Praying for the Courage to Go

A father to the fatherless,

a defender of widows,

is God in his holy dwelling.

God sets the lonely in families,

he leads forth the prisoners with singing...

Psalm 68:5-6a (NIV)

We have had some wonderful opportunities while we've been stationed in Kyiv to meet other Americans and Canadians who have simply inspired us.  They have understood God's heart for the orphans of the world and have stepped out in obedience when God has asked to put one or more of them in their homes.

Money aside, adopting from Ukraine is no easy task.  Couples are in country for no less than about six weeks- and that is if all has gone "smoothly."  Add in a different language that is not remotely like English, a culture that has so many layers that it's hard to figure out even when one has some familiarity with the language, corruption, food, travelling, loneliness, and isolation.  And then begin to imagine all the issues surrounding the children themselves- backgrounds, siblings, orphanage life and all they're exposed to there, medical issues, and on and on.

Each adoption is so unique.

Of course, it has to be, right?  We're talking about people and we're all unique with a story of our own and we act and react and respond differently even if the externals are somewhat similar.

And I suppose that is what is so inspiring as we meet these families.  They've been on this journey with the Lord and now they're here in this part of it and we get an up close and personal view as we watch them do spiritual battle on the front lines.  Because that's what adoption is- a spiritual battle.  Our friend Steve said that to a couple not long ago- "Adoption is not a charity case.  It's spiritual warfare."

And as they fight {well, I might add!}, we see God act in amazing ways.  We see Him keep His promises to give wisdom, to encourage, to uphold truth, to empower with His strength, and to love.  God Almighty is a Warrior and He fights for these kids and families.

Back in December, we met the Stoesz family from Colorado.  They were here adopting their fourth child.  While they were waiting out the myriad of holidays (read "days off and no one is working so we're sitting here in a foreign country over Christmas waiting") to finish up the process to bring Samantha home, we were able to have them over for dinner a couple of times.  After they left, Kris sent me an e-mail introducing us to their friends, the Degnan family, who would be arriving at the end of January.

They arrived around Super Bowl weekend.  We had them over for dinner after church the following Sunday.  Just yesterday, they had their third appointment with the national adoption office here, hoping to finally get a referral for a little girl.  Their journey has been tough, and I'd love for you to read about it; I'll include the link below.

First, however I'd like you to stop at the end of this paragraph and just say a prayer.  The little girl they will meet today has said she does not want to be adopted.  This is not uncommon, but after you read their story, you'll understand how it's another challenge for them to fully trust the Lord after a really rocky road thus far.  Thankfully, they have an orphanage director and an inspector who have the best interest of this child in mind and they are going to talk with her prior to her meeting the family.  Can you imagine, though, the amount of trust this child must come up with to say "yes" and to leave with essential strangers to a world she has only heard about and then she must deal with culture shock and language and all her baggage from her past?  A child.  No person can do that on their own, so please, please, take a few moments to petition the Lord to empower her to trust the adults in her life, to flood her with a sense of peace and safety and love, and to have the courage to go.

Thanks.  And here's the Degnans' blog site so you can leave them a word of encouragement!!