Saturday, March 07, 2009

Moving Forward?


Several phone calls back and forth between Robert and I yesterday consisted of, "You're sure?" followed by a text message to confirm in writing that he was indeed on board with another adoption. For those of you who have read my past posts, you'll know Robert wasn't the one who needed the push. We both want to add this little girl to our family, but the financial commitment scares me. We have less than a thousand dollars set aside for another adoption.

However, in my heart, I had already committed. Her picture is the background on my cell phone. I stepped out on Friday and shared with a close friend and co-worker our desire to adopt again (and she didn't faint!). I revamped our family blog and added a new header with all our pictures, including the little girl who would be our daughter.

Late last night I emailed the director of the organization that advocates to find families for these special needs children. I finally fell asleep after 3:30am. When I awoke this morning, I immediately reached for my cell phone to see if she had responded. And she had.

Because of the urgency of finding homes for these children before they are sent away to institutions, they require a financial commitment up front. The money goes into a fund that is returned to the adoptive family once they complete all their paperwork and submit their adoption petition to the Ukrainian government. It is reasonable and understandable. These children are living on borrowed time and need families who are in a position to move forward quickly to complete an adoption. "Our" little girl will be four next month. Four is the magic number that sends these precious children away from baby houses. Many do not survive the first year in these mental institution. If a family can commit to her, the orphanage director may be able to delay her transfer until the end of summer.

I emailed the director back and let her know we weren't in the position to make that commitment, but we would try. And with that, I went back to our family blog and removed the little girl's picture from our family header. I replaced it with a heart and "+1". Then I added a PayPal donation button to the sidebar. This process will be out of our hands. We are praying and asking God to open the door to the child who would be our daughter. Please pray with us.

With that said, we are moving. At least moving blogs. Kristina's Story was meant to chronicle our journey to adopt Kristina. God has seen that through. What was one orphan's story turned into the story of all of us. Please join us at our family blog to continue the journey.

Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
-Psalm 37:5

6 comments:

Heidi and Felix said...

Yeah! Congratulations on taking the plunge!

But...help me! Where is your new blog?

Nataliya said...

Awesome news!!! Congratulations and good luck with everything!

Sheryl said...

Go to Lifesongfororphans.org. They have a matching contributions program and they do grants and loans. God bless you on your new journey.

Unknown said...

Yeah! I am so happy for you. Shad says, "good". We understand what you mean about the magic age of 4 and pray that her transfer does not happen! God bless! Jen

junglemama said...

Oh Kristina,

I am moved by your story. SO very moved. Please check out my blog later. I do hope you are able to commit very soon. I would love to hear more about the little girl who has stolen your heart.

Unknown said...

Unfortunately, the fate of orphans in Ukraine is very difficult. There is no enough state funding and orphanages are happy to get any help. You can also help - just go on the link https://hopenowusa.org!