The last two days have been busy getting Yana ready to come home. We had to drive 2.5 hours to go to get a paper that gave permission for the birth certificate to be changed then 2.5 hours home. We didn't do the driving Sveda did. Today Sveda picks us up at 7:00 a.m. to drive to Tomeka, Yana's birth place and get the birth certificate changed. Then it is an 1.5 hours back to Berdyansk to do more stuff, pick up Yana and back to the same place we were the day before. Ride, hurry, wait, ride, hurry, wait. That is what our life style is right now. With Yana in the car we pass where she was raised, grandma's house. She points to the villiage and then to the house. Tears roll down her face as she stares at the place. On the way home, it is dark, but she scrapes the frost off the window and places her hand against the glass and stares at her place of memories. I am not even sure what the memories are. I think her and grandma were close. She places her hands on her lap and sits quiet for a few minutes. Then she moved on to listening to her music. She is a strong young lady. Mama has to turn away because she is crying. I pray that Yana's life will be successful and she will be blessed with lots of happy memories.
Then there is Marina, mama is always crying because of Marina. Time is running out. We got word today that she is still not registered. No one in the Ukraine cares, except for Rick, Marina, and myself. It is starting to take a toll. We are in the mist of possibly hiring a lawyer, she is looking at the case. We are going to start looking for flights home, so the end is coming. I have to say that we are weak in pain. We love Marina so much. Our daughter once lived in an orphanage, but now it is a prison. The door is not opening.
Thank you all for your prayers, but I would like to ask a favor. Pray that we hold it together right now. Thank you,
Fran
About Me
- Rahn's Journey
- We are in our mid-fifties, married for 25 years before we adopted our first child in 2008 from Ukraine. Yana, our daughter, has been a blessing. We thought we were out to adopt 2 girls, God's plan was different, He has included a younger boy. Both Rick and I have never had a greater honor in our lives then the Journey of Adoption. Seeing God through this journey has been an adventure to draw closer to Him. Adventures are not easy, but they are exciting.
15 comments:
I'm praying. I'm praying for your wisdom, your encouragement, your relationship with Yanna and she with you, your future, the practical matters of tickets, documents, and finances, and of course for your Marina. This doesn't mean you failed. It just may mean not now, not yet. I am hugging you across many miles wanting so much to encourage your very heavy hearts. I am praying for you.
When we start these journey's we can never imagine the twist and turns, the heartaches, the joys. I pray that you will experience peace. Peace in knowing that God is with you and your girls and he will continue to be with you as you take this journey.
Love,
Beverly
Rick and Fran/Papa and Mama, we will pray specifically that you hold it together, endure, persevere, hold fast to your plans and your dreams and to all that you discern that the Lord has placed on your hearts to do. I pray that he holds you in the palm of his hand to protect and sustain you as you go through this unimaginably difficult time. Thank for for sharing the ups and downs so honestly. We miss you and lift you up in prayer all the time.
Love from Kathryn and David Patterson(P.S. since you often write about the unbelievable cold, we pray for your warmth: physical, emotional, spiritual.
Dear Rick and Fran.
We have been reading daily your blog's and felt your faith and strenght coming through our computer. Our Lord is sovereign it is hard to understand why painful things are happening when all you want to do is become a family of four. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever Psalm 121-8 God understands the hurt, and He looks into the deeper meaning of your sistuation with this government. We know this trial will strenghthen your faith and make you more like him and give you compassion for the officials. We are praying for strength and wisdom for you on every step. We stand in the gap and are holding your weary arms up. When you get to the other side you will see how gently gracious His hand has guided you through the whole situation. We know God will guide you through what seems a most difficult time. Gal 6:9 Do not lose heart in well doing for in due time you shall reap if you do not grow weary. We love and miss you and are praying for all of you daily. Blessings sweet family Love Mike and Jutta
MANY OF US AT THE MLR EXERCISE MILL ARE HOPING THINGS WORK OUT FOR THE BEST. MAYBE ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER CHILD?,MAY YOU BE ABLE TO ACCEPT THE BLESSINGS YOU HAVE AND GOD'S PLANS FOR YOU. TRAVEL SAFELY. WE LOVE YOU AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE PRECIOUS ONE YOU BRING
HOME.KEEP THE FAITH. LOVE YOU.
we continue to pray that He who is faithful will continue this good work, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. May He wrap His arms around you so tightly and lovingly, all four of you. He knows all the tapestry, on both sides, He knows how all the puzzle pieces fit together and the picture that it will make. We love you.
Tony and Gretchan
Dear Mama & Papa, we have been eagerly awaiting your Jan 9th letter...After reading it I called each couple in our small group and confirmed that they all are up to date and responding to your request for sustaining prayer..... Based on our daughter's experience in Australia we are praying that He will lead you to make arrangements with His choice of an attorney to help you to go forward in your quest. If you have not been in touch with Masha perhaps you can mail the gift to her . ...We are still praying for that miracle in Berdyansk! Love Jim & Carolyn
Fran and Rick,
When you cry out, He hears, He answers. It's not always for us to understand now. We pray for your constancy and ability to complete the tasks before you, and be strong for Marina. She knows that you love her and that she could not have any stronger advocates pushing for her change in status. This will happen, in His timing, in His way. We pray for your strength during these difficult days.
We anxiously await your return with Yana, who is saying goodbye now to her past...it is hard to watch, we know, but she seems blessed with composure.
Lifting you up,
Jean, Jim & co.
Rick and Fran, we're praying for God to give you strength, guidance and direction. It is always His time, we can feel your pain and struggle in your words. It must be so painful, beyond words, for you now with emotions running high at every spectrum. Continue to walk by faith, He is walking with you, to provide persaverence and strength throughout the rest of your journey...we can't wait to welcome you home, praying fervently...
Love and Blessings,
Debbie & Dale
We walk by faith and not by sight. Sometimes we can see so clearly what he is doing, and other times it doesn't make any sense at all! The situation with Marina doesn't make any sense to any of us, but yet we have to trust that He who created the universe is well aware of her plight. He IS in control! We are joining with you (and all the others!) in petitioning heaven for Marina!! If you come home this time without her then we have to trust that He is working all things for good.
We had to come home in 2002without Elisabeth, so I know how hard it is. I never understood why He allowed it to happen until recently. She told me that she knew exactly why the Lord allowed it, and then she shared what He whispered to her during that time.
If you come home without her, I hope God will reveal His reasons to you this side of heaven. He loves Marina SOOO much more than we do!
Lots of love, and stay warm!!!
Nancy
You guys are both very strong and even though the flesh feels weak I know the spirit is strong. It's a hard labor of love to go through the process when it is fairly straightforward but with the turns and twists it does get tiring. We serve a great God who knows every little ache and pain and also knows the plans He has for each of you. Hang in there. We're praying fervantly.
Love,
Laura and Rob
Rick and Fran,
Are prayers for all of you have been non-stop 2-3 three times a day, you are in are thoughts and remain deep in our hearts. Our daughters and grandsons have joined us in reading your blog daily and their shared emotions about your endeavors has touched our hearts.....the boys lift you up in prayer each night...awaiting EVERYONE coming home soon and meeting the girls.
Our God is a powerful and through His Son...Our Lord Jesus Christ...everything is possible...May His MOST POWERFUL Holy Spirit fill all of you with strength and perseverance...His Will To BE Done...
May Our Love and Prayers be felt by all of you as we hold you all close to our hearts.....Gloria and Doug
We can't begin to imagine all that you guys are experiencing...joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness, frustration and elation.
Know that God is active here, ultimately working that His name will be renowned. Ephesians 3:20-21 says: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
May God do something in and through you that is immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine!
The Hollands
Eph 3:20-21 (NIV)
Dear Aunt Fran and Uncle Rick, it's amazing to hear what you continue to go through on a daily basis, and it's very sad to hear you so down. Try to be hopeful. We're all thinking of you and praying for the best. We are so anxious to meet our new cousin and for your safe return home. Good luck with the lawyer, and remember, you've given Marina so much love already and have showed her how much you care with your battle for her. She will always, at least, have that. Lots of love, Lisa
I hope Isaiah 40:28-31 is an encouragement to you:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope [wait] in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
We're praying for you all and looking forward to the plan, that only He understands, to unfold as you wait on Him. He will be faithful to give you strength.
David & Gina Holland
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