Wrestling

Today was marked by a back and forth struggle to decide between two wonderful little girls to become Inna, Garrett and Jake's sister each of whom equally worthy and in need of a family.  I cannot put into words how hard it is to decide who not to choose.  All the families here with us say the same thing:  how can we adopt more of these kids.  Each day when we go to the orphanage and we look into the eyes and the earnest faces of hope.  There are many moments spent swallowing hard on that big lump in your throat so the tears are not obvious.  Big guys aren't supposed cry after all.  This big guy is using up a lot of kleenex let me assure you.  You CANNOT come to Yglegorsck and not return changed and convicted of the need to do whatever you can to aid the plight of orphans.

I pulled out an "American Football," pumped it up and started showing a few of the boys how to throw a spiral.  Before long everyone was have a go at it.  One young man has taken a special liking to me.  He is a tall 15 year old boy with a big heart.  He just wants a dad like everyone else, but unfortunately very few 15 year olds of either sex EVER get adopted.  In fact according to the adoption stats from the SDA only 0.2% of 15 year olds get adopted.

Our Inna is one of the 0.2% group thanks to God using many people along the way for that.  She chose Grace for her middle name and it is fitting.  God called Inna by name out of the orphan world and graciously placed her in our home.  Grace fits her in so many ways.  She is a beautiful young woman who is funny and intelligent and even in the midst of orphan trappings carries herself with distinct grace.  And by God's Grace Inna Grace Lance will be an orphan no more.

Despite Inna's story,  spending time with Sasha and a wonderful beautiful new born again believer named Oksana who have little hope for adoption personify the plight of the "old ones" in Ukraine orphanages.  Please pray for them.  As Sasha and I played together I saw the little boy grin come out that I see when playing with my own boys Garrett and Jake.  He just wants a Dad.

I along with the other Dads in the adoption contingent get mobbed by lots of little boys and your heart aches for their need.  Boys need dads and dads need their heavenly father for guidance.  Pray for all of the orphans of Yglegorsck but tonight say an extra prayers for the forgotton boys also.

Tomorrow is decision day for us.  Pray for us.