Still waiting

So we just spoke to our social worker. She tells me that AS's birth mom didn't show up for court. S tells us that they will reschedule her court to another day between 1 week and 10 days from now. If she doesn't show again, the police will have to go get her, or the court will determine the outcome in her absence. So yet again, we know nothing. It's not great, but it's not the end either. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that she didn't show, but it's a little frustrating. Our boy has been in an orphanage for over 2 years... I'm just sad that she can manipulate the situation like this.

Mother's Day

This past Mother's Day was more difficult for me that I can express. I had such joy in my children, the cards they made me, and in my family. But sometimes looking at them, I realize someone is missing, and it's a painful reminder. On Saturday I took ZK to the park for a run. She had a really good run, and she said "at the end I prayed. I said 'thank you' for the great run, and I prayed for [AS]". The week before she didn't have a great run, and we had to have a conversation about perseverance. I told her that running is like every other hard, uncomfortable thing we have to do, and we have to persevere even when we don't want to. Our family absolutely has to persevere in Jesus in order to get through what we're going through with this adoption process. I'm so glad that our little family can support each other and share and learn important lessons from God. I've been thinking about this story... The story of my life, my kids' lives, and our family's life. What will be the testimony? Is it what we have done? Is it what happened to us? Or will it be what Jesus did? I really hope it's the last. Because really, none of this is about us, but about the reason we're doing it. It's because of Jesus. I know some people won't understand that statement. But one day, all things will be made new and perfect, and I rejoice in knowing that this isn't as good as it gets.

A Mother's Day Poem from our Adoption Agency

A Mother's Day Poem
 Once there were two women who never knew each other
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother
Two different lives shaped to make you one
 The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it
The first gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it
One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name
One gave you a talent, the other gave you aim
One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears
One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears
One made an adoption plan, that was all that she could do
The other prayed for a child, and God led her straight to you.
Now, which of these two women, are you the product of? Both, my darling, both, just two different types of love.
~ Author Unknown

Here's what we know

We need to come up with an additional $4,000 along with the money we will need to travel back, gift to the orphanage, and pay for accommodations and food while we're there. I'm not really worried about the money part... I'm more worried that they will continue to cause problems, and that we will go back and again have the same problems. I shouldn't worry, but I do. I also think a lot about what AS is thinking, and how he's dealing with this. His life has been so short, and he's been through so much. I am just praying his heart will not be hardened or closed. I just want to go get him. And even though it looks like our kids will be out of school, they're not wanting to travel back with us, which is probably for the best since we'd be dealing with court etc. Just pray for us... this has just been so difficult. Dave and I were standing in his bedroom last night, and it just feels so empty. Just a reminder that he's not here.

Now we have an actual date

Yesterday we were informed that the mom's new court date is May 24th. How that translates to "the first part of May", I have no idea. I was extremely upset after learning this, and have been with every setback, so much so that it almost seems weird to me that I get that upset. It's like the longer we have to stay here, the less hope we have that we will go back and everything will finish quickly. We know that God's time is perfect, and even though I don't understand, there is a reason we're here doing what we're doing.

Prayer requests:
1) That court will happen on the 24th.
2) For S, who is meeting with the lawyer this week.
3) That we can find out exactly what this will cost us to see this to completion, and that the Lord will provide it.
4) For AS, that he will be at peace knowing we're doing everything we can, and that we will come back for him. For his heart, that it won't be hardened by this experience.
5) For our family, that we will be strong and wait on the Lord.

A quick post to let you know...

Last week we learned that the mother's court date is potentially mid-May. We're hoping that our facilitator will be visiting Bilhorod sometime this week and can let us know what to expect both in timing and financially.

On a completely unrelated note, I was able to attend a Bible study with Zoë on Sunday, and it was funny that it was just what we both needed. I can't explain to you how proud of her I am for her choice in friends. It makes all the difference in the world when you're 13 to have close friends who share your beliefs.