Hearings!

The weeks that Andy was in Moldova prior to my coming were spent negotiating a court hearing, strategizing, attempting to understand the Moldovan legal/court system, and making daily visits with Lena and Will.  He was also stayed on top of work matters and some very hard issues regarding Children's Hope.  The original plan was to have the court hearing on Will scheduled for either March 6 or 7.  We also hoped that he could persuade the court to allow me to me absent from the hearing to avoid my return to Moldova alone.  Andy was scheduled to return home on Saturday, March 8.

However, despite his very hard work, our plans did not come to fruition.  I traveled to Moldova on March 8 and arrived Sunday, March 9.  The hearing for Will was to be held at 11:30 on Monday.  We were told there was a small possibility that the hearing on Lena might take place later in the day or on Tuesday but come prepared to WAIT!

Will's hearing surprisingly began roughly on time with the judge dismissing our facilitator (Albina), and two translators we had hired.  The judge called in a different translator who was familiar with translating Romanian and Russian but not English.  Fortunately, our attorney spoke excellent English and was able to translate with the designated translator got stuck.

With the new adoption law in Moldova, a prosecutor is required to attend.  One of our translators went by her office this morning to make sure she was coming.  She argued that she was not required.  However, our translator persuaded her that she was indeed required to be there and that the hearing would be rescheduled without her.

Will's hearing seemed to have gone well.  Once it was over, the judge went immediately to Lena's hearing.  We were really pleasantly surprised!  While our time ran out before the judge could address the prosecutor and representative from Children's SErvices, Andy and I were addressed and answered questions from the judge.  Since the prosecutor and Children's Services had no questions for us, the judge continued both hearings until March 21 but our presence will not be required.  At that time, we hope to get rulings on both children and learn how long the appeal period will be.  The appeal period can be up to 60 days.  At the end of the appeal period, we can return to Moldova and bring the children home.

One funny concern of Wills about the trip home is riding in the airplane.  At first he was excited about it but someone mentioned to him that you had to be tied down in the seat.  Andy tried to explain it was a buckle that went across your lap.  Andy said he was still concerned about it the next day but he reminded Will that Hope had done it and this seemed to convince him that he could too.

Meet Angelena Grace!

I have not posted any pics of Lena because the situation with her adoption has been questionable.  However, following the hearing yesterday I feel that I can.  Meet Lena!  We had both hearings yesterday and the judge will follow up with another hearing on both cases on March 21.  We do not have to be present for it.  Whenever the judges makes her ruling, there will be up to a 60 day appeal period until we can return and bring the children home.

Pics of Will Marin and Hope!

I am posting some pics of my trip to Moldova in January.  Hope and Will Marin got along well at "his house" as Hope calls his orphanage.  I hope they do as well when we bring him home.  I was very impressed with all that Will knows.  The director at his orphanage has done a very good job in making sure the children are educated.  He knows letters, numbers, shapes, animals/sounds, etc. in Romanian.  He also can draw all of his shapes, color, cut and then glue them on paper.  He knew exactly what I was asking him to do.  We also met his music teacher who uses an old accordion that is duct taped in places.  She was delightful and even played some songs for us so that Will could show off his singing and dancing.  She did not want to be photographed however!

When we were coloring and he got a teensy bit out of the lines, he would look at me and point.  I would say "its okay" and he would smile and shake his head.  This became a joke as the days went on and he would do it on purpose and say "its okay."  He is very orderly in that he wants to sort everything by color, etc. and he wants everything picked up before he moves onto something else.  I bet that doesn't last long when he comes home!  On the other hand, maybe Hope will pick up this trait!

Hope clapping for Will as he plays on the iPad

Outside of Wills house (as Hope calls it)

Front gate of orphanage

Hope and Will at the playground at Will's orphanage.

Cool swing!

Will and Hope enjoying bananas

Will Marin painting.

February Update!

Andy left last Thursday for Moldova planning to arrive in Chisinau on Friday.  When he arrived at the Frankfort Airport, he quickly discovered utter chaos.  The security personnel were on strike and the airport was basically shut down.  He quickly made reservations online at a hotel close to the airport.  This was quick thinking on his part, because by the time he got there the hotel lobby was slammed with people trying to get reservations.  Of course, he had no luggage with no promises of seeing it anytime soon!

He was finally able to fly out of Germany on Sunday and arrived in Chisinau but still without luggage. It finally arrived on Monday which was much sooner than expected.

He has been making visits with both children.  Our adoption coordinator is in Kiev of all places checking on her son.  We hope she returns to Chisinau on Wednesday.  I will join him as soon as we get a court date which we hope will be towards the end of next week.

Update!

After a very challenging trip to Moldova, Hope and I are back home.  The trip brought unexpected challenges and revealed just how difficult adoption is in Moldova. I was overwhelmed!  There are a lot of personalities, unknowns, discrepancies, and new requirements involved.  We got to spend a lot of time with Will Marin and he is so ready to be part of a family.  He is a delightful little boy with a big personality and smile!  We look forward to having him be part of our family.  We did not spend much time with Lena and when we did, our visits were short.  She is a very busy three year old with a sweet little smile.

Overall, we feel that the adoption of Will will happen but there are still many challenges for Lena.  We hope to have a court hearing date soon for Will.  

I was extremely homesick!  This added to the pressure of being in a foreign country along with the many changes and unexpected events in the adoption process, our daily schedule and the language barrier caused me to have a hard time coping. I relied on all of you who were praying for me!  I knew that many, many people were lifting me up in prayer.  That is what sustained me, so thanks to everyone who prayed for me.  I really did feel that you all were holding the rope on my behalf.

Even during this difficult time, God took such good care of me and Hope in many ways.  A mission team from Montgomery (Heritage BC) was in Chisinau while we were there and Jeanne Tuley was able to spend a day with us.  There was also a Baptist Missionary couple in Chisinau (Chris and Nancy Russell) that helped out so much!  I continue to be so appreciative of people who sacrifice so much to be on the mission field.  We went expecting frigid temps and a lot of snow but fortunately, Moldova was experiencing very warm temps for this time of year and no snow (it turned much colder when we left and looks like they had snow)!  We also had the privilege of being blessed by a translator, Angela, who was so kind and gracious.  Finally, a huge, huge help to me was Ann Amster who flew over and spent six days with us.  I will be forever grateful to her!

Many people have asked if Hope remembered anything and the answer is No.  Lena is at the same orphanage as Hope but Hope never recognized anyone or anything and nothing triggered any kind of memory.  Some of the same workers were still there and they remembered her and were so glad to see her.  Hope was a trooper through the entire trip including the long plane rides.

This trip reminded me that apart from God, I am nothing and can do nothing. I was also deeply struck of how wonderful it is to be loved by God, my husband, my children, family and friends.  May I never take this for granted!

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.