Today is Monday, and we got up early to travel again to Jelgava for the last court date for this trip! It was sad, because we had to pack up K's belongings to take him back to the orphanage. As soon as we arrived at the orphanage, K disappeared as we went on up to A's group area to pack up the rest of her things, and leave some clothes behind for the other kids. There were 2 of her 7 year old roommates there, along with A's best friend, who is 11 yrs. old...I could tell they were very excited for A to be leaving, as is A...they were asking her many questions. We spent about 1 hour there, and left with one suitcase, which contained A's whole life...it's hard to imagine. Leaving there was like shedding old skin...it was good to go, and not have to imagine A there anymore!
K came with us, as we had to go to the Orphan Court hearing next. The judge and panel asked many questions of me and the kids. K signed papers saying he would not block A's way to be adopted, and again restated this to all...and he said he still hadn't changed his mind. On the way over to the court, though, K received a call from his Aunt, who wanted to talk A out of being adopted! A refused to talk to her...this was the first time in probably a year that A had a call from her Aunt, and they live in the same city! A told the judge that nobody would change her mind about being adopted by me and coming to America...she wants a new life, she said. The Court agreed that it was in her best interest to be seperated, and so now Step 2 will begin. At one point, the judge dismissed K, and I ran over to hug him, and told him we'd stay in contact...so sad!
After the hearing, we came back to Riga and went to the US Embassy to get A's visa to come home with me while the adoption process continues in Latvia behind the scenes. On the way back to the hotel, A saw a boy skate boarding, and said she wants to learn how to do that. I told her she has a new cousin who loves to skate board, and would show her how it is done...she was excited about that prospect!
See you soon! Gods PEACE and JOY, EP
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Can't wait for all of you to get home. What a swirl of emotions!!!! I am sure you'll all sleep for a week! I am so glad that A is so confident in her decision to join your family. It has to be the Lord at work in her heart. May He continue to guide and protect you as you wrap up things and travel home! Blessings, Kathy
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