Peyton Mae Bell
and
Caleb Fredrick Bell
Court was to be at 3 pm today and about 3:35 pm the judge came in the court room. Everyone in the room had to be accounted for and then Gary and I had to stand and give our full names, date of birth and home address. I can't really remember all of the details of court, like who said what next, but I know that I had to stand and answer a bunch of questions. Then what came next really surprised us.
Believe it or not Peyton and Caleb both had to be at court with us. I was expecting Peyton but not Caleb as he is only 5. That little boy was so brave when he stood up there in front of that judge and 2 town witnesses, one on either side of the judge. We are not really sure what all they asked him but he said yes when they asked if we were his mama and papa. Then Peyton had to do the same thing and she had the biggest smile on her face when she said yes that she understood what was happening, that she would be leaving everything she knows and travel far away and that yes this is her mama and papa. These two kids just blew me away. I can not imagine what was going through their minds because I was so nervous.
At 4:45 pm the judge was done and took a recess. At that point everyone left but us, our facilitator and the two women on either side of the judge. Then at 5:05 pm the judge returned and pronounced us as parents of these two beautiful children. Yes, the day we have been waiting for for such a long time. We give God all the glory because He knew that these two would be perfect for us.
What next? Well, we have the 10 day waiting period and all the paperwork that follows. We were so wishing the judge would wave the 10 days but he is a new, young judge and we were only his second adoption case. So we will enjoy our time visiting the kids and hopefully get to know some of the other children that could be available.
We want to give a big shout out to the Horner family. If it were not for them following God's call on their lives to travel to Ukraine to adopt their daughter and son we would not have met our kids. So, Horner family, we love you dearly and will never be able to thank you enough.
We want to give a big shout out to the Horner family. If it were not for them following God's call on their lives to travel to Ukraine to adopt their daughter and son we would not have met our kids. So, Horner family, we love you dearly and will never be able to thank you enough.
Thanks to all of you that have been praying for us.
~Tina
Congratulations! Beautiful children. And I love their names. What a relief I know you are feeling right now. :)
ReplyDeleteTen day waiting periods hardly ever get waived. Sometimes even medical concerns dont even count to get it waived. Enjoy the easiet of all the days you will have!
Thanks Sally. It is definitely a relief.
DeleteTina
We at all screaming and jumping up and down with joy and happy tears streaming down my face!! We are so thankful you answered the call! Two less orphans in the world today!! Can't wait to welcome home miss P
ReplyDeleteAnd mr C. So very excited! Aliyah loves her new name and says she can't wait till she's coming home forever! Love you all so much! Praying fr those left behind and those who's hearts have been tugged through your journey. What a faith walk! So proud of you! Well done Gary and Tina!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alecia. I am hoping the 10 day wait will give us time to find some others that are available. I am sure that Peyton is looking forward to seeing Aliyah as well.
DeleteYay! I didn't know they waved the 10 day waiting period any more. We had more people in our court room. We had boy two (son), orphanage director, social worker, prosecutor, recorder, translator, 2 parents (us), 2 witnesses, 1 judge, our translator. But, I think it went pretty much the same - and, pretty much, I don't remember what was said by whom. Anyway, congratulations. Now the fun begins.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Some areas do still wave the 10 day wait. We had all the same people in the room I just didn't mention them. I am looking forward to the fun. Thank you again for following our journey.
DeleteCongratulation! I am so happy for you, you been waiting for so so long for this date to come. :) Kids are beautiful! Blessing, and praying for rest of the process go smooth and quick!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tatyana. We are just so happy and relieved. Thank you for following and praying for us.
DeleteTina
Tina, what do I say? All is grace and it is amazing. I am so happy for you knowing all that you have both been through, particularly because we went through many of the same early steps. So happy...
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Kelly
Thank you Kelly for all your kindness and encouragement through this process. We truly have been blessed.
DeleteTina
You are very welcome. We said a thanksgiving and praise for you all last night during dinner prayers. Yes, we are all blessed. I do pray that the process moves smoothly from here on out. As a word of caution, keep in mind that the bad guy is not too happy you are bringing your children home. While I prefer to focus on the love of God rather than dark spirits, I nonetheless concede that they exist and will throw up road blocks if possible. Having said that, God always wins and His plan is already complete and you will be home with your children soon. But we must remain in prayer... Blessings, and we will be praying for your journey home- quickly! Love and blessings, Kelly
DeleteOh, I am just so happy for you all!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the blessing of two new children added to your family. I love their new names. I pray that your time in country goes well. Soon you'll all be home together!
Thanks Sabrina. Please keep the prayers coming. I can't wait until you all go to get your sweet girl.
DeleteTina