Well, Andrey/Chris is now one step closer to being our son. We had court today and it went as well as it could have gone...and even shorter than we were told. The feeling that Paula and I had afterwards was, "We were held up all this time for THIS!?!"
The judge asked us questions that she could have just looked in our paperwork (which she had) to get answered. She asked us about income, how we will educate him, our home, and if we could support him. I wanted to say "Well, if he stays here, he will remain alone, have a future of unemployment, limited educational opportunities, and poverty. On our worst day, we could do better." But common sense prevailed and we just played along. The judge and jury disappeared and came back after 5 minutes and said we had unanimous approval.
After we adjourned, the vice-director whisked Chris away. No time for a picture. I can only imagine how Chris felt after being called into court and asked if he wanted to be adopted by us. He said yes and now he will have to wait back at the orphanage for 2 more weeks. I know that 2 months ago he had no family here to get him and now he does. It is just tough to watch him have to endure the ridiculous nature of the process.
All that said, we are grateful for answered prayer. Life in this world has no guarantees. Though many of our friends have gone through this process and blogged about it, our experience could have gone the other way for any number of reasons. Thanks for all the support.
Tomorrow I will go to the embassy to sign some more paperwork. We will visit the orphanage for a New Year celebration. The countdown has begun! 10 days from now, Chris will legally be an Underwood (bless his heart).
Blessings,
Ande and the Rest
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Hear Ye, Hear Ye!
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11 comments:
Congratulations Underwood Family on adding Chris to your family! God's plans are so good!
We are thankful to ya'll and for ya'll!
Love
The Smiths ~ Here and There
Yay! Yay! Yay! Glad it went well - hope the next 10 days fly by for all of you!
Joy
Woo-hoo!! So thankful you are another step closer! It won't be long now!
Suzette
sweeeeet! Loving every minute of this and taking notes! Can't wait to be on the other side of this blog adopting our next kids...2008 will be fun for us all!!!! Love, Valerie Hall
Underwoods,
We are THRILLED for your family! We can't for y'all to be home together! Merry Christmas!
Love The Bevill's
Congratuations. We are so happy for you guys. We can't wait to see you guys in Alabama. We are so tired of having tub baths and sleeping on hard mattresses. Now, we know why Chris N. has back problems. I may need his doctor's phone number. Love, the Chapmans
Awesome! I echo your comments about the court proceeding, but what can you do but "play the game" as you say. Our friends the Currys will be there on the 28th to visit the orphanage, and would love to hook up with you guys and your new son. You will probably see them at 21. God bless you guys-hurry home!
Trace
Wow, how exciting~! I feel so badly for that sweet boy, but I keep thinking how great he's going to feel when he snuggles down into that bed in Alabama. He won't ever have to leave you then!!! amy b
Hallelujah! We are so thankful that court went well and that you have a new son! We can't wait to meet Chris and see all of you again soon. What an adventure this has been - you have handled everything so graciously because God is your fortress - your reliance on Him is very clear. Love,
Ethel
Paula and family,
We have so enjoyed reading your blog and following all that has taken place. Hopefully, you all will be able to get home soon- we'll look forward to getting to know Chris!
We're were so sorry to hear about Ande's dad. You all have shown amazing strength!
We miss you at MAFA and hope to see you soon! :)
Debbie Johns
The wait is going to be so worth it. I am praying for the next week to hurry past!
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