Gumby Takes a Detour

We have tried to remain flexible all the way along (see post on December 18), but yesterday we encountered a brand new challenge that has prompted a dramatic change in our plans.

When we returned to the courthouse yesterday to pick up the judge's decree and begin the process of securing a passport, etc., we learned that the judge changed his mind overnight. Sasha Joy Le Shana is still our daughter (that's the good news), but he inexplicably rescinded the waiver of the 10-day waiting period. Bottom line... it now appears that Jeanine and I will not return to California with our new daughter until JANUARY 22! The "10 days" will end December 31 (that is when we will have custody of Sasha) and then none of the government offices open again until January 11. That is the earliest that we will be able to resume the paperwork process (which takes another 10 days or so to complete).

When Jeanine and I first heard the news (and on throughout the day – and still somewhat right now as I write this), we were shocked, disappointed, and torn emotionally. We had planned originally to return home during the 10-day waiting period and Ukrainian holidays if the waiver was rejected. But as we drove from the court to the orphanage to say "good-bye" to Sasha (and then run to catch a train and plane), neither of us felt any peace about leaving. We prayed together at the orphanage as we waited for Sasha to return from school…knowing that she had been told we were there to say good-bye… and we soon knew what we needed to do. It seemed like only one decision was the right one to make.

We both knelt down next to Sasha and told her (with the help of our translator), “We love you. You are now our daughter, Sasha Joy Le Shana. Nothing will change that. But you have to stay here in the orphanage for a little longer. You know we had planned to leave for a while if this happened (she looked brave but crushed.) We know you have been abandoned a number of times in your life (she nodded and a big tear fell down her cheek). But we do not want to do that. We will not do that today or ever. And so that is why we have decided to stay here in Ukraine with you until we can take you home with us.” Immediately, a huge grin burst across her face (though her eyes were still wet) and the three of us embraced and cried some more.

So… here we are… still learning to be flexible in Chernivtsi. We will continue to visit Sasha at the orphanage every day until we take her away from there on Dec. 31. We took this picture (at right) soon after our emotional conversation at the same spot. You can tell that the tone changed. We have Skyped with each person in our family in America and they are all supportive.

Thank you for praying for all of us! Our Emmanuel is still with us… He is in charge and we trust Him in the straight roads and in the detours!