Life may throw a constant stream of hardships our way, but how often do we stop to consider that because of God's perfect love for us, these hardships could actually be part of His perfect plan for our lives? Our task is neither to embrace these hardships, nor to necessarily seek more of them. Rather, our task is simply to rely on God and know His love for us in the midst of those hardships. In difficult times, our invitation is to press closer to the Lord.

It seems strange to think it has been only been twenty-nine (29) weeks since we started the process officially. God has brought us so far in this journey; and I know He is not done yet. He is trying to teach me to be patient—to wait on Him, as His ways are always the best. I find myself laying it down at the cross, then sometimes, when I am not thinking about it, I have ran back and picked it back up again. I get so mad at myself for doing that, but someday I may learn that lesson. Until then, God just keeps reminding me to let Him have it.

It amazes me how many times the same people will ask me, “Why did you decide to adopt when your children are grown and out of the house?” We did not choose when and where to adopt from. God decided this for us. In God's eyes children and love have no boundaries. All of us are His children. He doesn't differentiate between countries, laws, and nor man made rules. We found out about the girls from a friend who has been to Ukraine, and how they will have a very dismal life and little hope for a happy future. That day a seed was planted in us and began to take root. We asked, “Lord do you want us to pursue this adoption?” We are open to what God has in store for us. We received our answer, and so began our journey.

We have a heart for young people. I want to make sure you know we are not saints, we are everyday people. We are not a perfect family. We have not been perfect parents. We have made mistakes and will continue to. I am sure the kids won't arrive here and fit in perfectly, but neither did our biological children. I am sure my kids thought, sarcastically, “Wow! More kids to share Mom & Dad and our resources with! That’s a great idea!” (But after Alyona being here I think their initial opinions are dramatically changing.) I am sure there will be times when the girls will think we are not overjoyed, either, even though they know the future for the kids that remain behind. They have seen firsthand the life the older kids have when put out on the street.

We have learned that Grandma does know Alyona came to our house for the holidays. Also, while the girls must each express to the court their desire to be adopted, should Grandma actually follow through with pursuing guardianship their opinions will not even be taken into consideration. The government will not care one iota that the girls really don’t want to go with Grandma. Not that it is a race to see who gets done first, nor are we trying to steal her granddaughters. We just want them to have so much more than will be available to them in Ukraine or in Russia. Plus, we don’t want to terminate their family ties. We would love for them to keep in touch; and hopefully someday we can take a family trip back to see them.

For those of you that are self-employed, be advised, it is a pain to go through this process. We have not historically used a CPA for our taxes, just a tax preparer; and I am the only employee. So the SDA will not accept my tax returns, nor a letter from me regarding my income. Instead, we have had to have the last six months of my deposits looked over by a CPA and sworn to be true, and notarized, and, yes, Apostilled, to submit with the dossier. All said, though, we do have a submission date: February 23rd. I am so excited!! Hopefully, after that, we get an appointment for the first part of March. Then the travel planning begins. I can't wait for the next part of the journey. I used to refer to this as a roller coaster ride, but journey sounds more peaceful to those who are faint at heart. :-)

Please keep praying; and I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day!

Lynn