Passed the Test?

Nov. 20-23, 2015

I never did finish this last night like I intended so I'll try again...

Right now I'm listening to songs from 8 Beautiful Songs about Adoption (Show Hope website).  Last month, before we left to get our new kids, Jason Waller's song Orphan really resonated with me because it seemed to describe our adoption journey.  Today, while listening to Casting Crowns' So Far to Find You I thought wow, this is another beautiful song about adoption.

Looking back over the 3 weeks we have been in Ukraine, I wonder how this experience has/will change our outlook on life.  We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received so many times.  Last spring someone asked me, "How does one really know what God's will is?"  We believe that we are following his will and this has been reaffirmed in so many ways, over and over again during the past 9 months.  I may grow impatient with all the waiting but I don't question that it is all part of his plan.

Last Saturday, we headed to the House of Hope to visit with the kids again.  While on our way we were asked to pick up the kids' Grandma.  When we arrived at Grandma's, their older brother would also like a ride.  There were 4 of us in the back of a small taxi!  Good thing, they don't have the same seat belt laws that we have in Manitoba.

When we got to the House of Hope, both kids came to give us hugs.  I think it was good for their Grandma to see that we have already started building a relationship.  We were asked all kinds of questions.  Grandma was pleased to hear that the kids would be going to school and that we would help them continue their education with college or university, if they wish.  We showed them pictures of our house, the kids' bedrooms, and our family.  At one point the Grandma cried and said she was happy for the kids but she wondered if she would ever see them again.  We said the kids could Skype and call (I guess we'll have to look into getting a phone plan with good long distance rates!).  By the time we were ready to head back, she gave me a hug so I think we passed the Grandma Test.

The next day, Sunday we went to the Baptist church again so we could see the kids.  We were really happy because their Grandma came in and greeted us with a hug.  She would like to visit with us again and asked if she could see the kids to say good bye.  She may not realize it but it'll be a few weeks before we can go and of course we want to give the kids a last opportunity to say good bye just before we head to Kyiv (Kiev).  I am so grateful the visits were so positive.

Today we went sightseeing with Randy and Debra, a couple from Florida who are here doing some mission work with the Presbyterian Church.  We went for a guided walking tour of the down town area.  I can't remember all the places that we saw but the architecture here is amazing!  One of the things we saw was the Opera House - we plan to attend a show later so we can see the inside of it.

Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre