Pictures To Enjoy!

Now that I have my camera up and going again, I wanted to share some pictures from the last couple of weeks. Enjoy!

As a matter of prayer (and GOD IS answering your prayers!!!), please pray that Vanya and I get everything done in time for our scheduled flight on Nov. 9th. It is going to be very tight....down to the wire! Thank you!

This picture was taken right after our court date on October 22, when the court gave permission for our adoption.  Vanya's precious orphanage director is on the left and the inspector is on the right.

Edik and I.  We've spent a lot of time together and have many good memories.  Edik is like a brother to Vanya and will probably be the one most affected by Vanya's departure.  Please pray for his salvation.

Vanya with his sweet friend, Zhenya, who said she loves him as a brother in Christ.  I enjoyed making banana bread with Zhenya.  She is a strong believer and says that she likes to sing in church.

Vanya, me, Rach, and Edik in the background.  Most of my days have been spent with these 

guys and I have to say that I love them all!

Bowling night!  First time for Dima (to my left) and Edik!  I told them if they taught me kick boxing, I would teach them bowling!  They did great.....was an awesome memory!

Me and my absolute favorite 16 year old in the whole world!!!!

It's Officially Official

Announcing the gift of Vanya James Moynihan

Given to us on this day, November 1, 2011 from God's own hand through the country of Ukraine.

"Precious", "Priceless", and "With Purpose"

Please celebrate with us the arrival of a son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson, and friend

Requesting Your Prayer

Please pray for me today. I've already been quite emotional as I've been packing up the place I've made home these past few weeks. Vanya and I will leave tomorrow to travel around and complete all the necessary paperwork. Just anticipating the MANY difficult goodbyes that will occur this week for both Vanya and I has me feeling overwhelmed. Joy and pain are close companions. I've been blessed to share my heart and life with many kids here and I have to remember that it was worth the pain I'm feeling now.

Please pray for Vanya. Both his joy and his pain are much greater and deeper than mine. Please pray for Vanya's best friend, Edik. They are like brothers. Edik will be more or less alone without Vanya being at school with him. Edik is also currently dealing with an extrememly painful family issue right now. I don't think he is yet a believer.

Thanks friends and family. I continue to thank God for the many loving prayers lifted on our behalf.

Missions Trip: Ukraine

For those of you who have ever been on a missions trip, you know the feelings of preparation and anticipation of being a blessing and witness to all those God allows you to come in contact with.  How is it though, that so often times we are the ones who get tremendously blessed?

I came to Ukraine primarily to finalize Vanya's adoption, but secondarily to be ready and available to minister to those around me.  Unlike a well planned missions trip, I had no idea what exactly to prepare for.  I simply came with an open heart and mind to engage with whatever God allowed.

So.....those around me?.........teenagers.  And I have been so very blessed.  Not having raised a teenager yet, I'm open to advice and insights regarding these unique growing years.  I have a book at home entitled, "Age of Opportunity".  As I anticipate parenting my own teenagers, I cling to the idea of these years presenting a unique window for kids to blossom as they begin to discover and engage with God's purposes for their lives.
I actually haven't read this book cover-to-cover yet (although I DO need to make that a priority SOON), but I feel that in God's grace He has allowed me to see and experience what it looks like to have teenagers whole-heartedly living for the Lord during their "Age of Opportunity" since I've been here in Ukraine.

It took a committed group of beleivers to introduce these kids to their Savior.  And once they embraced Him, they endeavored to live for the cause of Christ with very little love, support, or resources to spur them on.  I have been blessed to witness their unwavering commitment to Christ even in the contexts of their horrific pasts, their hostile present, and their unpromising futures.  Indeed, I have been blessed.  They tell their stories freely.  Their stories of pain, shattered lives, mountains of disappointments, but also their stories of salvation and the hope that it brings in the midst of much darkness.

I trust too that God has allowed me to be a blessing to them.  I have enjoyed showering them all with  motherly love......a love that many of them have not experienced in a long time, and for some, ever at all.  We've enjoyed many occassions of baking in the kitchen together (a brand new experience for them), laughing over and playing simple games, praying together over meals, long walks in the park, birthday cakes, and many freely given hugs and words of encouragement.

I have also sought to provide them with resources to help them manage their lives a little easier.  Small gifts, by American standards, go far for the orphan here in Ukraine.  Many of them don't even recall the last time they've been given a gift.  I've been so thankful to God for giving me the ability to give to these precious kids.

Overall, these kids are all survivers.  They have survived so much and as they band together in their faith and under the direction of the church, they will continue to "shine like stars in the universe" (Phil 2:15) for their Lord, who has NOT forgotten them (Is. 49:15).

So, what does this mean for me?  For you?  For every believer?  We MUST let these kids into our hearts and lives.  Scripture leaves no room to consider this an option.

• Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.  James 1:27
• When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.  Deuteronomy 24:19
• Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.  Isaiah 1:17
• And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. Matthew 18:5

Whatever venue God leads you to, you will NEVER go wrong to welcome, love, give to, pray for, talk with, and be Christ to the orphan.  Be the family that God desires to come alongside these lonely ones (Psalm 68:5-6).  You will be blessed.

Creation Groans from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Day #26

I don't know what to think about this 10 day waiting period.  There is absolutely nothing I can be doing to further the adoption process, except make some good memories with Vanya while we wait.  I'd like to share tonight's memory with you!  But first, I got some comments from the last blog that led me to believe I was a little hard on myself yesterday.  I actually am making some progress integrating into life here in Melitopol, Ukraine.  I should be by now, because I've been here for 26 days.  I was a little disappointed that no one told me that after I asked.  I had to figure it out on my own and it took a while.  Ok, so here is my list of my small, yet successful cultural adaptations.  It isn't quite as long as my list of confessions and failures, but I'm ok with that.

• I actually remembered to bring my own bag to the grocery store.
• I did the bus system by myself.
• I text in Russian.
• A man on the bus thought I was the DAUGHTER of one of Vanya's friends.......Should I mention he was  totally drunk?
• Any finally, I have officially taken the plunge to dress like a Ukrainian woman, which leads me to the memory I've got to share......

The boys have been asking me for days now to pick out some Ukrainian jeans.  My baggy jeans and crocs just aren't cutting it here.  I've put it off, simply not being able to bring myself to let these boys suggest my clothing.  Well, tonight, I gave in.  I let Vanya and Edik pick out an outfit for me.  You know, I've always been a bit of a tomboy, so tonight, I pretty much felt like a Barbie doll.  I was graciously honest about what I was NOT going to try on, but I also realized that I needed to just take the plunge. The shopping was a success and well worth the discomfort when Vanya gave me a "high-five" and said, "We'll be the 2 Russian people in Mount Joy".

Now, this was only half of our adventure tonight and you'll have to wait for a picture.  Thankfully having a camera that doesn't work is giving me some time to decide whether or not I will actually go public with my Ukrainian attire.

So the other half of our story was that Vanya was trying to pick out a winter coat.  We walked in and out of a couple of stores, but then he wanted to go back into the one I was hoping we were done with.  First of all, it looked way out of my financial league.  But, Vanya has always showed a sensitivity to not spending too much money, so I figured he knew what he was doing.  Secondly, he picked out a black leather coat that had more fur than a yak going around his shoulders and down his back.  He really LOVED this coat.  I tried to explain to him that fur isn't quite as popular in America as is it here, but it didn't deter him.  I couldn't say "no", so I agreed.  He told me it was 520 grievna (about $65).  Well, I handed the money to the lady, then she and Vanya had a verbal exchange.  Next thing I know, he's handing the coat back to her.  "Thank you, Lord."  On our way out, Vanya said it wasn't 520 grievna, but 5200 grievna ($650).  (lol)  Needless to say, the 3 of us just about died laughing at ourselves and I was very thankful to have avoided all the fur.

On a more serious note, I was happy to meet a 16 year old girl today that I actually connected with.  I haven't met too many girls, but the ones I have met are pretty cold and just look me over, making me very nervous.  Anyway, her name is Zhenya.  She is from the orphanage here and is a believer.  She likes to sing and dance at her church.  We spent the better part of today together.  She LOVED helping me in the kitchen  (Ahh.....my comfort zone) and I also taught her Chinese checkers.  I gave her a small gift and her reply was, "It's been such a long time since I've received a gift.  Thank you."  It melted me.  She is so precious.  

As a matter of prayer.....

Pray for Vanya's heart and mind as he processes all that is about to occur.  The permanency of his decision is upon him and he seems to be counting the cost of forsaking what he has known all of his life.  Some days he is rather withdrawn and it is so hard not to share the same language when there is such a need to discuss deeper things.  A MAJOR loss he is facing right now is losing the approval of his grandmother and sisters.  This is a very difficult situation, because his extended family is not in favor of the adoption and yet he understandably wants to go and say goodbye.  There isn't a close relationship here, but he told me that is afraid they will disown him altogether.  If Vanya chooses to, he will go visit them next week, but it will be VERY hard on him.

Thanks for the prayers.

Just For Laughs

Can anyone tell me how many days I've been in Ukraine?  
I'm seriously losing track of time.

Below are the true confessions of a mother of 5 who's been away from home too long: Enjoy!

• I've been slightly tempted to buy a mini skirt or some clothing with fur on it just to fit in.
• I got a blister doing my laundry.
• I found myself drinking right out of a 2 liter Coke bottle (how embarrassing to admit).
• I don't like hot dogs in America, but I despise them in Ukraine.....they are a more mysterious, melt-in-your-mouth kind of meat that are microwaved and topped off with mayonnaise. It is a shear act of love every time Vanya requests going out for hot dogs!
• I managed to make my very own taste-of-home banana bread......Mmmmmm!!!! However, I was equally perturbed as I was happy to watch 2 boys eat the ENTIRE loaf after I had just fed them dinner!
• I'm not getting used to going to bed without my Honey.
• I get laughed at when I emphasize the wrong syllable in Russian words.
• I fall for almost all the jokes the boys play on me (like telling me to go on the wrong bus). It's one thing to hang out with teenage boys all day every day, but it's a totally different thing to be at their mercy in a foreign country!
• I have the worst craving for Tostitos with a hint of lime and a jar of really hot salsa.
• I've been formulating a "I wished I would have packed this" list to include, Bath and Body Works items, my leatherman multi-tool, baking powder, and more Starbuck's Via.
• Even lousy American songs sound good over here.
• I haven't littered, but am becoming increasingly convinced that it is rather convenient when there aren't any trash cans around and there are plenty of wild dogs to clean it up.
• When I got in the shower this morning, I couldn't tell if I smelled bad or if it was the water. I concluded that neither one was preferable.                                                                                                                                                        Overall though, God is good and I'm so thankful He is here with me.

In Good Hands

I got news this morning that Jim arrived safely and on time back in the States. These next couple of weeks on my own will be challenging, but I'm also anticipating using the time to connect with the Lord, to prepare for the transitions that await our family, and to just enjoy all the time with Vanya. Vanya actually has a fall break from school all of next week, which gives us loads of time to hang out and explore Ukraine. Tomorrow we're taking a 2 hour bus trip to visit some friends on the Sea of Azov. It should be fun!

Today, I worshiped for the third time at Grace Melitopol Church. I didn't understand much, but felt encouraged nonetheless. It is always a "heavenly" experience to worship with believers from other nations. I also need to mention, however, that I do miss my church family. In my times of reflection, I have often thanked God, for you, Etown Alliance. My thoughts and prayers are with you even now as you gather together today.

So, just in case anyone is wondering.....I am in good hands here and feel comfortable with my surroundings. The picture below was just taken today. This is less than half the guys I have watching my back here in Melitopol. They are just a great group of boys and we're having a blast. I was proud to take out about 4 guys in Ping Pong today, but then realized they probably weren't playing as hard as they could :). If you read the post entitled, "This Week At A Glance", I had mentioned 2 boys, Genna and Kirill. In this picture, I'm standing in between the two of them (Kirill is on my right and Genna on my left). Now that you have faces with the names, please PRAY for these boys. They are on fire for Christ, but have a lot going against them. Enjoy the pics.

Just As Rewarding

Thank you all for the many prayers lifted on our behalf regarding our court hearing today. After being accused as spies at the courthouse (this story will be told for a minimal fee at a future date....time and location TBA), we were ushered upstairs to a small office which squeezed in all of the following 11 people; the judge, the prosecutor, 2 jurors, the secretary, the inspector, the orphanage director, our translator, Jim, Vanya, and myself. Vanya was asked to step outside at which time many of the formalities took place. Jim and I were each asked various questions regarding our desire to adopt from Ukraine, our financial status, our time with Vanya, our family, and our home. Then the inspector gave her conclusion and recommendation based on our documents. Lastly, the orphanage director spoke and affirmed our union with Vanya as his parents. He also clearly stated that, "Everyone needs a family".

Vanya was then invited to come in and he too was given a line of questions regarding his desire to be adopted, his time in America, his relationships with our other 4 kids, his history with his Grandmother and 2 older sisters, and how he felt about learning the English language. I was so proud of him. Without any preparation, he answered the questions so thoughtfully and maturely. He said that he liked his time in America this past summer. He said that we were kind and good to him. He told them we were good parents. He said that he had hoped we would ask him to be adopted, but he thought that because he was 16 he was too old. He told of his decision to say "yes" if we ever did ask him. He spoke of his good relationships with Hannah, Lydia, Nathanael, and Jonathan. The sad reality of his biological family was also addressed and he handled it very well, although it must have been difficult.

We were all then asked to wait outside while the court made their decision. About 20 minutes later, we all re-entered and stood while it was announced that "the court is in favor and gives its full permission for the adoption of Vanya Osadchyy and for his name to officially become Ivan (Vanya) James Moynihan".

After having given birth 4 times, I can easily recall those precious moments right after all the hard work and perseverance of labor when the baby was lifted up to me and I'm finally relishing in receiving this incredible gift from God. Time seems to stand still. Voices are no longer heard. The hustle and bustle of the delivery room comes to a stop. In those moments, my whole world is the baby I'm so blessed to welcome as my own.

And so it was today........"JUST AS REWARDING". Upon hearing the decision of the court, I locked eyes with the boy standing across the room and as if time stood still and the noise of the courtroom ceased, I relished in the incredible miracle of this life being given to me. As Mary did shortly after the birth of her son in Luke 2:19, I too, "treasured up all these things and pondered them in my heart".

After stealing these few precious moments for myself, I saw the judge smile and declare, "this was a good thing that we did today". Then the secretary piped up and said, "Vanya, go be with your Mama and Papa". Finally, we got to hug OUR boy! Who cares about crying in front of prestigious Ukrainian officials anyway? Not me.

So, I echo the words from the judge. Even with all the challenges ahead, "THIS WAS A GOOD THING THAT WE DID TODAY". We are truly blessed. Everyone needs a family.

I very much wished to have included some pictures, but the cord that I need is on a 10 hour car ride to Kiev with Jim. I'll try to get some pictures uploaded soon. Please do pray for Jim's travels. He has many long hours ahead of him, but is certainly looking forward to being home soon. Thank you, dear friends and family and please rejoice with us.