The Traumatic Love of God

 Weekends are slow times in terms of getting anything accomplished for the adoption process.  However, thankfully, we have been able to spend much more time with Anya, Tanya, & Ruslan.  We may visit the children at the orphanage at 10am, and take the children with us until 6pm when they have dinner.  Yesterday, Jaden, Anya, and Todd made lunch.  It was fun to just do some normal family things together!

Today we all opted to eat at a very good restaurant near our apartment.  The cost is very reasonable, but the food is incredible.  Apparently, the rest of the world can spot an "American" from quite a ways off, so coupled with the fact that we had 5 kids with us (that's 4 more than the norm for here), we really drew some attention!

The waitresses treated us as special guests, and even had us sign a special book because we were from "abroad".  Redneck Royalty might be a fitting description.  We had a great time over a great lunch, but, always, the most enjoyable part is being together!

When we got to our apartment with the children, we considered letting them watch a movie together.  Anya requested no movie...she just wanted to spend time together as a family.  So we tried to just have as normal a day as possible, & even squeezed in a tea time.

We purposed to get back to the orphanage a bit early to allow us time with the other children there.  We haven't had much time to encourage the others, and are hoping that our time here can be fruitful in helping them to see the love that God has for them through the way that we love on them.

Every kid draws security and joy from that!

Anya's perspective on what is going on in her world is amazing.  Today, Todd asked her what the last thing she wanted to do here was.  Her eyes got big, and a very solemn and reflective look came over her.  She said it was the first time that the reality of leaving and never returning hit her.  She said that made her sad.

There is so much change coming for these kids, but especially for Anya.  What they are just beginning to experience is nothing short of traumatic.

Please pray:
-That God would lavish them with His abundant grace and mercy through this transition time for them, and help them to find their place in their new family and environment.
-That we would be able to invest more meaningful time at the orphanage with the other children.
-For Anya, Tanya, and Ruslan to be able to grieve in a healthy, fruitful way over the people and things which they are leaving behind.
-Thanks to God for these beautiful children, and that He has allowed us to be the avenue of His love for them.

Thank you.  We daily know His presence and the power of the prayers of His people!