First, the day started out cold and rainy. We walked 15 minutes to the orphanage to get the kids and paperwork because we had to take them to get their passport photos. The orphanage director asked if we brought their clothes as we were to take them right then. Well, no we didn't bring their clothes with us, we didn't know we were taking them for good right at this moment. Then the director said oh and by the way (before you walk back in the cold and rain to your hotel to get their clothes) the orphanage has these needs and pulled out a list that was on one page and half of a second page. I asked what was on the list. The director said she couldn't disclose this information to us. Can you see where this is going?
Back we walked to our hotel room. As you can imagine we both were not very happy because of what just transpired and not because we didn't want to take the kids right then but because the director thought that we should help her out. We packed things up as quickly as we could and talked about what we needed to give to the orphanage. We packed because we thought we were heading back to Kiev for the remainder of our stay. By this time it is noon and still the rain was coming down. On the walk back Gary said the most awesome thing he could have ever said to me because as you can imagine I was just a little emotional. He said, Tina you have been waiting for this day for so many years now. Do not let them steal your joy! He was absolutely right.
As I think about it now, isn't it awesome that God came before us here and knew what was going to happen today. And isn't it also awesome that we are all accountable for only the choices we make. When others make choices that don't seem appropriate we don't need to worry about it because they have to answer to God for that. So, yes I am joyful and so happy to have these two beautiful children with me right now no matter what transpired today.
By the time we got the paperwork at the orphanage, got their photos taken for the passports and got more paperwork notarized, it was 2:30. Our facilitator called the passport office, which was a half an hour drive away, to see if they could take us today. Unfortunately we have to wait until tomorrow. We will stay here at our hotel for tonight and then move to Kiev tomorrow.
~Tina
That is pretty awesome wisdom from Gary, he hit the nail right on the head. Are the kids with you, they are yours? You have waited a long time and followed a difficult path, but here you are. What a blessing. I praise God for this. I am very happy for you all. Blessings, Kelly
ReplyDeleteOh goodness! We had the same thing happen to us as far as the orphanage requesting things and $$ for things. We had no problem helping them, but they sent us on a wild goose chase without our translator for a ream of copier paper. Did I mention it was 9 degrees for a high and we had to go store to store... Your husband is right, don't let them steal your joy! Soon you will be home with them and none of it will matter :)
ReplyDeleteI know (generally speaking) exactly what you are talking about. I could tell you stories, but you've got enough of your own. Your husband is absolutely right. Take a deep breath and move forward as fast as you can; pray without ceasing. When you get home, breathe again but know that is when it really begins. Things will be really complicated - but still, your husband is right - what a huge huge huge joy you all will have at the end of every day. I am three and a half years into it and still love my son to pieces regardless.
ReplyDelete