Unpacking

Unpacking... not so much clothes, we took more food than clothes. Still unpacking the thoughts and lessons experienced while in Haiti. I'm humbled again. Yep, I thought on this trip I wouldn't be affected again by what I've already seen of Haiti. The devastation, the poverty, the longings, the confusion written on the faces of the people of Haiti. I didn't think I would examine that again. I didn't think I would examine those things in comparison to my own life, my own heart again. Not so. I am processing it again, reading God's word and praying over it. I stand in awe of the Lord. He carries all of this and the rest of the hurting world. But, he is not worried, not wringing his hands, not saying... Oh, what am I going to do about this? No, He is... I AM.

When I was on my needs before bed two nights ago, I came to him with thoughts of our trip, concerns and worries for the boys and the other children at the orphanage. It was overwhelming and swirling in my head. But, when I began to pray, all I wanted to say to him was... HOLY, HOLY, HOLY. I could only praise him. Not because of anything in me, but him living in me.

First Moments

The internet is in and out, so this will be short but sweet.

The boys look really good overall. They have really kind spirits. They are both pretty healthy. Malnourishment is always going to be a factor, but no illness right now.

They are playful and affectionate with us too.

We wanted to say hello and we miss you to the kids at home.

So, hello to Savannah, Lilah, Lona, Ella, Noah and Isabella! We'll be home soon!

Just to clear up some confusion

As many of you know this will be our second trip to Haiti, our first time meeting the boys, but no, we won't be bringing them home. Not yet.
Unfortunately, we are not very far in the process even though we've been at it for about a year and a half.
A lot of people ask us why it takes so long. The amount of time an international adoption takes varies by country. Each country requires their own specific steps and procedures. The nice thing about Haiti adoptions is that you can visit your children there about once a quarter. Below are the steps and time it takes to complete them.


Minister of Foreign Affairs
2-8 weeks

Preparation of file for IBESR (This is where we are)
2-8 weeks

IBESR
3-12 months

Civil Court
4-8 weeks

Legalization
4-12 weeks

Minister of Interior/MOI
3-6 months

Immigration/Passport printing
2-8 weeks

USCIS
3 weeks minimum

Visa Process
1 -2 weeks

Total timeframe
12 – 28 months

If I look at the the time frames, it's easy to get discouraged. However, Chris and I learned a valuable lesson with our second daughter's adoption. There were many court dates involved, all required steps and part of the process. Each time we counted on the court date and that particular step to be completed, we were let down. The court date would come and go with the case not being heard, or with the step being delayed another 6 months. After a while, that became heart breaking and completely discouraging. Then, we began to feel a nudging from the Lord to trust in the promises he had given us for this adoption and not to focus on the court dates and not to be intimidated by them. Which is exactly the opposite of what our circumstances were dictating. The judge held the verdict in his hands right? That's what the world tells us. That's where we got off track. We put our faith in the judge and the way the world ran things and not in Christ. By his grace, he refocused our eyes on him. Even though we had to walk by faith and not by sight (taking our eyes off what we could see in the courts, and putting our eyes on Christ and the unseen that he was working out) we began to have total confidence and peace. Peace that he had given us a promise and that he would make good on it. We've continued to look at each adoption that way. He gives us a promise in his word and that's where we try to keep our focus. We know he is able.

Updates!

I think this is the first photo I've seen of Changlais that he's not smiling. I can't wait to see that beautiful face. Do you see those eye lashes?! And what about Schneider? Wow! Have you seen more beautiful eyes?

Whenever the email comes across for updates, my heart leaps into my throat. Is this a good update or a bad update? Are they healthy or have they been hospitalized? Are they still at the orphanage or, well, you understand.

I'm kind of in a state of expecting the unexpected, especially since we're so close to leaving for the parent trip on the 13th.

But, all is well! Yea! Double Yea!