CHRISTMAS NOSTALGIA

It's Christmastime and those of us who have grown up in Christian homes know this as a very special time of year. We all know it's when we think Baby Jesus was born into this world. We've known 'Away in a Manger' since we were wee small. We've known family gatherings with aunts, uncles and cousins. Some of us travel many miles to continue these memories. It seems to be a world wide tradition. Even here in Kenya, people travel to their homeland for the Holidays. Each one develops some sort of memory of Christmas. Each family develops some sort of tradition. We even eat certain kinds of food. Please bear with us as we share a special memory associated with Christmastime. It will always be a part of our family.

Two Years ago, in 2007, seven year old David came into our family. We (or I) spent 3 months in Ukraine struggling through the difficult adoption process. We left the end of September and David and I finally arrived home four days before Christmas. Needless to say, it was a very special time we had together as a family. We were so grateful to God for providing for us. You see, I could be in country without a visa for three months and by the time we arrived home there were four days left. I would have been sent home without David. We would have needed to stay out of the country three months before going back. Our fingerprints document had three days left before expiring. Upon expiring, we would have needed to start over. Isn't God's timing good? Some of these post communists are tough. In spite of themselves, God worked miracles through them. Yes, Christmas is a nostalgic time.....and my mother heart will always wonder why God chose me to care for this motherless little boy. Three years prior to this, God impressed strongly on my heart that somewhere, (but where?) there is a mother praying that someone could provide and care for her little boy. I fought it, Sam fought it for a long time; we had children of our own........but finally we gave in and travelled blindly in the direction we were led.

We were led to David in Vynogradov, Ukraine; went through the required (and more) process and finally succeeded. We didn't found out much beyond that, except we found David...but who is he?

David Sergei, age 9.

Left to right, David-9, Myrna-9, Miriam-13, Daniel-15, Monica-17, Martina-18

David is so delighted to be in a family. Oh yes, he is like the others. There are tiffs and quibbles, and much teasing and laughter. He has a few quirks that indicate that there was little personal training before age 7. It's hard work, but the results are rewarding.

We were home one year and received the second call to serve in Kenya, Africa. (Ray Stutzman may not know it, but the first time he called, he was very instrumental in encouraging us on in the adoption process. At the time, we were at a crossroad).

In March 2009, we felt inspired to do a biological search for David's family. We were nervous...but again placed the results in God's hand. The family was easily found. David was born the third child with some health issues in the hospital. His parents were very poor and could not take him home. The government stepped in and placed him in an orphanage. There is still much corruption in the government in these remote area. Afterall, placing a child for adoption means thousands of dollars for them. Can you imagine this heartbroken mother? Always wondering.....the family was happy to be found and to know what happened to their son. They want contact and gave us their address.

The Ukrainian family, Stephan and Lizbet and children from Svalyava, Ukraine, a far western village in the Uzhgorod region. Wayne and Connie Hursh serve under CAM in Ukraine. They sent the 101 Bible Story book and a few pieces of literature to the family. In May, we wrote them a letter and received this one from David's mother a few weeks ago. This was sent to Connie; she translated and emailed the message to us.

Dear Mattie, We received this sweet letter the other day from David Sergey's biological mother. It touched my heart and I'm sure it will yours, too.

Hello from Zacarpatska Oblast, from Sergey's mother (Liza) and his father (Styopa).We recieved your letter and are very glad because of that. We waited for it for such a long time. I, Sergey's mother, love my son very much and would like to see him. Sergey, please forgive us for what happened....that I gave you to an orphanage.We didn't have a place to live, didn't have any work (job), and we were very poor. You have 4 more brothers and one sister. Now we are still living poor, but I still count you as my son. I didn't refuse you, and I went to visit you. Nobody told me that you were adopted. When I appealed to the court, they would not tell me who had adopted you.

I didn't know anything about you till your new family told us about you. I am very glad that you are in a nice family. I want to thank that family for taking care of you. I would like your family to come and visit us, and so Sergey could see his family here.

We still are living poor and have no job. We built only 2 rooms because we can't afford much. sometimes not even enough for food. Please answer this letter. I trust only in the Lord God that He will make it possible for our families to meet together.I kiss all of Sergey's American family. Thank-you for not forgetting us, Sergey.

Sincerely yours, Styopa and Liza.

Then there was a little note thanking us for our letter and the books. They were very glad for them and asked us to stop and visit them if we will be in their Oblast sometime. They would like our phone number, too.

It will be interesting to see how God will open the doors...maybe you will need to come visit Ukraine again. At this time of the year I think about you and how you courageously stuck it out till the adoption was finally through! I'm sure God has a special work for David and God bless you for doing your part.

Love and Prayers, Connie

The American family; Sam and Mattie Kauffman and children

Does God care about children? Does He care about a misplaced little boy? We are convinced He has His hand on David. Please pray that we can have wisdom in training this particular child. Please pray that we can know how to relate to his family. God willing, we as a family, are considering visiting them in Ukraine some day. If it works out, possibly we'll stop by when we return to America. We are seeking God's timing in this.

We are aware this is not a Kenyan post....just a melancholy airing of the mind. We thought those of you who were very involved in the whole adoption process would find this interesting.

May God bless and all and find you faithful.

Mattie for the Kauffmans