Check Point Update

Good morning….

It’s been way to long since I have posted about the facts of our journey with Aleks. Our time together has flown by, yet it is amazing to see that he has only been with us for less than four months! Each day brings new challenges, new experiences, more laughter…and yes, some tears. We have experienced so many “firsts” with Aleks. Things that we just assume or take for granted. Yes, many of these have been so fun to experience together. The smile and joy he carries in his heart is infectious and spreads to those around him. On the flip side of that coin is also the anger, frustration and confusion which many times also spills over to those around. Fortunately these times are becoming fewer as Aleks learns to deal with the things inside him. But through all of this, both the good and the bad, these experiences have opened the door of discussion. The questions Aleks asks about God, the Bible, Jesus, Heaven, Hell and death are incredible. He is asking the right questions and God is continuing to minister love to his heart. Just as the sun rises each day, so also do the spiritual attacks come within 24 hours of each of these conversations. It has been incredible to see as Aleks is beginning to see and understand  that there is good and evil in this world. It is a fight for the heart…the heart of a warrior, the tender heart of the warrior – Aleks Zachary Tuttle.

In just 10 days I will board a plane to return to Latvia to attend the “Big Court” for Aleks final Orphan Court hearing. The court is scheduled for Friday October 30th, 2009 at 10:00am (3:00am EST). We have already been notified by the court that Aleks does not need to attend this hearing with me. He is excited about this…both the fact that I am going for this last hearing AND the fact that he does NOT have to go with me. Aleks and I will however be returning back to Latvia together about 30 days later to go through his citizenship process. For this we will be spending 4-5 days in Riga so that we can complete all of the stuff the US Embassy requires so that they can issue his IR-3 Visa. This is his ticket to US Citizenship!!!

Just to put this in perspective; January 2009 – Aleks had no citizenship of any country. Though he was born in Latvia, he was not granted citizenship because he mother and father were not citizens of Latvia, February 2009 – Aleks was granted citizenship in Latvia which then would allow him to be adopted. November/December 2009 – Aleks will become a citizen of the United States of America!!!

God is good and faithful to complete that work which He as begun.  This trip will cost approximately $7,500 – depending on the strength of the Euro. Our last trip together next month will be about $5,000 more for flight, food, lodging and fees. Please pray with us for God’s continued provision and blessings!

Thank you…..