The next few posts will be copies of email updates that were sent as our journey led us to the country where our soon-to-be children are located. After months of work, prayer, waiting, and more praying, we are finally with Anya, Tanya, and Ruslan. The next few posts will detail our days upon arrival.
After some much needed rest, we had a great time going to church with our hostess, Karen, whom we are staying with in XXXXX until Tuesday when we travel to XXXXXXXX.
We almost decided to stay home to rest, but after revisiting our purpose for being here, we chose to go and worship God with His people. It was a great blessing and encouragement to us as we met our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
~Hebrews 13:2
International Christian Assembly (the name of the church) is made up of folks from all over the world. Many Americans live here and are a part of both this church and its partnering ministry to promote the adoption of orphans. I have been invited to attend a conference they are hosting on February 6th & 7th that is aimed at equipping and motivating pastors to help their churches capture a heart for orphans and adoption. Since I am tentatively to depart to the US on February 8th, I am hoping that our timing will work so that I may be able to attend.
Tomorrow we will have our State Department of Adoption appointment where we will officially choose Anya, Tanya, and Ruslan for adoption. Tuesday we hope to obtain the SDA's referral that allows us to visit the children at their orphanage. We then will travel by train for 5 hours to move into an extended-stay hotel in their city. We are hoping to actually see the children on Wednesday.
Thank you for your prayers. Please continue praying for our more immediate requests which are:
1) our SDA appointment to go well and unhindered
2) that we get our referral to adopt Anya, Tanya, and Ruslan on Tuesday from the SDA
3) that we get our referral early enough on Tuesday that we may catch the train that would get us to their city Tuesday night instead of having to wait until Wednesday.
4) for Sage, Christopher, and Katie to be filled with God's joy, peace, and courage to persevere while we are away.
Jenny! My long lost internet friend!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! SO excited to read this and I plan to pour through every post to catch up but I have a quick question. Do you know a family there (right now) adopting a girl - 12ish - Ruslan (same name as your daughter)? :) The moms name is Sarah - tall, skinny, beautiful smile. THey are friends of ours. No clue if it is the same anything but I wanted to throw that out there.