My favorite movie is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I have watched it too many times to count. There is a scene where Charlie goes to see his mom at her night job at the laundry. He tells her that the fourth golden ticket has been found. Her reply is something like oh that's interesting. He wonders who will find the last one and says, "in case you're wondering, it won't be me. Just in case you're wondering." His mother goes on to say something about millions of people in the world and only five tickets. Well, I feel like Charlie this week. "in case you're wondering, it isn't us." Three families adopting from Jimmy's orphanage have gotten I600 approval (the golden ticket) and are just waiting for their visa appointments to come home. It is very likely that their children will be home for Christmas. Two of the boys will even be coming home to Ada. Although I am joyful for these families, it is very difficult to know that their boys are home while my child is still waiting and wondering when his homecoming will be. Knowing that Jimmy will spend another Christmas, another birthday, another new year somewhere else is almost unbearable.
I know I am not alone. I know at least two families feeling the exact same way. I know I have friends and family who's hearts will break because mine is broken. This provides some comfort, but I ask that you pray for the great Comforter to give us some peace and understanding.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Done. All good. Headed to the airport.
Jimmy and his Aunt Macienne were finally able to get into the embassy and be interviewed. Rob said they had some questions; but after speaking with Macienne, they were satisfied. She signed the relinquishment or whatever papers they needed. USCIS told Rob to expect an email requesting our dossier from our lawyer. Then, they were done.
Rob's time with Jimmy was a blessing and I'm so glad they had an extra day. Though it was a bit awkward for him being with his dad and his biological aunt, they relaxed last night and were able to talk. I am so thankful Rob was there and know he was a tremendous help and support to the process and Jimmy.
Today was a big success. We are happy this step is completed.
Many are asking now what? One word, WAIT. Robert, our lawyer, said we need another signature on our dossier which should take about a week then we will be out of MOI. He gave us a timeline, but I don't want to share it because timelines are worth about as much the paper I would write them on. We will just trust that God's timeline is perfect and worthy. Here are the final steps.
-Dossier is signed out of MOI.
-Files sent to passport office for printing.
-Passport is issued/reviewed for accuracy sent to USCIS.
-At the same time that the passport app is in the works, the USCIS process must be completed.
-Visa app is filed and an appointment to receive the visa in Haiti is scheduled.
-We travel to Haiti for visa appointment and BRING JIMMY HOME!
Rob's time with Jimmy was a blessing and I'm so glad they had an extra day. Though it was a bit awkward for him being with his dad and his biological aunt, they relaxed last night and were able to talk. I am so thankful Rob was there and know he was a tremendous help and support to the process and Jimmy.
Today was a big success. We are happy this step is completed.
Many are asking now what? One word, WAIT. Robert, our lawyer, said we need another signature on our dossier which should take about a week then we will be out of MOI. He gave us a timeline, but I don't want to share it because timelines are worth about as much the paper I would write them on. We will just trust that God's timeline is perfect and worthy. Here are the final steps.
-Dossier is signed out of MOI.
-Files sent to passport office for printing.
-Passport is issued/reviewed for accuracy sent to USCIS.
-At the same time that the passport app is in the works, the USCIS process must be completed.
-Visa app is filed and an appointment to receive the visa in Haiti is scheduled.
-We travel to Haiti for visa appointment and BRING JIMMY HOME!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Update
USCIS turned them away this morning. The interviewers were in meetings. Whatever that means. They are going to go back first thing in the morning and try again. When Rob visited with the lawyer, he was a little confused and did not have the right documents anyway. Rob explained what we needed from him and set him on the right track. Now, the lawyer is busy gathering the correct documents for tomorrow. I am going to declare today a success. If we had gotten in, we could have been sent away because we didn't have the documents they wanted and not gotten back in. God knows what he is doing and I'm trusting in him. Keep those prayers going up.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Take two & three, maybe
Rob left for Haiti early this morning. His travels were uneventful and made it into Port au Prince around 4:30 Haiti time. Jimmy and his Aunt Macienne made it there around 3:00. They were picked up by the Heartline guesthouse, which I highly recommend if you need a place to stay while in PaP. Upon arrival, Rob called Robert, Chances for Children's lawyer. Robert informed him that Kelitta, the C4C creche director, had received a call from USCIS that the appointment had been changed to December 6. There are a few things weird about this. Number 1: We have not received any communication about such changes. Number 2: If you remember, they did not want C4C to be representing Jimmy and/or us in the adoption. Number 3: Why would they call at all? USCIS isn't known for showing much consideration. Rob got a little excited about it all; but after some phone calls, texts, and emails, everyone has calmed down. They will go ahead and go to the embassy and see what happens. If they inform them of a change, they are going to explain the logistics of traveling to PaP and expense of making the trip. We hope it doesn't come to that. Their appointment is at 10:00 am EST. That is 9:00 am in Oklahoma. I ask that all of you pray for them during that time. However, I would like someone praying continuously for them from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm CST. I still have open spots for 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, and 12:30. Please pray for peace and patience for everyone. Pray for wisdom that Rob will know when to push and when to wait. Pray for those interviewing them. That they will feel the love we have for Jimmy and understand the need for him to come home quickly. I will also ask that you pray boldly for a miracle. That Jimmy will come home with Rob. I had someone ask if that was possible. I said all things are possible with God. I believe in Him and I know that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. He has gone before us and He is in control of tomorrow and our adoption. I have confidence that no matter what happens God will be there in the middle of it all and it will work for His glory and His purpose. That gives me peace. I will update tomorrow when all is said and done. Thank you for your prayers.
Anita 8:00-8:30
Marylyn 8:30-9:00
Marvin 8:30-9:00
Ginger 9:00-9:30
Mika 9:30-10:00
Deanna 10:00-10:30
10:30-11:00
11:00-11:30
11:30-12:00
Jami 12:00-12:30
12:30-1:00
Charla 1:00-1:30
Anita 1:30-2:00
Anita 8:00-8:30
Marylyn 8:30-9:00
Marvin 8:30-9:00
Ginger 9:00-9:30
Mika 9:30-10:00
Deanna 10:00-10:30
10:30-11:00
11:00-11:30
11:30-12:00
Jami 12:00-12:30
12:30-1:00
Charla 1:00-1:30
Anita 1:30-2:00
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Disappointment to Determination
I will start from the beginning. This is the way the trip should have gone. Jimmy's aunt was to travel to Port au Prince Monday afternoon; be picked up by the guesthouse where she was staying; spend the night; a driver we know, Rony, was to pick her up Tuesday morning take her to the embassy; her appointment/interview was at ten; then he was to take her back to the airport to catch her plane by four. Well, this is the way the trip went.
Monday morning I received a message that Jimmy's aunt, Macienne, was already at the airport in Port au Prince. Her flight had be changed and she left early. So, I called the guesthouse in PaP and asked them to please go pick her up early. I received a call from them half an hour later that she told the driver that she was at the big airport not the smaller airport, was this true? Not that I know of. So, she said she would call her back. They were able to find her at the smaller airport and she made it to the guesthouse.
Tuesday morning, Rony picked her up and took her to the embassy. At nine I get a call on skype from Hunter and Jillian. After finally connecting with them, they tell us Macienne is unable to get into the embassy; and they are telling her the appointment is Wednesday. I make about ten phone calls to the embassy and finally get someone. I explain the situation and the lady says yes I have her appointment here as 10 am on October 23. Good, she says she will call the gate and tell them to let her in. I breathe a sigh of relief and hope everything will be good now. That sigh of relief was premature. Oh also did I mention during all of this I am driving to take my mother in law to the airport?
After getting my mil dropped off, I proceed home. We get an email from USCIS (United States Citizenship & Immigration) saying that they will not interview Macienne because she does not have a proper ID. We later find out she has a work id, and paperwork that she has applied for another id but they will not take either. She will have to return November 28 for her interview. They also requested Jimmy return with her and be interviewed again. ALSO, they will be needing new relinquishment papers. Side note: Jimmy lives at CHCH but we are doing our adoption through C4C (chance for children). Because Jimmy lives at CHCH the relinquishment to C4C will not be accepted. They basically want new documentation for everything I submitted when I filed the I600 in July.
We tried to get our lawyer, agency, etc. to see if we could somehow salvage her trip but that was not possible. She traveled back to Cap Haitien yesterday afternoon. We have since corresponded with everyone and we are all working together to get the documents they are requesting. We will need to gather the documents, have them translated, and resubmit them by the November 28 interview; or they will not interview Macienne.
Additionally, we heard from Rony late last night. In his words, it was a nightmare. Along with all that went on with Macienne and the embassy, he ran out of gas and his van broke down.
I was discouraged, disappointed, and defeated yesterday. I cried many tears. After lots of words of encouragement and some chocolate from friends, I am better. Like I told Rony, Satan was attacking all of us yesterday. But you know what, he isn't going to win this. We will continue to fight and GOD will win! Our sweet Jimmy tried his very best to help his aunt and to work it out yesterday. I know how I felt so I can only imagine how he was and is feeling. I feel terribly that his aunt's trip was so stressful for her.
*Please pray for us to push past this obstacle.
*Pray for Jimmy to be comforted and be at peace while we battle for his homecoming.
*Pray for Macienne. She has been so willing to help through the process. We do not want her to become discouraged.
*Pray for those at USCIS working our case. That they will have open hearts and minds that can see the urgency and importance of their job.
*Pray for our legal team to be diligent with every document and step in the process.
*Pray for Hunter and Jillian as they work in Haiti on our behalf and with Jimmy and his family.
*Pray for God to provide the funds to carry out everything we need to get done.
*PRAY FOR THE ADOPTION TO BE COMPLETED QUICKLY SO HE CAN COME HOME!
Monday morning I received a message that Jimmy's aunt, Macienne, was already at the airport in Port au Prince. Her flight had be changed and she left early. So, I called the guesthouse in PaP and asked them to please go pick her up early. I received a call from them half an hour later that she told the driver that she was at the big airport not the smaller airport, was this true? Not that I know of. So, she said she would call her back. They were able to find her at the smaller airport and she made it to the guesthouse.
Tuesday morning, Rony picked her up and took her to the embassy. At nine I get a call on skype from Hunter and Jillian. After finally connecting with them, they tell us Macienne is unable to get into the embassy; and they are telling her the appointment is Wednesday. I make about ten phone calls to the embassy and finally get someone. I explain the situation and the lady says yes I have her appointment here as 10 am on October 23. Good, she says she will call the gate and tell them to let her in. I breathe a sigh of relief and hope everything will be good now. That sigh of relief was premature. Oh also did I mention during all of this I am driving to take my mother in law to the airport?
After getting my mil dropped off, I proceed home. We get an email from USCIS (United States Citizenship & Immigration) saying that they will not interview Macienne because she does not have a proper ID. We later find out she has a work id, and paperwork that she has applied for another id but they will not take either. She will have to return November 28 for her interview. They also requested Jimmy return with her and be interviewed again. ALSO, they will be needing new relinquishment papers. Side note: Jimmy lives at CHCH but we are doing our adoption through C4C (chance for children). Because Jimmy lives at CHCH the relinquishment to C4C will not be accepted. They basically want new documentation for everything I submitted when I filed the I600 in July.
We tried to get our lawyer, agency, etc. to see if we could somehow salvage her trip but that was not possible. She traveled back to Cap Haitien yesterday afternoon. We have since corresponded with everyone and we are all working together to get the documents they are requesting. We will need to gather the documents, have them translated, and resubmit them by the November 28 interview; or they will not interview Macienne.
Additionally, we heard from Rony late last night. In his words, it was a nightmare. Along with all that went on with Macienne and the embassy, he ran out of gas and his van broke down.
I was discouraged, disappointed, and defeated yesterday. I cried many tears. After lots of words of encouragement and some chocolate from friends, I am better. Like I told Rony, Satan was attacking all of us yesterday. But you know what, he isn't going to win this. We will continue to fight and GOD will win! Our sweet Jimmy tried his very best to help his aunt and to work it out yesterday. I know how I felt so I can only imagine how he was and is feeling. I feel terribly that his aunt's trip was so stressful for her.
*Please pray for us to push past this obstacle.
*Pray for Jimmy to be comforted and be at peace while we battle for his homecoming.
*Pray for Macienne. She has been so willing to help through the process. We do not want her to become discouraged.
*Pray for those at USCIS working our case. That they will have open hearts and minds that can see the urgency and importance of their job.
*Pray for our legal team to be diligent with every document and step in the process.
*Pray for Hunter and Jillian as they work in Haiti on our behalf and with Jimmy and his family.
*Pray for God to provide the funds to carry out everything we need to get done.
*PRAY FOR THE ADOPTION TO BE COMPLETED QUICKLY SO HE CAN COME HOME!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Day 608
Today is day 608 of our adoption journey. Some days definitely drag by slower than others. I think we have reached a point where the daily drain of waiting has become normal. Reaching that point, we have also reached a state of restlessness. It is always there. I thought it was just me but a friend that is on the same journey has been having a similar experience. Then, Rob commented yesterday about feeling weird (my word not his). After discussing it a bit we knew what we have been feeling is the same. This restlessness causes a lot of frustration and irritability that is hard to deal with. The waiting, the uncertainty, the drawn out transitioning, etc. makes it seem like your life is in limbo. I never did like to play limbo.
Jimmy is doing well. He started back to school last week. He and Rishard are being tutored. Their tutor, Jude, is a blessing. We are so happy he is able to do this for us and the boys. Jimmy was able to accompany the Haitian Medical Mission team last weekend as a translator. Although I have not been able to talk with him about his trip, one of the team members said he did a great job and was a big help. We are very proud of him. Here is a pic of him translating with one of the providers. Yes, he is getting very big and very grown up.
Jimmy is doing well. He started back to school last week. He and Rishard are being tutored. Their tutor, Jude, is a blessing. We are so happy he is able to do this for us and the boys. Jimmy was able to accompany the Haitian Medical Mission team last weekend as a translator. Although I have not been able to talk with him about his trip, one of the team members said he did a great job and was a big help. We are very proud of him. Here is a pic of him translating with one of the providers. Yes, he is getting very big and very grown up.
We were told last week that our file should be ready to enter MOI last Friday. We do not know if that happened but are hoping it did. I still believe God is in Haiti working for us so I am not going to worry about any of that. I will use my time to prepare him a place here. My wish is that he be here for his birthday on December 23 but God can decide if that is best.
Speaking of preparations, we are trying to sell our house. We would like more room for when he gets here. Please say a prayer that we will have peace of mind as we wait for the right buyer.
We are also preparing for a garage sale to help with the funding. It is October 13, this Saturday. I hope we do as well as we did at the last one. If you have stuff to donate, give me a call or message me. We will pick up (if you live relatively close).
Guess that's it. Please pray for peace of mind and spirit as Jimmy and the rest of us wait for his homecoming.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Here are a few highlights from the journey this past week.
We were able to skype with Jimmy on Saturday and tonight. As usual, it was great to see his smiling face. He got to meet my parents for the first time on Saturday which is extra special.
Jimmy was able to find his aunt and bring her to CHCH to visit with Tabitha about the interview. She is happy to do what she can to help Jimmy's adoption to be finished. She gave them her phone number and will be waiting to hear from them. We also found out that she is within ten minutes of CHCH so that is very good. We received an email from USCIS that we would be getting an appointment for that interview soon. As of today, we have not received any email about said appointment. Please pray we hear from them soon so we can make the preparations. One kink we found out about today is the Cap Haitien Airport is supposed to be closed/shut down until October 15. This was unexpected and unplanned. Of course this will hinder Jimmy's aunt's travel to PaP if we need her to go before then. It also creates problems for CHCH, as they will not be able to receive mail or anything else until it opens again. There are also groups who plan to travel for mission trips and have flights booked for that airport. We are praying that circumstances will change and that they will open back up quickly and business will continue as usual (hopefully better).
We are hearing that dossiers are going through MOI quickly. Not sure if we are actually in MOI yet but we are hoping to hear something soon. USCIS gave us a deadline when we went for our I-600 in which to get all the paperwork they request to them so our petition can be reviewed. That deadline is October 21. Our lawyer said that he felt like he could get everything together and to them by then. However, we believe that we have to be out of MOI to have all of the paperwork they are requesting. Please pray that we can get in and out of MOI in time for our lawyer to compile the paperwork and get it submitted by the deadline. If we miss the deadline, we will file for an extension. We just hope we won't have to do that.
One last thing, we have exhausted all our savings and fundraising monies. We are hoping to earn, save and/or raise about $7500 to complete the process. We will be having a garage sale in October. If you have any items you would like to get rid of, we will gladly take them off your hands. I am still making pies and other baked goods if you need those. We have also recently begun selling AdvoCare products. We truly believe in the products and the company. It has made a huge difference in our lives. We feel better, look better, and have energy to spare. Go to www.advocare.com/120329589 to check it out or give us a call. We would love to help you find more energy or reach your goals. We know you will love the products and it will help us to bring Jimmy home.
So, to recap the prayer requests:
*airport to reopen
*USCIS to give us an appointment for Jimmy's aunt's interview
*our dossier to enter and exit MOI quickly
*our lawyer to have all paperwork completed and ready to submit to USCIS by October 21 deadline.
*we will find a way to gather the remaining money needed to bring him home.
Thank you so much.
We were able to skype with Jimmy on Saturday and tonight. As usual, it was great to see his smiling face. He got to meet my parents for the first time on Saturday which is extra special.
Jimmy was able to find his aunt and bring her to CHCH to visit with Tabitha about the interview. She is happy to do what she can to help Jimmy's adoption to be finished. She gave them her phone number and will be waiting to hear from them. We also found out that she is within ten minutes of CHCH so that is very good. We received an email from USCIS that we would be getting an appointment for that interview soon. As of today, we have not received any email about said appointment. Please pray we hear from them soon so we can make the preparations. One kink we found out about today is the Cap Haitien Airport is supposed to be closed/shut down until October 15. This was unexpected and unplanned. Of course this will hinder Jimmy's aunt's travel to PaP if we need her to go before then. It also creates problems for CHCH, as they will not be able to receive mail or anything else until it opens again. There are also groups who plan to travel for mission trips and have flights booked for that airport. We are praying that circumstances will change and that they will open back up quickly and business will continue as usual (hopefully better).
We are hearing that dossiers are going through MOI quickly. Not sure if we are actually in MOI yet but we are hoping to hear something soon. USCIS gave us a deadline when we went for our I-600 in which to get all the paperwork they request to them so our petition can be reviewed. That deadline is October 21. Our lawyer said that he felt like he could get everything together and to them by then. However, we believe that we have to be out of MOI to have all of the paperwork they are requesting. Please pray that we can get in and out of MOI in time for our lawyer to compile the paperwork and get it submitted by the deadline. If we miss the deadline, we will file for an extension. We just hope we won't have to do that.
One last thing, we have exhausted all our savings and fundraising monies. We are hoping to earn, save and/or raise about $7500 to complete the process. We will be having a garage sale in October. If you have any items you would like to get rid of, we will gladly take them off your hands. I am still making pies and other baked goods if you need those. We have also recently begun selling AdvoCare products. We truly believe in the products and the company. It has made a huge difference in our lives. We feel better, look better, and have energy to spare. Go to www.advocare.com/120329589 to check it out or give us a call. We would love to help you find more energy or reach your goals. We know you will love the products and it will help us to bring Jimmy home.
So, to recap the prayer requests:
*airport to reopen
*USCIS to give us an appointment for Jimmy's aunt's interview
*our dossier to enter and exit MOI quickly
*our lawyer to have all paperwork completed and ready to submit to USCIS by October 21 deadline.
*we will find a way to gather the remaining money needed to bring him home.
Thank you so much.
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