One Week Ago

 

One week ago, we tucked the littles in at Grandma's house and came home to sleep about 3 hours.  We had to get up at 2:30 am to head to the airport for a 5:00 check in.  We got there and met up with the other families.  Everyone was calm, and some kids were reconnecting with friends.  Matt and Armands played Durak as they had been doing many times for the last few weeks.  Finally, it was time, and as it was when we picked up Armands, he was the first one called to head down the escalator.  They have found a way to peacefully separate the families from the kids.  We were all upstairs in the rotunda, and one by one they called the kids and sent them down the escalator to wait for the entire group to head through security together.  We (the families) waited upstairs until the kids were through security to avoid any international situations!  I never imagined the emotions that would be circulating through the crowd at the top of the stairs.  There were families who were relieved that it was over, there were others who were sad to say good-bye to children they plan to adopt, and then there were others who don't plan to adopt but were still sad to say good-bye to great kids who for various reasons are not meant to be forever with their family. 

 

We fell into the last category.  We had no issues hosting Armands, nothing that sent up red flags regarding his personality.  We went into hosting to help an orphan have a wonderful Christmas with a family in America and learn about the love of Christ.  We did that, but we also lost a piece of our hearts to this young man.  I don't think I realized the impact of his stay on me or my family until he was gone.  I spent most of Sunday (and the rest of this week) in a fog.  Yes, I called the adoption agency.  Yes, he is clear for adoption. Yes, my kids are on board, they are even trying to give me money to pay for the adoption.  Yes, my husband is willing.  So, what is the hold up?  We have not heard that still small voice telling us to move forward, and we don't know if Armands is willing.  Due to the nature of the hosting program, we are not allowed to even mention adoption to the hostees, as it could jeopardize the hosting program and get hopes up in these kids who may never see a forever family.  Armands is in what seems to us to be a stable foster family, one he has been with for many years.  Would he leave them? At his age, he would have to consent to the adoption, and the only indication he gave us was a comment to the translator that he thought maybe he could get a better job in America.

 

We are hoping that he will contact us when he can, that we will keep in touch, and that maybe if he is hosted again this summer that we or another prospective family will be able to get a better sense of his vision for his future. 

 

For now, I have faith in God.  I will cast my cares on Him.  He will answer in His time.