Eliana's Name Story

During the hosting period (December/January), we mostly used Eliana’s Russian name.   She has a Ukrainian and a Russian name, however she identifies more with her Russian name since her orphanage is located just 30 miles from the Russian border.  She agreed to being called by the name Elena for her new American friends since she liked it and it was very similar to her Russian name.   However, the first time that we heard she did not really prefer the name Elena was AFTER the court date in Ukraine.   That was most unfortunate since the name is official once the court date is complete.  All the documents with her new name were notarized and legally official at that point.  The only way to change it would require a lot of new paperwork and lots more money!   Jay and I decided that we would give her a list of names to choose from to pick as her nickname or the common name by which she would be known as.   Out of a list of names similar sounding to her Russian name (some starting with E and some starting with L), she chose the name Eliana.  However, before that happened, the Griggs’ family (whom were with us at the orphanage since they were also adopting an older orphan), called her Eliana by mistake several times.  That reminded me of how we have always loved the name, loved what it meant and gave us the idea to add it to the list.

What is most amazing to us is that our daughter did not know anything about the name Eliana or its meaning.   For us, we can see how perfectly fitting that name is for her and the entire journey surrounding her adoption!   We have cried out to the Lord time and time again (and continue to) on her behalf.  Eliana in Hebrew means “My God has answered”.  Indeed, He has answered our prayers in magnificent and mighty ways, and has answered the cries of our heart and her heart.  Additionally, He continues to answer our prayers.  Since He is outside of time, He has already answered our prayers for her salvation, complete restoration and healing on every level as well.   What a testimony for Eliana throughout her life and to all who know her!

The new name was chosen, however it would not be official unless we went through more layers of paperwork and paid a lot more money.   In God’s sovereignty He allowed that our last name would be incorrectly spelled on official documents thereby requiring the re-issuing of official documents including the notarization.  This allowed us to easily change the first name at the same time! Yet, by the time the mistake was realized it was very late in the day.  It was the very end of Lauren’s last day in the region where Eliana was born and where the orphanage is located.  It was only the grace of God that all the necessary changes were officially completed in time.  That is a story unto itself though especially given many of the typical attitudes, work ethic and corruption pervasive throughout the land and that particular region. It is clear that the LORD had His way in the selection of her name, accomplishing this name change and making it official from the start!  Praise and glory to His Holy Name! Baruch Ha Shem!