On Friday, 7-15, we had our court hearing at 1 p.m. I wasn't even that nervous, I truly felt God's peace through out the entire proceeding. At the end of the hearing, the judge announced she would give us her decision in one hour! This is unheard of. We were fully expecting to have to wait until Monday at 3 for her decision. Reda and Silva were both very excited about this.
So at 3 p.m. on 7-15, the decision came: Benjamin Kostas (his birth name is finally revealed!) is our officially our son. We were also granted an urgent decision which means we do NOT have to come back in 30 days to bring Ben home. As soon as his VISA is ready, we can fly home! God truly answered all our prayers about the court hearing above and beyond what we expected!
Something I will never forget:
Benjamin arrived at the orphanage as a baby on 7-15-2010. He left the orphanage as OUR SON on 7-15-2016, exactly 6 years to the date! Reda even shared this amazing fact with the judge as part of her argument that it is time for this boy to have his family! I believe this "coincidence" was a gift from the Lord, showing me that this was truly meant to be.
This is the first time I met Ben on 7-9. I could hardly believe I was finally meeting this boy I have only seen in photos and videos over the past 18 months.
Playtime at the orphanage. On this day, Ben was wearing a Christmas shirt??!!
We arrive at orphanage after the hearing to pick up Ben and bring him "home" to our apartment. Orphan no more!!!! In this photo, we are telling him he is ours forever! Very emotional. Moments I will never forget for the rest of my life. What a privilege we have in being part of this!
Sightseeing with Ben! Let the fun begin!
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