The Twilight Zone

March 1, 2008

Well, March is here and so was the rain today. We have been experiencing spring like weather this past week. No longer was the heavy winter coat need, until today. We are back 10 degrees colder and it was wet. Yesterday, the leaping last day of Feb. ended up being a fairly good visit with the boys. G was able to submit our papers for court on Friday. We still may run into some issues with John’s mother’s death certificate, but we are hoping for the best. G tells me that maybe Wed. we will know who our judge is, and he will be able to visit and find out our court date. Please be in prayer for the soonest possible time!

Today, however, we were back to “strangeville” at the Orphanage. I was told yesterday that I could visit, and even take the boys to McDonalds, or at least an outing around the territory. G explained this to John, and he was going to let Kevin know about our outing. Lori was able to go with me, and we arrived promptly at 3pm, the supposed time the boys are done with school on Sat. We see several children we know leaving for the weekend. We ask many of them if they know where Kuzin and Semenchenka are, and no one knows. In fact, Lori picks up that it may be more of an I know but I am not going to say in their voices. 30 minutes of attempting to contact either kid by phone or messenger, and I was calling G, to see if he could get anywhere. He called the director on duty, and soon after his call Kevin comes down and greets us. He had been playing games on the computer. We asked if he knew where John was, and he said he didn’t. So, we say get your coat we are going to the magazine (store). We walked and talked. We discussed who his dog would be, to which he let me know Rolly was his dog. Pohlee was John’s dog. I was like, well we will see about that, wait until you meet them. And there has to be some sharing going on, because first they were Mama and Papa’s dogs. We pick up some Halva (which is ground up sunflower seeds) for Kevin’s class. He asked permission and I was happy to let him do this. He said that his class liked the 3 different kinds I brought the other day for he and John. As we were returning, Kevin informed me that he would have to do his chores upon returning so that he would be able to go tomorrow to Caravan. Hugs and he disappears down the forbidden hallway, and says that he will see if he can find John.

Again the wait begins for a glimpse of my other son that couldn’t be found to journey with his father, brother, and friend to the magazine. We see the acting director, and Lori asks if we can talk with Kuzin. She motions us to wait, and soon John comes in, greeting us with a hug. That was the only eye contact we got for the next 10 minutes, as John was acting very illusive today. You know what I mean parents; the whole evasion of questions routine, but obvious countenance that something is wrong. I asked directly, and nothing. I ask a different way, is it school? Is it someone in the orphanage, and I get a response of almost annoyance. There is a confession of borrowing a coat to go outside, and getting in trouble again. What does this mean, John? Then, an admission of maybe not getting to go again tomorrow on our trip to Caravan, and not knowing who to appeal to, to get permission to go. What is going on Son? John is not the kid who gets in trouble, and yet, 3 times in the last 2 weeks he has. The director herself met with us at the start of this, and says this boy is good, and never gets in trouble. So, something out of character is going on, and I am helpless in figuring out what it is. Lori said to me as we walked out the door, “Mark, I almost started crying; I can’t imagine what you and Jenn are feeling.” The fact is, this place we are at, almost parents, yet with no parental power, is a strange place. At least with Anna and Maxim, we know why they are upset, and what forces are causing it. With John and Kevin, we are flying blind as to what forces are governing their world. We can’t even begin to know what lies are being said, what behaviors are allowed and not allowed. It is tuff to parent under these circumstances.

Here is what I know. None of this surprises God. He is on the throne, and He loves me and Jenn, and he loves John and Kevin and Maxim and Anna. He called us to these kids, and we are not turning our backs on Him or them. He has given us an INCREDIBLE support group embodied in our family, church family and friends, and Ukrainian family. We are so grateful to Him for all this and so much more. Even though we grow weary, we know He will sustain us.

I am looking ahead and hopeful that tomorrow will be a better day. I was grateful for the encouragement of those who have gone before us, and are coming soon, in this adoption roller coaster. Williams, Graces, Underwoods, Knifers, Halls, and Simons, thank you so much for your wisdom. You have been so helpful and encouraging ot share your journeys with us. We love you. Tentative plans for the week are as follows. Sunday got to caravan with John and Kevin, while Jenn will be visiting Max and Anna’s Family and the house they were born in. Monday Mark visit 21, Jenn complete final paperwork stuff. Tuesday Mark moves into temporary apartment to get ready for Jenn and the kids, Jenn complete last minutes things and board train pm. Wednesday meet Jenn and kids at train station early am, bring them home. Wed. afternoon maybe introduce Max and Anna to John and Kevin. Also, Wed. we are supposed to find out about our judge, and maybe a court date? Friday evening we will move into the apartment at Orphanage 12. That will be our base of operation until leaving for America. So there you have the plan. We are told we do have internet at the apartment at Orphanage 12, but not sure about the temp. apartment. It will no longer be highspeed internet, so I hope you enjoyed the pics while we were able to post them. We will try and blog, probably Jenn doing much of it, since I have had the internet more frequently than she. Its only fair to let Mama have here time. She has had the more difficult job of the 2 of us the past two weeks.

Until He is know,
Blessings to all of you!
Papa Mark