Friday, August 14, 2009

We Are Coming Home

We want to thank you all for your support and prayers. We did as many of you suggested today and what Mark and I also felt was something that we needed to do to make sure that we were fulfilling God's plan for our family. We talked to our in country coordinator and agreed to meet other children that were available for adoption. We met 4 children ages 4-7. We knew as soon as we met each child that they were not meant to be ours. We did meet a 7 year old boy on the playground that we both felt could be our son. We inquired about him and late this afternoon we were told that he has 3 siblings and it would be complicated to adopt him. We have prayed and prayed and prayed about our situation and we feel we have done everything that we could/should do in this journey. We are so blessed to have so many family and friends that have been so supportive both here (Ault's and Howell's) and back home. Our kids have been amazing!!! We have purchased our tickets home and will be arriving in Chicago late Sunday afternoon. We will be spending tomorrow with Madina(our exchange student daughter from 2001) and her new daughter in Almaty. It's time to close this chapter in our lives and move on to being Cash's Grandpa and Grandma!

9 comments:

Amber and Alan Herman said...

You have done everything that you have been led in faith to do. No one - including yourselves - should feel that you have not given this your all.
Please have safe travel and know that once again, everyone here at the hospital and myself are praying for your peace as you complete your journey.

We love you both so much!
Amber

Karen, Glenn, Allie, Max, and Sam said...

We continue to send our love, prayer, and support. It's been a rough week in Ust, and as fellow Ust parents, we share your grief and try to absorb some of your pain. Keeping you in our thoughts, and wishing you a peaceful journey home.

Karen, Glenn & Max (Ust, 2008)

Susie Gallihugh said...

I think it was very important that you visited with other children. It's also good that you both knew the children weren't a right fit with your family. Now you will never worry or wonder. You both have done so much good that maybe your just supposed to focus on each other and the family that you have done such a tremendous job raising. I bet the black hills are calling:)
Maybe you should take a detour to Florida!!!!
Travel safe
love ya
Susie

Anne Birdsong said...

Yesterday I shared your news with my James and Julie. W/o missing a beat James said he wasn't surprised that the girls were scared and crying and decided not to be adopted. Apparently when he went back to his Internat after our bonding period, all the kids were teasing him and asking him why he wasn't afraid b/c everyone knows when you go to America they take out all your organs to sell. Didn't help, I guess, that my dh is a surgeon. It took a lot of bravery and trust for our older kids to say yes to such a huge risk.
Between the fear of being killed for your organs, and the insecurity of leaving everyone and everything you know, it's really shocking that ANY of the older kids can say yes to such a thing.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you journey homeward.

Vonda Kaye said...

Kris & Mark,
Though I've been here to hug your neck and try to encourage you, I wanted you to know that I admire you both for what you've tried with all of your heart to do. It is so sad and devastating but I know you both are resting in your faith in God's plan for all involved. We've enjoyed our short time together and you've certainly gained lifetime friends. Thank you for all of your encouragement and support, for loving on Luke, and for being a great example.

Unknown said...

God bless you my children. I am proud of you. You have listened to God. I'm so glad you did visit other children...that in itself gave you peace of mind. Galina and Tanya can still be a part of our lives as we continue to pray for them and love them. Will you be able to have contact with them?
Have a safe journey home knowing that you have done all you could do to keep your promise to Galina.
Now on to being grandpa and grandma...the "funnist" thing you'll have in your life!
I love you!
Mom
I'm so glad that Kathy finally explained how to send a message! Kinda late tho????

Jim and Michelle said...

Kris & Mark,

We are so sorry to read your post. Don't forget for a moment that God is right there with you. Even though it's hard to believe right now, He has a different plan for you. He loves you and would never do anything that wasn't right for you.

Our prayers are with you as you come home.

Blessings to you both!

aultfamily said...

Kris and Mark,

It was so evident in meeting you while in Ust that God shines through you. You have been faithful by following Him.

You absolutely did everything you could and more than I think most people would be able to do. After having your hearts broken, you continued to meet with more children. You know in your gut and through the Hoy Spirit that God has given you closure in Ust.

As both of our families wait for our "windows", we will be praying for you.

Blessings abound,
MaryAnn

Kelli Green said...

Mark and Kris,
I know that you are almost home but wanted to let you know that we have been praying for you as you continue your journey home. I know that it may not help (not sure quite what to say), but I'm sure those girls know that they are loved by you and you will always have a place in their hearts as they have a place in yours.
Know that you are loved by us as well!

Crying out to God for you,
Kelli