Already this adoption has been quite the journey. Sorry I haven't shared much of it with you yet.
I told you that God has already worked some miracles in this process, some bigger than others--- so I will just work my way down chronologically.
1. Just after we committed to adopting Alexsey, another little boy in the same orphanage that we had contemplated adopting also but had not felt peace about, had a family commit to him! Talk about God answering prayers. Talk about God showing us firsthand that He is at work within us.
2. Got news that we could combine our post-placement visit for Dennis that happened last weekend with our homestudy visit-- so that part is already done!
3. Realized that the kids' physicals for our last adoption were still good because they were less than two years old. This was the case for nine of the kids--- which saved us $180 in copays, not to mention numerous trips to the doctor!
4. Ukraine has a new form that they think us adoptive parents can snap our fingers and make our mortgage company, bank, or some other official company fill out and sign! This is almost impossible--- what company wants to sign some unknown document that is going to end up in Ukraine? Well yesterday, I made a special trip to our title company and met with the manager. She agreed to fill out the form--- no problem!
5. Before John and I committed to Alexsey we each confided in a few friends to see what they thought. The responses back were all supportive with one of the friends offering to watch all of the kids when we travel. How amazing is that?
6. I set up a family sponsorship page through Reece's Rainbow yesterday to help offset the costs of another adoption so soon, and I checked on it late this afternoon to find that it already has nearly $700 donated to help bring Alexsey home! I was so surprised in the most wonderful way that so many people would tangibly show their utmost support of our decision! Thank you so much!
7. Every single comment and email totaling nearly 200 have been nothing but encouraging, supportive, and uplifting. Many that I will hold dear to my heart always........here are just a few.
Mary said...
What wonderful news! I'm so happy that Alexsey will have a loving home and family at last and that he will avoid institutionalization. This is definitely an answer to many, many prayers.
Mellimaus said...
OH MY GOODNESS THAT IS SO COOL!I'm grinning.Can't wait to check out the new blog! We're praying for you...you are such a wonderful family, Alexsey will have an awesome home.
Megan said...
From the time you mentioned Alexsey, I knew that he was your son. I always knew you'd go back for him and I couldn't be happier for him, and your family. He looks like a wonderful child who will bring another wonderful light to your bright family. Congratulations and I can't wait to see when he comes home.
The Monroe 6 said...
My heart lept when I read your post!!!! Just awesome!I can not wait until you have him in your arms forever!!God works in mysterious ways. He placed Alexsey in your heart for a reason. So wonderful!Congratulations!!!!
mmc said...
I had a hunch it might happen. Man I have prayed so much for this little guy and promised to donate. I've just been waiting for his name to get posted with the paypal link. Going to donate now. Oh man. I am so excited for your family! And aleksy. Ahhhh. You keep making me cry. I've cried tears of happiness at least four times this week. God is good. I couldn't get aleksy out of my head. I wish I was old enough to adopt. Oh christine. You have made my week.
Charissa said...
Last time I cried for him because I was sad for him. Now tears of joy are running down my face. Thank you for giving that boy the gift of a family.
Joni said...
Congratulations! This is so exciting! Hmmm ... makes me start to think - we have 7 bio children, and I've worked with kids with special needs before having any of my own - and have a special drawing to all kids. I've always assumed we would not be 'considered' for adoption, but .... hmmmm ... maybe we would be able to also take in one of these special children some day! I'll be so excited to follow along your newest 'adventure' here in blog-ville!
Jarka said...
aaaaa!!! this is awesome!!! now it´s morning and I´m going to school and I didn´t want to even wake up because it was so cosy in my bed...then I switched on my laptop and I saw your post!!! congratulation!!!! I keep you all in my prayers...oh, this news made my day better! :D
The Flying Eagle said...
John and Christine, I am so happy that I can not stop crying. I am so thrilled for Alesky but also for you and your family. I have prayed so hard for him ever since you shared his story with me. And so many nights I have ached that we were not able to take him when they presented him to us at the SDA. You have my firm commitment to support you in any possible way you need. I am so grateful to you and your ability to extend beyond what the average person believes capable. Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you. Monica
Shari said...
That is wonderful news! I will be praying that the Lord works this quickly and Alexsey can get home soon. I just know he will thrive with your family! I have had a heart change toward international adoption in the last month or so. The Lord has used your blog and another blog to really open my heart to these children who need homes. I will continue to pray for you and the others trying to get their babies home!
Anonymous said...
Mrs Reed,My name is Amanda, I'm 17yrs old. I've been read your blog for several months now, and I just wanted you to know the hope you give me. I cried tears of joy for little Alexsey when I read this. How I wish I could hold his hands and tell him you're coming!I can't wait to turn 18 and donate some of my own time and money to children overseas. I'm so fortunate in what I have, I want to use this position to help others who aren't so well off.I just want you to know, I'll be thinking of you every step of the way.All my love to you and your family,Amanda
Rakel Astros said...
That is amazing! I always had the feeling that you guys would eventually take him in ever since you first talked about him on your blog. Again, this is amazing! My heart is like, pumping like crazy, I'm so excited for you guys and for Alexsey. I will pray for you and for Alexsey as he waits for his parents!God Bless you all!
Debbie said...
Слава Богу (slava Bogu--praise God)! I am doing the happy dance and can't wait until Aleksey is in your arms. He will positively THRIVE with your family. God has answered my prayers in such an amazing way--Aleksey will be the son of my friends, the Reeds!
Please pray with me.
Dear Lord,
Please hear my prayers for little Alexsey tonight. Keep him safe and warm. I pray that your plans include him not walking but running into my open arms someday. I think Alexsey would love that.