1) I have been pain-free for the last 60 days. Seems like an odd statement for a 24 year old, but often when living with my health condition I experience a lot of unpleasant side effects, one of which is chronic pain. Don't worry, I have learned to function through the pain, but boy, living pain-free is something HUGE to celebrate! Until I experienced poor health, I was never as grateful for the days of good health. Praise God!!!
2) My older sis Elina graduated from school with her bachelors degree a few days ago. This was a huge celebration because she has overcome many obstacles and challenges in her life and has been able to prosper despite of them. I'm very excited for the future God has planned for her!
3) Last but not least, I've been praying for God to send me an answer as to what I'm supposed to be doing with all of this free time I have after losing Olivia. I left my full time job of 6 years in November and I was hopeful we would have been on adoption #2 by spring. When that didn't happen, I was praying that God would point me in the right direction and show me what I should be investing my time in during the wait. This Friday, I unexpectedly received my answer. We were presented with an opportunity to host an orphan for the summer. The original host family backed out and they weren't able to find a family that could get their paperwork and payment submitted by the due date of the following Monday. Because Roman and I are adoption and foster-care certified, we had all the necessary documents and clearances that were needed to host. When I explained to the volunteer that we'd be able to step in and host the little boy, she was in tears and was relieved she wouldn't have to break the little boys heart. We are nervous but also super excited to welcome Andrey, a nine year old Ukrainian orphan, into our family for 5 weeks later this summer. We hope we can reflect God's tender love and care while he is in our home and also show him a great time. Please pray that God gives us wisdom as we embark on this new journey!
The reason I have been optimistic is summed up in one simple statement: God comes through and answers prayers! The last few months I've had the song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller on my mind. Feel free to give it a listen:
