News Updates  
Posted on: 04/13/10
"And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, weep not." Luke 7:13
Dear Friends and Family,
Happy belated Easter! He is Risen! Hopefully I have found all my email addresses to send you my updates! My computer crashed several times and finally broke down. I had to get a new one but couldn't find my addresses until now.
So much has been happening. But there is one thing that I'd like to share you right now. On Easter, we had two kids from Betania come stay with us. Also the older woman we call "Buna" came to stay us. A relative of hers is living with her now, another elderly lady. She had told me about her before. And when I met her, I avoided her. There was something very creepy about her. But I didn't care. Those in ministry know about "burn-out" and that's exactly what I've been going through. I've been so attacked and so exhausted that I didn't want to care anymore. I decided I would be faithful to God and His calling for me...taking care of my kids and those in my house...and that's it. When Buna told me about this woman, I didn't care. She told us how, day and night, this woman would scream and cry that demons won't leave her alone, they won't let her pray or read the bible. The town she lives in know her as the crazy demon-possessed lady. But on Easter, Buna was telling me about her and all of a sudden I felt a great compassion for her. I didn't want to, but it overwhelmed me, and I knew it was God filling me with His compassion. So I said, lets go and visit her and I went with one of my girls.
When we got there, I wanted to leave, there was such a horrible feeling there. I thought, either this woman is mentally ill or she really is tormented by something evil. I prayed and fasted before I went, in case it was something evil! When I sat down to talk to her, I was overwhelmed again with compassion. I was talking to her about the Lord when she looked me directly in the eyes and said, "This body is mine, this soul is mine, and no one can take it from me." To be honest I was a little scared! I started to pray and asked her if she would like me to pray for her and she said yes. I prayed for God to give her a sound mind and prayed for the demons to leave her alone. I told her how much Jesus loves her. I felt a peace when I prayed for her and said I would come back to visit her. But my heart was still breaking for her, and something still felt wrong.
I took the kids to a conference that was so incredible and just what I needed, it was so refreshing! So I talked to a friend who was a pastor and speaker at the conference to ask his advice about this woman. I was so happy when he told me he would come to Petrosani and go visit her with me. I felt like this was my burden and didn't expect anyone else to care, but he did! So the day after the conference he came with another pastor from Brasov. When we went to her house there was a strange peace that wasn't there before. The pastors talked to her and asked her if she'd would like to accept Jesus as her Savior. She said YES! I wish I had a picture to show of the joy that come over her face. After they prayed, she begged us to come visit her sons and talk to them. We did and immediately we all felt the oppression over them. They talked to the boys and everytime Shane, the pastor, mentioned Jesus name one of them snarled and grinded his teeth. When they said we are going to pray for you, one stayed, but the other one said no! And quickly ran away. His mother begged him to come back but he wouldn't.
The compassion God showed me for this woman, the compassion my kids and I were shown at the conference, and the compassion those pastors had...enough to take a long trip while they were exhausted to come and pray for this woman, reminded me of the Lord's compassion and why He came and died for us. And because He rose again, we all have hope! My burn-out is gone and I have a renewed passion.
As if this wasn't enough for me to praise God for, Cosmin talked to one of the pastors...and accepted Christ! Two people in one day was amazing, but even then God wasn't done. Later that night Alina came to me and said, I want to accept Christ too. And I prayed with her. The peace that came over both Alina and Cosmin's faces is still there. In fact, Alina came home from school and said that one of her teachers said to her, "You repented didn't you?" She asked him how he knew and he said, "I can see it on your face."
Praises:
praise God for His compassion and mercy.
for the woman, Ilina, for Cosmin and Alina coming to Christ.
For the conference and all the people who made a very big impact on my family.
For Sophia's adoption that is FINAL. Hallelujah and thank you all for praying for so long with me!
Prayer requests:
For these new believers to grow strong in their faith
for Ilina's two sons, Sorin and Traian, to come to Jesus!
For wisdom for me.
For the Isabella's and Roxana's adoption that I will be starting this month.
In His Love,
Kelly
Posted on: 06/25/09
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Romans 8:22-25
Dear Friends and Family,
I learned a long time ago from experienced Christians, to never pray for more patience. Though I want to be patient, I don't really want to go through a trial to teach it to me. But now I know, you don't have to pray for it, God wants to give it to you anyway. As you all know my patience has been tried many times because of the adoptions for all my kids. And while I wait, there are other things to also teach it to me.
The school year is over, and everyone has graduated with straight A's! Except for Cosmin. He's 14 and the things all his friends are into, like Nostradamus, the end of the world, the mayan calander and 2012, and armageddon, are occupying their minds instead of school and life here and now. One time I had to send him to his room (14 year olds and bad attitudes...if that doesn't teach patience...what does?). He told me, "The world is ending and you're grounding me???" It was very frustrating, but I prayed (a lot!) and found an opportunity during one of our times together to talk about God. We've talked about salvation before, he listens, but hesitates. I've asked him, "Do you love God?" and his answer is always yes. But this time I told him, "You know what I think? I think you're afraid that if you give your life to Him now, you wont be able to have fun." Legalism is very big in religion here. I told him "But you know what Jesus said? I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly. He never promised an easy life, but He promised a good life" And I told him all about how when I gave my life to Jesus, that He gave me everything I have ever wanted, and more. And he asked sarcastically, "What do you have?" And I told him, "You! He told me I would be working with orphans a long time ago, and I can't believe I have all of you now. I never knew I could love anyone so much. And look, I have a big house with room for all of you, a car, we have all we need." When I started to get teary eyed, he said, "Don't cry now, we have to get out of the car!" But I saw his eyes tear up too. When we arrived home he asked, "How do you get saved?" So I told him, and he said, "Ok, I accept Jesus." I said, "What?" To which he smiled, and said, "Well, let me think about it some more." So close and yet so far! But praise God he's thinking about Him. And to my suprise, he raised his grades and graduated with a "B" average!!!
I don't want to pressure my kids to love God, or to accept Christ. I don't want them to pretend to be religious Christians, when they aren't. I want them to chose to love God because they want to, I want them to accept Him because they want to. And I want to be patiently waiting for them, for their earthly and spiritual adoptions.
Praises:
- Sophia's mother never showed up, BUT during a suprise visit from the from the Deva office of Children's protection, I found out that the main office in Bucharest got involved in Sophia's adoption case. They asked if I made a complaint against them, and I said NO. But after they left I realized I did write the Secretary of State for the Office of Romanian Adoptions, but only to tell him how glad I was he is in office and that I was praying for God to give him strength and wisdom, and then told him about Sophia's case and that I met other Romanian families in similiar situations. I never heard back from him. But now Sophia's case is back in the courts!!! God completely suprised me!
- All the kids graduated and are doing so well, they amaze me. They have been through so much, and yet are so normal that I can't believe it. Roxana won first place in her english class. David won first place overall in his class, and Tabita won first place too! Sophia graduated what we would call prekindergarten and starts kindergarten next year! Cosmin didn't get any awards, but I'm still so proud of him. I get money from the state every month for foster care. I used it to get him a scooter so he could hang out with his "good" friends.
- I made a last minute decision to go to the states again with some good friends who had visited us for 2 weeks. Their son is a dentist and has been working on my teeth for free! God bless him because I thought I only had two bad teeth that caused extreme pain for over a year now. But over several visits, he fixed many many more. He and his wife let me stay with them in Sacramento and closed down their office several times just for me. I finally have no more pain and can't believe I lived so long that way. Praise God for brothers and sisters in Christ who are so merciful to people like me!
- Marie's House now has windows and doors! Just a little more patience and I know it will be done soon!
- After years of frustration, Ramona finally has her ID card!!!
Prayer Requests:
- Sophia's first court date is July 8th! Please pray!
- During the surprise visit from Children's protection, I was asked to take in another 14 year old girl, Alina, whom I have known since she was 8. She visits us often and I know would fit right in. I told them yes, but her parents refused to sign her over. I just figured maybe God is waiting for Marie's House to finish before she comes to stay with us. But about a month later I got another call saying her father is dying, and wants to sign her over now! She was labeled as mentally handicapped and though I know she's developmentally delayed, she's not severely handicapped.
- Pray for Alina and Ramona, both need special care and I need wisdom in finding where to get them help so they can live a productive life, not always dependant on me. Ramona accepted Jesus, so I know she will have an abundant life regardless, but Alina has not....yet.
- Pray for Marie's House to finish so there will be room for everyone! Tika, our friend and construction worker, will be coming to work on it when his other job is done the end of July.
- Pray for Sophia to be able to come with me next time I visit to the states...not for a dentist appointment this time...but to visit my church and as many of you as I can!
In His Love,
Kelly
Sophia
Cosmin, David, Me, Roxana, Sophia, Carmela, Isabella, Lenuta, Tabita, and Ramona
Posted on: 05/02/09
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
-- Psalm 121:1-2
Dear Friends and Family,
If I could do it without boring you, I could write you a novel about all the things going on. But for now I will try to keep this as short as possible. Please keep us in your prayers during the month of May. Sophia's mother's passport expires the end of May and she has to come back and renew it. The grandmother said she will bring her to me as soon as she arrives so we can get her notarized signature to finally let me adopt Sophia. Please pray that she makes it safe, and that we get it done! Also, I now have Isabella and Roxana ready to be adopted (by me of course) but the Children's Protection wants me to wait on Sophia's first for many reasons that I won't go into now.
The man in charge of the Office of Romanian Adoptions is a blessing. He already changed the international adoption law to include uncles and aunts, exactly what he said he'd do. He also wants to change the laws to give abandoned children a chance to be adopted (because there is none now) and wants to set up offices who will regulate the adoption procedure to make them faster and more efficient...which means it won't take 4 years to adopt! Also, I FINALLY got ID cards for Ramona and Cosmin! It was so unbelievably difficult, that if I told you exactly how it all happened, that would also bore you or give you a headache as it did me! To keep it short, I was told I don't have domicile and can't get the ID cards with my house contract, then I was told that I couldn't put Cosmin on my address because he has to have it on his mother's address...where he doesn't live. The problem with that is, it's illegal for anyone to stay in my house over 14 without them having my address. Plus Cosmin is legally in my care but they wouldn't recognize that. So I downloaded the laws regarding domicile and rights for children in placement, asked to speak to the Director at the police station, and was totally blessed by how nice I was treated and listened to. So now they recognized me as having domicile and put Cosmin's address as my address! I haven't written down all the details and stress I went through, but this is just a taste of what it takes for me to get something simple done here.
Also I spoke to several people from the local children's protection about what Lenuta and I would like to do. They thought it was a great idea and are excited to see what will be accomplished, which is very encouraging to us.
They also changed the law for citizenship to make it easier and faster! Which means it is possible to have it done by December!
Praises:
-
God is definitely moving here and putting people in power who are making changes for the better of this country!
-
That we were able get Cosmin's and Ramona's ID cards with my address!
-
That either by the laws changing, or Sophia's mother showing up, her adoption is looking more and more hopeful!
Prayer requests:
-
For all the girls adoptions to be completed before 2011!
-
For my citizenship process.
-
For God to give me patience and wisdom through it all.
God bless you and thank you to everyone who has kept us in your prayers! We have an amazing God!
In His Love,
Kelly
Posted on: 03/28/09
string(153) "Smarty error: [in evaluated template line 37]: syntax error: unrecognized tag: CB51DA8A-6D7B-4394-A5D9-9CCC1846BC94 (Smarty_Compiler.class.php, line 439)"
string(118) "Smarty error: [in evaluated template line 37]: syntax error: unrecognized tag '' (Smarty_Compiler.class.php, line 583)"
"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families,"
Psalm 68:5,6
Dear Friends and Family,
What a harsh winter this has been! Just when we think it's over...it snows again. But we had visitors to take our minds off of it, though it was probably on their minds a lot! Kathleen, Bobette, and Rachel were here to help us. We are amazed at how they were able to fix things (like broken cabinet doors) that no one else has been able to fix yet! They helped give me ideas on organization. And the kids loved their time with them. I was really surprised at how much they encouraged me. One of the things I shared with them that I haven't really talked about much is a vision of what I'd like to start doing. I have thought of it many times over the years, but felt overwhelmed by the idea. Then after talking with them about it, a friend wrote me, who happens to be doing that very same thing!
Over the years, many children have come into my home. Some stayed, some only for visits. The longing they have to be a part of a family is what they think about the most. If I could take them all permanently, I would. But I know I can only do so much. Foster care is a fairly new concept here. People from children's protection are always telling me how they need more families. I have always thought that God would like the churches to be more involved. So after talking with several friends, both Lenuta and I are excited about starting something new and getting the local churches involved. First, we'd like to start a support group for those who already have taken in foster children. Eventually, we'd like to speak to churches about finding foster families. This week Lenuta and I will be meeting with several social workers to get an idea of where and how to start. Lenuta will be going to college earlier than she planned to get her social workers degree. After I finish my citizenship is finalized, I'll hopefully be joining her.
Praises:
-
that Alex was put in foster care with his grandmother!
-
that the new director for the Office of a Romanian Adoptions has a desire to change the laws (and already changed the international adoption law to include uncles and aunts) to make the national adoption process easier and more efficient.
Prayer requests:
-
For my already frustrating citizenship process to finalize this year.
-
For Lenuta to start college for our new vision
-
For Marie's House to be done this summer
God bless you and thank you for all your support!
In His Love,
Kelly
Posted on: 01/29/09
"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another."
John 15:16-17
Dear Friends and Family,
Happy Belated New Year! Is it just me, or do the years go by faster than ever? On Saturday Roxana will turn 11 years old, I still remember the little four year running around my house screaming at excitement over every new thing. She is growing into a beautiful young lady, who loves to make cookies. She also joined the handball team at school, and loves it. She is also still a straight A student! What more could I ask for?
We started up the women's bible study again, taking a pause for the holidays. To be honest, I wanted to quit before it started again. I feel so inadequate. If it weren't for the ladies asking it to start again, I would have given in to my insecurity. I speak half Romanian/half English to kids all day long. It's intimidating trying to speak Romanian to adults! Thank God for two ladies, Carmen and Mihaela, who have done inductive bible studies before and who can take over where I fail. I'm glad it started again, I need the fellowship. At the last study we read the first Chapter of John. I've read it many times, but one thing stuck out and made me think. When Jesus first met His disciples, He said to them, "Follow Me." And they just got up and followed Him, no arguements. No hesitating or complaining that they aren't prepared. That's how I want to be. If He wants a women's bible study, I want to just say "Ok!" and keep my eyes on Him, and not worry about anything else.
I am also hoping to start a real newsletter to start sending out soon. So send your home address if you would like to recieve one.
Praises:
-
Praise God for Roxana!
-
Praise God for the lawyer at CPS in Deva. Lenuta and I "accidentally" ran into her at a gas station in Petrosani where she just happened be and where we just happened to decide to get a quick cup of coffee. With more convinction than I've ever heard from her, she told us that the ladies at CPS are commited to fighting for Sophia's adoption. "2009 is our year to fight!" she said. They are in the process of having Alex, Sophia's brother, put in placement with his grandmother without the mothers signature. Easier to do than an adoption, but still it will be a fight. They are also going to have Monica's, the mother's, parental rights taken away. It doesn't automatically mean Sophia can be adopted then. The law changed and still gives rights to those parents, but she said it will be another "check" against the mother in her files.
-
Praise God for the women in the bible study!
Prayer requests:
God bless you!
In His Love,
Kelly
Posted on: 01/02/09
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against
the LORD.
Proverbs 21:30
Dear Friends and Family,
Happy New Year! My prayer for this year is that God gives us all wisdom, insight, and plans, and that what ever comes against us will not succeed!
Our house has been full this holiday season. Crina came from Germany. Carmela came from Italy. Alina and Florin are here from Betania. And Alex, Sophia's brother, is here. This year I'll be working on my Romanian citizenship, and Crina will be working on her German citizenship! Carmela fits in perfectly in Italy where she cares for an elderly lady who loves her like a daughter and treats her very well. It's nice to see how much she has matured and healed in such a short time. David turned 8 and Cosmin turned 14 in December! I can't believe how fast time flies.
This is short because I know we are all busy. Just wanted to send a little update and to wish you all a Happy New Year!
Praises:
- Everyone came home safe and sound
- for my happy and healthy boys
- God's grace and mercy this last year
Prayer Requests:
- For mine and Crina's citizenship process to go smoothly
- For the adoptions to start up again and for God to open doors for Sophia's adoption
- For a happier and healthier New Year!
God bless you!
In Him,
Kelly
Posted on: 11/30/08
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Matthew 6:26
Dear Friends and Family,
We had our first snow fall a couple days ago. You would think I'd be used to the snow by now, but I'm not. It's pretty when everything is covered in white, but when it melts or ices over, it's not so nice. Our area still uses coal and wood to heat up houses, so the white doesn't last very long. Plus, winter can get a little depressing. I think of all my family and friends during the holidays. I think of all the things I didn't get to over the last year. I think about a lot of things. One of the things that has been troubling me a lot lately is that, because of your help and God's grace, I can provide for my kids everything they need, but the one thing I can't provide is a father. I'm not saying I'll never get married, but it will be a miracle considering my age, my occupation, and all the kids. I've always told myself it's better that they have a mother rather than no one at all. Anyway, it still troubled me. Then a friend who probably didn't know they were encouraging me at the time said, "I don't envy you. You have a huge responsibilty. My wife has me to be the father to her kids, but you have to answer to their Heavenly Father." Someone said that before to me, to bring me down, and it did. But this friend said it in such a way that it gave me great relief! I haven't failed them! They DO have a Father! So I went home after visiting my friends and wanted to be sure all the kids knew it, and to be more active in letting them know it. So first I went to Sophia, I asked her, "Do you know you have a Father?" And she smiled and said, "Of course! It's God. And mommy, do you know He's your Father too?" Her answer brought tears to my eyes. Then I went to David, and I asked if he knows that his Father hears him when he talks to Him. And he said, "Of course I know that too! He always answers my prayers!"
I asked Roxana if I could share this story with you. She told me not to tell anyone but when I told her that some of you are going through a difficult time and may be encouraged by her story, she didn't hestitate for long. One day she came home from school saying she needs a red shirt for her sport class the next day, if she doesn't, she'll get a failing grade. I thought, now that will be easy, with so many people in this house, how hard could it be to find one? So we all looked...and looked...and looked. By the end of the day she started to panic, and so did I! I started to feel like a failure all over again. But then I remembered what I had just learned. And she came to me crying saying, "What am I going to do?". And I told her, "Roxana, I'm sorry, this time I can't help you. You are just going to have to ask your Father." And she looked at me with her wide eyes, and said, "You mean Costel?" And I said, "No! Not him! Has he ever taken care of you?" "No!" she said. And then I asked, "Who has taken care of everything you need?" "God...and God is my Father!" "Right, so go and ask your Heavenly Father, because I don't know what else to do!" And she smiled, and said, "Ok, but don't look." We were outside in the yard and I laughed as she went around a corner to go ask. I was relieved as I said to God, "It's all up to You now!" She came back with a big smile on her face and I told her if a red shirt shows up, come and tell me first. So everyone kept looking and looking, except for me. I was excited to see how...if.... God was going to work this one out. When everyone stopped looking, Ramona went to her room and came right back....with a red shirt! I said, "Ramona, where did you get that!" She said, "It was on one of my bags." I had to ask, "Wasn't it there the first time you looked?" She said, "No! I don't know how it got there!" But I knew, and so did Roxana. She was so happy that night, and the next day. She kept giving me hugs out of the blue, which she has never done before. I asked Roxana, "Did you tell your Father thank you?" And she said, "Oh no, I forgot!" And I laughed as she ran outside behind the same corner where she had asked.
I hope this encourages some of you. If God cares about a little girl who needs a red shirt, He cares for you too! He doesn't always say yes right away, or give us what we think we need, but gives us exactly what we need when we need it. Roxana helped me to see this too. I need all the adoptions to go through, and when they happen, I think I'll go to the corner Roxana uses to thank Him.
In His Love,
Kelly and Roxana
Praises:
- For encouraging friends
- For children full of faith
- For a warm house!
Prayer requests:
- Even though I did talk to all my kids about the Father (and always will) there are some who struggle with the idea. The older girls are saved, Cosmin is getting close, but the idea of a father isn't always a pleasant one to them. Pray for their hearts to open and see Him as a loving Father.
- For our second half of wood to come!
Posted on: 10/17/08
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
Dear Friends and Family,
I know we have all heard this verse before and it may not sound as profound as it did the first time we heard it, but it's still true. But I am so incredibly blessed that God has used my family and friends to prove this to me over and over again, especially this year.
Since the tragedy of September 11th, missionaries all over the world immediately felt the impact. Over the last 7 years many have had to leave the countries they served in. Many fellow missionaries have left Romania. Some families have had to leave the children they took in placement, sending some of them back into the system. It has been scary to watch. Romania has had to deal with a financial crisis for many years. The news is full of stories of people committing suicide because of the debts they cannot pay, especially the young adults. And now I even hear stories of desperate and hopeless people in American not only committing suicide but taking thier whole familes with them. It is scary and heartbreaking. The world is still looking for the government to save them, but we have a Savior who knows our every need. I just want to encourage you that after all I have experienced here, God is good even in the hard times. God IS faithful.
God has been so good to us. I thank Him for all of you daily who have been praying for us and supporting us faithfully over the years. I could never leave my children that He has entrusted to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing God to use you to prove His faithfulness not to me, but to my kids.
I have many praises to share with you and a few prayer requests:
Praises:
-
We celebrated 3 birthdays this month. Tabita turned 7, Sophia turned 5, and Isabella turned 2! Thank God for our 3 beautiful and healthy birthday girls!
-
Isabella's placement was finally finalized this month!
-
Our roof, which was miraculously provided for (thank you again to those who financed it!), is almost done and the workers have done more than was expected. I was pleasantly suprised to see that it's not what I expected. I will send photo's soon to suprise you too!
-
We have our coal and firewood ( miraculously paid for again!) are here, even though we are still waiting for the other half of the wood to come.
-
All the kids are starting out this school year bringing home A's! Even Cosmin who is taking school more seriously this year...thank you for praying!
-
Praise God for the Rowdies at Geneva Presbyterian for their faithful support to finish Marie's House!
-
Praise God the Glory Gates Quartet are committed to helping Viorica finish her last year of medical school!
-
Praise God for Christ Community Church, and all my friends who continue to support us. I hope you all know how much we appreciate you!
Prayer requests:
-
For the rain to stay away until the roof it completely done.
-
For Marie's house to be completed.
-
For our health during the flu season (no one sick yet!...PTL!)
I pray that God will encourage all of you through this time of crisis and to fix our eyes on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith! Please feel free to write me and ask for prayer anytime!
In His Love,
Kelly
Posted on: 08/30/08
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippian 3:20-21
Dear Friends and Family,
This summer has gone by so fast that I didn't realize that it's been so long since I last wrote! So here is the latest from Petrosani...
We are starting the work on the roof. I bought the materials, but still waiting for the wood that has been promised for the last 3 weeks. Please keep praying that we will get all the materials that we need, and the workers who are on hold for now, that they won't give up on us.
The kids are doing great, we've had a great summer, lots of stuff to do including going to the community pool that just opened up. They've also been going to the Joshua Club, a Christian club for kids in colonia. It's been nice having this time with them, with not having to rush here and there, and just enjoying each others company, but they are ready for school to start! That's right, they are more anxious for school start than I am! Smart kids, they love to learn. And they only have 2 more weeks to wait.
There is still nothing new on Sophia's adoptions, but I keep meeting other families frustrated by the courts. Sophia keeps asking if her adoption is finished. When I tell her we need to keep praying, she stops to pray, "Dear Jesus, thank you for my adoption. Please help me to be adopted faster." Please pray for the laws to change asap so that Sophia and other kids in her situation will have the undeniable right to be adopted by the families that love them! A new law is coming out for children who have been abandoned by their parents, leaving them for work in other countries without anyone to care for them. The new law will automatically put them in placement centers. Up until now there was no protection for them!
As for me, I started a small bible study at the church to encourage the women. I am really excited about having fellowship with them and getting to know them. Also, this year I plan to start the process for my citizenship. It will be a dual-citizenship and I won't be giving up my American citizenship. I have prayed a lot about this and I feel this is what God wants me to. Since I am committed to the children in my care, I want to have the same rights, and to be able to vote and have a say in the laws! It isn't an easy decision, but I think it's the right decision. And I know that what really matters is my citizenship in Heaven, anything else is second-place. After I get my citizenship I will start the process for Roxana's adoption! Since she is 10 she will have to give her consent, and she is looking forward to officially being a Stark :)
Praises:
- Praise God that the church in colonia is still standing and that the "gates of hades will not prevail" over it.
- Praise God for the fellowship here
- Praise God for providing and that we are at least able to start on the roof!
- We are finally moving forward in Isabella's placement
Prayer requests:
- Pray for the adoption laws to change
- Pray that we find wood for the winter! No luck yet...
- Pray for me to have wisdom regarding my children and their adoptions, citizenship, and my house.
God bless all of you who have blessed us financially, with your prayers, and with your encouragements! You are truly a gift from God to us and we are very grateful!
In His Love,
Kelly
Posted on: 11/23/07
To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ!
Amen.
-- Romans 16:27
Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you so much for all your prayers! David in now legally a Stark! I finally have his birth certificate! I went to talk to a lawyer in Deva about Sophia's adoption. She had met the judge for David's case in town a few weeks ago who told her that she was worried after she gave her ruling for him to be adopted and wanted to reverse her own decision! But thank God it was too late! When Romania was trying their hardest to get into the EU, they put a moratorium on all international adoptions. There was an investigation (barely, in my opinion) into the judges that allowed the adoptions which is why this judge is worried. Which is probably the reason she denied Sophia's adoption to be opened. This is a NATIONAL adoption, not an international one, and I don't think they get that! Hopefully they will understand this in the appeals court, which will be held in a different county. It will open in December. Please pray for God to give these new judges wisdom and mercy.
Praises:
- Happy belated Thanksgiving! We had a small one here in Brasov, but without all the fixings that I really miss...like cranberry sauce! I asked everyone to say one thing they are thankful to God for. Cosmin made my day by saying he was thankful he found me! I will be thankful when he finds God. He is such an amazing 12 year old.
- I am thankful for David's birth certificate! I am thankful for ALL my kids with or without a new certificate.
- I asked you last time to pray for a ministry that was run by Ron and Sue Bates who both recently passed away. Praise God that one of their sons is taking over!
Prayer requests:
- There is a problem in transferring the kids here to Brasov right now. Please pray for wisdom for me in doing what is best for the kids.
- Please pray for Cosmin's salvation. He shared with one of my friends that he wants to be saved and is very open to talking to me about it. Pray for me to be a good witness to him!
- Pray for my internet/email server to be more reliable. Some people get my updates, others don't. I don't even know if I'm getting all my emails either! It's very frustrating. On my updated website you can now put in your email address and get my updates when I post them on there...much more reliable that way!
Thanking God for All of You!
Kelly
Posted on: 11/17/07
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Dear Friends and Family,
Sorry for the late update. This one is for October and I will still send a November update sometime this month...not so late.
This month has been so busy, we had 3 birthday's this month. Tabita turned six on Oct. 11th. Sophia turned four on Oct. 15th. And Izabelli (as Sophia calls her) turned one on Oct. 12th! I hope to have a blog up sometime soon where I can post pictures and videos for you to see, and give you a little more info about our daily life...for those who are interested. And of course I'll keep up with my monthly updates. Isabella started walking one week before her birthday. She reminds a lot of E.T. the way she waddles with her hands up in the air. I almost never get the thought of ..."what am I doing?" when I think of all the kids and different cases and everything I need to do. But last summer I started to...briefly. Then the women's group went on a field trip to the children's hospital so we'd know where to go when there was an emergency. We went to visit the abandoned babies (yes, I know...too tempting for me!). Steffi, one of the girls who volunteers there, brought out a little girl about Isabella's age at the time and I held her and could not believe how small and malnourished she was. I started to cry because Isabella's mom planned to just abandon her at the hospital and I can't imagine her suffering like that. Isabella is such a happy, smart, healthy baby girl and finally starting to cuddle (she did show some signs of fetal alcohol syndrome...but not anymore). I don't need to ask myself..."what am I doing?". God has put each child in my care for a reason, and I can trust him to take care of all the "what do I need to do now?" questions. Thank you, all of you, who have supported us with your prayers and financial support. We are truly blessed by the Lord for all the blessings He has given us!
Prayer requests:
-
Please pray for wisdom for me.
-
Please keep praying for David's adoption. Yes I thought it was over. But as I was trying to get his birth certificate I was told that I have to wait until his adoption is irrevocable.
-
Then I find out that Sophia's adoption was rejected by the court. For no real reason. We will be taking the case to the Court of Appeals in a different county, where they do not know me or that I am the one who wants to adopt Sophia. The reason we believe it was rejected was because they asked me if I was adopting her when they know they had no right to ask me during David's adoption procedure. It's all very complicated and ridiculous but because of this...
-
I want to transfer all the kids files to Brasov where there seems to more justice and less prejudice. When I tried to do this I was told that I can't leave Petrosani until David's adoption is irrevocable or it will nullify his adoption! CRAZY. So please pray for all these things to be resolved for us to move all the files to Brasov for the kids protection!
-
Because I feel God making this a permanent move, we are praying to buy a house here in Ghimbav. It will take a miracle...but we serve a God of miracles!
Praises
-
Praise God for my favor with the Children's Protection, they were upset about Sophia's decision they agreed to take it to the appeals court in another county with a different judge!
-
My lawyer is going to report the judge to the Romanian Office of Adoptions and also ask them to help with Sophia's. Please pray for wisdom for him and for him to be more.
-
Praise God for the friends and support that I have here in Brasov. Without them, this would all seem unbearable!
-
Praise God for my neighbor in Petrosani, who accepted Christ several years ago at our bible study, she will be starting a bible study for women and is VERY excited about it.
My email/internet again has been very unreliable. Normally I get my updates out every month. If you do not get them sometimes, please let me know!
In His Love,
Kelly
Posted on: 09/24/07
Dear Friends and Family,
Yes, today was the next court date for David's adoption. I started out feeling very confident. Ready to go into battle and say whatever God wanted me to. But I walked in totally exhausted and wiped out, with this bad feeling that something was wrong. I stood there, not saying a word, while horrible things were being said that I'm still too exhausted to share. Their words were like stones being thrown at me left and right. Honestly, I was so overwhelmed, not one thought was going on in my head. No words of wisdom, no words in my defense, not even the thought of trying again.
 While I was standing there, feeling so faint, I remembered something David told me that very morning. He got into the car and said, "Mommy, I have to tell you a dream I had! It was raining really hard and we were in the car. Then there was a loud thunder and God said something to me...and gave me ALL this bread!" I said, "Wow David, what did God say to you?" He smiled and said, "I don't know. I just know that His Voice was the thunder and He gave me A LOT of bread!" And then I heard my lawyers voice telling the court, "I want to say something." And the judge told him, "No, you don't need to say anything." He replied, "I must say something! You cannot attack my client like this!" And he proceeded to come to my defense. After refuting everything they had said, he continued, "And this is very wrong and politically incorrect and you know it, to hold it against her for being an American! This is about a child who has found his mother and there are no borders or prejudices that can legally stand in this court!" For the first time the court was silent, because even if they hadn't said out loud, prejudice was in their hearts. In the end without any other words being said, the judge asked around the room if they were in agreement for the adoption, and all said yes!
Some friends, that I have mentioned before have also been witnessing to the lawyer through their adoptions and he has gone several times to their church. After court he said with great excitement, "Kelly, I was speaking for God, I know it! I kept talking and couldn't let them attack you anymore. This is what I want, I want God to use me like this!" I really did feel God used him, that God was the One defending me, and David's right to be adopted
Thank you all for your prayers! You all asked God for "bread" on David's behalf, and on mine. And I totally believe God showed David your prayers were being answered! David is now legally my son! He is my God, He is my Praise! And He has performed great and awesome wonders.
 Praises:
* Praise God David's adoption is finally done!!!!
* Praise God for the two witnesses, who also had to come to my defense for Sophia's adoptions to be opened. The Children's Protection has to fill out a form and I'm told it will be opened next month.
* Praise God for the opportunity to defend the rights of Romanian orphans to be adopted. ProTv, a national news station came to interview me, Rebekah and George, and another friend who is adopting. They also interviewed Cosmin and Roxana. They asked Roxana if she remembered her life before coming to me. She said no. They asked if she knows what her mother looks like, and she answered, "Of course I do!" She looked at me and smiled, "She has blond hair and blue eyes..." She has no idea they were asking about someone else...because to her, I am her mother. Praise God for that interview because it showed me just how much stronger our bond has become.
* Praise God for our time with Florin, Iulian, and Alina. Iulian got to spend a lot of time with his brother George and loved it. Florin and Alina were so good too. I hated taking them back, but will bring them 'home" again!
Prayer requests:
* Even though the adoption is done, it's not over! Please keep praying that the paperwork will be protected and that nothing will go wrong. The decision should be published by next week.
* Please keep praying for Sophia's adoption and for God to renew my strength to go through this again.
* Please keep praying for a new church, a new pastor, a new work, and healing in Petrosani!
* Please pray for Viorica's grandmother who is not doing well. Pray for me for wisdom if there is anything I can do for her. Pray for someone who can care for her full-time.
-----
In Him,
Kelly
Next page: Photos
[top] | The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is on Me; because Jehovah has anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Isaiah 61:1 | Subscribe to our updates |
|
Add A Comment
Thanks for the update Kelly . . . we'll keep praying for your adoption proceedings.