I don't really have time to write, but we joined Embry Hills United Methodist Church today, which I think was a great decision. We have felt so welcome at that church. I sent this to the head pastor tonight:
Hi Mark -
Mother talked to Victoria today and let her know we are ready to go ahead and join up. I have been so delighted by everyone at Embry Hills, and I know it's a great decision for our family.
Alesia has been to youth group twice now and really enjoyed it.
I mentioned to her today the idea of going to confirmation class. She didn't refuse, but I may have to talk a little more to her. Please let us know when that will start.
I am in a quandary over what to do about getting her baptized.
Alesia claims she was baptised in Russia but I seriously doubt that. Her mother was a 17 year old alcoholic prostitute living in a tiny settlement far from anywhere with a church, and she wasn't married when Alesia was born. I think Alesia WANTS to think she was baptized. She also says her mother gave her a silver cross, but that's wrong. I sent her a silver cross. She gets things mixed up in her memory a lot, which is common among orphans and kids with FAE [fetal alcohol effects].
I told her when we were going to the Episcopal church she would need to be baptized in that church for it to count, but she was leery of the idea. We witnessed several baptisms of babies, and I think she was just afraid she would be embarrassed, in front of the whole church.
Alesia was removed from her birthmother's apt. when she was 6, and there were no records of any kind - not even medical. She'd never been to school. She was so malnourished she was hospitalized for a while. Thank God she was put in the orphanage or she probably wouldn't have lived. In Russia, the alcoholism is so bad people sell their children for booze - that's why there are over 700,000 kids in orphanages. It's truly horrifying.
If we could arrange to baptize her privately, I think she would go along with it. One of her tutors, who is a close family friend, could be her godmother, if it's OK she's not Methodist [she's catholic].
Alesia is still somewhat skeptical about God, even though she dutifully prays with us before meals and before bed. She knows Granny and I have strong faith in God. It's hard for her to believe, though - life has been so tough for her I think she just can't put faith in something she can't see. Also, in Russia self-reliance is the religion, and Christians are often viewed as crazy.
I have reason to hope she is finding her faith. In an essay she wrote the other day she said God made the world beautiful. It makes me want to cry to write that, because the world has not been kind to her, and she still sees the beauty. I have told her that I dreamed of her the night before we met, and God showed me that she was to be my child. Then Granny and I and all our friends prayed and prayed that I would be able to complete the adoption. Maybe if I tell her a hundred more times she will believe me! If love can heal her at all, she's being healed every day.
The youth group is so good for her. Her best friend Elena is also a good influence and urges her to believe.
Please let me know what you think we should do. I want baptism and confirmation to be her decision, made freely, but I do wish she would go ahead and take the confirmation class - I think the kids will be better persuasion than anything. Maybe she could be quietly baptized before she was confirmed, or possibly before the class started? Maybe if Victoria talked to her about it she would do it. She is rather afraid of men.
Thanks,
Dee
