Two More Visits and One Big Prayer Request

Before I get into today's update, a quick correction to yesterday's:

When Aaron was five, he was moved from an orphanage to the institute where he currently lives. This was because of his disability, not because he was considered high functioning. Nevertheless, the institute is very nice, and Aaron, despite having very little use of his arms, is able to do all sorts of things, even draw! More on that in a bit.

The woman who provided Rob, Julia and Elijah with a place to stay has been cooking for them, as well. Last night they had ham and potato soup, and she's planning on making something new tonight (Aunt Julia enunciated it for me, but I don't want to attempt to spell it). With no restaurants in town, this eighty year old woman's hospitality is certainly a blessing. She knows a little German, so she and Julia can exchange pleasantries. Rob is learning Russian, too; hopefully they will be able to converse soon, as their translator is no longer with them (and will not return until Tuesday).

When Ben and I made our first call this morning, the Nalles were on the road to the institute for the second time today. They had already seen Aaron once, but he was distant towards and even scared of them during that first visit. He did not want to be touched or sit in Rob's lap. He had a hard time focusing because there were many other children around. Julia described the morning as, "rough, hot, and very confusing." Near the end of that first visit, she watched as Aaron grasped a stick between his toes and used it to draw in the sandbox. He became much more animated as he demonstrated this ability, but shortly afterwards it was time to go.

We were relieved to hear (upon making another call two hours later) that Aaron was friendlier during their second time together. The other children weren't present for this visit, so he was able to devote more attention to Rob, Julia and Elijah. They brought a Magna Doodle (if you don't recognize the name, you'll recognize the product after a Google image search) and, just as he had with the stick, Aaron grasped the magnetic pen between his toes and drew on the board with the same precision our hands afford us. He listened as several books were read to him, and (though it was very hard for him) even turned a few pages, smiling each time he managed it. What great news, to learn that he has even an ounce of control in his arms!

Aaron can not catch himself when he falls, and has acquired some nasty scrapes and bruises. Three times today his new family witnessed him hit the cement, face first, and although he would cry with frustration, he quickly mastered himself as though this was standard procedure. He is not accustomed to being hugged and loved after these falls. Hopefully that will change in the days ahead.

Here is the BIG PRAYER REQUEST!

Before Aaron can come home, he has to indicate that he wants Julia and Rob to be his new mother and father. Aaron's reaction to today's morning visit inspired some nervousness on their part. Much of the success of this mission lies in the hands of a boy not even six years old. Please, please pray that the Lord will work in his heart, and in the hearts of the Nalles, as well. Father, give them patience and the real peace that comes only from trusting in You. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."

Julia expressed a strong feeling of homesickness during our second conversation. Again, their translator is gone and will not return until Tuesday, so they are alone in a village where no one speaks any English.  She has given me permission to post her phone number on the blog so that her readers (other Reece's Rainbow families in particular) can contact her via Skype. It's free for her, but they charge the initiator by the minute. If you have questions about putting funds in your account, feel free to include them in your comments, but Google might be the better instructor, here.

+38 050 819 2894

When you put the number into Skype, omit the spaces. The phone will not ring; instead, a woman will come on and speak to you in Russian until Julia picks up. She (Julia, not the Russian woman) will be thrilled to hear from you.

Thank you all for your comments and PRAYERS! Please keep Aaron's role in the adoption in mind when you go to God today, tomorrow and until he is home safe.