The Fight for Ava D. Continues

We wish we had good news to share but unfortunately we do not. In order to explain the news we heard on Tuesday we will have to go back to June 4, two days after the court granted us custody of Ava.

June 2:
In court James and I were awarded custody of Ava and announced as her parents however, the judge was unpleased with one thing. Ava had not been shown to local families before she was shown to us, an international family. This goes against the Kazakhstan law. Our judge said that it was still in the best interest of the child to be placed with us but that she would be punishing the baby home for not following the law.
June 4:
We heard news that the prosecutor's house (this is the place where the court verdict goes after the court decision to make sure that all the proper procedures were followed and that nothing violated the laws of Kazakhstan) overturned the positive ruling on the basis of our adoption was not legal since Ava was not first shown to local families. The Baby house met with the prosecutors and explained that they had verbally told local families about her but that there were no families interested in taking on a child with her medical condition.
June 6:
We submitted our formal appeal and applied to the regional court. This is what we have been waiting for for the past few weeks.
June 25:
We did not make it to our court hearing because James had a bad sinus infection and our lawyer was still working on some details that would strengthen our case.
July 7:
We appear in regional court and they rule that indeed the law has been violated and they cannot approve our adoption at this time. The evidence we brought forward was not enough to prove the law has been satisfied. However, everyone agreed that it is in the best interest of the child to be placed with us but we must do it according to the Kazakhstan law.

Right now we are not afraid that we will loose Ava. That is not an option for us or for those working with us. There are ways to make this right, that we know for sure. We are in the middle of getting some answers and are making decisions about what our next step will be. We have a basic idea of what our next step is, but it is still a little too early to share because there are so many unknowns at this point. After we have a little more information (hopefully today) we'll need to decide if one or both of us will go home then come back when things get started up again. We don't like the idea of leaving Ava but right know we need to make the decision that is best for the future of our family (of three). Know that our coordinator (and her family) and our lawyer are working around the clock to find the best solution for us. Also, the baby home is still allowing us to visit Ava during our normal visit times. They are supporting us and doing their part to ensure we leave with her as soon as possible.

There are obviously no words to describe how we are feeling right now, we are crushed, but we are taking things one day at a time and have made the commitment to stay strong and not lose hope during this process. We will fight to the end for this girl who is already a part of our family and we truly appreciate the support and strength of all you at home! Let's all pray the His kingdom is somehow glorified in this dramatic process, even if we don't see it or understand it.

Of course we are still taking lots of pictures and having a blast with Ava.

July Fourth Celebration:

James and Brian playing with the Frisbee at the "beach"


The Issac family lives in Pavlodar but are from America. They like to share American holidays with their local friends. So, we spent the day with some local families and got to share this wonderful American holiday, and its traditions, with them.

Mama Time:








Dada Time:











Some Fun Facts About Ava:

She likes walking around without her shirt on.


During snack time her educational movies have her undivided attention. Some of her best dance moves also come out at snack time.

She isn't always very lady like


But sometimes she is

She thinks her feet taste yummy

And they are ticklish

She likes playing in the sand but doesn't like dirty hands

Now that she is so mobile, she is really quite a little monkey

Our anniversary:

Yesterday was our 3rd wedding anniversary and we had a great day. We went to a special restaurant that over looked the city. Most marriages don't have to go through what we have been through these past 4 months but we are so thankful to have each other and are staying united through these tough times.