Tonight we put the sweet girl who we have come to love deeply on a plane to New York and then to Ukraine. They said it would be hard - I had no idea it would be this hard. A week ago it would have been hard - now it was nearly impossible. I cling to knowing that God loves her more than we do, that He is with her, that He goes before her and before us.
This past week has been so precious. We hit some emotional roadblocks with her about halfway through last week. Things had been going great and then seemed to get more difficult last Tuesday or so. I think she was unsure about whether she could trust that we really loved her, and we still felt a bit distant although comfortable with her. Then this past Friday - after the t.v. filming - somehow (several close friends were praying I know - thank you!) things turned around and she really let down her guard. She began to open up to us emotionally. It's hard to explain how we could know that when we couldn't talk with her, but we have found that words are not as necessary as we might have previously thought and that body language and actions and a few attempted words in another language can speak volumes. This past weekend and this week have been especially precious and we are thankful for each moment. We have come to love her so much and it is difficult not to think of her as our daughter. But God is in control and we know that He is able to do all things and that He is good and loving. So we trust that His plans are perfect for our family and for Nastya. We pray that He would give us grace to trust Him and to clearly see His plan in each step.
Today and yesterday Nastya was very specific about what she wanted to do. And she was clear that she did not want Allee to go to school but to stay home with her - they have had soooo much fun together. It was bittersweet to see her relishing each moment. She had a glorious time riding her bike at my mom and dad's, feeding the horses one last time, taking a long bath (two actually), fishing for minnows with a net (the reason for the 2nd bath), and getting her back scratched. She also ate as much fruit as she could hold and plenty of sausage :) She kept asking to take back food to Ukraine and we sent a little on the plane, but of course she couldn't really take much with her. We hope to send a care package soon.
Please pray specifically for Nastya's belongings as she travels back to Ukraine. She loves her baby doll and her photos and several other items. She had been asking for photos and was delighted this morning to receive a book full of tons of pictures of all her adventures and favorite moments. We packed a suitcase of clothes and things too. Pray that she is able to keep up with her carry-on backpack and that her checked bag will make it intact to her orphanage.
Well, that's about it. We go to bed tonight incredibly grateful for this precious time that we have all had together. Thank you to each and every one who have been praying for us and encouraging during this time. It has been all the more special and fun to be able to share it with you.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
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this really has been an emotional ride for all of us especially you and your family. we all grew to love nastya. i hate that she is gone and i cant seem to get her out of my mind. i think about her so often during the day and then at nite.... but we must all cling to the fact that God is bigger than all the problems and that He will make a way available if nastya is to become part of our family. i know she felt our love and that she had a wonderful time here. and at least she has her sister to return to as many of the others have no one. my prayers continue for God to show you the way in all this. i love you, mom
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