Duh!

It’s official! The Penza court has granted the petition of adoption, and Jessica and Sam are now, legally, our children!

Their new names are Yulia Jessica Joy Haworth and Samuel Gennadiy Haworth.

The court proceedings were solemn. We were asked a lot of questions. Glen made a lengthy statement explaining the petition to adopt (why we want to adopt these two children), and Cyndy filled in the gaps with her statement. The judge in her ruling (several pages) went through the history of the kids, why they are orphans, etc. etc. etc. But after two hours, the proceedings were complete, and Jessica and Sam became (officially) members of our family.

We cannot tell you how blessed we are! Everyone has been so wonderful here in Penza. The judge, prosecutor, both social workers… everyone has treated us with kindness. We are especially blessed by Tanya, our adoption agency worker here in Penza. She has done a wonderful job!

After the court, we went to lunch (at a Japanese restaurant!) and then got the kids’ birth certificates and certificates of adoption. Tomorrow we go back to the orphanage to get their passports, close their bank accounts, purchase gifts for the orphanage from Jessica and Sam, take lots of pictures, and say goodbye. Please be praying for Jessica and Sam; tomorrow will be a difficult day for them as they say goodbye to their friends and adult care givers. We will probably not return to the orphanage.

We are just so thankful to God for this blessing! He orchestrated this adoption, first calling us to it and then paving the way, all along the way. Through you, our friends and family, we have been supported and encouraged constantly. Thank you! We thank God for you. Yulia’s (Jessica’s) prayers have been answered, and she and Gena (Sam) now have the family they have longed for. It is humbling and exhilarating at the same time! Praise be to God!

We are family!

Glen, Cyndy, Nathan, Jessica and Sam HAWORTH!