Apparently our papers are still sitting on the head judge's desk. Each person here has so many days they're allowed to take to get their part done...I don't know how many days he has but obviously he doesn't seem to have any urgency about this matter. Our facilitator told us not to get discouraged as this is typical in this region. We are pioneers here and that means we have no idea what each day will bring...or won't bring as in today's situation. Our facilitator was told to call back at 10:00 tomorrow morning to see if the head judge had assigned our case to a judge yet. After our case is assigned to a judge I have no idea how long it will take to get a court date. The ten day wait has almost zero chance of being waived here...if it were waived that would be like pigs flying...which to my knowledge has not yet happened (although I have no idea what is going on in America so it IS possible I suppose). Maybe our case wasn't assigned today because it would have been assigned to the bad judge if it were...just trying to see the bright side here.
Our visits with Zoya are definitely getting tougher to keep her entertained. She wants to be active and scoot around the floor but that is not allowed. Tonight when they brought her out to us they put a barrette in her hair which I though was so sweet because they have seen us bring our own bows and put them in her hair each time. Zoya definitely seems to be healthier than some of the other kids we see there....and by healthier I mean larger! She is not skinny like a lot of the other kids there and for that we are thankful.
Here is a video of Zoya sitting herself up. Yes I know her spaghetti legs shouldn't be in that position, but we'll work on it when we aren't sitting on a concrete floor with a slippery blanket! She's so sweet.
Here is a short little video of her sweet smile in action.
Just for fun:
Tonight's dinner: Chicken noodle soup and french fries without ketchup (there was an entire isle of ketchup-looking products and we had no idea what was what). Shawn and I have been torturing each other about food lately. He will say, "what do you want for dinner?" and I will say, "hmmm Plymouth Pizza" and he will tell me he wants buffalo wings. So tonight I'm pretending my soup is pizza and he is pretending his french fries are wings.
Please keep praying for us!!
Bless your hearts!!! The struggle in a different country has not even started for us yet, so I cant say I understand. But I do know looking at the video with Zoya and ehr sweet smile, that would be enough to encourage anyone. What a blessing to see!!
ReplyDeleteStill praying for all of you...and hoping that you are right about not getting the tough judge assigned today...Liz
ReplyDeletePraying that you get results soon, and in your favor! Praying also that the 10 day wait is waived...it might be unlikely, but all things are possible with God!
ReplyDeleteI have been praying the 10 period is waived and I know they say it is rare but OUR GOD IS BIGGER! I hope you hear about the judge soon, praying it is a favorable one and that you get to come home with your princess soon. If you get a minute I hate to even ask, but could you pray for my family. Its really urgent. Thank you. Be blessed
ReplyDeleteI am praying for a speedy process and for all three of the judges to open their hearts and let this child come home with her adoring mama and papa. PRAYING EVERY DAY ALL DAY!
ReplyDeleteYou make me laugh and cry everyday with your wonderful, truthful account of each and every moment. Zoya is so blessed to have both of you. Your patience are a blessing to all. God is with you every moment or you would not be able to see the humor in pretending what you are eating. May the judge be kind, caring and in a hurry to get you back to us. Take care, Love, Debbie N
ReplyDeletePraying for you all. God does have a plan here for you. It's hard to wait but you're right--it is so worth it. One of my favorite verses in Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." I know your longings will all be fulfilled in His time.
ReplyDeleteZoya is such a cutie! Still praying that everything goes smoothly and you get the judge you want...I so enjoy reading about your journey and seeing the pics of little Zoya! What a blessing it is for her to have you in her life!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the W sit, kids who don't have great trunk stability do it! She looks fantastic, love has done her well!
ReplyDeletepraying for good news today!!! hugs :)
ReplyDeleteYes, hoping for good news today!
ReplyDeleteWho ever Debbie N. is she could'nt have said it better. Thats how I feel every day when Kaleigh and I get on.Rita sent me the pictures she is going to send you two of Shawn when he was little.This little girl is yours God sent you there for a reason and you will bring her home. IT WAS MEANT TO BE !!!!! Love Aunt Marianne
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah she is soooo precious. I am sorry you are in a dark place but you will not know for now, and maybe forever what your presence has done there. God works above our heads so take heart, this will not last forever for you all but it will for so many others. In what area are you in? The mentioning of the soccer field makes me think it is where Artyom is (jenny brown). I have to go to work now but will take up the rest of the blog when I get home.
ReplyDeleteShawn and Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your journey all along. The videos and pictures of Zoya are so moving. You look like you were all destined to be together. Everytime I visit the blog site I get tearful as I watch her smile. May God bless you, keep you safe and bring your family home soon. I can't wait to meet you Zoya and welcome you to our family. Shelly