Man, what a morning-
This is the day we had planned to make some headway. Today we "pull the lever" and use our "ace" card to gain favor w/SDA and find some MERCY and GRACE! Geez, the mindset out here is the pits...
We've had some encouragement from another source who agreed to help us w/ a higher-up @ the U.S. embassy here in Ukraine. We get our case, and have a person assigned to it. The ambassordor himself is involved (a little) w/our cause and all concerned know (or should) Fran and I do not want Ukrainian laws broken, but simply want Marina's registration RE-INSTATED! They misplaced her papers in 2006 after being registered since 1999. Now they've had 3-4 attempts to re-register her and as yet can't overcome their own ineptitude. Their response? It's Marina's problem- please go away-
The U.S. embassy is of NO use. The case worker assigned to us is out for the week, then out for most of next week, then a few days after that. They got it down pat here, combining U.S. holidays w/ukrainian ones. Must be nice living off of other peoples sweat..
Person on the other end of the phone is professional @ being polite while blowin' you off. There is ZERO concern for your behalf and I got the distinct sensation she was lookin' @ the clock to see if her break is coming up. I'm doing everything to stay resonable while my blood starts to boil. Fran signals to pass the phone to her, which I do. Asking for help woman to woman, the phone lady REALLY pours on the callusness- she's seemed to find her rythum and goes for it- how to blow the minds of someone seeking help on behalf of a orphaned child-
To this person's credit, she did say she is familiar w/our case, her supervisor is fully aware of it, and she does know our case worker e-mailed a request of our status- and then REALLY exerted himself and made a phone call. WOW! I'd need to take time off from that kind of stess too, I guess.
We just need ONE person w/a backbone out here. This is sooo easy to fix. One person who can show some class, be a proffessional- get it done. The attitude out here is "Gee, I'm sorry you're in such a bad way, but would you mind getting out of mine?"
The "Goliath" is taunting our GOD. Wagging his massive head back and forth, he snickers @ our position- in a foreingn land, can't talk their language. We don't know their rules, customs, laws, time's running out- and even our own "camp" succumbs to the "frozen mindset" of ukrainian beaucracy.
"LORD, would you please hand me a sling and point me to a riverbed?"
Marina's Papa
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11 comments:
Rick - I don't know what to say except to keep on it! Charlene learned a saying in her Russian class that seemed to characterize many or our interactions - it was something like - "if you meet mush, push" So keep pushing against the bureaucratic mush. We'll keep praying for the God who directs the King's heart like a watercourse to direct things. Meanwhile, we're very thankful for you both.
Tim & Charlene
Fran and Rick, we will pray today for a specific breakthrough. The wall of bureaucracy, the holiday office schedules, the bleak cold, the insistance that "it can't be done" - we pray for walls to tumble and for the sun to shine. Take a rest, then gear up for battle again tomorrow. Please try not to despair. You are NOT alone!!!!
We are trying to decode the email that Fran sent to us for Elizabeth -- I'm now using a different laptop, so the words are not yet decipherable!!! Please let whomever sent it know that we are working on it!!!
With love and prayers for progress.
~ Jean & Jim
Jean & Jim are so right--You are NOT alone!! We are continuing to pray as you two continue the good fight. Galatians 6:9-10 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." This *is* good--to fight for your daughter--Persevere!
We too have been battling Goliath concerning a child in that exact orphanage. We've been fighting for 2 years now, but God is faithful, and has opened doors that no man could open. Do not lose heart. God truly is the father to the fatherless, and He will prevail in this. Our family will be praying for yours.
Praying for you guys!! Thank you for fighting this war against the children....it is fearce, but God knows the warriors are few! Praying for God's mercy to justice to pervail. Maybe I'll see you in January when I get back.
Merry Christmas and hello to your girls from me.
Blessings,
Karen
Rick and Fran,
We continue to pray and think about you guys. I wish there was something we could say or do to make it better. Keep the faith and know we are all there for you.
Stan and Terri
Hi Rick,
I have had some of the same frustrations I think that you are experiencing. For the past two years I have found it certainly is difficult to 'push a string.' I only knew our little girl for 10 days while hosting her here. And she is still there and God has steadily removed obsticles....but clearly has his timing. And in reflection we know He is always on time. But I sense that you have a profound singular experience in common with me. That is, when I first laid eyes on the 8 year old it was the same as the day my other 3 children were born to me. Only she was 6 years getting here..she is now almost 11. But as certain as I can be about anything - she is my daughter. And I would do for her what I would do for my others. Without end. Only God can create such a sudden phenomenological and authentic bond. You will go to the mat or Marina because that is the natural thing to do for you. You know you are her dad. You know that God did that. And gates of hell are no match for a covenant like that. And every no, maybe, later, impossible, law, 'official',...all only pretend opposition. They are lies and hollow. And their goal is simple - to beat you into despair by illusions. Their only tactict is to get you to quit. They know they can't make you do that...you have to choose to do that. Just remember that you are her dad and Marinas God-given hope. -Mark
Praying for somebody to stand up and do what's right - praying for strength for you to keep on pushing the slow moving and stubborn UKrainian bureaucratic train. Keep PUSHING (oh - I remember that's what they kept telling me with my three bios!!!!) You are NOT alone!
Dear Rick and Fran,
Our hearts go out to you and your family this morning and we are praying for a tremendous breakthrough even now. Mike and I encountered many obstacles/roadblocks even here with domestic adoptions. We believe that the enemy tried to use his arsenal to slow our adoption process, but never forget that our God is a BIG God. Bureaucrats and paperwork is no match for the God who can raise the dead. God placed the love for those children in your hearts and He does not make mistakes. the love of a parent for a child is a miraculous thing and God will give you the strength you need to fight for your children. Please do not give up the fight. We are all praying for you and will continue to do so.
With our love and support,
Robin D
Rick and Fran,
We know you won't lose hope, and we know you will keep on pushing. Remember to smile in the face of adversity and look forward to the message your victory will send to your daughters. This is the first lesson they will learn about the power and might of our God. I would caution you not to fall into the pit. Even though others are standing in your way remember that God will reward your showing grace, kindness and love to those who may be opposing you. You and Fran are faithful servants and we all stand behind you and lift you up in prayer.
Rob, Laura, and the boys
Rick and Fran,
Our hearts go out to you both for all the bureaucracy, difficulties and blockages you are having to deal with. Hard to make sense out of nonsense! We pray God breaks down these obstacles in the way only He can...hang in there with strength and perseverance....
Love & Blessings,
Debbie & Dale
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