We are certainly saddened by this news. First and foremost, we are sad for the children who could have found forever families but now find themselves stuck in Russian orphanages with very grim prospects for their futures. Second, we are sad for the families who are deep into the adoption process and now may never bring their children home. Forty-six families have passed through Russian courts and were simply waiting the required 30 days before their children can leave the country with them. These families have traveled to Russia twice, both times visiting with who they believed would be their future child, yet they may never be able to bring them home. Probably another hundred plus families have referrals and pictures of a child who they expected to be their son or daughter but may never see again.
As for us, we do know that God has plans for our family. We know He is not surprised by this change, as He wasn't surprised by the change in our timeline when He created Matthew. This does not change the ultimate plan that He has for us. Andy and I still believe that God called us to adopt several years ago and that He will complete that work one way or another. We feel sure that God has a child chosen before the creation of the world to join our family. We prayerfully chose Russia two years ago for a variety of factors, but we also know that if God allows that door to close, we will prayerfully seek His guidance in another direction. Please be in prayer for us as we do that.
Most of all we are assured of this as we complete the Christmas season: Galatians 4:4-7 shares our great news, "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir."
God has offered us adoption into His family. Though we deserve judgment for sin, He sent His Son to redeem us. It isn't just the baby in the manger who is His child. "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God," (John 1:12-13). Those who know Christ as Lord and Savior have an place in His family that no Russian dictator or parliament can change. And for that, no matter what else may come, we praise Him.
