The Keller Family

Today we received an email from the Keller family regarding an issue that may prevent them from adopting the 3 kids they had worked so hard for. They are already in Ukraine, planning on completing this adoption! Sadly, the orphanage, city workers, social workers -- all of them -- were determined to prevent their adoption, all at the expense of these 3 children. WHY??!!! As I read her email, even I could not help but getting a little teary eyed. Then I read it to Carrie and she cried enough tears for both of us. All we could think of was why any decent human being would force these kids to stay. The only advocate these kids have are the directors, and apparently only if they feel as if their jobs are not at risk. (One of my Ukraine friends explained that right now, things are very tough financially in Ukraine - much worse than the USA. This could be a factor as to why the thought of being out of a job is terrifying for the director and all related staff.) Finally, fear has set in when we realize that the director of the orphanage we are going to has similar character attributes. I spoke to Lee-Ann, who adopted her son from the same orphanage, and her getting him here was nothing short of a miracle. What lies ahead for us and the other families?

But I digress. Today, my thoughts are with the Keller family. Carlin and her family have put so much time, money and effort into this adoption. In fact, she was the first to have her paperwork in from the 2008 group, and first to head off to Ukraine. We pray that this all works out in some way, that they do not come home empty-armed. We love you, Keller family.