Agniezska's Adoption Not Approved

We got some rather difficult news last week.  Agniezska's caregiver has stated that she will not approve of this adoption.  She feels that Agniezska should go to a family without children or with children who are older than she is. They are concerned for the safety of our children because Agniezska gets very possessive of caregivers and is unwilling to share them. 

Victor has always hoped for four children, so along with Agniezska, we inquired about adopting a little friend of hers, a nine-year-old boy named Leszek who has mild mental retardation. We've heard he is delightful, loving and everyone's favorite.  Lezsek's caregiver also gave us a thumbs down because she feels that he should be the youngest in his family because of his cognitive challenges.

This news has been challenging for us to process. We felt like we were following God, and now we are confused and not sure what to do.  Our hearts grieve for Agnes and Leszek, both of whom we have grown attached to although we have never met them.  Agnes will turn 15 in April, and unless another family takes an interest in her before her 16th birthday, she will be too old to enter the US as an adopted child.  We continue to pray for them that God will connect them to the families meant for them.

Victor and I have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support we have been shown with regard to our adoption.  We have raised almost $10,000, and several more folks have promised generous donations once we have a tax break option.  It appears that our decision to do something totally crazy, like adopt a 14 year old from Poland, has been infectious....which has been so cool to watch happen. 

So what to do with all that money?  Well, Victor and I have both agreed that we still wish to adopt, even if it feels a bit like a bait and switch. Currently we are considering other children to adopt who are “in the system.”  Our agency has connections to several countries besides Poland, so it is all up for grabs right now.  They have adoption workers in Colombia and Mexico, too, so that is interesting to us with our Latin American connections. 

We have already written to all the wonderful people who have sent us money for Agnes, offering to return their donation. So far, every one has graciously said to keep it for the next adoption.  We have also talked to our children, and they also still wish us to adopt. 

Sam Sam says he wants a younger brother to play with.   Lidia would like a girl her own age or a bit older.  But, as we have already experienced, we don't always get what we want.  

We ask for your prayers for clear guidance, and your prayers for Agnes and Lezsek to find families.