What Could Vanya Be Thinking Right About Now?

In my previous post, I shared a lot about the process that our family is going through as we prepare to graft Vanya into our family. Has anyone wondered what the process is like for him right about now?

Sadly, it has been almost 2 weeks since we were able to talk with Vanya, and at this point, we have no ability to be able to talk with him again until we see him (sigh). When we were able to Skype, however, we did get a sense as to what he might be thinking during this time of temporary separation. He said things like, "I wish you could come sooner than September or October", "The officials are just reviewing my documents, right?", "I miss you" and "I love you". In many other ways, he expressed his desire to be with us.

You know, as Jim and I have talked about adoption over the years, we always knew that if we were ever given this privilege, we would also receive the blessing of a deeper understanding of what it means for us to be adopted into God's family. (If you need a refresher, check out Ephesians 1:5-14.......AWESOME passage of scripture.)

Couple thoughts...

Before Vanya left, we gave hims LOTS of pictures, letters, gifts, memorabilia, etc. Yes, these things were meant for him to enjoy, but they were more intentionally given to him as a deposit to remind him that "we are coming back for you". Similarly, as children of God, we have also been given many deposits.....things that remind us that God will make good on His promise to come back for us. The greatest of these deposits is the Holy Spirit, which guarantees our inheritance until the Day of Redemption (Eph. 1:13-14).

Having been adopted into God's family, we anxiously await Jesus' return so that we can be united for all of eternity. We wish it could be sooner.... In the same way, what an incredible day it will be when we can look Vanya in the eye, give him a great big hug, and say, "You are ours! You are not an orphan anymore! You are a forever part of our family".

Finally, after our adoption is finalized and we travel home to the U.S.A, as soon as Vanya's feet touch U.S soil, he becomes an American citizen too!!! What a picture of Ephesians 1:5-14.... We are adopted as God's children through Jesus according to His pleasure and will. In Him, we were chosen. In Him, we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin, and the riches of God's grace. We have been given the Holy Spirit who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. And lastly, as said in Philippians 4:20, "Our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."

So, what could Vanya be thinking right about now? He's probably thinking a lot of the same things we are thinking as God's adopted children. Check out this video.....



We'll be smiling, Vanya. We will definitely be smiling.....