Today we finished the process in the oblast of finalizing the birth certificate and getting Erin's passport. We are now at an internet cafe awaiting to take the overnight train to Kiev at 7:30pm. We weren't looking forward to the train ride but after thinking that we might have to take a 12hr. bus ride back, the train sounds wonderful! Yesterday was an awesome day of experiencing God's hand in our journey.
We left around 7:50am for the 21/2 hr. drive to the oblast in Zaporizhzhya yesterday and arrived to find out the director of the Vital Statistics wasn't in. Victor asked if we could go ahead and fill out the paper work and wait for her return. She was supposed to come by 1:00 but didn't arrive until almost 2:00. If we didn't have our signed permission to obtain a new birth certificate, then we would upset our whole schedule due to the American Embassey being closed on Friday. We finally were handed the paper work and ran to the taxi to ask if Vova could get us back to Berdanysk in time to get to their Vital Statistics before closing at 5:00pm. Vova didn't let us down and we arrived just after 4:00 but as we walked in we realized something was wrong. There were no lights on and the person in charge of helping us had a candle and told Victor that the lights weren't to come back on for 3 Hours! (this could have delayed us 3-5 days) Immediately, the lights turned on. As the lady looked, Beverly put her hands together as in prayer, looked up and said, thank you Lord! Victor then told us to keep praying because she said that if they didn't stay on she would not finish the birth certificate. We sat in the lobby and prayed for the Lord to KEEP THE LIGHTS ON. HE DID! We were able to get the new birth certificate and called the director to ask her to wait for us to come to the orphange to get our daughter. She said she would stay as long as we needed her to. It was an emotional goodbye for all of us. Erin, Vica, classmates, teachers and the director. The director gave us her awards and her transcripts. She also gave her a gift of a Ukrainian cookbook so that Erin could cook Ukrainain foods for us.
We haven't been successful in getting a flight out over the weekend but will definitely be heading home no latter than Monday afternoon.
Thank you again for your continued prayers.
7 comments:
Wow! What a testimony to the power of prayer!! We had several stories like that but you tend to forget after time. It's so good that you wrote it out. And it encourages us, too!! We're praying for an earlier flight home, also. I know you must be just READY TO COME HOME!!! We're all anxious to see you! Blessings, Nancy
I am so excited to see God's work in every step of this journey for your family! I know you all must be anxious to come home and will pray for an earlier flight to be available. I am anxious to meet Erin ... a beautiful addition to an already amazingly beautiful family! Love you, Laura Turco
Dear Bev, Gary and Erin,
"On wings and a prayer..." you're finally in the "home stretch!" I'm sure you can't wait to come home. soooooon....
love,
Terri and Stan
Praise to the almighty,
It will be good to have you back but I know in my heart that leaving there you and Mrs. Bruce have forever given those other children a hope for a better future, it is such a blessing that you were able to make this trip and come home with a beautiful addition to your family, Praying if it is Gods will maybe next year it may happen again...........but at least you know what to expect...we pray for your safe return in Gods timing.....
YN3
We have witnessed God's power through our own adoption experiences! He's the one who "makes it happen". Now, he's going to bring you all home!
Still praying for you -
Love to all -
Phyllis and Ken
Bev and Gary, what a testimony of God's love and how you have walked by faith! I pray for a quick, safe return home and hope to see you soon, God Bless, Debbie
Bev,Garyand Erin,
I am so excited that you all will be home soon. Can't wait to meet Erin! I pray for a flight home this weekend so we can have you all home safe and sound. I love your story about the power of prayer. God does work in mysterious ways doesn't He. Look forward to seeing you soon!
Love
Muff
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