Mid-October Update
Waiting, Healing, and Counting Blessings
The nightmare came out of nowhere. I woke in a cold sweat, heart pounding, an unbearable pain burning deep in my chest. My hands pressed tightly against my body, wrists curled and shaking uncontrollably — the fear felt both physical and soul-deep. Far from Sofia, it was unlike anything I had faced before, not even on the frontlines or during the nights in Kyiv when rockets and drones filled the sky.
Yet the very next evening, after an hour on the phone with her — sharing the fear, letting her soothe me — I realized something profound: even when life shakes me to my core, love and faith can anchor me. Sofia is the sunrise that melts the night away, the garden in which my heart finds rest, and song that keeps my spirit dancing. Together, we can face anything.
Life in Odesa continues in its quiet, almost surreal rhythm. Days stretch differently now: fewer sirens, more space to breathe. But the waiting for Sofia’s visa drags on — 86 days and counting, far longer than the 30–40 days the embassy initially suggested. Patience is tested, budgets are stretched thin, and uncertainty looms.
Still, we embrace the small blessings: morning walks through parks, tea in charming cafés, or simply sitting together in silence. Our bodies, still recovering from years of stress, demand care. Health issues have crept in for both of us, a roller coaster of progress and setbacks, teaching us daily the meaning of “through sickness and in health.” Every small victory feels like a triumph, every hard day a test of faith — and a reminder to support one another, come what may.
September brought its own challenges. I spent ten days away, contracted as a medic and driver for a visiting blogger documenting Ukraine’s volunteers and soldiers — witnessing firsthand the destruction and pain caused by russia’s illegal invasion. It was during this time apart that I had the nightmare — a vivid reminder of how deeply Sofia anchors me. The distance was painful, yet it revealed the strength of our love. By God’s grace, that same trip provided enough income to purchase a 2007 Jeep in Indiana — a small but meaningful step toward our new life in the United States.
Even as our hearts are strengthened, practical challenges remain. This week, we finally secured Sofia’s immigration interview in Kyiv — scheduled for 22 October. In the past few days, we’ve combed through thousands of photos and nearly 80,000 messages across our apps, compiling proof of our life together. It’s a massive, exhausting task, but a necessary step forward in a journey that has tested patience, faith, and endurance.
The extended wait — far longer than the 30–40 days the embassy initially suggested — has been stressful and unexpected, and it has taken a toll on our finances. Our original budget is no longer sufficient. While we can cover basic needs and the trip to Kyiv, additional costs like flights, extra luggage, and travel back again to pick up Sofia’s passport if the visa is approved remain a concern. If you feel led to help, donations can be sent via PayPal to adrielstoltzfus@outlook.com, to help cover day-to-day needs and travel expenses. Your support allows us to focus on this critical next step and trust in God’s provision.
Amid it all, gratitude persists. The quiet of Odesa, the fellowship of friends who feel like family, and time with Sofia remind us that even in waiting, God’s provision is constant. Each small blessing shapes us, teaches patience, and deepens our love.
Things to Pray About:
Sofia’s immigration interview — that it proceeds smoothly and quickly.
Our emotional endurance — for patience and peace during uncertainty.
Health — that both of us continue to recover physically and emotionally and find healing.
Finances — for provision for flights, luggage, and the next steps toward life in the U.S.
Ukraine — for continued protection, healing, and restoration over the nation we love. PRAY FOR PEACE!
Thank you for walking with us in prayer, encouragement, and support. Whether through messages, connection, or donations, you help us not only endure this season but also prepare to serve and embrace the next chapter of our lives.
Blessings,
Adriel and Sofia