Thursday, August 26, 2010

The only way it could have been worse....

…is if the judge had sent us home without Aaron. She did everything but turn us away. There is only so much we can say on a public forum. Today was not the pinnacle for Reece’s Rainbow adoption stories. We spent the early morning practicing for the questions we would possibly encounter. On the 30 minute drive to the court, Luda gave us tips, advice and information about what to expect. Sitting in the foyer outside the court, she offered us even more tidbits to digest. She kept telling me NOT to look nervous because the judge would question why I was so nervous. The more I was told to not look nervous, the more I just wanted to be sick on the floor.

It was just plain scary in the courtroom. Very serious and very austere. The procedure the judge followed was not standard according to Luda. We of course had no way to compare. She asked Rob his name and address and then made him repeat his address. That was my ‘uh oh’ moment. She did the same for me. There was a bit of a controversy over something to do with the paperwork for the social services director and then she began to question Rob and I about why we wanted another child. He answered first and it didn’t seem to satisfy so she asked me. Neither of our answers were what she wanted although Luda told us later that our answers were great.

After only a bit longer, she left the courtroom. Upon return she set the next court date for SEPTEMBER 9 - in two weeks. That shocked us because it was so far away. Then she had us stand and ask if we would agree for Aaron to come to court. No we didn’t want Aaron in court, but we couldn’t say what we wanted. We had to agree. Luda tried to protest but to no avail. Aaron has to appear before the judge in two weeks. I really wanted to be sick on the floor at that point. It was all I could do to hold it in.

To say we are in a bit of shock would be putting it mildly. Before we went to court we agreed that no matter what, “God is good”. He has brought us this far and He is not going to abandon us. So though we have just experienced another huge mountain that must be moved, we are still clinging with faith that He will see us through.



We definitely need prayers. Luda is very concerned about all the proceedings this morning and as I said, we cannot say everything here.  Luda is going to try to talk again to the judge so see if she will at least move the court date sooner. We are both going to stay because Aaron desperately needs us to bond with him. That is our focus for the next two weeks.



I want to say this because so many are reading our blog - For those who are considering adopting a child from Reece’s Rainbow - PLEASE DON’T BE DISCOURAGED by our journey. Please understand that Aaron is in a mental institute. He is a Lost Boy. There have been no other boys ever adopted from this institute before. There are at least two other precious available children who are desperate for homes from this institute. The director and the people in this village have been UNBELIEVABLY SUPPORTIVE of us. We are blazing a trail and it is hard. But God is NOT making a way in the wilderness to let the weeds grow back. He has a reason and a purpose for allowing this to be so hard. Please pray. Not just for us but that the doors would be flung open. It is the desire of our heart apart from bringing our precious little guy home!

28 comments:

  1. oh my goodness ill be praying it goes better..maybe the two weeks will make aaron feel more secure and then hell tell the judge he wants to go with you guys..bigg huggs..

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  2. I just emailed you guys. I love you. I'm praying for you. I'm near tears. I love you guys and I love Aaron. Give him a big hug from me. Please.

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  3. Praying and praying some more. God IS good and will carry you no doubt but this is so hard. I am sorry you are facing one obstacle after another. My prayer is for favor with this judge and that these two weeks with Aaron will cause an undeniable bond to be so obvious with you.
    I can't imagine how your mama heart hurts right now.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  4. I hate this for you all.

    I don't know if you're U2 fans but this is my favorite song for encouraging perseverance... be encouraged. (hug)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrLfVpu0esA

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  5. Praying and praying hard, still. Oh, how I hope to hear some type of breakthrough and that you will have favor in this. So sorry that it is so hard :(

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  6. I have been praying and seems like I need to continue! Please look up Rick Pino's song Pioneer. It could have been written for your family. I think it will bless your hearts. Here's a preview but so much more powerful to music..."Pioneer, Pioneer. Keep pressing onward beyond your fears, and only your Father goes before you. Into your own frontier, you're a pionner... You travel light and you travel alone, and when you arrive nobody knows, but your Father in Heaven, He is glad you can go, cause those that come after you will need the road...." Please look it up! I am sure you can find it on YouTube!!! I'm praying for your family!!!!! Aaron will so be worth it!

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  7. Remember that OUR GOD is bigger than any judge! He has this under control! Aaron is His boy!
    Proverbs 21:1
    The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

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  8. Two weeks will give Aaron more time to rebond with you. I think that it is important for the judge to see this and see things from Aaron's point of view.

    It's not only your adoption of Aaron, but you are the pioneers for others who would want to adopt. This experience is new for everyone, including the judge.

    I had also added some private things to my prayers for your court appearance, and from what you said, God was taking care of you physically while you faced her!

    So, let's pray for Luda, the judge and everyone involved with the court part of this adoption. In the meantime you two and Aaron can have some quality time together. Go enjoy your boy!

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  9. Oh Julia, that sounds awful! I'm so sorry it went that way, I had such high hopes.

    There are SO many people praying for this....praying for Aaron to come home with you...praying for the ones left behind. I have to believe it will indeed move those mountains.

    Stay strong and lean on your faith...and know you are being thought of and prayed for.

    Jodi

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  10. We are praying!!!! We will pound the heavens with prayer!!!!

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  11. I will be praying for you ALL THE WAY. God will see you through and this will be a precious testimony about his love.

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  12. Our family is joining the many who will continue to pray until you get Aaron home. You may be carrying the torch into the darkness where He has led you; but He will not leave you there alone. Nor will the many, many others who are praying He moves mountains to bring this child home. God Bless, Jennifer

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  13. hang in there! your rewards will be great and someday you can look back at this and laugh. we had a horrible experience this time as well. but last year our adoption was smooth and predictable. and Aaron will have such a better future here. thats why we do it isnt it? so the kids will have a future? dont give up!

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  14. You are pioneers forging the way for many others. Like anyone in the history of Earth who has traveled a new road to unchartered territory, there are unexpected obstacles, but you will prevail. God will see to that. Hang in there, my dear friends! We are thinking of you, praying for you, and looking forward to hearing more and meeting this precious little boy. As always, should Ben and Elijah need anything while you're gone, we're only a phone call away.

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  15. I'm following your adoption from south Africa. Just wanted to say that my heart goes out to you and that I am praying. I do believe, this time ahead, will give you good bonding time with Aaron. My God be with you...and your other two boys at home.I have 2 scriptures that I felt God is leading me to give you. I think I have already given one a week or so ago. When you go through the waters.....When praying for you this morning, God laid it on my heart again. I'll post it tonight. God is with you!

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  16. I love how you put it... "But God is NOT making a way in the wilderness to let the weeds grow back."

    I'm praying for you!

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  17. Will continue to pray. Praying especially for Aaron. Praying someone will be able to explain your absence to him. Praying he will be willing to forgive and trust you. Praying for the judge even though it makes my stomach hurt. Prayers!!!!!!

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  18. Oh Julia... please know that we are praying for you and for sweet Aaron, and for the judge.

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  19. We are also in Prayer for you!

    Shane & Diana

    http://greatfullyforeverchanged.blogspot.com/

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  20. As I have been praying for families who are adopting, I really believe this is spiritual warfare....you are marching right into the camp and freeing a captive!
    Continuing to pray...may His peace that passes understanding guard your hearts and minds!

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  21. Praying... and remember that delays are not denials. Has God ever been late?

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  22. Oh Julia, Just when I think all is well in the world (as in my small round one) then you all have the worst of it all! I am so sorry.... but you are being lifted Julia, you and Rob and Aaron and your sweet boys here. And you are right. God is not into blazing trails where the weeds grow back. Of course if this keeps up, it will look more like parched earth! Sending you love and hugs, and by the way, my friend, we were the only ones submitted today. Yes, we were submitted. I am going to head your way soon. Love Cathy

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  23. In 2 weeks Aaron will definitely want to go home with you and I'm sure he'll make that known to the judge in Ukrainian.
    Love,
    Sam

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  24. I am so sorry I know how stressful it can be not knowing what is going to happen next. It is hard not to question why things happen the way the do but I have faith it will work out for you. You gave me such encouraging words when I was stuck over there just know I am praying for you and Aaron and you will be home before you know it. I am sure within the two weeks you spend with him he will be so thrilled to have you as a family the Judge will have to let him go home with you.

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  25. Dearest Rob and Julia,
    I've been trying to email you all day but my account is down....lifting you all up. Praying that God gives Aaron vision to see himself in those pictures of 'home". I can't wait to see him there!

    Love you both,

    Nancy

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  26. Wow, sounds so rough! May it all work out well for you guys & Aaron ;).

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  27. Oh my goodness. I am praying for you.

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  28. We will be praying for you both and for Aaron...we pray God will heal his precious heart and give him peace and security in your love. We went through some very frustrating annd stressful things with our court proceedings so I can relate to how you feel-I thought I was going to pass out when we went the 2nd time. I will pray that God will give you favor with this judge, peace that surpasses understanding , and ultimately, give Aaron his family. Keep looking to Him..."I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip...He who watches over you does not slumber..." (Psalm 121)
    God bless you!
    Traci and the Adamsons

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Loving words from kind people make our hearts glad!