Day 52- Appeal Court Eve

We visited our boy today, took a walk with him to the "snack shack", where he had a conversation with the lady and I think ordered up his own cookie (we didn't have to say anything- just had to pay!).  We read stories and played the spider-hand game, then walked back in time for a donkey ride.  We watched Danila and his friends jump in the inflatable bounce house...and for the entire time, Danila had no idea that it might be his last time doing any of those things here...it's such a surreal feeling.  This is the end of this chapter for him, and he doesn't even know it.  Even more, he has no idea what is in store for him in the week to come!

 Today should be the last day that we visit with Danila as two people who want to be his parents.  When we see him next, we will be his parents...he will have three brothers, a room and a bed to call his own...a home and a family. 


It is extremely difficult to believe that tomorrow's court appointment will go through without any issues...we've been through too many ups and downs, faced too many unknowns, and waited too long to blindly expect that the judges will put their stamp of approval on our petition tomorrow.  However; we DO trust that this is where we are supposed to be, we have faith that God hears our pleas and knows our hearts.  So, even if we have to give our worries over to Him every 10 minutes, we do.


I went to a women's group meeting tonight (yes, I even found a small group in Kharkov!) and we studied the book, Calm My Anxious Heart, by Linda Dillow.  Um, yeah.  I don't even think I need to go further than the title to tell you how apropos this book is for my situation right now.  Honestly, I kind of didn't want to go tonight...I didn't sleep well last night, I was tired, and would have liked to lie in bed and watch some mindless tv before falling asleep early.  But it was my last chance to see some of my new friends before we leave, and I didn't want to miss that opportunity, so Cara and I bravely road the Metro to Diana's apartment by ourselves while Doug and Bryan had guy-time.


I know God places people in our lives for a reason.  I know that He aligns everything up perfectly.  I know because this evening with these strong, independent, compassionate, understanding, funny, tender, smart, and loving women was exactly what I needed tonight, as we teeter on the precipice of the giant, crazy journey. 

Thank goodness for His perfect timing!!!



Appeal court tomorrow at 9:40am (that's 2:40am EST for you insomniacs)...we should have the decision immediately and I will be FBing and Tweeting it from the rooftops!! Thank you for your prayers and your support!