Here is the bulletin from the US Embassy in Kyiv.

 http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/amcit_adoptions_notice_0803_eng.html

 

From that, you can see that passports are taking at least 2 weeks and up to 2 months for issuance.

 

So, after the 10 day waiting period, the children will be ours, but we will not be able to get them out of Ukraine without a passport so, they will be stuck in limbo for 2 weeks and up to 2 months.

 

The major problem is that the kids will be ours and the orphanage no longer is responsible for their care.

 

What do we do?????????????????

 

Passports used to take 1-2 days. Yet, recently they implemented a new system in that all passports are done in a central office in Kyiv.

They are still working out the bugs. This sounds like Oracle.

 

We'll keep ya posted.

 

Keep praying for us!!!

 

Kostya headed to Kyiv this morning and picked up the SDA letter for the Armstrong family from CA. They are in Donyetsk region city of Mariupol which is right on the Sea of Azov.

 

Our papers were not ready so, Kostya will probably go back to Kyiv in the morning. We are hoping that he will get them tomorrow so that we can have our day in court on Tuesday or Wednesday. Taking into account the 10 day waiting period, I will definitely be heading home ASAP after the court date. Right now, I have flight arrangement for the weekend, but if possible, we will try to move them up if we can.

 

Since passports are taking 10 days to 2 months, we still haven't decided what Leslie will do. She may fly back with me now or at the end of the 10 day waiting period. Several factors will determine her plans.

 

PLEASE PRAY for comfort for the kids as they will wonder where we are. Due to the paperwork log jam, they arrival into our hands seems to be destined for some delays. We want to be assured that we are coming and that the delays are simply governmental nott any indecision on our part. We would have them on the spot if we could have.

 

WE WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THIS PROCESS WHETHER IT HAS BEEN PRAYERS TO HOUSE SITTING OR TO PHONE CALLS TO OUR HOME TO SAY I AM HERE IF YOU NEED SOMETHING.

 

KEEP PRAYING FOR US. THIS PROCESS IS NOT NEARLY OVER. I WON'T FEEL COMPLETE COMFORT UNTIL THE KIDS ARE IN LESLIE'S CARE.

 

IN CHRIST.  SPENCER & LESLIE

 

 

 

Today is the Lord's Day and is a day of rest. We plan to do just that.

 

Leslie is sick with sinus congestion and/or allergies. Neither of us got much sleep last night due to all her coughing.

I just returned from the 'apteka' or drug store with some goodies for her.

 

For my devotion today, I continue to look at the Sermon on the Mount. Today is the "Strait Gate" passage.

 

Kostya has to run to the train station to pick up tickets for Kyiv tomorrow. He needs to pick up the Armstrong's SDA letter. They are having court on Tuesday. They are adopting a 6-yr old boy and he looks like a perfect fit for their family.

 

GOD REALLY KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING! IF WE WOULD QUIT TRYING TO DO OUR WILL AND SEEK TO FOLLOW HIS, WE WILL BE AMAZED AT WHAT HE REVEALS TO US WHETHER IT IS IN LIFE OR IN THE WORD!

 

May His Grace & Mercy Be with you,

 

Leslie & Spencer 

Yesterday, Kostya submitted our adoption paperwork to the SDA. When we receive our approval letter from the SDA, we can then have our court date. We are hoping that the SDA will issue it early Wednesday so that can have court Wednesday afternoon in Vinnitsa. This will be a tight schedule since our approval letter will be in Kyiv.  More train rides. Luckily, we are fairly close to Kyiv.

 

Yesterday, we went grocery shopping which was quite entertaining.

We also bought a few gifts for "Caleb".

 

Today, we had breakfast at "Leslie's Omelette House" and this time she added onions and peppers.

 

Today, we plan on visiting "Caleb" again and give their camp the soccer ball that we purchased. 

 

We haven't decided yet waht to do for church tomorrow since it does not appear that an English speaking church is in Vinnitsa. We may just have a quiet time of devotions in our apartment.

 

Thanks again for all your prayers, emails, & comments.

 

PLEASE pray that we can find a way around the long passport delays and return home with the kids soon. We may be returning home soon without the kids if the passport issue is unavoidable and Leslie will return to Ukraine to pickup the children once we have passports. UGH!

 

PLEASE pray that God will open a door with the US Embassy to assist with this issue.

 

1. Light poles are concrete.

2. Railroad ties are also concrete.

3. Shoes are immediately removed once you enter a home. Wear good socks!

4. Nobody has clothes dryers! They dry their clothes on lines inside or outside.

5. You can get yogurt, milk, & ice cream in plastic bags.

6. Wedding rings are worn on the right hand, not left hand.

7. Cars are a luxury. Most people use taxis, buses, trains, or legs.

8. Lawn mowers are not here. Keeping lawns mowed is of no concern.

9. Many in the cities live in apartment buildings.

10. No homes use central air, just small single units.

 

 

 

Today is a break for us, but not Kostya. He took a train to Kyiv this morning around 6AM to submit our final adoption paperwork to the SDA.

Next, we must receive approval from the SDA to proceed to our court hearing. We are hoping that the SDA will approve us ASAP so that we can have court on Monday(which is pretty unlikely) or Wednesday. I have changed my flight plans for next Saturday (arriving in Jackson on Sun) so, we are really praying for court on MON or WED. If court is on Friday, I will likely have to modify my flight plans. 

 

We plan to have a peaceful lunch at good ole McDonald's or as Christian used to say when he was a toddler "McDonDons".

 

We are also going grocery shopping on our own since Kostya is in Kyiv. This is always an exciting adventure. The people in Vinnitsa have been very friendly to us and are intrigued by the "Americans". Americans stick out here.

 

PLEASE pray for all the families here adopting.

 

PLEASE pray for Christian & Mary-Ashlynne.

 

PLEASE pray for my co-workers at Williams as several have had health issues arise.

 

PLEASE continue to pray for His grace & His mercy on us as parents and on our new children. Their world is about to be turned upside down and while much of it is for the better, many difficulties lie ahead. They are about to loose all their friends & caregivers and will be thrusted into the care of us who don't speak their language so, they will become frustrated regarding the lack of ease in communicating.

 

Thanks again for all your prayers & emails. We couldn't have made it without them.

 

IN CHRIST - SPENCER & LESLIE

Thursday

This morning was a relief to us as things are starting to slow down a bit. Leslie cooked us sausage & cheese omelettes for breakfast with toast & coffee. We did not have to leave until 9AM to get more paperwork notarized. The official Ukraine paperwork here is very neat with embossing and blue & yellow designs symbolizing Ukraine government official forms. We also have to meet with both social workers today. We were hoping to get to visit “Caleb” again today, but time did not permit. We bought a soccer ball for their camp so that they won’t have to keep playing soccer with a flat, worn-out ball. We chose not to give the ball to “Caleb” in order to minimize any animosity among his peers.

We did have a scare today and we think that it has been answered.  There was some additional paperwork that the SDA requested specific to our case and we (Kostya) encountered numerous difficulties trying to obtain the required paperwork. By the end of the day, we think that we have the proper paperwork.

PRAISE:  Our agency in MS which did our home study did super quick and efficient work in getting our home study revised to up to a 12 year old to accommodate our adoption of “Caleb”. They are New Beginnings in Tupelo, MS. The program director there for international adoption is Laurie K. She has been outstanding to work with. Email us for more specific information. 

We are now able to get back on the internet to blog & check email although the dialup connection here is real slow (28kps). UGH! I remember these days 5-10 years ago.

One thing of note: We set aside a $1,000 for donation to the orphanage as a show of appreciation for their care of the children and to better assist them in giving better care in the future. It has been well received. I would recommend all families to do something for the orphanage. Some people actually purchase items for the orphanage like TVs, couches, computers, etc. “Caleb’s” orphanage director has said that they are going to purchase a big bookcase & couches and place a plaque recognizing it as a gift from “Caleb” and his new adoptive parents. We do not plan to have our names on it, but like that “Caleb” will feel good about giving back to his orphanage and that other kids we see that adoptive families are here to help them, not just take children and run away forever.

Since we have to deal with 2 orphanages, we have explained to them that we are donating $500 each and they were understanding and appreciative.

Wednesday

Today, we met with “Caleb’s” social worker again. To show our appreciation for the social worker’s kindness, we bought her, her boss, and her assistant a bouquet of roses which was only $30 USD or 150 grivnas. Each arrangement had 15 red roses in them plus a lot of other stuff. In Ukraine, you must remember that you only purchase even numbered roses for funerals and odd number flowers for all other events. The women loved them. They later served us hot tea with a chocolate dessert that was really good. This is how we all envision adoption processes. I would recommend to any family that adoption from Nemirov in the Vinnitsa region will be very enjoyable regarding the social worker.

We also met with “Caleb’s” orphanage director. He chastised us Americans for many of the problems related to recent American families who have adopted from his orphanage. For example, many families try to cut off the children from their Ukrainian roots and their orphanages whereas, most children get comfort talking with their old friends back home in their native tongue Many families have promised to maintain contact with the orphanages through pictures, cards, or occasional phone calls, but never do. He said that they all have made promises, but have not fulfilled them. What does the Bible say here? Let our yea be yea and our nay be nay. (James 5:12) If we Americans want others to like us, we need to be more trustworthy, friendlier, & less selfish. The impression that we leave directly influences the reception or rejection of all future adoption seeking American families. Let’s do the right thing! I hope that in the end that we have!

The orphanage director was nice to us even though our interview was like a FBI probe. It really showed his deep concern for the kids under his care. We were not offended at all. He said that he has had 15 of his children adopted with most of them going to European countries such as Italy, Spain, France, etc. He gave us a tour of the orphanage and gave us a lot of insight into “Caleb” and his character. He said that “Caleb” is well-liked by all his caregivers and the director. They described him as controlled in his emotions & behavior and very inquisitive about all things. He loves to read and learn about things especially animals. He loves to play soccer or futbol which is the most popular sport in Eastern Europe.

Next, we went to meet with the “Madelynne’s” social worker and the judge to try and get a court date. We are hoping and really needing court next week. After court, there is a 10 day waiting period before the children are legally ours. This waiting period allows for disputes and we have some concerns that the aunt and uncle may try to dispute the adoption even though the children have been in the orphanage for 6 years and they have never tried to adopt them. They have visited them on occasion and allowed them to visit on an occasional weekend, but of course, that is not full-time parenting. PLEASE PRAY that they do not contest our adoption process.

Tomorrow, we have to get a few papers notarized, to receive some paperwork from both social workers and then, get or receive some papaerwork from the judge.  Hopefully, Kostya heads to Kyiv on Friday to submit our final adoption papers to the SDA. Hip! Hip! Hoorah!

Once we have our court hearing (hopefully next week), I will be returning home alone to get back to work and be Mom & Dad for Christian & Mary-Ashlynne until Leslie returns with our new children.

PLEASE PRAY for our children at home. I know that they are missing Mom & Dad a lot even though they may not admit it (i.e., Christian). LOL

PLEASE PRAY for “Caleb” and “Madelynne” to be comforted in that they will have a family soon and that God will protect them from their peers who may be backlashing at them because of their good fortune. Orphanages for older boys can be a nasty place behind the scenes for the boys with hazing, etc.

PLEASE PRAISE GOD FOR HIS PROVIDENCE IN OUR LIVES. WE KNEW HE WOULD NOT FORSAKE US AND RIGHT WHEN OUR FLESH WANTED TO QUIT AND GO HOME, HE OPENED THE DOORS. IN MY MIND, IT WAS HIM SAYING “SPENCER, I AM IN CONTROL HERE. HAVE FAITH IN ME! ASK of me, SEEK me, AND KNOCK at the door of the throne of grace and I will be with you!”

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can a man feel any higher while on earth without being in heaven, I can’t imagine it right now. I am in awe of HIS MAJESTY! And just think of how little I even know of HIS MAJESTY with my little “pea brain”. PRAISE GOD FOR HAVING MERCY ON ME AND BESTOWING HIS GRACE UPON ME A LOWLY WRETCHED SINNER!!!!!!!

Tuesday

Today, we went to visit “Madelynne’s” orphanage director. He has been the orphanage director at this orphanage for 25 years. The meeting went well and he was very helpful. He said that she was one of his favorites and he will miss her greatly, but he is really glad that she is going to a good home. The camp director had called him on Monday and told him that a very nice family came to visit “Madelynne” over the weekend. The orphanage director went on to describe her as the type person that if you invest in her soul, you will reap great rewards. (Those were his words.) He said that she is smart and a well liked kid and is a “good dancer”. Ha Ha She is 6. I can already see her and Mary-Ashlynne having a lot of wonderful times together. He has been a director for 25 years.

We had to also get documents notarized, visit “Madelynne’s” social worker, check out of our hotel, check into our apartment, and also visit “Caleb’s” social worker.

We ended the day visiting “Caleb” at his camp which is about 1 hour from Vinnitsa. He was glad to see us. He smiled at us when he walked into the camp director’s office. The camp director said that he had been asking about us every day to see if we were coming back. He was playing soccer when we arrived, but was too embarrassed to play while we were there. I got out there and played with all his friends and all the kids were talking about the American who played soccer with us. We gave him a few minor gifts (Nike cap and silly toy with lights).  We have chosen not to give too many gifts because of the wrong impression that it may send him regarding life with us and also to minimize any potential jealousy from his peers.

  

Our last few days have been like the Amazing Race Ukrainian Adoption style.

We took an early train to Vinnitsa region on Thursday and met with the social worker. There was another couple there and they warned us that this social worker is the worst. UGH! She asked us why did we even come to see these children. One is in camp in the Crimea and the other is also in camp near Nemirov. So, we weren't starting like we needed to. In addition to that, she told us that family members (aunt, uncle) are also in the picture and may dispute our adoption. She made some calls to the family & talked with City Council and they agreed that we were a great fit for the children and that we should be allowed to adopt them.

We got the referral and went and saw the boy "Caleb" on Friday. He was quite nervous and shy. We felt very positive about him and his fit with our children and family. He and Christian will get along great! The social worker in Nemirov was "super nice." She even served us apples taken from her own trees.  Hmm. Hmm. Good. Then, we closed out Friday back at the social worker's office in Vinnitsa. (See the complexity. 2 social workers. 2 orphanage directors. 2 camps. 2 kids. Boy, when God shows what He can do, He really shows it. Our GOD is an AWESOME GOD.) On Friday night, we caught another midnight train to Simferopol near Black Sea to visit the girl, "Madelynne".

After an 18 hour train ride, we arrived in Simferopol around 3pm. Then, we had the joy of a 2 hour bus ride to near Alushta. We did get to visit with "Madelynne" on Saturday. It was fun. We chased her and her friends around the school yard, tickled them, and simply acted silly. We gave her a small doll and she loved it. We knew immediately that she was going to fit in well also. We had dinner on the Black Sea with fireworks and Ukrainian karoake so, need I say more. It was a pleasant feeling on Sat night. We also had to find a place to stay and the nice ladies at the summer camp found a "local" renting rooms and we had a bed for the nite. Of course, it was hard and mosquitoes thought that my skin was sweet. They tore me up!

On Sunday morning, I took a swim in the Black Sea. I thought it was cold, but Kostya said that it was warm compared to normal. We did get to visit "Madelynne" again briefly. She told us that she slept with her Barbie. We bought their class a melon and they sat on the beach eating it. Finally,we enjoyed a few minutes of observing their fun swim time and that too was fun. We then jumped on a bus back to Simferopol and then waited in train station until we could find tickets to somewhere near Vinnitsa.

We arrived in Kyiv this morning at 7:00am. Whew! Breakfast was a burger & fries at McDonalds Kyiv train station. That was our first McDonalds meal in Ukraine. Then, we caught a train to Vinnitsa for 12:30pm. We ran around getting documents notarized, visited the orphanage director, and social worker. The social worker asked us how did we do all that we did since Friday over the weekend and I was speechless. I knew that it was God, but I was speechless at the moment. Please forgive me!

 

 

We plan on taking an early train tomorrow to the region to try to get the social worker to release the paperwork to go to the orphanages.

It will probably be a long day with no email or blog updates. As of now, we don't have any reservations for a place to stay and the region is not a familiar one to our facilitator so, we'll have numerous more obstacles tomorrow.

 

But our God is an AWESOME GOD and He will equip us to endure through these hurdles if these are the kids that He has willed for us to have.

Along the way, I am sure He will be pruning a few branches(the corrupt & dead ones and some stray ones) from the tree that is our souls. 

 

PRAY that HIS will be done!

We proceeded with requesting a referral to see the children that were presented to us yesterday. The boy is 11 and the girl is 6. Accepting this referral, we knowingly are entering a difficult and complicated task. Both children are in separate orphanages. Both children are in separate camps while the girl is in camp in the Crimea region which means it is a major ordeal to go & see her. Since the process is filled with bureaucratic paperwork, we face numerous hurdles in running around to get the proper documents completed timely.  When we visit her, we have to take an orphanage official so, this is an added difficulty as they may not want to help us or disrupt their lives & schedule. The social worker which we must work with to get the paperwork to visit each child has not been very helpful thus far and hasn’t appeared to want to help us. UGH!

To put it perspective, it would be like having to run from Jackson to Hattiesburg via McComb while using only a taxi, bus, or train and then, wait in a government officials office for hours for them to see us, then wait several hours for them to prepare the paperwork if they’re that accommodating, and then returning for another appointment with them to receive the paperwork to go to the next official and do a similar process. It can be taxing on the soul and can create many frustrations! We have a newfound appreciation for our American government which while it may not be perfect, it is very good from an international perspective. That is not to say we dislike Ukraine or the government processes. Not at all, but they aren’t always designed for the adopter’s ease or happiness. We try to remember that this nation just gained its sovereignty in the mid 1990’s from Russia so, it takes time for systems to work through their natural growth process to function efficiently. Imagine if you will the state of Mississippi was spun off as its own nation and Gov. Haley Barbour is now the President and oh by the way, all the federal government money that you once received is cut off. Good luck, Haley! Now, you see more clearly the situation here.

Please pray that the Holy Spirit is plowing a fertile field in their souls(Social Worker, Orphanage people) to be helpful, graceful, and merciful to us and to the children.

Pray for God to send angels to guard over us and the children as Satan seeks to disrupt the process & discourage us from finding God’s children for us.

Continue praying for our facilitators and our children at home. We love them dearly!!

PRAY for all the other adoptive families over here as we all feel each other's pains.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY: In reading Through the Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot, Jim Elliot, the martyred missionary in Ecuador, said the following:

“The fixedness of the human mind is the ‘wall of Jericho’ to Gospel preaching. God must shake or there will be no shaking.”

Our sinfulness has built fortresses around our little world and our little desires such that we see not or desire not the will of God and God oftentimes must blow them down for us to see His will for us. I felt like Hurricane Katrina & Rita were such blows while it is all too often seen as a mere random circumstance of “mother nature”.  2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land. 

We did go to the SDA today for a consultation. They did have one more set of siblings for us to see (for a total of 2 sets to review) and asked if we would like a 2^nd appointment to look at them. There was some indication that more files may be coming in the next few days or next week, but since we are pressed for time now, we decided to go ahead to see the 2 files. We were immediately drawn to one group (6 yr old girl, 11 yr old boy). Both kids are nearing birthdays so, they are closer to 7 & 12.

Since we are only approved for up to a 10 year old, we have to fully investigate the obstacles of adding an addendum to our home study & USCIS form and if it is truly necessary. UGH!! Since we felt drawn to these children unlike any others that have been presented to us, we are willing to endure the obstacles if they are realistically bearable.

We should find out tomorrow if this is a mountain that we can climb or not. If it is, we may be able to catch a bus tomorrow afternoon to arrive there tomorrow night. It would probably mean that we may be able to visit the kids Thursday (hopefully) or Friday.

PLEASE PRAY THAT DOORS START OPENING FOR US AND THAT THE WINDS WILL BE AT OUR BACKS AND THAT OUR WALKS WILL BE ALWAYS DOWNHILL(We’ll take taxis uphill. LOL).

PLEASE PRAY FOR THERE TO BE AN IMMEDIATE BOND BETWEEN US & THEM and THAT THERE BE NO ISSUES OF ANY MAJOR CONCERN.

PLEASE PRAY THAT THINGS GO QUICKLY SO, I CAN HURRY BACK HOME. (IT IS A CERTAINTY NOW THAT LESLIE WILL BE COMING HOME WITH THE KIDS BY HERSELF.)

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR FACILITATORS(KOSTYA &VANYA).

PLEASE PRAY THAT ALL THE OFFICIALS THAT WE ENCOUNTER WILL BE GRACIOUS, MERCIFUL, HELPFUL, & MORALLY UPRIGHT.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR CHILDREN BACK HOME & OUR FAMILY.

PLEASE PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GRACE & MERCY UPON US!

In Christ!              The Gordon’s 

Vanya’s Joke of the Day: At the Day of Judgement, all the men were called to gather in 2 rows. In the 1^st row were to be all the men who were the men of their house, the spiritual leader, who loved their wives as Christ loves His Church & whose wives submitted to their authority. In the 2^nd row were to be all the men who were not the men of their house, the spiritual leader, who loved not their wives as Christ loves His church & whose wives were the authority of the house. In the end, all the men were in the 2^nd row, except one man. When asked, “How did he do it? To be so obedient to all the commands of the husband.”, He responded, “What? What are you talking about? My wife told me to get in this line.”

 

After leaving the SDA, we were so excited that I had to go "dancing in the streets" in joy. Leslie took these photos of me. LOL J/K

 

Nothing new to report.

 

Who knows what tomorrow brings? Not us! Only Him!

 

Leslie did get a petticure today! Boy, she needed one, too! LOL

 

VANYA'S JOKE OF THE DAY: An Ukranian pastor was invited to eat at a church member's house. Just before eating, the pastor asks Little Vanya if he normally prays before each meal. Little Vanya says "No, we don't have to because my mom is a good cook!" 

 

Here is a pic from our Saturday bowling outing.

We visited the Evangelical Church of the Holy Trinity again today. They had a guest speaker who preached on the importance of viewing entire books in their context, specifically he focused on the book of Hebrews since the church has been studying the book. Please pray for the church as they are hosting a camp next week for teenagers. Pray that God will open the hearts of these young ones to their need for His Son & their Savior and His way of salvation as many of them know not the Lord. (NOTE: The worship service is about 2 hours to 2.5 hours. It starts at noonish and ends at 2:00-2:30. I really enjoy it and could stay all day so, sometimes it seems. I think Americans need to evaluate our time in study & worship as it seems we lean more & more to less meat of the Scriptures and lean more & more to other things.)

Tonight, we went to see two Kyiv soccer teams play (Arsenal vs. Dynamo). It was fun. We needed some downtime to take our minds off things.

PRAY FOR GOD TO OPEN DOORS FOR US THIS WEEK. (Based on my time available, we need to have been referred to see kids, see them, and accept them by Thursday or Friday at the latest which means things need to unroll quickly.)

If things don’t happen this week, it probably won’t happen. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

I know prayer won't change God's eternal decrees for our lives, but it may just be the means by which He accomplishes His will in this process.

BOOKS: I just finished John MacArthur's "The Keys to Spiritual Growth". I am continuing to read Thomas Brooks' "A Mute Christian Under the Rod". I am also picking up again David Martyn Lloyd-Jones' "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount." Leslie is currently reading "The Excellent Woman" by Anne Pratt. She has read others, but I am not sure what they are at this time.

Vanya’s Joke of the Day: A couple were preparing to go out for dinner one night. When the wife had finished getting ready, she wife noticed stubble on her husband’s face. She then asked her husband if he was going to shave. He responded, “ I did Honey, just before you began getting ready!” 

It is the weekend which means more waiting….. I had a good devotional time this morning. We later joined the other family from CA and went shopping and bowling. We had fun! Then, Vanya, Leslie, and I had a rematch UNO game. I had won the last time by a good margin. Vanya got revenge and won this time by a landslide.

Vanya’s Joke of the Day:  An American family was visiting an orphanage in Ukraine looking to adopt an infant child. The director of the orphanage asked the father why did he want to adopt? He said so the child can teach me Russian. LOL.  

We did hear from the SDA and they seemed to be looking for a boy & girl sibling group in our age range, but haven’t really found anything.

We have a few "potential" leads that we are looking into, but they are fairly low probability type leads.

We do rest in Him though which is 100% certainty, but who can determine the will of God? I surely can’t. I am blind, deaf, mute, and dumb when it comes to things of God.

We will be here 3 weeks come Monday and my time is dwindling quickly. The reality of going home childless seems to be increasingly possible as His will for us.

We’ll see. We are still relatively positive in spirit. Had we not the foundation of Christ as our rock, we would be a “basket case” right now, but we always knew that we needed to try & follow His will as best we can and I think that is what we are trying to do. There have been times when we have tried probably too hard to interject our wills, but He quickly slams the door and we are thankful for that, really.

Keep praying that God will deliver those children to us as a "love offering" to His Son to bring glory to Himself. (He has completely wiped our hands of it so, if it comes to be now, He would surely get all the Glory.)

In Him!

The Gordon’s

Quote from G. Campbell Morgan (From Pastor Tim in PA)

"For those who thus wait, God works; and as surely as men wait thus for Him while He works for them, there will come to them, presently, the clarion call to arise and cooperate.  When it comes, the plan is almost invariably a different one from that which had been expected.  ‘In ways we looked not for,’ said the prophet, ‘Thou hast wrought for us in the past.’

"Is not that the history of every forward movement in the economy of God?  A period of darkness, a period of desolation, a period of difficulty in which His people were brought to a point of knowing that they did not know and understanding that they could not understand.  A period of being clever enough to be done with their own cleverness, and then, while they waited, a period of adjusting their lives to God, severing all ties that held them, abandoning all prejudices that paralyzed, putting an end to every effort that was likely to conflict with the practical definite command and program and plan.

"When the call comes, it is almost invariably to something new and surprising and startling, in the doing of which we seem to have to go back upon things that we have said and done in the past.  The peril of the people of God is always that they shall be so wedded to yesterday that they are not ready for God’s tomorrow; or that they shall be so busy today making their own programs that when God brings His program, their own arrangements interfere with the carrying out of His will."

 

Vanya’s Joke of the Day: Proverb: The pedestrian is always right as long as he is still alive.

(You’ll truly understand that if you have visited in Kyiv, Ukraine)

We still have had no indication of anything positive yet from the SDA. They have been pleasant and understanding of our situation, but haven’t been able to locate children for us due to international hosting programs and due to many unregistered orphans. We are still thankful for His Providence in this process. When and if He sends his children to us, we know that the poverty of spirit that we have felt has been for our eternal growth since we must cling not to our own works or righteousness, but His!

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD MAKE HIS GLORY KNOWN BY SENDING US THE GIFT OF CHILDREN.

PLEASE PRAY THAT THE SDA WILL BE MERCIFUL TO US.

PLEASE PRAY THAT GOD OPENS THE DOOR FOR US TO PROCEED WITH ADOPTING OUR CHILDREN.

PRAY THAT THIS DOOR OPEN FRIDAY OR MONDAY SINCE MY ABILITY TO STAY MUCH LONGER IS DIMINISHING QUICKLY.

PRAY THAT I WILL NOT HAVE TO FLY HOME & FLY BACK LATER FOR PAPERWORK ISSUES.

CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, & CHILDREN BACK HOME.

PRAY IN THANKSGIVING FOR THE MANY BELIEVERS THAT HE HAS PLACED IN MY PATH THAT I WOULD HAVE NEVER MET IF HE HADN’T LED ME DOWN THIS ROAD.

Vanya Joke of the Day:  Can a woman make a man a millionaire? Sure, if he was a billionaire. (PS/ Women don’t kill the messenger!)

After the Holy Spirit had to drag me out of my pit of despair and self-pity, a burden seemed to be lifted. I can’t put my hands on it because my circumstances appear no different, but it is more of a new perspective. As I began more self-examination, I began to realize how often I and it seems too as we "as Christians" tend to focus more on our needs or current circumstances in our petitions before God and because of that, we tend to rarely balance things out in the area of thanksgiving. Has He not been so gracious & merciful to us? He has shown us His Presence, His way of salvation, His Son, His Precepts in His Word, and the many blessings in our life. Why do our souls murmur at the first sign of trials or tribulations?

        James 1:2-6   My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into various temptations;

        3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

        4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

        5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

        6  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

        I have to truly ask myself was I counting all my circumstances as “joy” and was I asking in faith “unwavering”.

        Ephesians 5:19-20  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

        20  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

        Again, have I truly been giving thanks for all my circumstances of late?

        Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

        Have I truly been at peace and thankful?

        In John MacArthur’s book The Keys to Spiritual Growth, he states the following regarding man’s gratitude: “Gratitude fills the soul with the sunshine of God. Ingratitude keeps the soul’s windows darkened, shutting out the light of God, turning life into a fog.” p.85.

        Thanksgiving isn’t an act, but a condition of one’s soul.

        John 16:19-22  Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

        20  Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

        21  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

        22  And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

        How fitting that Christ when talks about His death, resurrection, 40 days on earth and then, ascension, He relates the sorrow& joy with that of  a mother giving birth to a child.

        NOBODY SAID CHILDBIRTH IS EASY WHETHER IT BE NATURALLY OR THROUGH ADOPTION.

        THERE IS PAIN, SORROW, AND WEEPING AND THEN, THE UNSPEAKABLE JOY!!!

 

        PLEASE PRAY THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLE US TO BE THANKFUL IN WHATEVER CIRCUMSTANCE THAT WE FIND OURSELVES.

Still no real news…..

We have heard that perhaps up to 90 more files of children for international adoption maybe released today or in the next few days, but we haven’t heard anything from the SDA. We are praying and hoping to get a 2^nd appointment either Friday or Monday or Tuesday.

For us, we emotionally hit a current all-time low on the adoption front last night. I think that we both were ready to just go home and make our own. Ha Ha. But God in His grace gave us a new perspective this morning. Even though we feel helpless, we are encouraged by the since of comfort that His Holy Spirit has given us.

We are a bit leery of calling last night “rock bottom” because we’re afraid that He may truly show us where “rock bottom” is. God is gracious and merciful and will not give us more than we can bear and we are thankful for that.

"Christ Jesus the Lord Received and Walked In" by Philpot (www.gracegems.com)

The very storms through which the believer passes,
will only strengthen him to take a firmer hold of Christ.
As the same wind that blows down the poplar tree,

Only establishes the oak tree;

so the very storms which uproot the shallow professor,

only root the child of God more firmly in Christ.

Though these storms may shake off some of his leaves,

or break off some of the rotten boughs,

they do not uproot his faith--but rather strengthen it.

It is in these storms that he learns . . .
  more of his own weakness, and of Christ's strength;
  more of his own misery, and of Christ's mercy;
  more of his own sinfulness, and of superabounding grace;
  more of his own poverty, and of Christ's riches;
  more of his own desert of hell, and of his own title to heaven.

It is in these storms that the same blessed Spirit who
began the work carries it on; and goes on to engrave
the image of Christ in deeper characters upon his heart;
and to teach him more and more experimentally--the
truth as it is in Jesus.

ATTENTION:  Adoption Seeking Families Headed to Ukraine

ENGLISH SPEAKING CHURCHES IN KYIV

1.       Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Holy Trinity

50/52 T. Schevchenko #402

Sunday Services:   9:30AM, 12:00 AM

Pastor: Ivan Bespalov 246-7576 in Kyiv (Email: ibespalov@mail.ru)

(Interpreter provided. Sit in Back on side near door)  

2.       International Bible Church @ Central Baptist Church

2/8 Shchekavitska [near Kontraktova Square]

Sunday Worship Service:  2pm, Adult & Children’s Bible Study: 1 pm

www.ibckiev.org.ua

3.       Kiev International Bible Church

Worship Service:  10:30 AM

34A Popudrinka                                Phone in Kyiv: 501-8082

Email: kievIBC@gmail.com

Free Weekly News Magazine in English:        Kyiv Post (Pick up at TGI Fridays on Thursday evening)

 

We thank you for all your prayers & emails.

Please keep up the great work and please keep sending me Scripture references of encouragement and quotations from godly men.

 

His Grace is Sufficient for us! 

We have had several inquiries about the train crash in Lviv, Ukraine in which a highly toxic phosphorus chemical was released.

It is being compared to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. 

 

We're OK. The accident was in Lviv which is western Ukraine while we are currently in Kyiv in central Ukraine. We could have, perhaps, had a referral in that region, but God has chosen not to give us one yet thus, preventing us from being in that area. AMEN!

 

It should be a prayer concern though. A 56 square mile poisonous cloud has occurred in that region.

Mission to the World has a missionary in that region that Faith Presbyterian in Brookhaven, MS supports. If you are in Brookhaven, MS, you might want to call Pat Davey to inquire.

 

Here's a link to story.

 

KEEP THOSE PEOPLE AND US IN YOUR PRAYERS!

 

Spencer & Leslie

Ps  Psalm 25:5  Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

      Psalm 27:14  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

      Psalm 52:9  I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.

      Psalm 62:5  My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

      Psalm 69:3  I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

      Psalm 123:2  Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

      Psalm 130:5  I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

      Psalm 145:15  The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

      Isaiah 30:18  And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

      Lamentations 3:25  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

      Micah 7:7  Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me