Our Son

    Our God is an awesome God!  These words have been ringing in my ears from Atlanta to Frankfurt to Riga, Latvia.   My small mind is incapable of comprehending the magnitude of God's ability, mercy, grace and love.  How He could ever find me worthy of such an awesome responsibility to serve him in this mission.  Mike and I both are overwhelmed by His love and the call to serve as parents to these two young men.  Tears rolled down my cheeks numerous times as we were in flight to Germany.  I would look over at Mike and we would both smile knowing where we were headed.  The joy of this journey has only increased as we move closer to having our boys here with us in the apartment.
    When we arrived and grabbed our luggage....I didn't pack lightly.....we were greeted by our driver.  Mike describes him as a bald headed Russian bear...he...he!! Mike leaned over to me and whispered I think we are in a cheap spy movie.  It is only those who love my sweet husband who can appreciate this humor! Mike had me sit in the front seat next to "the bear".  Well, it turns out that our driver was a wonderful man and devoted father.  He could not speak English and would call his daughter (while driving very fast down the road) to translate for him.
   When we arrived at the apartment, we were greeted by a precious young lady who helped us settle into our apartment and then go to the bank.  She explained the process of exchanging our money.  This was such a blessing.  I gave her a small gift for her kindness and she was overwhelmed with joy.  Latvian people are so warm and loving.  It is a beautiful city with so much history.  I will take some pictures today to post.  As many of my friends know....my traveling companion is the walking history channel.  He of course has mapped out every musuem here and every historic site to see.  It is such a blessing to walk down these streets and feel the presence of freedom for these people.  The architecture is beautiful and I want to take pictures for the boys to have for memories.  Mike is going to draw one of his pen and ink drawings of their favorite building for their room. 
    Now....the best part.....yesterday!!!!  We woke up and grabbed some breakfast and then Daina, our attorney picked us up to go to meet Davids.  We were both nervous and couldn't wait to see him.  It felt like it took hours to drive across town.  When we arrived at the orphanage, we were greeted by the director and social worker who were delightful people.  As I mentioned before Latvian people are precious and I am so honored to be able to meet them and become friends. We spoke for a few minutes and then were taken to a nice family room to meet with Davids.  When he came into the room, he grabbed me and gave me a big hug.  He did the same for Mike.  Tears on every face.  He is amazing.....!!!  I cannot desccribe how great this kid is!!  I know that GOD protected him just for us and to do great and mighty things in his life!!!!!! God's power is amazing!!! We sat and talked for about thirty minutes and then we went to his room.  He showed us all of his creations....very talented!  He made me this special box....Mike was impressed by his handy work.  He even dove tailed the corner pieces.  This meant alot to Mike....the builder, contractor, carpenter and as I call him the oragama artist of scrap wood! We gave him a small gift of Star Wars Legos and he put it together in about five minutes.  He and T-Kirby are going to be great brothers. He had already packed his bag, so we brought it back to the apartment.  After court today, we should be able to bring him back to stay with us.
   Today...Friday, March 19th, 2011....is our first court appearance.  I am nervous, but so excited and cannot wait to have Davids here with us in the apartment.  We are waiting on Daina and her son to pick us up for court.  Daina is a precious lady and everyone who is waiting to to come to Latvia will LOVE her!!!
    Anyway....I will post more later with pictures.

Love,
Penny