As we approach the Christmas holiday, we all think of our kids. While Vanda is not officially our child, our hearts do not know that and they beat for joy when we hear her sweet voice. Just like our other children, we love learning about what is going on in their lives, and being a part of their growing process. We just have two small issues of her being so far away and speaking another language. I am convinced that it is love which bridges the gap. Love is such an amazing thing, a miracle in and of itself. I can’t explain it, let alone understand it.
So how do we send love to a child who is over 4000 miles away, in a different language and culture? This is new territory for us. This week during one of our Skype conversations together we drew this picture. While neither Beth nor I claim to be an artist, it is something fun we can do with Vanda that helps cross the divide of miles and language. We have been thinking of what we can send to Vanda for Christmas. So what do you give someone who has nothing? While Vanda does have some possessions, they all can fit into a small backpack; such is the life of an orphan. I’ve thought about that this week, and how different life is for us having grown up with a family in the USA. As a child, I had “my” room, clothes, toys, etc. I doubt I will ever fully understand the life of an orphan but I am learning. Many of you have commented on how you like being a part of our adventure through this blog. I am glad as this adventure is far too big not to share, and it is much more than the money. It is a journey of education and an exploration into the depths of love, compassion, commitment, and sharing of relationships. Your prayers and comments encourage us greatly in this process. As we progress through the paperwork jungle, I am realizing that the waiting process may be harder on us than it is on Vanda.
We have had a minor delay in the process with Beth’s fingers. It would seem she is well suited to be a thief. (Who would have thought this?) She has no printable fingerprints as her fingers are too smooth. As a result, she has had to go to Charlotte twice, get two rejection letters from Texas, and spend an hour at the Davidson police station getting a letter saying they have no record of her being a criminal. The good news is, as of Thursday, we have been approved! Now we are waiting, (there’s that waiting thing again) for the official letter, and will have to take it to Raleigh to get an apostille so it can be sent to Latvia. Our hope is to be able to send it with another family who is traveling to Latvia instead of paying DHL $120 to take it. Sometimes I wonder why there are so many barriers, but I am reminded that to be a good parent, (or even a husband for that matter), we have to be committed, regardless of the barriers. In doing so our love is strengthened and God is glorified.
Speaking of things outside our control, our fundraising is going well. it seems every day someone asks if they can help in both big and small ways. One of the big ways people are helping is where we have had people offering to organize fundraisers for us. (It must be obvious, this is not our gift.) Our most recent is the Family Night at Friendly’s. What is better than it being a fundraiser, is it is an opportunity to for the youth to start to connect to with Vanda. We hope this group to become one of Vanda’s support groups as she transitions to life in America. One of the kids in the group was also adopted from East Europe as a teenager.
We feel a great sense of community and we share this adventure with our friends and family.
Each of the obstacles we face, I am certain, will serve as a tool for growth for us and for Vanda. Just as a spring flower struggles against the dirt and eventually breaks through to reveal its regal petals, this journey will be the start of helping a Vanda come into the sunlight of her life and in the process our roots will grow deeper.
Peace and strength to you this Christmas season,
kb
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