Things today took a very unexpected and sad turn. Everything was going well, we flew from Kiev to Donetsk, took a 2 hour car ride from Donetsk to Lugansk (Lauren did not like the ride at all on bumpy narrow roads with our driver passing everyone right and left), checked into our new apartment (very nice) and went shopping, all by 12 noon). We then went to the regional directors office to pick up paperwork before going to the orphanage, again no issues. We then walked over to the orphanage to meet the orphanage director and then Elena. The orphanage director asked a few questions of us, none that were very difficult.
Elena was then brought in. She was asked in Russian if she wanted to be adopted and she said "NO". This is a radical change of heart since she was last asked by Ksenia (our regional coordinator) two months ago. Needless to say we were both in a state of shock and disbelief. She said that we would like to continue to come visit us but wants to stay at the orphanage. The regional director and orphanage director both tried to get her to change her mind and at least visit with us before making a final decision. One thing that stuck out was the orphanage director saying that Elena is confused.
We had a great visit with her. We gave her birthday cards/gifts, played her favorite game (Connect 4), hugged one another, visited her favorite part of the orphanage, watched videos of her trip to visit us last Christmas and then we video skyped the kids, so she could see Hannah and Micah.
She wanted us to come back tomorrow and visit again. Based on discussions with Ksenia we will be asking her hard questions tomorrow and having to make decisions that will have a lifetime (and beyond) of consequences.
This is the third time in a row at this orphanage that something like this has happened. We just found out that the Ukraine coordinator and her husband will be coming to the orphanage next Monday to try and resolve this situation. While we leave things in man's hand, we are trusting God for His perfect outcome.
Urgent Prayer Requests:
- The the author of confusion (see 1 Cor 14:33) be hindered from impacting Elena's earthly and eternal future
- The orphanage director would not try to stop the adoption
- God's perfect will
- Peace for us during this trying time
- Elena's salvation
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Praying for Elena and your family
ReplyDeleteDear ones, I am stunned. I never expected this, but now I can easily imagine the ambivalence of a young girl leaving everything familiar -- culture, language, relationships, etc. May our Sovereign God keep you looking to Him, trusting that HE WILL ACCOMPLISH ALL HIS PURPOSE (Is. 46). . . whatever that may be. We love you and will be praying in the days ahead. Remember that no matter what happens, nothing is wasted in His economy, and He knows the way He takes.
ReplyDeletePraying for the peace that passes all understanding to guard your heart and Elena's heart. I truly believe that international adoption by Christian families is a spiritual battle for the lives and hearts of the children we want to bring into our families. We will continue to pray!
ReplyDeleteJay and Lauren,
ReplyDeleteMom, our Sunday School Class and everyone I can find are all praying for God's Perfect Will and that all confusion be cleared up. I am on Skype and you can call me if you would like. My email address is the way to get me. We are praying for you and Elena as well as Hannah and Micah. We love you all, Jody