Despite the delays in our travel to Ukraine to start the adoption proceedings (which we have determined, due to our unique situation, could not have been foreseen and avoided), all the other pieces to the puzzle continue to fall into place and God continues to reveal His plan. As a result of having to drop everything for an unexpected paper chase to get a document to a family in Pennsylvania who is traveling this Sunday (tomorrow!), we have been blessed to now be in contact with the family adopting Dema, Valeriy's best friend from the summer hosting program. I had heard about Valeriy's friendship with Dema and am thrilled to have connected with Dema's family. Not only did they have wonderful things to say about Valeriy (which only solidifies God's plan that Valeriy be part of our family as there is no other explanation for how he was not matched with a family this summer), they too are interested in reuniting the boys (they are not in the same orphanage) very soon! After some suggestion that because they have family in our area they may consider a trip here, I learned they are organic farmers and I promptly invited myself to live with (I mean, visit) them!
Yesterday, we received in the mail our I-171H which is the US Homelamd Security approval to bring adopted Ukrainian children into the US. This is "the final" document needed for our packet to submit to Ukraine. Due to the change in timelines, I thought that receiving this document would be somewhat anticlimactic, but I was wrong. It actually felt VERY SATISFYING! We are by no means "done" with our paperwork. More papers need to be notarized and then apostilled, but the key is that we are now "in charge" and are no longer waiting for something for someone else [That's probably a completely ignorant statement. But let's go with it for now...]
A few more thoughts about the pending legislation that could significantly impact and delay our adoptions: we are not deterred. We are disappointed, but have no inclination to change our course. We will do whatever it takes... Our prayers are for the children who, every day they live in an orphanage without a family, are robbed of a part of their soul. You can say they are kids and are simply "living in the moment" and, therefore, are not affected by a delay in being adopted, but if I were you, I wouldn't say that to me... However, if you truly believe that, I'd be happy to take 30 seconds to correct your thinking. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.
Thank you to everyone who has expressed your concern for us (and our kids) during this time. Indeed, we are living under a bit of a cloud for now. We will let you know as we learn more about the situation. At this time, it is my understanding that the second vote will be December 15. After which, the president would have to approve of the change in legislation as well. It is impossible to know how quickly results would be felt.
In any case, I will close with this: if you haven't already, check out this link: http://betheanswerforchildren.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/update-ukraine/
The information is nothing new but notice the google advertisement at the bottom. THIS WILL NOT be our girl.... I have no words for how this breaks my heart but the fact is this is the ABSOLUTE BEST our orphan girls can hope for if they are not adopted into a loving family. It's not an easy pill to swallow, but it's the truth...
Much love to all! We feel you lifting us up in your hearts and in your prayers!
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