Burning Questions - Part 3!

7.    When do you plan to travel to Ukraine?

Katya becomes eligible for international adoption in May 2009, unless things change because of the red tape.  We are hoping to travel in June, however this depends upon the Ukrainian government.  Our facilitator submits our documents (a dossier) and then, from what we understand, the State Department for Adoption and Protection of Rights of the Child (SDAPRC) has two weeks to review the dossier.  Then we receive an invitation to travel to Ukraine. 

8.    How long will you be there?

The minimum amount of time is three weeks.  It usually takes about 5 weeks, but sometimes longer.  This is a LONG time to be away from home.  Thankfully we have great support with the church – elders who love caring for our people, ministry leaders who are gifted and capable in their areas of leadership, and people who are supportive of what we are doing.  We will need some practical help with house-sitting and dog-sitting.

9.    Where will the kids be while you’re in Ukraine?

Okay, here’s the fun part.  We really sense that the Lord wants the kids with US!  Isn’t that crazy?  But, it’s true.  We sense that there are multiple things the Lord wants to do by having us ALL travel.  We believe that some of our children may sense God’s vocational call to minister in the world.  Seeds may be planted for them to adopt.  They will see their new sister’s country and experience her culture.  We also believe they will have a ministry of presence in the orphanage as they relate to the kids as only kids can.  We clearly saw this with Sara Maria she went with us to Columbia, South America five years ago.  Finally, we can’t bear the thought of being away from them for 5+ weeks.  We’ve always dreamed of doing mission trips as a family, but we never dreamed of this avenue.