Sunday, March 8, 2009

Moving Forward?


Several phone calls back and forth between Robert and I yesterday consisted of, "You're sure?" followed by a text message to confirm in writing that he was indeed on board with another adoption. For those of you who have read my past posts, you'll know Robert wasn't the one who needed the push. We both want to add this little girl to our family, but the financial commitment scares me. We have less than a thousand dollars set aside for another adoption.

However, in my heart, I had already committed. Her picture is the background on my cell phone. I stepped out on Friday and shared with a close friend and co-worker our desire to adopt again (and she didn't faint!). I revamped our family blog and added a new header with all our pictures, including the little girl who would be our daughter.

Late last night I emailed the director of the organization that advocates to find families for these special needs children. I finally fell asleep after 3:30am. When I awoke this morning, I immediately reached for my cell phone to see if she had responded. And she had.

Because of the urgency of finding homes for these children before they are sent away to institutions, they require a financial commitment up front. The money goes into a fund that is returned to the adoptive family once they complete all their paperwork and submit their adoption petition to the Ukrainian government. It is reasonable and understandable. These children are living on borrowed time and need families who are in a position to move forward quickly to complete an adoption. "Our" little girl will be four next month. Four is the magic number that sends these precious children away from baby houses. Many do not survive the first year in these mental institution. If a family can commit to her, the orphanage director may be able to delay her transfer until the end of summer.

I emailed the director back and let her know we weren't in the position to make the initial financial commitment, but we would try. And with that, I came back to this blog and removed the little girl's picture from our family header. I replaced it with a heart and "+1". Then I added a PayPal donation button to the sidebar. This process will be out of our hands. We are praying and asking God to open the door to the child who would be our daughter. Please pray with us.

Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
-Psalm 37:5

5 comments:

Shelley said...

Leslie,
I *think* and I'm praying that I "know" the little girl you are talking about! If so, there is someone who might can help keep her from getting sent away on her birthday. Please email me if you don't already have that contact information! Where she is currently living has a very special place in my heart and always will :)
I'll say a prayer for your financial situation. We're right there with you. We need what seems like a large amount of money to me in order complete the adoption journey we are currently on. We're praying and doing all we can to raise the amount we need. The little guy we're praying to bring home is already in an institution and my heart breaks everytime I think that it's just...in the grand scheme of things...a small amount of cash that could stand in his way of being in a family forever.

Tami said...

We'll be praying for all of this to come together quickly. Four years old is such a magic age! I can't wait until you bring thing little sweetie home! :)

Zack, Jenn and William said...

I'm certainly praying for you guys! I hadn't been over to your family blog in a while so I didn't see the picture of the little girl, but I have a pretty good guess at who she is. At any rate, I pray that God will lead your efforts and will clearly guide you in the direction He wants you to move in as you seek to bring this child home.

Jenn

Matthew Nasekos said...

Leslie...
I know this is personal...but how much do you need? Is a special needs adoption the same as a regular adoption? We really need to touch base with you and let you know what is going on..... too much to write here!!!! email us if you can!
Sheila

Karen said...

Hi Leslie! This is Karen (Napp) from Facebook/WmCarey, etc. So glad I found your blog! I will most definately be praying as yall begin this process. I read a story this week about a couple knowing God was leading them to adopt a special needs child from overseas. The details came together faster than anyone could imagine. Can't wait to see Him work in your lives.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory...forever and ever Amen!" Ephesians 3:20