"DA"

Thursday, October 18

(posted by Mama Dana)

"You have hereby been granted permission to formally adopt the child, Kyla Angelica Gamblin, born on September 26, 2009 in the Khankaiski district, Primorsky region, Russia. This adoption has been granted to Neil Fitzgerald Gamblin and to Dana Anne Gamblin."

She said it. The gavel came down, the black robe confirmed the authority and the words rang clear. The judge said "Da" (YES).

Time almost stands still for a minute. Then the tears begin to roll. The translator, who looked so perplexed when she saw a similar reaction from us during our visit to the Ministry of Education in June, now joined us in our joy. She cried with us this time.

Then it was over. The stern judge who just gave us a gift far bigger than she can ever imagine was gone. I wanted to run and hug her...ask her if we can exchange annual Christmas cards...invite her to Kyla's future wedding... but she was gone.

The hearing took a total of 40 minutes! Our friend's hearing last week lasted almost 4 hours. Two other families today each had hearings of about 2 hours long (all 3 families were ultimately granted permission as well, thank the Lord). Our judge is not a particularly easy judge, she takes adoption very seriously. FORTY minutes. I almost felt gypped that it was so short. "But wait, I didn't have to fight for her. I didn't have to beg and plead. I didn't have to prove over and over again that we loved her."

 

No, you didn't because I already did that for you. I stood there as your silent translator. I stood there as her advocate.

For this child you have prayed and I answered your prayer.

1 Sam 1:27

 

In a world of 147 million orphans there is now one less lonely child.


And there is one more very blessed family...

 

Thank you for your prayers!

 

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