Sunday, December 30, 2012

I Will Battle On With a Peace Beyond Understanding

Recently, in regards to adopting a special needs child and since this fiasco has begun, I have been told things such as, "You're an amazing person" and "What you're doing is amazing" and "I don't know how you do it, you're incredibly strong."

I don't see it that way. It's just what God has called me to do and He is the one who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 says I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

I am a wife, a mother, and a special education teacher.

Most importantly, I am a child of God.

That is where my joy is found. That is where my comfort is found. But the God of our universe is not here for our comfort. He is here to be served. Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I am unworthy of His grace, love, and blessings, Some Russians have pointed out that Polina is NOT mine and I do not "deserve" her. It's true. She is mine only in my heart, but she is God's creation and it is only by His grace that we have come this far in this process and it will by His grace if I am ever to bring her home. All children are a gift  from our creator, and he calls us specifically to care for the orphan. James 1:27 says Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

And so, I will continue to do what I can to show my love for Polina and to fight not only for her, but for all of the orphans. I believe this is what God wants me to do. Esther 4:14 says, "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise ... from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Since our first trip to Moscow and meeting the people of Russia, it has been clear to me that this adoption is about more than just Polina. I didn't know what that meant or that I would find myself here today. God knew this was going to happen and only He knows how it will end. God is in control of all things. This was not my plan.

Our plan is not always His plan. Our timing is not always His timing. Ours is flawed. His is perfect.

This law may be something temporary, just a set back until His timing is right for her to come home. But it may be eternity before I am reunited with the child who is my daughter in my heart!

I have to choose how I will react. I could withdraw and run away from God. but I pray that I will allow him to use me through this to bring others to know Him.

On our first trip to Russia, as we rode the Metro in Moscow, I commented to Jason, "These people need the love of Jesus." To smile or make eye contact with others was to stick out like a sore thumb. Forget the Walmart rule of greeting others within 10 feet as we walked the streets! We actually found ourselves trying to look down and to frown. But not always having walked with God, I understand it.

The people of Russia have endured, and continue to endure, much beyond what most Americans can comprehend. A Russian commented on my blog in reference to some unfriendly comments, "They were so long tortured, robed, raped, misled and deceived that they are not able to react as normal people. Forgive them they don't know what they are doing." I realize that sir, and I do forgive them as Jesus Christ set the example when he prayed on the cross about those who were killing him, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."

An American commented on my blog that Americans and Russians would be the closest of friends, if we really had a chance to know each other. As an American who has met Russians and broken beyond the outside, I find that to be sooo true!

Philippians 4:4-7 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

And so, I leave you today with a prayer.

Dear Lord Jesus, with heavy hearts, we rejoice in knowing that you are in control and you have a good and perfect plan for the lives of those who love you. Thank you that we have had the time we have had with Polina and the opportunity to open our eyes and hearts to the people of Russia. I thank you for her caregivers that love her so much for the the Russian people who have poured out their love and support to us! Lord, we ask that you remove our anxiousness, that you help us to rest in your ever-present peace. We ask that you move the hearts of those in power to do what is right, just, and holy. Speak to their hearts Lord and show yourself to those who do not know you so that we may be brothers and sisters in Christ! Finally Lord, protect the orphans as we know you are the father of the fatherless! Thank you for dying on the cross so that we may have eternity with you and that we have hope for that future absent of the pain and sorrow we know today. Amen.



46 comments:

  1. Your witness is a beautiful testimony for our Lord Jesus Christ.

    1 Peter 1:7, "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."

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  2. I'm praying Polina will escape the mad system and be reunited with you in January.

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  3. Kendra,
    You touched me deeply and as mother of 3.5 years daughter I feel so blessed to have her next to me. Please don't give up hope. Please fight for her. Maybe international adoption law can interfere with this heartless ban. Good Luck!!!

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  4. Kendra, please check your email. I want to help!

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  5. Kendra,
    please check your email, I want to help.

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  6. As I was reading your post tears are running down my face. All I kept thinking was AMEN! I am fervently praying for your family and you KNOW that God has a plan.

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  7. Then I arrive to US, I was in shock, the American people was so nice with me. Why someone teach us to hate Americans. The all TV news, newspaper said All problems which we have, it's American did! (Not our government ) they did Russian people an angry. So just skip their comments. Your story touch me so deeply! Your are best mother for Polina!!! I wish you will be together . The 13th of January Russian go out on streets, for your Kendra, for your family, for Polina and other kids , who lost their chance to find a family by Putin's signature. I'm stay home mother, I try to be out of politics, but this LOW push me so much. Sorry for my English. I pray for your family too.

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    1. Thank you sweet Momma I too love your people we are one of the 46 praying for a Miracle. I thank all your people for their display of support to International adoption. I just pray your President will see we are very thankful and grateful for you countries children. WE love them very much. THey are beyond precious. WE are very humbled by your countries act of Kindness to us. Blessings

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  8. I'm praying with you, Kendra. Thank you for these words full of love.
    Tanya

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  9. In Jesus name she will be your daughter.

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  10. I just read in a CNN article about a family hoping to adopt a little boy from Russia who has Down syndrome:

    "The fact that he has the genetic condition associated with mental retardation may prove to be a help. A Russian parliamentarian, Robert Shlegel, was to submit an amendment that would allow U.S. citizens to adopt Russian children with disabilities, according to the state-run Itar-Tass news agency."

    Perhaps there is some hope yet that you will be able to complete your adoption. I pray that this is true.


    From an adoptive parent

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  11. This is so hard and left me in tears. We are praying for your family and for all the babies in Russia that need to come home. Sending love!

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  12. Hi there, Kendra. You don't know me, but I feel an incredible connection to you. I will give you a little background about myself first.

    I am an American. I grew up mostly in St. Louis. In 1995, when I was 15 years old, I went on my first mission trip to Minsk, Belarus. Wile there we visited an orphanage where I sat on the floor with a tiny four year old boy for hours and my heart has never been the same. Since that day I have waited for the day when God would call me back to bring one of those children home. I went back to the former Soviet Union two more times in high school, both times to Kiev, Ukraine. I went on to minor in the Russian language in college and I sent a semester in Kiev perfecting my Russian.

    God knit that area of the world deep into my heart so long ago. I love Russians and Ukrainians. I feel like they are my people. I love their culture and language and everywhere I go, it seems God places Russian speakers in my path.

    I got married 12 years ago and immediately my husband and I began discussing adoption, but timing never felt right. We had three children and still the longing bore down upon me, I began teaching my children Russian. We made Russian friends Nd we prayed and prayed for God to reveal to us when to do this.

    Just this past June we felt it was time to take a step. We were scared but knew we needed to walk forward in faith. We applied, spent the months gathering every obscure piece of paper known to mankind and sent it all in. Our paperwork arrived in Russia last Friday.

    The same day Putin signed the ban.

    I identify with everything you have written. I feel desperate and like I am on the worst, most terrible roller coaster ever. I can't imagine how it must feel for you having already touched and breathed in and memorized the sight of your daughter. I feel as much heartache because this wasn't just an idea to me. I have played with those children. They are real and the little girl waiting for our family is real. We are praying for her by name. I have a loose vision of what she looks like. God has knit her deep inside my heart, just as He did her country,

    I am so sad and heartbroken and scared and confused and feel like we were so close and like a vapor it is drifting away. But I still cling to a thread of hope and wait in expectation of the miracle I know our God is capable of. I am falling before the throne for your Polina, for my Annika and for all the children of the people we both so dearly love. Many, many prayers to you. Feel free to shoot me an email if you ever want to chat. :) kellistuart00(at)hotmail(com)


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    1. I pray one day your dream of your daughter comes true

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  13. you have the best possible attitude about this very unfair situation. Keep your faith and trust in God and His ability to overcome ANY problem. You and all the other families stuck in this nightmare are in my prayers.

    Priscilla

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  14. I have long been a student of the Russian people, for I find their history heartbreaking. The people have an innate strength, they have had to because of what they and their ancestors have been through. I appreciate your words, your love for the people, and for your daughter. I will pray for your family, continually and my sincere prayer is that Polina will be allowed to come home to your family.

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  15. Kendra,
    We met in the airport in Moscow. We were taking off with our son and you had just met your daughter. He was the little blonde boy 3 yrs old walking up and down the aisles of that long plane ride. I had thought about you many times since this craziness and assumed you had been home with your daughter by now. My breath was taken away when is saw you and your husbands picture on abc news page. My husband and I are crying with you....and praying. I know you know God is in control and I am praying for peace, clarity and patience for you and your husband. I have a couple of contacts in Moscow, i'm not sure if they will be able to help but I'm happy to put you in contact with them or contact them on your behalf. please email me cajunmast2@bellsouth.net
    cristy

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  16. Kendra we are praying for your family, and all the little children being held hostage by their government.

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  17. I'm so sorry to hear that your situation is still so unclear. We are praying for some good friends of ours who are in the same situation with their little boy who is being adopted from Russia. We'll keep you in our prayers along with them and other families whose hearts are broken over these precious little ones.

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  18. Hi Kendra,
    I am hoping you can see how to respond to me off blog if you choose. I would welcome that.
    This whole mess is more complicated than the nested Matroiska dolls on your wallpaper.
    My bio son also has Aspbergers and was 8 when I ,single mom, adopted a newborn transracially. I did not enter all this lightly and living by faith helped to get through so much. Yet nothing prepares you for the long awaited,treasured princess suddenly stealing, lying, running off, destroying things, being unable to tell time on a clock, setting fires under her bed, hoarding food. I knew these things happened in children adopted from institutions of deprivation. I so did not think this 6lb 9 oz baby I loved from 8 days of age could become this at 8 yrs. These behaviors totally unglued my Aspie son who as you know has a strong moral compass. Add in hurricanes, corrupt boss with holding pay,gallbladder pains,financial worries as banks collapsed and retirement fund evaporated. Then add lack of resources in TX,being told any resources that do exist are not for private or international adopters. Horrible very bad things happened to my family, all financed by DHHS. Through all this horrid time I have held faith I am doing what I am meant to:stand in integrity and love, fight injustice. Since this started in my life I have found Hundreds of other families some very public like Craig and Lori in Chicago and the mom who sent her son on the plane,some are so private that what happened is only known to their family. Parents are dying broken hearted,bankrupted,health ruined for trying to heal the effects of ETOH and trauma in pregnancy and early life,otherwise known as FAS and RAD. Were that love fixes this,or time. We know that stable family,therapy,therapy, therapy may improve the outcomes. We know that without this children who survive become teens who may not because of their bad choices,many live in prisons. Many become the parents of the next wave of parentless young,perpetuating the cycle. It doesn't matter what country you are talking about. In both countries we desperately need to treasure the family,each child wrapping them in support. For when Polina is sick and your son needs you,you will need help. If when executive function should appear at age 8 Polina,destroys your son's belongings,lies to or about you, steals from your friends and your money runs out,what then? Horrible things happen and every member of the family pays heavily, forever. Oddly, the child with FAS/RAD does not feel the pain,brain damage protects them.Thousands of siblings have much to say,but they have been counselled to put this behind them,move on.Parents focus on surviving the pain,healing themselves and their remaining children. Both countries need to value the adoptive family,sadly adoptive families are second class in both Russia and the US.
    It hurts anew to speak of the horrid things that happened to my family. I have faith that someone,somewhere will help to make changes happen with me for every child, for every family willing to bring them home.Amen.

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  19. I feel so useless! I wish there was something I could do to help you bring Polina home. She deserves a family like yours. God has amazing things in store for you and your family. God bless & keep steadfast in your faith. Prayers from Alaska!

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  20. Dear Kendra,

    I feel your pain. We too have a little boy stuck in the same situation in Russia. We are heart broken. Days drag on and no word about the situation. Please know that we pray for you, Jason and Polina as we also pray to get Alyosha home with us.

    Sincerely,
    Maria

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  21. "I Will Battle On With a Peace Beyond Understanding", "Death Would Be Better" - too much pseudo pathos, too much drama. Just dump your american citizenship and go to Russia and adopt the girl. What's the problem? Life offered you a great chance to proove what's more important to you. Hard choice, but guess what?

    I'm here not to pour compassion syrup into your ears, like dozens of those Russian America-adorers posting comments here. Now every day that you're not making this truly hard choice prooves that you're not quite that ultimate devoted to Polina as you like to think. Every day that you compromise on it, hoping that situation somehow would rule out letting you have Polina in America, you're actually prooving you're not worthy of being her mother. On the contrary, if you make a statement right tomorrow about dumping your American citizenship for the right to be Polina's mother - then you'll show the true unparalleled love. So stop whining and have the courange to walk this road in the right direction.

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    1. You are absolutely inhuman

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    2. It's funny that you call the Russians who are posting here, offering their sympathies to Kendra, "America-adorers." What a strange, bizarre thing to say. I see a bunch of people who read about this woman and her story, and felt some connection to her as a human being. I'm not sure what her nationality has to do with it. Maybe you can explain. Also, the fact that you use the term "America-adorer" as a negative term. Why is it a negative thing to like other countries? I am an American, yet I like Russia and its people. I guess according to your cynical, stunted, nationalistic worldview, having positive feelings towards another country is something to be ashamed of?

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    3. I did not post the comment above, but I wonder the same thing.

      If I was stuck in a foreign country, my mother would be on the first plane out and she would stay until I was on my way home.

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    4. Drop the citizenship, and what? It is going to take years and years to get a Russian citizenship.
      I'm Russian. I know the things from inside. Today I feel so ashamed. President Putin and Duma should find another way to protect children, rather then just ban adoption.

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  22. Kendra do you know that January the 7th we celebrate Christmas in Russia?
    I will pray for you and your child.

    http://www.antiochian.org/node/17326 - have a look. Mothers in Russia pray for their children looking at this ikon of the Virgin brest-feeding her Son. It is called the "Milkgiver". I pray Her to encourage you.

    Olga

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  23. When all you have to give is love, give love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, and with Polina, too. We got our boy home but I sat up many, many nights during our wait wondering whether or not your story would be mine.

    Best;

    Jason

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  24. Dear Kendra and dear parents whose children are affected by this idiotic law: there just may be something we could still do. As a lawyer I know that no law is bullet proof and that human will and love find a way around the most oppressive laws. I am a mother of four children and cannot imagine losing a child. I am also an American citizen, but still hold my Russian passport. It might take a while, but I have a thought. We can figure this out. This is in no way a business solicitation, I want to help and I think I might know how. Please write sashawilliamsart(at)hotmail(com)

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  25. My husband and I were/are also adopting from Russia. We have been waiting nearly two years for a referral and now we aren't sure what to do. We will keep praying for you and your Russian daughter to be reunited soon!

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  26. Dear Kendra,

    Please, check out this petition, if you haven't seen it yet. I am praying for you and all the children!
    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/address-and-respond-russian-adoption-ban/lz4h8wZw

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  27. Being agnostic myself, I nevertheless wish your prays come true. Unfortunately we have got dictatorship in Russia. The television became an effective brain-washer, especially for the older people who do not use internet. The parliament ("Duma") is often called "crazy printer" because it stamps crazy laws with little or no discussion. However, time is accelerating in Russia during the last year. Putin is trying to freeze his "stability", but it is unclear if he is able to do that. If/when Russia is free from him and his friends, many laws which came out of the "crazy printer" will be abolished.

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  28. Did you see? The proposed amendment to the ban which would allow US families to adopt "disabled" children has been introduced!

    http://www.pear-now.blogspot.com/2013/01/russian-ban-media-updateamendment.html?m=1

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  29. Hello Kengra. My name is Natasha, I work for russian "Novaya Gazeta" newspaper. I wrote you several letters on tour email adress, but it appears you didn't get them. The thing I want to tell you is that layers from russian "Agora" human rights defenders organization are offering you help: they want to protect your interests and to lawsuit in Russian Constitution court. If they win the case, you will be able to take your daughter to the family. Please, answer me on nattiesparrow@gmail.com, if you're interested.

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  30. You're kinda famous - and have been namechecked on a nifty blog:
    http://www.reformtalk.net/2013/01/04/facepalm-friday-81/

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  31. My heart goes out to you, Polina and all the children who would have found loving homes who may now live out their lives in an orphanage. It is heartbreaking. My prayers are with you, Polina, the other children and families impacted by this law, the people of Russia and the United States.

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  32. While I dont support the new adoptin law, but I have to tell you something ... I am sorry because it might sound cruel and of my english ...I think that you have to protest against your government first! because they first started with the disgusting Magnitsky act against Russians who allegedly killed him in jail ... but how they can know that those people are guilty? after all there was a trial here in Russia against those who supposedly didnt take care well of Magnitsky while in jail when he was sick and died of it... yes and found them unguilty ... so what? are they were already trialed in USA and were found gulty??? where is the justice there? your government can add anybody in this list just because a person said something anti-american or acted against the AMERICAN INTERESTS which ABOVE OF ALL ... PATHETIC!.. is it right do you think?... remeber it ... God bless you and wish you to be reunited soon ... Ivan from Siberia

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    1. because they first started - i am Russian and i am ashamed to hear it from my natives. Have you ever think WHAT TO WRITE before you did it?
      Are you mad? I cannot choose english words to impress my feelings. WHAT DID WRONG small Russian girl Polina to you? WHY do you hate her and all UNHAPPY orphans? It is easy to say "i am russian and i am patriot" and do NOTHING for people and for country. Children are not worth theirs unhappy without-families lives.
      Dear Kendra, fight for Polina. I pray with all my heart that you will be together soon. poor little girl...The happiness was so close... and now days and days of waiting. PLEASE ask anyone to meet her and to say that father and mother love her and fight for her. SHE NEEDS A TRUE, i am afriad that cruel people will tell her "no one wants to take you. they left you alone".

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  33. Did I say I hate anybody? I said that I wish they were together ... Unfortunately Polina and the little girl are victims 1st of all of USA politics, their arrogancy toward russians as a nation and 2nd of russian politics as well of course ... I said that I don't support this law ... God help Polina! Ерлин, я высказал свое мнение только, как Христианин я должен был это сделать, ибо как я знаю они находятся в полном неведении ... не могу выносить высокомерия и лицемерия к кому либо (я о правительстве США), ибо это не от Бога, а от Лукавого . С Рождеством Христовым!

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    1. Should I remind you that Magnitsky Act has nothing to do with the respect of the US to the Russian nation, or you can read the text of the Act yourself?
      I will never mind if the suspects referenced in that Act are never granted access to the US and US banks. Furthermore, I'd be quite happy if they appear in the court in Russia itself.
      Forbidding adoption of orphaned kids as a "response" to the Act (that exploits a sovereign right of the foreign country anyway) is way beyond my understanding. I initially thought it was a silly joke and was shocked to find it was not.

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  34. God bless you and your family which I hope soon will meet together. I cry and pray for Polina and all of you.

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  35. Dear Kendra,
    I would like to reassure you again that the Act signed by Mr. Putin shows him as a totally heartless and stubborn man who does not listen even to his advisors who argued against this such as the Minister of Education, Minister of Foreign Affairs. I am not even saying about the shock the sane population of Russia got when he backed and signed this absurd and oppresive Act.

    Problem is we can't do much with this. Mr. Putin and his government has already been reelected last year, they do not plan to leave and are not scared of losing popularity.

    But you can. God helps those who help yourself.

    I know that the US Senate called adopting families who are near completion to register and contact government officials at adoption.state.gov. Make sure you talk to the officials there and you are in the list of families. Get a response from your agency regarding the future of your kid. You already have a court decision, so you/your agency should do best to get this decision and try to use it to take the kid away from the orphanage.

    If that does not work, you still have two ways to go. You can push the US government to negotiate the future of the kids that already have families in the US, and I have read in the news that there are at least 46 and the US Senate made the resolution to engage in such negotiations.

    And the second option is to make your story public. That is the last resort: Russian government really hates being involved in media scandals and may become very stubborn when it comes to this. But if nothing else helps, your story will be known to every reasonable person in Russia and around; this may then trigger actions that can change the fate of the kid to the best.

    Just please, let us all know how it all goes. I wish you good luck and God's help.

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  36. Dear Kendra! Very much I hope, that You'll take the daughter Polina to his family. I believe that justice will prevail. Such self-sacrificing people, like You always win. I wish You and Your family of light and goodness. Nina from Moscow

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  37. Today is the first working day in our country. Hope for good news. God bless you and your family

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  38. Hi... this can be very useful in understanding whats going on ... http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2013/01/03/a-new-cold-war/

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