It has been a non-stop two days trying to gather documents for completing all the paperwork, saying goodbye to new friends, a congratulation party/dinner at the home of some dear friends (that was an unexpected blessing and surprise), more running around for documents, another visit with the children's Grandma, Jenya hanging out, friends stopping by and, in the midst, trying to deal with the realities of life for a family of 6 like food 3+ times a day!
The Lord is so amazing though; He provides each step of the way and continues to encourage us to just do the next thing and not try to control the timing or outcome. We are in His hands and our job is to be obedient and follow Him.
We now have birth certificates with their new names (and our names as their parents). We visited the passport office and will return there tomorrow with more documents. Natalia continues to work on various deed issues. Our hope is to have the passports in hand and leave Odessa by Monday and arrive in Kiev on Tuesday morning. If that works, we should make our flight out on October 1st. If not, we will have to wait in Odessa for passports and we will keep you posted of our travel plans. Please pray for Monday! Financially it will be difficult to wait much longer.
Tomorrow and Friday will also be very busy with trips to lots of different offices. When possible, Carol has been traveling with Natalia to try to accomplish things and Steve has been keeping everyone occupied with walks, board games, and visits with friends. Fortunately, there is a nice park and playground nearby. Tonight, Steve took them to the small group prayer meeting, while Carol and Natalia remained at the passport office until after 7pm. It was nice evening for the walk to Ron's apartment (it's about a mile one way) and the group offered a prayer of blessing on the children's lives, that the languages barriers would be quickly overcome and that the children would quickly integrate into our family. We are so thankful for the Church.
Thanks so much to everyone for all the encouraging emails and comments. We eagerly anticipate those each morning. Your prayers are more precious than you will ever know. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Steve and Carol
GALIA'S ART
Wow! Galia, that picture rocks! You are really talented. I totally can see you growing up to be a children's illustrator. Oh yeah! The rest of the family.... we love you, continue to pray for you, and can't wait to see you back home.
ReplyDeleteCarol & Steve
ReplyDeleteYour youngest daughter's art is great. Vivid colors and lots of imagination. I hope Galia keeps up with art. I noticed that Pasha is musical and that both Pasha and Lyonya like basketball. The two things I noticed about Andrei is that he smiles alot, and that he likes to eat (a lot). Watch out Steve, your competition is coming home with you. Fred and I are anxious to meet your new family. Hope your next few days are easy to deal with, and that you have a safe trip home. We are proud of you. Love to all.
Pat & Fred
My prayers continue to be with you. Put everything in God's hands and it will work out perfectly. The children are blessed to have your family as their "forever family."
ReplyDeleteGod speed and safe travels.
Teresa Smith