Sunday, December 28, 2008
Musings...
Each night when we go to bed, we take a few minutes to look at Jude as he sleeps and consider how blessed we are. I've been told all parents do this. I don't really know. All I can tell you is that we do it, no matter how exhausted we are. Anyhow, when we turned the lights out last night, I said to Matthew, "So, what do you think of this life God has given us?"
He responded, "I love it."
"Even when it's hard?" I asked.
"Still love it, even when it's hard."
It was great to hear him respond that way. He is my leader, the head of our household. We are partners, but at the end of the day before God it is he who takes responsibility for the decisions and direction of our family. He feels the pressure of providing and leading and teaching our son and...he loves it. That sure does a wife's heart good!
We don't want to give the impression that our life is without challenge. It isn't. We have all kinds of challenges, the least of which is paying bills! We've learned how hard it is to continue to have a growing marriage when you have an adopted child who you have to work so hard to help feel safe that you can't leave them to have a date night very easily. We're challenged to make our schedules work so that we can both earn money and coordinate child care and be all the places we need to be when we need to be there and still spend time as a family. And it'll get harder as Matthew starts school in January. But, we've also learned that God meets our needs and teaches us along the way.
What do I think of this life God has given us? Well, it's a grand adventure, and you never know what God is going to do. I never imagined that having Jude would be this good. I never knew God would give Matt a desire to go back to school or that He planned for me to teach at a college. Some people say that you only go around once, so grab for all the gusto you can. I say, you only go around once. Do it in the will of God and it'll be a great ride.
He responded, "I love it."
"Even when it's hard?" I asked.
"Still love it, even when it's hard."
It was great to hear him respond that way. He is my leader, the head of our household. We are partners, but at the end of the day before God it is he who takes responsibility for the decisions and direction of our family. He feels the pressure of providing and leading and teaching our son and...he loves it. That sure does a wife's heart good!
We don't want to give the impression that our life is without challenge. It isn't. We have all kinds of challenges, the least of which is paying bills! We've learned how hard it is to continue to have a growing marriage when you have an adopted child who you have to work so hard to help feel safe that you can't leave them to have a date night very easily. We're challenged to make our schedules work so that we can both earn money and coordinate child care and be all the places we need to be when we need to be there and still spend time as a family. And it'll get harder as Matthew starts school in January. But, we've also learned that God meets our needs and teaches us along the way.
What do I think of this life God has given us? Well, it's a grand adventure, and you never know what God is going to do. I never imagined that having Jude would be this good. I never knew God would give Matt a desire to go back to school or that He planned for me to teach at a college. Some people say that you only go around once, so grab for all the gusto you can. I say, you only go around once. Do it in the will of God and it'll be a great ride.
Jude is...
Here are some random quick thoughts to help update:
Jude is...
...enjoying the snow! He loves to be outside, and the cold doesn't bother him a bit.
...growing! He's gained five pounds and a couple of inches since he got home - we love hand-me-down clothes! He's grown out of his 18 month clothing and into a 2T...and now out of some of those!
...growing more! He has two new teeth since he got home!
...funny! He loves to laugh, and he makes us laugh all the time. His first real, unguarded belly laugh came about a month ago, and he laughs more and more all the time.
...a happy kid. He wakes up happy each day and sings and chatters through the day.
...learning! He says quite a lot. "Help, please" is one of our favorites. It's much better than the alternative screaming in frustration when he can't do something!
...beautiful! I know, we're biased, but nonetheless...I'm learning a lot about how to care for his hair and skin to keep both healthy, and he is very handsome!
..."a joy!" That's how his papa finishes the sentence.
...learning that he won't be hungry and that he'll always be fed. His food anxiety is waning little by little as he learns that mama and papa will always give him food when he's hungry.
...still sleeping restlessly. He sleeps through the night, but still does some crying and head-banging in his sleep. It's getting less and less, but still happens. This, too, shall pass, we are sure.
...still learning that he's safe. He still gets nervous and doesn't sleep after big experiences, like family gatherings in new places, etc. We went to a wedding recently and he had a fun time for the most part, but slept horribly for a couple of days after. He also gets nervous when we take him out and about and one of us has to run into a store while he and the other one wait in the car.
...a blessing to many!
Jude is...
...enjoying the snow! He loves to be outside, and the cold doesn't bother him a bit.
...growing! He's gained five pounds and a couple of inches since he got home - we love hand-me-down clothes! He's grown out of his 18 month clothing and into a 2T...and now out of some of those!
...growing more! He has two new teeth since he got home!
...funny! He loves to laugh, and he makes us laugh all the time. His first real, unguarded belly laugh came about a month ago, and he laughs more and more all the time.
...a happy kid. He wakes up happy each day and sings and chatters through the day.
...learning! He says quite a lot. "Help, please" is one of our favorites. It's much better than the alternative screaming in frustration when he can't do something!
...beautiful! I know, we're biased, but nonetheless...I'm learning a lot about how to care for his hair and skin to keep both healthy, and he is very handsome!
..."a joy!" That's how his papa finishes the sentence.
...learning that he won't be hungry and that he'll always be fed. His food anxiety is waning little by little as he learns that mama and papa will always give him food when he's hungry.
...still sleeping restlessly. He sleeps through the night, but still does some crying and head-banging in his sleep. It's getting less and less, but still happens. This, too, shall pass, we are sure.
...still learning that he's safe. He still gets nervous and doesn't sleep after big experiences, like family gatherings in new places, etc. We went to a wedding recently and he had a fun time for the most part, but slept horribly for a couple of days after. He also gets nervous when we take him out and about and one of us has to run into a store while he and the other one wait in the car.
...a blessing to many!
Here's To My Great Men...
I am so fortunate to have several precious men in my life. This Christmas Matthew and Jude and I had some much-needed reclusive hibernation at home. It was so nice to be home...just the three of us...for a few days. One day, papa (Matthew) decided to occupy Jude so that I could do some sewing downstairs in preparation for Christmas with my parents and siblings on New Year's Day. As I was working away at (what I hope turns out to be) something wonderful for my mother, I had the pleasure of eavesdropping on a father and his son upstairs. Matthew is a super papa to Jude. He had told me that he won't call him "bud" because he doesn't want to be Jude's buddy; he has been called to be his father, and he takes that difference very seriously. I listened as the two of them ran all over the house wrestling and laughing and shouting and singing...and I heard Matthew teaching and Jude learning...and I felt so blessed. As Jude's mama, it's nice to be needed. But it's even nicer to have a spouse who is a partner, capitalizing on teachable moments even at Jude's young age to begin helping him grow into a man who loves Christ and loves people. Here's to my two special men...
And then there's Uncle Mike. Muko-Muh, as Jude calls him, is very special to us. He is so fun with Jude, and like Jude's papa, he's like a kid himself. He, too, loves Christ and is a teacher to our Jude, and Jude loves to spend time with him. One of Uncle Mike's specialties is scaring people, and I'm sure that as Jude feels safer and safer he will learn the art of leaving people breathless with fear as well...I'd better be on my toes. I'm sure mama will be the butt of many scaring jokes soon enough! Here's a picture of Uncle Mike being inducted into God-parenting. (Aunt LeAnn gave him diaper duty. Once he realized she was serious, he stepped up like a pro.)
Jude also has two wonderful grandfathers who love him dearly. He and Grandpa Bowen like "big people cups" and everytime Jude is with Grandpa Bowen he comes to him over and over to drink from his glass. He loves it because "Bah-pa's" glass is large enough so that the opening covers his whole face, so he can see the water as it comes toward his mouth. Grandpa Bowen has all kinds of plans to make a fort for Jude on his property (remember, Grandpa, he'll be expecting you to "camp out" with him), and help us teach Jude how to fish, and all sorts of other fun outdoor things.
Bah-pa Garrett finds great joy in babysitting his grandbabies, and he has been a blessing to us on several occassions as he's come to watch Jude during the day. He's great fun, as he never seems worried about what's on his list of things to do at home; rather, he just comes to play and enjoy time with Jude. He is a blessing to us!
I praise God for the men he's placed in Jude's life - and in mine!
And then there's Uncle Mike. Muko-Muh, as Jude calls him, is very special to us. He is so fun with Jude, and like Jude's papa, he's like a kid himself. He, too, loves Christ and is a teacher to our Jude, and Jude loves to spend time with him. One of Uncle Mike's specialties is scaring people, and I'm sure that as Jude feels safer and safer he will learn the art of leaving people breathless with fear as well...I'd better be on my toes. I'm sure mama will be the butt of many scaring jokes soon enough! Here's a picture of Uncle Mike being inducted into God-parenting. (Aunt LeAnn gave him diaper duty. Once he realized she was serious, he stepped up like a pro.)
Jude also has two wonderful grandfathers who love him dearly. He and Grandpa Bowen like "big people cups" and everytime Jude is with Grandpa Bowen he comes to him over and over to drink from his glass. He loves it because "Bah-pa's" glass is large enough so that the opening covers his whole face, so he can see the water as it comes toward his mouth. Grandpa Bowen has all kinds of plans to make a fort for Jude on his property (remember, Grandpa, he'll be expecting you to "camp out" with him), and help us teach Jude how to fish, and all sorts of other fun outdoor things.
Bah-pa Garrett finds great joy in babysitting his grandbabies, and he has been a blessing to us on several occassions as he's come to watch Jude during the day. He's great fun, as he never seems worried about what's on his list of things to do at home; rather, he just comes to play and enjoy time with Jude. He is a blessing to us!
I praise God for the men he's placed in Jude's life - and in mine!
"How are things going with baby?"
A few weeks ago a friend asked me how things were going with baby, and I realized it's far past time to update our blog! Here is what I told him: First of all, everyone talks about the "terrible two" year. Well, we're still waiting for the "terrible" part. Jude understands what no means, and maybe that's a necessity to make the second year survivable...but we haven't had any terrible yet. We've only been blessed.
We are enjoying Jude so very much. He's funny and precious and such a gift. And, he's sure growing us up! I guess that's part of parenting...you have to finish growing up yourself. Ha!
Having Jude in our lives is fabulous. The reality, I told my friend, is that we are never so blessed as we are when we're in the center of God's will, and for us, being Jude's parents is exactly that.
We are enjoying Jude so very much. He's funny and precious and such a gift. And, he's sure growing us up! I guess that's part of parenting...you have to finish growing up yourself. Ha!
Having Jude in our lives is fabulous. The reality, I told my friend, is that we are never so blessed as we are when we're in the center of God's will, and for us, being Jude's parents is exactly that.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
All Sorts of Wild Fun!
Sorry for the delay in posting! I'm just getting operational again after the hard drive crash. Check the previous posts, as I added a couple of photos. We're still working to recover the rest of our photos, but in the meantime...
By way of update, Jude continues to adjust very well. Aside from us, he's made connections with Uncle Mike and Aunt LeAnn, both of his grandmas, and he's starting to connect with one of his grandpas. This is really great stuff, and it's fun to watch. Our two big challenges are with food and sleep. He likes just about everything we put in front of him - even Brussels sprouts - so it's not that type of food challenge. His challenge comes from the experience of other kids taking anything he drops. So, if I even go to the counter he is beside himself because he's afraid that whatever food is up there he isn't going to get. Basically, if it isn't in his hands he's pretty certain he won't get to eat. His papa was blowing on his plate to cool his food one night and when Matt put his finger in Jude's squash to be sure it was cool enough, Jude pretty well came unglued.
Sleeping is up and down. When we have a big day, he sleeps fitfully through the night, banging his head on the mattress and crying in his sleep. Since his life is full of new experiences, we have a lot of "big days". Usually Sunday night is rough. He's getting pretty comfortable at church, because he sees Uncle Mike and Aunt LeAnn and both sets of grandparents there. But it's still a big building with a lot of people, so it's a big deal for him.
At home, however, he is good for all kinds of wild fun. And, we've been to pick apples because Jude loves applesauce! Enjoy the photos! (It was a little wet and chilly that day...thus the wrinkled up face!)
By way of update, Jude continues to adjust very well. Aside from us, he's made connections with Uncle Mike and Aunt LeAnn, both of his grandmas, and he's starting to connect with one of his grandpas. This is really great stuff, and it's fun to watch. Our two big challenges are with food and sleep. He likes just about everything we put in front of him - even Brussels sprouts - so it's not that type of food challenge. His challenge comes from the experience of other kids taking anything he drops. So, if I even go to the counter he is beside himself because he's afraid that whatever food is up there he isn't going to get. Basically, if it isn't in his hands he's pretty certain he won't get to eat. His papa was blowing on his plate to cool his food one night and when Matt put his finger in Jude's squash to be sure it was cool enough, Jude pretty well came unglued.
Sleeping is up and down. When we have a big day, he sleeps fitfully through the night, banging his head on the mattress and crying in his sleep. Since his life is full of new experiences, we have a lot of "big days". Usually Sunday night is rough. He's getting pretty comfortable at church, because he sees Uncle Mike and Aunt LeAnn and both sets of grandparents there. But it's still a big building with a lot of people, so it's a big deal for him.
At home, however, he is good for all kinds of wild fun. And, we've been to pick apples because Jude loves applesauce! Enjoy the photos! (It was a little wet and chilly that day...thus the wrinkled up face!)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Adjustments for baby....
For being here just a week, Jude is doing well, but overall he's had some challenges adjusting. He feels very safe in our house with Matthew and I, but anytime we go out of the house with him to visit church or anything else, we generally can expect a major episode either that day or the day after as he cries and just laments. I have held him through more than one forty minute crying session. Our hearts break for him.
On Monday evening, he went into mourning for a full twenty-four hours. He had a horrible crying session on Monday night, and then on Tuesday he literally sat on my lap the entire day either crying, sleeping, or just sucking his finger and staring at the wall. He only ate a little bit at lunch, and was just very sullen all day. In the evening, he started to perk up a little, and he's been off and on since. We are very watchful that he doesn't get overwhelmed.
Adoption is a wonderful thing, but it can be very difficult on the child for the first few weeks and months. To us, we have a wonderful addition to our family. To him, he's been kidnapped by strangers. One of the best things we can do for him is to "protect him" from so many wonderful and well-intentioned people who want so badly to touch him, because that's too scary for him. We've been as careful as possible to keep him away from crowds.
However, when he's at home and feeling safe he is a real scream. He's so fun and brings such delight. He is all boy, through and through, just how God made him: he likes to beat, throw, kick, push, chase and wrestle - and all of those things just delight him!
As soon as we have the computer with our photos back, we'll post some so you can see his fun little face!
On Monday evening, he went into mourning for a full twenty-four hours. He had a horrible crying session on Monday night, and then on Tuesday he literally sat on my lap the entire day either crying, sleeping, or just sucking his finger and staring at the wall. He only ate a little bit at lunch, and was just very sullen all day. In the evening, he started to perk up a little, and he's been off and on since. We are very watchful that he doesn't get overwhelmed.
Adoption is a wonderful thing, but it can be very difficult on the child for the first few weeks and months. To us, we have a wonderful addition to our family. To him, he's been kidnapped by strangers. One of the best things we can do for him is to "protect him" from so many wonderful and well-intentioned people who want so badly to touch him, because that's too scary for him. We've been as careful as possible to keep him away from crowds.
However, when he's at home and feeling safe he is a real scream. He's so fun and brings such delight. He is all boy, through and through, just how God made him: he likes to beat, throw, kick, push, chase and wrestle - and all of those things just delight him!
As soon as we have the computer with our photos back, we'll post some so you can see his fun little face!
Fly Away Home...
We had a wonderful experience while in Haiti. If you are looking for an organization to support, GLA is worthy of every penny or prayer. It's a wonderful place. We were able to tour the orphanage while we were there, and the nanny's love the little ones so very much. There are so many babies...
Jude was mostly quiet while we were in country, but every time we passed the balcony where the babies play each day, he would wave at them and talk and talk until they were out of sight again. He also chattered and came alive a bit when we went shopping with some of the street vendors in town. He pointed and chattered and touched things.
We kept him in a sling made for children up to 35 pounds, and he loved it (and still does when he's not feeling so secure). It was a blessing to have.
Saturday, September 20th was our big travel day home, and Jude was great on the airplanes! We were amazed. As long as he was attached to me, he either slept or looked around or munched some snacks...he was nervous on several occasions throughout the day, but he never cried in fear. It was a blessing and an answer to so many prayers. We had visions of a terrified child crying through each and every leg of the journey, and God had a different plan thankfully!
We were met at the airport by the grandparents and godparents, and all were blessed. We'll post more photos as we're able. The computer with all our photos experienced a hard drive crash on Thursday and is being worked on as we speak...
Jude was mostly quiet while we were in country, but every time we passed the balcony where the babies play each day, he would wave at them and talk and talk until they were out of sight again. He also chattered and came alive a bit when we went shopping with some of the street vendors in town. He pointed and chattered and touched things.
We kept him in a sling made for children up to 35 pounds, and he loved it (and still does when he's not feeling so secure). It was a blessing to have.
Saturday, September 20th was our big travel day home, and Jude was great on the airplanes! We were amazed. As long as he was attached to me, he either slept or looked around or munched some snacks...he was nervous on several occasions throughout the day, but he never cried in fear. It was a blessing and an answer to so many prayers. We had visions of a terrified child crying through each and every leg of the journey, and God had a different plan thankfully!
We were met at the airport by the grandparents and godparents, and all were blessed. We'll post more photos as we're able. The computer with all our photos experienced a hard drive crash on Thursday and is being worked on as we speak...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Oh, The Tales We Could Tell...
We are back from Haiti. There wasn't much time to post to the blog while we were there, so now my mind is in overdrive trying to decide what to tell you all because there's so much. Maybe I'll post it little by little...
We're so thankful to all of you for your donations for GLA; They filled three suitcases to the max. After flying away with more luggage than we've ever traveled with, we arrived in Haiti on Thursday and our arrival and trip to GLA was a real sensory experience. Haiti is just so very different that anywhere else we know. It's a sad place with pockets of joy. Upon our arrival at GLA, we met Jude for the first time. It's funny...neither of us had any nerves. Jude has been ours in our hearts and minds for so long that going to get him just felt like the most natural thing to do; I say we met him physically because we've known this child since we first saw him. He delights us, but he doesn't surprise us.
He had his first major meltdown just a couple of hours after we had him. He wouldn't eat any lunch, and when we took him to our room in the guest house at GLA for nap time, I put him up on the bunk to take his shoes off and he let loose with cries of terror. Poor creature was utterly terrified...new people, new place (the children don't even see the guest house), nothing very familiar. I held him as he cried inconsolably, then gave him to Matt while I looked for something we'd brought in his diaper bag. I slipped into the bathroom to get him a tissue and the fear screams got louder, so I came and took him back from Matthew and he shut off like a switch. From that point on, he was attached to Mama, and I've hardly been able to put him down since. It was such a blessing to us that he bonded with one of us so quickly, but it's been a little hard for Matthew, as Jude has still not connected with him. After that, the only way we could get him to fall asleep was on me...
I'll post more later...
We're so thankful to all of you for your donations for GLA; They filled three suitcases to the max. After flying away with more luggage than we've ever traveled with, we arrived in Haiti on Thursday and our arrival and trip to GLA was a real sensory experience. Haiti is just so very different that anywhere else we know. It's a sad place with pockets of joy. Upon our arrival at GLA, we met Jude for the first time. It's funny...neither of us had any nerves. Jude has been ours in our hearts and minds for so long that going to get him just felt like the most natural thing to do; I say we met him physically because we've known this child since we first saw him. He delights us, but he doesn't surprise us.
He had his first major meltdown just a couple of hours after we had him. He wouldn't eat any lunch, and when we took him to our room in the guest house at GLA for nap time, I put him up on the bunk to take his shoes off and he let loose with cries of terror. Poor creature was utterly terrified...new people, new place (the children don't even see the guest house), nothing very familiar. I held him as he cried inconsolably, then gave him to Matt while I looked for something we'd brought in his diaper bag. I slipped into the bathroom to get him a tissue and the fear screams got louder, so I came and took him back from Matthew and he shut off like a switch. From that point on, he was attached to Mama, and I've hardly been able to put him down since. It was such a blessing to us that he bonded with one of us so quickly, but it's been a little hard for Matthew, as Jude has still not connected with him. After that, the only way we could get him to fall asleep was on me...
I'll post more later...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Get on the Airplane - Fly Away!
Good morning!
This is our last post before heading to Haiti. We are so thankful for all of you. We have prayed often this last week for God's provision, and He has certainly provided - through so many of you! We are overwhelmed with gratitude for all of you who are so excited with us.
Thanks to you, we packed three huge suitcases FULL (as in jammed full) of donations. It was so fun to pack all of those things as we thought of all the kids who will be using them.
We'll be flying out at 3:40 this afternoon from Grand Rapids to Dallas to Ft. Lauderdale. We spend the night tonight in Ft. Lauderdale and fly to Haiti in the morning.
We'll leave Haiti Saturday afternoon, flying first to Miami (where we'll go through immigration with Jude), then to Chicago, then home late.
Thanks for praying. Watch the blog - if we can post photos we will!
Until we return...
This is our last post before heading to Haiti. We are so thankful for all of you. We have prayed often this last week for God's provision, and He has certainly provided - through so many of you! We are overwhelmed with gratitude for all of you who are so excited with us.
Thanks to you, we packed three huge suitcases FULL (as in jammed full) of donations. It was so fun to pack all of those things as we thought of all the kids who will be using them.
We'll be flying out at 3:40 this afternoon from Grand Rapids to Dallas to Ft. Lauderdale. We spend the night tonight in Ft. Lauderdale and fly to Haiti in the morning.
We'll leave Haiti Saturday afternoon, flying first to Miami (where we'll go through immigration with Jude), then to Chicago, then home late.
Thanks for praying. Watch the blog - if we can post photos we will!
Until we return...
Friday, September 12, 2008
Praises and Prayers
Good Morning Friends and Family -
As we prepare to travel, we want to share our hearts with you all in terms of praises and prayer requests in the hope that you will join us in them in the coming days.
We thank God for:
As we prepare to travel, we want to share our hearts with you all in terms of praises and prayer requests in the hope that you will join us in them in the coming days.
We thank God for:
- Already having a visa, so soon after the orphan investigation meeting! We (and our caseworker) are amazed at this. It surely must be a God move.
- Our caseworker, Belinda. I've just spent the last forty minutes or so talking with her, and she's guiding us along in our preparation for travel. We've often said that when you pay an agency fee, you aren't hiring someone to "do your adoption". Your paying for administration and getting a dear friend and confidante in return. We continue to be grateful to God for Belinda, who is dear to us not only for her "official" role in our lives, but for her heart as well.
- John and Dixie Bickel, and the staff at GLA. These folks are so diligent. Because of them, we don't even have to go to the consular office when we're in Haiti. They've done everything for us. And they've cared for and loved our son for the last two years.
- The gift of adoption. Obviously conceiving a child is different than this. But it couldn't possibly be better. No one will ever convince us that Jude is not our son. God has been too faithful for us to ever believe that he's not ours.
- Our travel preparation. We have lots of packing and planning to do, people to call, plans to make...phew!
- Time management! We have much to do in the next week (less than that!) We have class assignments, projects to grade (for Valerie's teaching work), work, packing, planning, and much more. Please pray that we would be wise with our time and that we would be able to accomplish all that we need to before we go.
- Our time when we arrive home. So many will want to see Jude, and we want that, too. However, we've been strongly advised by our caseworker to dramatically limit introductions to new people as part of Jude's transition. Our airport welcoming party will be very small, and there are many who we'll want to visit once we've been home for a couple of days. Please pray that we'll be wise, and that Jude will adjust well and attach to us quickly.
- The people of Haiti. The news reported that about 150 people died as a result of hurricane Hanna. The reality is that 300 people in one region of the country died. We don't have a total number. But the devastation is extensive and I'm sure we'll see some of it when we're there. Please pray for food for the people, houses to be rebuilt, etc.
- For more donations! We'd love to take as much as possible with us. See the previous post if you want to help!
Getting Packed - Donations, Donations, Donations!
Well, we're starting to get our heads together a bit, and we'd like to send out a last call for donations. We have quite a few items that we're taking along (see the photo - the left is Jude's, the right is donations!). However, we've been asked what the orphanage still needs in terms of donations we can take down. So, here's a list:
- baby thermometers
- powdered formulas
- powdered premature high calorie formulas (22kcal or 24kcal per oz)
- disposable diapers
- clothes - especially for 18 mos and older (Remember, GLA has children up to their teens; one of the things they're especially low on right now is clothing for girls older than 18 mos.)
- infant and children's vitamins (there are never enough of these, so we'll take all we can)
We are so grateful to those of you who have already donated. For any who still want to, please let us know, and we'll figure a way to collect your items by Wednesday of next week (9/17).
Also, please know that the clothing need not be new. If you have children with clothing that is in good condition and they've grown out of it, we'd love to take it down.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Time to Go!
Hi All!
Here's what we thought would happen: a message telling us how the orphan investigation went, then another message in a couple of weeks with travel dates a couple of weeks out from that.
Here's what actually happened: a message today with travel dates of 9/18 - 9/20! Jude's visa is complete...apparently on the same day as the orphan investigation - we have no idea how that happened other than to say that we asked God for His hand in the orphan investigation and He answered with a resounding "yes"!
We'll post more later. We have to run now - plans, phone calls, etc....! Thanks to all for walking with us!
Here's what we thought would happen: a message telling us how the orphan investigation went, then another message in a couple of weeks with travel dates a couple of weeks out from that.
Here's what actually happened: a message today with travel dates of 9/18 - 9/20! Jude's visa is complete...apparently on the same day as the orphan investigation - we have no idea how that happened other than to say that we asked God for His hand in the orphan investigation and He answered with a resounding "yes"!
We'll post more later. We have to run now - plans, phone calls, etc....! Thanks to all for walking with us!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Good News - Orphan Investigation Update
We have received word from our caseworker that Jude's birth mother has been found and that the orphan investigation has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 9. We praise God for this development. Please join us in prayer that in light of all the hurricane woes, everyone including Jude's birth mother will make it to the appointment. Please also pray that the appointment goes without incident and that the US Consulate approves Jude's visa in short order.
Hurricane Season - in Full Swing!
As I'm sure you have heard in the news, Haiti has been pounded with hurricanes this season. Gustav was weathered well but Hanna brought a little more destruction to the area of our orphanage, God's Littlest Angels. See below, from the blog Bethany keeps on GLA:
"GLA is really noticing the presence of Hurricane Hanna. We just received an email from GLA. They are experiencing really high winds, but little rain. They were not expecting to be hit, and even right now, weather.com is not reporting much impact on Haiti. However, this is not the case. A couple of the metal panels providing cover over the balcony where the children play and the balcony where the children eat their meals have flown off. As well, the solar panels have flown off of the toddler house. The toddler house gate has also been lost. Inside all GLA buildings though, everyone is safe. Please be in prayer for GLA and for all others in Haiti who are being hit hard by Hurricane Hanna."
Then yesterday, posted on the GLA website:
"Hurricane Hannah brought destruction to Haiti last night, September 2nd. Gonaive had flooding with some deaths reported. Our area sustained downed trees, toppled brick walls, and roads blocked. People are already out cutting the trees blocking the roads. Our metal roofs got blown off the house and we lost the internet dish at the Toddler House. The wind was blowing so hard the rain came in around the closed windows of the orphanage and flooded our dining room table and floor! There seems to be as many leaves inside the house as outside! Thankfully, we are all safe and God kept us from harm. Now we just have to clean up from the storm. This was much worse than any storm we have personally seen in the 17 years we have lived in Haiti."
Please be in prayer for GLA and the Haitian people. Ike is next, and Josephine right after. The storms seems to be just lined up and coming in, like planes waiting to land at an airport.
"GLA is really noticing the presence of Hurricane Hanna. We just received an email from GLA. They are experiencing really high winds, but little rain. They were not expecting to be hit, and even right now, weather.com is not reporting much impact on Haiti. However, this is not the case. A couple of the metal panels providing cover over the balcony where the children play and the balcony where the children eat their meals have flown off. As well, the solar panels have flown off of the toddler house. The toddler house gate has also been lost. Inside all GLA buildings though, everyone is safe. Please be in prayer for GLA and for all others in Haiti who are being hit hard by Hurricane Hanna."
Then yesterday, posted on the GLA website:
"Hurricane Hannah brought destruction to Haiti last night, September 2nd. Gonaive had flooding with some deaths reported. Our area sustained downed trees, toppled brick walls, and roads blocked. People are already out cutting the trees blocking the roads. Our metal roofs got blown off the house and we lost the internet dish at the Toddler House. The wind was blowing so hard the rain came in around the closed windows of the orphanage and flooded our dining room table and floor! There seems to be as many leaves inside the house as outside! Thankfully, we are all safe and God kept us from harm. Now we just have to clean up from the storm. This was much worse than any storm we have personally seen in the 17 years we have lived in Haiti."
Please be in prayer for GLA and the Haitian people. Ike is next, and Josephine right after. The storms seems to be just lined up and coming in, like planes waiting to land at an airport.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
August Jude Update - We Finally Have a Smile!
This is a little bittersweet, because we weren't supposed to get an August update...we were supposed to be in Haiti getting Jude! However, we're encouraged that after months of photos with no smiles, we finally have a picture of Jude smiling. He's smiling in the pool because he loves the water. Maybe we'll only get smiles in the bathtub! Enjoy...
Visa - Orphan Investigation
We have been told that the reason Jude's birth mother did not attend the orphan investigation meeting is because the US Consulate only gave the orphanage about 1 1/2 days' notice for the appointment, which is generally not even enough time to find someone in Haiti.
We are very frustrated by this. While we are sure that no one would do this on purpose, it would also seem that (working in Haiti) the Consulate would know that a day and a half isn't enough notice for such an appointment. Since many people in Haiti don't have telephones, the orphanage often has to call a family member to get a message to the birth parent that they are needed at the orphanage, and two or three days later they show up. We have no idea why the Consulate chose to make this appointment with such little notice. We have generally heard of a week's notice for others.
We've also been informed that the Consulate is currently short-staffed. Please pray for them as they seek to process paperwork. To our knowledge, the orphan investigation meeting has not yet been rescheduled.
As you pray for us, first praise God that He seems to be giving us extra grace to endure right now. We had a rough day a few Sundays ago, and have been doing well ever since. Life does not stop. There is no lack of things to do. So we go on, every now and then peeking into Jude's bedroom and thanking God. People have told us that we're doing such a great thing by adopting this child. The reality is that we are acting with pleasure in obedience to a call of God on our lives, and this child is His blessing to us.
We want to be very clear as we ask you to pray further. The delays of the last several months have not been at the hands of the Haitian government. Although very slowly, they have done everything they were supposed to do in our case, and because of this Jude's adoption has been finalized for months. His last name is our last name.
Our delays have been at the hands of our own US Immigration and US Consulate. With all our money and resources, we have a very convoluted and gummed-up system. Please pray for God's hand specifically in this Visa process. Pray for wisdom as our government officials staff the Consular office. Pray for the Consular General (Donald Moore) as he brings on new staff. Please pray for the Consular Adoption Unit Officer (Garry Pierrot) as he conducts orphan investigations and processes adoption paperwork.
At the end of the day, we need system reform. (Ah, what a lofty goal...politicians haven't made it happen, and yet here I state it.) But for today, we'll settle for getting Jude home, and we'll tackle system reform with our letter-writing pen "tomorrow". "After all, tomorrow is another day."
Blessings to you all, and thank you for your prayers. We appreciate you!
We are very frustrated by this. While we are sure that no one would do this on purpose, it would also seem that (working in Haiti) the Consulate would know that a day and a half isn't enough notice for such an appointment. Since many people in Haiti don't have telephones, the orphanage often has to call a family member to get a message to the birth parent that they are needed at the orphanage, and two or three days later they show up. We have no idea why the Consulate chose to make this appointment with such little notice. We have generally heard of a week's notice for others.
We've also been informed that the Consulate is currently short-staffed. Please pray for them as they seek to process paperwork. To our knowledge, the orphan investigation meeting has not yet been rescheduled.
As you pray for us, first praise God that He seems to be giving us extra grace to endure right now. We had a rough day a few Sundays ago, and have been doing well ever since. Life does not stop. There is no lack of things to do. So we go on, every now and then peeking into Jude's bedroom and thanking God. People have told us that we're doing such a great thing by adopting this child. The reality is that we are acting with pleasure in obedience to a call of God on our lives, and this child is His blessing to us.
We want to be very clear as we ask you to pray further. The delays of the last several months have not been at the hands of the Haitian government. Although very slowly, they have done everything they were supposed to do in our case, and because of this Jude's adoption has been finalized for months. His last name is our last name.
Our delays have been at the hands of our own US Immigration and US Consulate. With all our money and resources, we have a very convoluted and gummed-up system. Please pray for God's hand specifically in this Visa process. Pray for wisdom as our government officials staff the Consular office. Pray for the Consular General (Donald Moore) as he brings on new staff. Please pray for the Consular Adoption Unit Officer (Garry Pierrot) as he conducts orphan investigations and processes adoption paperwork.
At the end of the day, we need system reform. (Ah, what a lofty goal...politicians haven't made it happen, and yet here I state it.) But for today, we'll settle for getting Jude home, and we'll tackle system reform with our letter-writing pen "tomorrow". "After all, tomorrow is another day."
Blessings to you all, and thank you for your prayers. We appreciate you!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
It's Hurricane Season!
Hurricane Gustav has dropped 7 1/2" of rain on GLA, and it isn't finished. However, the worst of it has passed and the staff and children are all well. The orphanage is in the mountains, so they are on high ground.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
More News - 08-15-08
We received word Friday that while the orphan investigation was scheduled for Wednesday, it could not be conducted because Jude's birth mother did not attend. Dixie, our orphanage director is now seeking to find her (again), find out why she did not attend, and get another date scheduled for the orphan investigation. We have been told that the US Consulate is generally very quick about getting these back on the calendar when something like this happens.
Please pray that Dixie will be able to find Jude's birth mother quickly, and that she will attend the next meeting so that Jude can come home.
We are amazed. This adoption is final, and has been legally complete in Haiti for some time now. Getting this child home is proving to be almost a bigger challenge than getting him adopted!
Please join us in prayer. Until we have more news...
Please pray that Dixie will be able to find Jude's birth mother quickly, and that she will attend the next meeting so that Jude can come home.
We are amazed. This adoption is final, and has been legally complete in Haiti for some time now. Getting this child home is proving to be almost a bigger challenge than getting him adopted!
Please join us in prayer. Until we have more news...
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Finally - News!
We just got word today that Jude's orphan investigation is scheduled for tomorrow. This is very good news! This is (finally!) the first step in getting his visa. Once this is done, the US Consulate can approve Jude's visa and have it printed up, and then we'll get travel dates.
We need this bathed in prayer. Please pray tonight and tomorrow whenever you think of us. Pray that everyone who needs to be at the meeting will show up, that Jude's birth mother would answer all questions appropriately, and that the meeting would go without incident.
Also, please pray for Jude's birth mother. Her name is Vanesse. I am sure that tomorrow will be a painful day for her. Pray for comfort to her spirit and peace to her heart.
Until next time...
We need this bathed in prayer. Please pray tonight and tomorrow whenever you think of us. Pray that everyone who needs to be at the meeting will show up, that Jude's birth mother would answer all questions appropriately, and that the meeting would go without incident.
Also, please pray for Jude's birth mother. Her name is Vanesse. I am sure that tomorrow will be a painful day for her. Pray for comfort to her spirit and peace to her heart.
Until next time...
Friday, August 8, 2008
Photos! Between updates...
Good morning, all! We still have not heard anything from the US Consulate or Embassy in Haiti. They have about a three-week process to get Jude's visa done. Our papers have been there for two weeks, and to our knowledge, they haven't yet started with the first thing in the visa step. However, we were blessed to spend some time with our caseworker Belinda yesterday, as she has just returned from Haiti. She was kind enough to take a birthday gift to Jude from us, and she was able to spend some time with him there. These photos are so precious. Enjoy...
Jude was the first child who came to the balcony edge to see who was coming through the gate. I do believe he's waiting for us...
Our dear Belinda and our precious Jude. It's obvious as you look at the last photo above why we are so blessed to have Belinda in our lives. She loves Jude. There's no question about it.
Belinda couriered a birthday gift to Haiti for us, as Jude's birthday was on July 24.
So, Belinda said that Jude loves eating time. Just another confirmation that God intended him for us! Just look at that belly - fabulous!
Belinda also told us that when she got this out, Jude connected with it. This is the photo album that we sent to him many months ago...maybe even almost a year. He's touching a photo of us. It sounded like it was obvious that he had seen it before...he recognized it easily.
Please join us in prayer that God would still allow us to travel in August. You may have noticed that Jude doesn't smile much in pictures anymore. Belinda tried to get him to smile all the time she was with him and he never did while she was there. We believe that he's become old enough to have internalized that people leave, so he doesn't connect with new people. It's time. He needs to be home. Each day that goes by will make his attaching time with us longer and more challenging.
Also, pray for the staff of GLA, specifically for Dixie, Stephanie, and Melanie. These ladies work in the office, tracking paperwork throughout the process. They need much prayer that they will be successful as they work with various government agencies, including our aforementioned US Embassy and Consulate.
We are so thankful to God that He sent Belinda to Haiti! What a blessing it has been to us.
Jude was the first child who came to the balcony edge to see who was coming through the gate. I do believe he's waiting for us...
Our dear Belinda and our precious Jude. It's obvious as you look at the last photo above why we are so blessed to have Belinda in our lives. She loves Jude. There's no question about it.
Belinda couriered a birthday gift to Haiti for us, as Jude's birthday was on July 24. 
So, Belinda said that Jude loves eating time. Just another confirmation that God intended him for us! Just look at that belly - fabulous!
Belinda also told us that when she got this out, Jude connected with it. This is the photo album that we sent to him many months ago...maybe even almost a year. He's touching a photo of us. It sounded like it was obvious that he had seen it before...he recognized it easily. Please join us in prayer that God would still allow us to travel in August. You may have noticed that Jude doesn't smile much in pictures anymore. Belinda tried to get him to smile all the time she was with him and he never did while she was there. We believe that he's become old enough to have internalized that people leave, so he doesn't connect with new people. It's time. He needs to be home. Each day that goes by will make his attaching time with us longer and more challenging.
Also, pray for the staff of GLA, specifically for Dixie, Stephanie, and Melanie. These ladies work in the office, tracking paperwork throughout the process. They need much prayer that they will be successful as they work with various government agencies, including our aforementioned US Embassy and Consulate.
We are so thankful to God that He sent Belinda to Haiti! What a blessing it has been to us.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Getting Things Together...
While we don't yet have a green light for travel, we have started to get things together for the trip (and we must give a huge thank you, again, to the ladies of Orangeville Baptist Church, as much of what we've gathered to pack for Jude was given to us by them).
One of the things we are planning to take along is a suitcase (or two) full of donations for the orphans. This is partly to replenish some of what Jude has used while he has lived there, and partly just to support the work of GLA. Well, guess what? You can help!
There are several things the orphanage needs: clothing (esp. 18 mos. and over), 1-pc pajamas (esp. larger sizes), crib sheets, infant and children's vitamins, no-spill infant sippy cups, baby bottles (plastic w/regular nipples), nipples for regular bottles, disposable diapers, powdered formulas, baby thermometers, and school and craft supplies.
This is easy. First, this is a great time to get kid's summer clothing (remember that it's warm in Haiti all the time) on clearance and at garage sales. Also, this is back-to-school time in the coming weeks, so when you're at the store picking up school supplies for your kids, think about purchasing an extra package of pencils or crayons or other supplies. Last, next time you're out and about at the grocery super-store, check the baby section for discontinued/clearance crib sheets, bottles, etc. No one person needs to donate a lot, if we have several people willing to pick up a few dollars' worth of things.
To make this even more easy, you don't even have to bring us the stuff! We'll figure out a way to get to you to pick it up, or have it shipped to us.
We'd love to jam-pack the most humongous suitcase we can get our hands on. Won't you help us love on the kids at GLA, and support this fantastic ministry? Please consider it, and thanks, as always, for walking this journey along with us. It's a blessing and a joy to share it with you.
One of the things we are planning to take along is a suitcase (or two) full of donations for the orphans. This is partly to replenish some of what Jude has used while he has lived there, and partly just to support the work of GLA. Well, guess what? You can help!
There are several things the orphanage needs: clothing (esp. 18 mos. and over), 1-pc pajamas (esp. larger sizes), crib sheets, infant and children's vitamins, no-spill infant sippy cups, baby bottles (plastic w/regular nipples), nipples for regular bottles, disposable diapers, powdered formulas, baby thermometers, and school and craft supplies.
This is easy. First, this is a great time to get kid's summer clothing (remember that it's warm in Haiti all the time) on clearance and at garage sales. Also, this is back-to-school time in the coming weeks, so when you're at the store picking up school supplies for your kids, think about purchasing an extra package of pencils or crayons or other supplies. Last, next time you're out and about at the grocery super-store, check the baby section for discontinued/clearance crib sheets, bottles, etc. No one person needs to donate a lot, if we have several people willing to pick up a few dollars' worth of things.
To make this even more easy, you don't even have to bring us the stuff! We'll figure out a way to get to you to pick it up, or have it shipped to us.
We'd love to jam-pack the most humongous suitcase we can get our hands on. Won't you help us love on the kids at GLA, and support this fantastic ministry? Please consider it, and thanks, as always, for walking this journey along with us. It's a blessing and a joy to share it with you.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Happy Birthday to Jude! - 07/25/08
Yesterday was Jude's second birthday. We had hoped to have him home by then, but it was not to be. Our caseworker is traveling to Haiti next week with her church and will be stopping at the orphanage, so we sent a birthday gift with her. We are blessed to have her in our lives.
The ladies of Orangeville Baptist Church gave us our first baby shower, and we feel so blessed! They gave kindly and generously, and now we have our high chair, some wonderful toys, precious clothes, and many other helpful and necessary items. We are so blessed to have these things before traveling to Haiti, as we'll need to take several things along with us. Thank you, ladies! We pray that God will bless you as much as you blessed us!
The ladies of Orangeville Baptist Church gave us our first baby shower, and we feel so blessed! They gave kindly and generously, and now we have our high chair, some wonderful toys, precious clothes, and many other helpful and necessary items. We are so blessed to have these things before traveling to Haiti, as we'll need to take several things along with us. Thank you, ladies! We pray that God will bless you as much as you blessed us!
Nursery Photos! - 07/25/08
Well, the nursery is ready, and Mom G did the quilt. Great job, Mom G - you can't even tell that it's a first quilt!
This room still smells like paint, so we keep the door closed and the windows open as much as we can, which is good. Walking by an empty nursery ten times a day gets a little tough. Keeping the door closed helps!
This room still smells like paint, so we keep the door closed and the windows open as much as we can, which is good. Walking by an empty nursery ten times a day gets a little tough. Keeping the door closed helps!
Jude's July Update - 07/25/08
We got our July update for Jude; he's now 25.8 lbs. and 31" long. He had a volunteer for many weeks recently and we are told that it took him about four weeks to show any attachment to her. He's growing and we are anxious to get him home, as the longer he's not with us, the longer it may take him to attach to us. God's timing is perfect, and we trust His will.
Enjoy the pictures. The first is a picture of all the children who are now American, on the fourth of July. The next two are from the birthday party for the July birthday kids. And the last two...well, they're just a real scream.
Enjoy the pictures. The first is a picture of all the children who are now American, on the fourth of July. The next two are from the birthday party for the July birthday kids. And the last two...well, they're just a real scream.
Waiting for a Visa - 07/25/08
We received word last week that the US Consulate did indeed receive our paperwork via DHL for Jude's visa. It had been cabled to them as well, but they do not begin the visa process with cabled documents, so we had to wait for the physical copies to arrive. Our orphanage director was planning to go to the Consulate and officially enter the application for Jude's visa either Friday of last week or this past Monday. The Consulate will schedule an orphan investigation in which they request to see Jude's birth mother briefly. This should happen next week, and then they have one or two weeks' worth of work to do and then the orphanage can give us travel dates. We're thinking that at this point, we could hear from them around August 11. We shall see...
Monday, July 7, 2008
Grant Results - 07/07/08
Well, we got the results from our grant application with Shaohannah's Hope. We were denied. They get so many applications every month, and because all of our income verification is based on last year's tax information, we don't look like we have much of a need. As I like to say, it is what it is...
Progress! - 07/07/08
Phew! The days are flying by and I've neglected to update on our status with Immigration. My sister and I went there last Monday...it was the strangest experience of my life. It's a bit of a different world there. At any rate, they finally processed our papers, (we got the verification sent by mail), sent them on to the National Visa Center, and the National Visa Center cabled (and sent via DHL) our paperwork to the US Consulate in Haiti. They have two or three weeks worth of work to do and then we'll get travel dates. At this point, we will probably not be traveling in July. Most likely it will be early August. The Detroit immigration office's inaction cost us about three weeks. It is what it is, however, and there's no point in dwelling on it. Onward and upward!
We've ordered a crib (which was a gift - what a blessing!), will be painting Jude's room in the next week or so, and this Saturday Mom G and I will be sewing away, getting Jude's crib bedding ready. That, and my master's class, and helping with Vacation Bible School this week, and trying to run a business at the same time (oh - and filing more paperwork required at this point in the adoption) is keeping us very busy...there's certainly no lack of things to do!
Until next time, happy trails...
We've ordered a crib (which was a gift - what a blessing!), will be painting Jude's room in the next week or so, and this Saturday Mom G and I will be sewing away, getting Jude's crib bedding ready. That, and my master's class, and helping with Vacation Bible School this week, and trying to run a business at the same time (oh - and filing more paperwork required at this point in the adoption) is keeping us very busy...there's certainly no lack of things to do!
Until next time, happy trails...
Friday, June 27, 2008
Promises, promises... - 06/27/08
This week our congressional representative has been trying to get a response from USCIS Detroit (immigration) as to whether or not they processed our I600 on Monday as promised. They had asked for additional copies of some documentation after letting our original documentation sit in our file untouched for 9 1/2 weeks. She got nowhere with them, so she finally called the immigration office in Washington DC and asked them to get involved. Today they helped us to discover that the Detroit office signed for our package on Monday and then promptly lost it, letting our case sit dormant for another week. We are deeply disturbed, unspeakably frustrated, and very angry. They committed to us that if we sent our package via Express Mail, they would intercept it and process. They did not keep their commitment.
We now have new instructions to redo what we sent last week and drive it to Detroit, which we were previously advised not to do. We have specific people to whom we're to give our package, then we're to call our congressional representative to let her know we've done the delivery. The Washington DC office is now overseeing the processing of our I600, and Detroit has been instructed that they are to process it immediately upon receipt Monday. We shall see what happens. This is increasingly amazing with each day that goes by.
We praise God for:
We now have new instructions to redo what we sent last week and drive it to Detroit, which we were previously advised not to do. We have specific people to whom we're to give our package, then we're to call our congressional representative to let her know we've done the delivery. The Washington DC office is now overseeing the processing of our I600, and Detroit has been instructed that they are to process it immediately upon receipt Monday. We shall see what happens. This is increasingly amazing with each day that goes by.
We praise God for:
- Belinda, our caseworker. She came back from a very brief vacation on Wednesday and dove right back into our case with the grace that characterizes her. She is a treasured confidante and has soothed many tears of frustration and bewilderment today.
- Our church family who continues to pray for us and is planning to give us a baby shower on July 20 so that we will have some things for Jude before we go to Haiti.
- God's plan. As my sister so gently reminded me, according to Romans 8:29 while we do not know why this all is happening, it means that if we are listening, still of heart, and open to God molding us and shaping us then Jude's Momma and Poppie will be more like Christ by the time he comes home. That's not something you trade in for any amount of ease.
- Our congressional representative, Mitzi. She has been very helpful, kind and gracious as she has sensed our frustration. We appreciate her!
- God to move the hands of the people in Detroit, and then at the National Visa Center, and then at the US Consulate in Haiti, so that we can go get Jude and bring him home.
- Us to remain still of heart and clear thinking, and to continue to respond to these challenges with grace and kindness to those at fault.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Jude's June Update - 06/20/08
So much has happened this week. It seems things have changed moment by moment.
One thing that happened today is a new update! We love those! Many volunteers have come to GLA this summer already and many more are scheduled. Seven children have been united with their families in the past month. This is great for the kids, as it helps them developmentally to have some individual attention.
Jude is getting a little more confident in his walking and has become more willing to walk. He's become strong enough to go outside of the orphanage for short periods of time and the rough terrain has been good for his balance. Getting outside the orphanage, he's now seen trees and mountains from ground level, and has seen cars and non-orphanage-related people and animals other than the orphanage dog for the first time.
Oh yeah - and we just go word that he's a real cuddler...you just have to love that.
This month marks the end of the rainy season, so everything is lush and in bloom. Therefore the theme is flowers, including Haiti's best flowers of all - the children of GLA. Oh...the cheeks...the eyes...the cuteness!
One thing that happened today is a new update! We love those! Many volunteers have come to GLA this summer already and many more are scheduled. Seven children have been united with their families in the past month. This is great for the kids, as it helps them developmentally to have some individual attention.
Jude is getting a little more confident in his walking and has become more willing to walk. He's become strong enough to go outside of the orphanage for short periods of time and the rough terrain has been good for his balance. Getting outside the orphanage, he's now seen trees and mountains from ground level, and has seen cars and non-orphanage-related people and animals other than the orphanage dog for the first time.
Oh yeah - and we just go word that he's a real cuddler...you just have to love that.
This month marks the end of the rainy season, so everything is lush and in bloom. Therefore the theme is flowers, including Haiti's best flowers of all - the children of GLA. Oh...the cheeks...the eyes...the cuteness!
Jude's Passport Has Been Printed! - 06/20/08
As I was on the telephone with the Haiti liaison at Bethany's corporate office, she received an email notifying her that Jude's passport has been printed and GLA has it in hand! This is very exciting! Next week they will be completing his medical exam.
However, this does indeed mean that the inaction of USCIS has now halted the progress. All they can do in Haiti is the medical exam. Then they sit and wait for the US Consulate to receive from USCIS and the National Visa Center what they should have received weeks ago. Normally once USCIS passes on our I600 paperwork to the NVC, it takes the NVC one to two weeks to get it to the Consulate.
So, given the lack of response from USCIS and the fact that they now are the cause of our adoption coming to a standstill, we have continued to work with our congressional office. The lady we're working with has committed to following up on Monday to be sure that our I600 was indeed processed by USCIS. Then, she's going to call the NVC and try to get their part expedited. We appreciate her!
We just may get this babe home by his birthday yet!
However, this does indeed mean that the inaction of USCIS has now halted the progress. All they can do in Haiti is the medical exam. Then they sit and wait for the US Consulate to receive from USCIS and the National Visa Center what they should have received weeks ago. Normally once USCIS passes on our I600 paperwork to the NVC, it takes the NVC one to two weeks to get it to the Consulate.
So, given the lack of response from USCIS and the fact that they now are the cause of our adoption coming to a standstill, we have continued to work with our congressional office. The lady we're working with has committed to following up on Monday to be sure that our I600 was indeed processed by USCIS. Then, she's going to call the NVC and try to get their part expedited. We appreciate her!
We just may get this babe home by his birthday yet!
What a Week! - 06/20/08
Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers this week as we've worked with USCIS in Detroit and our congressional office. After constant (read: hours of) correspondence with the folks in Detroit, we've finally progressed! We were informed that, lo and behold, all the paperwork they have needed from us has been sitting in our case file since we sent it on April 11 and they cannot explain why. (I can explain why: it's because they didn't open the file when our caseworker initiated contact with them on April 29th!)
We now have a specific person there to whom we are addressing our correspondence and this person has informed us that they need certified copies of Jude's Haitian adoption finalization papers. We originally thought that meant copies certified by Haiti, but he clarified. For each of the twelve pages of Jude's paperwork we had to have a separate page of our signatures, notarized, stating that the copies we provided were unaltered to our knowledge. Amazing. That wasn't part of what they originally asked for, and no one has ever been asked for that before in Michigan that our caseworkers know of. You didn't know we were quite that special, did you?
Well, we found that out yesterday afternoon, completed it today, and sent it Express Mail to Detroit, where this particular person has committed to personally processing our I600 and forwarding it to the National Visa Center on Monday. Progress - praise the Lord!
This has been tiring, and we are thankful for those who held us up and held us close. A "walk and talk" with my sister Wednesday evening was a real encouragement, and we are thankful to God for ones He's put close to us. Happy Friday to all!
We now have a specific person there to whom we are addressing our correspondence and this person has informed us that they need certified copies of Jude's Haitian adoption finalization papers. We originally thought that meant copies certified by Haiti, but he clarified. For each of the twelve pages of Jude's paperwork we had to have a separate page of our signatures, notarized, stating that the copies we provided were unaltered to our knowledge. Amazing. That wasn't part of what they originally asked for, and no one has ever been asked for that before in Michigan that our caseworkers know of. You didn't know we were quite that special, did you?
Well, we found that out yesterday afternoon, completed it today, and sent it Express Mail to Detroit, where this particular person has committed to personally processing our I600 and forwarding it to the National Visa Center on Monday. Progress - praise the Lord!
This has been tiring, and we are thankful for those who held us up and held us close. A "walk and talk" with my sister Wednesday evening was a real encouragement, and we are thankful to God for ones He's put close to us. Happy Friday to all!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Fundraising Update - 06/18/08
We mentioned the cleft bottle campaign, and it generated another opportunity, so golfers, check this out!
A very generous friend who is a PGA golf instructor has kindly offered to host a golf-a-thon during which he'll give one-hour golf lessons for ten hours and 2/3 of the proceeds generated will go toward our adoption!
Details:
Times are limited for your golf lesson! Lessons for the golf-a-thon are only available June 23, from 6am to 4pm. Call Scott Seifferlein at 616.802.4969 to set up your lesson time. You can check out his website at www.grandrapidsgolflesson.com.
With the purchase of the golf instruction session you will receive:
Tell any friends who you think might be interested!
A very generous friend who is a PGA golf instructor has kindly offered to host a golf-a-thon during which he'll give one-hour golf lessons for ten hours and 2/3 of the proceeds generated will go toward our adoption!
Details:
Times are limited for your golf lesson! Lessons for the golf-a-thon are only available June 23, from 6am to 4pm. Call Scott Seifferlein at 616.802.4969 to set up your lesson time. You can check out his website at www.grandrapidsgolflesson.com.
With the purchase of the golf instruction session you will receive:
- one hour of golf instruction
- KVEST instruction (www.k-vest.com)
- video instruction
- take home CD
- e-mail consultation
- complimentary practice balls after your session.
Tell any friends who you think might be interested!
Working with our congressman - 06/18/08
Well, the I600 we mentioned in a previous post has still not been processed and the issue is still not resolved. After a month of trying to get information out of USCIS (immigration) in Detroit and receiving only vague anemic responses, our caseworker has finally recommended that we go to our congressman as a last resort. I spent this morning gathering documentation and drafting a letter of consent (for privacy issues) to Fred Upton's office so that they could look into our case. Jude's passport will be printed sometime between this Friday and next (June 20 - 27), and if we do not have the I171 (which is the response to the I600), the whole thing will come to a stop. We need USCIS to process that I600 into an I171 in order to move on. If they do, we're within a month or so of traveling.
Monday I called the National Visa Center and they will not talk to me unless I have the file number off our I171, which we do not have from USCIS because they haven't processed the I600. USCIS is sending us to the National Visa Center. They will not acknowledge the lack of I171.
Our caseworker has been very specific with USCIS in what we are asking the status of and they have emailed in circles as they apparently do not understand the differences in their own forms. It's really quite amazing. They no longer allow people to drive to their office and just "show up" as they did years ago.
Needless to say, we are deeply frustrated, and need much prayer in this area. Pray that this will shake loose, and that in the meantime, we will wait and respond in a way that glorifies the Lord.
Bottom line: God is still on the throne and He is good, He knows our every need, and Jude is in His care as are we. We will choose to take a posture of worship in our hearts knowing that He is bigger than all of this. We are grateful for our case worker, Belinda, as well as for our congressman's office and his staff.
We'll keep you up to date as things progress. Thanks for your prayers - they are not taken for granted.
Monday I called the National Visa Center and they will not talk to me unless I have the file number off our I171, which we do not have from USCIS because they haven't processed the I600. USCIS is sending us to the National Visa Center. They will not acknowledge the lack of I171.
Our caseworker has been very specific with USCIS in what we are asking the status of and they have emailed in circles as they apparently do not understand the differences in their own forms. It's really quite amazing. They no longer allow people to drive to their office and just "show up" as they did years ago.
Needless to say, we are deeply frustrated, and need much prayer in this area. Pray that this will shake loose, and that in the meantime, we will wait and respond in a way that glorifies the Lord.
Bottom line: God is still on the throne and He is good, He knows our every need, and Jude is in His care as are we. We will choose to take a posture of worship in our hearts knowing that He is bigger than all of this. We are grateful for our case worker, Belinda, as well as for our congressman's office and his staff.
We'll keep you up to date as things progress. Thanks for your prayers - they are not taken for granted.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Fundraiser - 06/14/08
All - we've decided to do a little fundraiser to continue to raise money to pay for Jude's adoption. We are going to order a dozen cleft palate bottles, which are not available in developing countries and are desperately needed to save the lives of cleft-affected babies. We'd like to place those bottles and have them filled with change. The change will go toward Jude's adoption costs; the bottles will then be sterilized and sent to an orphanage that needs them.
Please let us know if you would be willing and able to place a cleft bottle at your place of business or at your church. We'll get the bottle(s) to you, and we'll pick them up. You just need to set it out and let us know when it's full. Email us or post a comment and we'll follow up with you. Thanks in advance for the help!
Please let us know if you would be willing and able to place a cleft bottle at your place of business or at your church. We'll get the bottle(s) to you, and we'll pick them up. You just need to set it out and let us know when it's full. Email us or post a comment and we'll follow up with you. Thanks in advance for the help!
Jude's Passport Approval! - 06/14/08
Yesterday we got word from our case worker that Jude's passport has been approved and sent for printing! This is great news.
Now we await our own USCIS (immigration) approval of Jude's I600. Please pray about this. This is what we need in order for the US Consulate in Haiti to do what they need to do before Jude can come home. If we get the I600, we could be looking at about a month before we travel. However, our I600 has been at USCIS for longer than usual - approximately nine weeks. Monday I'll be placing a call to the National Visa center to try to learn whether or not it's made it that far from the Detroit USCIS office. Our case worker, Belinda, has been emailing the Detroit office to try to get status updates and has yet to get details on our case.
With this little glitch and even with all the time we've spent pursuing this adoption, we have to say still that we love adoption! We are passionate about this. It seems to be the very heartbeat of God in our lives. Some of you have seen Chariots of Fire in which Eric Liddell testifies that God made him fast and when he runs, "...I feel His pleasure." Well, that's how we feel about adoption. Never in either of our lives have we felt God's will more strongly. Through this process God has taken things we've known and believed, and He's written them on our hearts as deep enduring convictions...things like: God is good; miracles are real; God is at work in the world; He knows what we need; He is pleased to reveal Himself to us.
Over and again we thought we'd have Jude home by a certain date. The latest prayer has been that God would allow him to come home by his second birthday, which is July 24. But we've been so ready to let that go like every other date we've hoped for, and the thought that we might no have to is just amazing!
Passport printing takes 1 - 2 weeks; the I600 goes to the US Consulate in Haiti at which point they initiate Jude's Visa and his orphan investigation (during which they interview his birth mother, etc.). This also takes 1 - 2 weeks. Then we get travel dates. As you can see, we need that I600.
We don't take your prayers for granted - they are so appreciated! Pray about the I600, and stay tuned!
Also, please pray for the family of our caseworker, Belinda. They live in Iowa; her brother is a farmer and his fields have washed out three times this year. It's going to be a rough season.
Now we await our own USCIS (immigration) approval of Jude's I600. Please pray about this. This is what we need in order for the US Consulate in Haiti to do what they need to do before Jude can come home. If we get the I600, we could be looking at about a month before we travel. However, our I600 has been at USCIS for longer than usual - approximately nine weeks. Monday I'll be placing a call to the National Visa center to try to learn whether or not it's made it that far from the Detroit USCIS office. Our case worker, Belinda, has been emailing the Detroit office to try to get status updates and has yet to get details on our case.
With this little glitch and even with all the time we've spent pursuing this adoption, we have to say still that we love adoption! We are passionate about this. It seems to be the very heartbeat of God in our lives. Some of you have seen Chariots of Fire in which Eric Liddell testifies that God made him fast and when he runs, "...I feel His pleasure." Well, that's how we feel about adoption. Never in either of our lives have we felt God's will more strongly. Through this process God has taken things we've known and believed, and He's written them on our hearts as deep enduring convictions...things like: God is good; miracles are real; God is at work in the world; He knows what we need; He is pleased to reveal Himself to us.
Over and again we thought we'd have Jude home by a certain date. The latest prayer has been that God would allow him to come home by his second birthday, which is July 24. But we've been so ready to let that go like every other date we've hoped for, and the thought that we might no have to is just amazing!
Passport printing takes 1 - 2 weeks; the I600 goes to the US Consulate in Haiti at which point they initiate Jude's Visa and his orphan investigation (during which they interview his birth mother, etc.). This also takes 1 - 2 weeks. Then we get travel dates. As you can see, we need that I600.
We don't take your prayers for granted - they are so appreciated! Pray about the I600, and stay tuned!
Also, please pray for the family of our caseworker, Belinda. They live in Iowa; her brother is a farmer and his fields have washed out three times this year. It's going to be a rough season.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thoughts for May - 05/30/08
This update includes a multitude of random thoughts...enjoy!
So that's our (long!) baby.
This month:
Earlier this month I (Valerie) went to Tennessee for the graduation of my youngest sister, and then to Pennsylvania for the graduation of our brother-in-law. College graduations...always inspiring. In Tennessee I was able to learn to braid and twist African hair. My baby sis has a friend who is a master at it. Thanks Courtney!
Hopefully soon we can tell you all that Jude's passport is approved. Until then...
The Chapmans:
First, some of you may have heard that Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman lost their youngest adopted daughter, Maria, after she was accidentally run over in the family's driveway. This family has been a consistent voice for adoption throughout the world, calling God's people everywhere to fulfill the scriptural exhortation to care for orphans and widows. The tragedy of losing a child is unimaginable, and as I listened to the news reports I couldn't help but think of Job 1:21: "..."Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Job had just lost everything and everyone except his wife...literally. He lost his possessions (including those which were his livelihood), his riches, every one of his children, his property, and then lost his health. And still the Lord was to be praised.
Strangely, I had just heard a message from Dr. David Jeremiah, calling parents to show their faith to their children by how we respond when our family experiences trial; those responses...reveal the reality (or lack) of our faith. As I prayed for the Chapmans, I couldn't help but wonder what God will ask Matthew and I to respond to throughout our lives, knowing that Jude will be watching and learning, and I couldn't help but ask God to give us grace for what moments our future holds so that Jude would learn the lesson we want him to learn: that God is good, His Word is truth, and our circumstances cannot change that no matter what they are.
Incidentally, the Chapmans are asking for donations to their adoption charity: http://www.shaohannahshope.org/, in lieu of cards and condolences, etc.
The Shiras:
This month also brought the news that the Shira family (also adopting from GLA) received approval for their girls' passports! We rejoice with them - fabulous! They are a dear couple with two boys and they are adopting three darling sisters from GLA: http://www.shiraadopton.blogspot.com/. Their girls' passports were applied for the week before Jude's. Maybe we'll hear something soon! Congratulations Shiras!
Jude:
Well, there have been personnel changes at GLA recently, so we're so amazed that these fantastic people even did updates this month...the energy they must have! We didn't get as much detail as usual, but we did get pictures, and those are most delightful anyway. :)
Jude hasn't gained weight, and he's only grown about 1/4", but his weight is redistributing and he looks much longer! This child is growing, and it won't be long now before he's growing here at home. We still hope to travel this summer, so it will be fun at the end of the summer to pick the garden with him and teach him that food comes from God and the ground He gave us...not Meijer! Grandma Dawn already has a book created with bright pictures of all kinds of vegetables so she can help teach him.
Check out this month's photos:
So that's our (long!) baby.This month:
Earlier this month I (Valerie) went to Tennessee for the graduation of my youngest sister, and then to Pennsylvania for the graduation of our brother-in-law. College graduations...always inspiring. In Tennessee I was able to learn to braid and twist African hair. My baby sis has a friend who is a master at it. Thanks Courtney!
Hopefully soon we can tell you all that Jude's passport is approved. Until then...
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