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.