Changes Ahead

A week ago we said goodbye to Annie on the campus of Lubbock Christian University. Nathan parted from us and drove back to Abilene that same day. Mark and I returned to Albuquerque and an empty house. The kids' closets and drawers are empty. We miss their voices, their messes, their laughter. It has been a week of adjustment for Mark and me. It has been, in many ways, like experiencing a grief, although we keep saying to each other, "They're not dead. They're only away at college!"

I shared all this with a friend at school and she said, "See, God is telling you, you need more children in your home!" I guess that's right. At any rate, it is evident and clear to us that God is at the helm of all this. Whenever we falter and doubt, He rushes in with direction and momentum.

We've struggled with several issues as of late, and God's mighty provision has poured down upon us. We were so concerned about the financial aspect of all this, but people have already been graciously contributing to the special fund that has been set up for the adoption. As of today we already have about $4300 that has been given to bring Jana and Ella home. Thank you, God! Just in time to send in the first installment to the adoption agency of $4500. We signed a contract with Cornerstone Adoption Services in Florida. They specialize in international adoptions and have experience with adopting children from Ukraine.

We have been concerned about getting a Christian social worker to do our home study. We contacted some faith - based adoption agencies here in Albuquerque to inquire about beginning the process for our home study, but they couldn't do it because it's an international adoption. We finally contacted New Mexico Christian Children's Home in Portales, and they can do our study. We feel very comfortable with them, and we will receive the paperwork soon. It is a very involved process. We must get fingerprints and background checks and medical physicals. We must give complete financial information and have references from employers and others. Mark and I and each of the kids must write up an autobiographical account of our life and family life. It will take time to get all this done, but again, we trust in God that it will all happen expediently.

We have been concerned about communicating with the girls, and hoping that they hadn't given up on us. God provided a wonderful translator for us in Ukraine by the name of Valya. Valya is a Christian, and a teacher there in Ukraine. We have been emailing and Valya told us that she is planning to travel about 3 or 4 hours to Mariupol in September to visit the orphans. She offered to translate letters to the girls so we can begin to communicate with them. We will mail her some pictures that she can also take to them. We're so thankful for this and so excited about the lines of communication being opened so we can get to know our daughters.

God is so good. He is carrying us through the adjustment of the empty nest and on to the excitement of new children. We are so thankful to Him. We continue to ask for your prayers on behalf of Jana and Ella, and all the orphans in Ukraine and all over the world. This verse seems so appropriate: "Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children." Lamentations 2:19 It is comforting to us that so many others care and are lifting the names of our children up to God for a new life. As you look at the faces of our girls, we think you will see, as we did, those gentle and quiet spirits that hunger for the love of family and God. We long to have them in our arms.

With Blessings and Grace,
Dawn