And another goes home...

I first met this spunky, lively little girl named Rimma in 2007 when we brought a group of orphans from Kherson to Virginia and Colorado with the Shoemaker play. She was one of those heart stealing type of girls. She was 11 years old, bounced off the walls and had a smile that melted the hearts of all she met- including me. She had a sassy side too, which kept you on your toes, but I could tell this was a girl determined to find herself a family, along with her friend Zina. So it was no surprise when she won the hearts of Felix and Heidi Roge instantly! Their hearts ached when they learned that Rimma wasn't registered for international adoption...but they didn't let that stop them and they fought the fight that very few are willing to take on-- the Ukrainian 'system'! It has been quite a journey for them to bring her home...over 2 years of waiting to be exact. But with great joy I can now say that Rimma's long wait is finally realized and she has gone home to her forever family in Colorado!! Yesterday Rimma landed on American soil and was officially stamped to become an American citizen!

Felix and Rimma stayed with me in Kiev this past week as they were finishing up everything at the US embassy. It was so special to have that time with them and to reminisce about the past two years and all that has transpired

to get them to this point. I've seen a lot of kids adopted over the years and I have to say I'm really touched and blessed by Rimma's perspective. This week as we were sitting around the kitchen table she shared her heart and said, "you know, I've seen a lot of kids go to America because they think they'll have a better life, more money, and more opportunities. And I know that I'll have those things...but honestly the only reason I ever wanted to go to America was so that I would have a family to love me and to support me....I've never had that. I've never had that kind of love." From the mouth of a 13-year-old. Felix and I told her to remember that perspective when things get hard...because there will be hard moments for sure. Rimma truly see's the Lord's hand in her adoption process even throughout the past two years of waiting. A lot of wisdom for a 13-year-old in my opinion. So proud of you Rimma!

The faith journey continues for the Roge family as they wait out the next year to bring home their second daughter, Zina, who they met along with Rimma in 2007. Zina is still waiting out the 'system' so that she will be available for international adoption. Zina is another young lady wise beyond her years, clinging to faith that yes- this adoption will happen!

Our prayer is that at this time next year (if not before!) there will be one more smiling Roge daughter entering through the immigration line at the Denver airport!

If you want to follow the Roge's journey click here.