What a Glorious Day!

The Day of Our Hearing - What a Glorious Day! 

Wow, today was quiet the eventful day. We arrived in Donetsk late last night, while still jet lagged, we quickly visited Katya, then headed to court.   The court system in Ukraine is different than our beloved US. First of all, we started the hearing two hours after our scheduled appointment. Once the hearing started, the judge spoke very quickly and in pure Ukrainian, so I struggled to understand all the questions. Although the judge asked us and Andrey (Katya is too young to attend)  some very difficult questions, and made some interesting comments, we were relieved to hear the court approved our adoption and we are officially Katya and Andrey's parents!!! We get to pick up our beloved children tomorrow. After our hearing, we grabbed dessert and visited Andrey's orphanage, where we threw a little goodbye party for him. Andrey was on cloud nine! He smiled from ear to ear as he told his friends that tomorrow he'll be leaving with mama and papa. This was a bitter sweet moment that I had thought about for a long time.  These kids were so excited to spend some time with us. As soon as I walked in , I had a half-dozen  10 year olds hugging, kissing, petting and calling me mamuchka (mommy in a russian). My heart breaks for these children and I realize that I was no different then them, no more deserving, yet I was given a family that loves and cherishes me. I couldn't help but feel that more can be done for these children who so desire to be loved. These children deserve to be in a home and to get a mama and papa like Andrey did. 

 I realized long ago that this journey of adoption wasn't just about growing our family, but about saving two children from a horrific future. Statistics in Ukraine prove that children who grow up in orphanages in Ukraine, have a grim future awaiting them, consisting of drugs, alcohol, prostitution and/or prison. Today a huge victory was won!!! The devil thought he had a strong grip on these innocent, but helpless children, but boy oh boy does God have big plans for them?!! Today is a day to celebrate and with the amount of prayers being lifted up for us, I know God has been with us ever step of the way.  I envision angels celebrating this victory, singing praise to our wonderful Father. As I am overcome by many emotions today, all I want to do is pray. 

My prayer today:

Thank you Jesus for giving me the honor to become a mom today! I am humbled by your grace. I know your will is perfect and you are sovereign. Thank you for giving us the courage to walk this difficult (but very fulfilling road) and seeing us through the end!  I feel so humbled that you have chosen us to impact the lives of Andrey and Katya, we hope to do them justice, because we know they deserve the best, as do all of your precious children.We thank you for being faithful in all You do. Please continue to bless this journey and we ask that we get home safely, so we can celebrate with our loved ones! 

Father, I also know there are 153 million children in this world, who don't have the chance to experience your love, grace and sacrifice, but I know you created them for a purpose. These children can do great things and can have beautiful futures! Although these children's fate seem horrific, I know You can turn darkness into light and You can and will send more victories. These children belong to You, but You need Your faithful servants to step up and ask themselves some difficult questions. Jesus, I ask You to help each and every person reading this to examine their heart and see if they are willing to take a leap of faith.  Show them what they can do to impact these children's lives. Maybe they can adopt or foster a child, but they think they don't have what it takes (finances, energy, time, faith).  Maybe they can financially support or fundraise for a family who wants to care for an orphan. Maybe they can serve these children in other ways, like an orphan hosting program. Whatever it may be, please give them the courage to go out and do it!!! Give them courage to overcome any insecurities or distractions and take that first leap of faith. Most of all, give them the support, love and care You have awarded me through this journey. Lord, You know if it wasn't for Your believers, I may  have fallen short and may not have seen this victory. Thank you again Father, for showing me You are bigger than my fears! Amen.