Well, we're back from our brief appointment with the State Department of Adoptions and the result was not as we expected. Our appointment began at 9am in a small office with the Ukrainian Adoption official, our facilitator (Kosta), Karin and myself. Kosta acted as translator, as the official does not speak English. The process started with us being asked questions about who we want to adopt and how we came to know Marina. We produced some pictures of our family and Marina from her visit so that the official could see our full family. The official said Marbella and Milana look like angels - I couldn't agree more.
After answering the brief questions and reviewing the photos the official began to go through Marina's orphan file. The information they provided was very brief and contained little, if any information, that we hadn't already known about Marina. The two pages of files they produced each had a photo of Marina from the time when the files were created. One when she was about 6 years old and the other when she was 11. It warmed us to see photos of a younger Marina and it further endeared her in our hearts.
As the official begin to review the document, it began clear to Karin and I that something was amiss. The back and forth dialog between her and Kosta and dialing of phones did not seem right, no matter what language was being spoken. Basically, the officials were asking about the status of Marina's parents - that seemed like an extremely odd question to me when you (the government) has been custodian of the child for nearly 10 years. Apparently, there was an important document that was not in her file - a document that should have been completed by CPS and filed with the original papers. This is where the problem solver in us goes, "ok, easy, let's get a copy and get this process going." Well, easier said than done. The orphanage (and her entire Village) does not have phone lines, so they cannot fax the document. They do have Internet, but the SDA offices do not have external Internet. The other offices in Kiev that can receive the information do not have vehicles so workers must transfer documents via public transit. So, basically in this moment, I recognize that I have no control. The best part of that is the peace that I was overcome with as I recognized that He wants me to trust (Prov 3:5-6) in Him and not to worry or be anxious (Phil 4:6).
As the officials tracked down the document at the local CPS office in Marina's district they discovered that the document had been incorrectly completed and that a new document must be created, signed, and a copy sent to the SDA offices in Kiev. Oh and for us to stay on track - all of this must be completed today. At 2pm we received a call from Kosta letting us know that they have completed the new form at CPS and are just waiting for the local director of Vital Records to sign the document - and yes, nobody knows where he is. As I write you this it is now 3:30pm in the Ukraine and we have about 90 minutes to get all of this wrapped up.
So, what can you do? Pray. Pray Hard. Pray Specifically.
* Prayers that the director will return to the office (for any reason) and that he will sign the document.
* The documents get transferred to the SDA today
* Clear guidance and honest intentions of the Ukrainian officials and our facilitator
* We (Karin and I) stay focused and rest comfortably in whatever timing that God reveals during this process.
Love you more than you'll know,
Andy & Karin
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