Answers to Prayer

God is so faithful!  I ended up not even changing my return flight that left today.  United wanted to charge me a change fee that was through the roof (because my ticket was only good for one month...who knew?) and then John's ticket was going to be over $2,000 because they wouldn't book him on a round-trip ticket (that was a lot less) since he was only 4 yrs.old and didn't have an adult travelling with him on the return portion.  I was going to have to pay close to $3,000 for a reservation that I was probably going to have to pay to change again!!!  OK, so I called this travel agency called Golden Rule Travel, that specializes in international adoption, humanitarian, and missionary travel.  A woman who adopted with our agency told me about them months ago.  Golden Rule quoted me less than $500/ticket for Sat., Mar. 5 (I'm remaining optimistic) with only a $150 change fee.  How awesome is that?  Plus, the agent told me that he'd hold our reservations until Mon., in case I learn anything about how long it will take to get John's passport.

I was then able to get the type of room I wanted at the Odessa Executive Suites for Tues.  One of the families we know that's adopting there recommended them.  There are only 2 one bedrooms in the building so I was happy to receive the e-mail back from them saying that they had reserved one of them for me.  I thought it would be nice to have a separate room for sleeping instead of getting a studio, which was only $5 less. 

Yesterday I came across Karen Spring's blog, who has been working with Orphans Promise, a ministry of Christian Broadcasting Network, in Kiev since 2004.  Orphan's Promise (orphanspromise.org) was started by Terry Meeuwsen, the co-host of CBN, when she adopted three sisters from Ukraine.  Karen just started a Hospitality Ministry, which serves to help adoptive families who are in need of housing while in Kiev.  We've e-mailed back and forth so I hope I can stay with her when I go back to Kiev. 

Lastly, an American couple is staying in this small hotel.  Yay...people to talk to in English!  Their story is unreal.  They hosted a cute little boy two summers ago (who is now 8).  They have 5 biological children and this little boy is the first one that they are trying to adopt.  Their very first court ruling was appealed on the last day of the waiting period.  I think they said that this is their 4th trip to this small town due to all the court dates that they have had to attend.  This is their last round of court sessions.  Please pray that the judge in Odessa (it's had to go to the next level) would rule in their favor.  I don't know if they would want me to share their names.  Boy, meeting them sure puts things in perspective.  What a tough road they have been on!

John with his groupa (there are 3 girls & 1 is missing)

John with his best buddies