The Third Leg

Saturday I made the journey back to Ukraine for the FINAL stage of the adoption process. Did I really just use the word, “final”? I don't think I believe it yet. This stage has two parts and will take 3-4 weeks, baring no complications. The first stage involves, “Gotcha Day,” or getting Igor from the orphanage for good (!) and changing all his documents to reflect his new name. Once his Ukrainian international passport has been changed we can start the final processing at the U.S. Embassy.

Due to the longer stay, Dave can't join me until later. I knew God would take care of me with my limitations, traveling in country alone, and being with Igor on my own for 2-3 weeks on “his turf”, but God has done immeasurably more than I could ask or think. My first summer in South Carolina (1997) and my first roommate was a new CIU (Columbia International University) graduate from former Yugoslavia. She was engaged to an American Navy man and needed a temporary place to stay until they married. Gabi and I became good friends during this time and although we've never again lived in the same town, we've remained in contact. On a wild whim I asked her if she'd like to go with me, knowing it was likely impossible as a married woman with four children. I knew she'd want to, but wanting wasn't the issue. After seeking God about the idea she and her husband decided Gabi should come with me! She'll be with me for at least two weeks before going on to visit her family in Serbia. God has completely coordinated this to bless both of us and to be a blessing to one another. God has been using this to remind me that I should never presume that He won't do for me what seems crazy and wildly impossible.

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