What a day it has been! A day of prayer. A day in which I got down on my knees with my 5 kids, held hands, and prayed for God's intervention. Either God was going to move some mountains so that we could go to court next week or it just wasn't the right timing- and we were to trust that. All day long, we waited to see His Will. In the late evening, we heard some good news about the FBI data- it will be sent on Friday and Fed Exed to a nearby local. At their suggestion, we will be waiting outside their office at 8 a.m on Saturday morning. They were so gracious and told us that they would make it a priority to find that morning when they sort the letters. (Our flight is at 1 pm- so not a whole lot of extra time there).
About 10:30 pm tonight, we received a text from our adoption agency. There was still some outstanding items that the local judge had to approve of. According to the text, there just remains one final internal document that should arrive Monday but the judge has agreed to see us.
Wow! Jim and I kind of looked at each other. Is this real? Could it be? Is something going to come along and mess this up? I am an optimistic person with a deep sense of God's faithfulness. But this is international adoption- it's a crazy journey of complications and surprises. So you are never 100% confident of basically anything- except Jesus.
So .. are we excited ? YES!!! Are surprised? YES!!!! Did God move those mountains in a miraculous way that just screams the Almighty? YES!!!!
Celebrate and worship Him with us.
Now---- can't wait to see our little guy again.
Thank you for your support and prayers. They mean SO much!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Glad to be on the Potter's Wheel
I am so glad to be on The Potter's Wheel. Jim and I both are. There are countless rough edges and imperfections in our clay. Sometimes I just feel like a big, old gray blob without any hope of beauty. Only His hands can mold me and make me into the treasure that He envisions. So often I am on the wheel almost shouting my requests to The Potter. I don't mean to and sometimes I don't even realize that I am doing it at the time. But I think I know what is best. I think I know "The best plan" that makes "the most sense". So I tell Him that plan. And then I get frustrated when it doesn't work out like I wrote the script. It's almost like He didn't even read my script.
I always... always... look back later and am so grateful that He didn't follow my script. His plan is always better. Always wiser.
You'd think that one day I would learn that lesson. Once and for all. :)
We have been on the Potter's Wheel for a long time now as we have traveled this adoption journey. And so little has gone as we expected. It has taken longer. Been more expensive. More complicated. More emotionally exhausting. More spiritually stretching.
But as Jim said this week, "Those are life lessons that you can't buy at the store."
Like so many trials in life, we wouldn't trade it.
We started this journey with a heart to obey a calling we felt by God. We have felt so blessed in our lives with our 5 children...we felt it was the least we could do- to open up our home to give another child a family and a sense of home and security. But this journey is about so much more. There is so much more that we have learned. So many ways that we have grown in our dependence and faith in The Creator- ways we have grown closer as a married couple-- numerous opportunities to teach our children about the needs beyond our safe little world-- our hearts have been expanded for things of Him. It has made us hunger for more of that.
So, I continue to sit as the gray "thing" on His wheel as it turns. We are supposed to go to court next week to adopt our little guy. But there is still one outstanding piece that keeps us from being able to do so. So despite the fact that hotel reservations have been made and flight arrangements made and visas in the mail... we may not go. Bummer. Don't understand why that is best. But it must be for some reason. The door is not totally closed for next week but quickly approaching. And if that happens... well, must be best.. and we will be shaped a little more.
I always... always... look back later and am so grateful that He didn't follow my script. His plan is always better. Always wiser.
You'd think that one day I would learn that lesson. Once and for all. :)
We have been on the Potter's Wheel for a long time now as we have traveled this adoption journey. And so little has gone as we expected. It has taken longer. Been more expensive. More complicated. More emotionally exhausting. More spiritually stretching.
But as Jim said this week, "Those are life lessons that you can't buy at the store."
Like so many trials in life, we wouldn't trade it.
We started this journey with a heart to obey a calling we felt by God. We have felt so blessed in our lives with our 5 children...we felt it was the least we could do- to open up our home to give another child a family and a sense of home and security. But this journey is about so much more. There is so much more that we have learned. So many ways that we have grown in our dependence and faith in The Creator- ways we have grown closer as a married couple-- numerous opportunities to teach our children about the needs beyond our safe little world-- our hearts have been expanded for things of Him. It has made us hunger for more of that.
So, I continue to sit as the gray "thing" on His wheel as it turns. We are supposed to go to court next week to adopt our little guy. But there is still one outstanding piece that keeps us from being able to do so. So despite the fact that hotel reservations have been made and flight arrangements made and visas in the mail... we may not go. Bummer. Don't understand why that is best. But it must be for some reason. The door is not totally closed for next week but quickly approaching. And if that happens... well, must be best.. and we will be shaped a little more.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Feeling Discouraged
We just found out that the peson that Jim talked to on Wednesday at Lugar's office never followed up with the FBI as promised. As of around noon today (Friday), Lugar's office is going to start making contact for us. Such disappointment on our part.
We also found out that there is further paperwok from our Secretary of State that will be taken to the region on Monday. The judge may or may not approve of the document.
Meanwhile, flight prices are rising and time is ticking away if we are going to leave the 23rd.
We have done so well with just praying and working as hard as possible. Jim and I have both had a really good attitude, with His help.
We are feeling pretty discouraged now. The chances of going to court this month are dwindling. If we lose this court date, it could put us back another month or so.
Sometimes the unknown is the most unsettling.
We also found out that there is further paperwok from our Secretary of State that will be taken to the region on Monday. The judge may or may not approve of the document.
Meanwhile, flight prices are rising and time is ticking away if we are going to leave the 23rd.
We have done so well with just praying and working as hard as possible. Jim and I have both had a really good attitude, with His help.
We are feeling pretty discouraged now. The chances of going to court this month are dwindling. If we lose this court date, it could put us back another month or so.
Sometimes the unknown is the most unsettling.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Gotta Laugh
Several people have sweetly asked what is the latest on bringing our little guy home. We have a court date set for the end of the month and hotel reservations made. We have a flight in mind and have Fed Ex'd our Visa applications. But the fingerprint approval is still outstanding. It is a good reminder that we can work our list and check it twice but ultimately, we still need His miraculous hand to intervene. My friend was reminding me today that there is such a spiritual battle going on when you are trying to work in His name. The Lord mentions the need to take care of orphans many times in the Bible. And bringing that child that is otherwise forgotten into a loving Christian home...well the enemy isn't going to let that slide by. But we serve God the Almighty. The Alpha and the Omega. The Great "I Am". The kids and I were reading in Proverbs today that "He will uphold the ways of the righteous that seek Him." I am by no means righteous but I do seek Him and I do seek to honor Him through this. So... I'm thinking that He has our back. :)
At the encouragement of our adoption agency and the FBI itself, we are asking for the help of one of our state representatives to get our fingerprints expedited. You are reading the blog of a person that doesn't like to inconvenience people. Now we are contacting our government officials for help. But apparently, this is pretty standard. Fortunately, my parents are friends with a state representative. So hence, the phone calls and emails to her started today. I expect her to call me at home tomorrow.
I called my sister- in-law tonight just to have someone laugh with me. Jim and I needed passport pics for our visa applications that Jim planned to Fed Ex out after kids' activities tonight. I called Meijer (near dance class) to see if they could take a passport picture. Jim and I met there, 25 minutes before we needed to pick up girls at dance. After a lot of fussing and taking 2 photos, the young man told us that the machine was broken. So Jim called the Walmart across the street. After more confusion, they finally told him that they could take our passport pic. So we tromped over there (right across the street mind you). Upon arrival, a stunned young man told us that the only one person who knows how to take those pictures left 5 minutes prior. We said that surely there must be someone at the store that can take our picture (as I stood gazing at the banner proclaiming "Get your passport pic taken at Walmart") We were told a big "no". Now mind you, we had called both of these places first to make sure they could do this. Already late to pick up the girls, we finally called a FedEx store. I ran and got the girls from dance, another friend generously took one of our other girls home from basketball and we went to the next destination. While I finally awaited in front of the backdrop, the young lady paused and said that the battery on the camera was dying. I paused... and laughed. What do you do? Good news, though, the camera lasted and Visa applications are on their way.
It is a good lesson in continuing to laugh. Just pray and laugh- what a combination! Oh, speaking of laughter, wait until you find out what "gifts" I am supposed to bring to Russia. Ask me!
At the encouragement of our adoption agency and the FBI itself, we are asking for the help of one of our state representatives to get our fingerprints expedited. You are reading the blog of a person that doesn't like to inconvenience people. Now we are contacting our government officials for help. But apparently, this is pretty standard. Fortunately, my parents are friends with a state representative. So hence, the phone calls and emails to her started today. I expect her to call me at home tomorrow.
I called my sister- in-law tonight just to have someone laugh with me. Jim and I needed passport pics for our visa applications that Jim planned to Fed Ex out after kids' activities tonight. I called Meijer (near dance class) to see if they could take a passport picture. Jim and I met there, 25 minutes before we needed to pick up girls at dance. After a lot of fussing and taking 2 photos, the young man told us that the machine was broken. So Jim called the Walmart across the street. After more confusion, they finally told him that they could take our passport pic. So we tromped over there (right across the street mind you). Upon arrival, a stunned young man told us that the only one person who knows how to take those pictures left 5 minutes prior. We said that surely there must be someone at the store that can take our picture (as I stood gazing at the banner proclaiming "Get your passport pic taken at Walmart") We were told a big "no". Now mind you, we had called both of these places first to make sure they could do this. Already late to pick up the girls, we finally called a FedEx store. I ran and got the girls from dance, another friend generously took one of our other girls home from basketball and we went to the next destination. While I finally awaited in front of the backdrop, the young lady paused and said that the battery on the camera was dying. I paused... and laughed. What do you do? Good news, though, the camera lasted and Visa applications are on their way.
It is a good lesson in continuing to laugh. Just pray and laugh- what a combination! Oh, speaking of laughter, wait until you find out what "gifts" I am supposed to bring to Russia. Ask me!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
So Thankful
We serve such a personal God. I am feeling so excited that I don't quite know what to do with myself. :)
On my last blog, I was very honest about my weaknesses and fears. I talked about how many planes we have to get on and off of, the mounting bills, etc. Stuff that I can trust God with but am struggling to face.
Huge praise! As we looked at the dates we might travel next, the flights had gone down significantly. Actually the cost to fly at the end of this month is almost half of what it cost last month. Almost half! And this same flight has only 1 stop! We had to change planes 3 times last trip- just going to Russia alone. Moreover, Jim found a different hotel with a comparable price with more wireless access (so we can skype with the kids for free instead of buying phonecards)and is supposed to have more people that speak English working there. I am all up for an adventure and all but there are so many adventures packed into an international adoption that an English speaking person here and there is kind of nice. :)
Much is still up in the air. I called the FBI to get the status of our fingerprints and it could still be weeks. Moreover, there are a few more new tricky paperwork requirements that they have insisted upon. We hope to go back to Russia the last week of the month but it is obvious that only He can make that happen.
The children's prayers are more and more fervent as they have seen more pictures and now video of their little brother. Bella was watching the video today and told my mom, "He's coming to my house!" And she smiled so big!
I so appreciate your prayers and encouragement. Trying not to cling to anything but so hopeful and encouraged. Yippee!!!
On my last blog, I was very honest about my weaknesses and fears. I talked about how many planes we have to get on and off of, the mounting bills, etc. Stuff that I can trust God with but am struggling to face.
Huge praise! As we looked at the dates we might travel next, the flights had gone down significantly. Actually the cost to fly at the end of this month is almost half of what it cost last month. Almost half! And this same flight has only 1 stop! We had to change planes 3 times last trip- just going to Russia alone. Moreover, Jim found a different hotel with a comparable price with more wireless access (so we can skype with the kids for free instead of buying phonecards)and is supposed to have more people that speak English working there. I am all up for an adventure and all but there are so many adventures packed into an international adoption that an English speaking person here and there is kind of nice. :)
Much is still up in the air. I called the FBI to get the status of our fingerprints and it could still be weeks. Moreover, there are a few more new tricky paperwork requirements that they have insisted upon. We hope to go back to Russia the last week of the month but it is obvious that only He can make that happen.
The children's prayers are more and more fervent as they have seen more pictures and now video of their little brother. Bella was watching the video today and told my mom, "He's coming to my house!" And she smiled so big!
I so appreciate your prayers and encouragement. Trying not to cling to anything but so hopeful and encouraged. Yippee!!!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
So Many Layers
As we settle back into normal life in the Snyder household, the processing is slowly beginning. While in Russia, too much was going on. Too much, too fast. We were kept very busy going from the orphanage to various government offices.... papers were being translated for us to sign, presents were handed out to appropriate persons, and smiles exchanged with this most precious new son of ours. Our eyes, ears and noses were filled with cigarette smoke, diesel fumes, and the gray coldness of Russia in winter. Our hearts were filled with the sovereignty of the Lord and the joy of meeting another one of His children- soon to be ours.
Spiritually, physically and emotionally, this has been a difficult journey. But that is where the gift lies. The Bible is very clear. God never promised an easy life. God never promised that following His will would be easy. I was reading James this morning and was reminded: "Consider it pure joy , my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " I know I will never be complete until I reach Heaven. But I do want to be mature. I do want to grow in my faith . I do want to be humbly on my knees, dependent upon Him for my life. This journey sure puts me there.
The thought of getting on those planes again... that is probably the hardest part for me. That is when my fears overwhelm me. I look around at those around me and fear for my safety. I fear that I will never return to hug my 5 children that await at home. But I have to get on that plane... 8 times for each trip. While flying from Munich to Washington DC last week, security was tight and fear was thick in the air. Everyone watched you if you rose fromn your seat. Stewardesses paced up and down the aisles. I admit to quietly crying the first half hour of the flight. At one point I whispered to Jim, "Next time, I want a private jet".
And we have 3 more trips. AHHHH! Fear and the desire to avoid that gripping fear almost ... well it almost causes me to rethink the whole thing: "I can't do it! It scares me too much. The plane rides, the toll on my other children, the expenses that keep multiplying, the uncomfortableness I feel in this unknown culture, the lack of control I have in all parts of this.." These thoughts flood my mind. The enemy knows my weakness.
I read a quote recently that went something like this: "Stop telling God how big your storm is and start telling your storm how big your God is." Wow! That helps.
I love God. I trust God.. with my life. He has called us to adopt this wonderful ,beautiful little boy of His in a distant land. So I will obey.
We will continue to take one step at a time. One plane ride at a time. One bill at a time.
I keep picturing his little face. I keep opening God's Word to find strength and direction.
This life isn't about the world about us that we can see. His purposes are much farther reaching. As a brother in Christ recently said on his adoption journey, "I am realizing that God's agenda is much bigger than my own."
To God be the Glory.
Spiritually, physically and emotionally, this has been a difficult journey. But that is where the gift lies. The Bible is very clear. God never promised an easy life. God never promised that following His will would be easy. I was reading James this morning and was reminded: "Consider it pure joy , my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " I know I will never be complete until I reach Heaven. But I do want to be mature. I do want to grow in my faith . I do want to be humbly on my knees, dependent upon Him for my life. This journey sure puts me there.
The thought of getting on those planes again... that is probably the hardest part for me. That is when my fears overwhelm me. I look around at those around me and fear for my safety. I fear that I will never return to hug my 5 children that await at home. But I have to get on that plane... 8 times for each trip. While flying from Munich to Washington DC last week, security was tight and fear was thick in the air. Everyone watched you if you rose fromn your seat. Stewardesses paced up and down the aisles. I admit to quietly crying the first half hour of the flight. At one point I whispered to Jim, "Next time, I want a private jet".
And we have 3 more trips. AHHHH! Fear and the desire to avoid that gripping fear almost ... well it almost causes me to rethink the whole thing: "I can't do it! It scares me too much. The plane rides, the toll on my other children, the expenses that keep multiplying, the uncomfortableness I feel in this unknown culture, the lack of control I have in all parts of this.." These thoughts flood my mind. The enemy knows my weakness.
I read a quote recently that went something like this: "Stop telling God how big your storm is and start telling your storm how big your God is." Wow! That helps.
I love God. I trust God.. with my life. He has called us to adopt this wonderful ,beautiful little boy of His in a distant land. So I will obey.
We will continue to take one step at a time. One plane ride at a time. One bill at a time.
I keep picturing his little face. I keep opening God's Word to find strength and direction.
This life isn't about the world about us that we can see. His purposes are much farther reaching. As a brother in Christ recently said on his adoption journey, "I am realizing that God's agenda is much bigger than my own."
To God be the Glory.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Home
We arrived home about 7 pm last night. I am so glad to be home!
We haven't posted much lately because we couldn't find any wireless access. We will have to have a new plan for communication next time. It was very frustrating that we felt limited in our ability to communicate with people back home.
We saw our little boy three times all together. By the third time, he blew me a kiss when I left. Then he reached for me. it was just a little, but he reached for me. He was in his caregiver's arms, going back for his lunch and a nap. He waved, blew me a kiss, and reached. He was torn between 2 worlds. My heart was torn....but so happy.
We completed some paperwork to move toward adopting him. Then we headed to the van for a long, 8 hour trip in a cold smelly van- back to the airport. We left our area around 8 pm and arrived at the airport in the wee hours of the morning. After some inconcenient luggage weight limitations for the trip back caused us to reaarrange everything in our luggage, we wandered around the airport until our 5:50 am flight.
We are home now. yay! Due to the fact that we only had a bed for 3 out of the 5 nights we were gone, we are in a bit of a stupor this morning. But throughtout our travels home, I kept picturing that face. That sweet little face with the big brown eyes. Forever in my mind and heart.
I hope he understands , that mama and papa are coming back for him.
We haven't posted much lately because we couldn't find any wireless access. We will have to have a new plan for communication next time. It was very frustrating that we felt limited in our ability to communicate with people back home.
We saw our little boy three times all together. By the third time, he blew me a kiss when I left. Then he reached for me. it was just a little, but he reached for me. He was in his caregiver's arms, going back for his lunch and a nap. He waved, blew me a kiss, and reached. He was torn between 2 worlds. My heart was torn....but so happy.
We completed some paperwork to move toward adopting him. Then we headed to the van for a long, 8 hour trip in a cold smelly van- back to the airport. We left our area around 8 pm and arrived at the airport in the wee hours of the morning. After some inconcenient luggage weight limitations for the trip back caused us to reaarrange everything in our luggage, we wandered around the airport until our 5:50 am flight.
We are home now. yay! Due to the fact that we only had a bed for 3 out of the 5 nights we were gone, we are in a bit of a stupor this morning. But throughtout our travels home, I kept picturing that face. That sweet little face with the big brown eyes. Forever in my mind and heart.
I hope he understands , that mama and papa are coming back for him.
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