Welcome Home SP!

Just a short update, in case you haven't been following on Facebook or Twitter... SP is finally home!!

It was a crazy journey and we're all still adjusting but thus far, it's beautiful.

 [More pictures and quick updates on the Facebook if you're interested.]

Operation Free SP - Prayer Need Update!

4 1/2 years ago I met a kid named Sasha. He was quickly nicknamed Cool Sasha, to help us differentiate him among the millions of Sashas here (and simply put: he's cool). Cool Sasha quickly grew into someone I consider my brother. And more often than not I refer to him as such or simply as SP.

I've never awaited a single event with such great anticipation as I have SP's release from prison.

People anticipate countless events in life - going to college, your wedding day, a new job, the birth of a baby...  For me, my greatest anticipation has been completely unexpected. I never thought the event I would so anxiously await would be a kid's release from a juvenile detention center, but then I guess that is the beauty of God's plan... you really never know where He might lead. 

This release was first anticipated to take place at the end of March only to be postponed till the end of April (disappointing, but manageable - things never go the way you think they will in Ukraine). Turns out April is just a big holiday here in Ukraine and so, the motto becomes: why work at all?! As a result, the prosecutor and judge have decided to take care of the April kids awaiting release with the May kids; I mean, what's one more month in prison in the scheme of things - except an eternity to a kid who has been doing everything asked of him in order to be released. 

We received this news around lunchtime today and within hours SP had somehow found the number to our translator and called. Not super crazy except that they aren't allowed phones in prison and only the Assistant Chief would have her number - so, totally crazy! His one message was simple, "tell them to come here as soon as they can." So, tickets are purchased, but not with the same joy expected. We had been preparing hearts and home for his return, but this trip will commence on Thursday with a visit Friday or Saturday to somehow, hopefully make a difference in his release date. So, we ask you to pray with us. Throughout the day specifically at 9am, 1pm and 5pm please join us in prayer for Sasha. We'd love to be able to encourage him by telling him that there are people in America praying 3 times a day for him. Pray for a miracle and even more for the protection of Sasha's heart. Pray for an open door and encouragement for all of us. Even for the kids here who have been so excited to have such an integral part of our family with us again.

Trusting God's unforeseen, ever perfect plan. 

Annie

Party Like a 4 Year Old!

This weekend we had the privilege of having the beautiful "Shevchenko" family over [along with 3 other graduates] to celebrate Vala's 4th birthday!

Things were a little crazy with 10 people staying in 800 square feet of apartment, but I think it's safe to say that fun was had. We had Dusya and Sergey take Vala out for a little while as we decorated the apartment.

Her pretty little face lit up at the sight of flowers, streamers, balloons and a butterfly cakes - all for her.

McDonald's for dinner, presents from us, her family and friends, and even from some other friends in America. She was definitely a bit spoiled. :) We had a crazy and beautiful day celebrating Vala, our little bundle of energy and excitement! We are thankful to have been in her life since she was just 5 weeks old and look forward to continuing to watching her grow up...

Please be in prayer with us for this precious little family as they're going through a lot of changes right now. They also just moved back to the village, Ivanivka [literally right next to the Pravdinska orphanage]. There is a lot of work to be done on their house and they're working hard to save money and be able to fix the things that need it. We're hoping to be able to help them with as much as we can.

Also, you may have noticed a little baby bump in the family picture... We are excited to share that Dusya and Sergey are expecting their 2nd baby in early September! Vala is so excited to become a big sister! Dusya and baby are both doing well right now. She did have to have an emergency operation last year after some medical complications, and we're a little concerned about her having issues because of that. Please keep her and the baby in prayer, as well as the rest of their family. We will keep you all posted!

Thanks for your support and prayers! We're so thankful to have all of you and wouldn't be able to be a part of the Shevchenko family without you.