Christmas Cousins!!

Here is a photo of the Clark and Townsend children at their Clark grandparents in Banning, CA.  We were very encouraged at how they all interacted and it was a joy to have Kim and the kids home for Christmas!  

Pictures Worth a Thousand Words

Dear Friends and Family.  It has been 2 weeks (including Kevin's birthday and Christmas), since Kim and the kids arrived.  We have enjoyed so much having them home and helping them adjust.  They've been great at being flexible and have been eager to be involved.  I'll take time to write more again, but I wanted to pass on some pictures for a couple of posts before I share more in writing.  I hope you enjoy them...

Hey, It's Good To Be Back Home Again!

Dear Family and Friends, 

Our family is all together again!  We had a wonderful reunion on Saturday night at LAX.  You can't fully tell from this picture, but Kim, Kaitlyn and Brody were all completely wasted after over 24 hours of travel.  Kim said it came right down to the end that she wasn't sure that they were going to be allowed to go.  Kim and I still have some older versions of passports.  I believe the technology changed the year after we received our new 10 year  passports in 2001.  So whenever we travel there is usually some kind of delay.  In Ukraine, they were very perplexed as to whether ours are even real since the technology on them is so different.  So, there was a long delay about that. Then the passport control in Kiev wanted adoption papers, but would not tell her which adoption papers they wanted.  Kim kept asking them which papers and they just kept saying, "Adoption Papers".  She finally pulled out all of her adoption papers and kept showing her one after another until the lady said which one she wanted.  Very nerve racking! She was praying the whole time that she would get through and on her way home.  

In our excitement as a family and Kim being so tired, we didn't check her bag carefully and we grabbed one that was almost identical.  At 11 pm we realized that it was not her bag.   Her bag had my name on it and this bag had a Robert as the first name too.  Well, we solved that in a hurry by calling this other Robert and then going for Kim's at the airport and taking Robert his bag at a hotel near the airport on Sunday morning.

The kids were absolutely ecstatic to find their room and bed all ready for them.  Kaitlyn loves light blue and Kelly loves clouds, so their room has exactly that painted on the wall.  Brody has taken over Kevin's old bed that has a ladder up and has a desk underneath.  After unpacking their bag and putting what little they have into their dressers, they showered and then everyone went to bed.  It was a very relaxing Sunday for us as we did some things around the house, played chess and took them on a long walk to keep them awake.  Tiffany was with us on Sunday and then we took her back to school later that night.  She played Speed with Kaitlyn too.  We think the bonding is going well for now.   By 7pm  on Sunday they were ready to crash, but we kept them up longer in order to beat the jet lag.  

On Monday Kim and I took Broden at 8am to his first appointment with the pediatrician.  She was extremely helpful and looked him over well.  She was concerned though about a sound she heard in his heart that she couldn't really distinguish.  She will eventually have us see a cardiologist about it, but she wasn't too concerned yet.  We'll take her an x-ray of his chest that we forgot the next time we go in.  Please pray that we'll be able to determine his meds really soon, find out how to obtain copies of medical records and exams that the Ukrainian doctor failed to provide for us and that his heart sound will not be serious.  Praise the Lord we were able to get him home and started on this process.  The whole family is both overjoyed and also getting used to having us all together.   The Lord has truly continued to show us He is our Provider. 

Arriving on Saturday!

Dear Family and Friends,

Kim took advantage of the free Vonage line at the Carter's home and an 800 number and called our travel agent (whose office is in Ohio).  His office was open... I was still asleep!  He has arranged flights for them on Saturday and they will arrive to LAX at 8:34PM (Lufthansa through Munich to Charlotte, US Airways to LAX). In Charlotte, NC they will go through customs and become US citizens.  Kim was born in North Carolina, though she doesn't remember it.   

Customs can take 2 hours.   She has 2 1/2 hours to get through customs.  Pray that customs will get them through quickly.  If customs doesn't get them through then they (airline or customs?) are required to put them up in a hotel for free and send them on the next day's flight.  Thank you for all your prayers on behalf of our family and for those who have and will be providing us meals.  It has been a great help to me.

On Thursday morning, the kids and I had a time of prayer and in the word together.  We now call it Table Talk Time, though it was around the couches in the family room.  We looked at 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given you a spirit of timidity, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  This verse was suitable to the uncertainty of the moment as we were completely expecting Kim, Kaitlyn and Brody to be there through the holidays.  We prayed together for them and endurance for all and that the Lord would bring them home as  soon as possible.  

Kim was working on a new place for them to stay.  I was working and studying, helping the kids in their studies, as well as, trying to find flights for Tiffany, contacting Congressmen and Senators, and following leads on places for Kim to stay as well.  Tiffany was preparing to leave on the 20th after finals to be with them in Kiev.  Kevin, Jason, Kelly and I were preparing ourselves for the separation during Christmas and we were discussing that.  Of course the Lord had another plan and we are so grateful to Him for showing us in this way that He is our Jehovah-jireh (Our Provider).  Our facilitator in Kiev thought it was an amazing miracle too.  She's never seen it happen.  No one could have orchestrated it in this way and to have the embassy and the DHS and CDC be willing to do it all by email just now  is truly a miracle in our minds (it was a 3 day turnaround!) . 

"I Got It! I Got It!!

These were the words coming through my phone that woke me up at 4am on Friday morning as Kim called me to share with me her news.  She had just received a call from the Adoption Unit at the Kiev Embassy saying that they had received the approval by email and were able to issue the visa!!!

She was arranging a taxi to get over to the embassy.  She was so excited she started listing off how I could contact the travel agent who is helping us so he can try for a flight this weekend.   I had to stop her to remind her that it's 4am and  that we are 10 hours behind and I would have to wait till the poor guy opens his office.  :-)  

I had actually just gotten to sleep at 3am, so that's why I was so groggy.  I had been working late and then decided to not wait, but to issue my own personal request and plead our case to the DHS in Moscow.  I didn't want to delay because the weekend was coming and so I wanted them to get it on their Friday. My email to DHS went out at 2:06 am.   Immediately after I sent this personal request I found that Kim had just written to me.  She wrote that the embassy told her our waiver had been assigned a DHS reviewer and he was reviewing it already!  Less than 2 hours later the embassy called her!  

It turns out that Broden is not necessarily the first child to be adopted with HIV.  Although, you could deduce that sort of scenario based on some of the comments from various Ukrainian and American officials.   But, he is the first to receive a waiver where all communication and action was handled by email!  That is a certainty based on communication from the embassy.  I hope they will do this in the future for others.

Thank you for all your prayers on our behalf.  I had intended an update on Friday with some other details of what was happening and how the Lord had opened up doors: 

~~ Kim had found a place for them to stay with a single missionary who offered for them to stay at her flat, 

~~ the fact that we were working on the details of sending Tiffany on a flight next Saturday, in order to stay with Kim during the holidays and to help her,  and 

~~ little tidbits of activity and interaction that they were going on for Kim, Kaitlyn and Broden.   

But now that doesn't matter and we are all overjoyed to say that as soon as we can arrange their flight through The Golden Rule Travel guy  (after he gets to his office today) they'll be on their way home!!!  

~~~~So, now... I'm going back to bed. I need the rest.  ;-)

Blood Test Received - Waiver Submitted!

Dear Family and Friends,  

I spoke with Kim on Tuesday and inspite of some delays and difficulties with the medical clinic, she did receive the needed test from the clinic.  She was told it wouldn't be ready before 1pm and so at 2pm she arrived and finally received the test from the doctor at 4pm.  So, she dashed over to the embassy, as fast as the traffic would allow the taxi to go, and they had a short interview, the visa was rejected and then the embassy prepared to send the waiver. 

It is now Wednesday morning over there and the waiver should be getting sent out. I would ask you to pray for the waiver to be accepted quickly.  Much quicker than the minimum 2 weeks they estimate.  Kim still has to arrange flights, but she can't do this until she has that waiver approved.  As I stated in the other posts, it is so important that we get them to the US so we can get Broden new medicine before his supply runs out on January 3rd.  The embassy has said they are trying to use both fax and email in communicating with the CDC in Washington and CIS in Moscow for the approvals and hopefully this will speed things up.  

Meanwhile I spent some time on Tuesday preparing forms and communication for our California senators Feinstein and Boxer and our district Congressman Darrell Issa.  Senator Feinstein seems to be potentially the best help as she has a specific form for helping with immigration problems and that form is very detailed as well.  Her office also allows the faxing of all the forms and communication necessary.  Please pray that they will respond and help us by directly having their immigration liaisons request for a speedy waiver on our behalf.  We are doing all we can as we know we are our own best advocates in this situation, since we feel the urgency more than anybody, but there's only so much possible and it's ultimately the Lord's sovereign care that matters.   Pray for Kim too as she is quite tired and drained.  This is a hard waiting period and she can't go outside much since she's fighting a nasty cold.  It's snowing in Kiev now.  Pray Kaitlyn and Broden and Kim will forge a special bond during this time.  Thanks for your prayers for us.

Adjusting to Family and Seeking Contentment in the Lord's Plan and Timing

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for your continued prayers for Kim, the kids and the whole family.  This is a trying time, but we know that the Lord is always at work in our lives, so our anxieties are lessened as we take time to seek Him.  This happened for Kim on Saturday, because Lisa Carter (missionary that Kim is staying with) gave Kim that time she needed by taking all the kids out to some self serve car wash near a lake where the kids could help.  Our kids were overjoyed to help and they all received 10 hrivna ($1.50) for doing it!  

Actually it has been very good for Kim and the kids to be there because certain behavioral issues have come up, but because of the Carter's values and rules as a family matching our own, it has helped Kaitlyn and Broden to see how a family should work.  They've had chores to do and there are strict rules about meals, such as eating salads first, eating everything on your plate and the mandatory everyone must try everything.  Kim is finding that Broden has a really big appetite. At one meal "Brody ate a ton! 2 large chicken rizeks (like breaded weinerschnitzel, but chicken), 3 good helpings of potato salad, 2 breads w bologna/salami + cheese. Not long after he had more potato salad!!"    Kaitlyn is beginning to try new things and even some things she previously said she didn't like.  The Carter's 10 year olds (not twins) were adopted in the Ukraine and so this makes for a good mix, since they know Ukrainian and yet are American missionary kids too. "Kaitlyn, Brody and Ethan were all slow in eating so she said the last one done has to do an extra day of dish duty. Boy, did that light a fire under them all. Ethan does not like meat so he tried to speed up but was way behind to start so he lost. It was pretty funny to watch the whole thing.  After the boys did the dishes (into the dw), we went to church and the kids went to kids church. They seemed to have a good time. Broden wants to come back next week. I guess I'm happy about that but I'd like to be home. It would seem that part of God's plan is the family thing and the chance to go to church in their mother tongue. It is worth it if God uses it to plant seeds or bring them to Christ. I feel it is a big sacrifice but I know it is nothing compared to what Christ sacrificed for me."  

Kim went on to share some of the things the Lord is showing her in the midst of this trying time.  I too would echo that the Lord is pruning me during this time.  He's also showing us some of the areas that will be difficult to deal with, but will be necessary to instruct and be firm about, (flippant apologies, impatience, rude comments to each other, swearing, tattling and whining, etc.). As a result of some poor behavior and attitudes, Kim brought Lisa in to translate her straight to the kids.  They seemed to listen to this.  Lisa runs a tight ship at home and it helps Kim a lot to be able to talk fully and straight to them, even though it's being translated.    It has eased her mind to have that option.  We have to get them doing well in English in a hurry.  As we wait on the blood test and the next steps afterwards, it is good to be able to see that this delay is actually helping with their transition and the Lord has orchestrated and revealed some of the things we need to be praying about and dealing with.  

On Monday I spoke with a lawyer from National Immigration Law Center and although she doesn't specialize in these cases, she said that lately the government is trying to process waivers related to HIV in a more speedy fashion than ever before.  So we remain hopeful.  The embassy reiterated to me that they have received word from their contacts at these two agencies that they (the CDC in Washington and USCIS in Moscow) will handle our waiver in the most expeditious way possible.   I am also in contact with various HIV/immigration lawyer centers that have given me help in knowing what to expect related to this waiver and what I can do on this end.  

Please pray that the blood test will be performed on Tuesday (it requires other patient's tests to warrant doing ours and there must be some magic number to make it happen).  This seems to be the biggest holdup right now as the embassy can't move on the waiver until this specialized blood test is performed to establish to the greatest detail that he has HIV.  One encouraging note was that the medical clinic in Kiev told Kim that if he's had it all his life and has done well thus far, then sometimes, but of course no guarantees, it has happened that HIV and its symptoms have just disappeared.  Wouldn't that be nice?  Each time he's been tested this year it has been positive.   Only the Lord who is shown in the Word to be the Great Physician, knows fully and could do that. We are total amateurs in all this, so we've not heard of that before.  We can trust Him.   Please continue to pray that we can get him home and into a doctor for the tests he needs so that new prescriptions can be filled.  He only has medicine until January 3rd and it's the holidays too, so who will see him during the holidays?  We'll take one step at a time I guess.  Thank you for your continued prayers for us.  One other item:  Kim and the kids can only stay with the Carters until 12/17, which is a two week mark that we all originally thought this would be.  Please pray for the Lord to open another situation for her if she must be there longer.

The Reality of it all...

Dear Friends and Family,

I just spent time on the phone with Kim and it was a really hard day for her.  The reality of it all is that there are no guarantees and every time we gain one thing, there is yet another which delays progress.  The documents in question did arrive, but the medical staff informed her that a special test that is necessary won't be in till next Tuesday, at the earliest!  This test is needed before they can do her interview and it can't be performed until they have enough of other patient's blood tests to warrant doing them all at the same time.  It reminds me of the time in Czech when we were waiting on Fed Ex in Prague to bring us plane tickets and they told us on the phone that we can't bring it to you overnight until we have enough packages to justify a driver!  We drove to Prague and got the tickets on the way to the airport.  Nothing like that is even possible here.  

That's bad enough, but then there is the waiver and the possibilities of any number of barriers.  There are no guarantees.  We need prayer like never before.  The children don't understand and they are getting both bored and difficult because of it.  Kim is trying hard to explain, but there is simply not much she can say since she doesn't have answers.  She had to get firm with them yesterday because she understood enough to know that they were talking rudely and badly to one another and they both turned inward.  Kaitlyn ignored Kim's repeated tries to talk further.  Broden cried and wanted to talk but couldn't.  Perhaps Kim didn't understand what was really happening or perhaps they just are very immature in how they handle discipline.  She's going to seek the help of someone who can translate tonight or on the weekend to try and iron it out.  

Please pray for a breakthrough and for the Lord to give to Kim the ability to handle the emotions of it all.  She's very discouraged and struggling with the delays, struggling with wanting to come home and the waiting, the fears and the potential longer time of being there.  Please pray for a breakthrough!    Pray for me too according to these things.  I'm very discouraged about it, though trying to stay focused.  Pray that the testing of our faith will produce endurance and pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of those who can help us.  Pray for the Lord to be glorified in it all.  In spite of whatever we struggle with we are still called to honor and glorify Him and so no amount of complaining will be helpful or wise, so I'm determined to set myself to praying more constantly and earnestly, even though in all honesty I constantly struggle with wanting to get angry at the system or complain about the situation.  Pray too for my kids here who are anxious and struggling as well.  That the Lord's grace and mercy will be given abundantly to all of us to stand up under the weight of waiting. That's all I can say for now, I have to get to work and other things on behalf of her and the family, but I want to say thank you for caring and praying.   I pray the Lord will give to you wisdom and the ability to honor and glorify Him in all your situations and relationships on this day.

Embassy Interview Friday?

Dear Family and Friends,

The battle continues and we appreciate you for your prayers.  Kim communicated today with us the following: "I finally connected with the doctor tonight. She had not gotten the English version before leaving work. Marina says that Natasha (adoption lawyer) sent it so possibly no one gave it to the doctor. I will call the doctor in the morning to see if it is there. If not, Natasha will fax it again. The original will arrive on the 9:30am train. ... Anyway, tomorrow will be a race to get to the embassy before they close. Traffic is unreal in the city and it will be Fri which is always worse."

Getting to the embassy in time is related to having time to do their interview for passport and visa.  Following that Broden's visa will be rejected.  If she doesn't make it on Friday, then they have to wait till Monday.  The waiver can't be sent to the 2 US agencies for their approval until this interview and subsequent rejection has taken place.  These interviews only happen on a weekday. The embassy is saying at least 2 weeks after the interview before approval. Please pray that they will be able to have it on Friday, which is 10 hours ahead of us here in California.  

Here in California I've been trying  to obtain contact information for the CIS, CDC and a county HIV program that we need to enroll Broden in.  It was not going well.  Then I came across something that just seemed obscure, but possibly what I needed.  I called and it turned out to be a State Department Adoption Hotline, though it sure didn't seem like that's what I'd found.  Well, it was "INFORMATION JACKPOT".  They provided me with everything I needed and then some.  I was off and running. I contacted this county HIV assistance program, Inland HIV/AIDS Project, and they were very helpful.  They provided me with a letter over the internet in 15 minutes stating they were willing and prepared to enroll  Broden into their assistance and support program as soon as he arrives to the US. Then I contacted the CIS and they have an over the phone Service Request center for asking for an expediting of our case.  Their system was down, but I'll be calling them Friday morning.  The CDC number that I called didn't seem to be what I was looking for, but I learned some things about their role as "Review Only" and that CIS is the final approval.  Then I contacted our State Representative Darrell Issa.  I was looking to ask for his help and influence in requesting the expediting of an approval for our medical waiver.  I wrote a letter with detailed information of the situation and our request for his help and action on behalf of our son/family.  I'll be driving that to his office tomorrow.  All in all it was an interesting day.  

Meanwhile Kim and the kids are enjoying time with the Carters and their children (when they aren't running around town).  They have biological children as well as 2 adopted Ukrainian children (Ashlee and Ethan - both 10, not twins). Ashlee likes to tell blonde jokes :).   Kaitlyn and Broden are enjoying their time with these kids.  For us it is a bonus to our prayers,  because having others to play with takes their mind off the other activities and the waiting.  They are getting to see first hand some other kids that were adopted and the result.  I'm praying it is influential on them as a glimpse of how things will be for them.  Kim asks prayer for the following: "It is late and I need some sleep. I'm getting pretty sick so I need to rest. It is good that the weekend is here.  I won't have to go running around. Pray that I can be an encouragement to Lisa (Carter) and any others while I am here."

Praise the Lord that Pam Greer and her new son Justin will fly to LAX arriving around midnight on Friday. Congratulations to the Greer family (Kevin, Pam, Garrett and Morgan) on their new son and brother ~ ~ Justin!.

Hardest Day Yet...

Dear Family and Friends,

We continue to be very grateful for your prayers and encouraging messages.  It seems there is a large supply of obstacles that just keep extending this process.  My constant prayer has been that the Lord will sustain Kim and give her wisdom (Proverbs 9:10; James 1:5) and the ability to stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-12) and take all thoughts, fears and anxieties to the Lord. (Philippians 4:4-9; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

After the wonderful news of receiving the passports and getting the addendums submitted on Tuesday, we again have learned of other barriers to overcome in this final phase of the process.  Kim and the kids took an overnight train to Kiev.  In one sense she said it was easier to sleep because this train went slower and so the train wasn't rocking so much.  However, it took 14 hours and was the most amazing "oven" you can imagine.  Each time the train stopped the temperature shot up.  There was no mechanism to really control the heat.  There was no way to open a window or vent.  She said it was easily 100 degrees and the only "relief" was when the train was moving.  They left at 7pm and arrived in Kiev after 9am....  "A driver met us, Nik. Nice guy, speaks english. He took us to get photos done of the kids and then to the medical clinic. That's when the bomb hit. Broden's the first one to be adopted with this virus, so no one really knows what to do. Turns out they did not give me all the medical documents in Belgorod. I need things by the specialist who oversaw his case. He has never been vaccinated for rubella and did not get one yet maybe because of the virus. Kaitlyn needed another one. I had them both get a blood test. He again tested + and her - .   I could not get into the embassy so I have to go at 8:30am tomorrow. The embassy is saying (by phone) they hope it will all be ready in 2 weeks. UGH!  The hard thing is that the kids don't know what he has so they don't understand the seriousness and the delay. Also, they see Justin about to leave. I hit my max today and am exhausted and discouraged. I hope tomorrow is somehow better."

I spoke with Kim after receiving this email.  They had eventually arrived at the Carter's home and the kids were already sleeping.  She's tired and fighting sickness, so we didn't talk long. I asked whether others are working on these other medical documents.  She assured me that they are trying to contact the doctor in Belgorod for her to get what is needed.  Also, the children don't know the details of HIV, because it is culturally and universally common in UA for a doctor to not tell a patient about a serious disease, but to tell their family members, which they didn't have at the time.  We do know they've been told he has a virus and that's why he has medicine, but nothing has been explained to them beyond that.  Please pray for wisdom as we face these delays and as Kim is dealing with them that she'll know what to share at this point with the kids.

On an encouraging note, I was able to contact the National Visa Center.  Turns out they are almost like a way station or conduit for moving these approvals along, at least for adoptions.   I was told that our approval had been moved on by email to the adoption unit at the Kiev embassy.  I then wrote to the embassy and they replied that  they had received it.  I am waiting now to hear from Kim what the embassy told her and whether this email approval has satisfied their concerns about the home study and I-600A documents.  

Well, I wish I had more news, but that will be coming today.  I would ask you to continue to pray for Kim and that these barriers will be overcome swiftly.  Praise the Lord with us that she has a comfortable and affordable place to stay in Kiev.  Pray the Lord will give her strength, health and perseverance.  Pray for endurance according to James 1, where it speaks of having your faith tested, which will produce endurance.  Please pray too that we will not crave so strongly "good news" at the expense of doing the Lord's will and seeing what He wants us to see. 

TWO TOUCHDOWN TUESDAY!!

Dear Family and Friends,

Today we were able to have success in two different countries!  Kim wrote that she and the kids traveled to Kiev by train because their UA passports were received.  Kim wrote:  "Well we got the passports today and I'm on a train with the kids to Kiev :-) Hurray! Hurray! Tomorrow (wed.) we will go straight to the embassy."  

TOUCHDOWN #1!!

For our Tuesday in California it was looking rather grim.  I was primed and ready to go, but couldn't get the DHS office on the phone. I knew that they have limited window hours.  Kim's email came in about 11am our time and I was replying and even writing to her that I don't know what will happen today, when the phone rang.  It was the DHS office and they told us of some additional information to put into the rough draft addendum to the home study.  I then called the social worker, who has been extremely helpful, and we made our plan.  She prepared and notarized the documents I needed while I got gas in the car and then Kelly and I took off.  

The window for submitting documents closes at 3pm!  So, we prayed for smooth freeways (which we got) and to be able to park quickly in downtown LA (which we found).  Then Kelly and I made it to the building by 2pm.  There was a line of over 100 people in front just waiting to get in!  I sent out some SOS prayer texts and 15 minutes later we were through the security line and off to find the DHS office.  Ten minutes later we were able to submit our documents and waited for the DHS officer to return from lunch to finalize it.   I  asked for expediting the approval to Kiev, but she said they can't do that.  Then she told me that she was sending an email "heads up" to the National Visa Center.  Finally, she gave me the NVC's phone number and email, so now I am able to contact them as well and ask for expediting of the approval over to Kiev!  

TOUCHDOWN #2!!

We would ask you to pray for the waiver to get approved through the CDC in Washington and Moscow quickly too. Also, that Kim and the kids can get the other items at the embassy accomplished quickly.  Thank you for joining us in prayer.

Last night I didn't sleep much.  I normally sleep like a log, but I woke up quite early today and decided to get up and pray and then study.  I was sensing in my thoughts and feelings far too much discouragement.   I looked into Valley of Vision again and found the following to be a huge encouragement and helpful later in the morning.   

From, God Enjoyed  ~~ (I exchanged the Old English where appropriate for more modern English to help it read better) ~~

Thou incomprehensible but prayer-hearing God,

Known, but beyond knowledge, 

revealed, but unrevealed, 

my wants and welfare draw me to you, 

for you have never said, "Seek me in vain". 

To you I come in my difficulties, necessities, distresses; 

possess me with yourself, 

with a spirit of grace and supplication, 

with a prayerful attitude of mind, 

with access into warmth of fellowship, 

so that in the ordinary concerns of life

my thoughts and desires may rise to you, 

and in habitual devotion I may find a resource 

that will soothe my sorrows,

sanctify my success,

and qualify me in all ways for dealings

with my fellow men.  

I bless you that you have made me capable 

of knowing you, the author of all being, 

of resembling you, the perfection of all excellency,

of enjoying you, the source of all happiness.

O God, attend me in every part of my arduous

and trying pilgrimage; 

I need the same counsel, defense, comfort

I found at my beginning.

Let my religion be more obvious to my conscience, 

more perceptible to those around.

While Jesus is representing me in heaven, 

may I reflect him on earth, 

While he pleads my cause, may I show forth 

his praise.

Continue the gentleness of your goodness 

towards me, 

And whether I wake or sleep, let your presence 

go with me, your blessing attend me.

You have led me on and I have found your 

promises true, 

I have been sorrowful, but you have been my help, 

fearful, but you have delivered me, 

despairing, but  you have lifted me up.

Your vows are ever upon me, 

And I praise you, O God.  

And Now For Something Completely Different!

Kim shared with us in an email that they had an opportunity to go with Pam Greer and Justin and walk around town.  It was a good experience as it showed that she and Kaitlyn and Broden are getting closer to one another.  Plus, there were some interesting things to observe, not the least of which were some technology that we take for granted, but these former orphans have probably never seen...

"We went into town today. It was nice to see justin and pam. The kids all had a great time. They were enthralled with a revolving door and the escalator. Pam said justin watched her washing machine for 30min and then freaked when it spun and started jumping. (You can read a more detailed account of this with pictures on the Greer's blog - www.kevinandpam.blogspot.com) The kids are doing well. They each grabbed my hand at different times to hold it as we walked. As we were walking there was a boy having to hold and guide his drunk father. All 3 kids got very uptight, slowed down walking and really kept their eyes on him. They were obviously afraid and were pointing him out to us nervously. Broden motioned that the man had drunk alcohol and used drugs. It seemed that they had very bad memories. Kaitlyn was really affected. I had to hug her as we walked and tell her, not in our family (drunkenness). She relaxed. It was interesting." 

This would figure since part of the neglect they experienced was a household that had 6 adults + an invalid grandmother.  None of them were working and most likely they were drunks, drug users and abusive.  Please pray for wisdom as we help them adjust. 

Urgent Prayer Needed!

Dear Family and Friends,  

Changes and surprises can be very sobering and can happen quickly.  I received an urgent call from Kim early on Friday morning.  The reason for it was that she had received a call from the US Embassy in Kiev, Adoption Unit/Immigration Visa Services.  In a nutshell, they discovered that a form from Immigration Services (I-600A) and our home study reflect adopting 2 children that are relatively healthy.  Since HIV has not been taken off the list and probably won't be taken off now for immigration visas (only tourist visas have seemed to be approved on this), then I need to provide an amendment to the home-study and the I-600A (in that order) through our agency and the Los Angeles DHS office.  So, I need an amendment reflecting the change in the health condition of a child.  The potential timing delay is big.  I have been in contact with our agency here and will continue to be until I can get the home study amendment and then get into that office in Los Angeles hopefully Monday.  

As you can imagine it is both a surprise and shock.  It sure woke me up in a hurry at 6:20 this morning!  We thought we were complying completely with all requirements and that the waiver was the way of reflecting the change in health condition.  That's not the case though.    Please be in prayer for this as I need to be able to obtain these documents quickly.  When it comes to dealing with these sorts of things a one day delay here can turn into a week or more in delays there.  The embassy is willing to even contact the DHS office and encourage them to expedite our amendment.  They can't demand it but they can earnestly suggest and encourage it so that they will be able to continue on our behalf.  I would ask you to earnestly ask the Lord to move all barriers so that we can bring Kim and the kids home soon.

It is quite interesting too, and I share this with a sober heart, but on Wednesday I was stuck in some traffic a half hour and I had taken with me my copy of Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, which I only usually have on my nightstand.  While sitting there I read the following and it caused me to pray and even on Thursday send it to Kim to try and communicate the Lord's working in my heart through it:  From the prayer The All Good...

You are all my good in times of peace, my only support in days of trouble, my one sufficiency when life shall end.  Help me to see how good your will is in all, and even when it crosses mine teach me to be pleased with it.  ..... you are a bottomless fountain of all good, I give myself to You out of love, for all I have or own is yours, my goods, family, church, self, to do with as you will, to honor yourself by me, and by all mine.   There's more of course.  I recommend the book very much.

Needless to say, I had no idea we'd be facing this sort of situation today.  Sometimes it is 3 steps forward and 2 steps back, but it never catches the Lord off guard.  My hope and prayer is that this is just another "hiccup" in this whole thing and not a delay.  The embassy said they will work with Kim as far as they can (passports, visa, visa rejection, waiver documents) so that perhaps the only thing needed is the receiving of the amendment from DHS in LA.  Of course I can't get that until the amendment related to the original home study is in hand.  Honestly, I have had moments of depression and anger over this today, but the Lord has been good to me in those moments and the peace that passes understanding and correct thinking and action that is explained in Philippians 4 4-9, have been also evident to me as well.  Philippians 4:4 says "Rejoice!".  Verse 5 tells us to let our forbearing spirit be known to all men.  I curiously looked up forebearance and it says, "patient self-control, restraint, tolerance".  Synonyms are very helpful too and some of them are, "patience, resignation, endurance, fortitude and self control".  Verse 6 reflects this further with imperatives like, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication (to appeal to, call on, ask and request) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Then it says, "And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Please pray for Kim and I and especially our children as well, to not lose heart or grow faint-hearted with all of this.  Even before I had time to tell Kelly what has happened today she came to me asking when Kim and the kids would be coming home.  So, I tried to explain this situation to her and that we need to continue to pray, because the Lord knows that exact day and time that they will come home.  Thanks for praying and listening.

Wonderful Wednesday! Much To Be Thankful For!

Dear Family and Friends,

We talked with Kim and the kids late on Wednesday and again on Thanksgiving day.  They were able to make it to the little nameless village that the kids were born in, received their birth certificates and then took off for Odessa.  There they were able to get in for passport photos and apply for their new UA passports.  Following that they made it to the place they are staying and waiting at in Odessa.  

I had arranged with Kim that I would call on Skype to her phone when they were in the car and on their way to the village. I hoped it would encourage them to hear from me and that we are waiting expectantly for them.  This turned out to be a helpful call as there was much emotion for them when they were leaving (both excitement about going, but sadness about leaving friends).    Kim said I made them smile.  Kaitlyn also had some trouble with the drive with feeling sick to her stomach, but I guess it was okay.

On Thursday they needed to go to a particular pharmacy in Kiev to get an additional supply of medicine for Broden.  Kim had what she thought she needed from the orphanage doctor, but the pharmacist would not fill the prescription and would not try to understand at all.  Kim called Ludya to translate, but they didn't know her so it was a still a "nyet".  Then she got in touch with the adoption lawyer and the orphanage doctor.  Finally, after some pretty rough communication they agreed to supply her with more of Broden's medicine.  

The kids were especially intrigued by the place they are staying in Odessa.  They were told they'd be going to a hotel, but it's a Bible Institute and they have the whole place to themselves, so they were confused.  But Kim explained to them (she's trying Russian and using her Czech to get by and help with communicating) what the place was and why they are staying there, so it was fine.  The people they've been meeting there have been so kind and encouraging.  There are missionaries and Ukrainian believers that have been very kind and interactive with the kids.  For Thanksgiving they were invited to spend it with ABWE missionary Caleb Suko and his family and others.  Apparently it was a very special time.  

Now they are waiting.  Please pray that the application for passports won't have any difficulties for the release of passports.  Apparently everything must match and no irregularities (ie: mistakes) or it will seriously hamper the process of getting them.  She hopes to have the passports by Monday.  Meanwhile they are enjoying each other.  Kim and the kids are playing card games a lot and Carcassone a board game that Kim took with her.  Kaitlyn now knows how to shuffle using a "waterfall" style and her and Kim are playing lots of Speed.  Kaitlyn told Kim she wants to get fast enough to beat Tiffany, who is the family speedster.  They are trying to use English more and more.  While I was there at the orphanage I taught the kids the Name Song (you know:  Broden, Broden, bo Broden, Banana Fana fo Froden, me my mo Mroden, Broden).  He really thought this was great and has practiced it a whole lot and when Kelly and Tiffany spoke to him on Thanksgiving he launched, no he flew, into that song using their names...it was really a funny time and he's really fast at it. 

We have much to be thankful for at this time as we look at this whole situation.  The Lord has been watching on us the whole time.  Kim shared with me in an email the following, "I was quite calm yesterday considering it all. I had a peace and can relax in God's timing. I hope the same will be true in Kiev :-)".  The people that He's put into our life there to help get finished with the process in Belgorod has been great.  Even His work in the heart of important officials that we needed documents from was obvious. Lyudmila was a constant encouragement as she helped us there.  Though the situation of an orphanage is never ideal, the orphanage director and her workers did take good care of these kids.  We've heard stories of other orphanages and this seems to have been a much better orphanage upbringing.  We were especially thankful to be able to see part of their world as they prepared for and won first place at the festival.   There are other things that I can't share now, but will share at a later time when they are on their way here, that really show the Lord's protection and provision.  Meanwhile, they aren't here yet and we ask you to pray for the Lord to continue to orchestrate it so that they do get all that they need to accomplish the adoption in Odessa and Kiev and as soon as possible.  Pray too that Kim can find a suitable and affordable place to stay in Kiev.  Solving this has been a bit elusive.  She'll be trying the Baptist church we know about in Kiev on Friday and there might be some families that she could stay with.  Now that she's waiting in Odessa and not driving all over she'll be able to try and finalize that.  Thank you again for your prayers.

Tuff Tuesday!

I've received an email today from Kim and have pasted necessary information about their day here...

 "Well what a day. We all met at the court at 9am. At 11am we had the final letter and we all took off. I went with Ludya and Gene(taxi driver) to a village N of here. It took 2hrs going sometimes 160 Km/hr! Went thru Moldova for a short bit. The official found a mistake and would not do new certificates so we had to come back to Belgorod. Natasha (adoption lawyer) called the judge and he gave a new letter. So, at 6:45am Gene will come for me, we will get the kids, go back to the village with the new letter, get the new certificates and then go to Odessa. Pam had no problems and went on to Odessa."

She went on to describe that Kaitlyn is having a hard time.  She saw Pam Greer leave with Vladi (now Justin) and she cried.  Please pray for her as it's all very emotional for her (wanting to leave and then again not totally wanting it).  It was a very frustrating day for Kim as you can imagine.  Pray for her. It's hard for her on her own.  It was good teamwork between us when I was there and so it's hard.  Even though it went as it did today, they might not lose a day if this new letter works and they get off to Odessa from there.   I hope to call using our computer and Skype tonight at the time that I know they'll be leaving,  or have left the orphanage, to try and encourage them that it will be alright.  Hopefully the translator will be with them, but if not I'll at least show them that I and the other kids are anxiously waiting for them.  Thanks for praying.