A Child Waits ...

Two out of Four ... not bad! Thank you to "A Child Waits Foundation" for picking us as recipients for a grant! We are truly blessed and ecstatic. God is truly providing a way for us to get our children.
Without organizations like "A Child Waits" and "Lifesong for Orphans" many of families would not be able to make adoption possible due to the large sums of money involved in the process.
We thank each of them for making our dream a reality and giving one more international child a conclusion to their wait for a forever family!!!

Decree DECREE DeCrEe ... for ME!

I'm in shock ... I know I am. No tears. No jumping up and down, simply STARED at the computer "Final Adoption Decree!!!!!" But I want to cry. But I want to jump up and down w/ pure giddiness. It's official, WE have been granted adoption orders for Anita and Maxwell. It's a HUGE step, a HUGE accomplishment in this process. The reality is settling in. "Mommy and Daddy are coming little ones ... we're coming to meet you!" I'm scared. I'm nervous. I'm hoping I do this "mom" thing right. I know it will all fall into place. I know I'll learn so much more from them than they'll probably learn from me. We look forward to the change in our life. We are so excited to have these little ones, these gifts from God, these little gifts who have so MANY of people waiting to meet them, hug them, encourage them, teach them, and LOVE THEM!
To our beautiful Anita and handsome Maxwell,
Mommy and Daddy have waited a full year for this day to happen. We have prayed for you, talked about you, wondered about you, and have simply waited for YOU to be a part of our lives. We hope to give you a life full of laughter, love, values, and opportunity. We know God created you extra special ... and he knew so long ago we would all be together one day. We ask God to prepare your hearts and minds for what is to come. We ask God to give us the wisdom and love to be the best parents to each of you. We cannot wait to hug you and kiss you and live LIFE with you. Mommy and Daddy love you Anita and Maxwell!"

We're officially "Mommy & Daddy!"

I sat at my desk and looked up. There it read "Congrats Mommy and Daddy - you passed court!" Ahhh!!! I wanted to jump up and down. I wanted to scream. I wanted to cheer. But instead, I picked up the phone and dialed. He picked up and I said "Hon, we PASSED! We PASSED COURT!" I smiled, got a lump in my throat, and the tears started falling. I'm a mommy! Adam excitedly said "This is an awesome Anniversary present!" We waited 12 weeks for this outcome. All in His timing and I couldn't have more joy. I cried those tears of joy all day long. We're so excited. Cannot be more happy to meet our children and hear their voices! Mommy and Daddy are almost coming ... so close little ones, so close.
As I watched "Idol gives back" tonight, I couldn't help but cry. Those stories will do that to you. And I saw my children in those faces, in those videos. I saw the life they could be living. And I simply thought, if everyone who "thought" or "wanted" to adopt, actually did it ... what lives we could change! Not only would we change the lives of children but we would change our own lives. We would be different because of it. Adam and I are changed. We hope to give a gift to Max and Anita they would not otherwise have. We get to raise two of God's children, if that's not special, I'm not sure what is! I encourage anyone thinking of adopting to pursue it!

Court Held

We had our court date, 04/16/10. I didn't announce it or make it a big deal in fear of getting my heart crushed if the date didn't hold. So, to get an email late in the day ... was a quick heart flutter and smile. But not so fast! As I started reading my heart sank a little. Our court date did take place. We didn't pass but we didn't fail. Apparently we had one of the toughest judges known at high court. He asked many of questions to the social welfare officer. Due to the "changes" taking place within the Ghana adoption processes, they are scrutinizing the social paperwork and asking many more questions than normal all to ensure the authenticity of the paperwork. I guess we can call this a blessing and a protection to all children and adoptive families. The judge asked for time to "study the docket" and asked for our facilitator to return on Wednesday. So, we are praying for a WOW Wonderful Wednesday!
Although my mind says "Ugh!" My heart knows this is all His timing and without Him, none of it would be possible. Our roller coaster continues. 11 weeks and waiting ...

Court Date...

Our Court Date was to be today. 04/09/10. BUT, we didn't hear a thing. No email. No news. It's safe to assume our court date didn't hold and a sitting didn't take place. Am I sad? YES!!! But I hold tightly in knowing it's all in His timing. Nothing can explain it. Sometimes even when it is explained it still doesn't make sense but such is the difference of cultures. We continue to wait ... ever so paitently.

Ugh ... aching heart.

I pray and ask others to pray for smoothness in regard to our paperwork for the adoption. Snags are appearing b/c some extra precautions are suddenly being implemented by Ghana. Extra time constraints but we all know it's for the benefit of all adopted children.
Our facilitator is not sure court will take place tomorrow b/c the judges are returning from recess and there may not be many "sittings" tomorrow. Either way, he is going to court and will be trying on our behalf. I truly believe God has his timing - I simply pray our court will take place should it be His will.
For one of the few times in this process ... I can honestly say my stomach is in knots but there is not much I can do. I have a tear welling and my heart is starting to break. I have to know God is shadowing us closely. I pray for His calmness and my heart to be content. I always tend to hear "trust me my child" ... "I am God, I know that's why my heart is calm so many of the times."
Although some things can never be expected and although I "knew" the road would be rough ... it doesn't change the feelings that arise. I thank God and so many family and friends for helping us get through this.

Birthday Present!

It read "Passports - finally - YES!" I quickly opened the email and there it was, the words we have been waiting for, well, at least some of the words ... "BOTH MAXWELL AND ANITA PASSPORTS ARE READY." My kids have their passports - we have a court date and it's my Birthday! I love our God - he has amazing timing and I could not have asked for a better present. All in due time ... all in His time. Happy Birthday to me (singing loud,) Happy Birthday to me (singing and dancing,) Happy Birthday dear Anna (jumping up and down and singing my heart out,) ... Happy Birthday to me! Thank you God for blessing me on this day and giving me a smile for my Birthday.