Sunday in Chisinau!

Not much happening in Chisinau!  We are certainly not enjoying the sunshine, because there has been no hint of the sun shining.  The weather report says there is a chance of sunshine on Tuesday.   We will see.

Hope and I have made it three days without Andy and Beth.  They have not been easy.  I am very homesick!  Hope and I continue to visit Will everyday.  We have to make 30 visits before the court date .We have only seen Lena for two short visits.  I am not sure how things will work out with her or if they will work out.  It is a very trying situation.

Everyone is going to love Will Marin.  He has a great personality and full of life.  I explained through a translator that we wanted to add Will to his name and he was fine with it.  Now, he calls himself Will Marin.  We will eventually drop the Marin.

About 3:30 this afternoon, I tried plugging up a portable dvd player and something blew and all of our lights, internet, and heat went out.  Not getting an answer from the apt. manager, and not knowing how to explain to the security guard, I called a translator.  He left work to come by the apt. and got it all back on.  I had blown an outside breaker.  God is providing.

More Pictures!

We have visited with Will Marin four times this week but we've only had one short visit with Lena.  There are issues with the director of her orphanage plus the minimal staffing during the New Year Holiday.  Hope and I are hoping to see her on Friday.

Will is such a pleasant boy and seems to be very bright.  He is a lot of fun and has a good sense of humor.  He and Hope could pass for twins almost.  Below are some more pictures.  Andy and Beth leave at 4:30 Friday morning, so please pray for safe travel and that I will let them leave!!!

Arrival in Chisinau!

We arrived in Chisinau on Monday, Dec. 30th.  We traveled through the night and got just a couple of hours of sleep!  Hope was great on the plane.  Both planes were on time and everything went smoothly - just long and tiring!  We've had one meeting with Lena and it was very quick.  She was quite the handful but was probably overwhelmed with all of us plus the translator and Albina (our facilitator).  She probably weighs more than Hope and is almost as tall.

We also visited with Will Marin and he and Hope hit it off well.  I've included pics of he, Hope and Andy playing ball.  I think he loves everything and can really put away some fruit.  He was very kind though and gave each one of us a piece of the fruit we brought him.

We also visited the director of social services in Chisinau (similar to the director of a county DHR).  She was there when we adopted Hope and gave her a special bell made in Moldova.  Today, she gave Hope a horse made by some children at one of the orphanages.  We told her about Hope taking gymnastics and she told us how she was at one time the top gymnast in Moldova.

New Year's Eve is a much bigger holiday here than in the States.  In fact, it is probably the most celebrated.  We walked to the downtown square area tonight and there was lots of celebrating going on from a concert to an iceskating rink to all kinds of vendors.

We are staying in the same apartments that we did during our first trip for Hope's adoption.  It is very nice and clean, close to the square and shopping and restaurants and very safe.

Will Marin, Andy and Hope playing catch

Hope receiving the little handmade horse from the director

The Long Awaited Letter!

A really BIG challenge in the adoption process in regards to Lean has been a referral letter from the Ministry in Moldova.  I am relieved to tell you that after much prayer, frustration, delays, persistence, and patience, we received the letter on Dec. 12th!   According to our timeline, we could have received this letter at the end of May or early June.   We immediately FedEx'd our acceptance letter to the Ministry in Moldova (they will only accept the original notarized document). 

We still have lots of challenges ahead that at times seem like endless mountains - we make it to one peak and then have to start climbing another.  Now, we have to wait for further documentation from the Ministry to proceed.  

We have booked our flights.  Andy, Beth, Hope and I will be leaving for Moldova on Sunday, Dec. 29th.  Andy and Beth will be returning Jan. 3.  However, Hope and I have a return date of FEBRUARY 9th!  Yes, I did mean February!  We don't really know what this trip means in regards to future trips, court hearings, bonding time, etc. but are trusting that God will go before us and open doors.  We treasure your prayer support so please keep praying.

When I get tired and frustrated and doubts creep in, I am reminded of Christ's love for me.  He certainly hung in there and stayed focused on His Father's will in order to adopt me into His family sacrificing more than I can comprehend.  It is this GREAT LOVE that keeps me going and sustains me.

Beth, Hope, Dow - can't wait to add two more little ones to this picture!

Andy's Trip

Andy made it back home today with lots of pics and videos of Will Marin.  We are grateful for every text, email and FB message.  What a blessing it is to know people are concerned and prayers are being prayed!

The situation in Moldova with international adoptions is very complex and difficult.  I am still trying to grasp all the players, issues, and challenges.  It is like a big web of intrigue where you don't know what move to make next.  And at the center of all of this are precious children with no voice.  For those of you considering international adoption, please do not let our experience discourage you.  With most countries, the process is streamlined and you know what to expect.

Again, we hope to have the paperwork on Lena next week, so please keep praying.  The Council met Thursday and assured our contact in Moldova that they agreed to issue the referral for Lena.  Andy was able to see her for a second visit.  We feel like we are closer than before.

Andy told us so much about Will and his personality.  Looks like we will have our hands full with him!  .Andy made arrangements for him to receive tutoring in English.  Andy also called me during his last visit with Will so I could hear his sweet little voice.  He kept saying "come, come."

We don't know exactly how things will turn out, but it looks like Hope and I will still spend an extended amount of time in Moldova beginning the end of December.

Meet Will Marin Birchfield!

I have been waiting for the day for sometime now and glad it has finally arrived.  Please meet Will Marin Birchfield.  He turned six in September but is somewhat smaller than Hope!  Andy describes him as delightful and energetic!!!  Andy and I had discussed how much and what Andy would tell him during this week.  Well, no need to worry about that.  On the first visit, Will asked Andy if he was taking him home!

Andy has had several good visits with him and Will has enjoyed the iPad.  Andy says the director of the orphanage is very kind and compassionate.  She said they call Will Marin the "son of light" because he is so bright and full of personality.  She also said he walked by the office and saw a computer and said his daddy taught him to use a computer.

Today he asked Andy if he would visit him everyday.  The translator explained that Andy would visit on Thursday but then had to go home and bring his mommy back in about 30 days.  Will said he would wait!  I can't tell you how emotional this is!  Will Marin is also telling everyone he found his parents!!!  At first this puts a smile on my face but then my heart breaks because I think of the others who have no parents!  Please pray for these children.

Also, thank you, thank you for your prayers.  God is paving the way but Andy said it is "tough plowing."  Andy had a great visit with the US Consul at the Embassy this morning and we seem to have their full support.  We need some breakthroughs in regards to Lena with the Ministry of Social Protection so please keep praying.  WE are praising the Lord for these two precious children made in His image for the purpose of bringing Him honor and glory.

Andy in Chisinau!

Andy made it to Chisinau this afternoon around 2 - 2:30 Moldova time.  He connected with our agency's contact in Moldova, Albina.  Albina is someone you want on your side because she is tenacious and persevering and doesn't give up!  For those of you who know Andy, you probably think my description of Albina is very appropriate for Andy as well.  Put the two of them together and you you have a pretty effective team.

I talked to Andy about midnight his time.  He said Lena's case was more of a challenge than we thought due to politics and varying views on international adoption by officials.  However, he met with the local director of social services and after showing her pics of Hope, he thinks he may have convinced her. We are not sure who the other "players" are.  He plans to see Will Tuesday morning and Lena Tuesday afternoon.

Please pray that God will continue to clear the way for the Ministry in Moldova to turn over needed paperwork on Lena.  A "council" will meet either this Wednesday or Friday which we have been told will agree to releasing the paperwork.  Please pray that they meet this Wednesday and Andy will get news that it has been released.

A couple of people have asked if there is a chance that we will not get Lena.   Anything can happen with adoptions but I firmly believe that God spoke to both me and Andy at the beginning of this adoption about adopting both children.  God is faithful to what He promises!

Change of Plans!

Last week we received the good news that we were cleared by all parties to move forward with Will's adoption.   In other words, we could travel to Moldova and begin the 30 day bonding process.  Then we began to sense the urgency from our contact in Moldova for one of us to travel to Moldova within the next couple of days, so Andy is leaving Sunday.  We don't really know what this means as far as future trips or the remainder of the process.  Please pray that God clears the way for Andy to meet both children and get the last of the paperwork on Lena.

Postponed!

Thanks to all of you who have asked and prayed for us on this journey of bringing Will and Lena home.  On Tuesday of this week, it looked like we would leave this Sunday.  By Wednesday morning, we were told that we should not travel at this point.  This morning, we made the decision to postpone our first trip until around Dec. 30.   I wish I could give you a simple explanation about why things change from day to day and why we haven't been able to travel already.  But I can't.  It would be quite a long post and your eyes would start glazing over in the middle and your head would start nodding.  Therefore, I will spare you the details.

Now, we are continuing to push to receive the remainder of the information on Lena and a formal referral from Moldova.  We thought that piece of information had been received and we even sent an acceptance letter.  But we were WRONG!

A praise is that Will has been approved by the US to be adopted by us!  However, Moldova hasn't received the Article 5 that they need from our govt.  to allow us to meet him.  We are still chasing this rabbit!

Since my last post, God has really given me a peace about Him being in control, so I really appreciate all of you who have been praying for me.  He gave me a verse from Psalm 91:11:  For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways.  This verse brought so much comfort to me and I am clinging to it.

Stuck!

There is a short movie out about how children with no families are STUCK in orphanages around the world even when they have families waiting on them.  This is where we are!  In my last post, I related that the official referral had been received on Lena and we were excited about moving forward.  Well, we are not sure if it is the official referral because we have not received the translated document yet!  In addition, Moldova is now requiring an additional letter from our State Dept. to clear us to travel even on Will.

Unless we receive key documents by Nov. 12, we will not travel until the end of Dec/first of Jan.  If we receive info by Nov. 12, we will leave Nov. 16.  Waking up everyday and wondering if this will be the day when we receive the information has been challenging.  We've had their names and pictures for a year now which has made us all the more anxious to meet them.

This process has really challenged my faith.  Do I really believe God is in control and He has the very best plan?  I have to say that there are times when I think I know best.  I panic about the kids being behind especially academically and think one more day in the orphanage means one further day behind.  Surely God realizes this so why isn't He orchestrating this adoption sooner?  Research says that for every three months in an orphanage, a child is delayed by one month, so basically a child would at least be 1/3 behind if all other factors were constant.  Will is six but will be more like a four year old.  Lena is three but will be more like a two year old.  Doesn't God see the urgency in this?!?!  Wouldn't it have been great to have celebrated their birthdays with them in September and Christmas in December?

I don't have the answers but when I struggle with the unknowns, I am reminded of God's faithfulness.  I am reminded of how He has never forsaken me, that He loves Lena and Will unconditionally, that He created them, and that yes, He really does know best because of WHO HE IS!   I hope He doesn't get tired of "gently" reminding me as the journey continues.  We appreciate your continued prayers.

Finally Some Movement!

We finally got some good news yesterday!  The Ministry in Moldova has released all of the info on Will that we need to move forward.  It has been translated to English and we should be receiving it in the mail today.   YAY!  The Ministry also released enough info on Lena that will allow us to officially accept her as a referral and move forward.  By releasing this info., we assume they have removed her from Moldova's National registry for adoption and is now available for international adoption.  She was originally to be available for international in June of this year.  Once this info is translated and we submit an acceptance letter, they SHOULD release the remaining of her info that will allow us to move forward with our government (this is where we are with Will now).

We did learn that I have to stay in Moldova for 30 days for the first trip.  We were hoping they would require less time but they are holding firm.  Andy will travel with us (Hope and I), meet the children and get us settled and then come home.  There will be a court hearing after the 30 day period, so Andy will fly back to Moldova for that and then Hope and I will come home with him.  At this point, we are thinking that we will travel the end of October or first of November.

We are not clear on how much time will be required before we make the second trip to bring Will and Lena home.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us and please continue.  We still have so many challenges and ahead and we know the hardest part will come when we actually bring the kids home!

Not Much to Update!

So many people have asked us about Will and Lena, and we are so thankful for the interest.  We had a little movement last week.  We finally received the information that would allow us to say "yes" we want to adopt him!  We are still waiting on this for Lena.  Once we receive this, we "think" the rest of the process is as follows:

Ministry in Moldova sends us information that is required for us to file forms with US Immigration.
US Immigration will send us an approval saying we can adopt Lena and Will.
US Immigration will send an Article 5 to Moldova verifying their approval.

If we are not required to jump through any more hoops with Lena having had TB, then we should be able to make our first trip.  Doesn't this sound simple?  It does to me!  However, the problem is that for whatever reason, the Ministry is in no rush to get it done.  It took over 2 months to receive the info on Will (paragraph 1).  Please pray that someone in the Ministry who has authority will be motivated to quickly move things along.

Surprised and Rejoicing!

In our last post, we explained that the Ministry of Social Protection in Moldova had placed a condition in regards to Lena which appeared very difficult.  I am thankful to let you know that this roadblock was handled last week thanks to prayers and our very tenacious advocate in Moldova, Albina!  We were told that it would happen but it is hard to have much confidence in the Ministry but it was done!  God is faithful!

Now, I want to share another incredible story.  Lena was moved to a sanatorium several months ago due to having Tb.  This really "rattled" us because in addition to learning she had Tb, we had no idea of the conditions, treatment, etc. of this place.  Last week we were told that the Tb was persistent and her little body could not get rid of it.  Well, I receive a call today from our agency.  Lena tested negative for Tb last Thursday and was moved back to her orphanage which is the same as Hope's orphanage!  We don't have this in writing but were just blown away by the news.  There is really no way to explain this except to give God the glory and know He orchestrated this.  Thank you Lord!  While Hope's orphanage was very underfunded and lacking in even the basics, we were touched by the concern and love of the caregivers, so that is a blessing as well.

We still have lots of hurdles.  For example, since Lena had Tb, we will have to jump through all kinds of hoops to get her to the US and we still have no paperwork.  However, it is very clear that God is at work and people are praying so we have hope that before too long, we will make our first trip and meet our new son and daughter.

Jer. 32:17 Ah, sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.  Nothing is too hard for you!

In the meantime, we are blessed beyond measure.  Hope began Kindergarten, Beth started 10 grade and our oldest, Dow, moved to Auburn for his Freshman year.

Moving our oldest, Dow, into college at Auburn