Missing our Boys

The best way to start the BLOG today is with John 11:40. If you believe, you will see the glory of God. Not only will I thank the writer John – but also Beth Moore for putting it in the perspective I needed yesterday while I marched through her Bible study. For many years I have prayed for an adopted child. After looking at a close friends Dossier – “Wow, no way would I ever complete such an intricate, immense, expensive bunch of documents. At least not in our own strength. To think that He had hand picked two children who were brother and sister – yet might not even know each other – in such a remote and far away place from NC…… To think we left in July with hopes of returning with these precious kids – only to be told to return and have to leave our boys again. I can only say this – and you would have to live it or know us intimately (at least I think) to know how difficult some of this journey has been in our human state. But He has shown us His glory in every step of the way. From the moment we decided, to our two boys agreeing to looking at Joseph Edwards picture and getting the Holy goose bumps and many tears….. It is all so good. Two of the most courageous boys I know are the two I saw for the first moment as Dr. K announced their arrival and showed me their sweet faces. Justin and Jacob have never complained and have prayed for these two since the beginning. In a sense – as Jeff may have commented as well, they have become orphans so we could bring two home. Don’t get me wrong – I know that Judy, Mary and Charlotte as well as the whole family have given them every single ounce of what they need and want. That goes without question. But a Mom misses her boys. There are sweet things they have done for and to me since the day that they were born and I miss it beyond all things comparable on any day of the week while I am here away from them. Just so you know sweet boys – that is enough of that for now. The next two most courageous people I know are our two additions. You already know the truth of that. And next let me just say, there is not a person in this world that I would have ever taken this leap of faith with besides my husband Jeff. And yes Sally, there are moments when we want to kill each other – but it is quick and “fleeting” as they say (plus we’re in a foreign country and who else would we talk too???). What I am trying to convey is that God’s glory is abundant in so many ways. Without all I know and feel comfortable with – well He brings it with a twist…. Today we went to church (again we were 5 minutes late to church which is 5 doors down). The message was still in Matthew and it was about suffering (what else?). It was awesome. He never ceases to amaze me. After church we sat with Dora and the other women for tea and cookies. Jeff is such a good sport because this was a typical “hen party” (a shindig but without men) and he was a dear. Dora turns 91 on Wednesday (the sweet lady with the apples from last Sunday). She told us all she wants is a man – so if there are any available by Wednesday that you know of – Jeff told her he would put in the personal ads, mature Ukraine woman, loves animals (remember the dog bite?). She laughed. Jeff asked her if she would like the ad to say she was 38 or 39 – she said to just tell the truth. It was lovely though. I gave her a scarf for her birthday. She wore it for a while and decided her old one was more comfortable. That reminded me so much of my grandmother.
We then went to see Eddie. Gosh, it is just such a bummer to not be able to just take him out. He looks tired and worn out lately. My mother’s intuition is telling me he is worn down by worry that we are not there ever day, a cold that is plain to see and just sharing a bedroom with 13 other kids. He tried real hard to be a trooper. When he was satiated with food and drink he laid his little head on Jeff’s shoe. He was so tired. We took him back upstairs and he did not even protest too much. Heart breaker.

To end the evening we were invited to a Babooshka buffet! There are two special Babooshkas – Tonya and Clava, and they cooked stuffed peppers and reneke (SP) and lots of other awesome things. There were about 15 people who were here who have made the time bearable and most times pretty awesome in Gorlovka. They have even been so helpful with paper work things in the city. It was really fun and reminded us of family times and get togethers at home. They all said how much they would miss us when we left. I thought, wow, me too. But that doesn’t preclude getting the heck home ASAP!!!!

So to end the day – I would trade all the chocolate in Ukraine to be home and start our new life. But He has shown Jeff and me both His handprints, His glory and that His plan is so much greater and so much sweeter than ours. God bless you all! Sweet dreams my boys and God only knows how much my heart misses you. Stay strong and courageous!!!