January 28th, a day that Yana will never forget, the first day of school in America. She is enrolled in Lafayettel High School in Williamsburg. This is Yana's pick of schools. We visited 4 school, one ended up not in our district. She had a choice between private or public. Yana being 15 years old and so far a very level headed child that has shown good discernment, we wanted her to have say in the school. She really wanted this big (huge in my eyes) with lots of students to be her school. As you can see she looks like a cute American teenager. Sunday evening Yana was all silly, full of nervous laughing. She ended the evening curled up by my side, waiting for mama and papa to pray for her and her first day at school. The next morning fear was written all over her, but she was strong and couragious as we ventured out. We got to the school driveway and all she could say is "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh" The next sentence, "Mama, no school, please no school". We wa
lked into the school with the same courage that she had left the security of her own home. I was so proud of her and so scared for her. The first thing she said when she got into the car after school, "No school tomorrow, mama".
lked into the school with the same courage that she had left the security of her own home. I was so proud of her and so scared for her. The first thing she said when she got into the car after school, "No school tomorrow, mama". Marina is being tutored in English, and doing very well. She will have less trauma then Yana has had. I wish I had known about my angels in Berdyansk before we arrived for Yana. It would have really helped her. There is no new news with Marina, but please don't stop praying for a miracle. We have gone through every emotion possible, but in the end we are asking God to give us peace about His will, there is no peace. We are struggling, we really want harmony with His will and His peace. The peace has not come. We are believing for a miracle until that peace comes in whatever why He wants to deliver it. In the mean time the family that is together is blending well and longs for the other member to join us. Yana can't wait till Marina comes. In our eyes it seems like the perfect time to go get her!
Blessings to all,
Fran
14 comments:
We are praying for your family daily. After seeing just how well Yana has adopted to the All-American girl look, all I can say is get ready for the boys to come pounding on your door!
Sometimes it's difficult to understand why God works in the way that He does, and it is very frustrating when our hearts are breaking because our plans do not coincide with His, however try to remember that His timing is always perfect. We know firsthand how difficult it is to leave your burdens at the foot of the cross and not taken them with you when you leave, however that's just what God wants us to do. We too have to keep reminding ourselves daily that God knows best and we must trust Him. We're praying that God will give you peace and move mountains according to His will.
I am so proud of Yana going to a huge new school she is so beautiful, happy and full of life. She looks just like the typical, average American teenage girl she looks very happy. What grade is she in? I continue to pray for Marina and I pray to keep Yana strong during this adjustment she's going through. Love and miss you all and can't wait to meet her, Amber
What a delight to see Yana happily at home with you! My prayers are continuing for your Marina!
Yana looks so happy and I know it is because she has such a great mama and papa to cheer her on as she begins a new life as a Rahn.
We loved seeing her with our boys and how loving and caring she is. She fits right in with you guys and God will make you the perfect parents for her.
We continue to pray for the process of bringing Marina home and will welcome her when she gets here.
In Him,
Laura and Rob
HEY YANA..YOU LOOK THE PART OF AN ALL AMERICAN TEENAGER..SOO DARLING. STUDY HARD SO YOU CAN CALL US AND FILL US IN ON YOUR ACTVITIES..ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE LOVE AUNT ANGIE
Oh how cool, first day at school. She does look like a typical American teenager. I'm not surprised that it was overwhelming but hopefully she will soon settle in and make new friends. I have not given up hope that Marina will be home with you one day. I've said it many times before, you just can't guess what will ever happen in UKraine....
We "second" all the comments about the "typical American teenager". Yana is very pretty but more than that, she is very courageous to pick a big school. She will do fine with that attitude.
We will still pray for Marina and for YOU, too.
Rick, Fran, Yana & Marina -- we're continueing to pray for that miracle and for the peace you so desperately yearn for. BTW, I guess your table saw has forgiven your long absence.
Love & Blessings,
Joe & Sheila
Hi everybody,
How exciting! Yana, I can't believe you are going to school already and a big school. You are quite the adventurer. Your first day of school picture was adorable(love the sweatshirt!!!) Continue being brave. School can be hard, but Christopher will tell you, it is worth it. Enjoy the learning and hope you make some nice, new friends.
Can't wait to see you.
Love Aunt Jody, Uncle Steve and your cousin Christopher. He is really excited to meet you! Can you teach him your language?
God is answering your prayers!! I continue to pray everyday that your family will be reuinited soon.
Fran or Rick - could you email me offline?
heidiroge@excite.com
Thanks!
Heidi
I believe there is a reason that you do not have peace about Marina. I believe that is God telling you to keep fighting for her. We can't forget that as much as God is in this process, so is the devil. And I also believe God puts adoption on the hearts of those whom He believes will fight the good fight for these kids. It is not for the meek. The devil HATES families and has those kids right where he wants them.
If you don't have peace then that is quite possibly God's answer to your prayer. Don't pray for peace, don't pray for patience because what you really want is movement in the hearts of the officials that can get the job done. I think sometimes the people of Ukraine forget that there are lives attached to these files.
Keep the faith and until God gives you a clear answer that you are to stop, then take that as your fuel to fight.
The devil is powerful, but the Lord is more powerful! Don't be deceived!
Sharon Sabatini
(Mother of Dasha and Rodion (Lehman) Sabatini)
Thanks for the great picture of our new niece on her first day of school in America. Yana is adorable and dressed so cute. She'll do just fine once she can communicate better.
Fran & Rick..I love hearing you talk as parents. It's hard to believe after all these years.
You're doing great. Love Laura
1st day of school-- wow! Yana looks great!! The Swans are leaving Ukraine tomorrow- so praise God for that! I continue to pray for you and Marina's situation. Keep me updated as to if and when you are coming back. Blessings to you all.
Love, Karen
Please email me privately. We have a similar situation. We have been following your story and praying for you. My email is foreverfamily08@gmail.com.
Thank you.
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