Have you ever wanted something so badly that you were afraid to ask God for it, afraid of what His answer might be?
Me too.
I remember back in 2011 when Jed and I were planning our first trip to scout out Ukraine. We had no idea what God had in mind, but we just knew we had to get over here and see in person what was being done for orphans with special needs. One night I was away from home, having some quiet time alone with the Lord and I had a big wish in my heart. I wanted this wish to come true so badly that I was almost afraid to speak it out loud- even to God.
“Lord, please let us see the Lost Boys. Please let us in that institution, even if it’s only for 5 minutes.”
That institution is locked and many times the volunteer teams are turned away when they want to see the Boys. It’s very much like Romaniv, but bigger, and in a different part of the country. That was the very place that drew our hearts to Ukraine in the first place and we were desperate to touch and see the boys face to face.
Guess what? God granted that wish. He is amazing.
Another time I remember was when we got home from that scouting trip to Ukraine. We had fallen in love with the country and her people. We had visited the Lost Boys and Romaniv and knew in our hearts we were made for that work. It was so hard to ask God about that dream…afraid of what his answer might be.
“Lord, do you want us to move to Ukraine to serve those Boys? They already have our hearts. Please say yes!!”
Guess what? Here I sit in Ukraine, my heart full of 80 Boys who have changed my life forever.
Now I have another dream. This one is BIG. I’m so afraid to even type it out. But the time has come.
“Lord, please let 2015 be the year of Romaniv Adoption. Please bring every one of our adoptable boys a family this year.”
(See, I’m so afraid to ask that I just deleted that prayer and had to re-type it.)
We have several Boys who are available for adoption and they can’t wait any longer. They shouldn’t have to wait any longer. We can be their voice, and now it’s time to speak. I know I warned before that I was going to start advocating hardcore for them, but some unexpected things kept us from really going for it, till now. Recently, in desperation I wrote about our one sweet boy who is suffering so much. The outpouring of prayer and support and encouragement was amazing. It’s time to go for it.
Adoption can’t save every boy at Romaniv. The vast majority of the Boys are not, and will not be available for adoption. But it is our responsibility to give a voice to the ones who can’t speak for themselves- and for the adoptable ones that means looking high and low for a Mommy and Daddy to call their own. Our Boys can’t reach out on a blog or on Facebook. They can’t tell their story or share their picture. All they can do is wait. But I can do those things. I can reach out. I can share their faces and their stories. So I will. They deserve it.
God is doing a new thing.
VLADIK HAS A FAMILY!
AND, we hope to have some very good news to share about our Sweet One very shortly!! Yay!
God is moving hearts.
I have no idea how God plans to bring these families out, but it’s not my job to understand. All I’m supposed to do is tell the story and be faithful with what’s been given to me.
I have confidence and I have anxiety at the same time. I write with ease one minute and delete paragraphs in another. I remember God’s truth and promises in the morning and forget them in the afternoon. I have issues. 🙂
All this is to say, get ready. Open your eyes. Open your hearts.
2015 is their year. You’re about to meet some true treasures. We love them so much it hurts. PRECIOUS.
I can’t wait to introduce them to you!!!!
You have mountain moving faith, you do! My heart is full with expectation and I’ll be praying with you.
I can’t wait to see the official listings and get going with sharing!
<3
Thank you for being so open and honest in your writing. You are all truly amazing! 💜
May God continue to answer your prayers and lead you in the way. I am so happy that the children are doing well and that you have a new home. It is truly a miracle.
love to all
Grandma Pat