Wow!!! Sasha Joy Le Shana is now an official part of our family!!! Amazing!!! Born 11 years ago... but now our new daughter!We can hardly believe what happened in the courtroom. It took less than an hour. The judge interviewed the social services representative (pictured far right), the orphanage director (second from right), the prosecuting attorney (not pictured), both of us AND Sasha. Olga, our facilitator (far left), translated the proceedings for us.
Sasha stood bravely and answered a number of questions. At one point, the prosecutor asked Sasha if she liked the name "Sasha Joy Le Shana" and if she was willing to change her name to that. She replied immediately, "Of course! I picked it myself!" Jeanine and I both struggled unsuccessfully to hold back tears a number of times. We are so thrilled!!!
But wait.... there's more!!! Not only did the judge grant the adoption, HE WAIVED THE 10-DAY WAITING PERIOD! It is practically unheard of -- they said it would take a miracle!!!! We asked the orphanage director, counselor, and legal representative, and none of them thought it would happen. All were surprised (including our facilitator). Afterward, we learned why. Up until 4 years ago, the waiting period was 30 days. In the previous 10 years, this lengthy waiting period had been waived only once or twice... but the 10-day waiting period had NEVER been waived... until today!!!
We are so thankful for God's grace and for all of your prayers! We felt your prayers as we entered the courtroom (at right) and throughout the hearing. I couldn't help but think that although this man was the judge, God can do anything! And He did!Still a few more things to do... more paperwork, new birth certificate and passport, etc. We plan to return to California on December 31!
Thank you for your support, encouragement, and faithfulness in prayer!
We were praying for you guys at the time we thought you were in the courtroom today - wow, this is a Christmas miracle. And now when people say that they hope your Christmas season is filled with joy . . . boy, will they be right!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs to all of you.
Debbie
CONGRATULATION TO THE ENTIRE LE SHANA FAMILY AS DAUGHTER "JOY" JOINS YOU. WE LOOK FORWARD TO GREETING HER AT ROSE DRIVE. GOD CONTINUES TO BE FAITHFUL!! WE WILL MISS YOU AT THE CHRISTMAS SERVICES BUT LOOK FORWARD TO A BRIGHT 2010. PAT AND DON
ReplyDeleteWow, our hearts are full! We love you all and look forward to your return.
ReplyDeleteJohn & Bonnie
In record time! I don't think we could have prayed for a more successful process. THIS IS SOOOO AWESOME - 18 months in the works, but still SOOOO AWESOME. CONGRATUALTIONS!!!! I pray that many more families will consider the blessing of adoption. His Blessings (as if you could even count any more today!) Tony
ReplyDeleteYay!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS! Christmas truly is the season for miracles! What a wonderful Christmas gift for all. We can hardly wait to hear the story of how Sasha made her wishes known in court - I know she must have been very clear about her wishes! Every good and perfect gift IS from above, and we know that the Father of Heavenly Lights has been very involved in this adoption from, well, from the beginning of time! Much love, the Reinharts
ReplyDeleteJ&J, I know the elation you are feeling! Praise God for his control. I love the blog entry. It is evident that you could hardly contain yourselves. Give Sasha a hug from me and let her know that we are all anxiously awaiting for her to arrival...permanently! Please stay strong and flexible in the remianing tasks. They too can be daunting. The prayers are continuing for your quick and safe return. Vicki
ReplyDeleteWow!! What a Christmas miracle!! I bet Sasha is elated. Another example of God performing miracles. We are so excited that your journey is going quickly and smoothly...the 18 months you waited in the U.S. was long enough. We pray for your continued health and safety and for the rest of the process to be expedited. Enjoy your "white" Christmas in Ukraine with your new daughter. We miss you! Love, P&S
ReplyDelete"Our God is With Us." This is the song playing in the car this month, and as I sing along I picture Him walking with you through this process. Indeed He has been. May His Name be glorified as the "real" process continues. Love you!
ReplyDeleteWahoo!!! I'm SO happy for you guys. Great news. I pray the balance of the ppwk is expedited in more miraculous ways, shuffled quickly from one desk to the next without delay with all the i's dotted and t's crossed properly, all official stamps given, and that you make it with time to spare to each office appointment and medical exam from here on out. May the line at the embassy be short and your patience be long. Safe travel on the roads and in the air, continued favor with the officials and all involved. Bring bonding, bring intimacy, bring trust, bring truth and showered love and compassion to you as you learn to be a family. May she not test you until you are on the ground in America and out of the plane! May Sasha Joy feel safe, hopeful, courageous and much trust with you. May she know peace and contentment. May any loose ends for her in Ukraine be tied to a satisfaction that will bring her peace in leaving. May she leave in faith that G-D will care for those she leaves behind just as He has cared for her. May she come to know Him and believe in what He has for her and be able to let herself go to Him as she sees who He is through you both. May she be awed by the Christmas lights as she arrives home. Much love and blessings to you as you endure and enjoy the "last trimester" of your adoption process.
ReplyDeleteWe are watching and waiting and praying.
ReplyDeleteLove, Greg and Bobbi