I mentioned Marina on the first day. She was placed in the same orphanage as Hope, adopted by a national family, abandoned by them, returned to an orphanage, and then adopted by a US family five years ago. She returned to Moldova recently for a visit to find out more about her country and heritage. While she has been through a lot, she is doing well now. She just completed her first year of college and wants to become a physician’s assistant. She is smart, personable and beautiful. It was a blessing to meet her. She continues to be fluent in both Russian and Romanian.
During our season of prayer regarding the adoption, I thought of many reasons not to adopt (they were all selfish, of course). However, I never questioned our ability to love another child as our own.
I am glad to say there was no reason to be concerned. God planted that love in our hearts when He placed the desire to adopt. Our love for Hope was automatic. When I became a Christian, I immediately became part of God’s family receiving His love, eternal life, forgiveness, power, grace, and so many other blessings. He didn’t hold anything back. I got the “whole package.” That is the way we feel about Hope. Our love for her is complete and she has access to all that we have. She is ours! She doesn’t have to earn our love or prove herself to us. We just simply love her by modeling the love of Christ.
Learning more and more about the history and current political situation in Moldova, makes us even more thankful to be Americans. Moldova’s independence and our independence is not the same. They encounter many injustices from other countries as well as within their own government. As you celebrate Memorial Day, remember to be thankful for all of those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice to ensure our freedom and privileges as Americans (thanks to Bill McCrary for reminding me of this).
Today was a crazy day! I spent much of the time trying to figure out where we were going next. We visited the director of Child Protective Services for all of Moldova. If you remember in one of my earlier emails, I mentioned an adoption official being arrested and then acquitted. This was the same official. She was so warm and winsome. She gave us a special bell for Hope, so that she will always remember Moldova. It was such a pleasure to meet her. Albina said a statue should be made of her, because she is such an advocate for children.
We all waited patiently in the car at the Romanian Embassy while Albina went to get the visa at 3:00. Actually, Andy was walking Hope around, because it was way past her nap time and she was a bit cranky. Albina returned saying it would be ready in an hour. She returned in just under an hour and was told to wait. Around 4 pm, employees began leaving, because the embassy closed at this time. I was not there, but apparently Albina became furious. She said she yelled at the ambassador while he was walking out and explained our situation. While he was not very pleased with her, he went back inside, and Albina got the visa!!!
Hope realized she could scoot on her bottom and thought it was so funny. She also learned that Beth would chase her if she ran. Beth played with her for about two hours this afternoon. Beth is enjoying being a big sister. Our biggest news of all is that Hope had a BM - yea!
We have another big day tomorrow. We fly to Bucharest early in the morning, Hope is examined by an embassy appointed physician, and then we have our interview at the US Embassy. We are looking forward to have this step behind us. Please pray that we have all the right papers and documents when we get to the embassy. Also, we think Hope has had all of the required immunizations but will not know for sure until she sees the doctor.
One last thing. Hope came to me without any problem today!!!
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