The last couple of days have been so sweet and so full, and each day is sweeter and fuller than the one before. In addition to hours spent waiting in the van with our driver while Natasha took care of our documents at notary offices, local courts, and adoption administration, Scott, Anna and I have spent so much time with Tanya and Viktor. Yesterday Larissa, the orphanage director asked us, “So when would you like to take them with you to your apartment so they can stay with you for a few days?” I nearly snorted the coffee out of my nose and shouted, “As soon as possible!” I couldn’t believe we had this kind of favor with her -- we don’t even have our official court date yet!
Today was that day! We asked the kids to pack a bag with some things for the next 3 days, and they were all smiles when they went to their rooms and came back holding a rolled up shopping bag with a few items inside. We spent the morning taking pictures with their friends and playing games with them and some of the other children, and then we were off.
Katya, a sweet girl that came to Alabama this past Christmas with Tanya and the group of 9 from Matveevka Orphanage, joined Natasha and us for the day as a special request from Tanya and with special permission from Larissa.
The day was full of sweet moments -- a trip to the market to buy linens (our apartment had none), some toiletries and clothes for the kids, and some more groceries; cooking and eating together (Viktor made the most delicious fried potatoes with eggs and onions); a walk to the river and exploring our neighborhood; games of UNO and “Trouble;” foot-washing in the tub and pedicures; Bible study and prayer time.
There was also lots of time listening to music, playing on cell phones, looking at facebook (Viktor signed up today as Viktor Lawry!!), surfing the internet....media, media, media! All of a sudden we are thrust into this situation where we have to parent these children, establish boundaries and rules, and at the same time make our connection with them as loving parents. We are walking that tightrope carefully and bewilderingly, and ask for you to continue to pray with us for wisdom from above.
Thankfully we have had some very special one-on-one conversations with all 3 of the children that are with us (Anna included!), affirming each of them, showering them with affection and praise, and finding intentional ways to share and show our love to them. Adoption is not for the faint of heart - add adolescence to the mix and you’ve got a tough job. But we can honestly say that we have been profoundly blessed by having them in our lives even in this short time they have brought us such incredible joy that magnifies the joy we have for our younger four children.
Today was that day! We asked the kids to pack a bag with some things for the next 3 days, and they were all smiles when they went to their rooms and came back holding a rolled up shopping bag with a few items inside. We spent the morning taking pictures with their friends and playing games with them and some of the other children, and then we were off.
Katya, a sweet girl that came to Alabama this past Christmas with Tanya and the group of 9 from Matveevka Orphanage, joined Natasha and us for the day as a special request from Tanya and with special permission from Larissa.
The day was full of sweet moments -- a trip to the market to buy linens (our apartment had none), some toiletries and clothes for the kids, and some more groceries; cooking and eating together (Viktor made the most delicious fried potatoes with eggs and onions); a walk to the river and exploring our neighborhood; games of UNO and “Trouble;” foot-washing in the tub and pedicures; Bible study and prayer time.
There was also lots of time listening to music, playing on cell phones, looking at facebook (Viktor signed up today as Viktor Lawry!!), surfing the internet....media, media, media! All of a sudden we are thrust into this situation where we have to parent these children, establish boundaries and rules, and at the same time make our connection with them as loving parents. We are walking that tightrope carefully and bewilderingly, and ask for you to continue to pray with us for wisdom from above.
Thankfully we have had some very special one-on-one conversations with all 3 of the children that are with us (Anna included!), affirming each of them, showering them with affection and praise, and finding intentional ways to share and show our love to them. Adoption is not for the faint of heart - add adolescence to the mix and you’ve got a tough job. But we can honestly say that we have been profoundly blessed by having them in our lives even in this short time they have brought us such incredible joy that magnifies the joy we have for our younger four children.