A Room For Ruslan

We have started the process of turning our spare room in to Ruslan's room. We are removing stored Christmas decorations, out of season and outgrown clothes, books, scrapbook supplies and more. We'll be painting, and looking for a bed and dresser for him. The bears you see here, a gift from a sweet and thoughtful friend, will be added to his room decor. So fitting and appropriate, and a really touching addition!

Even six months later, it is so strange to go back in there. Little things remind me of him....the CD player where he put in a lullaby CD and cried in my lap a few days before he left...his little collection of trinkets still neatly arranged on the table next to where his bed was...a shirt of his that was left behind...his superhero cape from camp...the dancing Santa Claus (who sings "I Like To Move It, Move It" that he played with in the middle of the night one of the first nights he was with us and had Mason and I giggling with him until we were in tears. If I stand there and close my eyes, I can just see him the first night he was here...fresh out of a bubble bath in clean pajamas...so excited to look through the donated backpack of clothes and toiletries. He was so brave..a world away from everything he knew as normal, and with complete strangers...sleeping in a room alone for the first time ever in his life.

I have to believe it is that bravery, that courage, that child like spirit that has helped to guard his heart thus far. And of course the love of a God he barely even knows about! We can't wait to tell him the story of how God's love for him and God's plan for him all led to this! And that even on the days when he felt the most alone, the most afraid, the most forgotten....an entire community was fighting to bring him home.

We are thankful for those who encouraged us six months ago not to ignore the stirring the Lord had placed in our hearts, and for those who are still encouraging us along the way. We are thankful we found the courage to step out in faith and be bold for the Lord despite circumstance or situation, and despite our worldy fears. We are thankful for those walking this journey with us and becoming part of Ruslan's extended family. We are thankful that things have gone as smoothly as they have, and we are overjoyed that we should be traveling in just three months to bring him home.

As we prepare our hearts and our home for Ruslan, we are so thankful for the Lord's presence and provision in this process. It is so true that with God, all things are possible!