Monday, November 10, 2008

SDA Appointment

Praise God! Our appointment rocked! The SDA worker, Maria, was very friendly and helpful. Olga was amazing during the appointment. Love her! But on to the reason you all are reading this post...

We've requested permission to visit three children (two boys and a girl) in the Zhytomer region. Maria tried to call the orphanage to find out whether anyone visits the children (which would hinder a successful adoption), but the right person at the orphanage wasn't available during our appointment. So we should hear this afternoon whether or not we'll get the referral. If not, we have a backup choice that we were equally pleased with. In fact, it was very hard to choose between the two sibling groups. Funny...we were only shown sibling groups of 3. I guess the SDA didn't want to let us get away with only 2 kids!

If all goes well, we'll get the referral tomorrow and drive to the Zhytomer region on Wednesday morning. We were hoping to get lucky and get the referral today, but that's ok. It was clear that God was smiling on us today. We could feel His prescense today during our appointment, as everyone was super eager to help us.

We also met Valentina, Alla and Kostya today - the whole team was there to root us on!

At yesterday's church service, the sermon was about God working miracles through people. The pastor said that we shouldn't pray for miracles, but that God works miracles through people who are open to hearing His word. Today felt like a miracle! Thanks for all your prayers.

15 comments:

Kari said...

Praise God! I can't wait to hear more about the kids. Zhytomir is nice and close to Kiev! Are they at the Zhytomir Internat? We will continue praying for your every step.

Matt and Aimee said...

Hi Guys,
Sounds like your first couple of days have been very good! Glad to hear you survived the McDonalds bathroom!!! FYI_That Mcdonalds also has WiFi, at least it did when we were there. I am praying for your referral to come thru. And bonus Zhtomyer is close enough that you can drive and avoid the day travel on the train.
Love,
Aimee

Tami said...

YEA! Sounds like you had an awesome appointment. We'll keep praying for you. Its amazing how God can open shut doors and make your paths straight when you are doing his will. He moved mightly in Ukraine for us last year. He will do the same for you.

Courtney said...

Congratulations on a great appt! I look forward to hearing more! :)

Kathy and Matt said...

I'm so happy to read this post!

Praise God for this good news.

You'll continue to be in my prayers as you travel to meet the children.

Wishing you all the best!

ArtworkByRuth said...

Three! Yeah! Can't wait to hear the outcome! Zhytomyr is modern and beautiful too and has some hills so you might not miss home so much! LOL!
God Bless!

Rolan and Eileen said...

I have tears of joy my friends!!! I hope the clouds of discouragement part and the rays of warm golden sunshine fall on all five of you when you meet. No miracles requested. Just plain love.

Zack, Jenn and William said...

How exciting - praise God! And Zhytomyr is fairly close to Kyiv, so minimal travel - another praise! Can't wait to hear more about these 3 children.

Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Soooo happy to hear it went well!!! Good luck with the visit and keep posting!!
Love ya,
Sal

Amy said...

Congratulations on a great appointment!

Best wishes!

Hugs!
Amy

adopting2fromUkraine said...

Best wishes on your referral! We weren't able to get our paperwork until the day after our appointment. That was the norm a year ago.

Looking forward to the next post!

June

Anonymous said...

AMEN!!!! I love miracles!
I will love reading your blog as you meet your children.
I knew your hearts were just too big for only two children!
Cindie

Twyla, John, Duncan, Mari, and Misha said...

Heidi and Felix,

We are so happy that your appointment went well! We hope your referral will happen quickly and that you can travel to the region Wednesday as planned. Now we will learn where Zhytomer region is!

You are in our prayers,
The Barretts

Stephanee&Zach said...

Oh my goodness I can't believe that you got a referral in Zhytomyr!!! That's where we jsut left and I hardly ever hear of anyone going there. Is it in the city of Zhytomyr or just the region but a different city? If it is the city of Zhytomyr then it is the same orphanage, and I'm sure I know your referral kids. I can't wait to hear!!! And if it is the same orphanage I have a few kids that I need you to give some hugs to from us! Also, I can tell you lots of great places to go in Zytomyr. My goodness this actually makes me miss Zhytomyr so bad!!! Praying for your journey!

Matt and Aimee said...

This is great news. "Cut-above"! and He will use that. Back at work today, drove by the house. Let myself in and ate lunch-thanks! :) Anya is digressing, we found out a lot at therapy today, VERY sad for her-good thing she has a good heart. Can't wait to hear where you go.

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Longmont, Colorado, United States
Heidi loves to play sand volleyball, sail and garden. Felix loves to fly at the local aeroclub, sail and fish.