It's Good News

Today has been a much anticipated day. After all of the paperwork, meetings, dossier preparation, prayers, travel, etc., the court day finally arrived. I told several folks today that I felt like I was getting ready for our wedding. I got a haircut from my personal hair dresser who happened to travel with me (Helen); I showered and shaved; I even ironed my non-iron shirt. I had some butterflies in my stomach, most of which were good.

To be honest, I told Helen that a part of me was still concerned that Artur would not show up today. I know he has grown to love us over the past few weeks. I know he enjoys being with us. But to get in the car with his Director and head to court to see a judge? That’s an intimidating environment. And I could not help but think about when we first met Artur and he said, “No.” Helen did not seem to have these worries. That gave me some peace.

I read Proverbs 27 this morning. The first verse says, “Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring.” I said, “Oh boy” to myself. What will today bring? I should have dwelt on the fact that today is a day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. The Lord is gracious and his mercies are new each day.

Our facilitator had a taxi pick us up at 1:20 from our apartment to head to the court building. The weather today in Odessa was absolutely beautiful. The sun shined brightly and the temperature was very pleasant. The drive was uneventful which was good (i.e. the kids did not lose it).

We arrived around 1:45. As we were stepping out of the car, Artur stepped out of his taxi with his Director and a friend who was being adopted. I can’t describe the relief that I felt. We hugged him quickly. His smile set me at ease. He was wearing some newer pants, a sweater and shiny black shoes. The boy looked handsome I must say.

We headed into the building and waited with the other family to be called back to see the judge. Taylor and Molly pretty much entertained themselves as we waited. Helen came loaded with goodies to combat any and all fusses. Let’s just say our parenting rules and convictions were compromised greatly today. Just a cute smile (or a slight fuss) would get them a sucker.

We were called back around 2:45 with Artur, the Director, prosecuting attorney, and two witnesses. We entered a large office/conference room to begin the court process. The judge was in full control. We got down to business. Our facilitator translating everything he was saying, even if she did not understand the legal words he was using. We were all asked to stand and state our names for the record which we did (thankfully correctly).

I was then asked to stand and answer some questions. He asked about my occupation, our children, why we wanted to adopt, and a few other general questions. Helen was then asked to stand and answer questions. He asked her more about our home and plans for educating Artur. She did great, of course. The Director and Prosecuting Attorney then gave their recommendations that Artur should be adopted into our family. The judge then asked Artur to stand. The judge smiled and asked him if he wanted to be adopted. He said, “Dah” (yes in Russian). He then asked if he liked us. He said, “Yes, very much.” How could we not smile at those answers?!

Soon after, we were asked to leave the court room as the judge made his decision. Less than five minutes passed before we were asked to return to the room. All attendees were standing as we entered. The judge ruled in our favor and accepted the following petitions we made: 1) that Artur would be adopted into our family 2) that his name be changed to Artur James Marshall and 3) that his birth certificate be changed to have Helen and me as his parents. The judge then charged us to help Artur keep his Russian language, to help him remember Ukraine, and to help him value more than just material possessions. We nodded our heads in agreement then exited the room.

We were greeted with smiling faces from our friends as we entered the waiting area. Artur was grinning ear to ear just as we were. I tell you it was an amazing blessing to experience what we had just experienced. Everything seemed so natural. This could only be from God.

I’m sure you are wondering how Taylor and Molly did in court. Well, God was faithful in answering your prayers! Thank you! They could not have been better. Those two kids can make anyone smile.

Soon after, the other adoptive family started their court process. After about 25-30 minutes, they received the same favorable ruling. We were all very thankful.

Before we departed, the Director gave us hugs and said we could take the kids out until 7 p.m. We hoped this would be the case. We gathered outside for some pictures (soon to be posted) then waited on our taxi.

We decided to head downtown and celebrate where? You guessed it…McDonald’s! The kids quickly decided that McDonald’s was the place for a time such as this. Turns out today was the other child’s birthday, so she was going to have an even bigger celebration.

We got in line then made our orders. I tell you I have not had a Big Mac in probably 8 years, but I was due for one today. I ordered it with pride and still have no regrets. (I’ll let you know where I stand on this item in the morning). Artur quickly decided he wanted the McChicken with bacon, large fries and a coke. We ordered Happy Meals for the kids. Helen ordered a McChicken Sandwich. We then headed upstairs with our food to find a table large enough for the whole crew. Thankfully, we found the perfect place. We said a blessing then ate our tasty McFood.

Artur was devouring his McChicken with Bacon. With a mouthful and a half-eaten McChicken, he said, “Scott, please, a Big Mac.” I said, “Artur, finish your McChicken then we’ll see about a Big Mac.” Helen encouraged me to go ahead and get the boy a Big Mac, so I did. Of course, I was skeptical that he would even touch the Big Mac after he ate the other half of the McChicken.Well….

I returned with the Big Mac, greeted by a scarfed-down McChicken and the remnants of a few fries. Artur smiled then got to work on the Big Mac….then a chunk of Molly’s cheeseburger…then Molly’s fries…then his friend’s McChicken wrap. I tell you we were shocked! The boy can eat! I also saw the line item in our monthly budget for food double before my eyes.

After dinner, we took some more pictures outside then needed to head back to the orphanage. Helen took the kids back to the hotel, so I rode with Artur, the other child, and the new father. As we walked to the car, I could not help but marvel at how God had orchestrated this journey, beginning with our hearts last year.

You know parts of Scripture can be confusing, even to the most educated of people. But there is one trait of God that is certain and to my knowledge has never been debated – that trait being that our God has a heart for the fatherless. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, God’s passion and heart for the fatherless is clearly seen.

When God started stirring our hearts last year to expand our family through adoption, we had no idea where He would lead us. We certainly did not think He would lead us to Ukraine. And we certainly did not think He would lead us to adopt an older child being that we have young children. But on the other hand, I’m not sure what we thought. We have just been trying to be obedient daily to the work the Lord has for us.

The daily devotion that a family member prepared for our trip has been such a blessing. Today’s devotion/quote was no exception:

“The call of God only becomes clear as we obey, never as we weigh the pros and cons and try to reason it out. The call is God’s idea, not our idea, and only in looking back over the path of obedience do we realize what God’s idea has been all along.” – Oswald Chambers

Please rejoice to the Lord with us with the addition of Artur James Marshall to our family. This prayer of Thanksgiving, brought to mind by another dear family member, is found in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36:

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!

Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles and the judgments he uttered,
O offspring of Israel his servant,
children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

He is the LORD our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
Remember his covenant forever,
the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
the covenant that he made with Abraham,
his sworn promise to Isaac,
which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant,
saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,
as your portion for an inheritance.”

When you were few in number,
of little account, and sojourners in it,
wandering from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people,
he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account,
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,
do my prophets no harm!”

Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
and he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.

Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his place.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth;
yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Say also:
“Save us, O God of our salvation,
and gather and deliver us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!”

Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the LORD.

pics of our bigger family!

 being silly

 self portrait

 This would have made a great family pick with the Ukraine flag behind us.... if Molly hadn't gone digging for suprises

 This was us waiting before we were called back to the court room.

 Yay for suckers!!!

 McDonald's!

 very happy, and very full

greeted back at the orphanage by another boy Kolya, who has also just been adopted!

For you early risers...(prayer request)

We spent last night and this morning discussing whether or not we should take Taylor and Molly to court with us. Of course, we want them there for this exciting occasion. But, we can't help but fear some rare royal meltdown while meeting with the judge. We had a lady on standby who was ready and willing to keep them while we were at court.

Helen and I both felt strongly this morning that we wanted them there. They have been so involved throughout this entire process, going back to when we first decided to pursue the adoption of Artur. How could we leave them out of this monumental day?

Our facilitator told us last night that the judge said we could bring our kids, so that is comforting. We know we will be asked many questions and will need to be able to focus. A fussy or screaming child would make this difficult.

So, we are asking for prayer specifically for our kids. Please pray that they would behave well. And, pray that they will listen and try to understand what is going on. How great would it be if Taylor could remember these brief moments when he is an adult.

We also feel like Taylor and Molly will help put Artur at ease. We both feel like he will be very nervous and anxious. If our first meeting with Artur weeks ago was intimidating to him, imagine adding in a judge to the circle. Please pray that the Lord will give Artur and us peace that surpasses all understanding. May Artur know that he is loved by us and our Great God.

Thanks and we will update as soon as possible. God bless.

Confirmation

We just received a call from our facilitator that court will be tomorrow afternoon around 2 p.m. Praise God! They still needed some required signatures on court documents today which they apparently got. We are overjoyed and ready to go.

We’ve had some great visits with Artur recently. Yesterday was probably one of the best ones. We entered the room where we always meet and were greeted by two ladies and some other kids. Turns out one of the ladies was a teacher at another orphanage. Soon after Artur entered and one of the ladies yelled, “Chebin!” (his last name). He grinned and quickly went over to hug both of them. It was apparent that one of the ladies taught Artur at another orphanage when he was much younger. The other lady cut their hair to the best of our understanding of their charades.

Helen and I just smiled and soaked it all in. We had plans to visit previous orphanages with Artur just so we could visualize where he had been. But to meet one of his teachers? We never dreamed this could happen. All of the kids gathered around them and smiled ear to ear. Of course, they brought some great treats for the kids which they scarfed down.

Usually the weekend visits are much calmer as only a handful of kids stay at the orphanage over the weekends. Most kids go to visit a guardian, godparent or some family member. But yesterday was an exception. The kids were hyped (probably on sugar) and games were being played throughout the room. The time flew.

We told Artur that we would not be visiting him today (Monday) as we had planned to take a trip with the kids. Turns out the two places we wanted to go today were closed. So, we hung around the apartment most of the morning then ventured out in the late afternoon. We explored a little around the area where we are staying then headed for our comfort area – the playground. Taylor is all about this “Zombie” game that Artur taught him. It’s basically “chase”…but louder.

We just finished a wonderful home-cooked meal by Helen and are starting to wind down for the night. I’m not sure if tonight’s sleep will be any different than the previous nights, but certainly what awaits us tomorrow will be a day to remember. Please pray for Artur, us, the judges, the director, the local officials, our facilitator, and all others involved in tomorrow’s court process.

We’ll update the blog as soon as we are able, hopefully with pictures. Thanks to all of you for your persistent prayers and words of encouragement. We feel uplifted. God bless.

teacher pics

Artur's previous teacher hugging him and rubbing his ears and head, smiling and laughing at the sight of him.  It was great to see this interaction and meet both of these women.

 They shared lots of candy, cookies, crackers, and apples with all the children, including Taylor, Molly, Scott, and me.

 Molly is very pleased with her "Candy Cow!"

 Masha? and Dennis

 Nikita and Dennis playing Break the Ice

 Nikita building with legos - another family who is also adopting brought tons of games and legs... which are a  huge hit!

 Svetta, Artur, and Helen playing Pet Hospital

 Helen, Dennis, and Nikita playing Pet Hospital

 Dasha showing her photo album from being hosted to the US

 cute Nikita again

 Dasha, Svetta, Nikita, Teacher, Vova, Kolya (big smile in back), Dennis (big smile in front), Artur, and Teacher

 saying good bye - they wished us all well

Coin Game

This is a video of Pasha (watching), Andrei, Artur, and Dima playing a coin game.  All I could figure out was that you wanted the coin to land a certain way, and then you could keep it.  I thought you may be interested to hear their cute Russian speaking voices.

more wrestling

Molly is asking Scott for gum and does not want to be played with until she gets some gum.  Artur asks her if she wants her pacifier, as she has come to always want it here in Ukraine... and yes we give it to her.

pics

 More creative car pics by Artur

 And more wrestling.  "Scott, 5 minutes, let's wrestle."

We ate at a delicious pizza place with another American family

 This is the market.  lots of produce....

 toys....

 clothes, household products, and anything you need.

 The entrance to this market is between these two buildings.

 a beautiful city park right near where we are staying and on the way to the market.

 on the street waiting for our taxi driver friend

Me and Dasha playing ping pong

 Notice how Molly was made into a race track.

 Artur climbing a tree to get away from Taylor, the zombie.

 sweet little boy at the park thought molly's hands were getting cold and wanted her to take her hands off the cold metal part of the merry go round.  she held her ground as you can see with her staring back at him.  He was so sweet.

 this picture was really of the cute little kid in the background and his grandmother, and how cute they are bundled up so much!  Thanks for posing Scott!

 Molly's first pony tail on top of her head.  We are at an amazing place called Lviv Handmade Chocolate.  Look at the faces of these folks as we all enjoy our cappuccino and hot chocolate.  What a treat!

 Caught that!

 Katia, Vica, and Adik

 Dasha, Stella, and Vova

 Dasha, Stella, Vonya, and ?

 Yulia & Luda

 Vica, Scott, Molly, Stella, Dasha, and Kolya

 Kolya playing with Molly so sweetly

 Vica, Artur, and Dasha.  Artur did not want to put down Dasha's phone.  He was playing games on it.

 Molly trying on shoes again and Kolya laughing with her.

 Vica, Artur, and Rustam.. still playing