One of the things I have learned so far on this adoption journey, is to be patient. God has known my heart for adoption, specifically that of a special little one. Often it has been truly difficult to wait for God's perfect timing; however, in this period of waiting, I have grown closer to Him and have a deeper understanding of what it means to cherish my family. As we were sending off our initial documentation, I thought my waiting was only going to be for a little while longer as we placed all of our ducks in a row to bring our daughter home. It seems that God is asking us to wait a little longer.
Currently Russia is passing a bill that will no longer allow Americans to adopt from Russia. Today President Putin stated that he will sign the bill and make it law. This is in response to America passing the Magnitsky Act, which has nothing to do with adoption; however, Russia is wanting to lash out at Americans any way they can. Too bad that the victims of this will be the children waiting in orphanages and institutions for a mommy and daddy to hold and cherish them for the special gifts that they are....one of which is our Yana.
My heart aches not only for my little one, but also for the friends I have made along this journey so far. There are many families that are hurting because they have been able to hold their babies and reassure them that they will be back soon for them. All I have is a picture, and a heart full of love.
I am sure I am not the only one that is confused by what to do next. I have spoken to both or agencies (one here in PHX and the other based out of Missouri that will be doing our Russia stuff). Our local one is telling us to push through. Arizona is one of the only states that requires a judge to approve our home study which means it takes a minimum of 90 days. Our other agency is halting our application until they know more about what will be happening in the future. If we proceed, we will not know the time in which we would be "waiting" for Russia to open back up. However, the Lord has placed this special little face on my heart and we can not abandon her.
So I am asking for prayer. Prayer for the families of those adopting from Russia, prayer for the little ones that will be stuck waiting and prayer for the leaders of both countries. God has a purpose in all things. So we will wait a little more.......
