Just a short update to let you all know that Veronika is doing well. She is still waiting for "daddy" and "momma" to come to Ukraine. They are waiting on a very SLOW social worker to finish the home study. INS is waiting for this last piece of the puzzle as well. So.... we are all waiting.
In the meantime, Veronika is being hosted by Nadia! and me, of course. She has been with us a little over a week. This has been just long enough to be hit square in the face with her "teenage-ness". We have had a few melt downs, but through some tough love she seems to be settling to an even pace. For the last 4 days, we have heard a lot of "please", "thank-you", and "can I help you" coming from her. Hopefully, it will last.
We spend our days learning English, watching DVD's together, cooking, and generally living like a family would. She is helpful around the house when she knows what to do, and never complains about being asked to help. With boundaries, she thrives!!!
We have learned the hard way that over stimulation--like shopping all day-- leads to melt downs often ending in tears. We have learned that she is easily disappointed in people when she is hurt by them. (Thankfully this wasn't us....but we had to bear with the results.) We have learned she has a quick humor and loves to laugh at silly cartoons and films. We have learned that she is a quick study and can pick up English rather quickly. We have learned that she loves to be loved. And.... we still have 16 days to go....but who's counting.
Pray with us as the next two weeks pass. Pray that we would be examples of unconditional love like the unconditional love of our Father. Pray for our stamina and strength....it is hard having a teenager with no other teenagers around. Pray for her "forever family" and their paperwork. They are frustrated and the longer it takes the more unsure Veronika becomes. Pray for quick INS approval and a quick appointment with the National Adoption Center in Ukraine.
More later....
Until then.... I am....
In His Hope!
