Take me home with you....

Today I visited the boys early this morning because our facilitator had to go to where the boys were born to do some paperwork. The visit was Wonderful and actually stayed longer than we had stayed before. Micah didn't want me to leave and Mason still wanted to know where is Papa was. He will be one happy boy when he sees his daddy again. How sad it is to see him long to see Kirk-I guess he has waited so long to have a papa and just when he was getting to know his papa he had to go home. How confusing that must be to Mason. It just reminds me how our Heavenly Father longs to have a relationship with His children and we sometimes leave Him and He nevers leaves us. Thank You God for always being with me!

When I arrived this morning to the orpahnage, Mason's groupa met me at the door and once again they were all talking at the same time to me-so I asked Ira what are they saying? Her response was, they all want to know if you will take them home with you. Oh My! That is not what I wanted to hear. My heart crumbled! Can you imagine longing to have parents and seeing your friends leave with a mom and dad and you still wait. Ira explained to them that someday maybe your mama and papa will come for you. Someday....maybe....... At this time, I needed to leave the room immediately so that the tears would not flow. Since I have been a little weepy lately I sure didn't need any help on getting started again! HA! I just keep Praising God for giving us Mason and Micah and thanking Him that they now have a forever family. They also have many people that love them and have been praying for them even though they didn't know them. WOW! God is Awesome!

I am sitting in my room debating on walking down to the sea to see the fireworks for New Year's-if I go maybe I will post some pictures of it later or add them to this post. Well I am back from the Sea and I didnt see anything going on so I posted pictures of my visit with the boys today. Oh, but I did buy some ice cream at a store down by the sea. Who says you can't eat ice cream when it's below freezing outside.

Happy New Year to you all! Talk to all of you next year!

Sorry about Mason's picture-I have tried everything to fix it right! I give up.

I promise you these are new pictures-they just have on the same clothes as yesterday.

Just wanted to share a verse that God showed me before we meet the boys:

Psalm 127:3 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him".

One Day at a time Sweet Jesus!

Kirk made it back to the states safely but without any of his luggage. Oh well I am just glad he made it back and safely. The kids were so excited to see him. I miss him more than words can express. He went back to work today and I wonder how he is doing. Maybe I will here soon.

I went to visit the boys today and both of them told me that they missed me alot and where is Papa (Daddy)? Ira explained that he went home and is waiting on us at home. Mason wanted to know when he gets home who will he have to share a bed with. We told him no one because he had his own bed, own clothes and his own toys. We expalined that he would share his toys with his brother Micah and play with Morgan and Mitchell. That did not seem to bother him at all. We spent our time coloring, talking about the airplane ride and just loving on each other (I think mama needed that the most HA!)

Mason seemed a little sad when he realized that Kirk was no there. I tried to get him to smile for pictures but he didn't smile much. He will be so ready to see Papa when we get home. Micah just enjoyed giving me all of his loving. I at least got a wave for Papa.

Continue to pray that these last few days will go quickly!!!! Pray that all paperwork can be done also fast. I will visit the boys in the morning at 8:00a.m. becasue Ira has to travel to their village for some paperwork stuff that needs to be turned in.

I am Praising God for an AWESOME husband that He gave me and that I am missing so much right now. I am so Thankful that God gave us 44 days togehter 24/7.

Hello Everyone,

So sorry that it's been 4 days since we posted but after court on Friday, signing paperwork for Kirk to leave Berdyansk and having the boys groupa parties we were quite exhausted! I think all the stress of court wore us out but we just didn't know it until we stopped from everything. Kirk left Berdyansk on Christmas to head back to Kyiv and I decided to go with him. I hated leaving the boys but we had our facilitator to explain to them that I would be back on Thursday to see them. Mason handled it ok but Micah did not. I had to leave him very upset and crying. It broke my heart! I decided to go back to Kyiv with Kirk until he flies out to head home. This way I wouldn't have to stay as long by myself in Berydansk. I leave on an overnight train at 11:00p.m. tonight and Kirk leaves for home on Wednesday morning at 6:45 a.m. Grant it I am a little jealous that he is leaving and I am not but at least he gets to head back to Morgan and Mitchell. As of right now, myself and boys are scheduled to fly home on Jan 17th. I can't WAIT!!!! Kirk will be home at 4:45p.m. on Wednesday evening! WOOHOO!!!

On Monday in Kyiv, we meet a family down by the SDA and enjoyed sharing our adoption journeys together and having hot chocolate at a near by cafe. You just don't know how much you miss carrying on an English conversation with Americans. Trust me after being here 44 days-you miss Americans! Anyways, it was a enjoyable afternoon. God puts people in your path when you need them. He is an Awesome God!

Thank You so much for contiuing to keep us in your prayers! I know that there will be a sweet reunion in Monroe airport tomorrow.

While you were Praying and Sleeping......

Our day began early this morning at the notary's office getting some final documents signed, then to have tea with our facilitator and off to court. We were told that court might take about 30 minutes but it was over an hour long. We felt like we had been there all Day long. The room was about an 8ft X 15ft office that had 9 people in it to hear our case. We both were asked many questions and then each of the other people had to state their case about the adoption. After all the adults spoke then the boys were brought in and asked questions about us and if they understood we were changing their names. She also asked them where they lived before coming to the orphanage and neither one of the boys could answer her. They also approved of their name being changed and having us as their parents. After all delibrating was done we were asked to leave the room to allow the judge to make her decision about the adoption. That time felt like forever but we were soon brought back into the room and given her conclusion.

We would like to take this time to Thank everyone that has been a part of our Adoption Journey. We are so graterful that God has placed all of you in our lives. We can't tell our church family enough of how much we love and appreciate them. Thank You Morgan and Mitchell for making this sacrifice for us during this time. We love you both and can't wait to see you soon. Thanks to our family and friends that have loved and cared for Morgan and Mitchell during this time. Kirk will be home on Wednesday at 4:45p.m. and I will be returning home after all finalization of the adoption is complete.

We serve a Mighty and Awesome God and we thank Him for allowing us to be the parents of these two boys.

We would like to introduce Morgan and Mitchell's new little brothers:

Mason Elliott Albritton and Micah Easton Albritton

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

St. Nick Program

Today we were invited to watch Mason sing at his St. Nick program. From what we can tell they only celebrate the tradition of St. Nick and not Jesus' birth. How sad is that! But soon both of our boys will be taught about Jesus and how much He loves them. I can't even imagine never hearing about Jesus but here that seems to be the case. We have not seen any evidence at this time about Jesus' birth. People seem to be so sad here. I have been smiling at everyone we pass but there is no response back. You don't even see hope in the people's faces. We are so Thankful for Jesus' birth and that He loved us so much to die for us!

Thank you for your prayers during this time in our lives. We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Here are a few pictures of Mason's program. We are not sure why-but some reason he is dressed in the Blue Telatubby outfit.

Today's Visit

Down By The Sea...

Here are a few pictures of the Sea that Kirk and I walked to today. Praying everyone has a Great Sunday!

5 more days to court! Please continue to pray for us, the boys, the prosecutor, the Judge and the inspector as we all will be in court at 11:30a.m. on December 24th. The boys can't wait to go home and neither can we. Love and missing everyone!

Anticipation!

As we got to the Orphange tonight the door was locked to Mason's hall where we nomally pick him up to visit. We had to wait for someone to open the door and you could hear children trying to unlock the door and they all were communicating to one another about who was on the other side of the door. Our facilitator proceeded to tell us that Mason was telling everyone that is my parents out there. WOW! you better believe that thrilled our hearts. He asked lots of questions tonight about going home. He told us that he was ready to leave (all in Russian) and would we take him forever. He also wanted to know if he would get to ride an airplane and would Micah be coming with us. We would have loved to told him that we were going home tonight on an aiplane and with Micah but our facilitator told him that we still had about 17 days or so left and then Mama and Papa would take them home. As you can tell he is very ready to leave and unite with his new family and friends. God is good!

We did find out some good news this evening. Our facilitator had to go to the region where the boys were born and give the inspector an invitation to court. Which meant that even though their mother has no legal rights she could have shown up for court and caused issues. We were thrilled when the inspector signed a form to decline being in court. This meant that their should not be any issues with family members and the region where the boys were born approves of the adoption. It is amazing on how many people have to sign off when you are adopting.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue on this Faith Journey of adoption!

Countdown to court: 7 more days!

Prayers Answered

Prayers Answered! The boys were asked today by the inspector if they wanted us to be their mama and papa and they both said YES! WOOHOO! Wonderful! Our paperwork was signed by the mayor, the inspector made her conclusion, the paperwork is on an overnight train to Kyiv and we have a court date. We will be in court on December 24, at 11:30 a.m. (3:30 a.m. at home) We are sad about missing Christmas with Morgan, Mitchell and our family. We know that God has everything under control and that He will continue to provide and care for us during this time. Don't worry Morgan and Mitchell-I told Santa where to leave the presents (HA! HA!). After court, Kirk will return to Kyiv to sign some paperwork and then return home. I will have to stay about 15 days later to get passports, visas and finish paperwork in Kyiv. We are praying that we can get the 10 days appeal period lessened but they normally don't waive that but we are going to try. PRAY!

Today we had lots of snow again so I posted a picture for ya'll to enjoy!

Please pray for us as we are so ready to get home and be with our family and friends.

Prayer Request!

Micah Easton

We waited today for the Mayor to sign our paperwork in order to get a court date and send papers to Kyiv. We received a call today at 6:10p.m. (home 10:10 a.m.) that the Mayor had signed the papers. The inspector must go tomorrow and speak with the boys to see if they want us to be their Mama and Papa. They have already been asked once and said yes but they have to be asked again while we are not present. We ask that you all be praying that the boys say YES to the inspector. At 9:00 a.m our time (home 1:00a.m.) on Tuesday morning our facilitator will meet with the inspector to get her conclusion. After receiving the inspectors conclusion, than we can request a court date. Just pray that all goes well. We will update when we have new information.

Just wanted to let ya'll know that when we signed our papers today our paperwork was incorrect on the boys names so instead of causing a longer delay on the paperwork we decided that it would be best to leave their names as the paperwork stated-so the oldest one now is Mason and the youngest one is now Micah. It's just a minor mistake and obviously there was a reason so we left them as stated on the papers. I guess this might be a funny story one day on how they got their name. This mistake didn't not catch God by surprise!

We Love and Miss you all and can't wait to return home with all of our family and friends!

Kirk and I spent our time today skating in our shoes on ice to go eat lunch. I believe we are ready for some Louisiana weather.

Snow Day Fun!

Today we visited the boys with out an interpreter and everything went well. It is so excited when the run to us when arrive and call us Mama-Papa. We are trying to teach them Daddy but for now papa will do. It has been snowing here for awhile so Micah's teacher allowed Kirk to pull him in the snow sled today. Mason could not play outside because he has a cold.

We have been for 26 days which at times seems a lot longer but we are so Thankful has God has provided for all of our needs. God has been our Provider and Comforter through all the waiting and decision making. It has also been a blessing to read comments and emails from our Church family and friends. We may never know how many lives have been touched through our families obedience to God. What we do know is that so many of you are having a part in changing the lives of two very Special little boys and the life of our family.

We are so greatful for your love and support!

Catching up...

Ok- I know the picture of Daddy, Mason and Micah is sideways but it will not turn right and my blogging skills must not be to great. I hope you enjoy them. We had a Great visit with the boys today and we also stayed longer than normal.

Yesterday we were able to visit Mason in the morning and Mason and Micah in the afternoon. Micah has school in the morning time. We have found out that both boys love tangerines. Mason loves to color and Micah loves to work puzzles. Micah also enjoys throwing and catching a ball. Mason loves to kick the ball.

During our time here, I have been able to make our way through on ordering our food and buying items at the store but last night Kirk and I deceided to have some Hot Chocolate. I asked if they had hot chocolate and the lady said Dah-so I asked for two cups. When it came out it literally looked like they had melted a candy bar and scooped it in our cup. It was so thick that we ate our hot chocolate with a spoon. Kirk and I laughed so hard. It was very funny!

It seems that we have been gone forever but God has provided His Grace for us to make it from day to day. We appreciate everyone's comments on facebook and our blog. Thank you so much for continuing to pray for us and our family during this time in our lives.

Thank You to everyone that is loving and taking care of Morgan and Mitchell while we are gone.

A Blessed Day!

Just returned from the orphanage where we meet our boys, the director and the inspectors. The director and inspectors approved of us and where very informative about both boys. we also were able to spend time with the boys. Oh, my it was WONDERFUL! They both have blonde hair and the youngest one has brown eyes and the oldest one has blue eyes. The oldest one recited a poem for us, counted forwards, backwards and said his ABC's. They both were shy at first but soon warmed up to us. Our hearts melted when they walked in the room. We know that God saved them just for us. The director and inspectors asked the boys if they wanted us to be their Mama and Papa and they both said yes! Thank You Lord! Tomorrow we will begin the paperwork to adopt them. Continue to keep us in your prayers!

Monday is a coming!

We made it to our destination after a 17 hour train ride and then about 1 1/2 car ride. We were so ready to get off the train and to our apartment. We will get to meet the boys on Monday after we meet with the Director to get the approval to meet them. Pray that the boys bound with us and us with them. If this all happens then our facilitator will be able to start the paperwork to get a court date for the adoption. This could take up to ten days but we pray it will be sooner because I will have to stay the 10 day wait period and then to Kyiv to finish up remaining paperwork. Our prayer would be that we all are home by Christmas but not sure if this will happen or not. We will try to update as soon as possible. Prayerfully by Tuesday! Keep the prayers a coming!

We miss you all and are ready to see Morgan and Mitchell, our family, friends and Church family.

God's Timing Not Ours

Guess what?
Once again God's plan and timing is much better than ours. Let me explain how our day has been; we woke and I cooked breakfast and made hot chocolate, got ready to begin the day and received a phone call to go sign papers for our 3rd SDA appointment. After signing papers Kirk and I went to the mall across the street to eat lunch and watch the ducks go to the fountain for a bath (just like Peabody's) red carpet and all. Someone was announcing everything that was happening but we didn't have a clue what was being said so we waited to see what was going on. Then 4:00p.m came for us to leave for our appointment at 5:00-so we waited on the taxi and arrived at our appointment at 4:50-I was praying that we made it on time due to the snowy weather.
We were praying that we would get our first SDA lady that helped us view children at our 1st appointment and we did! She is awesome and seems to geniuely have a heart for chidlren. At our first appointment there were these two boys that she wanted to show us but because of paperwork that was in transit she couldn't show us the files and we really thought we were going for only one child. When she saw us she had told our facilitator that she had saved the boys files hoping that we would come back. WOW! We never thought we would have to have a third appointment but God knew all along that He had to prepare our hearts for what was about to happen. We are so Thankful that He did!
If you would have asked us 17 days ago if we were adopting two children we would have said no but if God opens a door we would be obedient. This whole process has been about faith and being obedient for what God has called us to do and that is to adopt. James 1:27 tells us to care for the orphans and it is our prayer that we are carring out His command.
This Faith journey is only beginning and we appreciate all your prayers. We ask that you will continue to pray for us, the boys that they will be receptive to us, the director of the orphanage and the inspector.

While we are waiting...

Received a call today that maybe we will have an appointment tomorrow afternoon. We sure do pray so!!! We also found out about two little boys that became available today-Can you believe that-TODAY! We know that God's timing is much better than ours. Please continue to pray for our next SDA meeting, these little boys (1 1/2 and 3 1/2 years old), and that we will know the child God has for us at our meeting.

We went walking this afternoon again in 10 degrees weather-It was COLD! We will try to send some to Louisiana as soon as possible. HA! HA! Kirk and I joked that we would be sweating when we get home in 40 degree weather. It was so cold that Kirk's mustache was frozen.

We love and miss you all. Keep the prayers coming!


Sherrie & Kirk