Hello from Kharkiv, friends and family.
Praying you have all had the most amazing Mothers’ Day. Mine has been good. How blessed I am to have two of my treasures on this earth here with me. I am missing the other five something awful.
Our day is winding down. The sun is setting and the view from our window is gorgeous. What an artistic creator we serve.
The last three days have been joyful, beautiful, and challenging all at the same time. I will begin to share our observations, thoughts and feelings over the next few days–it is just too much for one post.
Thursday was a day packed with emotion. Walking into the orphanage for the last time is a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Observing the sights one last time–and knowing my daughters would never return to this place again was such a surreal feeling. I could hardly believe this day had finally arrived. I marvelled at how God has been so intricately involved in every step that has brought us this far.
I walked down the now all too familiar pathway that leads to their building one last time, and as I did I reminded myself that I never want to forget where they have come from.
I never want to forget the place they have called home since their birth.
These pictures will be my reminder of what remains behind these doors. Treasures of darkness. Riches stored in secret places…just waiting to be found.
I made that walk down the long corridor one last time.
Until I found our very own treasure.
Clothes got changed in no time.
I looked back and saw it there–her empty crib.
I could not help but wonder who would occupy it next. Oh God in heaven, what a sad thought that no sooner is one rescued, when another fills her place.
I walked across the hall and found our other beautiful treasure there.
She too got her clothes changed. This angel only had eyes for her mother. She was so not interested in being changed. She only wanted the arms that love her dearly.
It is finished!
Goodbyes were said.
This caketaker really loved our Harper. She asked to carry her outside to the car.
“Harper, are you sure you don’t want to stay here?”
Okay then, sweetest angel girl. You’re outta here!
And so the journey to being full-time parents to Hailee and Harper began. Having them with us has been such a joy. Anthony and I are learning hour-by-hour how to parent these whom the Father has blessed us with. Has it been easy? Nope. It sure has not. Hailee is still struggling terribly. We’re praying for wisdom in knowing what is wrong, and how to meet her needs. I will devote a post specifically to Hailee tomorrow. Thank you to every single one of you who have committed to praying for her transition. We appreciate it so much.
We’re walking in His grace. We absolutely cannot wait to go home. Monday is another public holiday here. We will pick up the girls’ passports on Tuesday and take a train to Kiev on Tuesday night. Wednesday will be spent doing all the US Embassy paperwork and then, Lord willing, we’ll head home on Thursday morning at 5:30.
To God be the glory, GREAT things He has done!
