Update from Brett: Your prayers have been very powerful. Please keep praying. We received the Mayor’s signature of approval from the region here to adopt Rachel. The next step is crucial as we are running out of time and finances. I’ll explain the best I can. Since every region in Ukraine is different in how they conduct business, this region normally requires approval from the SDA (National Adoption arm of Ukraine) in order to set a court date to transfer custody of the child. Most regions “DO NOT” require SDA approval in order to set a court date. We found out the main Judge here resigned his post, which means they have to ship Judges in from a nearby city; who have full caseloads already, in addition to being in the middle of vacation season. So, here is where we need prayer. Our facilitator is trying to have the regional court set a date within two weeks before they have SDA approval. If that happens then we could have custody of Rachel in two weeks’ time. If this does not happen, we will have to wait at least another two weeks for SDA approval, then wait again for a court date to be assigned; which could be another three weeks out from the date of signage. If that’s the case then I have to go home for works’ sake, and return for the court date. But with the financial situation the way it is, it’s more advantageous for me to stay and finish this out. If best case happens, then I go home immediately after the court date in two weeks and Tara stays behind to finish out the 10 day post waiting period to collect Rachel’s birth certificate, Tax ID, Travel passport, etc. to prepare her to come home. Either way we know Jesus loves us, cares for our situation and knows what’s best for all of us and most importantly what will glorify Him most. There are so many scenarios. Things change here more than I change my socks but we’re just trying to roll with it. Bottom line is THE END IS IN SIGHT! It’s now the fourth quarter. Time to suck it up, put our heads down and take this thing to the house! Rachel will soon be ours and we need the prayers of God’s people to see us through. We had a nice break yesterday as some new friends took us to a farm here in the region. We saw pigs, sheep, ducks, geese, ostrich, peacock and other exotic birds. Vineyards, orchards, gardens and potato fields. We then had a delicious meal which was paid for by the owner of the restaurant. We were treated kindly, and the food was delicious. It was a welcome distraction for sure. Tanya (Babushka) has been spoiling us rotten with her hospitality. I can tell she really likes us being here, keeping her company. She’s lived a tough life. Her husband passed away about ten years ago leaving her to raise her three children by herself. Her younger son died a few years ago in a car accident and as she was trying to describe it to us she began to tear up and left the room. We feel pretty special that we can at least be a comforting presence for her. She is a wonderful lady and has a love for Jesus unlike any I’ve seen. We absolutely adore her and will miss her when we leave. We had an unexpected visit this morning from some American Missionaries who came over just to pray for us. They came from Arkansas to bring support to local Baptist Churches. The Russian Orthodox Church reigns supreme and does not look favorably upon the Baptists or any denomination outside their tribe. It is very hard soil but we’re seeing God break through in amazing ways. It was so good to have these folks pray for us. The Spirit dropped on us and it brought me to tears. The love in the room was amazing! Just what the doctor ordered. I won’t lie; this has been an emotional rollercoaster. Seeing Orphans without a home, seeing local families struggling to make it here, etc. there’s a weight on my heart for sure. But after feeling those prayers I felt as if God said, “My heart breaks more than yours. That’s why I sent Jesus.” Today I have experienced a side of the cross I’ve never seen before. All in all were holding up as God has taken such good care of us. We’re eating well, sleeping well and just trying to take it day by day. We miss our boys so much and can’t wait to see them. Thanks to all for your support. It means more than you know. To God be the glory!
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:18:19 +0000
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