A Day of Nothing (Day 24)

Good evening dear friends!

This morning we were told that Mrs. Bartens, our lawyer's mom, would be going by the DNI (ID) office around 10am today to see if she could pick up the ID.  Our lawyer told us to enjoy the day as a family until we heard back from her.

So we headed out with Aunt Lala for at the Indian Market.  We spent several hours there walking around and checking out all the neat handmade items from Peru.  The kids really enjoyed looking around and trying to figure out which 1 item they wanted to buy at the end of our time there.  Jaiden & E chose a small hand-sewn Peruvian pouch and Levi chose a pair of fingerless gloves.  He wears gloves around the house all the time at home so we weren't at all surprised by his choice.  Aunt Lala spoiled them a bit more and bought each of the boys a slide whistle and bought E a Peruvian doll.  They were all so excited!

                                                          slide whistle similar to boys

Levi gloves lol

      E with the doll that Aunt Lala bought her.  She was so excited that her doll looked like her so 

Indian Market shops

Once we arrived home, we ate lunch and the kiddos headed down for a nap.  It was now close to 3pm and we still hadn't received an update from Karina or Mrs. Bartens.  Jonathan called Karina but had to leave a voicemail.  Unfortunately, she didn't call back with an update until after 5pm.  She said that they were unable to get the ID due to some logistics that we don't really understand.  Honestly, we are a bit disappointed because we were unable to get E's ID today but we know God's timing is perfect so we are holding onto that truth as our Thursday comes to an end! 

As I was finishing up that last paragraph, Karina called (10:12pm) to ask me to print a document she needs.  She asked that Jonathan & I both sign it and have it ready for her to pick up at 7am tomorrow morning.  She will be heading to the DNI office early in the morning to try and get E's ID.  

I know most of you probably saw Jonathan's FB post a few hours ago about the ID "situation" but for those who didn't, here it is:

We need everyone to pray specifically for the staff in the DNI office that they'll generate E's ID TOMORROW so we can get her passport & visa by Monday. Please ask others to join us in praying and let's watch God move this "mountain." Thanks!  

Thank you to those who are praying and for those who have rallied other prayer warriors to join us in prayer!  Please also pray for Jonathan.  He woke up this morning not feeling well due to his allergies and he progressively felt worse all day.  He went to bed before the kiddos this evening so he really must be feeling bad.  Please pray that he will be back to 100% in the morning so we can hit the ground running after Karina picks up E's ID.

 We are SO thankful to have you guys joining us on this journey!

~Michelle

Btw, Jonathan and his AMAZING blog posts will be back tomorrow LOL

*Here is the photo that was missing from yesterday's post about Levi & the pig

Step by step...unless you're a dead pig (Day 23)

As we approach the end of our 23rd day on this Providential journey, we are again amazed at God's provision and guidance each step of the way. The bulk of today's time was spent in one of two medical facilities getting things in order for E's US Visa clearance so we can return to the US. The first visit was with a Doctor who was very cordial and spoke great English. She was very patient with E and us as she asked many questions and examined E thoroughly. Since we moved from the Orphanage, she has gained about two pounds (which makes sense, she LOVES to eat), and is within range on the growth chart in that area. She is on the lowest end of the chart for her height, but the Doctor wasn't concerned about that.

From there, they sent us for E's TB test. For that we ventured over to another Clinic(it's actually a VERY nice hospital) about 5 miles away (yet it took us an hour to get there by taxi...that's what you get when you cram millions of people, thousands of cars, buses and lots of construction into a small area) only to find that the Vaccination office we were directed to was closed for a THREE-hour lunch...man, we thought Doctor's offices in the US were bad. No disrespect intended towards our Medical professional friends. Rather than waiting there for an hour, we walked a few blocks to get some lunch. It was nice to sit down and relax for a minute, anyhow. When we arrived back at the Clinic, the individual that greeted us in the Vaccination office informed us that we had been misinformed by the Front Desk. We actually needed to go to the Lab...so off we went. Only to find out that we needed to go to the Blood lab first to register...but before that we needed to go to registration to get verification that the Doctor's order was sufficient and legit, then back to the blood lab to register...then we could and DID finally return to the other lab for her TB test shot... and THEN, the day was done. Well, not really but we were able to leave the Clinic and come 'home.' By then Daddy, Mommy & E were all pretty worn out.

J & L were glad to see us, as we were them and they quickly informed us of their day's adventures with Aunt Lala. Those adventures included another trip to the food store where they saw frozen (whole) pigs. Levi is even quite confident that one of the pig's legs twitched. He was kind enough to lay on the floor and re-enact this for us after dinner. Sorry, we don't have a picture of that but here's a few from our adventures today. Then, please see our prayer requests below.

We appreciate your continued prayers! Here's a few specifics we'd like to ask you to pray with us about:

• E's ID will be ready tomorrow and we can get her Passport
• Peace for all of us and comfort that God has all this timing orchestrated perfectly (We also have a big family transition awaiting us quickly after we return to the US...much still needs to happen in that regard). Essentially, God needs to make the way. 
• A buyer for our home in Chatt
• A place to live in Little Rock
• A second family vehicle

Love you all! 

"It's not for you, it's for her" (Day 22)

These were the words uttered by our Attorney's mother (also an Attorney) just after 5 PM as we were leaving the Identification office. In a nutshell, we were able to submit all the necessary documentation to receive her ID, now we wait. The office we went to was instituted in order to process IDs in a 48 hour period versus the standard week or so turnaround. However, we were told that because E is being adopted, it would take an extra few days. Mrs. Bartens wouldn't have it. She immediately went to bat, explaining that this had been three years in the making and that we want to get home ASAP for Christmas. She cordially pushed the envelope and although she was unable to get a definitive "yes", she did get the director's name and phone number whom she will call first thing tomorrow. Please pray with us that she will be able to get the ID promptly so things aren't delayed any longer. 

While we were taking care of E's ID, Karina (our Attorney) was busy working with her contact at the US embassy to get the medical form we need in order to proceed with E's TB test. This isn't supposed to happen until after we have her passport, but that can't happen until we have her ID. However, we have all the documents necessary and since its just a matter of when, not if... Karina was able to get permission to procedure with the medical stuff while the ID and passport are in the works concurrently. We are so thankful for two attorneys that are working hard to try and get all these things done quickly. Everyone knows the closer we get to the Christmas holiday, the harder it will be to get things done. We are confident that God will make a way and provide the things we need in His perfect time. 

E did so well in both of the offices we were in today, she was patient and enjoyed the attention from several of the office personnel. The boys enjoyed some adventures including but not limited to a visit to the store, a walk in the park and ice cream with Aunt Lala. 

Mrs' Bartens words still ring in my ears. I had just offered to pay for her taxi ride home when she said those words. She is working hard to help us rescue an orphan... What she is doing pales in comparison to what God did for ME. He offered His own son, to die on the cross in MY place so I could be "adopted" into His family and have the promise of eternal life. Wow. 

Here's some pictures from today's adventures- 

Talk to you tomorrow. 

Tired (Day 21)

That's the result after a long day of going from here (by taxi) to there (several miles on foot) and after waiting for someone to sign a paper here we had to wait yet again there while they printed this and that so we could have what we went for. Got it? Anyhow, it took the entire day to get E's birth certificates, but praise The Lord we have them! 

If you've ever dealt with a government in a froeign country, you understand that many times one has to call repeatedly seeking a specific document before they get it. This was the case initially today as we awaited the official sealed document from the adoptions office that allowed us to proceed with getting the certificates. At one point, as we got closer to mid-afternoon, our Attorney feared we may not get them today. We threw up some "flare-prayers" (as I call them) and God moved In a mighty way providing them just before 4PM today. We moved quickly from that office to get E's passport photos printed. 

Tomorrow our goal is to get E's ID process underway. This is the step needed before we can get her passport. Please pray 1- we can get yet another document needed from the adoptions office early tomorrow and 2- that the ID can be ready in less than 24 hours versus the 48 that our attorney suspects. 

We are all doing well, by God's grace. Jaiden seems to be coming along better now that he is on meds for his ear infection. We've begun to take note that physically, E has better days than others. At times we can see where a CP diagnosis may be accurate, yet she doesn't always have the control issues that one often sees in a CP patient. We're certainly anxious to get back to the US to have her evaluated so we can get her whatever therapy/assistance is needed. Thankfully she doesn't let this 'clumsiness' slow her down at all, just moving right along to keep pace with her brothers and to enjoy the next event in life. God knows. 

Some pictures from our day...

                                     

Hard to believe we arrived in Peru 3 weeks ago tonight. At times it's flown by, and at other times...well you know. If there's anything we've learned along the way- it's been a reminder time and again to be grateful for the freedoms we have in the US and also the hope we have through our relationship with Jesus Christ. If you're reading this, stop...and give thanks. You could be somewhere else right now, without the people and things you cherish the most. If you don't realize or agree that you are where you are by God's grace, let me tell you- a life fully submitted to God isn't always easy, but it's definitely peaceful and comforting even at times when things just don't make sense. I'd love to share more with you, please message me via this blog and I'll be in touch. 

Keep us in your prayers as it relates to getting E's ID. Thanks! 

Hands & feet (Day 20)

Most of us have them...I'm using mine right now to write this post. (For all you smarty pants, no I'm not using my feet to actively type...pretty sure my typing would stink. "Ba-da-dum")  Although we use them constantly we most likely take them for granted. I know I do. However, in today's post I'm speaking metaphorically of these often "forgotten" appendages.

Along our adoption journey, we've had COUNTLESS people bless us with their kindness and love as we raised funds through garage sales, a car wash, a VERY involved and fun "Both Hands" project, jewelery sales, t-shirt sales, and among other things, a "36-Hour Drive to Peru" fundraiser. We also had friends donate funds outright at various stages along the way to help us. Truly, MANY people have sacrificed both financially & physically to help us get to this point, and for that we're truly grateful. Although the following lyrics come from a song that largely speaks of a Believer's responsibility in reaching others for Christ, I feel they're fitting in this context as well:

"But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is away?
There is a way"

In the context of this post however, MANY of you have (and are) showing Edyn and our family the love of Christ by your sacrificial love and prayers. There is one couple though, that have, over the last 20 days gone ABOVE and BEYOND for our precious family. I sit here fighting back the tears at the memories that have been forged within the walls of THEIR home which they've so graciously opened up to us. I've referenced them here and there throughout our time, but we wanted to publicly share our humblest gratitude. "Uncle David" and "Aunt Lala" (Tio & Tia for short in E's case) have showered us with Christ's love by their hospitality and generosity. It's one thing to open your home to a few people, but to open it to a family of 5 to LIVE in for 30 days or so...that's incredible! Its not just that though, they've ensured that we're well fed, they've taken us to great restaurants, and neat places here in Peru when we've had time to kill. They're related to Michelle's Uncle, so although there's no direct relationship to us- I'm pretty sure we've just kinda joined our circles. Here's the best thing- having their spiritual encouragement through prayers and godly conversation has been AWESOME. It's been so incredible to hear about how God has worked in their lives here in Peru to reach others for eternity...at the risk of making this post even longer, TRUST me when I tell you this is a PROVIDENTIAL thing (or as Lala taught us- a "Diosidencia" translation-God incident).

We humbly pray that God would allow us to somehow bless others along life's journey, just as David, Lala and you have blessed us.

Today was wonderful, a GREAT church service, time with our extended family & time to relax. Here's some pictures-

David & Lala

Before a delicious lunch at Pizza Hut...for the after picture, add a few pounds.

Please pray for us tomorrow as we hope to get E's birth certificate. This is the first of four "big" pieces of documentation we need before our return back to the states. Talk to you soon. Meanwhile, keep letting God reach people with your arms, heal them with your hands and teach them with your words. 

Blessings!

Grateful for Green Bows (Day 19)

This picture was taken on our 2nd full day with Edyn- she absolutely LOVES her green bow...or any bow for that matter. It's a very simple, cheap (as in cost-Michelle made it for less than $1), yet lovely hair piece. However, it doesn't always match; but that doesn't matter to her. What matters to her is that one- it was a GIFT, second- it is HERS. She would wear it every day if we'd let her.

She also doesn't take ANYTHING for granted. No, she doesn't say it in so many words; but she LOVES her outfits, and she LOVES her shoes, she eats ALL her food, she enjoys playing with her dolls, and she enjoys being held & loved on. She has helped us to realize how difficult we make life out to be at times...and for that- we're grateful. All too often, I think we all make life more difficult by taking things for granted, or by not being satisfied with where we are in life and what we have.

This Christmas- we have the best gift of all (besides Jesus), a complete family. What have you taken for granted? Do you need to be grateful for green bows? I do.

Please keep Jaiden in your prayers- he's developed an ear infection and is on an antibiotic. Also, please continue to pray for all the paperwork that needs to be done (birth certificate, ID, Passport, Visa) for Edyn, that process begins on Monday bright and early!

"Buggy"ing through life (Day 18)

Well, our first full day as an official family of 5 is drawing to a close. It's been a great day! Our blog and video on YouTube has been viewed over 1,000 times! Wow. Thank you all so much for following along on this incredible journey! 

Today, as it relates to our journey is known as the "day of silence". Apparently the adoptions office personnel feel as though a given family going through this process needs a day to let it all sink in before beginning the fun process of getting a new birth certificate, ID, passport, etc. On our day of silence, we enjoyed some downtime, playing outside together, making hair bows, watching movies and going for a long, leasiurely stroll. We anticipate much of the same over the weekend in anticipation of a very busy week next week getting all of Edyn's documents in order so that we can make preparations to return to the US. Please pray that we can get everything done in a timely & efficient fashion! 

At one point today, we ventured a few blocks over to the grocery store. We're so grateful there is one close so we don't have to take a taxi each time we need to go. Anyhow, as you can imagine- the kids were highly interested in helping push the shopping cart (or as Michelle- my awesome wife and best friend would say: buggy) and as usual, it's a challenge keeping them from knocking the stuff off the end caps onto the floor. As we were leaving, and Jaiden was pushing the cart along, I redirected it at the last minute from a collision with an innocent pedestrian. As I did, Jaiden reminded me- "Dad, I can push it, I'm strong enough." I reminded him that even though he could push it, there were things I could see that he couldn't and I needed to help guide him. At that moment, it hit me- that's what God wants to do for us. However, too many times we're like the 7 year old that wants to keep pushing the cart along without any help. As we walked the few blocks back to the house, I had to ask God's forgiveness for all too often, for "buggy"ing through life without His guidance. 

Thanks again for all of your prayers & support. Please keep praying for our adjustment time and for provision as it relates to all the paperwork we need. 

Blessings!