Unrest in Ukraine

To some, yesterday could be looked upon as a disaster, but we instead choose to look at it as a victory. A victory for God. A victory for one little girl who desperately needs a Mama and Papa, whether she knows it or not.

I won't go into too much detail. The past week has been getting increasingly difficult. Each day has been a little more of a struggle than the day before. We do not have a translator with us, except one brave young man who understands English fairly well. He is asked by Vala to come down and help translate each day. Still communication has grown more and more difficult with each passing day. Vala is regressing.

We can not judge her fairly based upon our American thoughts and experiences. She comes from a culture that is not our own, in an orphanage with experiences we will never be able to comprehend. Because of this, John and I have continued to be open and continue to reach out to Vala.

Yesterday was a breaking point for us both. We received a joyous break in the weather and got out to walk for several hours. We used the time to discuss what was really at the heart of our unrest with Vala. What seems to be the problem(s)? Could we figure out why Vala has pulled away from us, verbally & emotionally? She ignores our requests and tells us No. We had gotten to the point, with Court looming just 3 more days away, that things were not getting better, but worse with each passing day. We needed to have a meeting and perhaps call the adoption off until things could be reconciled.

We are fortunate Sergiy has such a keen ear and his experience give him a perspective not like ours. He was able to fill us in on the culture and a "Mama" at the orphanage expressed Vala's personality to help explain some of the complications. These were not new to me - I had seen these character traits the first week I met her.

She is strong-willed, a leader, determined and a perfectionist. These were creating the language barrier that was causing so much tension. If she couldn't speak perfect English, she wouldn't speak it at all. I myself who likes things done right and can fully sympathize with her. (all right, those of you out there laughing! PJ!! be quiet!) But this and other things have created such a chasm between us and leaves us wondering if she has changed her mind and has no one to tell. She quit trying and has pulled herself away.

Sergiy has the ear to the "Mama" who has an enormous heart for the children. Between her and Sergiy, Vala has an understanding for the future. This American Mama spent hours crying yesterday. When Vala heard her Mama was crying, that made Vala cry. She is very much a sweet loving girl and is crushed that my feelings have been hurt and that frustration has been caused between us.

Yesterday was a very hard day for all of us. Many tissues were used, but hearts had been melted down and softened again. We are thankful to God for the transformation in just one day. We will go visit again and pray again for more improvement and bonding to begin again.

Thank you for your prayers my friends. Thank you for caring about all of us on this journey. We are so grateful to all who are helping in our absence - we wouldn't be here without your generous time and emotional support.

Please keep Vala in your thoughts and prayers. Keep John and I as well as we trek down this unknown path that is unique to this time and place. We know we will not have another like it.

Sincerely in His arms today,
Jenn