We've got mail!
Well, not technically mail, but parcel delivery! My friend Katie (y'all remember her, right???) sent FUN stuff to us through a friend's husband. We got new clothes for the Belle Belle (wait till you see - TOO CUTE- though some are a little on the big side yet!), bath toys, magazines, new sunglasses, and other just fun stuff. She sent a pedometer and I've had fun watching to see how far we go in an average day, since we walk everywhere. It's 6:30 p.m. and we've gone 4.5 miles so far today! Thanks Katie!
Wednesday
July 29
And one more thing:
There is a house being built right next door, and there are some awkward moments because, well, it's RIGHT next door. I'm adding a couple pics from this week, taken from my bedroom door, looking out toward our patio. Katie, this is for you!
P.S. I didn't think to take a picture until it was too late, but one day last week I came out of my room at seven thirty in the morning, and one of the construction guys was sitting on OUR roof, on our side of the wall that divides the houses!!! And there I was in my pajamas! Awkward!
There is a house being built right next door, and there are some awkward moments because, well, it's RIGHT next door. I'm adding a couple pics from this week, taken from my bedroom door, looking out toward our patio. Katie, this is for you!
P.S. I didn't think to take a picture until it was too late, but one day last week I came out of my room at seven thirty in the morning, and one of the construction guys was sitting on OUR roof, on our side of the wall that divides the houses!!! And there I was in my pajamas! Awkward!
July 29
Another week in Guatemala
Where does the time go? Unless you've fostered here, you may not understand this. You would think that each day and week would drag on and on, and to some extent that's true early on. But there's also this time warp that happens when you've been here a while and know you're not going anywhere anytime soon. It's like you just blink and another week has gone by. It's almost August. WHAT?!?! Where does the time go?
One of the things Irene and I have been doing to keep ourselves amused is experimenting with new hairstyles. Irene looks adorable in her new braids and Bella was also sporting a new style today! So girly and so fun! We all went to church this morning, and since we were all dressed up, had a few picks taken. I admit that I am totally biased, but I happen to think I have two of the most beautiful girls on earth!
After church today, we came back and soaked up some sunshine while Bella played in her pool. Of course, halfway through the afternoon, she decided that she didn't want to wear her swimsuit anymore. Pics to follow.
Side note: found a recipe in an issue of Redbook magazine (had Meg Ryan on the cover) for salmon tacos and decided to try it for dinner tonight. Amazing! Definitely a recipe I'll be using often!
And, finally, we are ending the day with a decent storm. This one hasn't brought much thunder or lightening yet, but just a TON of rain. I'm loving it!
Where does the time go? Unless you've fostered here, you may not understand this. You would think that each day and week would drag on and on, and to some extent that's true early on. But there's also this time warp that happens when you've been here a while and know you're not going anywhere anytime soon. It's like you just blink and another week has gone by. It's almost August. WHAT?!?! Where does the time go?
One of the things Irene and I have been doing to keep ourselves amused is experimenting with new hairstyles. Irene looks adorable in her new braids and Bella was also sporting a new style today! So girly and so fun! We all went to church this morning, and since we were all dressed up, had a few picks taken. I admit that I am totally biased, but I happen to think I have two of the most beautiful girls on earth!
After church today, we came back and soaked up some sunshine while Bella played in her pool. Of course, halfway through the afternoon, she decided that she didn't want to wear her swimsuit anymore. Pics to follow.
Side note: found a recipe in an issue of Redbook magazine (had Meg Ryan on the cover) for salmon tacos and decided to try it for dinner tonight. Amazing! Definitely a recipe I'll be using often!
And, finally, we are ending the day with a decent storm. This one hasn't brought much thunder or lightening yet, but just a TON of rain. I'm loving it!
July 18
The last few days
We've been busy! We (finally!) bought some freshly roasted corn at the mercado and brought it home for supper one night. It was a big hit with both my girls! We've also been starting the "time out" with Bella. It amuses me greatly, but so far it's pretty effective, if only I could learn to be consistant! We've been to the doctor and learned that Bella finally gained some actual weight! A whopping pound and five ounces! We've played in our pool on the sundeck outside our room which is always a hit with the Belle-Belle. And, the most exciting thing of all was the re-arranging we did in our room today. We used to have Bella's pack-n-play in the huge walk-in closet, so we could close the door and not have to whisper, etc. Well, Bella has had some SEVERE separation anxiety in the last three weeks (ever since Greg left) and getting her to sleep and stay asleep in her pack-n-play has been a nightly battle. She's been getting up every 30-60 minutes. Nightmare! So, in an act of desperation, we moved her bed out of the closet and put it right next to my bed. We'll see if it helps. So far, so good. Of course, it's only been an hour...
We've been busy! We (finally!) bought some freshly roasted corn at the mercado and brought it home for supper one night. It was a big hit with both my girls! We've also been starting the "time out" with Bella. It amuses me greatly, but so far it's pretty effective, if only I could learn to be consistant! We've been to the doctor and learned that Bella finally gained some actual weight! A whopping pound and five ounces! We've played in our pool on the sundeck outside our room which is always a hit with the Belle-Belle. And, the most exciting thing of all was the re-arranging we did in our room today. We used to have Bella's pack-n-play in the huge walk-in closet, so we could close the door and not have to whisper, etc. Well, Bella has had some SEVERE separation anxiety in the last three weeks (ever since Greg left) and getting her to sleep and stay asleep in her pack-n-play has been a nightly battle. She's been getting up every 30-60 minutes. Nightmare! So, in an act of desperation, we moved her bed out of the closet and put it right next to my bed. We'll see if it helps. So far, so good. Of course, it's only been an hour...
July 15
Gifts from the Lord
I can't tell you how many times I've had people comment to me that they are amazed at how well I am handling all of this and I figured it was time to set the record straight.
A very good friend of mine from home emailed me early on in my fostering days, when our case seemed "difficult" then, and reminded me of Phillipians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What a blessing this has been to me! I've come back to this verse hundreds of times in the last year, and each time the Lord gives me something new to see in it. And I'll tell you something else- it works! When I am worried or afraid, I pray and give it to God and I find that He does indeed give me peace. I love that I have a Father who loves me so much that he wants to take on my worries and cares and make me feel better! Isn't that what daddies are supposed to do?
Here's something else He has given me. Romans 8:25
"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
And Psalm 37:7
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him"
And one more Hebrews 6:11
"...imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised"
I am able to get through each day because I have faith. I believe, without a doubt, that this adoption is the Lord's adoption. I believe we were called by God to adopt so that Bella would come to be a part of our family. I believed from the beginning that He would provide the means for the adoption and He has. I believe that He has a purpose in ALL of this. I believe that one day Bella will come home with me and our family will be united forever.
I believe!
I can't tell you how many times I've had people comment to me that they are amazed at how well I am handling all of this and I figured it was time to set the record straight.
A very good friend of mine from home emailed me early on in my fostering days, when our case seemed "difficult" then, and reminded me of Phillipians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What a blessing this has been to me! I've come back to this verse hundreds of times in the last year, and each time the Lord gives me something new to see in it. And I'll tell you something else- it works! When I am worried or afraid, I pray and give it to God and I find that He does indeed give me peace. I love that I have a Father who loves me so much that he wants to take on my worries and cares and make me feel better! Isn't that what daddies are supposed to do?
Here's something else He has given me. Romans 8:25
"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
And Psalm 37:7
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him"
And one more Hebrews 6:11
"...imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised"
I am able to get through each day because I have faith. I believe, without a doubt, that this adoption is the Lord's adoption. I believe we were called by God to adopt so that Bella would come to be a part of our family. I believed from the beginning that He would provide the means for the adoption and He has. I believe that He has a purpose in ALL of this. I believe that one day Bella will come home with me and our family will be united forever.
I believe!
July 13
Dirt!
When left to her own devices, our Bella naturally gravitates towards dirt. Every time. Yesterday was the first time she used a tool (clothespin) to dig in the dirt. The tool went from shovel to spoon as she began to scoop up the dirt and eat it. Future archeologist? Or food critic? You decide.
When left to her own devices, our Bella naturally gravitates towards dirt. Every time. Yesterday was the first time she used a tool (clothespin) to dig in the dirt. The tool went from shovel to spoon as she began to scoop up the dirt and eat it. Future archeologist? Or food critic? You decide.
July 11
Waiting
Isn't that what those of us involved with adoptions do best? We wait. It starts, for most of us, with the wait for our I 171H, continues with the wait for a referral, and only really ends the day you escort the child to the United States of America. We're stuck somewhere in the middle right now, completely unsure how it's all going to turn out. While we wait, we continue to pray for a miracle. Please pray with us.
Isn't that what those of us involved with adoptions do best? We wait. It starts, for most of us, with the wait for our I 171H, continues with the wait for a referral, and only really ends the day you escort the child to the United States of America. We're stuck somewhere in the middle right now, completely unsure how it's all going to turn out. While we wait, we continue to pray for a miracle. Please pray with us.
July 06
Reaching out
There is a public hospital just a few blocks away from where I live here in Antigua that is home to dozens of special needs children. We went to visit them today. My very good friend Melissa goes to visit the children often, many times taking groups of people with her. She has the amazing gift to see the children through her heart, not her eyes. She once told me about a little girl that she knew was coming available for adoption that was six months old and blind. I'll never forget this. Melissa said to me, "Don't you just love blind? How much fun would that be?". And I was thinking to myself that I wouldn't know the first thing about what to do with a blind child. The thought embarrassed me and humbled me.
In the past, I've allowed my nerves and hesitations prevent me from ministering to these children. I let my own fear of the unknown get in the way.
But I'm a mom to an impressionable fifteen year old. I want to show her what the rest of the world is like, outside of suburbia, USA. I want to show her what God sees. I want to teach her about ministry. And I can't do that hiding inside a gated community.
I can't describe the joy I felt at taking my two girls into that hospital today and watching them engage the children that live there. It warms my mother's heart to see my children reaching out to other children. I don't know how God feels, but I imagine it's much the same. My heart ached with Irene's as she first looked around, trying to take it all in. I felt nervous too, as a boy in a wheelchair reached for her hand and she wasn't sure what to do. She took his hand in hers and his face absolutely lit up with an enormous smile. I could just see her courage begin to build and she tentatively began to speak to him and stroke his head with her other hand. Before long, we could tell that he wanted to go outside and she pushed his wheelchair into the courtyard where they spent the next hour together, just holding hands. Isabella, on the other hand, went with me from child to child, laughing and talking with them and stroking them. It was absolutely clear that she didn't notice a single difference between herself and the other children. And they loved her for it!
As we were leaving, Irene asked me to help her tell her new friend that we were leaving but that we would be back. And she looked at me and said " We are coming back, right?". Absolutely.
It didn't matter that they didn't speak Spanish, or that one doesn't speak at all. Both of my girls were able to communicate love to children who desperately need it. I'm a proud mom today.
There is a public hospital just a few blocks away from where I live here in Antigua that is home to dozens of special needs children. We went to visit them today. My very good friend Melissa goes to visit the children often, many times taking groups of people with her. She has the amazing gift to see the children through her heart, not her eyes. She once told me about a little girl that she knew was coming available for adoption that was six months old and blind. I'll never forget this. Melissa said to me, "Don't you just love blind? How much fun would that be?". And I was thinking to myself that I wouldn't know the first thing about what to do with a blind child. The thought embarrassed me and humbled me.
In the past, I've allowed my nerves and hesitations prevent me from ministering to these children. I let my own fear of the unknown get in the way.
But I'm a mom to an impressionable fifteen year old. I want to show her what the rest of the world is like, outside of suburbia, USA. I want to show her what God sees. I want to teach her about ministry. And I can't do that hiding inside a gated community.
I can't describe the joy I felt at taking my two girls into that hospital today and watching them engage the children that live there. It warms my mother's heart to see my children reaching out to other children. I don't know how God feels, but I imagine it's much the same. My heart ached with Irene's as she first looked around, trying to take it all in. I felt nervous too, as a boy in a wheelchair reached for her hand and she wasn't sure what to do. She took his hand in hers and his face absolutely lit up with an enormous smile. I could just see her courage begin to build and she tentatively began to speak to him and stroke his head with her other hand. Before long, we could tell that he wanted to go outside and she pushed his wheelchair into the courtyard where they spent the next hour together, just holding hands. Isabella, on the other hand, went with me from child to child, laughing and talking with them and stroking them. It was absolutely clear that she didn't notice a single difference between herself and the other children. And they loved her for it!
As we were leaving, Irene asked me to help her tell her new friend that we were leaving but that we would be back. And she looked at me and said " We are coming back, right?". Absolutely.
It didn't matter that they didn't speak Spanish, or that one doesn't speak at all. Both of my girls were able to communicate love to children who desperately need it. I'm a proud mom today.
July 04
Happy Fourth of July!
We wish were home today!!! Everyone, have some macaroni salad and a hamburger and some plain lays potato chips and a milkshake and apple pie and anything off the grill for me please!!! Oh, and Brandon (my nephew), wave a sparkler for Bella and I! We love you all!
We wish were home today!!! Everyone, have some macaroni salad and a hamburger and some plain lays potato chips and a milkshake and apple pie and anything off the grill for me please!!! Oh, and Brandon (my nephew), wave a sparkler for Bella and I! We love you all!
July 02
A wonderful week
The last week has just flown by! Greg and Irene arrived a week ago, after a grueling 24 hour trip. They were both wiped out (and kinda smelly) but it was still a fantastic family reunion. After some hugs and kisses all around, and some general marvelling at how each of our girls has grown, we shared our first meal together as a family. After all of this time living apart, each parent with one child, it was incredible to have our entire family in one house. There was lots of weeping, and most of it out of joy. Still, the five days we had together as a family flew by. We did some shopping (for those things on the "must get before I leave" list), ate at a couple of my favorite restaurants, and spent the last day at the pool. Irene and Bella became istant buddies, which provided me with a much needed break and allowed Greg and I quite a bit of time together. We even left the girls at home one night and went out on a date! Can I just say how AMAZING it feels to be held by your husband?!
Irene is staying with me for the summer, which will give she and I some much needed time together. Being a teenager is hard enough, but it is especially hard without your mom. So, we'll be working on re-building our relationship.... BLAH! Does anyone have an instruction guide on teenagers???
We're still waiting for news of our paperwork. We're supposed to hear something this week. To make a VERY long story very short, if what we hear this week is not positive, we may have to start over completely with resolving this previo. Please remember us in your prayers this week.
The last week has just flown by! Greg and Irene arrived a week ago, after a grueling 24 hour trip. They were both wiped out (and kinda smelly) but it was still a fantastic family reunion. After some hugs and kisses all around, and some general marvelling at how each of our girls has grown, we shared our first meal together as a family. After all of this time living apart, each parent with one child, it was incredible to have our entire family in one house. There was lots of weeping, and most of it out of joy. Still, the five days we had together as a family flew by. We did some shopping (for those things on the "must get before I leave" list), ate at a couple of my favorite restaurants, and spent the last day at the pool. Irene and Bella became istant buddies, which provided me with a much needed break and allowed Greg and I quite a bit of time together. We even left the girls at home one night and went out on a date! Can I just say how AMAZING it feels to be held by your husband?!
Irene is staying with me for the summer, which will give she and I some much needed time together. Being a teenager is hard enough, but it is especially hard without your mom. So, we'll be working on re-building our relationship.... BLAH! Does anyone have an instruction guide on teenagers???
We're still waiting for news of our paperwork. We're supposed to hear something this week. To make a VERY long story very short, if what we hear this week is not positive, we may have to start over completely with resolving this previo. Please remember us in your prayers this week.
June 23
A funny...
Last night we ordered take out from an Italian restaurant and it was delicious! I remarked that it was too bad that Brian and Cheryl were leaving in a couple days because I would have liked to order it again. Cheryl said "We can order it when we come back" and there was this long, somewhat awkward, silence. She then quickly added "all of us. When we ALL come back." HILARIOUS! I have absolutley NO DOUBT that that is what she meant from the beginning, but it totally sounded like she was already planning another visit trip!
I do plan to go home someday- SOON!
Side note: Greg and Irene arrive in about 33 hours!
Last night we ordered take out from an Italian restaurant and it was delicious! I remarked that it was too bad that Brian and Cheryl were leaving in a couple days because I would have liked to order it again. Cheryl said "We can order it when we come back" and there was this long, somewhat awkward, silence. She then quickly added "all of us. When we ALL come back." HILARIOUS! I have absolutley NO DOUBT that that is what she meant from the beginning, but it totally sounded like she was already planning another visit trip!
I do plan to go home someday- SOON!
Side note: Greg and Irene arrive in about 33 hours!
June 22
An adventure with my bestest friend!
Walking near Central Park the other day, Cheryl and I got the idea to take a day trip to Chichicastenango. It's something we talked about doing seven months ago, but somehow never found the time to do. So, we popped in to a travel agency, asked a couple questions, and booked our trip. It was only fourteen dollars roundtrip. I'm pretty sure that's because no one would pay more than that to have their life flash before their eyes as often as ours did! However, it was an absolutely gorgeous trip, up into the mountains and overlooking Lake Atitlan. Once we got to Chichi, we scoped out a restaurant that had a great balcony over the market. The food was delicious, especially the fried plantains! After lunch, we headed into the aisles of the market and saw some of the most beautiful textiles I've seen here! I was really impressed with the selection and the quality! And it went on forever! We were there for about four hours and didn't see everything. We did make a couple great purchases though- ALWAYS fun!
The Catholic Church in Chichi was amazing to see. There was a huge Mayan pagan alter at the foot of the stairs to the entrance of the church that was smoking with an active burning offering. Then, inside, there was more evidence of the mixing of religions and cultures with Mayan offerings on platforms all the way down the center aisle of the church leading to the alter! There were traditional Catholic candles lit alongside the smaller, simpler Mayan candles. It was fascinating (and definitely unexpected) to see both cultures so accepting of the other!
For those thinking about making a trip outside Guatemala City or Antigua, Chichicastenango was a blast! Highly recommend it!
Walking near Central Park the other day, Cheryl and I got the idea to take a day trip to Chichicastenango. It's something we talked about doing seven months ago, but somehow never found the time to do. So, we popped in to a travel agency, asked a couple questions, and booked our trip. It was only fourteen dollars roundtrip. I'm pretty sure that's because no one would pay more than that to have their life flash before their eyes as often as ours did! However, it was an absolutely gorgeous trip, up into the mountains and overlooking Lake Atitlan. Once we got to Chichi, we scoped out a restaurant that had a great balcony over the market. The food was delicious, especially the fried plantains! After lunch, we headed into the aisles of the market and saw some of the most beautiful textiles I've seen here! I was really impressed with the selection and the quality! And it went on forever! We were there for about four hours and didn't see everything. We did make a couple great purchases though- ALWAYS fun!
The Catholic Church in Chichi was amazing to see. There was a huge Mayan pagan alter at the foot of the stairs to the entrance of the church that was smoking with an active burning offering. Then, inside, there was more evidence of the mixing of religions and cultures with Mayan offerings on platforms all the way down the center aisle of the church leading to the alter! There were traditional Catholic candles lit alongside the smaller, simpler Mayan candles. It was fascinating (and definitely unexpected) to see both cultures so accepting of the other!
For those thinking about making a trip outside Guatemala City or Antigua, Chichicastenango was a blast! Highly recommend it!
June 17
To Daddy
Dear Daddy,
I'm so sorry that I can't be with you today, but Mommy says we will see you soon. I hope so. It seems like it has been a long time since the last time you were here! I miss playing hover-baby. Also, could you toss me up in the air? Mommy never does it anymore. She also tells me "no" a lot, so could you talk to her about that too? I'm such a big girl now, Daddy. I can walk all over the place and do all kinds of stuff. Auntie Cheryl says I'm real smart too. I don't know about that. I just know I miss you a lot and can't wait to see you soon!
Love,
Bella
Dear Daddy,
I'm so sorry that I can't be with you today, but Mommy says we will see you soon. I hope so. It seems like it has been a long time since the last time you were here! I miss playing hover-baby. Also, could you toss me up in the air? Mommy never does it anymore. She also tells me "no" a lot, so could you talk to her about that too? I'm such a big girl now, Daddy. I can walk all over the place and do all kinds of stuff. Auntie Cheryl says I'm real smart too. I don't know about that. I just know I miss you a lot and can't wait to see you soon!
Love,
Bella
June 16
The return of our family...
Brian, Cheryl, and Alessandro are HERE! They arrived on Thursady night and are here until the 26th. It's so absolutely NORMAL for them to be here and my heart is full of joy! I didn't even realize how lonely I was until they got here and I didn't feel lonely anymore. Can you guys just STAY????
Love, love, LOVE that you are here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brian, Cheryl, and Alessandro are HERE! They arrived on Thursady night and are here until the 26th. It's so absolutely NORMAL for them to be here and my heart is full of joy! I didn't even realize how lonely I was until they got here and I didn't feel lonely anymore. Can you guys just STAY????
Love, love, LOVE that you are here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 13
Earthquake!
As I'm sure you all know, we had a decent sized earthquake in Guatemala this afternoon. It officially registered as a 6.8 on the Richter scale. Bella and I hung out in a very stable doorway while we waited for the swaying to stop. All in all, it lasted about 20-30 seconds. We also had a 6.2 earthquake last week. Apparently, Guatemala is a rockin' place these days! But for those who are concerned, we're fine :)
As I'm sure you all know, we had a decent sized earthquake in Guatemala this afternoon. It officially registered as a 6.8 on the Richter scale. Bella and I hung out in a very stable doorway while we waited for the swaying to stop. All in all, it lasted about 20-30 seconds. We also had a 6.2 earthquake last week. Apparently, Guatemala is a rockin' place these days! But for those who are concerned, we're fine :)
June 12
Going for a walk
This afternoon Bella and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. She found a motorcycle and immediately had ideas on what we could do with it, or, rather, where we could go with it. Los Estados Unidos (aka the United States)!?!? We're still thinking it over ;)
This afternoon Bella and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. She found a motorcycle and immediately had ideas on what we could do with it, or, rather, where we could go with it. Los Estados Unidos (aka the United States)!?!? We're still thinking it over ;)
June 07
June 7
One year ago today Greg and I were in the Westin Hotel in Guatemala City. We anxiously waited for the phone call that would tell us our new daughter was downstairs waiting for us. When the call came, we rushed down to the lobby and were escorted into a tiny private room. Our foster mother was seated inside, cradling a very small bundle. As soon as introductions were made, she carefully placed Isabella in my arms. The emotions of that moment were overwhelming and even now are difficult to put into words. All the pain and frustration from the years of waiting for a baby evaporated in a heartbeat. I knew, without a doubt, that this was the baby I'd been waiting for and she was, absolutely, worth the wait!
One year ago today Greg and I were in the Westin Hotel in Guatemala City. We anxiously waited for the phone call that would tell us our new daughter was downstairs waiting for us. When the call came, we rushed down to the lobby and were escorted into a tiny private room. Our foster mother was seated inside, cradling a very small bundle. As soon as introductions were made, she carefully placed Isabella in my arms. The emotions of that moment were overwhelming and even now are difficult to put into words. All the pain and frustration from the years of waiting for a baby evaporated in a heartbeat. I knew, without a doubt, that this was the baby I'd been waiting for and she was, absolutely, worth the wait!
June 06 pt 2
To my friend Katie
It started pouring rain this afternoon while I was walking home from lunch and as I was struggling with my umbrella, both Bella and I getting soaked, I thought back to the NOOMA video RAIN. I thought of the incredible spiritual journey this experience is, the things I’ve learned, and the comfort I’ve been able to receive from the Lord. And I thought of you.
I remembered countless conversations we’ve had over the last six months. We’ve hung in there together through things most people will never be able to relate to. Guatemalan adoptions. Life in Antigua. Previo after previo after stinkin’ previo. We’ve seen each other in the absolute depths of despair, missing our husbands, struggling with sickness, hanging on by our fingernails. We’ve wept and yelled and questioned everything.
And we’ve eaten an enormous amount of ice cream.
Rainbow Café. Monoloco. Café Sky. McDonalds. & Café. Repeat as needed.
I’ve laughed more in the last six months than people would think because you and I just have fun. Adoption is the new black. Yellow is the new pink. Allegedly.
Thank you for allowing me to ask anything and talk through so many issues, from God and faith to marital struggles to motherhood. I’m a stronger woman because of the time I’ve spent with you. God has spoken through you to me more times than I can count. Thank you for allowing Him the opportunity. Thank you for your prayers. Thanks for all of the encouragement you’ve given me. Thanks for the compliments on everything from how I’m handling this to how my hair looks. I feel more confident now in who I am, both physically and spiritually. Thank you for sharing your wonderful friends and family, who have become such an amazing part of my journey. Thank you for sharing your son whom I adore and thank you for loving my daughter.
I am absolutely overjoyed to see your process COMPLETE and thrilled for you that your Antiguan journey is coming to a close. It really does happen.
But I am going to miss you more than I could ever put into words. I love you. Godspeed my friend.
It started pouring rain this afternoon while I was walking home from lunch and as I was struggling with my umbrella, both Bella and I getting soaked, I thought back to the NOOMA video RAIN. I thought of the incredible spiritual journey this experience is, the things I’ve learned, and the comfort I’ve been able to receive from the Lord. And I thought of you.
I remembered countless conversations we’ve had over the last six months. We’ve hung in there together through things most people will never be able to relate to. Guatemalan adoptions. Life in Antigua. Previo after previo after stinkin’ previo. We’ve seen each other in the absolute depths of despair, missing our husbands, struggling with sickness, hanging on by our fingernails. We’ve wept and yelled and questioned everything.
And we’ve eaten an enormous amount of ice cream.
Rainbow Café. Monoloco. Café Sky. McDonalds. & Café. Repeat as needed.
I’ve laughed more in the last six months than people would think because you and I just have fun. Adoption is the new black. Yellow is the new pink. Allegedly.
Thank you for allowing me to ask anything and talk through so many issues, from God and faith to marital struggles to motherhood. I’m a stronger woman because of the time I’ve spent with you. God has spoken through you to me more times than I can count. Thank you for allowing Him the opportunity. Thank you for your prayers. Thanks for all of the encouragement you’ve given me. Thanks for the compliments on everything from how I’m handling this to how my hair looks. I feel more confident now in who I am, both physically and spiritually. Thank you for sharing your wonderful friends and family, who have become such an amazing part of my journey. Thank you for sharing your son whom I adore and thank you for loving my daughter.
I am absolutely overjoyed to see your process COMPLETE and thrilled for you that your Antiguan journey is coming to a close. It really does happen.
But I am going to miss you more than I could ever put into words. I love you. Godspeed my friend.
June 06 pt 1
This is the entry where....
...I whine about not hearing any news about our case for a while and go on and on about how hard it is to just wait. I'm posting this today in an effort to use reverse psychology on the Guatemalan adoption process. I can't tell you how many times I've known people to post publicly that they are "at the end of their rope emotionally" and then - as if by miracle- there suddenly is movement on their case. So, grasping at straws, I'm trying something new. Here it is:
"I'm at the end of my rope emotionally."
There. I said it. I'll let you know if it works.
...I whine about not hearing any news about our case for a while and go on and on about how hard it is to just wait. I'm posting this today in an effort to use reverse psychology on the Guatemalan adoption process. I can't tell you how many times I've known people to post publicly that they are "at the end of their rope emotionally" and then - as if by miracle- there suddenly is movement on their case. So, grasping at straws, I'm trying something new. Here it is:
"I'm at the end of my rope emotionally."
There. I said it. I'll let you know if it works.
June 02
The rain
It's here. The much anticipated return of the rainy season is upon us. For the last few days we've woken to heavy, gray clouds that hug the nearby hills so closely you can't see their outlines. It sprinkles off and on for most of the day, and a few times we've had RAIN. Get wet to your skin if you're out in it RAIN. We've lost power more times this week than in the previous four months combined. And the mosquitos? They're ba-ack. Yep. In full force.
I'm coming full circle. I arrived in the rainy season and I am seeing itbgs return. Amazing.
It's much like the onset of spring back home, where everything is once again filled with new life and hope. I'm fervently praying that we will soon re-enter PGN, and I'm clinging to the words from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
It's here. The much anticipated return of the rainy season is upon us. For the last few days we've woken to heavy, gray clouds that hug the nearby hills so closely you can't see their outlines. It sprinkles off and on for most of the day, and a few times we've had RAIN. Get wet to your skin if you're out in it RAIN. We've lost power more times this week than in the previous four months combined. And the mosquitos? They're ba-ack. Yep. In full force.
I'm coming full circle. I arrived in the rainy season and I am seeing itbgs return. Amazing.
It's much like the onset of spring back home, where everything is once again filled with new life and hope. I'm fervently praying that we will soon re-enter PGN, and I'm clinging to the words from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
May 28
Keep Holding On...
Back in January when I visited my wife and daughter in Antigua, I had not seen them since September. The months in between were tough because I was on the final classes of my masters degree. Just before the holidays we received word of our first previo. Then Christmas and the new year had come and gone with my family away. My health at the time wasn't all that great. My guess is that dealing with my family away, school, challenges with my job, and the holidays (along with the history) weighed on me heavily. The visit was badly needed and it helped Sharon and I tremendously.
On my trip home I remember sitting at the airport gate in Guatemala. I had arrived early, so I had some time to read and reflect on my visit. At one point I looked up from my book and realized that the gate area had quickly filled up. About 80% of the people there were proud new parents of newly adopted kiddo's. Everyone had stories to share with others sitting near them. In many cases the adoption process was flawless and the new parents were planning on what they were going to do when they got home. At that moment I felt that God had something in store for our family.
Our adoption process has hit many snags. Sharon has been in Guatemala since the Begining of August 2006. The day she left seems such a long time ago. The 10 month mark is approaching us and during the time that she has been away we both have had to deal with moments of frustration, despair, and the terrible longing to be with each other. Through all of our challenges I still believe God has blessed us.
Below is a video link to one of the songs that I find inspiration in holding on. While the video doesn't apply to our situation the lyrics do. Below the movie I have posted the lyrics to the song.
Baby, keep holding on. You and Bella will be home soon. I love you...
< >
You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side
You know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
no I won't give in
Keep holdin' on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just, stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say
Nothing you can do
there's no other way when it comes to the truth
So, keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late
This could all disappear
Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side
I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Keep holdin' on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just, stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say
Nothing you can say
Nothing you can do
nothing you can do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So, keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Hear me when I say
When I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change
Nothing's gonna change trust in me
Whatever's meant to be
Will work out perfectly
Back in January when I visited my wife and daughter in Antigua, I had not seen them since September. The months in between were tough because I was on the final classes of my masters degree. Just before the holidays we received word of our first previo. Then Christmas and the new year had come and gone with my family away. My health at the time wasn't all that great. My guess is that dealing with my family away, school, challenges with my job, and the holidays (along with the history) weighed on me heavily. The visit was badly needed and it helped Sharon and I tremendously.
On my trip home I remember sitting at the airport gate in Guatemala. I had arrived early, so I had some time to read and reflect on my visit. At one point I looked up from my book and realized that the gate area had quickly filled up. About 80% of the people there were proud new parents of newly adopted kiddo's. Everyone had stories to share with others sitting near them. In many cases the adoption process was flawless and the new parents were planning on what they were going to do when they got home. At that moment I felt that God had something in store for our family.
Our adoption process has hit many snags. Sharon has been in Guatemala since the Begining of August 2006. The day she left seems such a long time ago. The 10 month mark is approaching us and during the time that she has been away we both have had to deal with moments of frustration, despair, and the terrible longing to be with each other. Through all of our challenges I still believe God has blessed us.
Below is a video link to one of the songs that I find inspiration in holding on. While the video doesn't apply to our situation the lyrics do. Below the movie I have posted the lyrics to the song.
Baby, keep holding on. You and Bella will be home soon. I love you...
< >
You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side
You know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
no I won't give in
Keep holdin' on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just, stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say
Nothing you can do
there's no other way when it comes to the truth
So, keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late
This could all disappear
Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side
I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Keep holdin' on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just, stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you
I'm here for you
There's nothing you can say
Nothing you can say
Nothing you can do
nothing you can do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So, keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Hear me when I say
When I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change
Nothing's gonna change trust in me
Whatever's meant to be
Will work out perfectly
May 26
Lonely
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
Genesis 2:17-19
I miss my husband.
I miss being held by him when I am feeling down, holding his hand in the car, and rubbing the back of his neck when he’s had a long day. I miss being able to reach out in the night and be reassured by his presence. I miss good-bye and hello kisses. I miss laying my head on his chest, smelling his cologne, and the security that comes from being wrapped in the arms of a man who loves you.
I’m trying to make due with a telephone and one of his t-shirts to sleep in. It isn’t enough. It hasn’t been enough for months now. We’ve been living in different countries for nearly ten months and last saw each other over four months ago. It is time for another hello kiss.
I miss you, Greg, and love you so very much. Someday is coming closer every day.
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
Genesis 2:17-19
I miss my husband.
I miss being held by him when I am feeling down, holding his hand in the car, and rubbing the back of his neck when he’s had a long day. I miss being able to reach out in the night and be reassured by his presence. I miss good-bye and hello kisses. I miss laying my head on his chest, smelling his cologne, and the security that comes from being wrapped in the arms of a man who loves you.
I’m trying to make due with a telephone and one of his t-shirts to sleep in. It isn’t enough. It hasn’t been enough for months now. We’ve been living in different countries for nearly ten months and last saw each other over four months ago. It is time for another hello kiss.
I miss you, Greg, and love you so very much. Someday is coming closer every day.
May 23 pt 2
Antigua
Bella has been waking up extra early for the last several days and, try though I might, I can't seem to get her to go back to sleep. So, in an effort to allow the rest of the inhabitants of Casa Bella to continue to sleep, Bella and I have been going out for walks in the wee hours. I'm totally enchanted with Antigua in the morning! The streets are nearly empty, the surrounding mountains are shrouded in mist, and all the local vendors are just setting out their wares. It's absolutely beautiful and peaceful and pleasantly quiet. The only noise to be heard is the occasional call of the ayudantes (assistants) as they call out the cities where their chickenbuses are headed- "Guate, Guate, Guate!". This is a side of Antigua I've never seen and I'm smitten!
Bella has been waking up extra early for the last several days and, try though I might, I can't seem to get her to go back to sleep. So, in an effort to allow the rest of the inhabitants of Casa Bella to continue to sleep, Bella and I have been going out for walks in the wee hours. I'm totally enchanted with Antigua in the morning! The streets are nearly empty, the surrounding mountains are shrouded in mist, and all the local vendors are just setting out their wares. It's absolutely beautiful and peaceful and pleasantly quiet. The only noise to be heard is the occasional call of the ayudantes (assistants) as they call out the cities where their chickenbuses are headed- "Guate, Guate, Guate!". This is a side of Antigua I've never seen and I'm smitten!
May 23
Two down, one to go!
We received an update on our case recently that we are through the local PGN department with authorization to have someone at the Civil Registry sign the cedula (ID card for our birthmother). Hooray! As soon as we get the signature, our file can re-enter the adoption section of PGN! We are praying that this will happen quickly and smoothly. The adoption section of PGN seems to be taking a bit longer than it was a few months ago, so please pray for that process to speed up. We want to get this baby home!!!
We received an update on our case recently that we are through the local PGN department with authorization to have someone at the Civil Registry sign the cedula (ID card for our birthmother). Hooray! As soon as we get the signature, our file can re-enter the adoption section of PGN! We are praying that this will happen quickly and smoothly. The adoption section of PGN seems to be taking a bit longer than it was a few months ago, so please pray for that process to speed up. We want to get this baby home!!!
July 20 pt 2
Lotion
One of Bella's favorite things is to take all the lotion bottles down from the shelf where they are kept and scatter them about the room. Sometimes she will carry one with her for a while. I don't even pretend to understand it...
One of Bella's favorite things is to take all the lotion bottles down from the shelf where they are kept and scatter them about the room. Sometimes she will carry one with her for a while. I don't even pretend to understand it...
May 20
Mommy's Day Out!
I escaped! I hired a nanny to watch Bella and went with some friends to the mall in Guatemala City. A real mall with shiny floors and a Cinnabon. It was pretty overwhelming for me, considering I hadn't been to a mall since last July! So many pretty things! I treated myself to a couple new tops and had a Subway sandwich for lunch. It was wonderful for my spirit to have a day of normalcy, but it was so weird to be without Bella. My fingers were just itching to touch her by the time we got back and, of course, she was asleep! I was tempted to wake her up, but in the end, thought better of it. But I couldn't resist peeking in at her :)
Side note: There is only one pic of us inside the mall because just after we took this photo, a security guard came up and told us we could not take photos inside the mall. Weird, eh?
I escaped! I hired a nanny to watch Bella and went with some friends to the mall in Guatemala City. A real mall with shiny floors and a Cinnabon. It was pretty overwhelming for me, considering I hadn't been to a mall since last July! So many pretty things! I treated myself to a couple new tops and had a Subway sandwich for lunch. It was wonderful for my spirit to have a day of normalcy, but it was so weird to be without Bella. My fingers were just itching to touch her by the time we got back and, of course, she was asleep! I was tempted to wake her up, but in the end, thought better of it. But I couldn't resist peeking in at her :)
Side note: There is only one pic of us inside the mall because just after we took this photo, a security guard came up and told us we could not take photos inside the mall. Weird, eh?
May 14
Mother's Day
Mixed blessings.
I'm a mom to two incredibly beautiful girls and I absolutely adore them both.
Irene is thoughtful, compassionate, sensitive, gorgeous (LOVE THE NEW HAIRCUT!!), and so so sweet. She and I hit it off from the very beginning. I miss her. TONS. She is the first child of my heart and was the first to call me Mom. And I still remember, clearly, the first time she said it. It was in a Pier 1 store during a Christmas shopping expedition the winter before Greg and I got married. I'll never forget that moment or how it felt. Or how it felt to be able to celebrate my first Mother's Day, when the card with the flowers read "Congratulations on your bouncing baby thirteen year old!". Last year, we celebrated Mother's Day with breakfast out together as a family and Irene gave me a very special gift. Each of these days, along with many others, are cherished memories.
And it was so hard to be away from her this year on Mother's Day.
But she and Greg were great and called me first thing in the morning! We were able to set up the webcam and talk together as a family for the first time in months (Long long long story) and it was as perfect as it could have been with thousands of miles between us. And I'm holding tight to the idea that she will be coming in just over a month to stay with me for a while over the summer! I CAN'T WAIT!!!
On the other hand, I'm abundantly blessed to have been here in Guatemala with Bella. I'm not taking this time for granted and am grateful for every day that I am here. And next year, I pray, I will have BOTH of my girls with me, at home in the United States of America.
Mixed blessings.
I'm a mom to two incredibly beautiful girls and I absolutely adore them both.
Irene is thoughtful, compassionate, sensitive, gorgeous (LOVE THE NEW HAIRCUT!!), and so so sweet. She and I hit it off from the very beginning. I miss her. TONS. She is the first child of my heart and was the first to call me Mom. And I still remember, clearly, the first time she said it. It was in a Pier 1 store during a Christmas shopping expedition the winter before Greg and I got married. I'll never forget that moment or how it felt. Or how it felt to be able to celebrate my first Mother's Day, when the card with the flowers read "Congratulations on your bouncing baby thirteen year old!". Last year, we celebrated Mother's Day with breakfast out together as a family and Irene gave me a very special gift. Each of these days, along with many others, are cherished memories.
And it was so hard to be away from her this year on Mother's Day.
But she and Greg were great and called me first thing in the morning! We were able to set up the webcam and talk together as a family for the first time in months (Long long long story) and it was as perfect as it could have been with thousands of miles between us. And I'm holding tight to the idea that she will be coming in just over a month to stay with me for a while over the summer! I CAN'T WAIT!!!
On the other hand, I'm abundantly blessed to have been here in Guatemala with Bella. I'm not taking this time for granted and am grateful for every day that I am here. And next year, I pray, I will have BOTH of my girls with me, at home in the United States of America.
May 07
A birthday party in Guatemala
My daughter turned one today. I can't believe it. I suppose I'm like most other moms that way. Some days seem to drag on, especially when you're dealing with a sick or tired or cranky baby. Or when you're exhausted from being up most of the night. But before you know it, a year has passed.
My baby has become a toddler and she's on the go all of the time. She doesn't even slow down much for meals. And she's a character. She's got charm and lots of it. She piles it on thick. She bats her eyelashes and cocks her head to the side and smiles. Your heart can't help but melt. Everything is a potential phone to Bella and she holds everything up to her ear and says "Hi". Adorable. Today I caught her standing in front of the full length mirror just shrugging her shoulders and then giggling to herself.
So, at two o'clock today, we had Bella's birthday party. We had lots of friends and their babies come by and it was so fun! We had some cake and ice cream, had a blast watching Bella eat hers, and then opened presents after Bella had a quick bath. The tiara was a big hit with Mommy, but Bella wasn't so fond of it yet. Bella much preferred her new book and her new baby doll. She also got a microphone from our friend Katie that we can't wait to use. I'm pretty sure it was a joke because Bella has recently learned how to "sing" in a lovely monotone. Well, that and the fact that we always as a family here at Casa Bella, watch American Idol together. Bella's a big fan of the music and now this week she can sing along!
I'm so thankful to be here. I was able to be with Bella for her first birthday and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I am so in love with this little girl!
Isabellita,
I love you more every single day. You are such a joy to be around! You light up every room you are in and you have filled my heart completely. I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Bell Bell. I love you!
Mommy
My daughter turned one today. I can't believe it. I suppose I'm like most other moms that way. Some days seem to drag on, especially when you're dealing with a sick or tired or cranky baby. Or when you're exhausted from being up most of the night. But before you know it, a year has passed.
My baby has become a toddler and she's on the go all of the time. She doesn't even slow down much for meals. And she's a character. She's got charm and lots of it. She piles it on thick. She bats her eyelashes and cocks her head to the side and smiles. Your heart can't help but melt. Everything is a potential phone to Bella and she holds everything up to her ear and says "Hi". Adorable. Today I caught her standing in front of the full length mirror just shrugging her shoulders and then giggling to herself.
So, at two o'clock today, we had Bella's birthday party. We had lots of friends and their babies come by and it was so fun! We had some cake and ice cream, had a blast watching Bella eat hers, and then opened presents after Bella had a quick bath. The tiara was a big hit with Mommy, but Bella wasn't so fond of it yet. Bella much preferred her new book and her new baby doll. She also got a microphone from our friend Katie that we can't wait to use. I'm pretty sure it was a joke because Bella has recently learned how to "sing" in a lovely monotone. Well, that and the fact that we always as a family here at Casa Bella, watch American Idol together. Bella's a big fan of the music and now this week she can sing along!
I'm so thankful to be here. I was able to be with Bella for her first birthday and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I am so in love with this little girl!
Isabellita,
I love you more every single day. You are such a joy to be around! You light up every room you are in and you have filled my heart completely. I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Bell Bell. I love you!
Mommy
May 03
PRAISE!!!!!!!!!!!!
"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done."
Psalm 78:3-5
This morning I am thanking and praising God! We have received the most amazing news! Someone has anonymously paid my rent for the next four months! Alleluia!!! What an amazing blessing and a direct answer to our prayers. God is so good!
Greg and I are so grateful and incredibly humbled. Thank you very much, our anonymous friend. May God pour blessings upon you and your family!
"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done."
Psalm 78:3-5
This morning I am thanking and praising God! We have received the most amazing news! Someone has anonymously paid my rent for the next four months! Alleluia!!! What an amazing blessing and a direct answer to our prayers. God is so good!
Greg and I are so grateful and incredibly humbled. Thank you very much, our anonymous friend. May God pour blessings upon you and your family!
May 02
Full Moon
We are just a few days from Bella's first birthday. Amazing. I'm tempted to say that I can't believe how fast this year has gone, but it just wouldn't be true. This has been a very very long year. It seems like a hundred years ago since we were waiting anxiously for our referral of Bella. We jumped every time the phone rang. And then, we flew to Guatemala City and spent a week with a teeny tiny baby. Also a hundred years ago. I left the United States nine months ago today and flew all night long to pick up the teeny tiny baby with the hopes that I would never have to give her back again. Nine months ago.
Maybe I'm just homesick. I'd give just about anything to have dinner at Outback Steakhouse and then go to coffee at Starbucks or spend the evening brousing the shelves of Barnes & Noble. Or to sit in a movie theater (watching a movie in English!) and eat handfuls of greasy, buttery popcorn. Or to get in my car and spend an afternoon driving in the country, listening to the radio (also in English!). Or maybe to do something ordinary like take Irene to school, and spend some time talking to her on the way. Or (my personal favorite) to just snuggle on my bed with my husband and my dog.
Instead, I'm sitting on a hard wooden bench outside my bedroom, because the internet reception is better out here. I'm holding my laptop on my lap, typing a blog entry about what I'm thinking about tonight, and glancing at the full or nearly full moon. Did I mention I am outside? It's true. The door of my bedroom opens onto a rooftop terrace. I'm in Antigua, Guatemala. Thousand of miles from my husband and dog, from Irene, and Starbucks. But a beautiful baby girl is lying just a few feet away, in a pack-n-play, sound asleep. And she's the reason I don't go home. I can't leave without her.
Here's a picture of her from last week when she went on a swing for the very first time.
We are just a few days from Bella's first birthday. Amazing. I'm tempted to say that I can't believe how fast this year has gone, but it just wouldn't be true. This has been a very very long year. It seems like a hundred years ago since we were waiting anxiously for our referral of Bella. We jumped every time the phone rang. And then, we flew to Guatemala City and spent a week with a teeny tiny baby. Also a hundred years ago. I left the United States nine months ago today and flew all night long to pick up the teeny tiny baby with the hopes that I would never have to give her back again. Nine months ago.
Maybe I'm just homesick. I'd give just about anything to have dinner at Outback Steakhouse and then go to coffee at Starbucks or spend the evening brousing the shelves of Barnes & Noble. Or to sit in a movie theater (watching a movie in English!) and eat handfuls of greasy, buttery popcorn. Or to get in my car and spend an afternoon driving in the country, listening to the radio (also in English!). Or maybe to do something ordinary like take Irene to school, and spend some time talking to her on the way. Or (my personal favorite) to just snuggle on my bed with my husband and my dog.
Instead, I'm sitting on a hard wooden bench outside my bedroom, because the internet reception is better out here. I'm holding my laptop on my lap, typing a blog entry about what I'm thinking about tonight, and glancing at the full or nearly full moon. Did I mention I am outside? It's true. The door of my bedroom opens onto a rooftop terrace. I'm in Antigua, Guatemala. Thousand of miles from my husband and dog, from Irene, and Starbucks. But a beautiful baby girl is lying just a few feet away, in a pack-n-play, sound asleep. And she's the reason I don't go home. I can't leave without her.
Here's a picture of her from last week when she went on a swing for the very first time.
April 22
Recovery
It's been a very long, very emotional week for us. We've been trying to wrap our minds around the reality of several more months apart and it has been difficult. Imagining another six months or more here in Antigua for me is completely overwhelming. I can't grasp that yet. My baby will be eighteen months old by that time! I'll have been separated from Greg nearly as long as we were together as a married couple! I'll have missed my daughter Irene's entire freshman year and part of her sophmore year!
So, instead of dwelling on those things which are too big to imagine, I'm trying to get through one day at a time. Each day I call my husband because he remains my biggest supporter and my best friend. As incredibly hard as this is, I know that our marriage will be stronger than ever when this is over. Each day I get out of the house. I try to meet up with friends, run errands, or just kill time by walking the streets of Antigua. And each day I thank God for what He has given us. I thank Him for our beautiful baby, this time in Antigua, and for the health of my family at home.
We're still trying to figure out how this will all work out. We are relying on God to provide for us, and so far, He has.
Two important things: We are receiving many emails and phone calls from people who want to help. We are in the process of putting some options together and as soon as we have things organized, we will announce how you all can help.
Secondly, Bella's first birthday is just two weeks away and we are asking for notes and messages to be emailed to Sharon at pointofintersection@hotmail.com Yes, we know Bella is too young to read them, but every note that is sent will be placed in a scrapbook for her. Help us celebrate this special day in this way.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
Sharon
It's been a very long, very emotional week for us. We've been trying to wrap our minds around the reality of several more months apart and it has been difficult. Imagining another six months or more here in Antigua for me is completely overwhelming. I can't grasp that yet. My baby will be eighteen months old by that time! I'll have been separated from Greg nearly as long as we were together as a married couple! I'll have missed my daughter Irene's entire freshman year and part of her sophmore year!
So, instead of dwelling on those things which are too big to imagine, I'm trying to get through one day at a time. Each day I call my husband because he remains my biggest supporter and my best friend. As incredibly hard as this is, I know that our marriage will be stronger than ever when this is over. Each day I get out of the house. I try to meet up with friends, run errands, or just kill time by walking the streets of Antigua. And each day I thank God for what He has given us. I thank Him for our beautiful baby, this time in Antigua, and for the health of my family at home.
We're still trying to figure out how this will all work out. We are relying on God to provide for us, and so far, He has.
Two important things: We are receiving many emails and phone calls from people who want to help. We are in the process of putting some options together and as soon as we have things organized, we will announce how you all can help.
Secondly, Bella's first birthday is just two weeks away and we are asking for notes and messages to be emailed to Sharon at pointofintersection@hotmail.com Yes, we know Bella is too young to read them, but every note that is sent will be placed in a scrapbook for her. Help us celebrate this special day in this way.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
Sharon
April 14
Previo #3
This is very hard for me to write, but sadly, we have received some very very bad news on our adoption case. It is a very long story, but essentially, the courts are not satisfied with the solution our adoption agency came up with to solve our last previo, even though that method had been successful in the past. So, the road before us now is a long one. Essentially, the problem is that several years ago, the mayor of the town where our birthmother got her ID card, didn't sign her ID card. Unfortunately, the mayor at that time has since moved to the United States and is obviously unavailable. Our lawyers are now going to have to go to the civil registry office in question (located several hours away in a very small mountain town) and have this office produce a certain document for the court system saying that the mayor is no longer there. Then the document goes back to the courts, and through a legal process, which will end eventually with the courts telling the civil registry office to nominate someone to sign the ID card. Then our lawyers will take everything back to the civil registry office to have this done. Once it is complete, our file can re-enter PGN (the court system for adoptions). Our agency director of our Guatemalan office came yesterday to deliver the news in person. They do not have a timeline for how long this will take, but it will be many months before I can even re-enter PGN. We are looking at another 6 months at least in Guatemala. To say that Greg and I are devastated is putting it mildly. Our finances have been exhausted and we are putting our faith in God that He will provide everything we need. We are also exhausted emotionally and spiritually. Please keep our family in your prayers and pass this information on to anyone I might not have an email address for.
Our daughter Irene is celebrating her 15th birthday this week. Please also add her to your prayer lists.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13
Sharon and Greg
This is very hard for me to write, but sadly, we have received some very very bad news on our adoption case. It is a very long story, but essentially, the courts are not satisfied with the solution our adoption agency came up with to solve our last previo, even though that method had been successful in the past. So, the road before us now is a long one. Essentially, the problem is that several years ago, the mayor of the town where our birthmother got her ID card, didn't sign her ID card. Unfortunately, the mayor at that time has since moved to the United States and is obviously unavailable. Our lawyers are now going to have to go to the civil registry office in question (located several hours away in a very small mountain town) and have this office produce a certain document for the court system saying that the mayor is no longer there. Then the document goes back to the courts, and through a legal process, which will end eventually with the courts telling the civil registry office to nominate someone to sign the ID card. Then our lawyers will take everything back to the civil registry office to have this done. Once it is complete, our file can re-enter PGN (the court system for adoptions). Our agency director of our Guatemalan office came yesterday to deliver the news in person. They do not have a timeline for how long this will take, but it will be many months before I can even re-enter PGN. We are looking at another 6 months at least in Guatemala. To say that Greg and I are devastated is putting it mildly. Our finances have been exhausted and we are putting our faith in God that He will provide everything we need. We are also exhausted emotionally and spiritually. Please keep our family in your prayers and pass this information on to anyone I might not have an email address for.
Our daughter Irene is celebrating her 15th birthday this week. Please also add her to your prayer lists.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13
Sharon and Greg
March 19
News- Good and Sad
We were re-submitted to PGN on Friday, March 16th! Great news! Now begins another round of waiting...
Bella also took her first steps on Friday. She was cruising around the bed, laughing and playing with me when suddenly she turned, let go, and took two steps toward me! She stumbled almost right away, of course, but it was SO GREAT to be here and see it! Each day she gets stronger and more sure of herself. I had hoped she would hold out on walking at least until Gamma got here in April, but it doesn't look like that will happen. Sorry Gamma!
Unfortunately, Friday March 16th was also a sad day for us as well. We had to say good-bye to our sweet dog Cally who was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer in her stomach and intestines. Cally was 10 years old and had a great personality. She was the only one of our dogs that would genuinely talk back to us or "sass" us, stomping her feet all the while. Hilarious. She was a good friend, a great snuggler, and dearly loved. She will be missed.
For those of you who don't know, our cat Blarney has been missing for a week and a half now as well. We've also had to euthanize two other dogs since I've been in Guatemala. Out of the five animals in the Freeman zoo, only one remains. We could all (Greg, Irene, and I) use some special prayers to heal the heartbreak these losses have caused. It's a very quiet house these days.
Sharon
We were re-submitted to PGN on Friday, March 16th! Great news! Now begins another round of waiting...
Bella also took her first steps on Friday. She was cruising around the bed, laughing and playing with me when suddenly she turned, let go, and took two steps toward me! She stumbled almost right away, of course, but it was SO GREAT to be here and see it! Each day she gets stronger and more sure of herself. I had hoped she would hold out on walking at least until Gamma got here in April, but it doesn't look like that will happen. Sorry Gamma!
Unfortunately, Friday March 16th was also a sad day for us as well. We had to say good-bye to our sweet dog Cally who was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer in her stomach and intestines. Cally was 10 years old and had a great personality. She was the only one of our dogs that would genuinely talk back to us or "sass" us, stomping her feet all the while. Hilarious. She was a good friend, a great snuggler, and dearly loved. She will be missed.
For those of you who don't know, our cat Blarney has been missing for a week and a half now as well. We've also had to euthanize two other dogs since I've been in Guatemala. Out of the five animals in the Freeman zoo, only one remains. We could all (Greg, Irene, and I) use some special prayers to heal the heartbreak these losses have caused. It's a very quiet house these days.
Sharon
March 10
Previo #2
For those of you who have not yet heard the word, we received another previo (or kick-out) on our file from PGN. PGN is requesting some additional signatures on our birthmother's cedula, or ID card. The file came out of PGN with the previo on 2/16 and we are still waiting for the civil registry office to complete the signatures before we can be re-submitted. It looks like late May or June before we could come home, if all goes well. Third times a charm, right? Meanwhile, I am beginning to plan Bella's first birthday party and we are hoping hoping hoping Greg will be able to come. A very generous friend of mine donated enough airline miles for Greg to come visit and we are so incredibly grateful! Thank you!
Prayer requests: This extended time in Guatemala was not in our budget financially and we need prayers for guidance and wisdom. And, as always, please continue to pray for a resolution to the current previo and for our next trip through PGN to be quick and FINAL!
With much love,
Sharon
For those of you who have not yet heard the word, we received another previo (or kick-out) on our file from PGN. PGN is requesting some additional signatures on our birthmother's cedula, or ID card. The file came out of PGN with the previo on 2/16 and we are still waiting for the civil registry office to complete the signatures before we can be re-submitted. It looks like late May or June before we could come home, if all goes well. Third times a charm, right? Meanwhile, I am beginning to plan Bella's first birthday party and we are hoping hoping hoping Greg will be able to come. A very generous friend of mine donated enough airline miles for Greg to come visit and we are so incredibly grateful! Thank you!
Prayer requests: This extended time in Guatemala was not in our budget financially and we need prayers for guidance and wisdom. And, as always, please continue to pray for a resolution to the current previo and for our next trip through PGN to be quick and FINAL!
With much love,
Sharon
February 16
Hoping and Praying
It's been very exciting here at Casa Bella for the last couple of weeks. We've had two of our roommates get out of PGN (approved) and one get kicked out. Ironically, the two that got out approved have the youngest babies in the house (by far!). Unfortunately, that is sometimes what happens here. It seems so unfair that there is such a huge difference in timelines.
We are still waiting and are hoping to hear one way or the other within the next two weeks. BLAH! I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I'm terrified of getting kicked out again and starting over. On the other hand, it is almost impossible for me to visualize actually going home after living in Guatemala for six and a half months.
I'll let you know as soon as we hear something!
Sharon
It's been very exciting here at Casa Bella for the last couple of weeks. We've had two of our roommates get out of PGN (approved) and one get kicked out. Ironically, the two that got out approved have the youngest babies in the house (by far!). Unfortunately, that is sometimes what happens here. It seems so unfair that there is such a huge difference in timelines.
We are still waiting and are hoping to hear one way or the other within the next two weeks. BLAH! I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I'm terrified of getting kicked out again and starting over. On the other hand, it is almost impossible for me to visualize actually going home after living in Guatemala for six and a half months.
I'll let you know as soon as we hear something!
Sharon
January 27
Keeping busy
To keep sane, we've spent the last few weeks trying to stay as busy as possible. We've had a few close friends leave this month and it seems like every week we are having to say good-bye to another friend. Good-bye's are very bittersweet here because although you are happy for your friends that their adoptions are finally complete, it's sad to see them leave. It is amazing how quickly you can become close to people here. It must be because this is such an extreme situation. You have to have friends to be able to make it down here. If I didn't have someone I could go to lunch with or hang out with I would lose my mind. And so it goes... one of my close friends is leaving this week, so another good-bye is coming. We're hoping and praying that soon it will be our turn to say good-bye.
To keep sane, we've spent the last few weeks trying to stay as busy as possible. We've had a few close friends leave this month and it seems like every week we are having to say good-bye to another friend. Good-bye's are very bittersweet here because although you are happy for your friends that their adoptions are finally complete, it's sad to see them leave. It is amazing how quickly you can become close to people here. It must be because this is such an extreme situation. You have to have friends to be able to make it down here. If I didn't have someone I could go to lunch with or hang out with I would lose my mind. And so it goes... one of my close friends is leaving this week, so another good-bye is coming. We're hoping and praying that soon it will be our turn to say good-bye.
January 05
Hallelujah!
Our file entered the PGN building today! Finally! This means we can now begin the final (hopefully) countdown until we can come home. With God's grace, that could be as early as 8-9 weeks from now. Now I humbly ask all of our friends and family- please pray! Pray especially that we make it through PGN without another previo.
Although Isabella and I aren't feeling well, we are celebrating tonight!
Love
Sharon
Our file entered the PGN building today! Finally! This means we can now begin the final (hopefully) countdown until we can come home. With God's grace, that could be as early as 8-9 weeks from now. Now I humbly ask all of our friends and family- please pray! Pray especially that we make it through PGN without another previo.
Although Isabella and I aren't feeling well, we are celebrating tonight!
Love
Sharon
January 02
Happy Holidays!
Isabella and I celebrated our first Christmas together this year, and we only cried a little bit. We were kept busy both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by wonderful friends here. Christmas Eve we went to Mike and Allison's house to celebrate with a group of adopting families. We had a white elephant gift exchange and we ended up with a box of delicious chocolates from Chocotenango. Melt in your mouth, to die for chocolates. When we got home we talked to Daddy, Irene, Gamma, and Gampa for a while and then went to bed. In the morning, the first thing we did, of course, was open the presents Granny had sent. We called Daddy on Skype and everyone there was able to watch Isabella open her first Christmas presents. She liked the paper the best and ate quite a bit of it! Afterwards we went to visit our friend Traci and her family for Christmas dinner. Epicure, a wonderful deli here, catered the entire meal for us and it was fantastic!
This week has been very busy in Antigua. There are lots of people vacationing here and the streets have been packed every day. It's hard to get around when there are so many people, so we've hung around the house more than normal. To make matters even more interesting, Guatemala is having a small cash crisis and all the ATM's are empty. Everytime money is added to the machines, the line wraps around the block. I sprained my ankle again last week so needless to say, I wasn't willing to wait for hours in line for 1,000 quetzales. I'm cashless. I'm becoming an expert at living here without any cash!
Every morning we wake up to new piles of firework debris lining the streets. The Guatemalans love fireworks and this week is the Grand Finale of the entire year. Our rooftop deck is the perfect place to watch the shows. All we need to do is stand in one place and turn in a circle... the fireworks go off in every direction. Some things about living here I will never forget. This is one of them. Beautiful.
Isabella and I celebrated our first Christmas together this year, and we only cried a little bit. We were kept busy both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by wonderful friends here. Christmas Eve we went to Mike and Allison's house to celebrate with a group of adopting families. We had a white elephant gift exchange and we ended up with a box of delicious chocolates from Chocotenango. Melt in your mouth, to die for chocolates. When we got home we talked to Daddy, Irene, Gamma, and Gampa for a while and then went to bed. In the morning, the first thing we did, of course, was open the presents Granny had sent. We called Daddy on Skype and everyone there was able to watch Isabella open her first Christmas presents. She liked the paper the best and ate quite a bit of it! Afterwards we went to visit our friend Traci and her family for Christmas dinner. Epicure, a wonderful deli here, catered the entire meal for us and it was fantastic!
This week has been very busy in Antigua. There are lots of people vacationing here and the streets have been packed every day. It's hard to get around when there are so many people, so we've hung around the house more than normal. To make matters even more interesting, Guatemala is having a small cash crisis and all the ATM's are empty. Everytime money is added to the machines, the line wraps around the block. I sprained my ankle again last week so needless to say, I wasn't willing to wait for hours in line for 1,000 quetzales. I'm cashless. I'm becoming an expert at living here without any cash!
Every morning we wake up to new piles of firework debris lining the streets. The Guatemalans love fireworks and this week is the Grand Finale of the entire year. Our rooftop deck is the perfect place to watch the shows. All we need to do is stand in one place and turn in a circle... the fireworks go off in every direction. Some things about living here I will never forget. This is one of them. Beautiful.
December 23
I've got mail
I've got mail! Yesterday, a little yellow card was brought to my door, notifying me that there was a package at the post office for me to pick up. This morning, I put Bella in the sling and headed to the post office, hoping that they were open. They were, and not even packed like the U.S. post office would be at this time of year! Amazing! So I handed in my card and was handed a HUGE box! Well, smaller than a refrigerator box but definitely larger than a bread box! It weighed about eight pounds and was big enough to be awkward if I wasn't carrying a baby and a diaper bag already! I tried tucking it under my left arm, opposite the baby, but it was much too large. I ended up juggling it from one side to the next, holding it on my shoulder, all the way home. This was one occasion it would have been handy to have been able to balance it on my head like all the Mayan women can!
I got it home and opened it, finding four wrapped Christmas gifts from Mom and Dad Jacobs. I was so touched to have these gifts here, since we won't be home to celebrate with Greg and Irene. Our own little piece of Christmas, added to the wonderful letters and candy that came a few days ago. Thank you to everyone who sent cards and letters, for helping to bring Christmas cheer to our home in Guatemala. Thanks to both Moms for thinking to send beautiful dresses to Bella. She'll have a dress for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! We love you all so much and wish we could be home with you!
Feliz Navidad!
I've got mail! Yesterday, a little yellow card was brought to my door, notifying me that there was a package at the post office for me to pick up. This morning, I put Bella in the sling and headed to the post office, hoping that they were open. They were, and not even packed like the U.S. post office would be at this time of year! Amazing! So I handed in my card and was handed a HUGE box! Well, smaller than a refrigerator box but definitely larger than a bread box! It weighed about eight pounds and was big enough to be awkward if I wasn't carrying a baby and a diaper bag already! I tried tucking it under my left arm, opposite the baby, but it was much too large. I ended up juggling it from one side to the next, holding it on my shoulder, all the way home. This was one occasion it would have been handy to have been able to balance it on my head like all the Mayan women can!
I got it home and opened it, finding four wrapped Christmas gifts from Mom and Dad Jacobs. I was so touched to have these gifts here, since we won't be home to celebrate with Greg and Irene. Our own little piece of Christmas, added to the wonderful letters and candy that came a few days ago. Thank you to everyone who sent cards and letters, for helping to bring Christmas cheer to our home in Guatemala. Thanks to both Moms for thinking to send beautiful dresses to Bella. She'll have a dress for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! We love you all so much and wish we could be home with you!
Feliz Navidad!
December 20
I've been a little busy...
and I haven't had much time for website updating! I can't believe it's been over three months since my last update! Ugh! I had good intentions when we started this process, but Bella has a very sweet way of making even the best laid plans go to waste! It's been a very long three months, to say the least. We are not having an easy adoption. Currently we are waiting for a paperwork correction so that we can get back into PGN. We've been waiting four and a half weeks so far for this to happen. Hopefully, we'll hear something soon. In the meantime, Bella and I are trying to get used to some major changes here at Casa Bella. Our best friends, the DiBartolo's, left on Sunday for home and the house is pretty empty without them. Bella has definitely noticed and has been very clingy since Sunday. She has always been very sensitive to people coming and going so the next few weeks should be very interesting! She's adjusting to Brian and Cheryl being gone now. Next week Robin, the owner of the house we live in, and her daughter are returning to the States. The following day, another person moves into the house with a new baby! And two weeks after that, two more people with two more babies move in and Daddy comes for a visit! At least she is finally sleeping through the night! I've been exhausted for almost five months now!
I absolutely adore being here with Isabella. I've had the chance to see her roll over, eat her first solid foods, crawl, and pull herself up to a standing position. I've experienced the thrill of having her actually come to me, say ma ma, and comfort her when she cries. Being a mom is more than I ever imagined. It's more exhausting, more frustrating, and absolutely more rewarding. I wouldn't be anywhere else.
Merry Christmas to all our family and friends at home! See you in 2007 (sometime!).
~Sharon
and I haven't had much time for website updating! I can't believe it's been over three months since my last update! Ugh! I had good intentions when we started this process, but Bella has a very sweet way of making even the best laid plans go to waste! It's been a very long three months, to say the least. We are not having an easy adoption. Currently we are waiting for a paperwork correction so that we can get back into PGN. We've been waiting four and a half weeks so far for this to happen. Hopefully, we'll hear something soon. In the meantime, Bella and I are trying to get used to some major changes here at Casa Bella. Our best friends, the DiBartolo's, left on Sunday for home and the house is pretty empty without them. Bella has definitely noticed and has been very clingy since Sunday. She has always been very sensitive to people coming and going so the next few weeks should be very interesting! She's adjusting to Brian and Cheryl being gone now. Next week Robin, the owner of the house we live in, and her daughter are returning to the States. The following day, another person moves into the house with a new baby! And two weeks after that, two more people with two more babies move in and Daddy comes for a visit! At least she is finally sleeping through the night! I've been exhausted for almost five months now!
I absolutely adore being here with Isabella. I've had the chance to see her roll over, eat her first solid foods, crawl, and pull herself up to a standing position. I've experienced the thrill of having her actually come to me, say ma ma, and comfort her when she cries. Being a mom is more than I ever imagined. It's more exhausting, more frustrating, and absolutely more rewarding. I wouldn't be anywhere else.
Merry Christmas to all our family and friends at home! See you in 2007 (sometime!).
~Sharon
September 01
September 1st
Wow! Time flies when you're busy being a single mom of a three month old in a third world country! I can't believe we've been here a month already! Isabella is growing taller every day. Her two favorite things are standing and "flying". She's very observant and doesn't want to miss a thing, so she insists on being carried facing out most of the time. What an amazing blessing she is!
I celebrated my birthday here in Antigua last week. It was hard being away from friends and family, especially Greg, but it was awesome having Isabella with me. There are some new pictures, some of which were taken on my birthday. The power went out during dinner that night at the restaurant, but my friends Brian and Cheryl had the band come up and sing to me anyway. It was fantastic.
Antigua is a very loud city. The other morning, we were awakened suddenly when someone set off firecrackers right beneath our bedroom window! Needless to say, we were surprised! Fortunately, we have found another, more quiet, place to live and will be moving next week.
Bella calls... gotta run!
Love from Antigua!
Wow! Time flies when you're busy being a single mom of a three month old in a third world country! I can't believe we've been here a month already! Isabella is growing taller every day. Her two favorite things are standing and "flying". She's very observant and doesn't want to miss a thing, so she insists on being carried facing out most of the time. What an amazing blessing she is!
I celebrated my birthday here in Antigua last week. It was hard being away from friends and family, especially Greg, but it was awesome having Isabella with me. There are some new pictures, some of which were taken on my birthday. The power went out during dinner that night at the restaurant, but my friends Brian and Cheryl had the band come up and sing to me anyway. It was fantastic.
Antigua is a very loud city. The other morning, we were awakened suddenly when someone set off firecrackers right beneath our bedroom window! Needless to say, we were surprised! Fortunately, we have found another, more quiet, place to live and will be moving next week.
Bella calls... gotta run!
Love from Antigua!
August 22
From Antigua
A very quick note from Antigua to let everyone know that we are doing well! Isabella changes every day it seems! She is getting very close to rolling over, but I am trying to convince her to wait until Daddy comes next month. :) Antigua is gorgeous and the weather has been great so far! More soon....
A very quick note from Antigua to let everyone know that we are doing well! Isabella changes every day it seems! She is getting very close to rolling over, but I am trying to convince her to wait until Daddy comes next month. :) Antigua is gorgeous and the weather has been great so far! More soon....
August 12
Family Court Interviews
Woooo Hooooo! Our Family Court interviews were completed on Aug 10th.
Thanks everyone for your prayers, but keep'em comming!
Greg
Woooo Hooooo! Our Family Court interviews were completed on Aug 10th.
Thanks everyone for your prayers, but keep'em comming!
Greg
August 08
I gots da Blues... I gots da home alone Blues
Well, it's been 1 week since Sharon left to foster our baby Isabella in Antiqua. It's also been 8 weeks since entering family court and the interviews are not done. I am now convinced that we are going to be kicked out of Family Court. Yes, my wife tried to tell me that you can't get kicked out of family court. However, with the evening that I have had, its inevitable. :\
Read on... It gets better.
Just after arriving home, I found in my house what has got to be the most amazing thing EVER. This beats the ol' classic story of our cats breaking an olive oil bottle on the kitchen floor and leaving little oily cat paw prints, everywhere. After studying and piecing the crime scene together I have come to the conclusion that Bailey, one of our dogs, is in co'houts with the cat. The cat, at the request of the dog, knocked down, off a shelf in the closet, a small 10 oz container of boot mink oil. (The cat would never miss an opportunity like this.) The dog was very pleased and chewed the plastic lid off the container and ate all the contents herself. Apparently, the cat wasn't stupid enough to join her. Bailey, being a dog, felt the need, no..., felt the uncontrollable urge to lap up every last bit out of the container. I deducted this by the fact that the fur completely around her nose to her eyeballs is smeared in this goop. Being the good dog that she is, she decided to wipe her snout on the bed, the couch, and other various places through out the house. She even thanked the cat by giving her a big lick down her head and back. Thus giving the cat the unique reverse spike look. Unbeknown to the dog is the fact that mink oil will give you serious uncontrollable blowout diarreha. Bailey was kind enough to go downstairs to the basement to experience the full power of the "force" thus spattering walls, furniture, books, the television, computer equipment, tapistry, and carpeting. The only place she didn't go was in the cat litter box. Go figure. Bailey had quite the afternoon but was sure to be glad that her fun was nearing an end and mine just begining. When I reached the bottom of the stairs to see the final remnants of Bailey's fun filled day, I actually said "wow" in a calm voice. My amazement is due to the white chunks of plastic lid amoungst the smears.
After seeing Bailey's pathetic look, I have decided to blame the whole thing on the cat.
Bailey learned a valuable lesson that she IS soon to forget. "Never trust a cat".
Greg
Well, it's been 1 week since Sharon left to foster our baby Isabella in Antiqua. It's also been 8 weeks since entering family court and the interviews are not done. I am now convinced that we are going to be kicked out of Family Court. Yes, my wife tried to tell me that you can't get kicked out of family court. However, with the evening that I have had, its inevitable. :\
Read on... It gets better.
Just after arriving home, I found in my house what has got to be the most amazing thing EVER. This beats the ol' classic story of our cats breaking an olive oil bottle on the kitchen floor and leaving little oily cat paw prints, everywhere. After studying and piecing the crime scene together I have come to the conclusion that Bailey, one of our dogs, is in co'houts with the cat. The cat, at the request of the dog, knocked down, off a shelf in the closet, a small 10 oz container of boot mink oil. (The cat would never miss an opportunity like this.) The dog was very pleased and chewed the plastic lid off the container and ate all the contents herself. Apparently, the cat wasn't stupid enough to join her. Bailey, being a dog, felt the need, no..., felt the uncontrollable urge to lap up every last bit out of the container. I deducted this by the fact that the fur completely around her nose to her eyeballs is smeared in this goop. Being the good dog that she is, she decided to wipe her snout on the bed, the couch, and other various places through out the house. She even thanked the cat by giving her a big lick down her head and back. Thus giving the cat the unique reverse spike look. Unbeknown to the dog is the fact that mink oil will give you serious uncontrollable blowout diarreha. Bailey was kind enough to go downstairs to the basement to experience the full power of the "force" thus spattering walls, furniture, books, the television, computer equipment, tapistry, and carpeting. The only place she didn't go was in the cat litter box. Go figure. Bailey had quite the afternoon but was sure to be glad that her fun was nearing an end and mine just begining. When I reached the bottom of the stairs to see the final remnants of Bailey's fun filled day, I actually said "wow" in a calm voice. My amazement is due to the white chunks of plastic lid amoungst the smears.
After seeing Bailey's pathetic look, I have decided to blame the whole thing on the cat.
Bailey learned a valuable lesson that she IS soon to forget. "Never trust a cat".
Greg
July 20
Growing so fast...
We received an update from the pediatrician in Guatemala City the other day. He reports that Isabella appears to be very healthy with normal reflexes. She has started to recognize voices, cries for socialization, and has learned to make cooing noises when she's happy. I cannot wait to see her again and hold her in my arms! Less than two weeks! She is now weighing a whopping 9 pounds 14 ounces!!! Can you believe how much she's grown in just two months?!?
We received an update from the pediatrician in Guatemala City the other day. He reports that Isabella appears to be very healthy with normal reflexes. She has started to recognize voices, cries for socialization, and has learned to make cooing noises when she's happy. I cannot wait to see her again and hold her in my arms! Less than two weeks! She is now weighing a whopping 9 pounds 14 ounces!!! Can you believe how much she's grown in just two months?!?
July 14
Counting Down
The Countdown is underway! Two weeks and 4 days until I leave for Guatemala to be with my darling Isabella! I couldn't be more excited or nervous!
The Countdown is underway! Two weeks and 4 days until I leave for Guatemala to be with my darling Isabella! I couldn't be more excited or nervous!
July 06
Exciting News!
Things have been pretty hectic around here and we have lots of news to share! First of all, we received word that our Family Court interviews are underway, which is wonderful news! Progress is being made on our case! We continue to pray for a speedy process so we can bring Isabella home as soon as possible!
Also, we spent last weekend in Vancouver visiting my dad and had a great time! We arrived Friday evening and spent a couple hours talking and showing Dad pictures and video of Isabella from our trip to Guatemala. Saturday, we decided to head up to 23rd street and do some shopping. Shopping ended up being the theme for the day and we ended up going to the Vancouver mall after 23rd Street. We found some great bargains on clearance items that we just couldn't refuse!
Dad made a very soft afghan for Isabella in lilac and white. I know it will keep her cozy and warm! He also made us a couple burp cloths that I adore! They are very thick and much more stylish than a plain cloth diaper tossed over my shoulder!!! Thank you so much, Dad!
When we returned home from our trip, we found that we had received the DNA results from the adoption. We have a 99.99% match, which is obviously a good thing! These results will also be sent to the US Embassy in Guatemala, and based on these and a review of our case file, the Embassy will hopefully issue a pre-approval for us!
Finally, the biggest news is that I will be leaving to foster Isabella in 3 weeks and 6 days! I will be moving, temporarily, to Antigua, Guatemala and will be Isabella's caregiver until the adoption is final. We hadn't planned on me going quite so soon in the process, but our agency director informed us of an opening in a bed and breakfast type establishment (minus the breakfast) that was extremely affordable in comparison to other locations. We couldn't refuse! There are two other For This Child families there now and I have been in contact with them by email. They are very sweet people and I think Isabella and I are going to have a wonderful time living there!
I miss her terribly. Today is one month since we left for our last visit. Tomorrow Isabella will be two months old. My consolation is that I will be there for her 3 month birthday. It seems like a long time from now and I pray that God gives me peace and patience these next few weeks!
Here are a couple pics of where I will be staying:
Things have been pretty hectic around here and we have lots of news to share! First of all, we received word that our Family Court interviews are underway, which is wonderful news! Progress is being made on our case! We continue to pray for a speedy process so we can bring Isabella home as soon as possible!
Also, we spent last weekend in Vancouver visiting my dad and had a great time! We arrived Friday evening and spent a couple hours talking and showing Dad pictures and video of Isabella from our trip to Guatemala. Saturday, we decided to head up to 23rd street and do some shopping. Shopping ended up being the theme for the day and we ended up going to the Vancouver mall after 23rd Street. We found some great bargains on clearance items that we just couldn't refuse!
Dad made a very soft afghan for Isabella in lilac and white. I know it will keep her cozy and warm! He also made us a couple burp cloths that I adore! They are very thick and much more stylish than a plain cloth diaper tossed over my shoulder!!! Thank you so much, Dad!
When we returned home from our trip, we found that we had received the DNA results from the adoption. We have a 99.99% match, which is obviously a good thing! These results will also be sent to the US Embassy in Guatemala, and based on these and a review of our case file, the Embassy will hopefully issue a pre-approval for us!
Finally, the biggest news is that I will be leaving to foster Isabella in 3 weeks and 6 days! I will be moving, temporarily, to Antigua, Guatemala and will be Isabella's caregiver until the adoption is final. We hadn't planned on me going quite so soon in the process, but our agency director informed us of an opening in a bed and breakfast type establishment (minus the breakfast) that was extremely affordable in comparison to other locations. We couldn't refuse! There are two other For This Child families there now and I have been in contact with them by email. They are very sweet people and I think Isabella and I are going to have a wonderful time living there!
I miss her terribly. Today is one month since we left for our last visit. Tomorrow Isabella will be two months old. My consolation is that I will be there for her 3 month birthday. It seems like a long time from now and I pray that God gives me peace and patience these next few weeks!
Here are a couple pics of where I will be staying:
June 22
What a week!
We received notice today from our wonderful agency that our case was entered into Family Court on June 16th! This is great news! Our case is moving right along, so far! For those not familiar with the process, Family Court is the part of the Guatemalan side of the adoption when a social worker is assigned to our case, interviews the birthmother, foster mother, and all others related to the case and then makes a judgement on whether the adoption is in the best interests of the child. If the social worker agrees that it is, we will exit Family Court. The DNA sample that was taken from Isabella and her birthmother the other day is not related to the Guatemalan side, but the US Embassy side of the adoption. Before our case can move into the final portion of the adoption process (PGN), we have to have approval from the US Embassy (which is partially based on the DNA results) and have exited Family Court. So, we're on our way!
We received notice today from our wonderful agency that our case was entered into Family Court on June 16th! This is great news! Our case is moving right along, so far! For those not familiar with the process, Family Court is the part of the Guatemalan side of the adoption when a social worker is assigned to our case, interviews the birthmother, foster mother, and all others related to the case and then makes a judgement on whether the adoption is in the best interests of the child. If the social worker agrees that it is, we will exit Family Court. The DNA sample that was taken from Isabella and her birthmother the other day is not related to the Guatemalan side, but the US Embassy side of the adoption. Before our case can move into the final portion of the adoption process (PGN), we have to have approval from the US Embassy (which is partially based on the DNA results) and have exited Family Court. So, we're on our way!
June 21
DNA!
We received the wonderful news last night that DNA was performed on Isabella and her birthmother on Monday, June 19, 2006! We were excited to learn that Isabella's birthmother is well educated (unusual in adoption cases) and is an elementary school teacher. She has requested that we not contact her after the adoption is finalized, and we will respect her wishes. We received a few pictures of her as well as some new ones of Isabella from the big day! For privacy, we will not be posting any pictures of Isabella's birthmother, but we are happy, as always, to share the newest pics of our sweet little girl. Enjoy!!!
We received the wonderful news last night that DNA was performed on Isabella and her birthmother on Monday, June 19, 2006! We were excited to learn that Isabella's birthmother is well educated (unusual in adoption cases) and is an elementary school teacher. She has requested that we not contact her after the adoption is finalized, and we will respect her wishes. We received a few pictures of her as well as some new ones of Isabella from the big day! For privacy, we will not be posting any pictures of Isabella's birthmother, but we are happy, as always, to share the newest pics of our sweet little girl. Enjoy!!!
June 15
Home Again
Well, we had the best of intentions on keeping the website updated on our trip... and then we met Isabella and all of that went right out the window! Our trip was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. Meeting our daughter, specifically, was the most amazing thing. Isabella and I bonded so completely! I understand her, can differentiate her cries, sense her moods, and predict her needs. It is the most wonderful feeling in the entire world! It's very hard to put into words, but it amounts to love. Love - complete and unconditional. She is such a precious child and an extraordinary blessing in our lives! She loves to eat and has no patience (just like her Mommy!). When she's hungry, you have about 30 seconds until she starts shrieking! On the other hand, when her tummy is full, she coos with happiness and loves to snuggle. She is a very alert child and loves to just watch people. Often, she and I would snuggle and she would just watch Greg as he walked about the room.
Needless to say, leaving her behind was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do! I was so heart broken! Even though I knew she was going to be in safe hands with her foster family, I felt sad that I wasn't able to continue caring for her myself. In a moment of despair, I asked Greg if I was a bad mom for leaving her behind and his reply was perfect. He said, "No, you're a great Mom for coming even though you knew it would be hard". God truly speaks to us through others and I am sure that His care and concern for me was coming through Greg.
We are already planning a second visit, probably in August. Isabella went to the doctor on Monday after we left and was declared very healthy, other than a mild cold she'd had since the first day we got her! This was wonderful news as we were pretty worried about her! Also, she weighed in at 7 pounds 12 ounces! That is over 2.5 pounds more than her visit to the doctor last month! Her doctor is wonderful, by the way. When we really got concerned on Saturday (by that time she was running a low fever as well), Greg called the doctor on the phone. This wonderful man reassured us that the medicine we were giving was very appropriate and that we were doing everything we could for her! Our agency is so great to put us in contact with a doctor that is willing to take phone calls and emails from adoptive parents! Not to mention, his English is perfect!
Isabella, sweetheart, we love and miss you so very much! You stole my heart from the first time I held you and I will never forget the wonderful time we spent together! I love the way you look at me when you're feeding and the way you like to snuggle against my chest afterwards. You fit perfectly in the crook of my arm, against my shoulder, and inside my heart. I love you more than words can say and cannot wait to see you again! I pray for your safety, health, and happiness every day! May God bless you!
Love Always,
Mommy
Well, we had the best of intentions on keeping the website updated on our trip... and then we met Isabella and all of that went right out the window! Our trip was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. Meeting our daughter, specifically, was the most amazing thing. Isabella and I bonded so completely! I understand her, can differentiate her cries, sense her moods, and predict her needs. It is the most wonderful feeling in the entire world! It's very hard to put into words, but it amounts to love. Love - complete and unconditional. She is such a precious child and an extraordinary blessing in our lives! She loves to eat and has no patience (just like her Mommy!). When she's hungry, you have about 30 seconds until she starts shrieking! On the other hand, when her tummy is full, she coos with happiness and loves to snuggle. She is a very alert child and loves to just watch people. Often, she and I would snuggle and she would just watch Greg as he walked about the room.
Needless to say, leaving her behind was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do! I was so heart broken! Even though I knew she was going to be in safe hands with her foster family, I felt sad that I wasn't able to continue caring for her myself. In a moment of despair, I asked Greg if I was a bad mom for leaving her behind and his reply was perfect. He said, "No, you're a great Mom for coming even though you knew it would be hard". God truly speaks to us through others and I am sure that His care and concern for me was coming through Greg.
We are already planning a second visit, probably in August. Isabella went to the doctor on Monday after we left and was declared very healthy, other than a mild cold she'd had since the first day we got her! This was wonderful news as we were pretty worried about her! Also, she weighed in at 7 pounds 12 ounces! That is over 2.5 pounds more than her visit to the doctor last month! Her doctor is wonderful, by the way. When we really got concerned on Saturday (by that time she was running a low fever as well), Greg called the doctor on the phone. This wonderful man reassured us that the medicine we were giving was very appropriate and that we were doing everything we could for her! Our agency is so great to put us in contact with a doctor that is willing to take phone calls and emails from adoptive parents! Not to mention, his English is perfect!
Isabella, sweetheart, we love and miss you so very much! You stole my heart from the first time I held you and I will never forget the wonderful time we spent together! I love the way you look at me when you're feeding and the way you like to snuggle against my chest afterwards. You fit perfectly in the crook of my arm, against my shoulder, and inside my heart. I love you more than words can say and cannot wait to see you again! I pray for your safety, health, and happiness every day! May God bless you!
Love Always,
Mommy
June 07
We're in Guatemala!
Yup... Here we are... We spent the whole day traveling yeaterday starting off at 05:00 and arriving in Guatemala at 10:00pm. Our first day has been awsome. We met Isabella and Isabella's foster mother this morning. After spending some time together we took Isabella to our room and the rest is....Just awsome.
Yup... Here we are... We spent the whole day traveling yeaterday starting off at 05:00 and arriving in Guatemala at 10:00pm. Our first day has been awsome. We met Isabella and Isabella's foster mother this morning. After spending some time together we took Isabella to our room and the rest is....Just awsome.
June 01
The Most Wonderful Phone Call!
Yesterday afternoon we received the news that we were parents again! Our little Isabella was born May 7, 2006 and weighed 5 lbs 2 oz! Her birth name is Magda Elisa, which we officially change to Isabella during her re-adoption in the USA after she comes home. More news to follow.... we're in heaven!
Yesterday afternoon we received the news that we were parents again! Our little Isabella was born May 7, 2006 and weighed 5 lbs 2 oz! Her birth name is Magda Elisa, which we officially change to Isabella during her re-adoption in the USA after she comes home. More news to follow.... we're in heaven!
May 24 pt 3
The Joys of Adopting Internationally
Thankfully, everyone at the FTC message board knows our paperchase frustrations. Where else are you going to find friends again? I have pretty much lost all of mine asking them to be a reference for our bundle of joy. "Oops, you didn't sign your name legibly, can you please do it again. Oh BTW, the state can't be abbreviated, can you please redo it? Ha ha ha. Please take out the line about the stupid things I did when I was younger. No, really - Please re-do it, again" The once glowing letter of recomendation has turned into "Please give them whatever they want just so I don't have to keep re-doing this paperwork."
Anybody military and had to get a doctor on base to sign paperwork and get it notarized? There is nothing like having to stand in the hospital commanders office telling the command level secretary how it needs to be done. The secretary couldn't figure out what kind of idiot I was. Of course I had to explain it to her... Hmmm... I'm retired military. I don't remember the last time I stood at parade rest... And to top it all off - Have you seen the military signature block???? It is full of abreviations that even their own personnel don't know the meaning to! I debated if I should go back and face the command level secretary to have her redo the letters or should I take what I have home to my wife. I decided to take my chances with my wife and hoped that all would be ok. Hmmmm, nice try Greg. Well, at least I got to practice standing at parade rest some more...
Bella, it is worth every frustration... We hope and pray to see you soon...
Thankfully, everyone at the FTC message board knows our paperchase frustrations. Where else are you going to find friends again? I have pretty much lost all of mine asking them to be a reference for our bundle of joy. "Oops, you didn't sign your name legibly, can you please do it again. Oh BTW, the state can't be abbreviated, can you please redo it? Ha ha ha. Please take out the line about the stupid things I did when I was younger. No, really - Please re-do it, again" The once glowing letter of recomendation has turned into "Please give them whatever they want just so I don't have to keep re-doing this paperwork."
Anybody military and had to get a doctor on base to sign paperwork and get it notarized? There is nothing like having to stand in the hospital commanders office telling the command level secretary how it needs to be done. The secretary couldn't figure out what kind of idiot I was. Of course I had to explain it to her... Hmmm... I'm retired military. I don't remember the last time I stood at parade rest... And to top it all off - Have you seen the military signature block???? It is full of abreviations that even their own personnel don't know the meaning to! I debated if I should go back and face the command level secretary to have her redo the letters or should I take what I have home to my wife. I decided to take my chances with my wife and hoped that all would be ok. Hmmmm, nice try Greg. Well, at least I got to practice standing at parade rest some more...
Bella, it is worth every frustration... We hope and pray to see you soon...
May 24 pt 2
Guatemalan Adoption Process
1. Dossier is sent to Guatemala to be translated.
2. Child is born.
3. Birth is registered at Civil Registry and a birth certificate is issued.
4. Birth mother signs over custody to a lawyer and authorizes the lawyer to pursue adoption plans for the child; child enters foster care (usually) or sometimes orphanage or children's home
5.Child is taken to a pediatrician for basic physical and (for newborns) usually for first immunizations, if these steps were not done prior to relinquishment.
6.Birthmother also sees a doctor to make sure she is fine and may have blood tests done at this time, if they haven't been done prior to the birth of the child.
7. You receive a referral with child's and birth mother's names, basic physical info, and usually a photo and results of screening blood tests for syphilis, hepatitis and HIV.
8. You accept referral and sign a Power of Attorney (POA) to authorize the lawyer in Guatemala to act on your behalf during the adoption process. Under Guatemalan law the same lawyer may represent the birth mother's and child's interests and your interests during the adoption. Some agencies use separate lawyers for adoptive parents, most don't.
9. Your POA is registered in Guatemala.
10. The lawyer submits all the documents in the case to Family Court, and petitions the Family Court to assign a social worker to investigate the case.
11. The lawyer requests authorization from the US Embassy to have DNA testing performed on the birth mother and child to confirm that they are indeed biologically mother and child. DNA testing is done with supervision and a photo of the birth mother with the child is taken at the testing site to ascertain their identities.
12. Family Court social worker reviews your dossier, interviews the birth mother, sees the child in foster care or orphanage, and (almost always) approves the adoption. The social worker writes a several page report summarizing the facts of the case and attesting to the reasons that the birth mother cannot care for the child. The birth mother signs consent for adoption for second time.
13. Meanwhile the DNA test should have been performed, cleared, and submitted to the Embassy with your dossier for review and approval by the Embassy. The case cannot take the next step after Family Court until the Embassy DNA approval has been issued. This is a safeguard to prevent a situation in which a child is legally adopted under Guatemalan law, but not eligible for immigration under US law. A third consent by the birth mother is signed during the DNA process.
14. The lawyer then submits a petition for approval of the adoption case to a notarial officer of the Attorney General?s office (Procuraduria General de la Nación or PGN). (A Notary in Guatemala is an attorney with additional powers, not simply someone who certifies signatures as in the US.)
15. Notary in PGN reviews all the documents (often requesting that some be re-done because of minor spelling errors, expired notary seals, etc.) and almost always approves the adoption. The PGN may at their discretion investigate aspects of the case if they wish and as a result of that and other variations, time in this step (as in many steps) can vary widel.
16. PGN issues its approval for the adoption to proceed.
17. The lawyer then meets the birth mother for the 4th and final sign-off.
18. The adoption decree is then written and issued by the lawyer and the child is legally now the child of the adoptive family.
19. A new birth certificate is then issued by the Civil Registry with the child?s first and middle names unchanged, but with the names of the adoptive parent(s).
20. Lawyer takes new birth certificate and applies for a Guatemalan passport (although the child is adopted by US parents, he or she is still a Guatemalan citizen).
21. All documents are translated into English by certified translators, as required by US INS regulations.
Then..... for the final stages:
1. Passport is issued.
2. Child gets a visa photo done.
3. Lawyer takes all the paperwork back to the Embassy, including the passport, your dossier, the Family Court findings, the adoption decree, the DNA results, all translations, and the visa photos, and requests approval for an orphan visa to enter the US.
4. Embassy authorizes visa. This approval is on pink paper and is called the "pink slip". It is usually issued a day or two after submission of the documents.
5. Child gets an exit physical by an Embassy-approved doctor (to make sure the child doesn't have unrecognized handicapping conditions or infectious diseases). Note that this exam used to require prior embassy approval, but can now be done any time after the passport is issued, without prior approval of the embassy.
6. You are told your case is complete and you travel to Guatemala (many people travel sooner but this is the "official" time when travel is recommended).
7. The lawyer completes required INS and State Department forms for visa issuance and includes them in the document package along with the results from the exit physical.
8. You -- often but not always accompanined by the lawyer or someone from their staff -- bring your child and all the papers back to the Embassy early one morning (Monday - Thursday only, no visas are issued on Fridays), pay the visa fees, present the I-600 and I-864 forms (fill these out well ahead!), show your tax returns for the past 3 years (including W-2s and 1099s, plus currrent letters of employment or recent pay stubs) to prove you can support the child, and come back later that afternoon for your visa and sealed packet of documents.
9. Then you can go home. On arrival you must to submit the sealed packet to INS at your first point of entry into the US.
1. Dossier is sent to Guatemala to be translated.
2. Child is born.
3. Birth is registered at Civil Registry and a birth certificate is issued.
4. Birth mother signs over custody to a lawyer and authorizes the lawyer to pursue adoption plans for the child; child enters foster care (usually) or sometimes orphanage or children's home
5.Child is taken to a pediatrician for basic physical and (for newborns) usually for first immunizations, if these steps were not done prior to relinquishment.
6.Birthmother also sees a doctor to make sure she is fine and may have blood tests done at this time, if they haven't been done prior to the birth of the child.
7. You receive a referral with child's and birth mother's names, basic physical info, and usually a photo and results of screening blood tests for syphilis, hepatitis and HIV.
8. You accept referral and sign a Power of Attorney (POA) to authorize the lawyer in Guatemala to act on your behalf during the adoption process. Under Guatemalan law the same lawyer may represent the birth mother's and child's interests and your interests during the adoption. Some agencies use separate lawyers for adoptive parents, most don't.
9. Your POA is registered in Guatemala.
10. The lawyer submits all the documents in the case to Family Court, and petitions the Family Court to assign a social worker to investigate the case.
11. The lawyer requests authorization from the US Embassy to have DNA testing performed on the birth mother and child to confirm that they are indeed biologically mother and child. DNA testing is done with supervision and a photo of the birth mother with the child is taken at the testing site to ascertain their identities.
12. Family Court social worker reviews your dossier, interviews the birth mother, sees the child in foster care or orphanage, and (almost always) approves the adoption. The social worker writes a several page report summarizing the facts of the case and attesting to the reasons that the birth mother cannot care for the child. The birth mother signs consent for adoption for second time.
13. Meanwhile the DNA test should have been performed, cleared, and submitted to the Embassy with your dossier for review and approval by the Embassy. The case cannot take the next step after Family Court until the Embassy DNA approval has been issued. This is a safeguard to prevent a situation in which a child is legally adopted under Guatemalan law, but not eligible for immigration under US law. A third consent by the birth mother is signed during the DNA process.
14. The lawyer then submits a petition for approval of the adoption case to a notarial officer of the Attorney General?s office (Procuraduria General de la Nación or PGN). (A Notary in Guatemala is an attorney with additional powers, not simply someone who certifies signatures as in the US.)
15. Notary in PGN reviews all the documents (often requesting that some be re-done because of minor spelling errors, expired notary seals, etc.) and almost always approves the adoption. The PGN may at their discretion investigate aspects of the case if they wish and as a result of that and other variations, time in this step (as in many steps) can vary widel.
16. PGN issues its approval for the adoption to proceed.
17. The lawyer then meets the birth mother for the 4th and final sign-off.
18. The adoption decree is then written and issued by the lawyer and the child is legally now the child of the adoptive family.
19. A new birth certificate is then issued by the Civil Registry with the child?s first and middle names unchanged, but with the names of the adoptive parent(s).
20. Lawyer takes new birth certificate and applies for a Guatemalan passport (although the child is adopted by US parents, he or she is still a Guatemalan citizen).
21. All documents are translated into English by certified translators, as required by US INS regulations.
Then..... for the final stages:
1. Passport is issued.
2. Child gets a visa photo done.
3. Lawyer takes all the paperwork back to the Embassy, including the passport, your dossier, the Family Court findings, the adoption decree, the DNA results, all translations, and the visa photos, and requests approval for an orphan visa to enter the US.
4. Embassy authorizes visa. This approval is on pink paper and is called the "pink slip". It is usually issued a day or two after submission of the documents.
5. Child gets an exit physical by an Embassy-approved doctor (to make sure the child doesn't have unrecognized handicapping conditions or infectious diseases). Note that this exam used to require prior embassy approval, but can now be done any time after the passport is issued, without prior approval of the embassy.
6. You are told your case is complete and you travel to Guatemala (many people travel sooner but this is the "official" time when travel is recommended).
7. The lawyer completes required INS and State Department forms for visa issuance and includes them in the document package along with the results from the exit physical.
8. You -- often but not always accompanined by the lawyer or someone from their staff -- bring your child and all the papers back to the Embassy early one morning (Monday - Thursday only, no visas are issued on Fridays), pay the visa fees, present the I-600 and I-864 forms (fill these out well ahead!), show your tax returns for the past 3 years (including W-2s and 1099s, plus currrent letters of employment or recent pay stubs) to prove you can support the child, and come back later that afternoon for your visa and sealed packet of documents.
9. Then you can go home. On arrival you must to submit the sealed packet to INS at your first point of entry into the US.
May 24
"Paper Ready"!!!!
As of today, May 24, 2006, we are officially "paper ready"! This means that our entire dossier and our USCIS approval (I 171H) has been received by our agency and we are now just waiting for our referral! When the time comes, we will receive a phone call from our agency along with several emails with pictures of our Isabella. We will receive medical reports, copies of the birth mother's ID card, and some other miscellaneous information. After we review all of this, we will notify our agency if we are willing to accept the referral or not. Upon acceptance, we will quickly make our travel plans...
As of tonight, I don't have a very good idea on how long it will be until we receive our referral. I have requested some additional information from For This Child on expected wait times, but things vary so much that it is almost impossible to predict. It hasn't really hit me yet. I'm sure it won't seem real until we get the call.... and then it will be a mad dash to get everything done! Right now, all I want to do is recover from the last three months of stress and relax (and go shopping!).
Isabella,
I'm praying tonight that Daddy and I will get to see your pictures soon! I can't believe we have come this far! It's amazing to me that it won't be long until I finally get to hold you! I've been waiting for this for soooo long!
We love you very much, Bella! May God bless you and keep you safe, warm, healthy, and surrounded with love!
~Mommy
As of today, May 24, 2006, we are officially "paper ready"! This means that our entire dossier and our USCIS approval (I 171H) has been received by our agency and we are now just waiting for our referral! When the time comes, we will receive a phone call from our agency along with several emails with pictures of our Isabella. We will receive medical reports, copies of the birth mother's ID card, and some other miscellaneous information. After we review all of this, we will notify our agency if we are willing to accept the referral or not. Upon acceptance, we will quickly make our travel plans...
As of tonight, I don't have a very good idea on how long it will be until we receive our referral. I have requested some additional information from For This Child on expected wait times, but things vary so much that it is almost impossible to predict. It hasn't really hit me yet. I'm sure it won't seem real until we get the call.... and then it will be a mad dash to get everything done! Right now, all I want to do is recover from the last three months of stress and relax (and go shopping!).
Isabella,
I'm praying tonight that Daddy and I will get to see your pictures soon! I can't believe we have come this far! It's amazing to me that it won't be long until I finally get to hold you! I've been waiting for this for soooo long!
We love you very much, Bella! May God bless you and keep you safe, warm, healthy, and surrounded with love!
~Mommy
May 16
The Long Wait
We have been waiting for our approval letter from the immigration department for three and a half weeks! This letter is called an I 171H. As soon as we receive this letter, we are considered "paper ready" and can be placed on the waiting list for a referral. We had an update from USCIS (immigration) about ten days ago that told us our file was waiting for review and that we should receive our I 171H "within the next couple weeks". I've been making extra trips each day to come home on my lunch hour in case the I 171H arrives. For those of you who don't know, I work on the other side of town from where we live and these extra trips are certainly costing us in gas! I can't help it though- it's compulsive! The very thought that this precious letter could be in my mailbox makes me get excited! There is no option to not go home and check! I'd drive myself crazy wondering. And so, for the last ten days, I've been practically stalking our mail delivery person! USCIS, please send our I 171H so that I can have my sanity back!!!
Meanwhile, we've been trying to keep ourselves occupied by shopping for our upcoming trip to Guatemala. We will be traveling shortly after we receive our referral to sign a Power of Attorney document. Signing this form in Guatemala will save us time by avoiding the need to have the document shipped all over the US for different seals and then down to Guatemala for translation. Also, the trip will allow us some precious time with Isabella as a newborn! We are very excited and have enjoyed shopping for little things for her. We plan to stay for 5-7 days. At two outfits a day, that's a lot of clothes for Bella! There's so many things to think of... infant tylenol, mylicon drops (for baby gas), hats, thermometer, blankets, inking kit to get hand and foot prints, etc...! We're having a great time getting ready and it is helping some to keep us busy!
Please pray for the arrival of our I 171H and a speedy referral afterwards!
~Sharon
We have been waiting for our approval letter from the immigration department for three and a half weeks! This letter is called an I 171H. As soon as we receive this letter, we are considered "paper ready" and can be placed on the waiting list for a referral. We had an update from USCIS (immigration) about ten days ago that told us our file was waiting for review and that we should receive our I 171H "within the next couple weeks". I've been making extra trips each day to come home on my lunch hour in case the I 171H arrives. For those of you who don't know, I work on the other side of town from where we live and these extra trips are certainly costing us in gas! I can't help it though- it's compulsive! The very thought that this precious letter could be in my mailbox makes me get excited! There is no option to not go home and check! I'd drive myself crazy wondering. And so, for the last ten days, I've been practically stalking our mail delivery person! USCIS, please send our I 171H so that I can have my sanity back!!!
Meanwhile, we've been trying to keep ourselves occupied by shopping for our upcoming trip to Guatemala. We will be traveling shortly after we receive our referral to sign a Power of Attorney document. Signing this form in Guatemala will save us time by avoiding the need to have the document shipped all over the US for different seals and then down to Guatemala for translation. Also, the trip will allow us some precious time with Isabella as a newborn! We are very excited and have enjoyed shopping for little things for her. We plan to stay for 5-7 days. At two outfits a day, that's a lot of clothes for Bella! There's so many things to think of... infant tylenol, mylicon drops (for baby gas), hats, thermometer, blankets, inking kit to get hand and foot prints, etc...! We're having a great time getting ready and it is helping some to keep us busy!
Please pray for the arrival of our I 171H and a speedy referral afterwards!
~Sharon
May 05
Passports Arrive!
Our passports finally came in the mail yesterday after a six week wait! What a relief! These were the final papers that we needed to send down to our agency. No, we're not sending them our passports, but they do need a photo copy of the inside page. So, we'll make one more trip to FedEx today. Along with the passports, we are sending pictures of our house, inside and out, and some family pictures. We are also sending some forms that will be needed later on in the adoption. That's it! Now, we'd be ready for referral if our 171H would just arrive. It's been two weeks, but based on the information I was able to gather from the USCIS website, it may be another three weeks before that important paper arrives. We're praying for quick processing. I want to see my baby girl!
There are several families that are right on the edge of being "paper ready" in our agency. There is going to be a rush of referrals soon, I hope. I know that it is in God's hands and that the baby He has chosen for us may or may not be born yet. However, I do admit that it is hard not to get worried or frustrated when it feels like our process isn't moving forward. I keep having to remind myself that the Lord has perfect timing and to just put my trust in Him.
I had a great time shopping with my mom for baby items a couple weeks ago. One of my friends from For This Child is visiting her son in Guatemala this week and she had offered to take some things down for us, to wait for Isabella. We had tons of fun looking at all the darling clothes, feeling the blankets to make sure they were soft, and playing with the toys trying to find the perfect (and the smallest!) one to send. We went a little crazy! My friend Julie said she had room for one gallon sized ziploc bag and after cramming and folding and pushing and squeezing, I ended up with four bags! Yikes! So I sent one with Julie and am hoping to send the others off soon with other traveling FTC families.
Isabella, we love shopping for you! It is so exciting to imagine you wearing all these tiny clothes that we picked out. We pray for you every day. You are so special and there are so many people that are loving you already! Your Granny and Papa, Grandpa Mark, Gamma and Grandpa Michael are all very excited! In fact, your Gamma chose your little toy and she sends it to you with all of her love!
Love,
Mommy
Our passports finally came in the mail yesterday after a six week wait! What a relief! These were the final papers that we needed to send down to our agency. No, we're not sending them our passports, but they do need a photo copy of the inside page. So, we'll make one more trip to FedEx today. Along with the passports, we are sending pictures of our house, inside and out, and some family pictures. We are also sending some forms that will be needed later on in the adoption. That's it! Now, we'd be ready for referral if our 171H would just arrive. It's been two weeks, but based on the information I was able to gather from the USCIS website, it may be another three weeks before that important paper arrives. We're praying for quick processing. I want to see my baby girl!
There are several families that are right on the edge of being "paper ready" in our agency. There is going to be a rush of referrals soon, I hope. I know that it is in God's hands and that the baby He has chosen for us may or may not be born yet. However, I do admit that it is hard not to get worried or frustrated when it feels like our process isn't moving forward. I keep having to remind myself that the Lord has perfect timing and to just put my trust in Him.
I had a great time shopping with my mom for baby items a couple weeks ago. One of my friends from For This Child is visiting her son in Guatemala this week and she had offered to take some things down for us, to wait for Isabella. We had tons of fun looking at all the darling clothes, feeling the blankets to make sure they were soft, and playing with the toys trying to find the perfect (and the smallest!) one to send. We went a little crazy! My friend Julie said she had room for one gallon sized ziploc bag and after cramming and folding and pushing and squeezing, I ended up with four bags! Yikes! So I sent one with Julie and am hoping to send the others off soon with other traveling FTC families.
Isabella, we love shopping for you! It is so exciting to imagine you wearing all these tiny clothes that we picked out. We pray for you every day. You are so special and there are so many people that are loving you already! Your Granny and Papa, Grandpa Mark, Gamma and Grandpa Michael are all very excited! In fact, your Gamma chose your little toy and she sends it to you with all of her love!
Love,
Mommy
April 29
Baby Stuff Arrives!
Holy cow! We received a baby gift today. It was totally unexpected and we were very surprised. We have been working on the paperwork and getting things in order for so long this was the first weekend that we weren't scrambing around then lo and behold a gift arrives... Sharon thought it was another gift for Irene seeing as her birthday was last week. When I said it was from Target and that it was probably a baby gift Sharon screamed and just about tackled me wanting to see it. Happy times! As the time gets closer there are things or little reminders that bring Isabella to the forefront of our minds. It really hit us a few weeks ago that were ARE having a baby! Rock on....
RW and family - Thank you soooo much.... You guys definately brightened up our weekend. :)
Greg
Holy cow! We received a baby gift today. It was totally unexpected and we were very surprised. We have been working on the paperwork and getting things in order for so long this was the first weekend that we weren't scrambing around then lo and behold a gift arrives... Sharon thought it was another gift for Irene seeing as her birthday was last week. When I said it was from Target and that it was probably a baby gift Sharon screamed and just about tackled me wanting to see it. Happy times! As the time gets closer there are things or little reminders that bring Isabella to the forefront of our minds. It really hit us a few weeks ago that were ARE having a baby! Rock on....
RW and family - Thank you soooo much.... You guys definately brightened up our weekend. :)
Greg
April 24
Great News!
Great News! Another For This Child adoptive family announced their referral of a beautiful baby girl last week. This family received their referral (or "match") just one day after their paperwork was complete! This was a huge surprise for them because the wait up until that point had been 6+ weeks for a girl. We are very encouraged by this news because it may mean that the waiting time for our referral of Isabella may be less than we had anticipated!!
The better news is that we faxed all of the documents that we have completed so far to our case-worker at For This Child for review and we are in great shape! We had two minor repairs to make, but they have both been taken care of. We will finish our dossier preparation tomorrow with the last two documents! Tomorrow night we will gather everything together, quadruple check everything, and prepare to FedEx our packet to the Secretary of State and Guatemalan Consulate. From the Consulate, our dossier will go to our agency in Dallas and then on to Guatemala for translation into Spanish.
The final part in this stage is waiting for approval from USCIS (formerly INS). This approval letter is called an I 171H. Once you have this letter and all of your documents have the correct seals, you are considered "paper ready" and are eligible to receive your referral.
We're almost there!!!
Most of the babies are 2-3 weeks old at the time they are referred to a family. For This Child does complete medical testing on all children before they are referred to a family. So, if we were to receive our I 171 H, say, four weeks from the date we submitted our application (the Yakima trip thing), and we were as blessed as that other family to have an immediate referral, Isabella could be born this week or next!!! Of course, there are a lot of "ifs" involved there, but you can see where a mom could get pretty excited. I keep guessing at timeframes and imagining birthdates. It's amazing to think my daughter, my baby girl, my Bella, is coming into the world very soon.
Irene and I have the best time ooohing and aaahing over baby clothes. Last night I was preparing a package to send to Guatemala and I was folding several tiny dresses. After a while of watching me, Irene said, "It's going to be like having a real live baby doll".
Well, sort of.
Great News! Another For This Child adoptive family announced their referral of a beautiful baby girl last week. This family received their referral (or "match") just one day after their paperwork was complete! This was a huge surprise for them because the wait up until that point had been 6+ weeks for a girl. We are very encouraged by this news because it may mean that the waiting time for our referral of Isabella may be less than we had anticipated!!
The better news is that we faxed all of the documents that we have completed so far to our case-worker at For This Child for review and we are in great shape! We had two minor repairs to make, but they have both been taken care of. We will finish our dossier preparation tomorrow with the last two documents! Tomorrow night we will gather everything together, quadruple check everything, and prepare to FedEx our packet to the Secretary of State and Guatemalan Consulate. From the Consulate, our dossier will go to our agency in Dallas and then on to Guatemala for translation into Spanish.
The final part in this stage is waiting for approval from USCIS (formerly INS). This approval letter is called an I 171H. Once you have this letter and all of your documents have the correct seals, you are considered "paper ready" and are eligible to receive your referral.
We're almost there!!!
Most of the babies are 2-3 weeks old at the time they are referred to a family. For This Child does complete medical testing on all children before they are referred to a family. So, if we were to receive our I 171 H, say, four weeks from the date we submitted our application (the Yakima trip thing), and we were as blessed as that other family to have an immediate referral, Isabella could be born this week or next!!! Of course, there are a lot of "ifs" involved there, but you can see where a mom could get pretty excited. I keep guessing at timeframes and imagining birthdates. It's amazing to think my daughter, my baby girl, my Bella, is coming into the world very soon.
Irene and I have the best time ooohing and aaahing over baby clothes. Last night I was preparing a package to send to Guatemala and I was folding several tiny dresses. After a while of watching me, Irene said, "It's going to be like having a real live baby doll".
Well, sort of.
April 21
Been there done that...
We went to Yakima today! After a rough start this morning we were able to finally get on the road. The drive is about 3 hours, give or take a half hour. We had to get there before noon when the clerk desk closes. We arrived at 11:15 and after turning in paperwork we were processed for fingerprinting, again. After our fingerprinting was completed, we grabbed some lunch and headed back home. This was a major milestone....
We have crossed over the hump and now it is all down hill.... We're coming Bella!
We went to Yakima today! After a rough start this morning we were able to finally get on the road. The drive is about 3 hours, give or take a half hour. We had to get there before noon when the clerk desk closes. We arrived at 11:15 and after turning in paperwork we were processed for fingerprinting, again. After our fingerprinting was completed, we grabbed some lunch and headed back home. This was a major milestone....
We have crossed over the hump and now it is all down hill.... We're coming Bella!
April 17
Yakima Bound!
Our home study was finished last week and submitted to our agency for review. A social worker that works for For This Child will read the home study thoroughly, making sure that everything is clear, concise, and appropriate for a Guatemalan Adoption. Once given the thumbs up, our social worker, Anne, will then take our home study to be notarized. We will recieve three copies. One of these copies will go to USCIS (formerly INS), one will go to Guatemala, and we will keep the final copy.
Friday, we will be driving to Yakima to submit our I-600A. This is an application, that we file with USCIS to see if the United States government thinks Greg and I should be parents to a Guatemalan orphan. We will hand them a form, a copy of our beloved home study, and several hundred dollars. In return, they will take our fingerprints and then send us on our way. Seems like a long drive for nothing, right? Well, in the long run, we're hoping that it saves us time. If you mail in your form, you have to wait for them to mail you an appointment to get fingerprinted, which could be several weeks down the road. Not to mention that if there is anything within my power to speed up the process, I'm going to bend over backwards to do it. I can't wait to see my little girl!
Our home study was finished last week and submitted to our agency for review. A social worker that works for For This Child will read the home study thoroughly, making sure that everything is clear, concise, and appropriate for a Guatemalan Adoption. Once given the thumbs up, our social worker, Anne, will then take our home study to be notarized. We will recieve three copies. One of these copies will go to USCIS (formerly INS), one will go to Guatemala, and we will keep the final copy.
Friday, we will be driving to Yakima to submit our I-600A. This is an application, that we file with USCIS to see if the United States government thinks Greg and I should be parents to a Guatemalan orphan. We will hand them a form, a copy of our beloved home study, and several hundred dollars. In return, they will take our fingerprints and then send us on our way. Seems like a long drive for nothing, right? Well, in the long run, we're hoping that it saves us time. If you mail in your form, you have to wait for them to mail you an appointment to get fingerprinted, which could be several weeks down the road. Not to mention that if there is anything within my power to speed up the process, I'm going to bend over backwards to do it. I can't wait to see my little girl!
April 08
The insanity of it all!
Sharon and I are having fun planning for Isabella. Well, aside from the stress of getting the dossier paper work done, getting doctors to sign the paperwork legibly and making sure all paper work is done correctly. It's enough to make you scream.
BLAH!
Nope... didn't help.
Isabella, we love you sweet-pea.
Daddy...
A Baby is . . .
A baby is cuddles and tickles on toes,
the sweet scent of powder, a kiss on the nose!
A baby is teddy bears, rattles, and pins,
meals at midnight...giggles and grins.
by Sachi Khatri
Sharon and I are having fun planning for Isabella. Well, aside from the stress of getting the dossier paper work done, getting doctors to sign the paperwork legibly and making sure all paper work is done correctly. It's enough to make you scream.
BLAH!
Nope... didn't help.
Isabella, we love you sweet-pea.
Daddy...
A Baby is . . .
A baby is cuddles and tickles on toes,
the sweet scent of powder, a kiss on the nose!
A baby is teddy bears, rattles, and pins,
meals at midnight...giggles and grins.
by Sachi Khatri
April 05
There's Hope!
Apparently there is hope that Irene's doctor will return next week and we will be able to have the medical letters re-done Monday. Of course, once they are signed and notarized, we will send them off to our agency for review. If they do not meet requirements, we may need to do them again. Although this is can be very frustrating, we are actually very, very thankful that For This Child is as picky as they are about the documents. This will most likely save us from having complications during the actual adoption process in Guatemala. The Guatemalan agencies that review the cases are notoriously particular and it is, unfortunately, not uncommon to be "kicked out" of a particular stage of the process due to paperwork errors. A simple typographical error can delay your adoption several weeks! It seems like a pain now, but we will definitely appreciate it later. Besides, our darling Isabella isn't even born yet...
Bella,
I went shopping with Gamma today at the mall and saw some of the cutest things at a boutique for babies. We saw a beautiful, small chandelier to hang in your room and so many outfits and headbands! Gamma and I can't wait until you are born so we can really start shopping for you! Keep growing healthy and strong, baby girl!
Love, Mommy
Apparently there is hope that Irene's doctor will return next week and we will be able to have the medical letters re-done Monday. Of course, once they are signed and notarized, we will send them off to our agency for review. If they do not meet requirements, we may need to do them again. Although this is can be very frustrating, we are actually very, very thankful that For This Child is as picky as they are about the documents. This will most likely save us from having complications during the actual adoption process in Guatemala. The Guatemalan agencies that review the cases are notoriously particular and it is, unfortunately, not uncommon to be "kicked out" of a particular stage of the process due to paperwork errors. A simple typographical error can delay your adoption several weeks! It seems like a pain now, but we will definitely appreciate it later. Besides, our darling Isabella isn't even born yet...
Bella,
I went shopping with Gamma today at the mall and saw some of the cutest things at a boutique for babies. We saw a beautiful, small chandelier to hang in your room and so many outfits and headbands! Gamma and I can't wait until you are born so we can really start shopping for you! Keep growing healthy and strong, baby girl!
Love, Mommy
April 04
Mommy's paperwork frustrations
I spent this afternoon running around town collecting signatures for dossier documents. Most of our documents that we have completed need to be re-done. It's very frustrating because we hate to trouble our friends and family to do these documents and statements, and it is so much worse when we have to trouble them to do them over and over and over again. Some of the reasons for re-do's so far are abbreviated state initials (i.e. WA instead of Washington) and illegible signatures. We've hit another obstacle with the medical statements we need from our doctors. Apparently, Irene's doctor will be unavailable indefinitely (went TDY today) and her letter needs to be re-done. I'm not sure what we'll do to resolve this. If we have to schedule an appointment with a different doctor to see Irene, just to sign a letter, and it takes another 4 weeks to get an appointment, I may scream.
Isabella, darling, you are worth all of these little paperwork frustrations and the many months of waiting still ahead. I cannot wait to see your picture for the first time! Thinking about that day keeps me going. You are very loved and longed for!
I spent this afternoon running around town collecting signatures for dossier documents. Most of our documents that we have completed need to be re-done. It's very frustrating because we hate to trouble our friends and family to do these documents and statements, and it is so much worse when we have to trouble them to do them over and over and over again. Some of the reasons for re-do's so far are abbreviated state initials (i.e. WA instead of Washington) and illegible signatures. We've hit another obstacle with the medical statements we need from our doctors. Apparently, Irene's doctor will be unavailable indefinitely (went TDY today) and her letter needs to be re-done. I'm not sure what we'll do to resolve this. If we have to schedule an appointment with a different doctor to see Irene, just to sign a letter, and it takes another 4 weeks to get an appointment, I may scream.
Isabella, darling, you are worth all of these little paperwork frustrations and the many months of waiting still ahead. I cannot wait to see your picture for the first time! Thinking about that day keeps me going. You are very loved and longed for!
April 02
Home Study Visit Complete! - Greg's Perspective
Home Study Visit - 1st one is Complete...
We completed our 1st visit from our social worker on our home study. This is a major accomplishment for Sharon and I. We each had to write an autobiography which we had to answer questions on a worksheet. This worksheet leaves no stone unturned. My Bio was 10 pages long! Ick!
We used Ann Buckly Jones in Spokane Washington to complete our Home Study. Sharon and I were nervous about the two hour meeting scheduled in our home. What if she found something wrong? What if we said the wrong thing? What if she didn't like the bedroom arrangements? What if our house wasn't clean enough? What if... What IF... WHAT IF!!!!! Blah! It's enough to keep you up at night...
Sharon, Irene, and I cleaned our home from top to bottom starting a week and a half before the home study visit was to take place. Unfortunately, I was in my final week in my MBA Project Management class and had to go out of town for three days for work. I think Sharon was ready to kill, anything and everyone.
I arrived back home on Thursday March 30th and our HS meeting was scheduled for Friday March 31st at 12:30. Not to mention that my class final exam, team presentation, and team project was due hours away from when I returned. I went straight from work to pick up Irene at school and then directly to the college campus to study and put the final touches on the presentation and project. Sharon picked up Irene from UOP and I ran out to greet her (I hadn't seen her in 3 days). We assured each other all was going to be ok...
Class let out about 10pm and I got home about 10:30. The house was imaculate! Hats off to Sharon and to Irene. You guys rock. Friday morning came around after a toss and turn night. We got up to put the final touches on the house. Ann was due to show up at 12:30... Lots still to do.
After adding touchup paint to the walls - You try living with two Greyhound dog's and a Golden Retriver puppy and not having walls that are partially destroyed - we were ready at last. A quick jump into the shower and a change of clothes, I was personally ready - well, maybe not mentally.
Ann showed up at 12:35 and she immediately put us at ease. She asked if Irene would give the house tour. Ok, first stressor - Let's see if our parenting skills were up to par, was our 14 year old hormonal daughter going to ramble uncontrollably and explain how her parents are over reacting, over bearing, trolls from the deep end of misery? NO! Irene was delightful, witty, and funny! It turns out we are decent parents after all! Woo Hoo! Tour over - We talked about our lives and how a new baby would turn our world upside down. This meeting was to last 2 hours. We talked so much the meeting lasted 4 hours...
Ann - Thank you for putting us at ease and for doing our home study. Your professionalism and your way with Irene (not to mention Sharon and I) has made the HS a worthwhile pleasent experience and has also given us a unique perspective on the adoption process. Thank you....
Home Study Visit - 1st one is Complete...
We completed our 1st visit from our social worker on our home study. This is a major accomplishment for Sharon and I. We each had to write an autobiography which we had to answer questions on a worksheet. This worksheet leaves no stone unturned. My Bio was 10 pages long! Ick!
We used Ann Buckly Jones in Spokane Washington to complete our Home Study. Sharon and I were nervous about the two hour meeting scheduled in our home. What if she found something wrong? What if we said the wrong thing? What if she didn't like the bedroom arrangements? What if our house wasn't clean enough? What if... What IF... WHAT IF!!!!! Blah! It's enough to keep you up at night...
Sharon, Irene, and I cleaned our home from top to bottom starting a week and a half before the home study visit was to take place. Unfortunately, I was in my final week in my MBA Project Management class and had to go out of town for three days for work. I think Sharon was ready to kill, anything and everyone.
I arrived back home on Thursday March 30th and our HS meeting was scheduled for Friday March 31st at 12:30. Not to mention that my class final exam, team presentation, and team project was due hours away from when I returned. I went straight from work to pick up Irene at school and then directly to the college campus to study and put the final touches on the presentation and project. Sharon picked up Irene from UOP and I ran out to greet her (I hadn't seen her in 3 days). We assured each other all was going to be ok...
Class let out about 10pm and I got home about 10:30. The house was imaculate! Hats off to Sharon and to Irene. You guys rock. Friday morning came around after a toss and turn night. We got up to put the final touches on the house. Ann was due to show up at 12:30... Lots still to do.
After adding touchup paint to the walls - You try living with two Greyhound dog's and a Golden Retriver puppy and not having walls that are partially destroyed - we were ready at last. A quick jump into the shower and a change of clothes, I was personally ready - well, maybe not mentally.
Ann showed up at 12:35 and she immediately put us at ease. She asked if Irene would give the house tour. Ok, first stressor - Let's see if our parenting skills were up to par, was our 14 year old hormonal daughter going to ramble uncontrollably and explain how her parents are over reacting, over bearing, trolls from the deep end of misery? NO! Irene was delightful, witty, and funny! It turns out we are decent parents after all! Woo Hoo! Tour over - We talked about our lives and how a new baby would turn our world upside down. This meeting was to last 2 hours. We talked so much the meeting lasted 4 hours...
Ann - Thank you for putting us at ease and for doing our home study. Your professionalism and your way with Irene (not to mention Sharon and I) has made the HS a worthwhile pleasent experience and has also given us a unique perspective on the adoption process. Thank you....
February 28
In the beginning...
We decided to adopt a baby in December, 2005 after many prayers and discussions. Originally, we planned to adopt from Russia but our hearts felt pulled towards Guatemala a couple weeks later. The Freeman family took a vote and has chosen to request a female infant. Her name will be Isabella.
We signed our contract with For This Child to begin our adoption journey last Monday, February 20, 2006. We received our packet of information Wednesday evening and have been "paper chasing" ever since. It is a frantic scramble to gather documents from four different states so that we can complete step one. It seems each step has its own set of steps and they, in turn, have their own set, etc... It will all be worth it when the day comes that we get to bring Isabella home.
We decided to adopt a baby in December, 2005 after many prayers and discussions. Originally, we planned to adopt from Russia but our hearts felt pulled towards Guatemala a couple weeks later. The Freeman family took a vote and has chosen to request a female infant. Her name will be Isabella.
We signed our contract with For This Child to begin our adoption journey last Monday, February 20, 2006. We received our packet of information Wednesday evening and have been "paper chasing" ever since. It is a frantic scramble to gather documents from four different states so that we can complete step one. It seems each step has its own set of steps and they, in turn, have their own set, etc... It will all be worth it when the day comes that we get to bring Isabella home.
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