We miss America. In America you can call on the phone without trying to understand a foreign operator. Also, there is a high likelihood that you will get through, regardless of the language of that operator. You can go into any governmental office Monday through Friday and expect to be helped. People are likely to understand why you would wrestle with the decision to adopt a charming little girl who likely faces severe challenges. Mostly, we miss America because that is where our family and friends are. Not that Russia is bad, it just isn't home.
Today we were supposed to be able to go with an inspector back to the same orphanage we went to yesterday. After that we were to go to a notary to officially decline the referral. After that, possibly back to the ministry of education to get another referral. Although the visit to the orphanage could easily have been ackward, we welcomed the chance to visit with her and show her love. We purchased her a gift and waited to hear from the inspector. Unfortunately, the inspector could not go today.
Now we have to hopefully do all of that on Monday. We also have to decide if we come back on July 1st or July 3rd. Those are our only options right now. If we purchase a ticket for July 1st we leave Nizhny Monday night, with or without another referral. If we stay until the 3rd we still have no guarantees. We have a family back home, and responsibilities. We really don't know exactly what to do. In America, the decision would be much easier.
The good news is that this weekend no one is telling us what to do. We can make our own plans. We are enjoying a book that Ryan recommended ("Blink" by Ted Dekker). We are walking lots and enjoy a DVD each night thanks to loaners from the Patton family. We are enjoying spending time together. We hope to worship at the church of a Russian pastor that we met who speaks excellent English and who gave us a wonderful tour of this interesting city on Tuesday.
Right now we are reminding ourselves that after we finally bring home our new daughter this will all seem very trivial. We are enjoying one day at a time and surviving by God's sufficient grace. Thanks for your prayers and love. They mean very much to us.
ps. Thanks for your comments about the weekend. We couldn't agree more.
4 comments:
Hmmmm, just know that I am disappointed as well. I get on this blog constantly to see what is going on. However, I have great hope that next week will bring new things and know you will enjoy your "2 day vacation" this weekend. We got a call from Carman and we are going to spend July 5th with them, probably at Big Splash. That'll be fun. Well, I love you guys. I sent you an email to to ask more questions. Love you both! Oh, and I resent the blog to Dana and Aunt Dana and told them they needed to read it all, and I called and read it to mom sent she is computer iliterate. :)
Michell
I was just sitting here and thinking of you all and this song came into my head. I don't know if it is just me thinking of it or God telling me to remind you of this.
Have you ever heard a love song
That set your spirit free
Have you ever watched a sunrise
And felt you could not breathe
What if it's Him
What if it's God speaking
Have you ever cried a tear that
You could not explain
Have you ever met a stranger
Who already knew your name
What if it's Him
What if it's God speaking
Who knows how He'll get a hold of us
Get our attention to prove He is enough
He'll do and He'll use
Whatever He wants to
To tell us I love you
Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here
Do you know what it feels like
To be tangled up in fear
What if He's somehow involved
What if He's speaking through it all
His ways are higher
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange
What could be stranger
Than God in a manger
God is speaking
I love you
We're still praying for you both and whoever the little girl is God has planned for your family.
Keep your chins up and have some fun.
You're on vacation. Maybe a longer one than planned, regardless, Enjoy!
I totally understand where you guys are at right now. It is extremely hard to walk away from a child in need but if she is not your child then she belongs to someone else and she will be taken care of. That how we handled loosing Timi, knowing that he belongs to someone else and that his wait just isn't quite over yet. You know our story and the extreme disappointment that we felt too but looking back on it now we know that is was actually a blessing to have worked out the way it did. We are still praying and know that when you meet your child you will know it instantly. I remember missing America when I was in Africa too! It is so amazing to me how cultures are so different. I remember just needing organization and order and some personal space. I didn't miss the technology or even indoor plumbing as much as I missed being insignificant. In Africa if you are American you are a celebrity and everyone wants to be as close as humanly possible to your person! Nothing was ever as easy as walking into a building and asking for something and just getting it. If you needed something, even coffee, it was AT LEAST a half days worth of adventure. It does make you so thankful for the blessing of being born in America, even with all of it's problems! I look forward to reading about the day that you accept your referral. I think a certain Dr. once told me that patience is a virtue (or something ot that effect)... HA, HA!!! Course you know I'm just preachin' to the choir now! Take care! Love and Blessings! Kara
Post a Comment