Dear Judge,

(If you or a representative is reading this, please know that we are sincere when we say we are praying for you).

Six times now you have stated that you would set our date ‘tomorrow’. And with each passing tomorrow you were too busy. Then today your calendar was clear of meetings so you thought for sure you would have time today. But today came and you took the day off work despite telling Irina today would be the day. We have been praying for your busyness and for God to soften your heart for our case. You see, one of God’s blessings is also a curse for us. He has blessed us with the ability to begin to love and attach to a little boy half way across the world that we only meet a few days. He has allowed that little boy to already become a part of our family. Our children wonder everyday why we haven’t left to get their little brother. We keep explaining that you are very busy and have a lot of official business to take care of, but it is getting harder and harder for all of us to understand. We are a family of believers, and we believe that God’s timing in all of this will be perfect. We just wonder how many hurdles we will have to overcome. A few weeks ago I was so full of despair and fear. The particular circumstances that brought me to my knees seemed unbearable. But I must say that now you are helping to build my character and strength. There are verses in Romans that read, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” So through all of this persevering, I have to believe that I am growing in my character (although I find myself guarding my hope).

Through my tears of disappointment, anxiety, frustration, and heartache I will continue to pray for you. Please know that we miss our son so very much and you play a vital role in reuniting us with him.

In Christ’s Love,
Heather