Big Decisions

We can not stop laughing and crying at the same time - needed a little stress release, I guess!

It’s been another very, very eventful day. We can’t believe it’s only Monday! Today we had to take care of some adoption business, then went back to Dasha’s orphanage to talk with her caregivers there and to pick her up. We took her over to her brother Dima’s orphanage (we have now been advised that it is okay to post first names and pictures) and met with him, then took them both to lunch, which ended up as a bowling outing. It was the first time either of them had been bowling and it was Dima’s idea - we had a great time!

So I mentioned adoption business. Part of our business included officially accepting the referral to adopt Dasha! So unless something crazy happens (never count out the possibility), she is ours! When we went back to see her this morning, she accepted us with open arms and was obviously happy to see us. Apparently she couldn’t stop talking about us the night before. She showed us around her area of the orphanage and we got a glimpse of her more outgoing and nurturing side as she handed out snacks and interacted with the other children. The more we see her, the cuter she becomes - she is really great and we can see why everyone loves her so much!

Going to visit Dima was a roller coaster ride, to say the least. Natasha had prepared us by letting us know it did not look good. Dima had agreed to meet us but had not come anywhere near saying that he wanted to be adopted. So we had guarded our hearts and prepared for his rejection of our offer to adopt. We were all heartbroken when we saw how he tightly embraced his sister and treated her with so much care and affection, then gave little indication of interest in adoption during the initial conversation.

Our impressions of Dima were very positive. He is not only affectionate, but also polite, considerate, humble, social, fun, highly intelligent, and mature for his age. (That is a lot of adjectives...) He seemed serious and guarded at first but loosened up as he got to know us. Over the course of the afternoon, he expressed more and more interest in being adopted, to the point of telling Natasha that he will probably say ‘yes’ but is not quite ready.

So knowing he may change his mind, we are changing gears again! We have been praying for God’s direction through the Holy Spirt all day, that He would speak His will to our hearts and Dima’s as well, and we trust God has answered in leading us into His plan!

We are excited about the rest of the week! Starting tomorrow Dasha will get to spend the night with us at the hotel, and the hotel is being gracious in bringing in an extra bed free of charge. Starting the next night, Dima may spend the night as well - slumber party at the Miller’s!

We’ll try to post a few pictures here - thanks for enduring our long posts and continuing to pray for us!

Current prayer concerns: trust for financial provision, that we will choose trust over fear in all areas; continued direction as Dima makes his decision, that his decision will be based on healthy motivation and realism, and that he will continue to be confident in that decision once it is made; Dasha’s ability to cope with all of the change, exciting as it is; and continued bonding between us and both children.

We love you!
Bob and Karen