An Amazing Journey Begins...

There is a beautiful and precocious young man, almost 13 years of age, who lives thousands of miles away in Eastern Europe. We've never met him, except on paper, but we already love him. I've been trying to think of a way to say that without it sounding insane. Maybe a metaphor or an analogy, a poem or song, perhaps something allegorical? I thought that if I just put some solid effort into it, I could accurately express and explain how and why we feel so strongly for this little guy. Truth be told, I've given up. For now, it's inexplicable, and if that means that we sound a little crazy (more than usual), then I'm okay with that. 

We've finally received word from the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice (MOJ) that they have officially matched us with "Luke". This is a huge step and a cause for celebration. The entire adoption process comes to a screeching halt, waiting for this news. Their decision took almost 5 weeks, which is about 4 1/2 weeks longer than it was supposed to take. I wish I could say I've been waiting patiently, but I can't. Despite that, we've managed to remain faithful, with the belief that whatever happens, it will be what's best for "Luke".

So now it really begins. We have just 6 short months to construct a dossier of our entire family. It will essentially document every aspect of our natural born lives. It will be tedious, frustrating, annoying, and so completely worth every tear and drop of sweat if it means that this little guy has a permanent family to call his own. Yes, even if he isn't part of our family, which is still a possibility. We can't know what lies ahead, for us or for him. But for now, we're taking it all in stride, with the hope that if we are fortunate enough to meet him, that he will decide, as we have, that we are his forever family.

Here is what I know. If reality in any way reflected our emotion, this boy would already be a member of our family. He would be living in our home, in his new room, playing and laughing with his siblings and throwing the ball for his new dog. That's obviously not possible, but it's just a fraction of all the hope we have for him. If only. 

Please pray for "Luke's" protection and comfort, that his life will be infinitely improved and enriched, no matter what happens with our adoption. Please pray for us, and him, that this highly bureaucratic and laborious process will go as smoothly as it can. Finally, please pray for provision. It is an expensive process and we have yet to strike gold, oil, or grow a proper money tree :). We remain confident and faithful that all will be provided for, and that this is merely one chapter at the beginning of an amazing story that we are truly blessed to be a part of.