |
Message: |
We are so excited to hear that you will all be home soon. Aidos, you
will have a lot of artwork when you get home as your new friend Jeanie is
coloring new pictures for you every day. She is so excited to see you and
will be so happy when she gets a chance to finally meet you. Safe travels
home.
Joe and Jeanie |
Saturday, December 20, 2003 10:42 am
Name: |
Uncle Keith and aunt Kay |
Email: |
KAYTSCHANNEN_at_AOL.COM |
Message: |
Hi, So glad things are going well, and your son is beautiful. Stacy and
Kent and families are here from dec18-22 and it is very exciting to say
the least with the 5 grandchildren, Merry Christmas! Love Aunt Kay
|
Friday, December 19, 2003 7:06 pm
Name: |
corey halls |
Email: |
cchalls_at_hotmail.com |
Message: |
saw your website on the wpa and cried my way through the whole thing!
could it be possible that we will ever be in kaz with our baby?? you make
it seem posssible. thanks!!!
corey :) |
Friday, December 19, 2003 4:27 pm
Name: |
Laura and Liberty Smith |
Email: |
robe6177_at_bellsouth.net |
Message: |
Your website and journey is amazing. We are waiting to finalize a
referral and will probably be going to Karaganda sometime in the new year.
I hope that the rest of your trip goes well and you are home safe and
sound soon. Both of your sons are beautiful |
Friday, December 19, 2003 10:35 am
Name: |
Tina Howard |
Email: |
howard_botina_at_yahoo.com |
Message: |
Hi - saw your link in the WPA eloop. We're parents of Sasha, (b 3/28/96;
a 4/21/03 Akkol). Love your website. Thanks for sharing! -Tina & Bo
Howard |
Thursday, December 18, 2003 10:05
Name: |
Kerry |
Email: |
kerykirk_at_cs.com |
Message: |
Hi Jen, Steve & Aidos,
I am thoroughly enjoying your travel journal and photos. Not through all
of it yet, but it's wonderful and exciting. Aidos is a beautiful little
boy! Thanks for putting all of this on your site for us to enjoy too. Dan
& I are waiting for a WPA referral that should come any time now. Best
wishes for the rest of your journey. Happy holidays! Kerry |
Thursday, December 18, 2003 9:04
Name: |
Virginia Tillyard |
Email: |
|
Message: |
I read the whole trip, which brought back ours 3 1/2 years ago. What a
fantastic job you've done. Thank you infinitely ..... |
Thursday, December 18, 2003 6:23
Name: |
Chris, Barb, Nicholas and Lauren Hennes |
Email: |
cbhennes_at_netnet.net |
Message: |
Welcome to Wisconsin, Benjamin. It is great to have another terrific
Kazak kid here in the state. Our Nicholas who is also 3 (4-17-00) and
Lauren (2-9-01) are looking forward to meeting you, as they are in Green
Bay, and their mommy is trying to convience Daddy that a third Kazak kid
in the family is needed.
Looking forward to meeting you and your little one.
Barb Hennes (Almaty, Kazakhstan 9-27-01) |
Thursday, December 18, 2003 3:11
Name: |
Kate Short-Meyerson |
Email: |
shortmey_at_uwosh.edu |
Message: |
Congratulations, Jen and Steve!
I am enjoying following along with your website. (Your mother gave me the
address the other day when Joe came over to play.) Glad to hear that
things are going so well. Ben is beautiful and so lucky to have such a
loving family. Best wishes with the rest of your journey and for a happy
holiday season back in Oshkosh!
Kate, Peter & Eric |
Thursday, December 18, 2003 1:11
Name: |
Denise Correia |
Email: |
dbp2002_at_bellsouth.net |
Message: |
Dear Steve, Jen, Joe and Ben
Congratulations on becoming a forever family!!!! Your sons are both adorable and I am sure they can not wait
to meet one another!!!! Enjoy
the rest of your trip in Almaty and have a safe flight back. Here's to a wonderful 2004!!!
Warm wishes,
The Correia family (Denise, Cary, Isabella and Ethan)
www.thecorreias.com |
Thursday, December 18, 2003 11:05
Name: |
Amanda Hoelscher |
Email: |
ahoelscher_at_msn.com |
Message: |
We adopted Jordan from Uralsk BH#1 this past April (room 4) and left our
son back at home too...... loved your journal, brought back lots of
memories! You are blessed with a beautiful family!!
Amanda Hoelscher |
Thursday, December 18, 2003 11:04
Name: |
Tom Seaman |
Email: |
unity59_at_northnet.net |
Message: |
I have been enjoying your marvelous traveloque. Can't wait to meet young
Benjamin Aidos and to see you guys again. We went to John Koker's party
the other night and it wasn't the same without you! God bless you and your
new family. Young mister Aidos doesn't know how fortunate he is today but
as he grows I'm sure he will realize how truly blessed he is to have been
chosen by wonderful folks you, Steve and Jen. See you soon.
Love,
Tom |
Thursday, December 18, 2003 10:59
Name: |
Shawna Reynolds |
Email: |
ksreynolds_at_uswest.net |
Message: |
Hi! Your pictures are amazing! We have 3 and 4 year old siblings waiting
for us at BH #3 in Almaty. We have been waiting for travel dates for 2.5
months. We hope to go in Jan. Your pictures have really made me more
excited and comfortable to go. We will also be leaving "not so little
ones" at home, 9 and 11. I would welcome any advice and suggestions.
Congratulations!!! |
Thursday, December 18, 2003 10:49
Name: |
Becky |
Email: |
niallandbecky_at_yahoo.com |
Message: |
Congratulations! It is so nice to see another Uralsk BH1 boy
finding a family. We traveled the day before Thanksgiving last year to
meet our son at BH1 in Uralsk so reading your story brought back memories.
:) Enjoy Almaty. If you think of it, please say hi to Andre for us - he
was our driver in Almaty too. Enjoy the holidays and your new son.
Becky (and Niall), parents of Declan Azamat Sheehan |
Wednesday, December 17, 2003 9:18
Name: |
The Rotman's, Barry, Patti and Samuel Ismail |
Email: |
barryrotman_at_yahoo.com |
Message: |
We are very good friends of Melissa and Joe, they
sent us a link to your website. We are enjoying watching your journey
unfold, it's as if we were back in Almaty again. Benjamin Aidos has a
resemblence to our Sam (who is named after Sam Schmidt by the way).
We sure hope to meet all of you soon. As an FYI, we are sponsoring a
Kazakh family gathering in Kenosha on January 31st, we hope you can make
it! Warmest wishes on your safe trip back home and congrats on your
adoption!!!!
Barry Rotman |
Wednesday, December 17, 2003 6:52
Name: |
Mark and AnneMarie Abderholden |
Email: |
abbby_at_tds.net |
Message: |
Enjoyed the pictures and glad to hear things are going well. I was surprised
that you had so much snow over there. Ben should really feel at home here
in Wisconsin, if he is use to all that snow.
Best Regards,
Mark & Annemarie |
Tuesday, December 16, 2003 12:40
Name: |
John, Grace, Aidan, Trevor Beam |
Email: |
|
Message: |
Dear Benjamin Aidos,
It must be hard for you to understand what is happening to you right now.
Who are those two strange people who keep calling themselves Mama and
Papa, why did they take you on such a long field trip, why can't they talk
very well, and why does "Papa" run so much? Don't worry, it will
all make sense to you soon. Your new Mama and Papa have great big hearts
and will give you lots of love, a warm home and a terrific older brother
who is anxiously awaiting to meet you. And by the way, Mama and Papa won't
seem strange at all after you've met their friends! |
Tuesday, December 16, 2003 9:31
Name: |
Carey |
Email: |
Molinski_at_uwosh.edu |
Message: |
My heart is moved by the story you are sharing and the gift that God has
given you in Benjamin Aidos. I look forward to meeting you, Benjamin Aidos,
and introducing you to Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber! I'm so happy
for the four of you! Thank you so much for daily sharing your hearts in
your story. |
Monday, December 15, 2003 2:10
Name: |
Kent Tschannen & Family |
Email: |
ktschann_at_mcare.med.umich.edu |
Message: |
Congratulations! We look forward to meeting Aidos next summer in the
Upper Peninsula. He'll certainly have a lot of cousins to play with. Have
a safe trip back to the US.
Kent, Dana, Gabrielle, Kyle, and Mia |
Saturday, December 13, 2003 10:19
Name: |
Anita & Don Gerth |
Email: |
Dongert8_at_aol.com |
Message: |
Hi Jen , Steve and Ben So Happy for you and have had tears of joy
for you. We think of you so often and say a prayer that all goes well for
you. We made our jaunt with two cars to Florida with two cars very well ,
thanks to two way radios, Rodger , over and out are now in our vocabulary.
Never had more than one car between us, you go 65 or 68 and everbody
passes you. Love Anita and Don Give Ben a hug for us. One must be accurate
to type your address-DLG |
Saturday, December 13, 2003 9:32
Name: |
Mike Methot |
Email: |
|
Message: |
Hi Steve.
Congratulations and prayers for you and your family.We both know that the
most abundant of God's gifts can be found in Asia. :-) Melissa and Hanna and Leah and I send our love and best
wishes.
Take care
Mike |
Friday, December 12, 2003 8:37
Name: |
Anne Marie and Tom Healey |
Email: |
tahealey_at_frontiernet.net |
Message: |
Hi Benjamin, We were so pleased to hear about you at your uncle Father
Tom's ordination. We're his godparents and we are so happy for you to be
joining the Szydlik family. In case you don't know it yet, they are good
people and lots of fun to be around. Welcome to our country and now its
yours too. We love you little man and ask God's blessings on you and your
brother Joe and parents. Love, Tom and Anne Marie Healey |
Friday, December 12, 2003 8:15
Name: |
Johanna and Clark Methot |
Email: |
johanna.methot_at_sympatico.ca |
Message: |
Congratulations! All God's blessings on your family. Benjamin
Aidos is such a blessed child! Joseph will be so happy to have a
brother. Just know that you have been - and will continue to be in our
prayers. What a joyful Christmas it will be!
Johanna and Clark |
Thursday, December 11, 2003 10:06
Name: |
Ramsey cousins |
Email: |
szydlik_at_optonline.net |
Message: |
Oh, Benjamin we are thinking of you and praying for you in a special way
today as your parents and big brother wait to make things
"official." You have been in our hearts for a long time now, we
want you to come to your new home safely and as soon as possible. Know,
that every day that goes by, you and your new mama, papa and brother Joe
are held in our hearts and a very special way!
Love to you all!!! (There really aren't enough exclamation points to
adequately express our emotions and enthusiasm!!!) |
Thursday, December 11, 2003 6:17
Name: |
Melissa Schmidt |
Email: |
mocha2_at_charter.net |
Message: |
I love reading your journal! I hope you don't mind if I pass the link on
to a friend (Kelly P. who hosted the WI picnic) who adopted Cori from
Uralsk in 2001. I am laughing and crying while I read! It definitely
brings back memories of our journey to Taldy-Korgan...you have a way with
the written word! |
Friday, December 5, 2003 9:57 am
Name: |
Bimal and Jenny |
Email: |
jennyaec78_at_hotmail.com |
Message: |
Jen, Steve, Joe and Benjamin Aidos--
We are so happy for you all. Best of luck throughout the process. We can't wait to meet you Benjamin Aidos!
Best wishes--
Bimal and Jenny |
Thursday, December 4, 2003 5:56 am
Name: |
Aunt Kate, Uncle Tom, Nick, Sam and Monica |
Email: |
|
Message: |
We're waiting and praying! We were so excited to see the pictures of you,Benjamin! We can't wait to see you in person! |
Tuesday, December 2, 2003 9:36 am
Name: |
Denise and Rob Prehn |
Email: |
denise.prehn.md_at_aurora.org |
Message: |
It's so wonderful to see you both so happy to meet Benjamin. Best wishes on an uneventful adoption hearing and a safe journey home. We are so excited to get to know your newest son.
Denise |
Monday, December 1, 2003 12:06 pm
Name: |
Carol Seaman |
Email: |
seaman_at_uwosh.edu |
Message: |
I just finished reading your journal through Nov. 30. How exciting to share in your adventure and to see the pictures! Can't wait to have Aidos
join Joe in the math halls at UWO! |
Sunday, November 30, 2003 8:28 am
Name: |
Joe, Melissa, & Samuel Schmidt |
Email: |
mocha2_at_charter.net |
Message: |
We are so happy for you, Joe, and Benjamin Aidos! Three is such a great age, too! I'm excited that our boys are just days apart in age! I'll show Samuel the pictures you upload of Benjamin! He's very curious and looking forward to meeting Benjamin. Have a
fantastic, predictable, blessed trip and enjoy every minute of it! It's definitely the trip of a lifetime! Remember the leaf! ;) |
Saturday, November 29, 2003 10:34 am
Name: |
Grace Lim |
Email: |
grace_lim_99_at_yahoo.com |
Message: |
I can't stop refreshing! Where are you guys???!!! I will write a much more poignant and meaningful message after you all post something, anything.
Hugs to you all. Miss you lots.
Grace
|
Friday, November 28, 2003 6:03 pm
Name: |
Heidi Hansen, Charles Plueddeman, Lyle & Mabel |
Email: |
heidimh_at_execpc.com & pluedy_at_execpc.com |
Message: |
Steve: You leave and the Packers lose! I missed the game on Thanksgiving. During our dinner we calculated that you would be meeting Aidos for the
first time within the hour, and we all hoped that it would go well. Hope we were
right.Charles
To Benjamin Aidos, You are a very lucky little boy. You have wonderful, caring parents and a great big brother. May your new life be interesting, happy and fulfilling. May you always be well-loved, loving and lovable. And, may you be a kind and caring
son. Love, Heidi
|
Friday, November 28, 2003 7:02 am
Name: |
Martin Glenn |
Email: |
mglenn_at_deloitte.com |
Message: |
Steve, Jen - What an amazing journey you are undertaking!! I will say a prayer for all to occur without a hitch - health, and safe travels Szydliks!!
Steve please pass along my best to your family!!
Marty
|
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 7:01 pm
Name: |
Grandma Szyd |
Email: |
mszydlik_at_usfamily.net |
Message: |
Dear Ben,
Grandpa Szyd and I are very, very happy that you will be ourgrandson. We have seen your picture and are eager to meet you and welcome you into our family.
Lots of love,
Grandma Szyd |
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 3:56 pm
Name: |
Joe and Jeanie Beer |
Email: |
beerman2951_at_yahoo.com |
Message: |
We are both so excited for the Szydlik family. Jeanie might not want to 'share' her good buddy Joe with anyone, but soon the two of them will become the three of them. Jeanie will love to have a new friend to play with and get to know. Best of luck on your adventure, and we'll see you all soon.
Joe |
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 3:07 pm
Name: |
Dean and Theresa Tschannen and Family |
Email: |
D.TSCHANNEN_at_ATT.NET |
Message: |
Our prayers are with you during the adoption journey. You are a wonderful couple with many great gifts. If there is anything we can do -- please
don't hesitate to ask. |
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 9:42 pm
Name: |
Iiona and Devione Virgin |
Email: |
virginfam_at_peoplepc.com |
Message: |
HI BENJAMIN WE ARE SO EXCITED THAT YOU WILL BE HOME SOON. DEVIONE CAN'T
WAIT TO SEE YOU AND PLAY WITH YOU AND NEITHER CAN I. REMEMBER WE LOVE YOU
LOTS!! |
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 8:49 pm
Name: |
John and Kay Balzano |
Email: |
johnandkay66_at_charter.net |
Message: |
Good luck and Godspeed on your journey. Hope to see you all soon. We'll
be checking in regularly.
John and Kay and Jack |
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 2:51 pm
Name: |
Eric (friend from grad school) |
Email: |
|
Message: |
You are doing something wonderful. May it bring great joy to all
involved. Best wishes for a safe and happy trip. |
Tuesday, November 25, 2003 1:04 pm
Name: |
Patrick Ryan |
Email: |
pryan_at_together.net |
Message: |
miss you guys - good luck and Godspeed! can't wait to meet Benjamin!
love
Pat and Pam |
Monday, November 24, 2003 8:35 pm
Name: |
David Lasker |
Email: |
david_at_lasker.org |
Message: |
Bon Voyage! What an adventure! What an exciting enterprise! I'll be
following you with love and great interest. |
Monday, November 24, 2003 7:01 pm
Name: |
Aaron Alderson |
Email: |
aaron94114_at_hotmail.com |
Message: |
This is truely amazing, and I am so very happy for you and your
husband/family! I will definitely be checking out this website frequently
to see how things are progressing! So, so sorry I haven't been in touch
better, but hoping to change that once the holidays have passed and things
calm down here at work.
Best wishes on your journey to Russia to bring your new son home!
Much love,
Aaron |
Monday, November 24, 2003 12:55 pm
Name: |
Tom, Clare and Lane Whitten |
Email: |
clare_whitten_at_hotmail.com |
Message: |
We wish you well and will be praying for you on your trip. I loved the poem (and cried!). I will actually make an extra special effort to get on the website, even though I don't get on the computer much (for obvious reasons). I will tell everyone at church to pray too.
We hope you have a wonderful and smooth adventure (is it still an adventure if it's smooth? I suppose it is since you only know a few phrases in Russian).
Love
Clare, Tom and Lane |
Sunday, November 23, 2003 6:47 pm
Name: |
Uncle John, Aunt Anne, Michael, Catherine & Lucy |
Email: |
maloney_at_usfamily.net |
Message: |
We love you Benjamin Aidos! We can't wait to meet you! We're praying for your safe journey to your new home and family. |
Friday, November 21, 2003 6:04 pm
Name: |
The Ramsey Szyds |
Email: |
szydlik_at_optonline.net |
Message: |
Dear Benjamin Aidos,
Your Uncle Jim, Aunt Beth, and cousins Meg and Tess want youto know that
you have the best parents in the world and a really great brother who all
love you to bits. We're so excited to have you as a nephew/cousin, too!
May God bless you on your journey to your new home. You're all in our
prayers and we can't wait to hear that you've arrived safely in Oshkosh.
Love,
The Ramsey Szyds |
Friday, November 21, 2003 5:07 pm
Name: |
Grandpa Szyd (Paul Szydlik) |
Email: |
szydlipp_at_usfamily.net |
Message: |
We can't wait to see you Benjamin Aidos. We will love you (we already
love you) as we love your new mom and dad and your brother Joe.
Love,
Grandpa Szyd |
Friday, November 21, 2003 3:24 pm
Name: |
Kate |
Email: |
|
Message: |
Hey! We love all of you and we're praying for Benjamin! We can't wait to meet you Benjamin
Aidos!
Love,
(Aunt)Kate |
Friday, November 21, 2003 3:22 pm
Name: |
Uncle Father Tom Szydlik |
Email: |
szydlik_at_rome.com |
Message: |
I get to be the first to sign in! I'll be praying that your trip goes well. |
Friday, November 21, 2003 2:33 pm
Name: |
Auntie Cyndi |
Email: |
ochsce_at_snc.edu |
Message: |
Dear Benjamin Aidos,
I am so excited to meet you. You have a long trip ahead of you. Not many three year olds get to travel half way around to the globe to live in a new country with a new family. Your new parents love you very much and so do I. Audrey will enjoy having a new cousin.
With love always,
Auntie Cyndi |
Friday, November 21, 2003 1:30 pm
Name: |
John ,Cyndi and Audrey Ochsner |
Email: |
jochsner_at_itol.com |
Message: |
Welcome to the family Benjamin Aidos. The Ochsner family will always be
there for you. |
|