Friday, April 10, 2009

How Do I Share What Has Been Going on Over Here?

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"  
Micah 6:8

I'm sitting across from Tony (both of us with our laptops) in our new place of station here in Ukraine wondering aloud what in the world to type in order to share with you what has been going on over here.  As I attempt to conjure up some words, tears are spilling forth from a heart that is full.  I am overwhelmed by the mercies of God, by His steadfast love, by His amazing grace...

We left Kiev early this morning, after only getting about 4 hours sleep from anticipation.  :)  After a few stops we made it to the town where the orphanage is to meet with the chief inspector and then the chief administrator before getting to visit the orphanage.  Both visits were very positive.  It was special to hear of the favor over these children.  Then it was finally time to visit the orphanage... We sat down with the orphanage director briefly and then she called the children into the room.  The moment the four of them walked in is a memory we will treasure forever.  After the orphanage director made introductions we made our way forward to share a small gift with each of them.  How precious to see their faces light up and their individual personalities begin to show forth. The next 45 minutes or so were spent playing, laughing and not understanding a word (ha ha).  Because things are not official, we will call them by the middle names we plan to give them.  James, Grace, Sophia and Joy (ages 4 - 9 yrs).

As our visit came to an end, each of the children were asked by the director if they would like to go home with us.  Each of them said 'yes' and gave us a big hug.  We spent another 20-30 minutes finishing some things before leaving.  On our way out, James came and took my hand.  He led us to his classroom where he wanted to show his new mommy and daddy.  All the students gathered around with curious smiles as the teacher began to shower praise upon James.  It was a precious moment.  There is so much more... We are still processing the path that has brought us to this point.  We have seen the providence of God and His Sovereign grace amidst this entire journey thus far... I could go on and on... but I'll leave you with one last reflection...

Today is Good Friday back in the States.  Six years ago Tony proposed to me on Easter Weekend.  We looked at each other this evening over dinner and sat in awe of God's love in bringing us together as husband and wife... and 6 years later meeting 4 Ukrainian orphans we hope soon to call sons and daughters...

"How deep the Father's Love for us, how vast beyond all measure..."

We appreciate your continued prayers as we navigate forward.  To God be the Glory!

17 comments:

Juli said...

Wow Kim, truely Amazing! God is so Good! Brings tears of joy to my eyes for you and Tony! God Bless you and your new family!

Juli Luther

tashab16 said...

Thanking Him and shedding a few tears.. What awesome news! Will continue to pray for the six of you!

Alan said...

4 dieti, that is truly awesome. Thank you for your MINISTRY of a family to them. Blessings to you!

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

I know that feeling you are talking about. Words can not fully describe the intensity of the moment. Slava Bogu!!! Wishing things move along swiftly for you and your 4 new ones.

Elsie Hall said...

Yours and Tony's love for these four children is such a poignant reminder of the love God holds for his adopted children--exactly the reason Jesus chose the Father's will and the Father was willing to sacrifice his son those many years ago. I can't wait to hear the names you've chosen and see your beautiful family in its entirety!

Mike & Noelle Shelton said...

oh kim, i'm so happy for you guys and so teary eyed at your beautiful account of the journey God has taken you on. those 4 kids are going to be so very blessed to have you and tony as parents. i'm going to be in virginia april 21st - the beg of june..maybe we'll get a chance to see you and your sons/daughters! xoxo

Unknown said...

Kimberly I am in awe of God's miraculous ways. you and Tony will be wonderful parents i know. My heart is full for you as well. Love in Him
Sonya

Christy said...

Oh Wow, sitting here, praising such an amazing God with you with tears flowing!
I will continue lifting you and these precious children up in prayer.
Love,
Christy Moorehead

momma B said...

I am so thankful that you and Tony were open to these beautiful children. I will be waiting for more new. mom

Karla said...

Your story touched my heart so deeply. Absolutely incredible. I can't say it enough: Glory to God! We will continue to be praying...

Mike and Gail said...

God is amazing, and now you get to share how amazing he is with 4 beautiful children. Praying for God grace as you share his love.

Blessings on you and your family.

Kimberly said...

Kimberly, my heart is full too on your and Tony's behalf. I'm praising God for what He's doing and so excited to hear more. Thank you for the example y'all are to me of how God wants us to love. Thank you for sharing!

Kimberly J.
TBC

Candice said...

PRaising Him for the blessing of these precious children He is giving you. Being a mommy is amazing! I can't wait for you to experience more and more. Ok, I must confess I was sitting on the recliner telling Scott I want to by cutie pie outfits for the girls and how much I love them and don't even know them. Just like my own little girl being woven together inside me. Our kids will be so much fun! So excited for you two!What a WOnderful Father we have! love you girl and miss ya

Janice Gundy said...

Pretty amazing news & love. We are all amazed that there are 4 to be MERIDA siblings... won't they be amazed when they meet their TBC family?! Can't wait... prayers are with you!

Becca said...

Wow!!! How completely wonderful!! 4 at one time is amazing! What a house full of love you all will have! You have a lot of people praying for you.

Congratulations!

abrooks said...

Tears are pouring down my face as I read your blog. We are so excited for you and Tony and these 4 precious children. The feeling of seeing, for the first time, the faces you waited to see for so long is one you will carry with you forever. We are praying that the rest of the trip goes smoothly. Isn't God Amazing! From 2 to 6 overnight. I cannot wait to hear the whole story.

Anonymous said...

I am a blubbering mess!!! I can't handle it! Our God is so big and so good! Exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine. Wow! He is so smart! How does he do it! hahaha! I am so excited for you guys and can't wait to hear a final word on what the Lord does in this situation! You guys are in our prayers!!!