News

Well we recieved some news today. And as my e-mail started " We have good news and bad news, we will start with the bad news". The bad news is that uscis needs a letter stating that the adoption is not complete and we do not have permanent custody.That is the holdup on the papers we thought would be sent out this past Friday. They want it pronto. Well now the culture difference comes into play.You do not rush a Mexican. They will go slower. Unless GOD gives us mercy this could take a week. I am praying for that mercy. Carlos, the translator will call in the morning. He has to be at school at 8am which is the best time to reach our caseworker here at DIF or between 2 and 3pm. He will try each break he gets. I have just got off the phone with another lady who doesnt know if they will talk to her about it. She is working on her own adoption and speaks very good spanish. But she said to let her know tomorrow and all we can do is try. So if that paper gets back to uscis before the adoption is complete we are good. Gladney says even if it doesnt we are still good. That they have had americans come down here and adopt and then find out the work to get the kids into the US. SOOOO..Then once all this is done,adoption finalized, we go to get a new birth certificate, 2 days or so, medical exam, and passport and signed adoption decree we are home bound. NEXT CATCH, mexican passport to do from Juarez can take 4 to 6 weeks because it has to go to Mexico City. Well Gladney said they have a connection in San Luis Potosi, which is about 20 hours from here that might be able to go with us to Mexico City and get the passport in a week. Can save 4 to 5 weeks..We would fly I would think. 24 hour drive doesnt sound good to me and there are all kinds of driving and vehicle restrictions here in Mexico. So that is the adoption news..Are you confused? WELCOME to what I have had since I arrived. Two different cultures trying to do politics together..Sounding pretty entertaining? Only if you are not involved. I cannot tell you the feelings that Flooded me the minute I read the e-mail..The first was RUN RUN..GOT TO GO..A trait that as a teen I did not deal with mature. All tho I did go for about a 2 mile drive. Praying out loud for my Helper to come. Then came back here and prayed some more outside, trying not to let Sandra know my total sense of nothing to what was going on. I called a friend who was great and said Sharon there is no way this adoption is finalized. The city judge just signed it and it has to go to CHIHUAHUA and back and then be public notice for a week..So I believe we are good with that and prayfully wont have to do other papers for a different way..Then will DIF let us have this letter quickly? Only GOD knows the answers to these questions. Everyone I have talked to that is adopting, which is many, says that each one is so different..Gladney sent an encouraging letter saying that we are pioneer the path and way for many kids to get new and permanent families. I just pray to be able to see the BIG PICTURE..I see all the kids here every day ..Needing homes and families..I know the need.I look at Sandra everyday and know that if it were not for the fact that GOD put us together in two years she would be put out of the DIF system to the street. I know of no homes or help for kids who have grown up in orphanages that turn 18. There was a mentally handicap boy,Agustin, who turned 18 and out he went..To the streets..Mentally handicapped and in the orphanage in the first place because of the abuse he had recieved while on the streets as an orphan. I loved him and have never forgotten him. I still watch the streets in hope of one day seeing him. It has been 5 years now. Then Mari and Marina ,sisters, who grew up in an orphanage and when they turned 18 out they went.Praise GOD that Casa de la Nueva Vida had work for them until it closed and now they were blessed to find a 40ish married couple with 3 kids of their own that took them in. Except now the husband has been out of work for 3 months. Finding odd jobs to try and make ends meet. They sent their two older kids to the ladys moms for now..But they still have Mari and Marina..I so want to help them but this adoption is draining us..God has promised to care for his..I have to believe he will. The couple they live with are christians..So.I did talk to one non profit who said if I could gather info for them they might be willing to help the people because of Mari and Marina..They also knew them for Casa de la Nueva Vida..So we will survive this. GOD;s plan is much bigger than just us...Sandra is an amazing girl who is OUR DAUGHTER NOW..I dont care if I have papers or not..and told her that in therapy last week..We are praying together at night. Something I missed with my son. I realized last night about all of my control and things I had let go of to GOD since I arrived..GUESS what I forgot to give?? our daughter...I had been so caught up in doing the papers for her to be our that it slipped that she is not truly ours...She is GOD's. He is just trusting her to us to show her his ways...and help her grow and know family. We are family and soon we will be with the rest of our group to learn the family things that we so easily dont think about..Thank you lord for speaking to me about Sandra and her being yours and that I should release her to you. Help me to have strength as only you can give, peace that is only thru you, wisdom of you, and endurance..I love you lord and want to please you with all my heart...IN HIS NAME,,amen
Hap, I know you know what today has felt like. I am so happy to have you. We are one. I so pray that we will be together soon. I love you..your wife forever..