Gifts from the Lord

Been A While

2011-03-31T17:33:00.003-05:00

I think was May when I posted last. Life has happened since then...We've got two college students now, taken a trip to Disney World (once in a lifetime, all expenses paid type), had a great time at the XL and Sola Conferences. Not all has been wonderful but all has been totally orchestrated by our Lord. Thankful.

Public Speaking in 4-H

2011-03-31T17:29:00.002-05:00

Birthday Party Guests

2011-03-31T17:27:00.001-05:00

Summer Fun!

2010-06-08T11:50:00.006-05:00

Latest Doin's : Pics Taken

2010-02-16T22:11:00.012-06:00

Playing Chess
Truths learned at home and in the toddler nursery at church... a gift from them.

Lovin' that Christmas Eve snow.
Our girls just a swingin'
Doesn't that food look yummy? Ready for the 4-H food show.
Now here's some bad dudes!
Pretty girls showing off dresses made by their Granna.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T13:32:00.003-06:00

Wishing all who read this blog a very Merry Christmas. We are blessed beyond measure and thankful that we have this special opportunity each year to remember what our Savior did for us on our behalf. To become like us, experience life as we do with all the trials and sufferings and to do it perfectly without sin even once. I am so thankful He provided a way to reconcile my sinful life in exchange for His righteous one in God's sight. How humbling it is to think on these truths as we remember the sacrifice he ultimately made. Hallelujah what a Savior!

Haven't Updated In A While...

2009-10-24T11:44:00.002-05:00

Here are the girls last week sharing the "favorite" rocker. It's finally gotten cool enough for long sleeves. We are busy making costumes for our local fair...It will be a first for the girls. I'm sure they will be overwhelmed. They are adjusting very well and have blended right into our large family. The love structure in their days and each one has a love of books being read to them or reading to themselves (looking at pictures). They have already blessed our lives tremendously and we are thankful to have them here with us. I'll post pics of the costumes once they are done.

Package Arrived...

2009-08-24T19:37:00.002-05:00

We received the updated BC's today. Yea! Now we can proceed with doing the readoption in TX along with name change. We are hoping to do it ourselves and save some. It's so nice to get advice from those who done it before us.

The girls are doing so well. They have begun to come to us and hug us, now, unsolicited. We are so blessed that the adjustment has gone so smoothly. They love going swimming with us and playing in the backyard. They are trying to say more and more English words every day. Too cute!

Interesting...

2009-08-05T20:52:00.002-05:00

Went to the Social Security office last Friday to get the girls' cards. I presented all the papers for the girls. The agent noticed that the date entered on McKelle's BC for having been logged into "the book" in MIXCO was dated before her birth. Oops! Thankfully, I had other documentation that verified her birth that the Social Security office could use. I came home and checked the original documents and they were in error as well. I was shocked that this was not found with all the checking of documents over the past two years. To miss this error...

My coordinator in country is looking into it and will try to straighten it out and get us a new BC with the correct log date. I hope it doesn't take too long as we would like to file for change of name and readoption in TX before Christmas.

Any how, the SS#'s should be here in a couple of weeks. Another interesting thing is that they said they couldn't issue the numbers back to back so one would have to wait a day before it could be submitted into the computer.

Very Interesting...

2009-07-25T10:58:00.002-05:00

Just received our youngest girl's information from the USCIS. Discovered she has 3 siblings that all still reside with their mother. They are a 15 year old brother and a 11 year old sister and brother.
We thought that she likely did have siblings just because her mother was in her 30's.

McKelle had no siblings when she was born. Nice to have more history on both girls.

Now we can apply for their SS#'s. They said they need birth certificates, Certificate of Citizenship and the adoption decree. We hope to have their names officially changed by the first of the year. The paperwork never ends.

Life is Good...

2009-07-17T09:02:00.004-05:00

The girls are adjusting very well to their much bigger family. McKelle understands most everything we tell her in English and is speaking more and more each day. She really enjoys using the sign language to communicate her wants. McCaule is picking up the English as well but I can tell has some holes yet in understanding a few things. She can imitate many of our words.

It has been a real blessing that they have been such good eaters (even salad) and sleepers. They really have thrived being on a schedule. They love going outside on the playground and using the cozy coup. We're not seeing very much play together yet, but that's normal for 2 y.o.'s. The other kids keep trying to get them to hold hands...funny. The cutest day of the week is dress up. The older girls (age 10 and 8) dress them up all morning in little princess dresses. This is a highlight of everyone's week. :D

McCaule Turns Two!

2009-07-01T08:24:00.004-05:00

Pooh Party

"Winky" the elephant and quilt made by sister, McCrae

First bite of cake

HOME...

2009-06-17T17:25:00.002-05:00

We finally have both our girls home with us. McCaule landed at DFW airport around 11:20 this morning. We are so excited to begin this part of the journey and leave the past behind to some degree but also reap the spiritual blessings the Lord has brought out of it.

Getting on a Jet Plane...

2009-06-14T18:40:00.002-05:00

But I know where it's headed...Guatemala! My husband should make landfall 7:05 GT time and then tomorrow is the Visa Appt. with the embassy for McCaule. I made sure he had a sign Power of Attorney from me so he could process alone and my passport to prove that I visited prior as well to get the R3 visa which will allow for McCaule to have full citizenship upon arrival in the U.S. on Wednesday.

Please pray for him as he will be her sole caregiver and her as she makes the adjustment. Hope she remembers him since it's only been a month that we were there together.

We have three family members (including myself) suffering from some kind of terrible flu (lasts a week with 1/2 of the time having a high fever). Please pray that we are all fever free by the time she arrives home.

We Are Pink Again!!!!

2009-06-03T22:51:00.003-05:00

Received notice from the consulate that we have our pink (pick up) notice. It is currently scheduled for Monday, June 8, but we are needing to push the date forward due to other responsibilities for June 15th. Needless to say, we are thrilled with this development.

Thanks to all who have continued to pray on our behalf. You have been a blessing to us and I know the Lord has been glorified.

Rod will be making the trip alone this time. We have a few details to work out...flights, lodging etc.

Currently...

2009-05-28T19:20:00.002-05:00

This morning, my husband, 18 yo dtr and myself left the house at 6:30 to journey to Ft. Worth and beat traffic to redo our fingerprints with the USCIS. All went well there. Glad to have that done.

This afternoon, we received confirmation from our attorney that the I-72 paperwork requested by the embassy was submitted on Tuesday morning. Glad that was taken care of as well. Now we will wait to hear from them as to what they are doing with our file.

Our facilitator here in the states indicated that we could travel next week to get McCaule, but as of today we have received no word from the embassy. I know they have the correct email address so that's not a factor for us. We'll see what the Lord has planned and then we'll adjust ours. It's not like we don't have plenty to do.

McKelle continues to do well and her adjustment has been good. What a blessing that has been.

Another email from dhs

2009-05-22T13:32:00.003-05:00

The DHS is not requesting yet another authorized copy of McCaule's passport. We already gave them one when we were there. Maybe they lost it?

The also stated "the USCIS Office of Field Operations has re-submitted your fingerprints and they have been processed by the FBI system" Interesting...we are still going to get our prints done this next week to cover all our bases. To say that I do not trust what they tell me is an understatement.

We are hopeful that this can be resolved quickly and we will be able to go get our little one soon. Pray that the details of that trip can be smoothed as we have tons going on during the month of June. I just thought May was busy...mostly trips by hubby and family reunion. I know the timing of the Lord will be perfect.

I can rejoice truly in all that has happened and know that getting the girls one at a time was best, difficult, but best. So glad to serve a Lord that knows better than me. :)

We have an appt. for prints...

2009-05-18T19:16:00.002-05:00

We got our appt. for re-fingerprinting but it's not until the 28th. A year ago when we had this done, you could make your own appt., but this time they set the date and time. We'll go with it as at this point Rod does not have a conflict for that date. If we don't make the appt., they will consider the adoption abandoned. Scary!

We are eagerly watching to see how the Lord plays all this drama out. At this point, all we can do is watch and wait.

Nice to Be Home

2009-05-18T11:52:00.002-05:00

McKelle appears to be adjusting well to life with 8 siblings. She is the center of attention. I can tell it's been a while since we've had a little one in the house as everyone is so concerned when she cries. She is sleeping through the night with only one waking, usually around 5 a.m. and then she goes back to sleep until 7. We've been putting her to bed at 8 p.m. and hope to work at turning that to 7 with only one nap per day instead of two. I think she was allowed to sleep whenever she wanted in GT and not on any time of schedule. She is a typical two year old, tantrums and all. She's throwing less of those as we deal with them. So thankful for having gone through this with the other kids.

We placed her on a regimen of yogurt, Primadophilus, oat bran, B-vitamins and iron to address her digestive issues. Thankfully, we are seeing great improvement. The Lord is good. We also switched her to soy milk as I think that may have been part of her problem.

Cake Face... Welcome Home Party

2009-05-16T11:38:00.002-05:00

The Lord's Sovereign Will...

2009-05-13T21:26:00.003-05:00

It is with sadness that I write, we will not be coming home with our little McCaule. The dhs portion of the embassy not only did not pass our file over to the visa division once the I-72 was corrected, but they have now notified us that our file is under investigation. Please pray that they Lord would soften the heart of the one in charge who is calling the shots. She is not an American but a Guatemalan placed in this place of power and she wields it. My heart hurts for her.

We are also now forced to renew our fingerprints once again. The good news is that we began the process before we left and now wait to get the go ahead.

The wonderful news is that we are bringing home our little McKelle. Of the two, we can see the Lord's blessing in granting her release as she is the needier of the two. We were blessed to celebrate her 2nd birthday here and share some special memories with both girls. Today we journeyed to a market to purchased special paper mache' dolls that are dressed in clothing reflective of the area from which they were born. The Lord also gave us special new friends who have cared for us. It is wonderful to see the body of Christ working together even abroad.

The Lord has stretched us in ways we would never have dreamed and been faithful to us and showing us that He indeed is in control of all things and for His glory and our good. It has helped us be even more Christ focused and may God be forever praised for that. I would have never personally chosen this outcome, but then I am not sovereign or all-knowing.

We are looking forward to our trip home and the graduation of our daughter from home school on Friday evening. His timing is perfect.

Today's News...

2009-05-13T10:19:00.004-05:00

We did not receive a pink notice yesterday and were very disappointed. After a trip to the Guatemalan zoo, we decided to go eat dinner. One of the girls was not in a good humor and was screaming. After we felt like she'd eaten all she wanted, Rod took her back to the room. A gal who is also adopting asked whether we'd gotten the second appt. There was a gentleman at another table who interjected and asked if we were adopting and about our progress. He couldn't believe how we were being treated. Her is a very prominant figure in international adoptions. He told us he would inquire to see if he could help us out but couldn't give any guarantees. We are encouraged to see what the Lord is doing on our behalf and are waiting see what the final outcome becomes. Please pray for the Lord's will to be done.

What's Happening....

2009-05-12T14:58:00.003-05:00

We arrived here in Guatemala on Friday evening after a 45 minute delay in our flight. We were met with folks wearing masks and asking us to fill out swine flu sheets. Our driver met us and got us to LaCasa Grande where we got an early to bed time of 9:30 pm.

Saturday we were awoken by the phone. It was our facilitator calling to tell us that our I-72 was never re-entered into the embassy. Thursday, the embassy would not take the file from our attorney because her name was not on the original file(remember we switched attorneys last summer). The next day, the legal aid who has always worked the case tried to submit the file and they would not take it from her either. These are new conditions they decided to implement. So it was up to us on Monday to get the file re-entered.

Saturday, we took a tour of Antigua with a guide from Victor's tour offices named Luis. He was wonderful. We toured a coffe plantation, a jade factory where I purchased an adoption ring, Santa Domingo, a refurbished convent that was destroyed in a horrible earthquake and now was made into a lovely hotel and museum. We also visited the market for goodies.

We got the girls on Sunday, but because it was Mother's Day here as well, the foster mother's did not want to bring the girls until later. It ended up being 7 pm before we got both girls and it was a very emotional thing as both fosters were crying and not wanting to leave. Once they finally left around 8 pm, we ate dinner with the girls and they ate everything in sight. We met briefly with our coordinator for the next day's plan of action.

The girls slept between us in a King size bed, but Rod and I got little sleep. The girls slept great but are active sleepers. Monday we got happy campers for them to sleep in. They are very busy little 2 year olds and are kind to one another.

Monday we went to the embassy to turn in the I-72. We were #1 on the list. While we waited to see Angela, the top dog, we walked down the block to get the girl's visa pictures made. That was the easiest thing we did all day. We then waited for our meeting. We also spoke with the consular section to let them know we were there and wanted a quick appt. They were very understanding but said they couldn't do anything about speeding up the dhs portion of the embassy. We had our meeting with Angela requesting a quick resolution and she was not moved. Just said she would do no special favors and things would proceed an usual and she could promise nothing. We did get a pink slip for McKelle for Tuesday morning. At least one of them is coming home with us.

Monday evening we had dinner with missionary friends. McCaule threw up in there car on the way over (I got car sick as well but no mess on my part :) We had a wonderful time and the girls were entertained by the Conners children. We got them to bed early for we had to be at the embassy at 7:15.

The appt went well and we are to get our final secret packet tomorrow at 3:30. We are still hoping to get an appt. for McCaule tomorrow morning . That would push our home coming forward a day, but if it works, that would be the best result in our opinion.

The girls are doing quite well and we all seem to be adjusting to one another. Some bowel issues with McKelle, but that has always been the case when we visited. I believe she may be lactose intolerant, but they've never had that documented. It's somewhat easier to deal with since she's older and we can feed her alternate foods.

More later...

Here We GO....

2009-05-06T12:08:00.002-05:00

Our facilitator who is now in GT told us to make our flight plans for the weekend. She said we should have an appt. for Monday. It has been quite a battle with the passport office and embassy over the past few weeks. We don't know the details yet, but please pray for an uneventful trip.

The only date to return is Thursday as Wednesday is booked...cutting it very close to graduation on Friday. Whew!

Still waiting...

2009-04-29T21:13:00.002-05:00

Found out today that a new BC was requested by the Visa Center in order to produce a corrected Visa. It was to be delivered today and then a new Visa Requested. At that point, all is to be taken to the embassy, hopefully tomorrow, and a request made for them to process the file since the error was with the Visa process which is an American entity. We shall see if they grant the request.

The embassy is closed on Friday for Labor Day. We really don't have any idea when we will be traveling. We do know that the consulate portion of the embassy has both girls DNA results and McKelle's file. They are just waiting on McCaule's. Be in prayer that our desires will be aligned with the Lord's.

Soon to be Home...

2009-04-27T22:12:00.002-05:00

Good Reminder

2009-04-23T17:37:00.001-05:00

..."Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace, nor are your best days ever so good that you are beyond the need of it." Jerry Bridges

A friend had this as a quote today and felt that it was very appropriate.

Just Thought We Were Going...Another Problem

2009-04-23T09:42:00.002-05:00

Just received yet another I-72 from the embassy on McCaule's files that stated the birthdate on the BC and Visa were not the same with the initial file. I am not sure which is incorrect, but this will delay a pick up and I am not sure how long it will take to fix. Our fingerprints are set to expire in a couple of weeks, so I guess we'll have to make the appt. to redo those. Can this get anymore complicated? We'll keep everyone posted.

On Its Way!

2009-04-21T11:02:00.003-05:00

McKelle's DNA is finally on its way back to the Embassy in Guatemala.

We received the results of McCaule's DNA on Saturday in the mail with a current picture. Too Cute. I can't wait to see McKelle's at the end of this week. USPS is so slow these days. Takes them 4-5 days to deliver an envelope from North Carolina to TX.

Update 4/22/09 - DNA delivered today at 3:23 p.m. to the embassy!

Delayed but not Late...

2009-04-16T15:56:00.002-05:00

Looks like we will not be traveling Friday to get the girls next week as the 2nd DNA for McKelle will not be ready in time for an embassy appt. next week.

We are pushing the trip back an additional week to fulfill commitments we've made to our other children so likely it will be the last part of April or first part of May when we travel to bring them home.

Please pray for the remainder of the details.

Finally...

2009-04-16T11:31:00.002-05:00

McKelle's DNA reached Labcorp this morning! Yippee! Now, we have to figure out if we still have time to travel for possibly a Wednesday embassy appt. Pat at Labcorp said they do test through the weekend so it could go out on Monday with a delivery on Tuesday and appt on Wednesday. We'll see. Praying and seeking advice from our facilitator.

Back to the Embassy

2009-04-13T10:48:00.003-05:00

McCaule's DNA results are on their way back to the Embassy in Guatemala. We are stalking the Fed Ex site to see when it arrives.

McKelle's DNA is still MIA. Hopefully, it will make it to Labcorp either today or tomorrow. We'd appreciate your prayers on this issue. We are so ready to get our little girls, but also trying to consider it all joy as we continue to endure the end of this event.

Update: The McCaule's results made it to the embassy yesterday at 3:30 pm.

One DNA Has Made It...

2009-04-09T12:28:00.002-05:00

McCaule's DNA showed up at Labcorp yesterday. Pat emailed me to let me know. Still can't get any information on whether McKelle's was done on Tuesday, but the date on McCaule's was Tuesday the 7th.

We're trying to plan which date would be best to travel. The Embassy only gives out appointments on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Hopefully, we will be able to get it moved back if it falls on another week if we plan to be in country...details, details. :)

One Plus One Equals Two...

2009-04-06T19:28:00.002-05:00

We now have our second embassy approval for DNA. Our coordinator in GT said they plan to take the samples tomorrow and get them off before the Easter Holiday. GT basically shuts down beginning Wednesday through Sunday.

Our prayer is that things go according to the said plan. Still looks like we'll be traveling around the 17th. The Lord has been so gracious to us all along and we know He will sustain us now that things are getting crazy in last minute planning of details before our trip.

2 Oranges Take Away 1 Orange Equals...

2009-04-02T16:07:00.002-05:00

We have McCaule's permission from the embassy to get a second DNA! I am amazed as that means she has her BC already. Strange that McKelle's hasn't already been done though. Her BC has been completed for a while. I'll try to find out more details later.

We are excited here, though. Another huge step. Now we can begin making travel plans.

Current Plan...

2009-03-30T17:40:00.002-05:00

This came from our GT coordinator today:

" Milton orange slip will be ready for next Monday (April 6th). Tuesday second DNA test and then wait for pink slip or visa appointment."

The reason for the small delay is that Coban will not print our BC until this Thursday. They did not give a reason. Must be backlogged. :)

The Last File has been release from RENAP!

2009-03-27T17:56:00.002-05:00

Today has been a little tense to say the least. I phoned RENAP around 11:30 GT time and the file had not been retrieved. I phoned our coordinator and she told me that both of my attorneys were set to be there by 2:30 and that I should phone back around 3:30. RENAP closes at 4 pm each day. I ended up phoning at 3:55 pm GT time and my attorney was standing in front of Gabby to get the file right then. Talk about a heart stopper! It was like I was standing there watching it all happen. Too Cool!

I am so thankful that the Lord saw fit to have the file released today. He is so good to us. Now, hopefully the fast stuff.

I did find out today that the girls are not being fostered by the same gal anymore. I guess it was too difficult for an elderly woman to manage two almost two year olds. The new foster's name is Karina. She cares for McKelle. Cindy said the girls had not seen one another for a couple of months now. I knew that it was strange that there were no pictures of them sent where they were together. Well soon they will be together for a very long time. :)

Newest Photos of the Girls...

2009-03-26T17:45:00.003-05:00

They are getting so big.

McCaule - 20 1/2 months

McKelle - 22 months

The Latest

2009-03-24T19:57:00.003-05:00

We know that McCaule's BC was approved by Renap last Friday for sure. What we haven't been able to find out whether it was definitely picked up by the attorney. Only the attorney may obtain the file. Central RENAP told me yesterday the file had not been picked up, but he was looking at a computer screen which is not always updated; that is why we are waiting for confirmation from our Guatemalan coordinator. The wonderful news is that it was approved.

If it was not retrieved last week, we have to wait until Friday of this week, so a week of getting Visa, DNA would have been lost. In times like these, one has to rest in the sovereignty of God.

update 3/26/09: Our attorney did try to pick up the file last Friday but RENAP would not give it to her. They gave her other files, just not ours. I phoned today and they told me to tell my attorney to come pick up the file tomorrow (Friday). I will likely phone them tomorrow to make sure the file was retrieved. Gabby had the file in her hand today when I spoke with her, so I know for sure it was not given to the attorney.

File Resubmitted!!!

2009-03-18T11:31:00.002-05:00

McCaule's file was picked up on Tuesday, the 17th, corrections made and resubmitted. They can be fast in Latin America sometimes :) I spoke with Gabby at RENAP this morning and she said the file should be ready with an approval this Friday, the 20th. The excitement is building...

Thank you all for your prayers. This has definitely been a life changing event, more spiritually than physically at this point... and all for the good. God's timing is perfect and the best, no question about it. Sometimes takes the heart a while to catch up with the head knowledge. :)

One OUT One to Go...

2009-03-15T20:27:00.004-05:00

Found out today than McKelle's BC was approved by Central RENAP and will now go to MIXCO to have the BC printed. McCaule's BC may have an error that needs to be fixed, but our coordinator in Guatemala didn't know for sure and will contact us tomorrow after conferring with our attorney. If it indeed has an error, they are usually easily fixed and then will quickly be out. Coban is a much easier municipality to work with than MIXCO.

Very Good News that some activity is happening!

update: McCaule's does indeed have an error... some paperwork missing. It should be an easy fix. Hopefully, the file can be picked up today and then resubmitted tomorrow.

Good Weekend Report

2009-03-06T16:56:00.002-06:00

This from our coordinator in GT:

Both files are at Central Renap.

We had trouble with Mixco but Aida (our attorney) and the chief of CENTRAL RENAP made it possible to have the file of McKelle at CENTRAL RENAP.

Otto(the attorney who does our leg work) is friend of the person in charge to authorized this files, and he said to prioritize them to have them ready in just a few days.

We are truly excited to see how the Lord is moving on our behalf. Please pray for those families still hung up in the process.

Made it On the RENAP Site

2009-03-02T19:16:00.002-06:00

I periodically check to see if the girls names are in the data bank at RENAP. Today, McKelle's name was listed. That means her file has been registered and ready to be picked up and a new certificate issued in our name. The date received was last Thursday. This is good news indeed. Now, it we can just get McCaule's done this week. This is getting exciting now.

RENAP News

2009-02-20T18:49:00.003-06:00

Today I spoke with Luis at GT RENAP to check on the status of the girls' BC approvals. He had some encouraging news: McKelle's BC should be ready to exit by next Friday, the 27th and McCaule's could possibly be ready by the same time. Once they are approved by RENAP in GT then they have to travel back to the municipality where the girls were born and they print the birth certificates with our last name on them. Luis told me to have a nice weekend before the call ended. What a nice fellow.

I hope the information was correct. He was accessing the computer and before, the girls' files could not be found.

Straight from Guatemala today...

2009-02-03T15:48:00.003-06:00

Guatemalan Coordinator informed us today that McCaule's birth certificate is being requested first. Her file is curently in the Municipality of Coban which is her birth place. Once they approve the file, then it will be submitted to RENAP Guatemala City for their approval. Our attorney plans to visit with them at that point to facilitate the speed with which the file is approved so that McKelle's birth certificate may be obtained from the MIXCO Municipality.

It's encouraging to get some news of movement forward. For those who are not aware, a municipality is akin to our word "county". Coban is actually in the mountains of Guatemala, where MIXCO is like a suburb of Guatemala City.

BC Watch

2009-01-26T13:27:00.003-06:00

Here's the latest info:

We had some trouble getting our contract agency to send the remaining funds to our referral agency. They took a very slow route to getting the money sent, but it arrived this past Friday ( 2 weeks after our OUT). Now we shall see if the check clears. Then the money will be wired to our attorney in Guatemala so that the remainder of our adoption can proceed. They were waiting on the money to get the Birth Mother's signatures as it is custom to offer to pay for their trip.

We learned that since the girls have a single decree that they have to be processed one at a time. Once one is finished, then the other will be done. Even though this seems like a real delay, our facilitator told me that they just completed another just like it and it was only 10 days. Mainly because there are so few adoptions being processed now. I hope that holds true for our little girls.

The Lord keeps reminding me that this is not our adoption but His and that we need to allow Him to work it out the way He deems best for all concerned. His ways are definitely not mine, but are becoming more so as time goes on. He is making me more teachable all the time.

In summary, after the funds reach GT this week, the birthmothers will sign off on the decrees and then the process of getting the BC's will be begun.

Please pray for the welfare of our attorney and staff in GT. He was mugged & hospitalized over the last couple of weeks. Please pray that he will have a complete recovery. I know he is back at work and he has been a champion on our behalf over the past year. Pray for him spiritually as well. That he would have a saving faith.

APPROVED!

2009-01-09T15:46:00.002-06:00

THE GIRLS ARE OUT OF PGN WITH AN APPROVAL!!!

Time does make the blessing sweeter. Does it look like we have some excited kids or what!

New Year News ....

2009-01-07T21:23:00.002-06:00

This came tonight from our coordinator in Guatemala:

Milton: The last thing from the second head at PGN (Assistant Attorney General); she told Otto (our attorney) in her office at PGN yesterday ( Monday morning) that, they had performed
a typo on paperwork associated with the file , but they will fix it, and she told Otto to be at the Window on Friday morning this week to pick up the file, we assume it has been approved, but let´s see.

This is encouraging news, but I am not holding my breath. It could just as easily be at the window with a previo to be fixed. Time will tell :)

Merry Christmas Girls!

2008-12-25T10:04:00.003-06:00

Told This Morning...

2008-12-19T08:17:00.004-06:00

Our agency facilitator told us this morning that three of her clients were released from PGN yesterday. One of them had the same previa as we do. Evidently, the paperwork that the PGN is requesting is already in the file and that is why the other family was released. The coordinator in Guatemala feels our previo will be overturned and our file will also receive a release since the cases are identical. We shall wait and see what the Lord has for us.

We continue to wait patiently to see what the Lord's plan is for our family. It's like Christmas coming but instead of the gift being the surprise, the day when it arrives will be the real surprise. The Lord is definitely teaching me to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself. I can truly say that I am at total peace and not anxious at all about our situation concerning this adoption. That is the real gift from the Lord. What a wonderful Lord we serve. :)

AG On Vacation Until After Christmas

2008-12-16T09:46:00.003-06:00

Phoned Elisa today to check if our file was at the window. She informed me that the Attorney General is on vacation until after Christmas and thus the file will not be signed off until she returns. It used to be that when the AG was out of the office, another could sign the files for release, but nothing proceeds as in the past it seems.

I do plan to phone again on Friday to see if it is indeed stuck on her desk or has made some movement toward the window. Maybe she signed it off and it will be deposited while she's away. One can hope anyway.

We've joined the 4th Class of Previa of 2008

2008-12-12T18:35:00.005-06:00

Just heard from our coordinator and our file has a previa. We'd changed attorneys back in July and notified the CNA of the change, but the PGN file did not have the information placed in it. They are just now discovering this and gave us a previa for it. The file should be out next week to have the paperwork inserted and hopefully resubmitted. This is like Chinese water torture with the way the small things keep coming up :(

But, we hold to the truth that the Lord knows when the perfect time will be for the girls to come live with us here in TX and we must also accept that it may never be. This is totally in His hands and not ours. We hold them with open hands and feel it's been a privilege to have been able to pray for them and love them. They will always be a part of our hearts.

Info Today...

2008-12-12T11:25:00.003-06:00

Spoke to Elisa and she found our file on the 2nd reviewers desk (still). She said they would be transferring it today to the headquarters for final review and that she hoped she could tell me something about the file on Tuesday as to whether it has been approved or has a previo. So really nothing new to report.

What PGN said today...

2008-12-05T12:03:00.002-06:00

Phoned this morning around 9:30 Gua time. Elisa checked physically on our file which took about 10 minutes. She told us that our file was on the 2nd reviewer's desk and that it would be sent to the Attorney General's desk for signature on Monday. The AG has to sign it regardless of whether it has a previo or approval. She said to give it a week to make it to the front window and then she would be able to tell me whether it had been approved or had a previo.

Elisa has been so nice to take her time to really find out what's going on with the file. The Lord's blessing to us during this time of waiting. We'll call again next Friday and see if there is any updated news at that point.

Thanks to all who've prayed for the situation over the months. We truly appreciate it.

Break My Plans..Prayer of My Heart

2008-12-01T22:24:00.002-06:00

Latest Off The Press From Our Coordinator in Guatemala:

2008-11-20T20:31:00.003-06:00

"The previas were placed by the interviewers at the birth mother interview, and written in the document of the birth mother interview (by the CNA), so the approval can´t be signed by the PGN attorney until these requirements from the birth mother interviews are fullfilled, the best way to do it was affidavit statement.

Milton's previa from the birth mother interview required a statement affidavit by the two foster moms declaring they are fostering the two baby girls. (This is weird as they were at the interviews in person)

Miltons are already back at PGN. I will check tomorrow, we are just waiting to be out.

The previas have been corrected and the file resubmitted. I believe they are giving you old dates when you call."

Well all of that is encouraging news, but I still have questions and probably always will have more. That's the crazy thing about this process; you get some answers which just lead to more questions.

Makes Sense Now...

2008-11-17T12:57:00.006-06:00

I phoned PGN to inquire about the status of our file today and spoke to a fluent English speaker, Elisa. To my disappointment, she told me our file had a previo and to my shock, it occurred about three weeks ago. We were never told of this. It makes sense to me now, why our attorney would make an appointment with the Attorney General to discuss our file. Needless to say, today has been a trial in attitude. We thought it was just a short amount of time and our file would be out, but it drags on, now.

On a good note, we hope to make another trip to visit in December. Still trying to iron out the details. Hope it works out, but this latest news does change the tenor of the visit some. We will continue to have hope they will one day live in Texas but also hold them loosely in our hands. We do appreciate everyone's prayers. We are thankful that we have God to comfort us and the truth that this life is not all there is.

Newest Pics of the Girls...

2008-11-13T09:55:00.005-06:00

A Happy McCaule

A Somber McKelle

Found out that the girls now have the same foster mom caring for them. We are thankful for that. She is really good with the girls. We met her last Spring. We can't believe how much the girls have changed in 6 months!

Still waiting to hear any news of whether the meeting actually took place between our attorney and the Attorney General.

As We Understand...

2008-11-10T10:12:00.002-06:00

Received information while we were at a Biblical Conference this past week that our attorney is suppose to be meeting with the Attorney General today about our file and one other. The meeting was at the request of our attorney handling the case. We'll wait to see what the Lord has in mind.

About the conference we attended at Glorieta New Mexico. It was tremendous. The theme was "Excel Still More" based on the verses from I Thes. 4:1. The topics were in Exhortation, Teachability, Being Steadfast, by Refusing Rejection, In Love, In Purity, In Obedience, and In Prayer. We were challenged and encouraged by our time in the Word.

Thanks to all of you who've encouraged us over the past few weeks. Your words have been a wonderful reminder of how believers lift one another up.

Soon Very Soon....

2008-10-31T16:49:00.005-05:00

We were told once again today that our file has not been released but it will be soon. Those should be encouraging words, but we've been told that for the past month... you are close, it will be soon, in a week, etc. It does wear on a body.

I was thinking last evening about the length this process has taken and the truth that nothing happens that's not for our good and His glory. Rather than look at the delays of this adoption as our misfortune, I am seeing it as a wonderful opportunity to bring glory to the One who suffered on my behalf. This is all much bigger than my life and what I want. This is the Lord's plan for our family and the girls we hope to adopt. He does not make mistakes, so I am the one who needs to adjust my ways of viewing this whole situation. We want to consider it all joy and do the rest of this adoption without further complaining.

It is good that the girls are staying in Guatemala because His timing is perfect. We are thankful that they are telling us it will be soon and will rejoice greatly when the Lord moves the hearts of the PGN to release our file. Yes, we are missing milestones, but we will have years with these girls. Our biological children love them even though they are not physically in our home. They pray for them nightly and consider them their sisters only living afar. It is a blessing to have included them in our lives from the time they were born. We are grateful for the referring agency, facilitator and coordinator who handle our file and work diligently on our behalf in a most difficult political situation. We have thought and prayed for people we never had otherwise. The Lord has truly blessed us in many ways but especially in the growth of our own faith in ways we would have never have chosen for ourselves otherwise. We will pray for the hearts of the PGN staff who view our file... not just for our file to be released but of most importance, their salvation. Our God is great and greatly to be praised!

A Big Day...

2008-10-30T16:28:00.005-05:00

Our kids participated in this year's Reformation Fair in Celebration of Martin Luther's posting of his 95 Thesis calling for reformation of the Christian Church on October 31, 1517. Each year the kids wear fun costumes. The oldest children actually work the booths at the fair while the younger do the activities and play the games. A good time is had by all. My oldest daughter is the craftsman behind these great costumes.

Hopefully New Pictures Soon...

2008-10-16T10:54:00.003-05:00

We understand, from our facilitator, that another adopting family, who is traveling to Guatemala today, will be taking some pictures of the girls for us. What a blessing that will be to see their little faces.

Reports say that the computer problems at PGN are the result of a lightning strike to the internet antenna. They are currently waiting on parts from the US to correct the problem. In the meantime, an effort is being made to try to use another server to enter the data into the computers. Some files are being released, but very very few (about 1 per week of those reporting online). The computers have been down now for over 2 weeks. Supposedly, they are still working the files, just cannot enter the data for release.

Please be in prayer that the system will be fully functional quickly.

As Of Last Night...

2008-10-14T12:03:00.002-05:00

We received word from our facilitator that our file will not be released this week. The PGN holds all the cards and only want to be asked once a week or they punish those who do by delaying further the release of files. Our file was inquired about last Friday the 10th. The coordinator said we were close; thought that only counted in horseshoes :) Any how, things are very slow at PGN. The computers are still not fully operational and the last two weeks have only shown two releases on the boards.

We also learned that due to the length of this process our foster moms have not received any funds for the care of the children. That is most worrisome. Please continue to seek the Lord's protection for these wee ones as we wait on His timing. We know He holds them in His Hands, we just want to join Him in praying that His Will be done. Pray also that our will continues to match His.

Today's Correspondence...

2008-10-07T07:59:00.005-05:00

Received this from our facilitator:

"I have word that the team anticipates the next round of release of files from the PGN in about ten days to two weeks. Yours will be in that batch.

They are very tight on funding as the files are being signed but not released. A matter of 'what is it worth to you?' It is taking payment to get the files in hand."

Our remaining fees are being held by our contract agency until we exit PGN but the attorney is requesting additional money in order to pay to have these files released. The attorneys are out of money since this process has been drawn out so long by the PGN and CNA. It is so sad to see the corruption of men's hearts. These people have said they care for these children but you see just how much they care about themselves and how much they can fill their own pockets.

Our hearts break for these children whom few really care about. We are honored the Lord has allowed us to be on this journey and demonstrate His love and care. Pray for us as we consider how to proceed.

Update: Our contracting agency has agreed to release a token amount of funds to us to assist with the shortage being experienced by the attorneys. Our understanding is that we will not be charged additional on the other end of things, we are just freeing up money now. That's a praise. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. We are thankful to the Lord for His guidance.

Trickle of News...

2008-09-26T07:59:00.003-05:00

Guatemalan Coordinator wrote last night that "PGN has been without system these last days so difficult to register files that will be released". Makes sense because many who've emailed PGN as of late have not been getting a response for days or intermittant response. Elisa even told me that the computer screen was not available to update this week.

Hopefully, they will get their computer system up and running again so these babies can quickly be logged out. Our coordinator indicated that ours was one of the files she was pushing to have released.

There continues to be hope and thankfulness that the Lord helps us persevere through events such as these.

Please be in prayer for our facilitator and her colleages here in the states as they will be moving their offices over the weekend... for safety, ease and endurance to efficiently finish the task.

One More Done!

2008-09-22T16:57:00.000-05:00

Heard back from the Embassy in Guatemala and they did not have our updated I-171-H but invited us to email of fax them a copy of ours and then they'd update our file in the computer. I was all over that one and took care of it immediately. So, one more hurdle crossed.

We received a mysterious email last Wednesday that stated our file was in PGN and they would check on it Wednesday the 24th. Strange, because we were told the file had been in PGN since the 18th of August and that they were checking on it at least twice a week. I guess we'll see what Wednesday holds.

I think they are handling so many cases that our information is not always accurate. I am thankful for the comfort the Lord gives in knowing all things and that I don't have to figure this mess out. ☺

Update on NVC Deal...

2008-09-16T17:25:00.002-05:00

I hadn't heard back from the National Visa Center, so phoned them today. They told me that the updated I-171-H was sent to the Embassy in Guatemala yesterday 9/15/08. The nice lady also gave me the phone number to contact them directly about the update. They snail mail the thing, so I will most likely wait a week before phoning them about it.

At least there seems to have been some progress.

Another Interesting Bump...

2008-09-10T09:18:00.002-05:00

Thought I'd call NVC (national visa center) and check to see if they had sent our updated I-171-H to the Guatemalan Embassy. They had no record of the updated form. They took down some information and said they'd call me back within 24 hours to let me know what their investigation lent. I am so glad to have called now rather than find out upon waiting for pink that there was a problem. I'll post an update when I hear something.

Also, there's no update on the status at PGN. Their computers have not been updated on my case since August 8th. It's been so nice to shoot an email rather than try to connect via Skype. Our case manager stated that she knows that the file was resubmitted. So we wait still.

Slow News Day...

2008-08-27T19:58:00.004-05:00

You know it's slow when you are posting that a fed-ex package you sent arrived safe and sound in Guatemala.

One interesting thing is that we found out the email address for PGN and I inquired about our file. They sent me (in English) a return email concerning our case and a pdf of the computer screen so I could look at all the activity recorded on our file since the original submission. Is that cool or what?

Planning Ahead

2008-08-21T21:34:00.003-05:00

We recently discovered that RENAP is requiring notarized copies of Prospective Adoptive Parent's passports before issuing the birth certificates. It's an ever changing world.

One of our little girl's bc definitely goes through RENAP since she is from Coban. The other baby girl's bc is from Mixco which will begin being a part of RENAP in September. As a time saver, we are sending copies ahead of time. Hopefully, this will cut some of the time off receiving their bc's. RENAP has been particularly slow recently sometimes taking 7 weeks to issue.

These are truly lessons in patience that we are learning. I cannot say it's been easy, but it has been fruitful spiritually.

No news yet from PGN...but hey, it's only been 4 days since resubmission. :)

This From Our Facilitator Today...

2008-08-14T18:08:00.003-05:00

The file is done and has been collated (anytime anything is added to the file it has to be unbound and a new index page made that lists the page numbers and what is on that page then rebound) and translated with all of the previa addressed: it is ready to be presented and will go in on Monday. Tomorrow is a holiday in Guatemala, Feast of the Assumption.

The US Embassy also takes the Guatemalan holidays along with the U.S. holidays, so no movement in files tomorrow.

As Promised...

2008-08-01T13:29:00.002-05:00

Our file was picked up from PGN this morning and contained a previo. They will get the necessary document from the embassy and resubmit next week. Our facilitator indicated that this should be the last of the previos since they had to search to find this one. We will see. Any how, glad to be out and I can honestly say looking forward to returning for hopefully a shorter stay :)

Current Status

2008-07-31T11:36:00.002-05:00

Our girls file is suppose to be ready for pick up today with a previo and then will be taken to the embassy to get a new Pre-approval from the embassy for the oldest baby. Her file was pre-approved on September 28, 2007. This has been a typical request as of late on files where they have found nothing else wrong... it's the smudge test.

Any how, we continue to be encouraged by acquaintances who continue to move along in the process; especially the faster processing of the MIXCO birth certificates. One of our little girls is from there and they had been a problem in issues the amended certificates. Our other baby is from Coban which is now a part of Renap, a centralized processing center. They take a bit slower time than it used to but still within a 2 week period.

We continue to be encouraged at seeing our Lord's hand move during this process and in our hearts drawing us ever closer to Him. What a blessing!

Home Grown Boys...

2008-07-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Trying Times...

2008-07-28T20:53:00.002-05:00

The last few days have been particularly trying as new information comes in from Guatemala. We have been told that we likely now have a previo on our file which will require getting new pre-approval documentation from the embassy. Not suppose to take long, but we'll have to be resubmitted to PGN once again. The good news is that others who've gone through this have exited quite rapidly, within days, of their resubmission.

We've also learned some disturbing news concerning the attorney who was listed on our file. We will wait and see if it affects our file in particular, but this has definitely brought up our concerno-meter. Please continue to be in prayer for the little ones still in the system and that they will not continue long to be a pawn in the hands of those who show so little care and that the wishes of the birth mothers would be granted.

On a happy note, we are excited for those who are currently picking up. What a blessed time for them and us as we rejoice with them! God is good all the time; all the time, God is good!

My Home Grown Girls..

2008-07-19T12:09:00.001-05:00

Birth Mother Interview Happening Today!

2008-07-18T14:35:00.003-05:00

Just received notice that the interview is happening as I write. We are excited to finally have something taking place. Hopefully, we'll have info on how it went today. I'll update when I know for sure.

Update: Everything went beautifully without incidence. One more step completed.
As our facilitator quoted, "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Proverbs 25:25

Arrived Today!

2008-07-15T15:21:00.003-05:00

Our approved USCIS I-171-H extension arrived in the mail today and none too soon as the original was set to expire on July 23rd. One more hurdle crossed and more faithfulness of the Lord in our lives. We are good for 18 more months!

Scheduling Problems?

2008-07-14T12:29:00.002-05:00

The BMI did not happen last week as the birth mother was confused about the dates and thus did not show up. She thought the 9th was on Thursday rather than Wednesday. Oh, well, I guess they will give it another try this week. Hopefully, it will happen. I just keep reminding myself that the Lord's timing is perfect and never early...

Birth Mother Interview Rescheduled

2008-07-03T16:55:00.006-05:00

Because of the deaths of President Colom's Cabinet members last Friday and the three days of national mourning, our Birthmother interview was cancelled and will be rescheduled for sometime next week. We had hoped to be past this hurdle but know the Lord's timing is perfect, so we adjust and wait.

Have a Blessed 4th of July!

Update: The birthmother interview is scheduled to take place tomorrow 7/10/08. We'll post when we hear if and how it went :)

Happy First Birthday Baby Girl!

2008-06-30T21:22:00.003-05:00

A sweet memory was made today. Our oldest made a very berry pie in honor of our wee one's first birthday and all the children sang Happy Birthday to her. Amazing to see how they love someone so much they have never seen. Reminds me of the love we have for Christ.

Second Birth Mother Interview is Scheduled!

2008-06-24T13:42:00.003-05:00

We are happy, but cautious, to report that McCaule's birth mother interview is schedule on July 2, 2008. We've been waiting for this for about 3 weeks.

Our facilitator and her boss will be in-country at the time of this interview to visit all the babies and all the attorneys. Maybe we'll get a new picture of the girls :)

Please be in prayer that the interview takes place without incident and that our file is released in a prompt manner. We really would like to have these babies home by summer's end. :)

Talk about Picky...

2008-06-24T11:34:00.002-05:00

We received a rejection from USCIS of our updated home study last Thursday (June 19) because the Social Worker stated that she "recommended" us instead of "recommended and approved" us to adopt. I was so amazed that they would reject based on one word.

Any how, our social worker is making the correction and we hope to have the report mail out by Wednesday. Just a little frustrating.

Here's another picture of the girls from our trip...

Latest Joint Council Post... Encouraging

2008-06-06T15:57:00.000-05:00

June 6, 2008

Joint Council is pleased to announce that PGN has released approximately 230 adoption cases today. At this time, there is no estimate of the number of cases with previos, versus the number of cases without. Upon the release of cases by PGN, Joint Council will be providing estimates of the number of cases without previos. Joint Council extends its appreciation to PGN for its release of these cases. We will continue to work with PGN and key stakeholders in Guatemala on the review of the adoption procedure.

More Positive News...

2008-06-05T13:35:00.004-05:00

We have a missionary friend staying overnight with us who speaks fluent Spanish. We asked him if he would mind calling PGN and speaking with Jennifer about our file. He did call and found out our file has been approved and that our birth mothers interviews were scheduled for yesterday. One of the BM's was unable to attend due to work conflict (unable to get off). They said they should have completed the second interview by the 16th or 17th of June. We are very excited with all of this news and thankful for the Lord's provision of a Spanish speaker in our home to help us out.

We now pray that the interviews go without a hitch and our babies file can be released from PGN.

A Family Photo

2008-06-04T20:24:00.001-05:00

PGN is Moving Again!

2008-05-30T22:18:00.002-05:00

Today 5o cases were released to attorneys. 40 had previos and 10 were approved. All of these cases had confirmed birth mother interviews and included in the file was a brief statement concerning the interview done. This information comes directly from the Guatadopt website from their sources in-country. It is exciting to finally see the doors opening. Hopefully, more good news to come.

Promising PGN Info...

2008-05-29T12:03:00.002-05:00

Phoned PGN today and asked about our file. The lady said we had finished our review without a previo. She also stated that our file should be released in one week. This is very promising news. We have not had a birth mother interview. Hmmm.

We also learned that there are 300 files ready to be released that have had birth mother interviews. They will release them 100 at a time, some with previos and others approved.

We are ready to see some movement of files outside of PGN. It is also our understanding that there are now some US officials watching what's going on at the PGN and advocating fair tactics with regard to the interviews of the birth mothers.

We're look forward to seeing what the coming days hold.

Three's A Charm!

2008-05-23T22:08:00.002-05:00

We went to bed the same time as the girls did last night which helped tremendously in their sleeping. McCaule is especially auditory and any sound wakes her.

We went down for breakfast after their morning bottles at 7 a.m. McKelle ate evertyhing we put in front of her. McCaule won't eat anything but the scrambled egg. She'll try a new food and then shiver.

We had a very delightful day with them. We took them on a couple of walks outside and visited with other patrons of the hotel. We took a lot of video and pictures.

The foster mothers arrived a little after 6 pm and the girls didn't even acknowledge them. I guess they enjoyed us afterall. We did have many smiles and giggles today from them along with being content more when we were not holding them. We gave the fosters extra food for the girls that we had purchased along with some new clothes as well.

We helped them out to the taxi and said our goodbyes. It was a sweet time.

Our coordinator stayed behind to visit with us and gave us an update of what it's like in the PGN and CNA at present. It's really a zoo. The CNA says they are "rescuing" children and sent 9 up to PGN for them to do something with them and PGN sent them to hogars. The children are the ones being punished here. It's sad. The "interviewers" of the birthmothers are not people with any experience. They are basically like our FBI interogating the mothers even at times screaming at them. It is not a pleasant experience for them. There is no set practice of interviewing and every day promises something new.

We need to be in prayer for the situation at hand and as we shared with our coordinator Proverbs 21:1, "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes", our prayers must be ones that bring honor to Him as He is the only one who can remedy the situation and change the hearts of those who for whatever reason are causing so much pain to so many. In the end, may Christ be glorified!

Day Two With The Girls

2008-05-22T21:10:00.002-05:00

We woke quite tired this morning as it took the girls until 10:30 to fall asleep and then McCaule woke at 3:30 to be fed. So much for both girls knowing how to sleep through the night. :) We put them on a schedule of sorts for the day.

McKelle ate everything we put in front of her today. She's a real chow hound. McCaule really only prefers the formula. She'll try things but not much of them.

Gave both girls a bath. McKelle hated it at first and then warmed up to it. McCaule loved it from the start.

Both girls took a really good afternoon nap for 1 1/2 hrs and then we kept them up the rest to help them sleep better tonight, hopefully. McCaule does not know how to fall asleep on her own, so she cries a lot and often wakes periodically after going down.

We had dinner with our former pastor and his wife who are serving as missionaries down here. They also brought their youngest two with them. We had a lovely dinner together. They brought the girls some gifts (toys).

We've already put the girls down (8:00 guatemalan time). McCaule slept for about 15 min and now is fussing, but hopefully she'll settle down soon.

Most families that are here are picking their kids up. It's really like a ghost town compared to when we were here in November. There's one other family her fostering and no others visiting that we've met.

All for today.

We're Back!

2008-05-21T14:13:00.003-05:00

We arrived last night around 9 pm Guatemalan time. Had a good nights rest. Our room is #25 and in the corner of the hotel, so it's quiet here. There doesn't seem to be as many famiies as in November of last year for sure.

The girls arrived around 10:30. We got to meet their foster moms. MiMi is around 25 years old and is caregiver for McKelle. Rosa is approx. 55 and takes care of McCaule. One could tell they really love our girls.

We found out that both girls were having trouble gaining weight, so the Dr. put them on a strict feeding schedule of every 2 hrs and has added fatty foods to their diet. They have been gaining. They are not much bigger than when we saw them in November.

McKelle suffers from anemia and is therefore taking iron daily. They also said the doctor has them eat two eggs a day blended into their milk. They are both sitting and play happily with toys reaching for them and exploring them. McKelle is crawling but McCaule is not.

McKelle has 8 teeth while McCaule is still working on her first. They went down for naps shortly after we got them today, thus the time to make this entry. They are so sweet.

We found out today that the girls fosters live next door to one another so the girls see one another quite often. Also, the doctor who sees them has his clinic in their neighborhood and is very strict and checks on them often(at least weekly) to make sure they are doing well. They are receiving weekly weight checks.

McKelle ate over half a banana today, but McCaule just took a couple of bites. Neither really cared for the avacado.

We did take them both on a short walk around the grounds of the hotel. They seemed to enjoy that. It's been cool and rainy off and on today. The front desk said this is their winter season.

Two Things...

2008-05-17T13:56:00.003-05:00

First, we sent off the home study update and i600a application today to extend our I-171-H to adopt internationally. Hopefully, it will not take them too long to review it. Little has change since the first home study.

Second, we are going to visit the girls this week, Lord willing. We noticed that ticket prices were down a bit and it was the only week we both had "little" planned, so off we go. We're excited to see how much they've both changed since we saw them 6 months ago. I am sure they will be a little tense and wondering who these "babysitters" are. :)

We will stay at the same hotel next to the Embassy. Maybe we'll get some good news when we're there also.

Before we leave town, we need to celebrate our oldest boy's 16th birthday. He's got plans to see "Prince Caspian" with his dad as a part of his gift from us. Time has flown!

The Interview Process

2008-05-16T08:58:00.004-05:00

This information comes from a gal who has completed 3 adoptions and spoke to her attorney last evening, who she has remained in contact with since her completed adoptions:

PGN has 10 tables set up to conduct the interviews
They are interviewing the birthmom and FM. The attorneys also.
The baby must be present so they can check the picture from the file with the actually baby.
They check a list to confirm the baby hasn't been reported as stolen.
They check the docs including the voluntary consent that they mother gave the baby for adoption.
The interview lasts approx. 45 minutes.
PGN has not announced a protocol for these interviews.
The first lawyers to be interviewed are ones that have had problems in the past.
Attorneys that have many cases in PGN are being targeted. They want to know how could so many children have been found by these attorneys. Some have as many as 200-300 cases.
Some targeted attorneys also have prior legal cases against them and are interviewed.
Yes PGN is pressing the birth mothers change their minds.
Detectives from the police have been present.
The offering of money to the birth mothers to change their mind has happened, but not in each interview.

Lessons On Affliction From Job

2008-05-13T20:21:00.003-05:00

This was from church this past week...

When we cannot comprehend the good and wise purposes of God in affliction or evil, we should not respond in these ways:

1. We should not curse God for evil that occurs in our lives or in the world (Job 2:9)

2. We should not blame God for wrong-doing. God alwys does what is right (Job 40:8)

3. We should not doubt God's perfect wisdom, or His mighty power, or His abiding love.

4. We should not neglect God due to confusion or frustration in the midst of our affliction.

5. We should not absolve God from ultimate responsibility for all that happens in the world, including all affliction, devastation, calamity and evil (Ephesians 1:11)

When we cannot comprehend the good and wise purposes of God in affliction or evil, we should respond in these ways:

1. We should praise God in and for the affliction (Job 1:21, 1 Thes. 5:18, Eph. 5:20)

2. We should accept the adversity God brings into our lives and into our world. We must be humble before Him in the face of such affliction (Job 2:10)

3. We should examine our hearts to consider whether it might be the case that our own sin has brought this affliction as divine discipline. If so, we should repent. But if not, examine what lessons the Lord has for you though the affliction.

4. We should pray earnestly, seeking God's merciful deliverance from the afflictions. (2 Cor 12 - Paul's thorn)

5. We should enlist the lasting afflictions of our lives for the good and wise purposes God has in and through, and not apart from, them.

6. We should work to relieve unjust suffering of others.

7. We should remember that Christ endured the greatest affliction possible - all the sin and guilt and pain and suffering of the world, and even more, God's full wrath against our sin - and look to Him who understands the depth of suffering far more than we could ever experience.

8. We should entrust to God the certain judgment & justice that He will bring about for immoral and evil actions (1 Peter 2:23)

9. We should hope & rejoice that because Christ has conquered all sin and evil, in our lives and in the whole created order, we await a day free from all tears, all sadness, all pain, and all suffering, a life filled with endless joy and glad satisfaction in all that God has for us in Christ.

10. We should value the magnification of the glory of God above all else, including above the well-being, health or happiness of His creatures.

Conclusion: "When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart" - know God in the good days so you have strength of soul and conviction to withstand the challenges of difficult days.

Some Encouraging News...

2008-05-10T17:48:00.002-05:00

The last two days were tense waiting on information regarding the first birth mother interviews. Gladly, for the most part, the interviews have been painless and thus far not one has been shown to be suspect. All have been approved. The interviews consist of the attorney, the birth mother, foster mother and child to be adopted. The birth mother is asked if she intended to give her child up for adoption. That's basically it. We did learn that all cases will be interviewed eventually. Attorneys may reschedule appointments if they are unable to locate the birth mother for the interview.

The attorneys do believe these interviews are a violation of the birth mother's privacy and will be filing an amparo soon to try to have them stopped. We'll see what the courts decide.

We have not heard whether our case has been interviewed as of yet. Last we knew, our girls' file was on the 2nd reviewer's desk. We do know they are reviewing the files previously approved by the prior attorney general first and then will work their way backward. Our file will have been inside PGN's doors for 7 weeks on Monday and one of our little girl's celebrates her first birthday as well. We will continue to watch and pray as this unfolds.

Very Scary Post... Please pray!

2008-05-08T10:59:00.002-05:00

http://www.adaguatemala.org/English/news/

Let's watch and see what the Lord has planned for these children of Guatemala. Definitely a time for testing of our faith and looking to God who controls all things to perform His will and for us to accept it. Please pray for His will to be done and our faith to increase no matter the outcome. We have tried to hold these children with an open hand and this is definitely an opportunity to exercise that reality. We must rest on the truth that God is sovereign and never makes mistakes and all is to His glory.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

The Current PGN Saga...

2008-05-06T17:30:00.003-05:00

According to the Prensa Libre on May 5, all adoptions are being put on hold for a month in order to validate the legitimacy of the cases. The story can found here:

http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2008/mayo/05/236311.html.

This is what the Guatadopt staff posted today:

1.) Birthmom interviews - we do NOT have any info to indicate any plans for ALL birthmoms to be interviewed. I'm not saying it won't happen, just that we have no info to indicate it will.

2.) There were somewhere between 40-50 cases that had been approved by the old PGN regime but not yet picked up. PGN has sent out a courrier with a notice to the Notarial attorney on those cases with an appointment date of this Thursday for the birthmom, child, and foster mom to appear before PGN. They are usig the addresses given on the CNA registration form.

3.) On at least some of those addresses, the courrier was unable to find the attorney. Either the office was closed or in some instances it appears as though it is an incorrect our outdated address. PGN is continuing to try to locate these attorneys and I have no info on "what if" they don't locate them or if the appointment is missed. I also don't know which attorneys they need to locate.

4.) An amparo was filed with the courts to question PGN's legal right to do interviews when there is no probable cause. Note: my legal explanation may be incorrect, I'm not a lawyer

5.) On all of this, my advice would be to encourage folks to comply with the request and not fight while they wait for the ruling on the amparo. Everyone I have spoken to who has had contact with the CNA and the new folks at PGN says that they seem to be well intentioned and willing to work with the attorneys. One of my best contacts emphasized that I deliver the "don't panic" message.

Two other important things:

1.) We have learned that the CNA has been developing procedures for enacting the new system. We hope for those be offiicial and released soon so that children can once again find homes with permanent families. I have no info on the details of this, just that they are very close to being done!

2.) We have learned that there are a large number (100+) cases that were not registered with the CNA. Some of them may have been registered with the "original" CNA but not with Colom's. EVERYONE: make sure you got a registration number from the CNA. DEMAND IT from your agency and attorney. The "original" CNA did not issue numbers, just a stamp. So having a number should mean you are okay. If you find out your case was not registered, the adoption is legally invalid and could be in jeopardy. I would recommend you contact adoption supervisors and/or have your attorney officially petition the CNA for resolution.

Update: Meeting Between AG and Attorneys Today

2008-04-28T14:32:00.003-05:00

Their were about 20+ attorneys. Many sat around a long conference table, while many others sat in chairs surrounding the table. The conversations went back and forth for about an hour.

Attorneys each had an opportunity to express their concerns.
Ok, here are some of the key points:

1. It is illegal for the CNA to be do investigations on grandfathered cases. *This is still being determined but it was discussed and taken to heart by Attorney General Baudilio and Sub-Attorney General Flory.

2. They realize that some cases involved corruption. The attys argued that all cases should not be delayed due to other attys who are KNOWN TO BE CORRUPT. Baudilio and Flory agreed that these attys who are corrupt are known, so what they are saying they will do is the following:

a. Criminal charges will be filed against those attys that they know are corrupt.
b. Investigation will be separate from the in-process files getting completed.

This way those corrupt attys, no longer make it difficult for those legitimately cases to get approved.

3. Baudilio and Flory, said that cases will be approved in a timely manner from now on.

4. Investigations will be done on cases that exited the PGN very quickly.

This all sounds very promising. Maybe the corruption will be curtailed... for the sake of the children, let's all pray it will be so. The Lord is working even in this difficult time and with these leaders He has placed in Guatemala. It is interesting to see His plan unfold.

On a side note, President Colom is currently in the U.S. visiting with President Bush concerning immigration issues.

Another Delay :(

2008-04-24T10:46:00.003-05:00

Attorney General transition (Per Guatadopt)

The new Attorney General Baudilio Portillo Merlos took over yesterday. The new Sub Attorney General (replacing Barrios) is Attorney Flory de De Leon and she has already moved into the office. It appears she may be holding off making any critical decisions until the Constitutional Court rules. The new AG has requested an audit, as well.

What does this mean? Short term, cases that were simply waiting for Barrios' signature are going to be delayed because of the way the review process works and the audit. With a change of power comes delays in about any business or government entity. Expect an impact on all cases currently in PGN. Long term, we cannot predict what this will mean. As always, we hope that this appointment by Colom will mean a more efficient PGN.

Update: There will be a meeting between the attorneys of Guatemalan adoptions, the new Attorney General and Sub-Attorney General (the one who does the final sign off on adoptions) on Monday, April 28th, to discuss the state of adoptions. We look forward to hearing about the outcome of this meeting. Please continue to pray for the welfare of children from Guatemala.

Moving Right Along

2008-04-07T12:30:00.004-05:00

Got a hold of the new gal at PGN, Christina. She told me that we were on the 2nd Reviewer's desk as of April 3. I'm thankful to see that our file has moved on and prayerful that it will not be found with any errors to proceed on. Last week, on Tuesday, when I phoned, she stated that we were on the First Reviewer's desk since 3/17. At least we're getting some consistency in reporting :)

We sure do miss these little pumpkins and are looking forward to having them in our home in the Lord's timing.