Simferopol Day 11

As we all get more familiar with each other, the time we spend together everyday moves faster and faster.  We’ve seen some of the moods and emotions that he is experiencing.  Most days Vitaliy is thrilled to see us and embraces us immediately.  Saturday he seemed a bit reluctant.  Sunday he was happy once again and was waiting for our car to arrive at the end of the long driveway that leads to the orphanage.  The driver let Vitaliy and his friend jump in the car with us and ride the rest of the way up to the building.  Everyday we have been able to spend an hour to 3 hours with him.  Some days it is just the three of us, doing puzzles, playing with toy cars, finding hidden pictures in books.  Other days we are joined by his friends.  When there are more than us three we play dominos, play outdoors, or do crafty type things.  Vitaliy has found his new super-hero in his father.  It is such a blessing to see a boy being able to belong to his father.  We know the road set out for us is difficult but we know without a doubt that this child is our son. 

The hardest thing to watch is the other children as they watch us.  These kids, just like Vitaliy are hoping and praying for a forever family.  They desperately want a family that comes and looks at them the way we look at Vitaliy.  Vitaliy’s closest friend N. watches Brandon and him play and Kim is brought to tears by the look of longing on his face.  These kids need families, all of them.  Who would go though all that we are, the expense, the travel, the long-suffering, the emotions just to bring a waiting child home?  We can assure you that it is not by our own strength that we have been able to endure all this time.  God has been gracious to give us what we need at the perfect time to continue to fight this battle.  We are most assuredly in a war here, a fight for the hopeless and unwanted. Our hearts ache as we see teenagers follow us around hoping beyond hope that we might notice them and maybe be their answer to a forever family.  How old is too old for a family, 12, 15, 17, 30?  Every person no matter their age longs to belong to a family, to have people that care about them, praying for them, and loving them.  If you want to be a part of this fight, to join the team of prayer warriors, and to give a home to the poorest of children, we want to be a part of your journey too.  We aren’t rich, we don’t have all the answers but we have Jesus and He is MOST capable of making a way when there seems no way.