As I mentioned in the last post, Ukraine passed new legislation. If we adopt from Ukraine, we will have to adopt a 5-yr old child or older. Additionally, Ukraine is making some adjustments that will slow and/or halt international adoptions for an indefinite period.
We are praying and asking God what to do. We know we feel very drawn to Eastern Europe... so we are investigating other countries. When we began this journey, we wanted to go to Russia, but our adoption agency isn't licensed in Russia; They do facilitate Ukrainian adoptions, so we thought Ukraine would be the clear choice. We are CRAZY about our adoption agency, Lifeline Children Services (http://www.liflineadoption.org/). They are conducting a contract home study for us. Our social worker, Gisella, is soooo amazing; we adore her. She has made this difficult process much easier.
Anyway, we settled on Ukraine because (1) Lifeline has an amazing Ukraine coordinator, named Jana; (2) the country is part of Easter Europe; and (3) our church friends, the Housers, are adopting from the Ukraine.
Side Note: The Housers are in Ukraine right now! They will bring home their little girl sometime within the next few weeks!!!! You can follow them at www.FollowUsThere.blogspot.com
From my research thus far, a Russian adoption will be much more expensive. However, we could adopt a 1-3 year old, which has always been our prayer.
I don't know what God has in store for us. All Matt and I really want is just the child that He planned for us, wherever he or she may be. Please pray that God will tell us what to do and where to go.
I'm an accountant; Additionally, I was raised to be very fiscally responsible. It's really important to Matt and I that we be good stewards of the money He has given us. Please pray that He will help us find a way to fund this adoption and still be good stewards. It may seem like a bizarre request, but it's on my mind most everyday.
Lots-of -Love!
PS - I'm very humbled that you are following us on this journey. I'm still stunned that anyone would read our blog.
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Cute blog background! Praying for you as you make this big decision!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, it's just Ukraine, and not THE Ukraine. That's an old Soviet reference to Ukraine as a province under Mother Russia. Most Americans could care less, but Ukrainians are a bit offended by the term since they've worked hard for their independence.
Oh my goodness I hope this works...blogger hasnt let me leave a single comment since we have been here! I have been thinking and praying for you and Matt to receive clear guidance. Did Jana tell you children under five can be adopted but there is a very limited list of special needs that makes them available for international adoption? Okay....our email has been crazy too but I will definitely talk to you when we get home...hopefully in two weeks! Oh, Eli used to say "the" Ukraine too..until we got here! Its okay...there are many who have said it without knowing even realizing! :) LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeleteTrusting that you will be lead as God leads you! We have adopted 5 little boys and are heading back 7/30 to adopt the teenaged sister of three of our boys and are believing we will receive our SDA appt while in Ukraine for up to two additional children. Adoption is a huge step of faith and a roller coaster ride! But leaves you saying, "I want to do that again!" over and over! Blessings
ReplyDeleteStefanie
www.krebskids.blogspot.com