Thursday, March 5, 2009

Wednesday-March 4, 2009  

Greetings all! Sorry there was no post yesterday. :-) You'll see why in a few moments...

Yesterday began early. I got up at a little after 6 am and had my hot bath (ahhhh) and read the Word. In my time in Psalms during these weeks, God has really allowed me to reconnect with His heart in intimate ways. I could probably never put in words the things He's doing in my heart. I could liken it to secrets told between lovers...things you couldn't share with others if you wanted to. It's been sweet.

Psalm 63
1God—you’re my God!
I can’t get enough of you!
I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God,
traveling across dry and weary deserts.
2So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
3In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
4I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.

Yeah..I know I've posted this one before. But it is right where I am. God is so real...so close...so at hand...so intimate. It's hard to feel that sometimes at home. Not because of Him...because of me. Here, He's really all we have. Not a last resort, but a first and only stop.

We are on auto-pilot right now...waiting for Friday. But enjoying the journey. Completely. Entirely. I wish I could put it in words.

Psalm 67
1God, mark us with grace
and blessing! Smile!
2The whole country will see how you work,
all the godless nations see how you save.
3God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
Let all people thank and enjoy you.
4Let all far-flung people become happy
and shout their happiness because
You judge them fair and square,
you tend the far-flung peoples.
5God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
Let all people thank and enjoy you.
6Earth, display your exuberance!
You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
7You mark us with blessing, O God.
Earth’s four corners—honor him!

Jesus...break in. Work. Change. Recreate.

"You're the God of this city,
You're the king of these people,
You're the Lord of this nation
You are.
Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done in this city."

We have felt the call of God for our lives in Ukraine. We've questioned God what that plan is. We've said yes and are now waiting to find out what He wants from us.  There was a time when we thought we were to move to Ukraine and minister to orphans.  Then the adoption journey began and we thought, "okay...this is it."  Well, we know that this is just the beginning of SOMETHING.  We don't know what it is, but we say, "yes."  We don't know how, but more work with orphans in Ukraine is in our future.  We don't know if we will begin helping others who are adopting, will adopt again ourselves, will advocate for adoption, children's rights, etc...  We don't know...but we know this is just the beginning.


So yesterday we had great visits with Matthew.  We spent the whole morning visit outside.  Matthew walked and walked (with us holding hands, of course).  He went into the playground, out of the playground, into the playground, out of the playground, into the playground (well you get the picture).  I bet he was TIRED!  The staff can thank us later.  :-)

We left there and went to, drumroll please...
...PALERMO.  :-)
Jamie Hejl (pronounce Hale) came to visit us today from Kiev.  She was on the bus and was supposed here at 1:00 p.m. and arrived about 2:30.  The van broke down.  Ugh.  She speaks great Russian though so at least it wasn't a matter of fear.  Just the inconvenience.  She finally rolled in and we ate lasagna and pizza with cheese, ham and pineapple.  YUM!

We stayed at Palermo until nearly 4:00 p.m. (that's when we usually leave to go to the orphanage from the apartment) but we, the Loux's and Jamie had a great time of fellowship.  Jamie knows some of the people at IHOP where the Loux's serve on staff (that's International House of Prayer in Kansas City).  It was lots of fun.  Then we arranged for a taxi to take us to Kiev tomorrow afternoon after court.  The Malones and Loux's will share the cab.  Where else can you go in a taxi for 2 1/2 hour trip for only $40?  Praise God.  It'll be lots more comfy than the bus/van!

After that we hoofed it to the bank, then to the supermarket to get some rations for dinner and I was out of Krekers (a very bland cracker type snack)...my favorite snack in Ukraine.  Mary thinks they are only flour and water.  She could be right, but I love them.  Then I ran back to the apartment ahead of the girls and put the groceries away and then the girls caught up with me at the entrance to the park and off to the orphanage.

Since Jamie was with us, we were able to talk to the care takers.  The woman who has raised Matthew since birth in the orphanage was there (thank you God) and we got to talk to her and another care taker who cares for him (Tonya and Marina).  We found out lots about him, like what he eats, drinks, behaves, sleeps, potty, etc.  They said he eats everything but they smash it up.  I don't know what "everything" really means, of course.  He drinks only from a bottle because he makes a mess from a cup.  I can see that...he has the same tongue thrust issues that Eli has.  Yikes!  Our "Thick-It" bill just doubled!  He sleeps all night (with the occasional wake up as with any child).  He can use the potty on the potty, but he's always got a diaper on when we are there, so who knows.  One interesting thing is that they wanted to know if we are believers.  Wow.

On the way home, a young lady stopped us and said that she felt that she needed to ask if we needed help since we are obviously from America.  Needed help getting anywhere or talking to anyone.  She said she is a believer and just wanted to serve.  Wow!  We got her name and number and she may well be a contact in the future.  Perhaps families coming after us could use her assistance.  God does such amazing things...He lays the groundwork, often long before the need is even realized.

We SKIPPED Palermo last night (everyone screams).  Yes, it's true.  We went to the apartment with Jamie and we ate potato veriniky and bread.  And had real BREWED coffee thanks to Jamie.  Hazelnut Cream!  YUM!!  We sat up and talked and prayed.  It was a sweet time.  We're so glad Jamie got to come here. 

We found out this morning that our court has been moved from 2 to 3 p.m. tomorrow.  Don't know what that's about.  You never know.  I've got pics from our visits yesterday and with Micah today and will post all those photos tonight from Palermo.  We are about to go eat lunch with Pastor Andre and his wife.  John & Tracie aren't gonna be able to come because Tracie is in bed sick with stomach problems.  They kind of passed around a stomach bug a little bit.  :-(  Pray for them.

Please pray for the Dickinsons...  they have seen their little ones and are IN LOVE.  They are having some housing issues so pray that God will intervene if it's His will.  

Cloudy and COLD again today.  Makes us even more thankful for the last 3 days.  There must be another snow storm a-brewin!  Maybe we'll be on our way to Kiev before it hits.  

Looking forward to seeing George again tomorrow.  He comes in for court and then we'll all be off for Kiev.  

Blessings to you all!
Blessed Be the Name of the Lord!

Will post tonight, Lord Willing.   Our last dinner at Palermo?  :*(

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4 comments: to “ Wednesday-March 4, 2009

  • Kenneth
    March 5, 2009 at 7:14 AM  

    this blog is the highlight of my day as I'm sure it is for countless others ... we all reach out to y'all thru Him and its been a wonderful journey - so pack up the fellas & c'mon home ...

  • Malones
    March 5, 2009 at 9:42 AM  

    We've had that same pineapple pizza at good ole Palermos. The lasagna
    (or hamburger helper?) too :)!

    We're praying for you and for court!
    Loved reading this post! Sorry I haven't left comments in a little while. Derek's been in Thailand ministering out there (to children)with a team. I've had help while he's been gone but have had many doctor's appts. and P.T. and O.T. visits with the boys. Never stop praying for you all and thinking of you! Can't wait til court is over. I know that's an understatement for you!!!!

    Love, hugs and prayers!

    Renee', Derek and tribe

  • Malones
    March 5, 2009 at 10:38 AM  

    Hello Chris & Mary,

    It's Jennifer, Meghan's sister! I've been following your journey and I'm so excited for you all! The boys are adorable! I can't wait to meet them in person!

    I hope all is well with Meghan and Wayne and kids. I've tried reaching them via e-mail with no luck, but you made mention that they are having housing issues. I hope to hear from her soon!

    Take care! Many prayers for you all!!! (((((HUGS)))))

    Jennifer Roberts

  • orphans4me
    March 5, 2009 at 11:52 PM  

    Praying for you and for court. Thanks for ALL the pictures and for letting us know a bit of what is going on with the Dickinsons.
    Joy,RR