Paperwork, Panic, Patience...and PEACE

Let me tell you, the adoption industry has NOT gone green. Oh the paperwork! In duplicate, notarized and apostilled at the State Capital. With each signature, I am reminded that God doesn't promise us an easy life when we follow his will. But, in 2 Corinthians, we are reminded that "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." I cling to that. For us, this is a beautiful path to walk- but for the person behind the counter, it's just another paper for to be dealt with. It's not personal to them. It is very personal to us, though. The panic that sets in when you realize you didn't file the right paper or forgot to sign that form is almost like losing your child at Wal-Mart. Oh the frenzy! And it seems wrong to have to prove that you're a good parent when you've (so far) successfully parented two boys of your own. But the most difficult thing for me, so far, is patience. Learning to be patient with those who do not understand. Practicing patience when the paperwork is not in your hands and you can't control the speed with which it is processed or the attitude with which it's met. Patiently waiting for those letters from Ruslan and Andrey...the one glimpse into their world that we have on a regular basis.

Some of you have asked if the boys know we are adopting them. We sent an email to the TLC director in Mariupol a few days before Memorial Day. This is the letter she translated for us:

Dear Ruslan and Andrey,

We feel so blessed to have met two fine young men such as yourselves. You are funny, intelligent, kind, and obedient. These are wonderful qualities that will carry you far in life. But life can be cruel, and when you face challenges in the world, it helps to have a family to lean on for support. We have been praying about adoption this year and had plans to adopt here in America…but you have never left our thoughts.

You are getting older, and we think you should have a say in your future. It is your life to live, after all. We would like you to come to America and be our sons. We would like to adopt you. If the process runs smoothly, this could be as soon as Autumn (Fall). But whenever paperwork is involved, things can get difficult and so it might take longer. But we are committed to the process if indeed you want to come.

Please let us know what your feelings are. We will always support you through the TLC if you choose not to come live with us. All we want is for you to have a successful life full of opportunities to serve the Lord and a family to support you through it all. We would love to be that family. We love you.

Sincerely,

Josh, Mika, Levi and Noah

We waited (patiently) for six days. On Memorial Day morning, Josh came running at me with my phone and shoved it in front of my sleepy eyes. The email we received was just an informative one. "They said they would like you to adopt them." The director had read them our letter and told them to think about it for a few days. She impressed upon them the financial commitment we were making. She told Andrew (our missionary friend in Ukraine) that they were excited. But that's all we know. It feels a little strange to have made this decision together and yet apart. We eagerly await a response that tells us how they're feeling about all of this. I'm sure it's a complex bunch of emotions. I'm ready for it all. We have written them since then and encouraged them to express their thoughts to us through mail. We will be able to skype with them while they're at camp in July. And we mailed off their first tuition check so that they can start learning English this summer. But all we can do for now is wait. Getting the mail has turned into such an anxious event.

Paperwork, panic and patience. But there's something else rising up inside of me- peace- a peace that passes all understanding. My kids are halfway across the world, learning a new language and wondering how their lives are about to change. My kids are right here at home, going to camp and the water park, wondering how their lives are going to change. Peace perfect peace. God is above it all and in it all. Praise Him!...and pass the paperwork.