The Abraham Family’s Journey to Russia to Bring Home Their Daughter

May 27, 2008

1 year, 1 month, 1 week & 1 day

That's how long it has been since we first started the adoption process (as of today). One year, one month, one week and one day.

We thought going into this that the entire process would take a year to complete. We naively wondered how we could stand to wait that long. We submitted our application in April 2007 and had great hopes of having our little girl home by the end of the year. Now that it is 2008 and it has been 3 months, 2 weeks, and 5 days since we submitted our dossier, we find ourselves constantly wondering if it will ever happen.

Maybe I'm a little down today because I'm missing Preston and we're just coming off a fun weekend with family that our daughter would have enjoyed so much if she were here already. For my own sanity, if nothing else, I need to put it all into perspective again. At my niece's high school graduation party last night, a relative was introducing me to someone and told them that we had been waiting over two years to adopt. I told her it does feel that way at times, but it has only been a year. The word "only" sounded strange to me.

Last Sunday, Martin suggested that we change up our prayers a bit. Instead of just praying that we get THE CALL sooner, we should also be praying for the government officials and everyone involved in the process in both Russia and the United States. We should be praying for those who for whatever the reasons may be delaying the process -- not just for us, but for all the families currently waiting to provide loving homes to the multitude of orphaned children in Russia.

We know that God has created a child meant for specifically us. She has already been born and is waiting for us on the other side of the world. We are praying the path to her be cleared of all obstacles.

On a much lighter note, have you ever noticed that whenever you get a new car suddenly it seems that everyone on the road is driving that same model and color car even though you had not noticed it ever before? (Or am I the only one this happens to?) Anyway, I'm experiencing that with Russia. I was probably never conscience of it before we started our adoption, but it seems that some aspect of Russia is showing up in almost everything we do these days.

For example:

Chick-Fil-A: The boys' kids meals at Chick-Fil-A came with a "Living Language Russia" CD with 14 short lessons on how to speak and understand Russian.

Coke: The last 12-pack of cokes I bought featured the Olympic Games Collector series. Our cokes all had the Russian logo for Coca-Cola,"Koka-Kona", the first of five in a series. (Click on Koka-Kona to get to the mycoke site, then click on "Coke around the World" then click on Coke can for Russia on the right. Cool collage and facts about Russia!)

Salesman: We were talking to a salesman in Orlando who was trying to convince us to add to our Hilton Grand Vacation points. We told him we were saving money to travel to Russian soon for our adoption. He smiled and started speaking fluent Russian. I was proud of the boys for recognizing (from the Chick-Fil-A CD) a few of the phrases he said like "KAK dee-LA" -- meaning "How are you?" It didn't work in making us buy anything, but it was another coincidence. I mean, what are the odds?

Dentist: The boy's pediatric dentist recently returned from a medical mission trip to provide dental services in Russian and Ukrainian orphanages. I found it fascinating to hear his stories, even if the boys were just interested in getting to the prize box.

Indiana Jones: Last night we went to the new Indiana Jones movie and who is trying to beat Indy to the treasure? None other than the Russians!

These are just a few recent examples. It happens all the time. Maybe all these references to Russia have been around all along. But now, things are different and anything to do with Russia catches my eye. And it reminds me that we are still WAITING!

3 comments:

Troy and Rachel said...

We have been praying for all the families waiting and for the Russian officials also. I totally understand what you mean about having a car and suddenly everyone on the road is the same! It is neat about all the Russian influences you have seen!!

Dan and Alicia Marlowe said...

I know what you mean about the Russia thing. I feel this kinship with a group of ladies that live around here who married American men but came originally from former Soviet block countries. I just wish we had a Russian restaurant around like the restuarant 'Nostalgia' that we got to eat at in Vladivostok. Just thinking about that place makes my mouth water! Good things are WORTH waiting for and GREAT things are worth waiting a little longer. We learned this through our Dima adventure. I can't wait to hear news come through for your family. Keep the faith!

Party Of Six said...

Hi!I am the mother of 3 boys waiting for a little girl from Russia.
I was wondering how long you were told the wait would be for a referral? We were told approximately 8-14 months from the time the dossier is submitted until referral is recieved. It seems like forever...