Before I knew you...

We met a girl while we were in Haiti who had made several trips over the past few years.  She had met Jimmy many times and she said she had younger photos of him.  She was kind enough to send them to me.  I treasure any pictures I can get of him and absolutely loved these younger ones.

Sorry, I never finished the story.

So, the last post was when I was in Haiti.  Here is the rest of the story. 

We traveled to Cap Haitien via Tortug Air with little fan fare.  Micial picked us up from the airport and we went to pick up Jimmy and Rishard.  It was of course great to see Jimmy's face and hug his tall lanky body.  He has grown a few more inches since the last trip, making him pretty much eye to eye with Mom.  We spent some time at CHCH then headed to the preaching school.  We spent the afternoon and evening visiting with the boys and playing board games.  We were anxious for our day in court planned for Wednesday. 

Wednesday morning we prepared to meet Robert, our lawyer, at the justice of the peace at 10 am.  We managed to make it on time and contrary to the norm in Haiti so did Robert.  We followed Robert into an old building and into a back room.  It had three desks and a handful of men inside.  We set down and Robert asked for the power of attorney papers our husbands' signed.  We provided the documents.  A man behind one of the desks took the papers, turned the page in a spiral notebook and made two X's.  I was told to sign for Rob and myself.  The same procedure followed for Cindy.  It was all very official (she says with an enormous amount of sarcasm).
We then  headed to the courthouse.  We were told the judge was not there yet, and we were to wait.  Luckily there was a good amount of shade in the courtyard.  We waited alongside many Haitians waiting for their turn.  We visited with Robert, stood and visited with each other, sweated, waited, stood and visited with Micial.  Made a trip to the bathroom, escorted by the armed guard who waited.  Of course there was no toilet paper and no flush.  Thank goodness Cindy had some wet wipes.  Back downstairs where we waited some more.  It was about twelve-ish when we talked to Robert went to a party the night before and got very drunk.  7 of the 8 judges did not show up for court that day and the one who did was sleeping it off upstairs.  Robert said he would wait on the 20% chance our judge showed up with the agreement he would call us.  Micial had some errands to run so we tagged along.  We went to a very nice guesthouse and met some very nice people who asked if we would like to join them at the beach on Friday.  Fun!
So, we headed back to the orphanage to pick up the boys.  We went back to the CPB and relaxed the rest of the day.  In the meantime, Alex, a friend of the boys met up with us at the CPB and stayed the rest of the time with us.  This was a much needed distraction or buffer if you will.  The boys are a little more relaxed when it is not just us.  They do not feel so much pressure.

Jimmy, Funny Rishard, & Alex

On Thursday, we asked the boys to take us around Cap a little and show us some things.  Jimmy was hesitant to go if we were taking the big truck.  It is very rough to ride in.  I told him if he could make other arrangements that would be fine.  He asked Job to take us in the little truck so off we go: Job, Cindy and me in the front seat and Jimmy, Rishard, Alex and Jetro (a friend from CHCH) all in the backseat.  Did I mention there was no air conditioning.  Pretty sure there was some arguing in the backseat about who had to sit in the middle.  They took us to the cathedral and the sight of the last battle in the revolution.  Then we all went to get drinks.  It was a good day.  Again, we ended our day at the CPB with a yummy meal and just enjoying being together.  We also got to explain to the boys what sunscreen is used for and why us white people need it so badly.  Good stuff.

 Alex, Jimmy, Jetro, Rishard, Job

Job told us this is "University under the trees".

The boys were desperately trying to hook up the tv to the dvd player.  The problem was the tv was too old, but they were convinced they could make it work.  Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful.

On Friday, all four boys along with Cindy and I headed to the beach with our new friends.  We spent the day soaking in the bright sunshine, warm sand and cool water.  When I am able to be in a situation like this with Jimmy, I try to take it all in.  I also miss the rest of my family and really wish they were with us.  I think of how much fun we could be having all together.   It is always bittersweet.  Along with fun and sun, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant.  We ended our time with the group with the kids playing a little soccer. 

 The girls were talked about how good the boys were at soccer, but little did they know they were holding back.  They would not have risked hurting the girls.  Not nearly as physical with them as they are with each other. 

Jetro, Rishard, Micial, Jimmy, Alex

I love this picture and all in it.

Cindy's daughter and her friend raised money for another orphanage in town.  So, Cindy talked to Fonrose, the preaching school director, about what she needed.  He was kind enough to take the money, exchange it, then take us with him to buy food.  After our trip to the market, we headed out to Tabitha's new land.   A little about Tabitha, she is an amazing lady who had an orphanage in town but IBESR had recently told her she did not have enough room for the kids to play and they were shutting her down.  So she moved the kids to a bigger place about five miles out of town.  She has since been given land by the government to build on.  Not sure how that all will work, but she is optimistic.  We look forward to seeing the progress and pray God will continue to bless her efforts.  Anyway, she gave us a tour of her land and then we went to her current place.  It is always a blessing to love on the kids there.  Cindy and I both got to love a little one into a nap.  So precious.  Makes me long to stay and give them that motherly love they long for.  Although, Tabitha does do an awesome job. 
After saying our goodbyes, we  headed back to CHCH to spend a couple of nights.  Our attention is greatly divided when we are at CHCH.  There are so many kids to love on and talk to, not to mention the boys are distracted and torn between their friends and their moms.  I had not slept well the night before and began to feel it Saturday evening.  My emotions were right on the service and spilled over a bit.  Thankful for Cindy and her listening ear.  She is always an encouragement.  After a few tears, I felt better and spent the rest of the evening up in the dorm with Jimmy.  We even got to skype with Rob, Rylan and Kyndal.  It was a good end to a overall good day.

Sunday was a very hot day.  Up until then, we had hot weather, but it was bearable.  Sunday was HOT!  We spent the rest of the morning into afternoon with the boys in front of our fans.  We even took a nap.  We went out to eat for supper. Then, we had the unpleasant task of packing up and preparing to leave.  There were no tears like most trips. 

Monday morning we got up early to catch our 6:50 flight to Port au Prince. We left the boys sleeping after hugs and saying goodbye.  It was the easiest exit since we began the process.  Our flight was on time and we arrived in PaP at 7:30.  Unfortunately, my bad did not make it to PaP until 9:15.  We waited for my bag at the little airport then went to the big airport to wait on our flight to Miami.  We left on time at 1:15.  Upon arriving, we learn that Cindy's flight has been delayed and she will not make her connecting flight to OKC.  After much hub bub, we got everything worked out and went to get something to eat.  Cindy's flight left at 5:30; my plane was scheduled to leave at nine.  After several hours of waiting, I finally left at 9:30.  I arrived in Dallas at 11:30.  I was beat.  Rob picked me up.  *A HUGH THANK YOU to my sweet friend Mika that stayed with my kids.*  We arrived home at three or so. 

On Tuesday, it was back to real life.  Again, I had left a piece of my heart in Haiti and the spot where it used to be ached.  The joy of hugging and loving on Rylan and Kyndal competed with the longing for Jimmy.  Our prayer is that our longing will come to an end very soon.

Here are some random pics from the trip.  I am missing some because Cindy took those with her camera and I keep forgetting to ask her to send them to me.

Sleepy girl found her a cozy spot.

Wenchy flying his kite.

Some of the girls at CHCH crochet hats.

Lily pads at the hotel by the beach

Lazy Sunday afternoon

Sassy girl.  After I took the pic, she says in very good English "Facebook?"

awwwwww.

Playing church

Sleepy boy

Setting the tv to watch some olympics

Playing spoons or in this case rocks.

Chinalove

Sharing photos on Mom's phone with Frito

My bed at the CPB

A store in town

Blog Post from Port au Prince

I arrived at the DFW airport at 6:30 am yesterday.  My flight left on time at 7:35.  Cindy's flight from DFW was scheduled to leave at 8:40. What?!?  She may not make it to Florida in time to catch our flight to Haiti.  What?!?  I did not sign up to go on this trip alone!  I was a little panicky, but headed off the plane.  When I got into the bathroom, it hit me.  I was going to have to go to Haiti alone and to my appointment alone.  I was tired from my weekend at Advocare Success School, I missed my kids and now I wasn't going to have Cindy with me.  So, what did I do?  I cried...in the bathroom stall, I cried.  Rob called after I texted the news.  I cried some more.  He said encouraging things and reassured me.  I gathered myself together and walked to my gate.  Our friend, Dana, texted me and encouraged me with these words, "remember God has already prepared a way for you".  I cried again but knew I could do this.  I sat and waited.  As the time ticked by, I was reassured by the feeling of peace that God gave me.  They called those who had no seat number to come to the desk.  I overheard the lady at the counter tell another that the plane was still not here and would in all likelihood be late. LATE?  Yay!  God was working it out.  Cindy's flight was delayed but so was our plane to Haiti.  At that moment, I knew Dana was right, I was just along for the right.  My way was already paved by my Father who loves me and is with me.  He is in charge of planes, travel arrangements, and appointments. 

Cindy made it to the gate about 10 minutes before we boarded.  We arrived in Haiti at 6:25, almost 3 hours late for our schedule, but right on time for the schedule God had arranged.  We made it to Noah and Nathan, the representatives from Chances for Children who had been waiting a very long time for us to arrive.  We drove to Fermathe to the guesthouse where we are staying.  The creche manager, Kelitta, greeted us and prepared dinner.  It was very good.  After dinner, we sat down and opened our files that we brought with all our paperwork.  We went over our checklists and double checked everything.  We headed to bed around eleven. 

We woke up at six, dressed, ate a yummy breakfast, and headed to our 9:00 appointment at the embassy.  We arrived fifteen minutes late which worried Cindy and me.  Turned out not to be a concern.  We waited outside for the person who lets adoption and visa appointments into the embassy.  While we waited, Kelitta translated all the amusing conversations around us.  We went into the embassy and waited and waited.  We were finally called to the counter.  Gave them our paperwork, answered a couple of questions and returned to our seats.  We again listened to Kelitta translate the creole around us.  We were fascinated by the interview of a married couple trying to get the wife a visa.  Long story short, you will be denied a visa if you tell lies to the interviewer when interviewed separately and your stories do not match up.  Anyway, we were called up again, answered a few questions and returned to our seats. We again waited and watched as adopting parents were called up.  We watched the workers gather the trash and sweep the floors.  When we were the only ones in the room, we were called up to the counter to have our interview.  Nothing too painful.  In the end, we were given a checklist of things they need and a date for Jimmy and a rep from the orphanage to come in and be interviewed.  We left about 3:00 pm. 

We stopped by the store to buy a treat for the children at the Chance for Children creche and headed toward Kenscoff.  We had a minor hiccup in the form of a flight tire which we were able to get changed quickly.  We got to the creche just in time for naps.  :(  We were given a quick tour and headed back to the guesthouse.  We took a little rest and are now enjoying a little time online. 

Thank you for your prayers.  We will fly to Cap Haitien tomorrow to see the boys.  Can't wait.  Hoping to go to court on Wednesday.  It has been a good day.  I am looking forward to the rest.

Paperwork, Packing, Passport Photos, and 1 Pitiful Little Girl

I have been pretty stressed about getting all the PAPERWORK done for my trip.  Forms, copies of the forms, blank ones,filled ones, notaries, translations...it all gets to be a little much.  I am happy to say that the paperwork is ready to go, I think.  I will send it to our agency tomorrow for them to look over, but I am pretty sure what I need I have.  I am so relieved and getting excited.  But before I can get too excited, I must start PACKING.  I really should have this down by now.  It is easier than the first time I traveled to Haiti because I know a little more of what to expect.  However, there is always an element of the unknown when you go and you want to be prepared.  I am sure I will be ready to go, prepared or not.

One of the things we had to get for our I-600 appointment was a PASSPORT PHOTO of Jimmy.  Jillian was nice enough to take Jimmy and Rishard downtown to get one taken.  We received a scanned copy of the photo tonight.  My first reaction..."Where did that young man come from?"  Oh my he looks so grown up.  I am really loving the jacket the photo place put on him. 

Last but not least in this post, 1 PITIFUL little girl.  Kyndal is very sad that I am leaving.  She and Rylan will be going to my mom's family reunion for the weekend then to their house until next Friday.  I was trying to pack her tonight.  Every time I asked if she wanted to pack something she would say "I'm not going so I don't have to pack."  I said well I am practicing packing.  Her response was "ok but it will be your responsibility to put it all up."  So, I would say "do you want to pretend pack this?"  She would answer yes or no but refused to say she was going anywhere.  It makes it very hard to leave when I know she is struggling with me being gone before I even leave.  Please pray for my sweet girl and Rylan too.  10 days is a long time for mom to be away, especially when Dad isn't with them for most of that time.  Prayers for Rob too since he will be home alone.  If you live in Ada, take pity on him and invite him over for a meal.  Poor thing will probably starve with no one to cook his meals.  :)

It changes from one day to the next.

Since my last post, my trip to Haiti has changed about a million times in a million different ways.  Yes, I am exaggerating but it is the way we feel.  We, Cindy Hoover and myself, finally have a plan for our trip.  We are so excited to go with the expectation that little will go the way we are planning.  I was telling a friend today that isn't that one of the lessons we get to learn from this journey.  The lesson of letting go of our idea that we have control over something, anything.  Cindy and I are letting go and letting ourselves follow God and what he has planned for us on the trip.

We leave on Sunday.  She will fly from OKC and I will fly from DFW.  We will meet in Florida and fly onto Port au Prince.  Our I600 appointments are at 9:00 am on Monday morning at the US Embassy.  We will fly to Cap Haitien on Tuesday morning.  We were told that our cases will be heard in Cap Haitien instead of PaP.  Court is a little more unpredictable than PaP but really everything in this process has been unpredictable.  So, nothing new there.  We hope to go to court on Wednesday.  Notice I said hope.  We will more than likely go and sit and sweat and pray our name will be called.  If Wednesday doesn't work out, we will try again on Thursday or Friday or both days.  We will spend from Tuesday through Monday morning with our boys.  Soooooo excited about seeing them.  It has been since December that I have been to Haiti.  That is too long.  We will be staying at the CBT (preaching school) half of the time.  It is so nice there and will give us some quiet, private time together.

Prayer Requests:
>Travel to be safe, on schedule and uneventful.
>Our I600 appointment and that all our paperwork is correct and accepted.
>Our court date will happen and be quick and painless.
>Lastly but most important, pray for our time shared with Jimmy and Rishard.  We know God will bless our visit but saying goodbye will be the worst.  Every time it is harder.  Cindy and I would love to hear that we can just take them home, but that would be a miracle.  So, if you feel moved, pray for a miracle.  We wouldn't complain if God had that in mind.  :)

Girls Night Out Fundraiser

We are postponing our fundraiser on July 14.  Summer is a tough time to catch everyone home at once.  There were just not enough "yeses" to have it.  Please keep looking for the new date.

I-600 appointment

Call the US Embassy this morning.  It has been two weeks since we requested our appointment to file the I-600.  Just FYI, the I-600 is the petition to make an orphan your immediate relative.  It is on the US side of the adoption.  It must be approved before we can bring him home. 

Well, I called this morning expecting to place numerous calls throughout the day and hoping to get through.  God however knew I needed to get through this morning.  The first call placed was successful.  I was able to get an appointment for us and the Hoover family.  July 25 at 7:00 am.  Our agency will now coordinate our court date with our lawyer.  Cindy Hoover and I will be traveling to Port au Prince that week.  I am excited, scared, nervous, exhilarated, and so many other things.

Prayer requests: 
*Travel plans:  all our flights, hotel stays, etc will be able to be coordinated easily at a reasonable price
*Appointments:  our appointments in Haiti will be easily coordinated and go smoothly
*Finances:  we will have enough money to cover the trip and expenses that we will incur.