The Waiting Game

December 14, 2007

Court is over. Looking back on it, I suppose we were worried about nothing. We had been told by those before us that it wasn't the crucifixion that we has all expected. It was actually a pleasant experience. The judge set the tone at the beginning by saying, "Why do you all look so serious?" He read a lot from the papers before him. I suppose this was required by the law. The questions were not too probing.

We were seated on the front row with our translator. Directly behind us was the orphanage director with our child sitting beside her. To our left was the local inspector, a prosecutor (???) and a court reporter. In front of us sat the judge and two ladies that served as jurors. On the wall above the judge's chair was posted the national flag and a banner. We brought a ton of photos that Dasha had collected from us over the last couple of years. This was a huge advantage. They all enjoyed viewing our family photos and were a bit preoccupied by them.

I was first to be questioned... Why Ukraine? Why this child? What benefits does your government give you for adopting a foreign child? Are you prepared to provide for and care for this child? Well, duh? I answered as honestly as I could and my translator added a little spice. They paid attention to me - a little. I did make mention of the fact that Ukrainians were beautiful people and that KB and D looked so much alike. You should have seen them all straining to look at them both and compare and then nod to each other in agreement. Dude, that was funny.

Then it was G's turn. By this time they were well in to the photos. He's how it went.... "Tell us all about your story. We will listen." No questions. No demands. Just, tell me a story. The whole time. No eye contact, just folks taking in our life through photographs. I was summoned to the bench a time or two for an explanation of the photographed subjects. Try to explain the National Shrimp Festival to a Ukrainian. Otherwise, no real pressure. BTW, Gina told a great story of our journey. Although I'm not sure anybody was really listening.

Then he turned to KB. I think this was more for fun. He asked if she wanted to adopt D. He asked if her if she would share her room. He asked her if she made good grades. KB did great and answered him directly. She was a great sport. Even made the director cry.

He questioned the director. Not too in depth... just if she had any objections. She said no. He questioned D. She responded in short sweet tones. Not too much in the way of spice from her. She held it together completely.

So after story time and after the gigging of KB, after all the interrogations, the judge read some more and asked us a few questions about whether or not we were satisfied with the court and whether or not anybody else in the court wanted any more shots at us. The all responded negatively.

Then he told us that she was ours. Let that sink in...

She is ours. 2 years later... She is ours. Is this real? I haven't yet realized the wholeness of this day.

Then they all folded up their papers and left us. I was spinning.

She can go home with us this night. We are responsible for her now. Now keep in mind there is a 10 day return policy. That is a joke. We wouldn't dare. But the decree can be appealed within 10 days. It has already been written and will be issued on Christmas Eve. How about that?

How do we feel? Not sure. Really, it feels like a dream. Not really what I was expecting. Relieved... still nervous... worried... excited... ready to come home... grateful... humbled... ready to get on with it. We realized that this all happens in God's perfect timing so we now wait. We are good at it by now. We expect to be here through the week of Christmas and then back to the capital on the 27th or 28th. We are hoping to be able to obtain her visa that week. So like I said earlier, we are going to be down to the wire.

Thanks to all of you who pray for us. Thanks to all of you who have supported us. Please continue to pray that we blend well. Pray that A has a safe trip on Saturday and into Sunday. He will be traveling alone and that hurts me. I know he will do fine, but I want to be there with him along the way. We should see him about 3 on Sunday afternoon. We will be complete then. The dynamics will be different, but it will be good.

Many other details that I won't bore you with now. Ask me later. All I can tell you is that we stepped out in obedience and He has met us at every step. Here's the analogy of where we are: We've been waiting in line for 3 hours (or maybe 2 years) at Six Flags to ride the Scream Machine for the first time and now we are in the final queue to board. What was the last thing I ate?

Oh God! Please be with us as we continue to walk this out.

We love you all. Thanks and blessing this holiday season.

the Grace's (all five of us)