We traveled from Kiev 1.5hrs by plane to Simferopol by plane. This is in the very southern Ukraine. We then took a 2hr car ride to the orphanage area. We are staying in the very northwest part of the Crimea in a town called Portova near Chernoshova. It s in the middle of nowhere, literally.
We got here by trial. When we arrived at the airport our plane tickets were somehow for the wrong day! There was only 45 minutes to take off. The Lord working in the last moments got us on the flight without much of a fee! Thank you Jesus!!
The town is a small Ukrainian village. We are staying right on the Black Sea. A man has a "resort" here. Its like a cabin camp. The rooms are clean and all the food is home made.
Today we 1st went to the social workers office then to the orphanage. When Luda 1st walked in the room we instantly knew she was our daughter in an indescribable and incredible way from the Lord. It was almost surreal. It was if she was always our daughter and now we were finally reunited. She had a glowing smile. After meeting us she decided to come with us!! She is the one. I wasn't crazy hearing her name when I prayed in her room each am afterall.
We played with her and had a good time., We have run into problems with the notary and have to drive 4hr in the am to fix it. Please pray for all of the paperwork that now ensues. We also need favor with the local judge.
We are truly blessed by today beyond description. To meet a child that was ordained by the Lord before we knew her is an amazing experience. I am speechless and cannot describe it!
Greg & Ruth
Praise God, praise God! :))) I have been praying His great Grace and Favor over all of the official's hearts- that they would even experience great joy to complete what is necessary to put you together with Luda. God is with you!! You're trip tomorrow is for His purposes. :) Hang on- it's going to be even better! All our prayers are with you!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, "Luda" means "Love of the people"!
ReplyDeleteGod is so Good!
I had goose bumps as I read about your day! We will continue to pray that the Lord will smooth out the path ahead. God is SO good!
ReplyDeleteI told you you would know when your daughter would walk into the room. Same thing happened to me. I too cannot describe it. Except to say it is a prompting from the Holy Spirit! Don't sweat the "little" inconveniences. It comes with the territory, but this too is in the Lord's hands and timing. I am rejoicing with you all and I am going to tell Ana all about it. She will be thrilled! Love to you and praise to our wonderful God for His great mercy and love!
ReplyDeleteGoosebumps and a lump in my throat!
ReplyDeleteThere are no words to describe the excitement I feel for your family. GOD is so amazing!!! Looking so forward to meeting Luda. I will pray for everything to work out favorably and quickly in her room tomorrow with Katherine! Yay!!!
ReplyDeleteI just noticed that the Jewish celebration of Shuvuot began at sundown today! This is the day when Moses brought the Torah down from Mt. Sinai and is considered the day the Lord 'married' the Jewish people-making a covenant with them. The Book of Ruth is traditionally read- a story about a kinsman redeemer! It's also called Pentecost- the day of the new covenant and giving of the Holy Spirit- God wrote His law in our hearts! Here's great info-Enjoy! http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Spring_Holidays/Shavuot/shavuot.html
ReplyDeleteYes, she is your daughter! It is an unbelievable experience that only a few can truly know. You are blessed, I am blessed. God clearly has directed each of us to take care of he widow and orphan, it is true religion, James 1:27. Know that you are all being prayed for back in the USA!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you obeyed God's calling! Love, Jody
PS Dr. Van Cleef and his wife are in China adopting their second daughter from China this week! Praise God!
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled to pieces about "the meeting". So, so happy for you all. "Be anxious for nothing but in all things through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God, and the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys!
Karen
I am so excited to hear of your wonderful 1st meeting with Luda! You have known in your heart that she was the one! Prov. 3:5-6! Praise God ! He is so good! Tell Cameron that all his friends in 5th grade miss him! The girls are so excited! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Praise the Lord for His leading. I will update the Grace family tomorrow night. We are praying for all of you. We are so thrilled at God's leading in your lives. What a wonderful blessing. We are excited for you!!
ReplyDeleteAlan
I am so happy to hear she wants to come home with you. God is so good. We will keep saying prayers for you. Your fuzzy baby back here is still doing great. He has settled in nicely.
ReplyDeleteLove ya and miss ya.
Linda
Can't wait to see photos of our Luda! Praying for you daily. We sure do miss you! How old is Luda and what size is she?
ReplyDelete