Storming the castle
I'm not exactly sure if it fits but it's the only thing that sticks in my head when I think about what's coming on Friday. Interest peaked?
After writing my post this morning I closed the door to my office and had some alone time with God. I read some Psalms, did a keyword search throughout the Bible for "trust" and read those, and then sat and listened to some of my favorite songs about...well, about God (sounds like a Sunday School answer, huh?). It was a great time for me or refreshing and encouragement. As I reopened the door to the world (literally and figuratively) I found myself with a renewed perspective, ready for whatever would come today...ready because I knew/know that God's hand is all over this thing and all over us.
"So, what's happening," you're screaming. I've talked with Bogdan twice today...both times to tell me that he's been unable to reach the director at the ministry. He tried over and over this morning, sometimes even calling every 15-20 minutes. We're not sure if she's really as busy as it seems or if she is just avoiding him altogether. He was told to call back at 2pm. He did so quite punctually and was told that she'd gone to another meeting at the Sejm (Polish Parliament). But at that point he was reconnected with the lady that is "sub'ing" for Ms. Kowalczyk this week.
The conversation with the sub went pretty much the same as before with her..."I don't think the opinion should be positive"..."the children's home made a lot of mistakes"..."I don't know where the director is but you need to speak with her"...etc etc. Bogdan began pressing about the existence of a decision...if one had been made or not. She responded that she was unsure and that, again, he'd need to speak with the director (right...as if he hadn't already tried 1,564 times).
So, here's where the storming the castle bit comes in. He began getting fired up. I mean charismatic, pulpit-pounding, spit-flying fired up. If there was ever a time that we've questioned his personal, emotional involvement in this, it was all settled today. He is invested, for sure. Bogdan has come to the point where we've been waiting for some time now. He's got to have resolution...it's not an option any longer. Somebody has got to make a decision.
The final talking point with the sub was about how the judge does not need to wait for their opinion to make a decision...that he alone, in all of his judgey power, can make whatever decision he sees fit. So the idea came to Bogdan (and we're in complete agreement) that he is going to basically demand such a decision. And he/we realizes that it is likely far better to have no decision from the ministry than to have a negative one.
So, Bogdan will try again tomorrow (although not as desperately as today) to get in touch with the ministry director. But if no opinion is given out, we will proceed to the hearing Friday with the intent of receiving a decision -- for good or bad. Something has got to be done and none of us can go on like this any longer. See what I mean...I feel like we're storming the castle!!
Bogdan also mentioned that he does not think it's possible that any of these people would like the embarrassment that would come from a media blitz. So, it appears that he's ready for that if it is needed. And while it has been obvious over and over that the attention of all of the officials involved has been anywhere but on the good of the children, I am confident that media attention is the last thing that would be hoping for.
So, as it stands we are planning on being at the hearing Friday. We also know that quite often the thing that happens is the one thing we have not expected...which means this will be an interesting next couple of days. Stay tuned to hear how things go tomorrow and Friday. I know you're all in this with us and I will do what I can to keep you updated on it all.
Oh, what an adventure!
After writing my post this morning I closed the door to my office and had some alone time with God. I read some Psalms, did a keyword search throughout the Bible for "trust" and read those, and then sat and listened to some of my favorite songs about...well, about God (sounds like a Sunday School answer, huh?). It was a great time for me or refreshing and encouragement. As I reopened the door to the world (literally and figuratively) I found myself with a renewed perspective, ready for whatever would come today...ready because I knew/know that God's hand is all over this thing and all over us.
"So, what's happening," you're screaming. I've talked with Bogdan twice today...both times to tell me that he's been unable to reach the director at the ministry. He tried over and over this morning, sometimes even calling every 15-20 minutes. We're not sure if she's really as busy as it seems or if she is just avoiding him altogether. He was told to call back at 2pm. He did so quite punctually and was told that she'd gone to another meeting at the Sejm (Polish Parliament). But at that point he was reconnected with the lady that is "sub'ing" for Ms. Kowalczyk this week.
The conversation with the sub went pretty much the same as before with her..."I don't think the opinion should be positive"..."the children's home made a lot of mistakes"..."I don't know where the director is but you need to speak with her"...etc etc. Bogdan began pressing about the existence of a decision...if one had been made or not. She responded that she was unsure and that, again, he'd need to speak with the director (right...as if he hadn't already tried 1,564 times).
So, here's where the storming the castle bit comes in. He began getting fired up. I mean charismatic, pulpit-pounding, spit-flying fired up. If there was ever a time that we've questioned his personal, emotional involvement in this, it was all settled today. He is invested, for sure. Bogdan has come to the point where we've been waiting for some time now. He's got to have resolution...it's not an option any longer. Somebody has got to make a decision.
The final talking point with the sub was about how the judge does not need to wait for their opinion to make a decision...that he alone, in all of his judgey power, can make whatever decision he sees fit. So the idea came to Bogdan (and we're in complete agreement) that he is going to basically demand such a decision. And he/we realizes that it is likely far better to have no decision from the ministry than to have a negative one.
So, Bogdan will try again tomorrow (although not as desperately as today) to get in touch with the ministry director. But if no opinion is given out, we will proceed to the hearing Friday with the intent of receiving a decision -- for good or bad. Something has got to be done and none of us can go on like this any longer. See what I mean...I feel like we're storming the castle!!
Bogdan also mentioned that he does not think it's possible that any of these people would like the embarrassment that would come from a media blitz. So, it appears that he's ready for that if it is needed. And while it has been obvious over and over that the attention of all of the officials involved has been anywhere but on the good of the children, I am confident that media attention is the last thing that would be hoping for.
So, as it stands we are planning on being at the hearing Friday. We also know that quite often the thing that happens is the one thing we have not expected...which means this will be an interesting next couple of days. Stay tuned to hear how things go tomorrow and Friday. I know you're all in this with us and I will do what I can to keep you updated on it all.
Oh, what an adventure!
posted by Michael Shattuck at
9:01 AM
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