Sunday in Poltava

Today is Sunday. We went to the internat about 12:00. We went in a back door which led to the dining area. It smelled good in there, we thought! We went into an office and asked for A & N. They knew we were coming. It took an especially long time for them to come. In the mean time, they had a TV on with a comedy in russian. This kept the boys somewhat occupied. There were kids all around doing chores. As were in sitting in this office waiting, a few older girls at a time would come in and look through alot of hair accessories that had been dumped on a couch. They seemed to have a good relationship with the adult in the room and looked quite happy. I don't know if this was a reward of some type of if this happens all of the time. But the girls had fun choosing some headbands or hair clips.

Once A & N came in we walked outside through the back door. This led to an outside area where other children were hanging out or playing ball of some sort. Rap music was playing in the background. I couldn't tell where it was coming from. We all walked to the park that is nearby. Our walk over started quietly and I could feel tension in the air. On the way over, N called out to A and then started rubbing his back talking to him. He was pulling away. Apparently there was an argument of some type going on. Once we got to the park, we played a little. Then A pulled away. N tried to talk with him, then David and I went over. A was very upset, but we couldn't tell what was going on. He finally got up and was fine. I have no idea what it was about- so frustrating!!!

Both A & N seemed tired and didn't feel like playing or walking. So, we decided to take them to our flat. We called Vova and away we went. Once here, they checked it out and looked at all of the boys' toys and gadgets. Then David started a movie that is in russian he picked up a few years back. At this point, I realize I don't see Caleb. I find him upset in the bedroom. I take him into another room. He is very upset about alot of things. After about 45 minutes or so, he calms down and we join everyone else. Please pray for their hearts. It is hard sharing Mom and Dad when you have never had to.

We have a snack and head to the market for a few things. The few things turn into a little fiesta. We come back to the flat and eat some more. A & N really enjoy food! They are asking questions like "When America?" and "No internat" and point to stay at the flat. We tell them soon.... We then head to the park. At the park we walk and play with a soccer ball and just sit and relax. The kids are tired and so are we. We head back to the internat. Once at the internat, we sit around a little in the lobby area again. N has asked about 5 times if tomorrow is the day they sign the documents with the lawyer there. (these are the consent to adopt documents). We tell her yes and she makes sure A knows this. At about 7:00, A needs to get back so he can go to sleep! We give and receive hugs from everyone and let them know we will be back tomorrow. They tell us they want us to come as soon as school is over. We tell them we will try.

Back at the flat, we try to give Caleb and Jacob some needed attention. We ask them what they would like to do with just Mom and Dad this week, if we have the time. They both want to ice skate with us. So, we tell them we will. This makes them happy. It ends up being a sweet night with them.

This is what is about. Splitting our time and making sure that all 4 children know we love them and care for them, that they know we will never leave them and that no one will ever replace them in our lives and in our hearts. I believe God is molding us, making us more like Christ in every circumstance. He helps me to really understand at a deeper level everyday, that we have been fought for and paid for through the blood of Christ. That just as all of our children want more of us, we should want more of Him. He is using our children to help me see the love that He has for us. How I want each of my children to understand the depth of my love for them and to know that nothing will ever change that. And that nothing that comes about will ever change how I feel. Thank you, God, for your sacrifice, for your love, for your grace and your mercy!