I cried all the way to drop Brianna off at school today

Though I knew I'd be excited, and there's a whole mess of emotions surrounding this thing that has happened, I had no idea just how much joy and relief and peace and thankfulness I would have when it came. I received a text message that simply said:

Operation Gotcha Complete!

Misha was sprung from the mental institution this morning!! Each time a family picks up their child from an orphanage there's a joy that comes with it, a huge thankfulness to that family for their sacrifices to get the child, and an even bigger round of applause for God, the creator and orchestrator of all of this. A child I've met, such as those at my children's orphanage is even a more exciting thing because I can picture the child, their exact circumstances and personality, and I can rejoice that their lives have changed.

But not many experience meeting a child and falling in love and then saying goodbye. Twice. In one week. The emotions that accompanied that week we spent in Korosten, Ukraine meeting Sasha and Misha was one of the most difficult that we've ever been through. So many decisions being made without time or counsel to go through them. Mike, Me, and God. In a 150 square foot hotel room with two twin beds, a tiny refrigerator and a couch. It wasn't easy. But by far it was the closest I have felt with God. Total dependence. Total trust. Total surrender.

I know we did what we were supposed to do... I know God's plan for our lives continues to be walked and that the children He intended to be ours came home to us a year ago. But the pain in knowing that Misha was transferred, the emotions that came when we knew the other family also would not be able to adopt him, and then the guarded hope that this third family would get him... It has been a roller coaster ride for so many people.

Today, Misha, now known by his adopted American name: Micah (how appropriate, LOVE it!), is sitting beside his Mommy and Daddy and his new brother Matthew (also adopted this trip and "sprung free" today!!) and he is coming home.

This verse comes to mind in reference to the Malones:

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

God Speed to you, Malone family, as you travel home with your two new blessings!