I hoped to have posted this earlier in the week, but our friends in TN have brought their little adopted son, James Ivan, home from Russia, concluding the stressful yet exciting saga of adoption. Now they have a lifetime of love and challenges to look forward to, so we pray for them as they deal with the multitude of things they must deal with—many of which they probably haven't thought about yet. Down's Syndrome can be like that.
Here is a picture of their son:
And if you want to read the uplifting blog post from which the picture came, click here.
I'm the cautious type who will reserve his strongest happiness for when they reach the airport and get in their car in TN...but our friends have taken custody of their new son and will soon be on their way back to the USA. Let us pray that their flights, paperwork, etc. will be smooth; and that following their arrival home, everyone will be able to quickly and easily adjust to the necessary new arrangements that must be made.
Our friends write that today was a great day that went very well due to the prayers of many. I encourage you to keep up with their story.
Our friends had a successful court appearance, but only today did "mom" get a chance to tell us via blog about the details. Their story makes it abundantly clear that God answers prayer, often in ways far more blessed than we dare to hope. I trust you will take this opportunity to read their story and thank God for what He has done in their family and for the little boy who is now part of their family.
They cannot claim their new son until August 3, according to local law. I assume they will be returning to the USA soon thereafter. Be in prayer for their trip and for the inevitable challenges that their new son will bring to their home.
Our friends who were seeking to adopt had their court date on Friday, July 22, and the adoption was granted. I am not sure when they are returning to the USA, but for now, they have posted further details and pictures here and here.
We praise the Lord for working out all the details and making this possible, and we look forward to seeing them sometime after their return.
Our friends who are pursuing the adoption of a child from Eastern Europe have departed, with their own two children, to that country to complete the arrangements and bring him home. They have managed to update their blog with two entries: First, this one, and then this one.
We ask your prayers that they are able to complete all the arrangements promptly and successfully. It is not easy staying for an indefinite period of time in such a foreign place, and there is still no certainty that the adoption will be completed. This can, of course, be very stressful; it will be stressful enough moving a preschooler with Down's Syndrome into one's home. So let's pray that everything goes smoothly for them.
Our friends have posted more of their story about their trip to Eastern Europe as they prepare to adopt a child with Down's Syndrome. Right now they are waiting for the time when they can return and claim their soon-to-be son. You can read Part 2 here.
Friends of ours are in the process of adopting a boy with Down's Syndrome from somewhere in Eastern Europe. They recently took their first trip there and finally met the little almost-4-year-old boy, who has lived in an orphanage most of his life. Here is the first part of their story. I encourage you to read it.
