Court Day!

Today was the day, the big day that has been hanging over our heads the past few months. A decision that would affect the rest of this journey and our lives...

Our facilitator came into town early this morning and woke us up... though it wasn't time to get ready yet. We rested some more and then got ready for the day. Then she came and talked to us about how court was going to go and what we needed to say and do. It was a lot of information and we got a little nervous but then Erick and I prayed over it all. Shortly after, it was time to leave. The court is just a block or 2 away from our apt, so we walked there. We waited around in a hallway in the building while Luda delivered some papers. Then she came back and we waited a bit more. The whole time we sat there we would pray off and on individually and one thing the Lord told me was to relax, that we can't mess this up. This is his work, we are just to move in obedience. The Holy Spirit is the one in control. That was a great peace giver. “Salvation is mine says the Lord”. Whatever the Lord wills, will come to pass. We were ready to rest in whatever that answer was and move fwd as we keep following after him.

Then, it was time to enter the court room. It was a cute little room. It was us and Luda, and a prosecutor, social worker, orphanage representative, a court secretary, and 2 witnesses. We waited around for a bit and then the judge entered. He was younger than we expected. Everyone was self introduced and our paperwork was read off while Luda translated on the fly for us. Then it was time to say why we wanted to adopt and answer questions from the judge/prosecutor. Only one of us needed to speak, so Erick spoke on our behalf. He did a great job! The rest of court proceeded, nobody in the court objected to our adoption and maybe like an hour or so later we were dismissed to return back for the judge's decree at 2:30pm (I guess he had lunch plans). So we left and Luda said that we did a great job and was proud of us. Then we went to a nearby cafe and had lunch. It was a cute little cafe but seemed like in the middle of nowhere. We had plenty of time and enjoyed some good food and conversation with Luda, she is so great! Then we walked back to the court right in time. We waited for a bit in the hall and then it was time to go in the room. A few min later the judge arrived, we all stood and he read off his decree. In a nut shell... THE COURT FULLY ACCEPTS YOUR ADOPTION!!! Joy beamed to our faces (Erick started crying a bit) and then the judge said congratulations and left. Then Luda gave us big hugs and that was it!



From there we walked back to the apt for a bit to wait to go to orphanage. That was nice so we could change out of court clothes. Then we left to go see Peyton. The director wanted to meet with Luda a little earlier than visit time so we just sat in on the groupa snack time while they met in the office. It was nice to see all the kids but it was a little awkward waiting there for Luda and the director to come back (it took like an hour) since it was not like a regular visit where we could play. Then they arrived and the director congratulated us, she was very happy and so nice to us. Then she had Luda take pics of the whole groupa together, and some with us in it! What an awesome opportunity to advocate for other orphans!

Then it was time to take Peyton to get his passport photo taken. So we, Luda, our driver, Peyton and an orphanage caregiver all got in the car and took a little drive. Peyton sat on my lap (they don't wear seatbelts here). He was so excited about being in the car. He talked nonstop about everything! We got his pic taken and then took him back. We had about 30 min or so left of visit time and Luda joined us and we all stayed with the groupa visiting outside. The other kids kept trying to come to me and calling me mama and Peyton got so jealous and would push them away. “My mama”, he says. It was nice to get a chance to interact a bit with the others though. More pics were taken and then it was time to leave. The caregivers and Luda all explained to him what was happening and he understands we will be gone for a bit but then return to get him.



It was a very busy day and now we are tired and ready to relax. But of course I had to post this wonderful blog for all you wonderful people out there first! You are part of this miracle, all of your prayers and contributions have played a part in this redemption story. Thank you!

Love
The Wilsons