Prayer Requests

As we pack up, and prepare for the seven hour drive to the region where Ruslan's orphanage is, I'd love to share a few prayer requests.  We appreciate all of you back  home who are lifting us up, encouraging us, and joining us in this amazing journey.

Please pray specifically for the following:

• Safe travels on our drive to the region, that our driver would be energized and alert.
• Mason, who is having some tearful moments and missing us, and the entire Sullivan family as they care for him.
• Katrina who is staying with our dogs, and that they would remain healthy and not give her any trouble!!!!!!
• Our family that we aren't able to connect with online, that they would have peace of mind and rest in knowing that we are safe and doing well.
• Ruslan, that he can sort and process the overwhelming emotions he must have during this time of transition.  That he feels God's love in a mighty way as he balances both the joy of starting a new life, and the grieving that goes with leaving the only one he's ever known behind.
• The orphanage caregivers and Director, that they remain open to having us in the orphanage and that they allow us to visit and engage with the children.  That we can share photos and stories with the families waiting back home, anxious to make their own journey to bring their children home.
• The orphans, that the Lord will work through us to share the gospel, and that we are able to reflect the light and love of God.  That they can each feel valued and know that they are perfect in God's eyes and so loved by Him.
• For the paperwork, the process, and the court system that things would go smoothly.
• For Ruslan's mother, wherever she is, that she is at peace and that she knows in her heart that the Lord is watching over and protecting Ruslan, and that he will be part of a loving family.  That she knows what an amazing gift she has given us, and that our intent to love her boy with all that we are is somehow evident to her. 
• For us, as we prepare to encounter the orphanage and all that it entails.  That we can rest in knowing that God has a plan for each of those children, and that we can be a small part of it.
• For Bill as he will remain here for weeks after I go home, and then travel home with Ruslan. 
• That ultimately, His will be done, and we are able to humbly and obediently follow where He leads.

Thank you so much for your prayers.  They mean so much to us, and your encouragement and support have been so uplifting.  We're not sure how our internet connection will be in the region where Ruslan's orphanage is, or if we'll even have one.  So we'll try to connect as soon as we're settled there, and if not, I'll be back home on June 10th!