Adoption Developments

We have now begun the process of preparing our dossier to be sent to Russia for translation and registration. As we look at the dossier requirements and the regulations of the Russian government, the elation of another step behind us has quickly given way to the worries that accompany the next phase of the adoption. We are finding this to be the pattern. Concerns, roadblocks and feelings of helplessness are worked through as we accomplish each step. We begin to feel comfortable and confident about the adoption as we overcome them and then experience utter joy and elation as we pass another test and move on to the next phase, only to find a whole new set of issues to deal with. It is disappointing to move from the highs to the uncertainty again, but we know that God is in control and is guiding this process from start to finish. This is where faith is exercised and God is glorified, and that is always exciting! If everything went smoothly at all times, I am quite sure we'd get comfortable and cocky and forget to see God in the details.

If you are praying with us through this journey, please pray specifically for these things now:

- that the Russian gov't will grant accreditation to Buckner in December, as expected.

- that God will make a way for us to meet the requirements for the dossier with minimal headaches and without any time delays to draw out the process.

- that God will provide the right words, doctors, translators and judge for our case. Because of an unnecessary medical decision that was made years ago for prophylactic treatment of one of our family members in order to prevent any possible future issue, it is crucial that each of these people understand the situation, the reason for treatment and the fact that there was not and has never been evidence of disease. It all comes down to wording, how that wording is translated into Russian and how it is understood by the judge.

- that God will continue to encourage us with His promises, His Word and His signs that we are following the path He has laid out for us.

We move forward with confidence, knowing that Buckner has confidence in us. More importantly, WE KNOW THAT GOD CAN DO ALL THINGS AND THAT HE WILL ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSE, AND WE GO FORWARD IN FAITH THAT HE IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL!