The chance to be normal...

With the kids back in school and the Holidays over, it's been great being able to just hang out with the girls.  With the chance to just act 'normal', you can really see their personalities shine through.  We have been able to just talk more about where they live, what they think about their future and share stories. 
Roxy asks me the other day if we would host them again in summer.  I had to say, 'I don't know', she seemed a little disappointed.  There are certain rules about hosting a 2nd time/plans for adoption. With our future with the girls being unclear at this point, I don't want to make any promises I can't keep.
 
With the last week quickly passing us by, I can feel the change in my heart for these girls.  I don't want to let them go.  They deserve so much more that what they will be provided in Ukraine. 
On a lighter note, we have definitely gotten a taste of what it is like to parent emotional teenage girls.  There is crying and pouting for no reason, bickering between sibling (which we can't intervene because we have no idea what they are fighting about).  It's been an interesting week to say the least.  The girls are definitely trying to challenge our authority, but we are told that this is a good thing.  They act no different than any of our other children now.  I say that with love for all of them!  :)
New Horizons has the host families and kids pick a bible verse and write it on cardboard.  They are called cardboard promises.  All the host families send them in and the organization makes a video...it is beautiful.  I have included the pictures of the girls with the verses they picked out!

Girls, I have hope too!  I love you both!!  Two more days to enjoy your beautiful personalities!  It's just too short...

January 12th's devotional in 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young.

"LET ME PREPARE YOU for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You’d feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: Spend quality time with Me.

I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way. Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My Name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts. Thus, you can walk through this day with your focus on Me. My abiding Presence is the best road map available."

"Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief." Proverbs 14:13.  This verse will be speaking to my heart on Tuesday.