It has been more work than expected, but they are here. 16 Ukrainians left on Dec 20 they had a 2 day adventure...some 3 days. It took hours of phone calls and paperwork to get them here. Yes, much more than expected. They had ice in Ukraine. Therefor they started with a delay. Then in NY weather trouble. One child went with the wrong group. The weather helped us there and he was able to get with the right group. We talked with the airlines for hours. They sat for hours there on the plane. Finally after deicing they arrived in Ohio after 2a.m. They went to a friends house and got some rest. They caught a plane the next morning, nearly did not make their connection by 3 minutes time difference in arrival. Pleading and explaining in Atl and B'ham, they did make the flight. Finally in Birmingham. God is good. Some were on their way to TX today.
You do know this is another thing I told God I did not want to do. I did not want to help others get children here. What a blessing I would have missed. God's timing was so amazing in all the steps. We are truly to die to self and serve. What awesome blessings it brings!
We bought 2 twin mattresses for our 3. They are all smiles and hugs. We are thrilled and blessed to have them here. This was something our family discussed and agreed to give up things to get them here. We were all more excited about them coming than Christmas.
This is our second night with them. They are exhausted and sleeping. Cold weather kept us in for the most part, although the boys did ride bikes a little. Yes, it was 19 degrees. They were excited!
Many did not think they would make it here. We are so blessed and thrilled that God did get them here. We are happy just to sit with them. To see them makes me want to cry in joy. They are our children. Not formally but in our hearts.
We did not do Christmas lights last year. We live where nobody sees them. But this year we did it for them. We pulled out all the trees and decorated most for them to see.
Today we wrapped presents, made ornaments, decorated a gingerbread house (new tradition), watched Christmas cartoons and played. For a first day that was alot. They were ready to do stuff and so we did.
To bed early. Well not for me. This is why I don't blog. I choose to sleep.
Thank you to all my praying friends. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
