We are beside ourselves today. The doors are slamming in our faces. No one hears or cares that Marina has not been re-registered. We have been waiting for 11 days for an official report from the SDA on Marina's re-registration. On the day we went to court on Yana, our facilitator told us that an offical request was filled on our behalf and they have 11 days to get it to us, plus 2 days to write it up. Today was the day it was to be picked up. Today, there is no report, our facilitator is on the way to Arizonia with orphan children, she was to hand it over to some one else but never called her. There is not any evidence that an official anything has ever been done. The SDA will not give us information because the US embassy have contacted them, therefore they will no longer speak to us. The embassy is shutting the doors on us with their beauracratic formalities of we don't get involved in private matters. Is there anybody out there?, Does anybody hear, see or care? What an unmerciful system of dealing with children. The responds that everyone gives us is "There are worse cases out there? Are they proud of this? Thank you all for your prayers. We have not reached the end of our rope. We will fight for Marina, our daughter, until she comes home. When all human doors close, only miracles can happen. Thank you for continuing to pray for the miracle. Your comments is giving me the strength to fight.
Our new friends that were here had their day in court, and are on their way home. They were great support. I will miss them and their morning hugs. Now I am here with Rick who is out walking the river beds.
We are on our way to the orphanage. We both love going there. That is the happiest place in all Berdyansk. The sound of children laughing is so uplifting. Hope you all are enjoying your holiday week.
Fran
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19 comments:
We're continuing to lift you and the girls up in prayer. Hang in there. God is the one in control...not the Ukranian government (no matter what they think! :) Praying for a miracle!
Oh Fran, my heart goes out to you all. We're praying for a miracle, and also that He will speak to you during this time and give you peace. Give the girls a kiss from us.
Nancy, Steve and girls
I wish we had some words of comfort for you guys. But, instead of any wisdom or insight we could give, may we turn your attention to how God has already revealed Himself:
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the lord. Isaiah 26:3
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22
So what should we say about this? If God is with us, no one can defeat us. Romans 8:31
The Lord is like a strong tower; those who do right can run to him for safety. Proverbs 18:10
These are some of the verses I was praying over while we were over there. Things didn't work out quite like we wanted them to, but the process is not over yet either. So, we'll continue to humbly approach God and beg Him for our child in the near future and for Marina to somehow, some way be re-registered and released so you can take her home soon!
When you get to Kiev you should go to Yershenko's office. It is worth a try. Any questions asked respectfully should not cause trouble for other adoptions. If I never got my son back, trust me, I was headed there myself.
Good luck.
Fran and Rick,
There's not much more to add--Dave's choice of Scripture says it all--except we love you and are praying for you--as well as everyone we seem to run into lately!
YOU are so not alone. Tim and Charlene
My heart sunk when I read your entry today, but I will not stop praying for Marina's release. Your family is continually on my heart. We are crying out with you for her.
Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
I'm sorry!!
Fran and Rick,
We were very sad to hear the troubles you are having and to hear such heartache. This is certainly a difficult time for you. You are always in our thoughts and conversations every day. We wish you the best and happier times. Have faith.
Steve, Jody and Christopher
We are so saddened to hear your news and continued struggle..we hold you in prayer for a MIRACLE. May He give you peace and calm your heart...we love you..
Debbie & Dale
Rick & Fran,
I just read this Psalm and thought it as a prayer for Marina:
Psalm 91
We are praying daily for the four of you.
We love you!
Love, Your Roanoke Relatives
Rick and Fran, many prayers are going up for you from our home. We too are adopting, and having done aid work with orphanages for many years, I know all too well the hearbreak of seeing how people do not care about the fate of these children. But TAKE HEART. God is with you - He calls us out to fight for widows and orphans!!! Persevere. Perhaps it won't be done as quickly as you wish, or in exactly the same way, but it can be done. God will give the miracle - you just keep knocking on doors and being the voice of compassion for BOTH of your daughters. Do not despair. God tells us to have hope, that He has plans to prosper and protect us. BELIEVE IN THIS. God is with you even now, and He will be with you every second, every day of this fight. - Kelly
One more thing. The office of the Prosecutor General in Kiev sometimes takes up causes like this. What the SDA has done is illegal, and that is a matter for the Prosecutor's office. I might know someone who can direct you to a contact there. Please contact me at operationukraine@hotmail.com
FRAN & RICK..THIS WAS SO HARD TO READ TODAY,EVERY DAY I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE WORDS..WE'VE GOT MARINA! YOU HAVE DONE ALL THE RIGHT THINGS AND YOU SURELY HAVE A GREAT SUPPORT GROUP..AS FAMILY I JUST WNT TO GIVE EVERYONE A BIG HUG AND KISS ..YOU HAVE OUR PRAYERS HUG THE GIRLS........WE ARE THRILLED ABOUT YANNA AND WAITING FOR YOUR MIRACLE..ANGIEV
Dear Fran and Rick,
Our hearts just ache for you right now as we consider all that you and your girls are facing. Today's post brought fresh tears to my eyes as I once again considered the reality of a country that seemingly places such little value on the life of a child. And yet I am so comforted when I consider that He works ALL things ( even Ukrainian officials) together for those who love him. As I have been praying for you, a favorite verse keeps popping into my head and so I share Joshua 1:9 with you. " Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the Lord your God is WITH YOU WHERE EVER YOU GO." ( even the SDA office,embassy,etc.)
We are praying that God will give you and the girls the peace that passes all understanding as you face this situation together. We continue to pray that He will give you both wisdom and discernment as you talk and meet with officials. And we are praying that your girls will really SEE your relationship with Christ during this difficult time. What an incredible way for them to see their parents faith in action. May God Bless you all!
Much love,
Robin D
Rick and Fran,
I thank God for your faithfulness to His call to adopt and your perseverance. What a testimony of faith! Keep on fighting, and we will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Love,
Iryna
Dear Fran & Rick
We are reading your entries and feel your frustration. It is so heartbreaking that Marina is the one who will most suffer. You will be such great and loving parents. Keep your chin up. We are praying that you receive your miracle. Love Laura and Family
I am so sorry - and frustrated! Use that energy to continue to push. I pray that someone has compassion and mercy on Marina. You are fighters - I can tell just by reading your entries. Keep on fighting. I pray that God gives you clear discernment on what your next step should be. Kim
We continue to pray for you guys and we know that things can be extremely frustrating. BUT we serve a great big God who knows the situation for Marina and will remove whatever barriers that need to be removed. I know it isn't comforting to wait and to have to things not go the way we think. Keep seeking the Lord first and He will add all these things unto you!
We love you and miss you,
Laura and Rob
Oh, we are so sorry for you guys! What a frustrating situation! And why would your facilitator up and leave in the middle of everything and come here to Arizona? By the way, is her hair really bleached blonde & she wears tons of makeup? I think we might have met her yesterday with a group of Ukrainian orphans! Do you want us to go over and kick her butt for you?! :)
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