Stairway to Heaven

Yesterday, I spent an hour and a half in a stairwell with many strangers. Does that sound like a recipe for a spiritual revival? Probably not, but it was. When Josh and I made it back to the SDA for our referral, we saw a man and his daughter walking in the gate ahead of us. I knew immediately who they were. Andrew Kelly had introduced us (by email) to a family that had an appointment at the SDA the same day as us. We had read one another’s blogs and emailed back and forth a few times, so I knew who these two were. I introduced myself (in person) and we began to chat outside. It turns out they are using the same facilitator as we are, and when Denis asked us to step inside, we did so, continuing to share our experiences since we had landed in Ukraine. The father we met is from Texas. and his wife is at home with their children. Due to medical reasons, she was able to stay home. Their teenage daughter came with her dad. Our conversation continued as the stairwell we were waiting in began to fill up with people, most of whom were Americans. One by one, we heard each other’s stories. The father I mentioned told about their 10 children, most of whom are adopted internationally, others biological, etc. He has a powerful story to tell. Adoption is a mission for their family, and he is not shy to say so. Another couple was there from Georgia. They told their story. They are adopting a 15 year old girl they hosted for a summer and a winter session. They didn’t host with the intent to adopt. But when you fall in love with a child, intentions go right out the window. They have left their six year old daughter at home with her grandparents. Then another story, then another, still more…

Adopting can be a lonely experience. You get a lot of “whys” and “buts” from well-meaning people. You get a lot of polite nods and even some out-right rude comments. So when you meet others who are in the process, it feels like a family reunion or something.

That stairwell was hot. There was no place to sit down. We stood for an hour and a half, sharing our stories, and I don’t remember feeling uncomfortable even once. Denis came in to reassure us that he had spoken with the director and they would be down within 20 minutes or so with all of our referrals. We continued sharing. Each story had a different twist or turn, but in the end, we were all there because of one adoption- our own adoption…into grace. Jesus lead us all into that stairwell. And for just a moment, I could feel His presence on the steps, listening to all of us share what He has done with our hearts. I’ve never felt anything like it. I’d stay in the stairwell for a year just feel that again. It’s what I imagine heaven will feel like.

After our wait was over, Josh and I were the second couple to be called in for our referrals. We had to show our passports and sign another “official” piece of graph paper. When we were finished, we said good-bye to everyone, promising to pray for each of their families. Josh lead me under a tree in the front of the building and prayed a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving. It was a moment I will treasure always.

We will travel by train (with that father and his daughter) to Mariupol on Sunday afternoon. It is a 16 hour train ride. Once we arrive, we have an appointment with the inspector and the orphanage director. I’m not sure if we meet with anyone else or not. That’s what I’ve been told so far. Of course, we are more than ready to see the boys! We will be staying in the TLC with Ruslan, so we will see him Monday for sure. Not sure about Andrey. As soon as all of our paperwork is in order, Denis has to hand-deliver it back to Kiev. So that will take another 16 hour train ride or we may decide to pay for him to fly, depending on the cost. Once it’s back in Kiev and approved, they will set a court date, and I will know when I can come home. I have to either stay for the court date or leave and come back for it. I’m very hopeful that it will be before the first of the year so I can attend it and then go home for good. Fighting jetlag twice does not sound like fun! And of course, I am ready to be back home with Levi and Noah.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. What a journey we are on! And you all have helped make it possible. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.