Monday and Tuesday - We need Prayer!

After a really tough night for Kelly (see previous post), we met at the orphanage at 11am to talk again with the Inspector and Director of the Orphanage.  They had both Mariia and Kiril in the room and had them state their desires in writing.  Upon directing them to do this, they also explained to us and them that the inspector was going to have this "case" brought before a commitee to make the final determination.  This was very tough for the children and for us obviously.  It was explained that even though the children have stated their intentions, the board had to approve our adoption of Maria.  I can only write this now, as much of the emotion has run its course.

We were shocked that this got to this point.  We were told before we even started down this road to adopt Mariia that this would not be an issue with the region at all.  If we had known that the kids would have to go through this, we would have handled things differently.  However, God has a plan and we could and will do nothing more than trust Him.

After we met with Tanya and had a rather hard conversation, she decided we needed to go back to the Inspector's office to get more answers.  We quized the Inspector (through Tanya translating) and really did not come away with any clear answers - more negativity.  After returning from a "walk through the valley," we both realized that the only thing left to do was to pray and trust in God.  We heard the words "they do not..., they will not...they have never..., but you can try" and "chances do not look good"... and we knew that this was our call to lay this at His feet.  We know that God is able to move mountains!  I have had moments in life when I knew that we had to trust God for the outcome, but I can truly say this one has brought me to my knees.  No one can understand why the Inspector took this stance, but she did, and now leaves us with a meeting on Wednesday.  We need 5 of 9 people, who know nothing about the story of these children, to vote in our favor.  This is our continued prayer! 

We have had several conversations with Tanya and Nastia (our main contact) about the situation both last night and today.   Tanya told us today that she spent all morning at the  Inspectors office talking with her and others on the committee.  She said the Inspector actually has changed her perspective and will be in favor of us when asked....we will still need four more votes.  Nastia also reassured us that the SDA (State Department of Adoption) would favor our position given the situation if an appeal were to be needed.  We go into the meeting tomorrow feeling like we have done all we can do to this point, have said yes and made ourselves available. 

We are grateful for all the prayers from those who know the situation already.  We ask that if you are reading this for the first time, you please pray that the committee rules in our favor if that is the will of God.  We also ask that you pray for Mariia and Kiril...more drama and emotion anyone their age should have to go through ever.

Kelly and I are steadfast.  We know that His plan is what we are seeking...even if we do not understand his answer.  We know that we can not see the big picture that He holds in his hand. 

We talked to our kids tonight.  We are so proud of all of you and we love you more than you could ever know.  God says that children are are gift to us....Each of you are gifts that we treasure deeply!