Snow is lightly falling outside the window of our downtown apartment in the capitol city of Ukraine. No, it’s actually not the Ukraine, but the same still slips from my lips when I’m not trying. We were invited to come and make official the relationship with a girl we have been calling our daughter for almost a year now. What began as a plea to others asking them to pray for the children we were working with through 99 Balloons became my wife actually praying, then my wife not sleeping, then my wife waiting on me to catch up.
Lena was our daughter. Not by blood, but by will- the will of another.
We had always been open to adoption. And ever since Eliot had turned the world’s diagnosis of “not viable for life” upside down for us- we were open to any child. With that said, it was quite clearly not our time. We had a one year old and a two year old and had not time to go to the bathroom ever since.
He did not listen.
We did not have the money. I had recently decided to “work” for 99 Balloons. This little life decision meant that I did not actually receive “payment” for my “work”. And so I told Him no. I told him that until he changed my situation, this conversation was over.
So in the way that He does, within a month everything had changed. Not enough to make moving forward a faithless act, but enough that we had to move forward.
With this backdrop, two days ago I set with my wife in some big Ukrainian official’s office. We had been invited to come for an appointment. This was the first of many dominoes that needed to fall in order for us to bring Lena home. And we didn’t even actually make it inside the office. Instead, we were offered to look at other children or wait a week until after Lena’s birthday- when she would be available for international adoption. This meant a 35-40 day process just bumped to 42-47 days, and this is an optimistic timeline given the current climate here.
If your following along and have had your coffee- you should be asking:
Why they invited us a week early when they knew her birthday from the get-go?
Why am I away from my other two children for an additional week & cannot see Lena as she is an 8-hour train ride east?
Why am I stuck in Kiev an additional 7 days paying for meals and a hotel that we did not account for in our adoption budget?
If you’re not asking these questions, maybe you should move here- you would love it (and you’re a moron). I like to think that my demeanor in this meeting translated just fine. I also am proud to say that the Tourettic profanity-laced outburst took place only in my head.
They thought we would change our mind. They thought we would take the referrals of other children available. They must not know.
This choice was made for us. We had been brought up to speed by the One who made it; and now they would be too. We will be back in a week. We will not look at any referrals.
In a strange but kind twist, God had oddly prepared us for this news. In a way He rarely chooses to interact with me, I was led over and over to verses, Psalms and reminders that He is above all. That the authority of man is only an illusion. His voice had been an ever present undertow pulling us toward His sovereignty over the situation- even though the view above the water line was about to take a grim turn- remember this is only the first domino we need to fall.
Just to be honest, I’ve asked that if He can prepare my heart so readily- then He can go ahead next time and change the situation to my favor instead- fine by me.
Yesterday we received a text from Abby, the sweet gal taking care of our kids for the time being. Abby had asked Hazel if there was anything she wanted her to be sure to tell her mom and dad.
“Anders drank my milk.”
That is what she wanted us to know.
I love that girl. Her world so small.
I can’t help but see God smiling at me much the same way through this whole adoption process. The things I am sure to tell Him reveal the smallness of my world, but I am thankful He is showing me that there is more.
As I’ve written, the snow has picked up and is now quite a force. May the story of my faith be the same.
3,913 Comments
Snow is lightly falling outside the window of our downtown apartment in the capitol city of Ukraine. No, it’s actually not the Ukraine, but the same still slips from my lips when I’m not trying. We were invited to come and make official the relationship with a girl we have been calling our daughter for almost a year now. What began as a plea to others asking them to pray for the children we were working with through 99 Balloons became my wife actually praying, then my wife not sleeping, then my wife waiting on me to catch up.
Lena was our daughter. Not by blood, but by will- the will of another.
We had always been open to adoption. And ever since Eliot had turned the world’s diagnosis of “not viable for life” upside down for us- we were open to any child. With that said, it was quite clearly not our time. We had a one year old and a two year old and had not time to go to the bathroom ever since.
He did not listen.
We did not have the money. I had recently decided to “work” for 99 Balloons. This little life decision meant that I did not actually receive “payment” for my “work”. And so I told Him no. I told him that until he changed my situation, this conversation was over.
So in the way that He does, within a month everything had changed. Not enough to make moving forward a faithless act, but enough that we had to move forward.
With this backdrop, two days ago I set with my wife in some big Ukrainian official’s office. We had been invited to come for an appointment. This was the first of many dominoes that needed to fall in order for us to bring Lena home. And we didn’t even actually make it inside the office. Instead, we were offered to look at other children or wait a week until after Lena’s birthday- when she would be available for international adoption. This meant a 35-40 day process just bumped to 42-47 days, and this is an optimistic timeline given the current climate here.
If your following along and have had your coffee- you should be asking:
Why they invited us a week early when they knew her birthday from the get-go?
Why am I away from my other two children for an additional week & cannot see Lena as she is an 8-hour train ride east?
Why am I stuck in Kiev an additional 7 days paying for meals and a hotel that we did not account for in our adoption budget?
If you’re not asking these questions, maybe you should move here- you would love it (and you’re a moron). I like to think that my demeanor in this meeting translated just fine. I also am proud to say that the Tourettic profanity-laced outburst took place only in my head.
They thought we would change our mind. They thought we would take the referrals of other children available. They must not know.
This choice was made for us. We had been brought up to speed by the One who made it; and now they would be too. We will be back in a week. We will not look at any referrals.
In a strange but kind twist, God had oddly prepared us for this news. In a way He rarely chooses to interact with me, I was led over and over to verses, Psalms and reminders that He is above all. That the authority of man is only an illusion. His voice had been an ever present undertow pulling us toward His sovereignty over the situation- even though the view above the water line was about to take a grim turn- remember this is only the first domino we need to fall.
Just to be honest, I’ve asked that if He can prepare my heart so readily- then He can go ahead next time and change the situation to my favor instead- fine by me.
Yesterday we received a text from Abby, the sweet gal taking care of our kids for the time being. Abby had asked Hazel if there was anything she wanted her to be sure to tell her mom and dad.
“Anders drank my milk.”
That is what she wanted us to know.
I love that girl. Her world so small.
I can’t help but see God smiling at me much the same way through this whole adoption process. The things I am sure to tell Him reveal the smallness of my world, but I am thankful He is showing me that there is more.
As I’ve written, the snow has picked up and is now quite a force. May the story of my faith be the same.
3,913 Comments
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on December 8, 2011 at 4:16 am
I wish you the best of luck in adopting Lena! And I thank your for all your work, especially your “99 balloons” on YouTube about your beautiful son Eliot. It helped my friends and family better understand our choice to carry to term our daughter with trisomy 18. She lived for three wonderful days.
Best wishes, Siri
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on December 8, 2011 at 7:55 am
That´s definately Ukraine!!
If one of the officials has the idea that you have to leave Ukraine and to come back before you can get Lena, be asured that I can pick you up at Zurich airport or Munic or Stuttgart. Also you can stay at our house. You know, you never know when dealing with Ukrain officials.
In the meantime I will pray that this was the last rock in the way to your precious doughter Lena.
Let´s pray for a christmas miracle 🙂
Big Hug and lots of patience
Christine
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on December 8, 2011 at 8:23 am
Thanks for the update. I wasn’t sure if you knew about this but there is a place you can stay for free in Kiev while you are there. I would take a look at this web site and give her a call. I haven’t met her but I did meet up with two of her American friends living over there Tara and the Other Tara. Just thought I would share this with you. Kiev gets kind of expensive.
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on December 8, 2011 at 9:13 am
I checked the LIKE box then realized that I more than like your post. As usual you paint with words a clear, beautiful work of art that conveys deeper understanding. God’s peace and blessings to you as you wait.
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on December 8, 2011 at 9:26 am
praying for ya’ll and for Lena as she waits for her forever family. Hang in there!
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on December 8, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Praying for y’all! Hoping the rest of the process goes as smoothly as possible and that you are home as soon as possible!
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on December 8, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Ginny and Matt,
I have been praying for you your family and Lena’s adoption for some time. I pray that all the other dominos may fall quickly and perfect so that your family may be together as a whole soon. Your faith is amazing and such a testimony.
God Bless,
Claire
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on December 8, 2011 at 3:36 pm
The power of your faith and the determination in your words is inspiring to say the least.
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on December 8, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Our family is praying for u, ur kids, and precious Lena. We explained to Addison what adoption means and what u guys are doing overseas to bring this little girl home to her family. We will continue to pray.
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on December 9, 2011 at 6:16 am
Matt we are praying for the Favor of a Big God! Stay warm, in every way.
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on December 9, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Dear Mooneys, We are keeping you and your precious family(Lena, Hazel and Anders)…in prayer. Our God is an awesome God..He reigns! My husband and I try to frequently check in to see how things are going. Your lives have been such an ecouragement to us. Peace to you all!
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on December 9, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Hi Mooneys. I used to follow your blog awhile back, and was very blessed to be able to watch God’s glory unfold in little Eliot’s story (and yours), and I actually met you once at one of Ginny’s trunk shows at my church’s lounge! Your story impacted my own faith in priceless ways! Your friend Cary M told me recently that you are adopting a child with special needs, and gave me your new link… Because we are in the same boat. We are preparing to leave soon to {hopefully} meet our daughter with special needs for the first time in a few short days. There have been a crazy mix of emotions due to the situation that we’re in, so your posts are bringing me back to where I need to be… having faith that God’s got it in His hands. It’s been a wild journey, but one that we are so blessed to be on.
I knew I had to say something because God has brought me to the Psalms recently too. 🙂 Actually, the one today: Psalm 33. Perfect! Thanks for sharing your story. Can’t wait to hear more. Praying!
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on December 12, 2011 at 7:40 am
Amy,
Thanks so much for getting in touch again. Please keep us posted on your journey…sounds amazing.
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on December 10, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Hi,
My husband and I live in a village near Brovary, about 23 Km outside Kyiv. If you need somewhere to stay rent free you can stay with us. As there are only the two of you, we can easily arrange the bedding to fit you in. May also help to get out of the city. By the way, we have four Ukrainian foster children.
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By the way, my phone number is 093 206 9008 or 050 410 2905. If a man answers it that’s the old man, his name is Len, if someone else answers and appears to be Ukrainian it’s probably one of the kids. three out of the four speak English.
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Thanks so much Pat. We have currently found a perfect place to stay and are well taken care of….I will definitely keep your info for future reference.
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on December 10, 2011 at 5:40 pm
I am so excited for you. I watched your video of Eliot at least a year ago. God is so amazing that you would end up adopting from Ukraine. We have been there four times– and though it is unpredictable– we love the country very much. Enjoy your visit, soak it in, and trust that before you know it, you will be home as a family!
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on December 10, 2011 at 7:28 pm
I am so excited for you guys!
My husband and I found out in 2008 that we were having conjoined twins and a friend sent us the 99 balloons video. I bawled like a baby and thanked God for your sons life. I went into labor at 32 weeks and our daughters lived for an hour. We were so blessed to get to spend time with our babies.
Fast forward to today we are now adopting “tony” on RR and I found out today that y’all are adopting Elena. I am way beyond excited for your family. CONGRATULATIONS! I will be praying for you guys and this whole crazy process. God is good and Him timing is perfect!
Vanessa
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Vanessa,
We are so honored to know of your twin girls, and your love for them. What a small world that we are both where we are in this journey.
-
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on December 10, 2011 at 11:49 pm
I found out today that you were adopting Elena. I remember watching your video several times over the past several years ago to minister to moms. I was so excited to see that little Elena will soon have a family of her own. We are in the process of adopting Miss Nellie from the same country. There is a group on facebook of about 40 others in process of adopting some just starting there journey and others that are in country right now. We would love for you guys to join us. We are great support for each other, and would love to be there for you as well. If you would like to join the group add Renee Alan as a friend and she will add you to the group.
Blessings,
Beth
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Beth,
thanks so much for the info and encouragement…we’ll find the group for sure!
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on December 11, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Matt and Ginny-
Please know that we are praying for you, kids and little Lena!
I wish you the best of luck in adopting Lena! And I thank your for all your work, especially your “99 balloons” on YouTube about your beautiful son Eliot. It helped my friends and family better understand our choice to carry to term our daughter with trisomy 18. She lived for three wonderful days.
Best wishes, Siri
That´s definately Ukraine!!
If one of the officials has the idea that you have to leave Ukraine and to come back before you can get Lena, be asured that I can pick you up at Zurich airport or Munic or Stuttgart. Also you can stay at our house. You know, you never know when dealing with Ukrain officials.
In the meantime I will pray that this was the last rock in the way to your precious doughter Lena.
Let´s pray for a christmas miracle 🙂
Big Hug and lots of patience
Christine
Thanks for the update. I wasn’t sure if you knew about this but there is a place you can stay for free in Kiev while you are there. I would take a look at this web site and give her a call. I haven’t met her but I did meet up with two of her American friends living over there Tara and the Other Tara. Just thought I would share this with you. Kiev gets kind of expensive.
http://www.hospitalityhousekiev.blogspot.com/
I checked the LIKE box then realized that I more than like your post. As usual you paint with words a clear, beautiful work of art that conveys deeper understanding. God’s peace and blessings to you as you wait.
praying for ya’ll and for Lena as she waits for her forever family. Hang in there!
Praying for y’all! Hoping the rest of the process goes as smoothly as possible and that you are home as soon as possible!
Ginny and Matt,
I have been praying for you your family and Lena’s adoption for some time. I pray that all the other dominos may fall quickly and perfect so that your family may be together as a whole soon. Your faith is amazing and such a testimony.
God Bless,
Claire
The power of your faith and the determination in your words is inspiring to say the least.
Our family is praying for u, ur kids, and precious Lena. We explained to Addison what adoption means and what u guys are doing overseas to bring this little girl home to her family. We will continue to pray.
Matt we are praying for the Favor of a Big God! Stay warm, in every way.
Dear Mooneys, We are keeping you and your precious family(Lena, Hazel and Anders)…in prayer. Our God is an awesome God..He reigns! My husband and I try to frequently check in to see how things are going. Your lives have been such an ecouragement to us. Peace to you all!
Hi Mooneys. I used to follow your blog awhile back, and was very blessed to be able to watch God’s glory unfold in little Eliot’s story (and yours), and I actually met you once at one of Ginny’s trunk shows at my church’s lounge! Your story impacted my own faith in priceless ways! Your friend Cary M told me recently that you are adopting a child with special needs, and gave me your new link… Because we are in the same boat. We are preparing to leave soon to {hopefully} meet our daughter with special needs for the first time in a few short days. There have been a crazy mix of emotions due to the situation that we’re in, so your posts are bringing me back to where I need to be… having faith that God’s got it in His hands. It’s been a wild journey, but one that we are so blessed to be on.
I knew I had to say something because God has brought me to the Psalms recently too. 🙂 Actually, the one today: Psalm 33. Perfect! Thanks for sharing your story. Can’t wait to hear more. Praying!
Amy,
Thanks so much for getting in touch again. Please keep us posted on your journey…sounds amazing.
Hi,
My husband and I live in a village near Brovary, about 23 Km outside Kyiv. If you need somewhere to stay rent free you can stay with us. As there are only the two of you, we can easily arrange the bedding to fit you in. May also help to get out of the city. By the way, we have four Ukrainian foster children.
By the way, my phone number is 093 206 9008 or 050 410 2905. If a man answers it that’s the old man, his name is Len, if someone else answers and appears to be Ukrainian it’s probably one of the kids. three out of the four speak English.
Thanks so much Pat. We have currently found a perfect place to stay and are well taken care of….I will definitely keep your info for future reference.
I am so excited for you. I watched your video of Eliot at least a year ago. God is so amazing that you would end up adopting from Ukraine. We have been there four times– and though it is unpredictable– we love the country very much. Enjoy your visit, soak it in, and trust that before you know it, you will be home as a family!
I am so excited for you guys!
My husband and I found out in 2008 that we were having conjoined twins and a friend sent us the 99 balloons video. I bawled like a baby and thanked God for your sons life. I went into labor at 32 weeks and our daughters lived for an hour. We were so blessed to get to spend time with our babies.
Fast forward to today we are now adopting “tony” on RR and I found out today that y’all are adopting Elena. I am way beyond excited for your family. CONGRATULATIONS! I will be praying for you guys and this whole crazy process. God is good and Him timing is perfect!
Vanessa
Vanessa,
We are so honored to know of your twin girls, and your love for them. What a small world that we are both where we are in this journey.
I found out today that you were adopting Elena. I remember watching your video several times over the past several years ago to minister to moms. I was so excited to see that little Elena will soon have a family of her own. We are in the process of adopting Miss Nellie from the same country. There is a group on facebook of about 40 others in process of adopting some just starting there journey and others that are in country right now. We would love for you guys to join us. We are great support for each other, and would love to be there for you as well. If you would like to join the group add Renee Alan as a friend and she will add you to the group.
Blessings,
Beth
Beth,
thanks so much for the info and encouragement…we’ll find the group for sure!
Matt and Ginny-
Please know that we are praying for you, kids and little Lena!