Jenifer enjoying fun at the beach,

Happy Memories

The picture of Jenifer above was taken in January when we were in Haiti with a mission team from our church, First Baptist of Live Oak. On Sunday afternoons, when a team is visiting, the older children from the orphanage travel with the team to the beach. This is the only time the children leave the compound. WOW, they have fun swimming and playing. We traveled about 30 minutes to a private beach where everyone enjoyed a few hours with the children. They were so happy and full of energy. We love this happy picture of Jenifer and have it framed hanging on our wall.

We have heard nothing since our paperwork for the adoption arrived in Haiti. I do know of a family that submitted their papers in January and expect to have their child by October. But, then I read different blogs where families have waited 18 - 24 months. As I have mentioned before, this entire process is in God's hands. Bob and I know His timing will be perfect.

In the meantime, our friend Liz from Shindler Drive Baptist Church in Jax. just returned from Haiti with pictures of Jenifer and a sweet note from her. Hope to get Bob to scan the note (I don't how) and I can share with everyone. Her handwriting in English is very legible. Most important she expressed her love for Bob and Linda. Liz reports that her English has improved considerably since she was last in Haiti, June 2007. I think all these children at the home have such a desire to learn. They want to be able to communicate with the missionaries. So, many are studying very hard to learn English.

Bob and I are leaving next Friday to go on a mission trip with the Suwannee Bapt. Assoc. group. There are 50 people traveling to West Va. There are 12 from our church. We will be gone 7/18- 7/25. Please remember all of us in your prayers that we will be able to accomplish all things that the Lord directs us to do. Pray that we will be open to the Spirit's call and be willing to step out of our comfort zones to serve him. Last, pray for safety and good health for the team.

Please continue to pray for the adoption and Jenifer's safety.

Just For Fun

This sweet girl, Fausterlee, gave me an afternoon of beauty. This was quite a job as I have short hair and Fausterlee was bound and determined to get every single strand of hair on my head pulled into a small bunch and then she would fastened with colorful rubberbands and clips. She accomplished what she set out to do. By the way, the wetness at the top of my shirt is not water, it is perspiration. Think it was about 100 degrees in the shade that day. It was a lot of fun for me because it made her so happy.

Wait, Wait, Wait

Yes, this is the waiting period. It may be months before we hear anything. Bob and I were talking this morning and we both agree that the saying "no news is good news" may really be true in this situation. We have become familiar in hearing we need this and that piece of paperwork notarized with four copies translated into French, authenticated by the State of Florida and by the Haiti Consulate General in the U.S. We do know that all the required paperwork is in the hands of the person in Haiti that can make this adoption happen. Now we wait. God's timing is always perfect and that is the only way we will be able to get through the days ahead.

For Bob and I we already have those parental feelings toward Jenifer, we do trust in the Lord to take care of our child in Haiti just as we trust in Him to watch over children and grandchildren here in the U.S.

Psalms 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

Jenifer's bracelet

Last June, my good friend Cindy made bracelets for all the children at the orphanage. Cindy got her nephew and nieces involved. They made the bracelets from different colored beads and put each child's name on by using lettered beads. The children were so happy having something personal. Jenifer is trying to show her beautiful bracelet. Also, she is holding her newest friend, the teddy bear that plays "Jesus Loves Me."

All documents are in Haiti. Ms. Barb will be meeting with the Haitian government soon. Please keep us and Jenifer in your prayers.

Jenifer's Baptism

Last year in June, we had the opportunity to see Jenifer and several other children from the orphanage partipate in baptism. Cheryl had been talking with the children about Jesus. Jenifer and several others trusted in Jesus as their Lord and dedicated their lives to follow His teachings. Interesting for us is that God had not placed on our hearts to adopt Jenifer. He loves us so much that He made sure that we were there to share in the most special day of the little girl that would become our daughter.

Mealtime in Haiti