News from Haiti

We have heard from our agent in Haiti. She has instructed us to file the required paperwork with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This form is titled "Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition". This form will give Bob and I approval from the U.S. government to adopt a child from another country. We were told not to file this form until all the paperwork in Haiti had been submitted to different agencies and had reached the official government office. It is my understanding that all forms had to go through several offices before reaching the government office that makes the final determination. I have not been told that it is in this office. However, I was told to file the Orphan Petition. To Bob and I this a positive step. We also have been instructed to file the required form with the Haitian Immigration Services when we are in Haiti in December.

God is in control. His timing is perfect.

Haiti in December

Bob and I have been praying and seeking God's will as to when we should return to Haiti. There is a very good chance that we will be going in December with a mission group. An opportunity has come our way and we feel this is what the Lord wants us to do.

I have contacted our adoption agent who lives in Port-au-Prince to see if there is anything that we could do while there to help with this process. We are waiting for her response.

When I do get discouraged, I go to Tara and Troy Livesays blog which gives a long list of bloggers who have adopted Haitian children and start reading their updates. There have been many successful stories with some taking as long as three years to finalize the adoption.

It really breaks my heart to know there are so many needy children in Haiti and it hard to understand why it takes so long. Yes, I know there are needy children in the U.S. and all over the world. However, God has called us to adopt this little 11 year old girl from Haiti.

Please continue to pray for Jenifer and the other children in Haiti.

Prayers for Haiti

The people of Haiti have suffered greatly this hurricane season. Many have died and many are homeless. The Bercy children's home came through the storms with very little damage. All of the children are safe. However, the number of children has more than doubled. More than 50 children and 4 adults from another home that was destroyed in the last storm have been relocated to the Bercy home. Your prayers will be appreciated.

There is no news on the adoption. Right now the main focus in Haiti is survival. Please pray.

God is in control.

We finally received word from our agent in Haiti that she is a waiting on a document from a family member of Jenifer's that has not been seen in four years. Bob and I need your prayers. This waiting is a very difficult time for us and I am sure it is even more so for Jenifer. So, this means that until this relative is found, everything apparently is being held up. The dossier is still with the agent. It has not gone to the Haitian government for review. God is in control.

Visit to Haiti

Missing Jenifer

We would love to go to Haiti before the end of the year. Jenifer expressed in her note that she missed us and wanted to know when we will be back.

They say once you reach a certain age that the days fly by. Let me tell you that my days are not passing fast. It seems like it has been years since we began the adoption process. Actually, the papers were sent to our agent in Haiti in May.

God has given Bob and I a special bond with this child. We love her already as she is our own daughter. I saw a happy picture of her on Tasha Rae's blog. You can find her blog address on cabaretkids.blogspot.com. Jenifer was having fun with David Garrett of the Jax. Baptist Convention. David along with other Pastors recently traveled to Bercy. David loves the children and they love him.

Please pray with us on the adoption. By bringing Jenifer to America will also mean there would be room for one more needy child in Haiti to have the hope of shelter, food, clothing and an education at the children's home.

Jenifer

It is difficult at times to wait even when we know that God's timing is perfect. It has been two months since we have heard from the agency in Haiti. Even though we were told it may be months before we hear any news, I did email Ms. Barb requesting an update.

Recently, during rest, I dreamed we were at the children's home in Haiti with a mission group. I had been there for three days and realized I had not seen Jenifer. I woke up immediately seeking the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. In the letter we received from her in June, she told us that she missed us very much and wanted to know when we were coming back. Please pray for this child that she is content and God will give her the peace of knowing that we love her even though we are not there with her. But most of all, that she knows of His tremendous love and sacrifice.

What a blessing it was for us to go on the mission trip to West Virginia with the others from Suwannee County. I must say this was one of the best trips I have ever been on. Bob and I were on the evangelism team. Our team under the leadership of the Holy Spirit had the privilege of knocking on approximately 800 doors. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!