National Adoption Day in Ukraine

                                                          
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3

Today, September 30, 2013, is National adoption Day in Ukraine. We are so pleased to announce, that on this day, we offered adoption to 2 children we had never met....

More on that in a minute. Let me share what has got Bob and I to this point.




                                                  This is  a road map of Ukraine...

1 kilometer is equal to 0.621 miles. So far in country we have traveled over 4500km by car with Max, our facilitator,  to accomplish the adoption of our children. We are not nearly done. We have at least that many more to go... We have traveled from Lviv to Zaporizhia to Lugansk, with trips back to Kiev to file documents with the DAP office in between. We have seen more of Ukraine from Max's car than we ever expected to. But the togetherness and travel is helping us not only get to know each other extremely well, it is also helping Bob ad I get a much better understanding of the Ukrainian people.  Though out our travels we continue to see striking contrasts in the economic classes within this country. This experience has shown us the people of Ukraine are different than Americans. Not better, not worse, just different. Those we have gotten to know will be life long friends. They are solid, genuine and giving. We are blessed to call each of them our friend. As our journey continues, we hope to add many more to the list of friends we have already been blessed with.




                    On our way to Lviv we saw many horse drawn carts mixed with the traffic...

 

And roads that look like they have been here since the WW II... this road on the way to Lviv went on for what seemed like forever. It took us 3 hours to cover the last 30km.. 

 

and at times Max actually drove in the field NEXT to the road instead of ON the road!!

 

Waiting for the social worker in Lviv to join us. We then traveled to The orphanage where Oksana and Vasyl reside. Offered them adoption into our family.

 Fear kept them captive and they refused our offer.   

 

We then headed back to Kiev to file those documents with the DAP. It left Bob and I with a very BIG decision to consider... Do we get Nadiya and head home OR offer adoption to 2 children we have never met. We spent a great deal of time seeking God's will for our family. We prayed together and read His word daily. And we waited to hear from heaven ...

 

And then... we hit the road again. Referral in hand for our Nadiya. We had a delay as the Embassy here in Kiev could fine no evidence of our filing the necessary I600 form within the 180 days of our I600a approval date. I had to contact the immigration office in the USA, and request for them to send a scanned copy via email to me and CC Max. He then had to compose a letter requesting the Embassy official to draft a letter stating that, in fact, I had filed our I600 within the allotted time and stated Nadiya by name and DOB on that form. Thus giving us the opportunity to move forward and receive her referral. 

 

 

So, after picking up a social worker here...

 

 We FINALLY, after 21 months of waiting got to wrap our arms around our sweet Nadiya!! We met her at the Trade School she is attending. They are training her to be a seamstress.

 

 

 

Our visit was brief as we needed to take all the documentation from the local social worker and the Trade school, along with Nadiya's hand written "YES" to adoption back to Kiev to the DAP office.

 

24 hours later we are again at the DAP office delivering documents required to receive a court date in Nadiya's region.

 

48 hours later Bob and I are sitting in Maria's office with Max. We are discussing moving forward  on offering adoption to 2 children who are in their last days of eligibility to be adopted. We were presented with several options and settled on the children we felt God was calling us to. A boy who is already 16, and his sister who is 15. 

 

 

 

24 hours later, on Friday at 3pm in the afternoon, Bob and I go back to the DAP office to pick up the  referral. This is our third visit in the last 27 days to this small hallway where we wait to sign for and pick up official document allowing us to visit the children we are offering adoption to. 

Sunday morning finds us back on the road. This time for a 10 hour trip all the way across Ukraine to just shy of the Russian border.

 

 

Noticed some strange sights this trip too... Yes that IS an armored vehicle!

 

 

 

AND...If I go the rest of my life and never have to utilize one of these again... I am A-OK with that!!

 

 

 

Waiting in a classroom to meet our perspective children... This room measured about 5x10 and contained 4 student desks.

 

 

Getting to know you... Bob and Y walking to his sister's dorm.

 

Waiting for said sister outside her dorm...

 

 

Allowing them to show us "their world"...

 

 

This is his cot... about 2 feet wide with a 2"mattress in a room approx. 6x8 feet. He shares this room with 2 other boys.

 

 

365 days each year... these are their "facilities"... No running water. No plumbing per say. One for the boys, one for the girls. Inside these are simply multiple "squatters" in open bay setting. The smell is overpowering as you walk the grounds.

 

 

We were not allowed to take a picture of T 's dorm room. It is equally crowded and similar in size and condition.

 

We were given a tour of the school by the social worker in charge their. He is very proud of the school. In sharp contrast to the outhouses... they have the latest technology in ONE of the classrooms teaching computers. A 50" white board that works as an Ipad, with  applications similar to those on our Iphones or Ipad.

 

We remain here in the nearest city  to the kids with accommodations to house and feed us. Their "YES" to adoption was immediate. We will spend time with them each day after they are finished with classes at 2:30 for the duration of the 10 days allowed per law. 

 Today while visiting, I asked if they had coats as they were both wearing just hoodies, and it was COLD. -1 this morning. It has been cold and rainy this past month. Rain everyday except today that we have been here. They told us, "no coats."  So in the morning, Bob and I will find a shop to purchase them each a warm coat and hat and gloves. They both have decent shoes thanks to a summer host family.

 

As this journey to family continues for us, Bob and I thank each of you for your continued support and prayers for our family. We are humbled and so very grateful for each of you.

 

To God be the Glory!

 

 

 

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91:14-16)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just today, as I was trying to figure out my blogger.... all the promps are in Russian, I realized this THANK YOU was never published. I am hoping each and every one of you will accept my most sincere apology for not ensuring it was posted when I intended to post it.

 

Please share this far and wide, and around the globe, as I have been told by Tina, That is where donations came into Grace Haven from.

 

 

 

                                  THANK YOU ...

 

 2 small words that can not possibly convey our gratitude to all of you who are advocating, donating, and shaking heaven on behalf of our kids. Please know this need is very REAL. The danger for Nana, equally real.

 

Tina asked me ...if we have a back up plan, financially.... my response to her "JESUS".

 

We cling to Jesus and believe His promise to us in Mark 11:23, Matt. 21:21, Matt 17:20 and Luke 17:6...."For verily I say unto you. That whosoever shall say unto the mountain, Be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says will come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says".

 

 

   Our HOPE is in you Lord. Thank you all, so very much, for your continuing effort... as for Bob and I... we will continue, obedient, eyes on Jesus, walking it out.


 

 

 

 

 

ONWARD...

 

Bob and I have had some time while we WAIT....

 

We had a little delay so took advantage of the time to see a bit of  Kiev.

 

 

All the while  we have continued to see God's hand at work... to hear His voice leading us. Assuring us...

 

 

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

 

 

 

“All who rage against you
    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
    will be as nothing and perish.

 

 

(our home away from home)

 

Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing at all.

Isaiah 41:10-13

 

(shopping for socks for Bob)

 

 

(Seeing Kiev)

 

(every where we walked...

this friendly guy followed ;) )

 

(Only catholic church in the city)

 

 

(St. Andrew's Church)

 

(Andriyivs'ky Desent)

 

and

then on Sunday morning we hit the road....

 

 

and found our way to a very important city!

 

 

Look closely...not ONE but TWO referrals IN HAND!

 

YES, we had an amazing visit with a precious girl who has been waiting 21 months for us. Nothing will ever match the look on Nadiya's face when she came through the door and saw us there, saying ..."Mama!!" There were lots of tears by all and lots of hugs. Bob in tears as he told Nadiya he was so sorry it had taken so long and how much he loved her, really opened the flood gates!

We received a very warm welcome from the staff at her trade school. The Director, vice principal and social worker  all were wonderful to us, and bent over backwards to complete all the necessary documents so we could head back to Kiev. It took them all of about an hour. We spent time with our Nadiya while they worked. It was so good to share pictures of how our family has grown and changed since she was with us.

 

Then the good-byes. The director shook Bob's hand. Then gave Nadiya a hug and said something about "papa".... and then hugged me and kissed my cheek! She said to me, " you good kind Nadiya's mama." With tears in her eyes she thanked me (us) for coming for Nadiya.

 

Did we feel His favor? Absolutely we did.

Can we walk confident that the work He has started in us, He will finish?

Absolutely He will.

Bob and I are exhausted... Bob is coming down with a cold.

We appreciate your continued prayers.

 

 

This bog post courtesy of our facilitator, Max Grudiy, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ... without them, this post would have never happened.

 

 

 

 

Journey to treasure...

I have cried out to God, seems like a million times,
 wrapped in this scripture ...

Psalm 7

I come to you for protection, O Lord my God.

Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!

If you don’t, they will maul me like a lion,

tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

O Lord my God, if I have done wrong

or am guilty of injustice,

if I have betrayed a friend

or plundered my enemy without cause,

then let my enemies capture me.

Let them trample me into the ground

and drag my honor in the dust.

Arise, O Lord, in anger!

Stand up against the fury of my enemies!

Wake up, my God, and bring justice!

Gather the nations before you.

Rule over them from on high.

The Lord judges the nations.

Declare me righteous, O Lord,

for I am innocent, O Most High!

End the evil of those who are wicked,

and defend the righteous.

For you look deep within the mind and heart,

O righteous God.

God is my shield,

saving those whose hearts are true and right.

God is an honest judge.

He is angry with the wicked every day.

If a person does not repent,

God will sharpen his sword;

he will bend and string his bow.

He will prepare his deadly weapons

and shoot his flaming arrows.

The wicked conceive evil;

they are pregnant with trouble

and give birth to lies.

They dig a deep pit to trap others,

then fall into it themselves.

The trouble they make for others backfires on them.

The violence they plan falls on their own heads.

I will thank the Lord because he is just;

I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

 

Of all the things I have learned on this adoption journey... the truth that GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IS STEADFAST AND UNCHANGING...AND The knowledge that when God opens a door no man can shut it, is so very precious to me.

 

We rejoice in thankfulness today, for after this very long journey, THIS door ... 

 

 

THIS inconspicuous, unlabeled, door. THIS door that leads to a stairwell that is equally inconspicuous. This door opened to us. And on the other side we found the opportunity for treasure of immeasurable worth that has been hidden in the darkness..

 

It seems like so very long ago you whispered your promise into my heart...

 

This is what the Lord says to his anointed,

 whose right hand I take hold of

to subdue nations before him

and to strip kings of their armor,

to open doors before him

so that gates will not be shut:

I will go before you

and will level the mountains ;

I will break down gates of bronze

and cut through bars of iron.

I will give you hidden treasures,

riches stored in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the Lord,

the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Isaiah 45: 1-3

 

Thank you Father, for on this day, your promises became tangible.

And in my heart I hear you whisper. A whisper filled with gentleness, overwhelming love and reassurance.

 

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Revelation 3:8

 

 

ALL GLORY IS YOURS, CHRIST JESUS. ALL GLORY IS YOURS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our way...

 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9


Thank you to all who have joined us in this journey of redemption. We are FINALLY on our way. We have a start at the finances required to accomplish what God has called us to. We are confident in Him, and know that He has a plan for where the remainer will come from. We walk on, secure in the finished work of Christ Jesus. All Glory is yours Lord.  The warfare continues to be fierce, BUT we know who we are in Jesus. His holy word is very clear how to handle Satan.

 

We wrap ourselves in scripture... and "hit him!"

 

Thank you for continuing to lift us up in prayer and share both our need and God's story.

 

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things her planned for us long ago.  Ephesians 2:10

 

Urgent plea ... down to the wire.

As Bob and I come down to the wire, we remain in great need financially. Without your help we will not be able to complete the adoptions of our children who are waiting. Children who face a grim future without a forever family. Children who have already spent many weeks in our home. Children who have already said "YES" to our offer of adoption.

There is no easy or eloquent way to say this... We need the church. We need you. We need to have our need spread far and wide to ensure that every person who feels called to join us in bringing these children into our family has the opportunity to donate. To pray. To share with their friends, family and church, so that they also can join in.

We have no back up plan. The battle has exhausted our financial resources. We are to travel very soon. We do have dates and invitation to travel. I cannot release exact dates but will as soon as I am able to. Our family needs to ensure that our children are safe and there is no further interference in our process.  

Do you have a burdened heart for the orphan? For children who have waited there entire life and now believe no one is coming? That even though they have been promised a family will come, at this late hour, their belief is non existent? We have 3 such children hoping, praying, our word is good. That our promise to them will come to pass. That very soon they will each have a family of their own, and a place to call home...forever.

All donations to our family are tax deductible as long as you use the link on the top right corner of this page.

We also have been notified by a dear friend that she is doing an amazing give-away of a diamond necklace on her blog on behalf or our children. You can participate just click this link .

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18

           our promise to them because it is Jesus promise to us.

that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. "After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.… John 14: 17-19

A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who choose to give, share, and pray for our family. We are so grateful.

                   Shakin' every penny loose for the mission at hand...

 

to God be the Glory!!!

How we roll....

So many have asked us how we continue. With all the challenges we have faced on this adoption journey, most people tell us they would have quit. I am not saying that our continuing has been peace-filled and comfortable. There have been days filled with tears and thoughts of..."are you sure you have chosen the right family for this mission?"

But through it all, Bob and I stand together, trusting Jesus. Confident in the knowledge that, no matter what our situation looks like in the nature...GOD'S GOT IT.

We have only to open our bible and read what Jesus said when challenged and tempted by Satan, during His time in the wilderness. We stand on that ....  wrapping ourselves in His Holy Word, walking in total faith, confident it is TRUTH.

For "IT IS WRITTEN"...  the words Jesus spoke to Satan, "IT IS WRITTEN"... followed by scripture.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deut. 31:6

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Eph. 6:10

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7

I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only. Psalm 71:16

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. I Cor. 9:24

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Heb. 12:1

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Zech. 4:6

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.       II Tim. 1:7

It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32

And my favorite...

      So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
and
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

                             We also shared and instilled His Holy Word in to a very special girl.

                                                              To God be the Glory!!.