On the waiting track

It is amazing how time seems to slowly trickle by here. In reality, we look back and do see how quickly time has passed and the many opportunities we have enjoyed.

We left our home 33 days ago. We have had the opportunity to spend many more hours on airplane and train travel than ever (maybe not such a good thing, but interesting nonetheless). We have met a culture we have only read about in books and seen depicted in movies. We have come to a better understanding of their governmental system and the problems they still face. We have had the opportunity to meet other Christians here, both servants from America and Ukrainians who have given their life to Christ. We had the opportunity to attend a college class at UBI for a week (but we chickened out and didn't take the test). We have spent many, many hours at the orphanage getting to know Vala, our daughter, as well as many other orphans that come to hang out with us. We are encouraged with their attitudes and smiles despite their living conditions, school life, etc. and the fate that awaits them should they not be adopted. It has been a trip worth far more to us than getting away to some exotic paradise in luxury. We have been blessed and our eyes are open more now than ever for the plight of the fatherless. They need our help. They need our love.

John and I have been enjoying reading Francine Rivers' "Mark of the Lion" series in our down times in our small one room apartment. She is an excellent writer and encouraging beyond description. We highly recommend them. Our current dilemma is trying not to read too quickly that we will be finished before it is time to leave. What a problem to have! lol! ;o)

Today is our oldest son's birthday - he turned 20 years old. As I've mentioned, I love to tell my kids 'Happy Birthday' as many times as possible on their special day to express how very important they are to me. I will miss this one for the first time in many years. Happy Birthday son! We love you and are so proud of the man you are becoming. May God bless you and keep you close to Him your whole life. Continue to keep your eyes focused on the One worth living - He will never let you down. Happy Birthday.

John and I are on our countdown to court. Vala had various emotions running through her the past few days. We are praying it is not a rebellious heart we are seeing, but only a young woman dealing with all the gamut of emotions that must be plaguing her during these last days. She has been in this orphanage, the only family she knows, since she was five. She has seen 'sisters,' 'brothers,' and 'Mamas' come and go and yet she remained. God held her for us and this moment of time. We are so thankful to soon be called her parents.

We have court in just 4 more days. We are anxious. Our interpreter has been out of town for the past week and will be coming back soon so we can all prepare. We have yet to hear of a court appointment that went smoothly and easily. It almost appears your weaknesses are foreknown and you are tested and tried during the entire process. We ask for your prayers. We have God's peace with us - we know without a doubt that He sent us here to do this for Vala and rely on His strength and great purpose. Still, we are in a land that is not our own. There will be surprises we can not expect, nor will we probably understand. We thank God for Sergiy who is a trustworthy man. We will continue to rely on him heavily for the next couple weeks until we are out of the country with our new daughter.

So until we have more to share, we are continuing on this 'waiting' schedule we are on. I mentioned I would like to share our findings, history and pictures of the Ukrainian Orthodox churches. We continue to struggle with internet and so I have not posted them, but plan to soon. The pictures do not do justice to the beauty of these old historic buildings, but we will try to convey them anyway.

Thank you for praying.
Thank you all for your e-mails and comments.
We love you all and will see you soon.
Jenn & John