Thursday, December 8, 2011

Meeting Our Sons



We had the most wonderful day. As you might tell in this picture, I am just a tad bit happy!! These two beautiful boys will, Lord willing, soon be our sons.

Neither of us slept much last night, knowing what was to come today, and all that hung in the balance. I did not sleep at all, but during the night decided to pray for all my little ones- the missed girls at home, and the children yet to meet. There was definitely enough adrenaline to keep me going today! Our regional facilitator (who is wonderful!) picked us up before 7 and we drove about 1.5 hours out to the town where our boys live. It seemed to take forever and once we got to town, with every building I saw, I kept thinking "Is that the orphanage?" We finally arrived after picking up a lady who was some kind of official and accompanied us during our visit.

When we got to the orphanage, we were shown to a room where the orphanage doctor (she is the lady in the picture) and a lawyer interviewed us and began giving us the boys' histories. They were rather intense, detailed accounts of their lives, me taking furious notes while our facilitator translated. I did not want to miss a single thing. This was the one time we would hear everything that is known about them. At one point I tried to ask a question, and was told to wait until the end - obviously annoying the doctor with my faux pas. Yikes! 

She told us everything, some of what we learned was so sad to my mama's heart and there were some surprises. After I was able to ask questions, they began to ask us things about ourselves. Were we a good family for these boys? They were not so sure. Right then I decided to pull out the photo book we made of our family and shyly asked her if she would like to see it. Things in the room changed instantly and I realized that she was so hard because she loves these boys and was going to miss them like crazy! Seeing our family, all those sweet happy girls, put her heart at ease and she began to cry and tell us sweet things about the boys. I did not expect this! To see how much they have been loved, what charmers they are, was just amazing.

Next we were interviewed by the director of the orphanage. We were asked why we were doing this? Did our government help people with such large families? (HAHA.) Why were we here? She cares a great deal about these kids and really wanted to know things would be good with us. We were touched and honored with their consent.

Then it was happening! We followed our facilitator up some stairs, through a hallway, into a door and there they were. Sitting with the sweet doctor, were the two sweetest little things. I could not believe it. I just wanted to grab them and start kissing them! Instead, we knelt on the floor in front of the couch they were on, and fumbled in the bag we brought for some cookies and a toy. We brought them miniature Magna Doodles which they loved. The younger boy was very shy (he was in the doctor's arms the whole time) and they both smiled and smiled. I got out the matchbox cars next and drove them up their legs, a tiny touch, me longing to take them into my arms. They loved the cars. At this point, things seemed to be going well (the boy's feelings are very respected and everyone was waiting to see if they would like us!) and many teachers had gathered to see how things were going. The meeting had to be short (it seemed like only a few moments!) because we had to race back to the capitol with paperwork to try to get a referral appointment for Lucy. Too soon we had to leave.

We followed the boys to their classroom (they were proud to show it to us). The younger boy kept sneaking peeks at me while he walked, and the older boy told me I was beautiful and that he loved me. It had just begun snowing, the first of the year, and this was a great excitement as well. We saw their room, told them we would come again soon, and they said they would be waiting, then it was over. The director asked us if we liked them. LIKED THEM??? We are totally in love and can't believe they could be ours. I almost started crying when she asked that! They are perfect gifts from God, and should he allow them into our family, we will be more blessed than we could ever express.

We rode for the next two hours or so in a cloud of disbelief and joy while we did more paperwork then high-tailed it back (160 km per hour in the snow!) We were dropped off at our apartment and a few minutes later told to start walking to the adoption authority for our appointment for Lucy! (I can barely believe all this as I am typing it!) We walked right in (the back door for some reason), sat down and got her file. No problems at all. A few minutes later we were on our way to a notary for, you guessed it, more paperwork! We are not sure when we will get to see her, or when we will see the boys again. No one has tried to do this whole 2 different orphanages in different cities as one adoption instead of two, so things are a bit, shall I say, fluid? Haha! This has been a crazy ride so far, and yet, God has directed our every step. We are so grateful for the amazing grace and blessing he has poured on us today!

Nothing here is certain in any way until after you have court and a 10 day waiting period. At any time, they could be declared ineligible for many reasons, even horribly corrupt ones. We must trust our hearts to the One who is love, is good, and is trustworthy. He will sustain us, no matter what happens. For now, on this glorious day of answered prayer, we rejoice. Did I mention my sons are the cutest, sweetest, most charming, smartest boys that ever were?

34 comments:

  1. aww!! I just teared up reading your excitement of meeting them!! praying for you all!!

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  2. I am so excited for you guys! I know the road has had many ups and downs but your reward is GREAT!! Can't wait to meet them. Praying for you guys daily.

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  3. I have a co-worker/friend who watches an episode of "Lost" each day on Netflix during lunch a couple of cubicles away. I get to read about this. This is so much more exciting. Lots of supernatural stuff going on in his story line, but it's all a fiction. The supernatural stuff happening in this story line shows the kindness and power of our gracious God. This is definitely the better way to spend my lunch break. Thanks for doing such a great job writing about it.

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  4. This is perfect! They are perfectly wonderful! I am SO SO SO happy for you right now! I've been praying like crazy since your last update. You've totally made my day!

    Rachelle (adopting Gideon/Eddie in 54)

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  5. Ahhh God's plan is so perfect!!!! Praying for a smooth process all the way along!

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  6. April, we are praying for your family as you all are presented with so many challenges in rescuing these dear, sweet children.

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  7. YAY!!! April, I'm so excited that everything is falling into place!! Can't wait for the day you meet your sweet girl too! The boys are beautiful! They look healthy and happy to be with you!!

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  8. Hurray!! So much good news. Your little boys are beautiful (though I'm sure they'd prefer to be called "handsome") - so good to learn and clearly see that they have been not only well-cared for but loved a great deal by caring and conscientious orphanage staff members - that's so encouraging.

    And then to learn that Lucy will also be yours shortly! Icing on the cake!

    My two cousins were adopted from two different orphanages, in the same district but over 100 miles from each other. They are biological sisters but had been separated. Their parents had to have two separate adoption courts because of this, with much running around before, during and after - but wow, are the girls ever worth it!

    Their parents first met the girls six years ago this month, and I followed their adoption adventure breathlessly, so your accounts of wintry weather, speedy traffic on narrow roads, etc. are very familiar. The capital city was beautifully decorated with millions of lights when my cousins were there, and I expect you'll get to experience the same visual treat.

    They also enjoyed attending the opera, visiting museums, etc., during the holiday closure, though they were able to continue visiting the girls during much of this time, although paperwork had to wait a bit.

    Thanks so much for the updates - can't wait for these little guys to become Kentuckians!

    From a bright, sunny but cold day back home,
    Susan in Ky
    Cousin to 2 from your children's country

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  9. So sweet!!! I am so excited.... You cry as you type we cry as we read!!!! This is going to happen and that makes me soooo happy for you!!! Continued prayers!!

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  10. PRAISE GOD!! I'VE BEEN WHISPERING PRAYERS ALL MORNING AND ASKED ALL MY READERS TO WHISPER PRAYERS TOO!! PRAISING GOD HERE IN VIRGINIA THAT YOU GOT LUCY'S APPOINTMENT!

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  11. Thank you for posting such a wonderful story of hope and excitement. I pray that everything goes without a hitch and you and the family can take home the amazing additions to your family.

    I am so happy for you.

    Chris Y.

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  12. Thank HEAVEN ABOVE and PTL you got that referral for Lucy!!!!

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  13. YAY!!! So happy for you guys! Your boys are completely precious, and I am so glad you were able to get Lucy's referral. Can't wait to see pictures of her as well. :)

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  14. I'm so happy to hear such a positive story! I'm thrilled that you got Lucy's referral too, and equally happy that the first meeting with the boys was so precious!

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  15. Awesome! I'm crying at this beautiful story. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.

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  16. Wonderful - we were on pins and needles here waiting for news - and Thank God for such a wonderful day for your family. Cannot wait to see you hugging three at once. Will continue to pray for safe travels, agreeable judges, and your family.

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  17. My heart is so happy for you both and the boys and Lucy too! Your story is wonderful!

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  18. Congrats!!!! love the pics :):)
    hugs,
    Nancy

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  19. I am so happy to see a picture of you with your boys! They are so completely perfect. And you got the referral for Lucy, too!! Yay!!! So, so happy.

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  20. This is so fabulous! There really is nothing quite like meeting them for the first time, is there? And to see those huge smiles...that's just fabulous. Congrats!

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  21. Woohoo! They are precious, beautiful, amazing little boys! My class has been praying for Lucy yesterday and today. They will be so glad to know that you got your second appointment! God is good!!!!

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  22. We are so thankful for this answered prayer. Glad your first meeting with the boys was wonderful! Can't wait for you to meet that sweet girl too!

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  23. Wow! Crying (tears of joy) and praying. I cant wait to see all the ways God will work on your behalf!

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  24. Thanks for sharing your story, April! We've been praying for you...here's hoping for a smooth journey ahead.

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  25. Hooray for happy updates! What beautiful boys!!

    I always thought they were well-loved ... with the way they got to snuggle toys in their profile pics :)

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  26. They are so precious! I have looked at their faces for so long and HOPED their family would find them. This post brings me so much joy. We brought home 2 (unrelated) little ones (same SN) from 2 different regions this year and they are doing so incredibly well. Know that their will be challenges in the transition phase and that everything is so WORTH IT in the end. All the paperwork, the language difficulties, the trantrums...we are now at Pure Bliss!

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  27. Thanks for the updates...continuing to keep you all in prayer. What an exciting thing to read before I retire for the evening.

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  28. PRAISE GOD!! SO happy about Lucy!!!

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  29. We're praying that everything continues to work out! What a wonderful day and days yet to come! Praising God from whom all blessings flow!
    Big Hugs,
    Amy
    godsarrowsinourquiver.blogspot.com

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  30. PRaising the Lord with you! The Joy and excitment is contagious!!

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  31. I love how you gush over them! I can feel your love and see your heart so well. Praise be to God!
    Lisa

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  32. What wonderful news!! Praising God with you. :)

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