tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64865739175325356112024-03-05T10:14:56.506-05:00Living a Part in God's StoryGod's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-64524771852412140952013-07-15T16:58:00.000-04:002013-07-24T14:29:13.134-04:00It Almost Seems Impossible Until It's Done<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been almost six months
since I blogged. For that, I apologize or accept your thanks, whichever is more
appropriate for you. Let’s just say, I've been busy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The birth and life of
this blog gravitated around our long and tedious adoption process of two
beautiful girls from Haiti. I blogged every detail, good days and bad,
victories and stumbling blocks, from beginning to end, along the way. The one
constant in my prayers throughout the entire process was always centered on an
end result of flying out of Haiti with two adopted daughters and getting them
home to America. The constant issues and delays during the first two years with
the Haitian Government were difficult enough to handle. But the unexpected
issues and delays that arose in the final months with the United States
Government, my government, were beyond comprehension. After 2 years and 3
months the struggles had become so difficult that I began to think it would not
happen. I feared my girls simply would never come home. I worried that perhaps my
adoption case would be one of those worst-case scenarios you only read about.
Then, just as unexpectedly as God laid it on my heart to adopt, He opened up
the final door and it was done. The girls came home! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel compelled to
offer this as encouragement for anyone adopting internationally, from countries
like Haiti with tedious adoption processes. Particularly for people like my
sweet sister (sort of, by marriage, okay it's what I call her) Gina who is in the process of adopting a special girl named Benia from Haiti. And for another
wonderful family, the Ledford's who are in the process of adopting my Jesula's
cousin from Haiti, a special girl named Christella. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It almost seems
impossible until it's done. And we know, with God nothing is impossible. So don't even think about giving up hope. The Day, Your
Day, God’s Day is coming! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel I would be remiss
if I didn't share a little bit about what to expect starting The Day After. Let’s
say your child comes home on a Sunday. Just what happens starting on Monday? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, a funny thing
happened. The journey didn't end when the girls finally came home. It really
just began. It didn't get any easier either. It just changed directions. When
you are knee deep in one battle, you don't think about challenges that lay
ahead. For 27 months my eyes were clearly focused on the trees on the horizon.
And, not until the day when I finally reached the trees, did I realize there
was a forest in front of me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me tell you a sure
thing. You can write it down. Bringing an adoptive child from an impoverished
country like Haiti into your American home life is not easy. Actually, it's
very hard. It's hard for everyone involved. If anyone tells you different they
are lying. I don't know why they are lying but they are. Maybe they want you to
believe, like everything else about them, that they are perfect. I'm certainly
not perfect and thankfully God doesn't expect me to be. Nevertheless, the truth
is, post adoption adaptation is harder than you could possibly imagine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The age of adoptees plays a major role in this challenge. Infants and toddlers (special needs aside) obviously present
the easiest transition. The world is still new to them anyway. However, as the
adoptee matures to young child and to teenager, the difficulty in adapting
increases exponentially. The older a child becomes, the more entrenched they
are in their native language, culture, beliefs, and so on. And the more
entrenched they are in these things, the more difficult it becomes for them to
learn a new language, adapt to a new culture, much less to change what they
believe about things, lots of things, almost everything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Likely the biggest challenge is developing an understanding of unconditional love and creating trust.
How long does it take for ordinary people, from the same culture, speaking the
same language, to develop unconditional love and trust? Try to imagine
how hard it would be without those common denominators. Throw in the fact that your
newly adopted child doesn't really know you (or you them). For that matter,
they don't really know anybody. They have been plucked out of their
environment, their comfort zone, thrown into a whole new world, where they don't know anyone, and they can't understand what anyone is saying. How scary is that?
They have no idea what to expect from you. They don't know how you will treat
them. They don't know how you will respond if they mess up? The have worries like what happens if they break
something, anything, a drinking glass? They may worry you will you get mad, beat them, or even send them back to where they came from. They
don't know for sure if living with you is a permanent arrangement (even if they decide they want to). They will be searching for a new comfort zone. These same trust principles apply to everyone they come into contact with. </span>Take it slow branching out into extended family, and in slowly increasing portions. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember, they barely know you, and they don't know your family, or friends at all. Don't expect them to be excited to meet your family and friends just because your family and friends can't wait to meet them. Actually, expect them to be nervous, even scared about meeting people. </span>Friends need to wait. Explain this process with family and friends. It is very important that they spend the vast majority of time with just your primary family unit. <span style="font-family: inherit;">They desperately need parenting, which they likely have never had. They need consistent rules and discipline. Avoid the easy trap of thinking their finally here let's give them everything. Treat them the same way you have your biological children (unless you failed at that). They need normal rewards, normal birthday and Christmas presents, etc. They also need to be told no. Early on they need to learn the proper order of working, earning money, tithing, helping others, and then buying things for self within reason. They need to hear constantly that they are loved. They need hugs. Affection is something they likely have never genuinely experienced, so don't expect too much too soon in return. They crave for attention and reassurance, but letting their guard down and risking attachment is a very slow process. They gravitate and feel most comfortable or safe with their primary care-giver, the parent they spend the most time with. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could give you hundreds of examples that occur
daily that exasperate the challenge of unconditional love and trust. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only with time, the elimination of the
language barrier, and with consistent, patient, and proper parenting will you begin to develop a comprehension of unconditional love and earn trust. And again, depending on the age of the adoptee this will take many months, even years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other major challenge is the language barrier. And this goes way beyond it's being an obstacle for relationship building, love and trust. There are countless things that we do on a daily basis just to function that have to be learned by an adoptive child. Learning these while not being able to communicate through speaking is extremely difficult. I believe it is advantageous to get them into public school as quickly as possible so that they have daily ESL instruction. A child that arrives with very limited knowledge of English that is quickly enrolled into daily ESL class will begin </span>to feel comfortable attempting to put short, basic sentences together<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in 3 to 4 months. At first they will be hesitant to speak for fear of not saying something correctly. This is one of many fears that you must be proactive in helping them overcome. In about 6 months or so you should be able to communicate pretty effectively. However things like sentence structure and tenses will still not be right. S</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ometimes they will understand what they hear but not be able to formulate and speak a response. A huge caution is, as they begin to progress with speaking</span> English it's easy to assume they understand things. We have learned that most of the time, when we think they understand us, they really don't. And that works both ways. You and your child will constantly be repeating things. And that is a good thing. Your child will be very hesitant to repeat things for fear they may have said it wrong and therefore appear dumb. Encourage repeating as a natural part of the learning process to insure understanding. They need constant reassurance and encouragement. Finally, our girls' middle school ESL teacher, who has been a gift from God, told us that it takes 2-3 years for most ESL students to gain a solid understanding and ability to effectively communicate in English.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have just scratched the surface on the biggest challenges of adapting as a family with the addition of an internationally adopted child. I assure you there are hundreds of little challenges every single day that we never even thought about in advance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The adoption process, getting to The Day, is perhaps the most difficult challenge you will ever face. That said, </span>the post adoption adaption process, beginning The Day After, albeit different, may even be more demanding. The good news is, once they are here, believe it or not, you immediately and completely forget about the agonies of the adoption process.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
As for us, and our girls, seven months after The Day? We are still on our journey through the forest that we didn't even know was there, with no end in sight. Both<span style="font-family: inherit;"> girls are doing great, their English improves every day, and they seem to be happy happy happy. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">And you know what? All along the way, when you least expect it, or when you most need it, God sprinkles in little blessings that make the journey so worthwhile!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b style="text-align: center;"><i>And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. </i></b><b style="text-align: center;"><i>But the greatest of these is love. </i></b><b style="text-align: center;">~ 1 Corinthians 13:13</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A Few Recent Pictures</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for food.</i> </b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;">~ Mother Teresa</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness </i></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>embraces </i></b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>those we love, they will bloom like flowers.</i> </b><b style="font-family: inherit;">~ Thich Nhat Hanh</b></div>
God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-22463816831059232572013-02-04T11:11:00.000-05:002013-02-08T07:57:42.297-05:00Haiti Adoption Timeline<b>Timeline of our journey to adopt Jeusla and Redjina from Haiti:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>August 21, 2010</b> - I travel to Haiti on a church sponsored mission trip. I am not really sure why I am going. I don't know much about Haiti. I had not really paid much attention to the news about the January 12, 2010 earthquake that had devastated Haiti just seven months earlier. I have never traveled to a less developed country or been exposed to extreme poverty. Needless to say, God was about to rock my world.<br />
<br />
<b>August 26, 2010</b> - After serving all week in a large, heavily populated slum known as Savanne Pistache (suburb of Port au Prince), we make a day trip into the mountains to visit an orphanage in the remote village of Camatin. I arrive after the rest of our mission team. When I arrive the team members were playing with the orphan girls. I notice one little girl sitting alone watching the others play. I walk over and sit down beside her. I learn her name is Jesula. We communicate the best we can, laugh, and make a photo. About 15 minutes later it is time for the team to leave. Jesula gives me a big hug and a smile and I walk away. Then something unexpected happens. I cannot get Jesula out of my mind. The rest of the day and night she is all I think about. I look at our photo on my camera over and over again. Before falling asleep for the night I think, tomorrow I will fly home and return to my daily routine and my thoughts of Jesula will fade.<br />
<br />
<b>August 27 - September 4, 2010</b> - The next day our mission team flies back home to America. My thoughts of Jesula do not fade at all. She is all I think about day and night. The first few days after I get home I cannot speak about Jesula to anyone without crying. Every time I prepare to tell my family about Jesula I lose control of my emotions, start crying and walk away. They think I am completely crazy. They worry that something bad happened to me in Haiti. Little did they know. God has laid Jesula so heavy on my heart that I know what He is calling me to do. I pray and tell God that I have never even considered adopting, that my two children are in high school and college and that I am preparing for the "empty nest" years of my life. God has a different plan. Late one night I am lying awake in bed with thoughts of Jesula and obedience to God racing through my mind, and I begin to cry. My wife Shawna wakes to say, "please just tell me what is wrong with you?" To this point Shawna has yet to hear anything about Jesula, not even her name. My immediate response is, "God led me to a beautiful little orphan girl in Haiti named Jesula, and we are supposed to adopt her." Needless to say the coming days consist of a lot of prayer and family discussion. The decision is made to adopt Jeslua and make her a part of our forever family.<br />
<br />
<b>September 5, 2010</b> - We meet with our good friend Kevin Rudd. He has previously adopted from Haiti and is well versed in navigating the extremely complicated and difficult Haitian adoption process. He explains everything we have to do in the United States and in Haiti. He details out every detail of the dossier (adoption file) that we will have to amass and submit to the Haitian government to begin the process. This is day one of what will take 27 months.<br />
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<b>September 15, 2010</b> - We mail our I-600A (application for advance processing of orphan petition) to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) facility in Texas.<br />
<br />
<b>September 22, 2010</b> - We call Jesula and tell her we would like to adopt her and ask her if she would like that too. She says "Wi" (yes).<br />
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<b>October 15, 2010</b> - We complete our Home Study.<br />
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<b>October 29, 2010</b> - Shawna and I travel to Haiti. This is Shawna's first trip to Haiti with the primary purpose being for her to meet Jesula. We spend this first day of our trip in Port au Prince at the orphanage director's house. Shawna's first meet with Jesula is just perfect. We also meet Redjina for the first time. Redjina is living here so that she can attend a quality school. Redjina is very pleasant, speaks a fair amount of English, and cheerfully helps us communicate with Jesula. Needless to say Redjina makes a very profound impression on us. We tell Redjina goodbye and head up the mountain to the orphanage to spend three days with Jesula and her friends.<br />
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<b>November, 2010</b> - A couple of weeks after our Haiti trip I mention to Shawna that I cannot get Redjina off my mind. To my surprise Shawna says she cannot get Redjina off her mind either. After a couple of weeks of prayer and family discussion we are convinced that God is leading us to adopt Redjina as well.<br />
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<b>December 2, 2010</b> - We call Redjina and tell her we would like to adopt her and ask her if she would like that too. She says yes.<br />
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<b>December 21, 2010</b> - We travel to Nashville, TN for biometrics (fingerprinting) as required for the I-600A process. Biometrics expire in 15 months.<br />
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<b>January 4, 2011</b> - We receive our I-71H (notice of approval of I-600A) from USCIS.<br />
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<b>January 26, 2011</b> - We complete our Dossier.<br />
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<b>February 5, 2011</b> - Our Dossier is delivered to the orphanage director in Haiti.<br />
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<b>March 25, 2011</b> - Shawna and I appear in court in Port au Prince. We show our passports to a court official and are instructed to sign a blank piece of paper.<br />
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<b>June 5, 2011</b> - Our Dossier is accepted into IBESR (Institut du Bien Etre Social et de Recherches or Haitian Social Services). This should have happened back in February when our Dossier made it to Haiti. Unfortunately, Presidential Election issues, political unrest, and riots in Haiti kept that from happening for four months.<br />
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<b>July 21, 2011</b> - I attend a scheduled appointment with the Consulate at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti to file I-600 applications (petition to classify orphan as an immediate relatively) for Jesula and Redjina. This officially opens our adoption case with the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. The Consulate issues a deadline for our final dossier to be provided to them. Our deadline will be extended six times before our final dossier is provided to them.<br />
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<b>August 24, 2011</b> - Jesula's legal guardian and Redjina's legal guardian travel to the U.S. Embassy for scheduled guardian interviews with the Consulate. This is standard U.S. protocol.<br />
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<b>September 13, 2011</b> - Our Dossier is approved by IBESR.<br />
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<b>December 27, 2011</b> - Our Dossier is delivered to The Palace for Presidential Dispensation.<br />
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<b>March 14, 2012</b> - We again travel to Nashville, TN for biometrics (fingerprinting) as our original biometrics are set to expire on March 20, 2012.<br />
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<b>March 15, 2012</b> - Presidential Dispensation is granted by President Mickey Martelly. Our Dossier is on the way to the Parquet courts process.<br />
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<b>April 18, 2012</b> - Our Dossier completes the Parquet courts process.<br />
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<b>April 25, 2012</b> - We receive notification that both girls' Acte d' Adoption has been signed and approved. This means that the girls are now legally ours in Haiti, and have been given the name Cunningham. Our Dossier is on its way to the MOI (Ministry of the Interior) process to obtain authorization for Haitian passports.<br />
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<b>June 7, 2012</b> - Our Dossier is approved by MOI.<br />
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<b>July 1, 2012</b> - Both girls' Haitian Passports are produced. At this point, as far as the Haitian Government is concerned, the girls are ours and can leave Haiti.<br />
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<b>July 10, 2012</b> - Our approved Haitian Dossier along with the girls' passports are delivered to the Consulate at the United States Embassy in Haiti. All we need now is for the U.S. Consulate to approve the girls' files and for the U.S. Department of State to issue the girls' visas. Then we can bring them to America. At this point we are confident the girls will come home in 2 months.<br />
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<b>August-September, 2012</b> - We do not hear anything from the Consulate. I send routine emails to the Consulate requesting an update. I either receive no response at all, or a standard response stating "your case is under review we will advise you when a decision has been reached."<br />
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<b>October 4, 2012</b> - I receive an early morning email from the Consulate stating there are document discrepancies with Redjina's file that require clarification. I contact our Haitian Attorney and later that day she meets with the Consulate at the U.S. Embassy to explain discrepancies. The Consulate requests additional support documents. At this point we are worried that Jesula may be approved and ready to come home before Redjina.<br />
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<b>October 10, 2012</b> - Our Haitian Attorney delivers requested support documents to the Consulate at the U.S. Embassy.<br />
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<b>October 23, 2012</b> - Both girls' I-600 petitions are approved by the Consulate. Their files are forwarded to the Department of State (DOS) at the U.S. Embassy. At this point we expect the DOS will immediately schedule visa interviews and then issue the girls' visas. We are certain we will travel to get both girls in about three weeks.<br />
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<b>November 13, 2012</b> - After three weeks, The DOS contacts the orphanage director and requests he bring both girls and their legal guardians for an interview on November 14, 2012. We have no idea why this is requested. Both girls' guardians have already completed the required guardian interview on August 24, 2011.<br />
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<b>November 14, 2012</b> - Jesula and Redjina with their legal guardians go to the U.S. Embassy for interviews. Jesula's guardian is questioned and the interview is completed. Redjina and her guardian are asked to return the next day.<br />
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<b>November 15, 2012</b> - Redjina and her guardian go to the U.S. Embassy again for an interview. Redjina's guardian is questioned and the interview is completed.<br />
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<b>November 20, 2012</b> - We receive notice from the DOS that Jesula's I-604 is approved and that she is scheduled for a Visa Interview on 11/27/12. She goes the next day for required medical exam. We are told that Redjina's file is still being reviewed with no estimated date for a decision. At this point we are faced with the reality that Jesula will likely come home before Redjina.<br />
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<b>November 23, 2012</b> - We receive notice from the DOS that Redjina's I-604 is approved and that she is scheduled for a Visa Interview on 11/27/12 with Jesula. She goes the next day for required medical exam.<br />
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<b>November 27, 2012 </b>- Both girls attend visa interviews with the DOS at the U.S. Embassy.<br />
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<b>December 5, 2012</b> - Both girls' are issued IR-3 U.S. Visas.<br />
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<b>December 13, 2012</b> - Shawna and I arrive in Port au Prince. The girls are waiting for us at the airport. We go to our Haitian Attorney's office. She provides us with the girls' passports, visas, IBESR Exit Letters, and sealed envelopes to give to U.S. Customs officials upon arrival in the Miami airport.<br />
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<b>December 14, 2012</b> - Shawna and I, with Jesula and Redjina fly from Port au Prince, Haiti to Miami, FL. Upon arrival in the Miami International Airport we walk to the passport entry desk. From there we are escorted by a U.S. Customs officer to the U.S. Customs facility. After a 2 1/2 hour wait, the girls' are asked to sign their names, fingerprint, and their entry visas are approved. We walk out the door and step into America, at which point Jesula and Redjina are immediately considered United States Citizens.<br />
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<b>We began the adoption process on September 5, 2010. Two years, three months, and eight days later the girls came home with us on December 14, 2012.</b></div>
God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-475957974816154542013-01-23T08:34:00.002-05:002013-01-23T08:37:52.829-05:00First Day of School<div style="text-align: center;">
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Today the girls start school in America!</div>
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Yesterday we registered, toured the school, and met their teachers and principals. Then we went and bought backpacks and school supplies.</div>
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They are so excited!</div>
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It is amazing how fast the girls have acclimated to a new family, a new home, a new country. Their first 39 days has included several doctor appointments, immunizations, meeting a lot of family and friends, Christmas, a week long family getaway to the mountains, a fun first snow day, and new hairdos, just to name a few.</div>
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Thank you for all of you that continue to pray for the girls and our family!</div>
God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-37955042399648954652013-01-14T11:36:00.000-05:002013-01-15T08:08:44.802-05:00Arriving HomeAs the plane began it's descent through the skies over east Tennessee both girls were gazing out their windows. The cloud coverage was long gone by now and the visibility was perfect.<br />
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The view of the Smoky Mountains was spectacular. Looking down on the mountains Redjina said "it looks like Haiti". In response to her comment my mind began to race. I had never thought about what the girls might think Tennessee would look like. The first thing you see flying into Haiti or into east Tennessee is a vast array of mountains. For years the Smoky Mountains have called me. I have hiked many trails. It is an escape to peace and tranquility. Out the window I could see Mt. LeConte which I have hiked to 12 times over the years. I have always been drawn to LeConte because it is extremely difficult to hike to but at its height the views are spectacular. My thoughts quickly moved to the mountains of Haiti. The Chaine de la Selle is the highest mountain range in Haiti and therein lays the girls' orphanage and the villages in which I have served many times. Images of the most demanding and beautiful village hike flashed through my mind. I saw glimpses of many moments, views, and faces along each of the hikes I have made to Tiapo. The mountains of east Tennessee and the mountains of Haiti are always a place I feel further in tune with God.<br />
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As I took one last glimpse of the mountains out the window my mind drifted back to the girls. We circled right over downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee campus, Neyland Stadium, and the river. We pointed out several landmarks to the girls that I know meant nothing to them.<br />
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As the plane lined up for final approach into the Knoxville airport my thoughts fixated on my other two children. In my mind I could picture Ashley and Matthew anxiously waiting in the airport lobby to see their sisters.<br />
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Ashley and Matthew were both so excited about this trip, this day, that their sisters were finally coming home. Like their mother and I, they too must have had times of doubt as to whether or not this moment would ever really happen. And now, after 27 months the moment they had dreamed of was finally coming true.<br />
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I really don't remember the plane touching down or taxing into the gate. Everything had become a blur from my mind racing with thoughts between Haiti and home, and the four children. I'm sure the girls' emotions were much different than mine. On the short walk to the exit into the lobby they must have been taking in a new environment, strange faces, and feeling uncertainty. All I could think about was seeing all four of my children together in the same place, the right place. Then just like that, we turned the corner, walked through the automatic rotating glass doors and...<br />
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From the airport we headed home. We were all very excited for the girls to see their new home and their bedrooms. On the ride home they interacted and laughed with Ashley and Matthew. I have no idea what the girls were thinking or expected. They were very interested in looking out the windows. They did so with expressionless faces.<br />
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Arriving home...<br />
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Jesula's room...<br />
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Redjina's room...<br />
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And just like that they were home!<br />
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A special thank you to Leah Price for taking part in the girls' homecoming and Blessing us with these wonderful photos. Learn more about Leah at: <a href="http://leahspricelessmemories.blogspot.com/">http://leahspricelessmemories.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-6714729759972751432013-01-02T16:09:00.002-05:002013-01-22T09:22:05.688-05:00The Trip to America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Trip to America was very surreal.</div>
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It was hard to believe that after 27 months that</div>
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the girls were finally coming home. After so</div>
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many issues and delays I honestly would not</div>
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allow myself to believe it would really happen</div>
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until they actually stepped foot into America!</div>
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This is Friday morning 12/14/12,</div>
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just inside the Port-au-Prince airport.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We arrived about 2 1/2 hours before our flight.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The check-in area was empty, which was nice.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Checking in with American Airlines.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2tLPOa36q4adHE2km20KlEHm8ly-Bxwc356na08rd8xYVHQLWvsyar1jTBs1bTr5eNERuRtBAEZU6WNI39U4wA4JzS8gDoluchvu4WczyHqmTHxlGMoqA0LpB3mmEE_ncMv4cOihUI73/s1600/PAPairport2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2tLPOa36q4adHE2km20KlEHm8ly-Bxwc356na08rd8xYVHQLWvsyar1jTBs1bTr5eNERuRtBAEZU6WNI39U4wA4JzS8gDoluchvu4WczyHqmTHxlGMoqA0LpB3mmEE_ncMv4cOihUI73/s320/PAPairport2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The American Airlines attendants were very kind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls' passports were swiped and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
everything went smooth.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Haitian customs officers asked several questions.<br />
They reviewed the girls' Passports, Visas and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IBESR Exit Letters. They were kind but a little<br />
confused. They weren't sure what to do with<br />
the girls' IBESR Exit Letters until I explained<br />
they were suppose to keep them.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Once through all three security check points we had a<br />
couple of hours before our flight from PAP to Miami.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls seemed interested in watching TV.<br />
They were very nervous and didn't say much.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
In the boarding area just before boarding.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls' boarding passes to Miami ~ America!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVag27P7DB0i15o-Ltfp466DflSKwckt4SevT4WSmRohqzgOuR6Uvn1ijxAFml5Da1Ajx30z8YPp0kKAxlJIt3SifsE4JD1QxSi9iaOgat1zrhvsXiVBfyJ53UdySU5-VgaLk6WdvkpCIb/s1600/PlaneTicPAPMia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVag27P7DB0i15o-Ltfp466DflSKwckt4SevT4WSmRohqzgOuR6Uvn1ijxAFml5Da1Ajx30z8YPp0kKAxlJIt3SifsE4JD1QxSi9iaOgat1zrhvsXiVBfyJ53UdySU5-VgaLk6WdvkpCIb/s320/PlaneTicPAPMia.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls were amazed by the sight of the plane.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU8mFYgYO6HNIxjZ-hS1eAG0uUSSB_Y6DyilDjoh1eS255TC36-TZ27hD9AOb6AhI9B7Aa5B7ul5nZgM_HAMT_2lo98lg-dzRTtYSo0mwYUerBNWtQhfOYLpApYDdesAX1D0zMVI-oJky/s1600/plane4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU8mFYgYO6HNIxjZ-hS1eAG0uUSSB_Y6DyilDjoh1eS255TC36-TZ27hD9AOb6AhI9B7Aa5B7ul5nZgM_HAMT_2lo98lg-dzRTtYSo0mwYUerBNWtQhfOYLpApYDdesAX1D0zMVI-oJky/s320/plane4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
They let us priority board. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls were fascinated with the plane.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They were very nervous and quiet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They had no interest in looking out the windows.<br />
The sound and turbulence of take-off seemed scary.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They enjoyed getting juice to drink.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They finally relaxed when the flight was almost over.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Once off the plane in Miami we made our way to the<br />
Passport checking area. From Passports we were escorted<br />
to U.S. Customs. Customs was extremely crowded. We<br />
waited 2 1/2 hours for the girls' files to be reviewed.<br />
Finally they called us and escorted us into a small room.<br />
Both girls were fingerprinted and signed their first name.<br />
The girls' Visas were approved and they were cleared<br />
to enter the United States as U.S. Citizens!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
From there we checked into the Miami International </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Airport Hotel. The girls loved the comfortable<br />
beds, warm baths, the television, and having<br />
so many channels to flip through.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got pizza for dinner. They both loved it!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday morning 12/15/12 we were up at 4:30 AM </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to catch a 6:20 AM flight to Dallas-Ft. Worth.<br />
The girls' boarding passes for the flight to DFW.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
On this 2nd flight they were much more relaxed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesula wanted the window seat and she giggled</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
seeing the early morning rain outside.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
In the Dallas-Ft. Worth airport both girls' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
loved riding the sky train.</div>
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While waiting on the flight home we stopped for an </div>
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American style breakfast. We ordered eggs over easy, </div>
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bacon, sausage, hash-browns, toast, and pancakes.</div>
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They didn't care for the pancakes or the eggs. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls' boarding passes for the flight home.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A smaller plane for the flight to Knoxville.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Both girls' wanted a window seat.</div>
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Jesula took a nap. After that she looked</div>
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out the window the rest of the way home<br />
without saying a word. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6eQTcjhbCdnSJMw4EAivB0gx0Dw_qznBo7RjeUbBBDjJHUUZP3QnjCpQy4CYJG0w5Tps2KakDP4BS185Pd325ObixTk4KYZvVpomXCTL93u__NKW8Q9EC3XlUUJrLlzjiBL4nOj2V0sh/s1600/JeziPlane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6eQTcjhbCdnSJMw4EAivB0gx0Dw_qznBo7RjeUbBBDjJHUUZP3QnjCpQy4CYJG0w5Tps2KakDP4BS185Pd325ObixTk4KYZvVpomXCTL93u__NKW8Q9EC3XlUUJrLlzjiBL4nOj2V0sh/s320/JeziPlane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Redjina looked out the window the entire flight.<br />
We talked a lot about Haiti and America.<br />
We flew over cloud coverage as far as you could see.</div>
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At one point, referring to the clouds she said,<br />
"Popi, is that the sea?"</div>
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Arriving Home coming soon...</div>
God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-9949294591643222952012-12-27T10:30:00.001-05:002012-12-27T10:48:27.374-05:00The Trip to Haiti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Trip to Haiti to pick up the girls went smooth.</div>
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We landed in Port-au-Prince early on Thursday 12/13/12. </div>
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The girls were waiting for us at the airport.</div>
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This is just after arriving.</div>
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Our first stop was to see our Haitian attorney,<br />
Madame Nathalie Cyprien. She had the girls'<br />
IBESR Exit Letters, Passports, Visas, and<br />
U.S. Customs Documents all prepared.</div>
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Then we stopped for lunch. </div>
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Our friends Jabet & Marieflore drove us around PAP.</div>
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Jesula was happy to see us again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpdWSMJAJl5SoTHC0DYIKJrT7E-k3fyFT2yUkCy85ELW0GvKnm6ZfRBrJGdAlNq6b6Qyz4Ppq2oM_bOe_BrNPfD2qJZhflyzE7w4t9MgESqX1bYA3pOorDOrmc-uiJiM3Se4OElZPQ2e9/s1600/Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpdWSMJAJl5SoTHC0DYIKJrT7E-k3fyFT2yUkCy85ELW0GvKnm6ZfRBrJGdAlNq6b6Qyz4Ppq2oM_bOe_BrNPfD2qJZhflyzE7w4t9MgESqX1bYA3pOorDOrmc-uiJiM3Se4OElZPQ2e9/s320/Lunch.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Redjina was happy too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCL1nHhLSfXVdeX_-QI9ZO0Vzm3ULzzexdDRt8GsW_LXacUBAsqs4tdK8ukHfGz72C68T-PSipoL2Rn_meHbIaTSigR4mveXmpjM5eGRm2rFgs63BCXMbR8LcUmfSNjG7ItbjTpyBV5A9A/s1600/Lunch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCL1nHhLSfXVdeX_-QI9ZO0Vzm3ULzzexdDRt8GsW_LXacUBAsqs4tdK8ukHfGz72C68T-PSipoL2Rn_meHbIaTSigR4mveXmpjM5eGRm2rFgs63BCXMbR8LcUmfSNjG7ItbjTpyBV5A9A/s320/Lunch2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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A very nice restaurant for downtown Port-au-Prince.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaE1ecSDmYsXLgsSMUxnd6-ScJgjH-8q_bBQS23MaZFrTjVOCAa1cbAfejQKZHeGYJ_HjQl8JFNX1xiAWsG_zrNYPMgTjV-wyo5ENvTlpNPnKXePLQN4e-0fGAKUJinMkTujok3RWbcp6/s1600/Lunch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaE1ecSDmYsXLgsSMUxnd6-ScJgjH-8q_bBQS23MaZFrTjVOCAa1cbAfejQKZHeGYJ_HjQl8JFNX1xiAWsG_zrNYPMgTjV-wyo5ENvTlpNPnKXePLQN4e-0fGAKUJinMkTujok3RWbcp6/s320/Lunch3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Pork, Beans, Rice, Plantains, and Pikliz.</div>
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Delicious!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdfqGsVW6Cj-BWPHoEwaT7xsqN0frNwk6rZTyzkaTowy8Am_cRyNcIjzUQtzsRWNSfZ4OaYXlMfj7ml02MKXKrZJ4wtpszez9zPGHKnrBUVFI4SUlQYY6lk_5dowFPkkuaE9eh1p3mpb-/s1600/Lunch8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdfqGsVW6Cj-BWPHoEwaT7xsqN0frNwk6rZTyzkaTowy8Am_cRyNcIjzUQtzsRWNSfZ4OaYXlMfj7ml02MKXKrZJ4wtpszez9zPGHKnrBUVFI4SUlQYY6lk_5dowFPkkuaE9eh1p3mpb-/s320/Lunch8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The streets of Port-au-Prince near our hotel.</div>
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A remarkable contrast from the streets of Port-au-Prince<br />
to the other side of the gate at The Palm Inn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeEOAPfQY2uD0dzAqHAuGHrBG79PRVSOkvdqC2NgJAwuwyxU2BbCCvjgzuS6s0fGY5Mez6Jeq3QTjFybpV1yaURAS6fRZbQztfwRPtZ-OULFl8-uV1wEVWvN_wIynXa6sKcMkHxr5q8MX/s1600/Hotel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeEOAPfQY2uD0dzAqHAuGHrBG79PRVSOkvdqC2NgJAwuwyxU2BbCCvjgzuS6s0fGY5Mez6Jeq3QTjFybpV1yaURAS6fRZbQztfwRPtZ-OULFl8-uV1wEVWvN_wIynXa6sKcMkHxr5q8MX/s320/Hotel1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Trees and shade highlighted the beautiful grounds<br />
inside the small compound.</div>
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A Christmas Tree just outside our room.</div>
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A simple room with two beds and a bathroom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V1DnJSWCqLOfMyjp9hxGKZ2J90UQGPCmBf3ffBgBNL9J7JseRLiRCWeZBitv8XnBErvwFDS_A7cbFSHD6GxBhn5LfV7eWLl1-5bA7nAGONkikkdPEbwe3jJOO2ixdyNe57otCwZmbWk_/s1600/Hotel5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V1DnJSWCqLOfMyjp9hxGKZ2J90UQGPCmBf3ffBgBNL9J7JseRLiRCWeZBitv8XnBErvwFDS_A7cbFSHD6GxBhn5LfV7eWLl1-5bA7nAGONkikkdPEbwe3jJOO2ixdyNe57otCwZmbWk_/s320/Hotel5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The only thing the girls brought with them for the trip<br />
home is what they are wearing here and a smile. They<br />
left the rest of their things with the girls at the orphanage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCwO7llov0PABImvXr6L43KBRsgxdAhlWGp4RzcC2G0kHvTZd-LZ43uFh_jBa4c9G8khnT0abOQde3-9BOvskANinynnTtPQ6FzBy6kLDrRjVoCzSPAd5Npbwar0JMtC_Wq4fXy9GepL3/s1600/Hotel6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCwO7llov0PABImvXr6L43KBRsgxdAhlWGp4RzcC2G0kHvTZd-LZ43uFh_jBa4c9G8khnT0abOQde3-9BOvskANinynnTtPQ6FzBy6kLDrRjVoCzSPAd5Npbwar0JMtC_Wq4fXy9GepL3/s320/Hotel6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Around the Palm Inn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_58wGTaYEqbIx-loXZ9mRhp6J8AT7NE8d6Es6Lu7pi9AWFXLG9-Cgy-FCfV_2zr1wQJgCUWyx4MvsqbXYO0_MAmR4mVCHxfWQSO_oSyokeXeGL9hCA6KKC7UdFj1-6u-juER_4FClhjI/s1600/Hotel9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_58wGTaYEqbIx-loXZ9mRhp6J8AT7NE8d6Es6Lu7pi9AWFXLG9-Cgy-FCfV_2zr1wQJgCUWyx4MvsqbXYO0_MAmR4mVCHxfWQSO_oSyokeXeGL9hCA6KKC7UdFj1-6u-juER_4FClhjI/s320/Hotel9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Redjina sitting at the pool.</div>
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Redjina relaxing in a new dress with some orange juice.</div>
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Jeusla and her new dress.</div>
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My precious girls.</div>
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Sunset at The Palm Inn.</div>
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Breakfast at The Palm Inn.</div>
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Haitian Omelet, Fresh Mango & Pineapple, and Coffee.</div>
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Friday morning 12/14/12 just before leaving for </div>
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the Port-au-Prince airport and The Trip to America.</div>
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The Trip to America coming soon...</div>
God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-60500763626006902902012-12-19T08:54:00.000-05:002012-12-19T10:54:11.181-05:00First Things FirstRamblings about a few of the girls' first travel experiences...<br />
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<b>Airports & Planes</b><br />
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Bringing the girls home was such an interesting experience. They had obviously never been to an airport, likely never even seen a plane. Entering the airport the morning of departure they were both understandably nervous and quiet. They certainly found passing through security interesting. And for some reason in the Port au Prince Airport you have to pass through three security points before finally entering the terminal boarding area. So, that's three times of taking off jackets, belts, shoes, etc. and having those items pass through scanning machines and then putting everything back on. I have no idea what the girls were thinking. Based on their puzzled expressions I would imagine the first time their belongings went down the conveyor and into the big metal box they figured they would never see them again. Maybe they thought they would go home barefoot. When their things came out the other side perhaps they thought they had been washed. But then we had to do it again, and again. It must have all been very bizarre in their minds.<br />
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They were very quiet waiting to board that first flight from Port au Prince. As we boarded the plane the girls had a very tight grip on our arms. Neither one had any interest in looking out the window. Both glanced out momentarily when the plane began to move to taxi out. As the engines roared to push the plane down the runway for take-off, both had pretty big eyes and a solid hold on our arms. During the planes initial climb we experienced one really good bump of turbulence. Redjina let out a "whew". Jesula never made a sound. After the flight leveled out they appeared to relax. They enjoyed the juice from the flight attendants. Their eyes were constantly scanning the environment around them. I told Redjina I was going to the poddy (lavatory), and she said "Popi, the plane has a poddy?" So, she went too. The noise of the descent into the Miami airport and the big bumps touching down onto the runway seemed slightly less scary to them than take-off.<br />
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Once off the plane in Miami they were fine. Jesula almost tripped. She likes to slide her feet when she walks. That works great on the concrete floors in the orphanage, but didn't work so well the first time she has ever walked on carpet. Then she kind of kicked at it trying to figure out what it was.<br />
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Over the course of our next two flights on the journey home they both became more comfortable with air travel. Redjina ventured to the lavatory on every flight. Jesula never left her seat. On the final flight into Knoxville they both wanted to sit by the window. Jesula slept for a little while. Then she stared out the window never making a sound. At one point we were flying over a solid mass of white clouds as far as could be seen, and Redjina said "Popi, is that the sea?"<br />
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<b>Hotels & Food</b></div>
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After arriving in Miami and clearing passports and immigrations, we headed for the Miami International Airport Hotel which is located inside the airport terminal. On the way we had to take three long escalators which Jesula didn't care for at first. She had a hard time negotiating the getting on and off process. But by the third one she thought it was fun and was giggling as she jumped on and off.<br />
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The girls were fascinated with the hotel lobby which had a beautiful Christmas Tree, and the check-in process. They were fascinated with my visa card which happens to have their picture on it. The elevator ride up to our floor was interesting. Jesula didn't want to get inside the elevator but decided she would since we did and she didn't want to be left behind. Up and away came with big eyes and then smiles. The small white plastic card that opened the hotel room door seemed strange to them.<br />
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The rooms were not spectacular, but very nice and comfortable compared to our room the night before in in Haiti. I will never forget seeing Jesula and the look on her face, within minutes of walking in the room, spread all out on her back on the soft pillow-top mattress and a sea of fluffy pillows. Jesula loved the big flat panel television, the remote control, and the number of channels to surf through. They had never before experienced hot water or lying in a bathtub. Needless to say, they loved the warm bath.<br />
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After trying to explain food options, the girls decided to try pizza for supper. So we headed down to the California Pizza Kitchen in the terminal mall area. The two ladies working there were Haitian. They were fascinated with us, and the girls, and went on and on about how beautiful the girls were. Redjina got a personal size peperoni and Jesula a personal size cheese. They both ate every bite. They love it. They had orange juice to drink. For that matter they had orange juice on every plane and with every meal along the way. We are already on gallon number two of orange juice on the third full day of being home.<br />
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More firsts to come!God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-44174318530955078382012-12-15T16:02:00.000-05:002013-01-14T11:42:01.157-05:00Adoption News ~ Welcome Home!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Praising the Almighty</b></div>
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<b>Welcome home Jesula Cunningham and Redjina Cunningham</b></div>
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The girls officially became United States Citizens on Friday, December 14, 2012 when they stepped off the plane with us in Miami and cleared immigrations. The girls arrived at their new home on Saturday afternoon, December 15, 2012.<br />
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This picture is just after arriving in the Knoxville airport today </div>
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to reunite with Ashley and Matthew!</div>
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I want to again thank all of our family and friends who have provided prayer support, financial support, and much needed encouragement throughout our 27 month journey to adopt Jesula and Redjina and finally bring them home. We could not have made it without each of you and for you we are very thankful. Our God is an Awesome God!<br />
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<b><i>Lord, you are my God: I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things. Things you planned long ago, have now been accomplished. </i>Isaiah 25:1</b>God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-91959229518045302242012-12-02T16:30:00.001-05:002012-12-09T10:19:13.556-05:00God Works in Mysterious Ways!Our adoption case file had been in the hands of the U.S. Embassy in Haiti for three months. During that time immigration services and the consulate would occasionally ask questions, or request additional documents. A United States' government process that typically takes two or three weeks to finalize a foreign adoption appeared as if it would never end. Then during church service at Faith Promise Church on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, one of the pastors prayed over us. He prayed specifically for U.S. Immigrations to finalize our adoptions in the coming week and schedule our girls' visa interviews. It was an emotional time. Within a few days God answered those exact prayers.<br />
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The girls' cases were quickly approved and they had their visa interviews. Just like that it was time to make plans to go get them. We hadn't really thought far enough ahead to consider the cost of the trip we had been praying would happen for 27 months. The cost of final immigration services, medical exams for the girls, airline tickets, hotels, final Haitian legal fees, etc. will be about $5,000. That is a daunting amount of money any time, but even more so just before Christmas. I got a little stressed worrying about the cost to say the least.<br />
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While I was on my laptop shopping for airline tickets, I saw a Joel Osteen tweet on my phone. It simply said "You can't worry and trust God at the same time". I had one of those wow God moments. I stopped and prayed. I basically said "God, thank you for delivering me to this moment in the adoption process. You have brought me this far, so I am going to trust You will provide the finances needed to see this through". Well, He went to work.<br />
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Within a few days we received unexpected donations totaling almost a third of that cost. We received a contribution through the blog from a friend from my high school days around 1980. I didn't see her for many years after high school. A year or so ago she contacted me on Facebook wanting to give us clothes for the girls and for Haiti. We received a check in the mail from a little sister from my college fraternity. I have only seen her one time since college after we reconnected on Facebook. She has supported us continually with prayer and finances throughout this entire process. We received another check in the mail. This time from a fraternity brother from college that I haven't seen since 1986. It included a note saying his family had been following our blog and that they felt led to help.<br />
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It's not surprising that God answers prayers. He says He will. God has answered our prayers and provided time and time again throughout this long adoption process. But it has been amazing to me to see who God has selected to help us. I am so very thankful for each and everyone He has chosen. In my daily struggle to let go and just trust Him, I can't wait to see who He picks next.<br />
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God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.<br />
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<b><i>For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares The Lord.</i> Isaiah 55: 8-9</b></div>
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God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-61207124757479919982012-11-28T08:45:00.000-05:002012-11-28T09:24:22.351-05:00Hope is a Waking Dream!It was 27 months ago today that I returned from my first trip to Haiti. I met Jesula the day before returning home. God clearly laid it on my heart that she was my daughter, so we began the adoption process immediately. Exactly two months to the day after meeting Jesula, I met Redjina on a return trip to Haiti. Once again God clearly laid it on my heart that she was my daughter, so we moved forward adopting both.<br />
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Looking back it is hard to believe it has been 27 months. This long journey has been filled with countless twists, turns, obstacles and delays. When we first started the adoption process in September 2010, we were told the girls could be home in 12-18 months. Of course we heard 12 months and clung to having the girls home in a year. When "we hope to have them home by" has changed so many times I can't even remember them all.<br />
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We struggled not being with them for that first Thanksgiving 2010 and Christmas 2010. Not being with them for their spring 2011 birthdays was really hard. We hoped to have them home by fall 2011. A year came and went. We hoped to have them home by Thanksgiving 2011, and then we hoped to have then home by Christmas 2011. Eighteen months came and went. We hoped to have them home by their spring 2012 birthdays. When our file finally cleared the Haitian government and made its way to the U.S. Embassy in July 2012, we thought we would have them home by August 2012. Then we hoped to have them home by September 2012. Two years came and went. Then we hoped to have them home by October of 2012. We knew for sure we would have them home by Thanksgiving 2012.<br />
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Time and time again, what we hoped for came and went. Each time what we hoped for turned out to only be a dream. We woke up from each dream only to dream again.<br />
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Along this journey there have been so many days of joy, frustration, and even doubt that it would ever happen. But the tribulation of this 27 month process has nurtured our love for the girls. Close your eyes and try and imagine how much love you would have for your children if you were separated from them for over two years and were constantly anticipating them coming home. </div>
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Thankfully I have been able to scatter in nine trips to Haiti over this time. The trips allowed me to have time with the girls once every few months. Those were nine wonderful trips, but they were all followed by nine heartbreaking departures.<br />
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T<span style="text-align: center;">oday I thank God that on my next trip to Haiti the girls will depart with me!</span></div>
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<b><i>Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true there is life and joy. </i>Proverbs 13:12</b></div>
God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-76814745390147957012012-11-23T14:22:00.000-05:002012-11-27T07:50:05.158-05:00Adoption News ~ Finally!We finally received notification today from the Consular Section of the United States Embassy in Haiti that Redjina has been approved and scheduled for a visa interview.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Redjina's medical exam is underway. Redjina and Jesula will appear together for visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy next week and apply for IR-3 Immigrant Visas. Visas are typically issued about one week after the interview. Once the girls have their visas we can bring them home, together!</span><br />
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Thank you to our family and friends who have been prayer warriors for our now 26 month long adoption process. We ask that you please continue to pray for us as we take these final steps in our journey to bring Jesula and Redjina home. I hope to be sharing pictures and the story of their arrivals very soon!<br />
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<b><i>Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His loving kindness is everlasting. </i>1 Chronicles 16:34</b></div>
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God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-42485968550879951222012-11-20T21:48:00.000-05:002012-11-21T13:55:41.070-05:00Adoption News ~ Mixed Emotions!<div style="text-align: center;">
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We received notification today from the Consular Section of the United States Embassy in Haiti that Jesula has been approved and scheduled for a visa interview. When I asked about the status of Redjina's case the Consulate replied, "Redjina's case is still being reviewed and we will let you know when a decision is reached".</div>
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Although we are very anxious about Redjina's case, and very concerned for the girls who may not come home together, we are Praising God for moving Jesula forward!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Jesula's medical exam is underway. She will appear for her visa interview at the U.S. Embassy next week and apply for a IR-3 Immigrant Visa. Visas are typically issued about one week after the interview. Once Jesula has a visa we can bring her home.</span><br />
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We ask that all of our family and friends continue to pray for our adoptions. Pray that Jesula's medical exam and visa interview go smoothly, that Redjina is quickly approved and scheduled for a medical exam and visa interview, and that we are able to bring both girls home together, or at least both very soon!</div>
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<b><i>And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. </i>Philippians 4:19</b>God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-66433175826179157082012-11-15T15:00:00.000-05:002012-11-16T09:52:23.638-05:00Matthew Commits to TTU!Matthew signed his National Letter of Intent to play Division 1 baseball for Tennessee Tech University. National Signing Day was November 14, 2012. Matt signed as part of a very nice ceremony in his honor at Grace Christian Academy High School.<br />
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The ceremony opened with GCA Campus Pastor Matt Mercer leading all present in prayer over Matthew. Several people spoke about Matthew and his accomplishments on and off the baseball field. Those speaking included; GCA Athletic Director Johnny Cox, Grace Baptist Church Youth Pastor Bobby Thompson, GCA High School Assistant Baseball Coach Dwight Smith, and GCA High School Head Baseball Coach Brian Hochevar. The ceremony closed with a photo session and interviews with local television stations.<br />
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We are looking forward to Mathew's senior year of high school baseball this spring. Then it will be on to Tennessee Tech University in the fall of 2013.<br />
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<b>We are so very proud of Matthew!!!</b></div>
God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-43727792565717926032012-11-02T08:28:00.000-04:002012-11-02T08:52:16.680-04:00Adoption News ~ More Waiting!<br />
The Consular Section of the United States Embassy in Haiti is proving to not move any faster than the USCIS. Typically a few days after the USCIS approves the I-600, the Consular Section approves and provides a date for visa interviews and medical exams. Well, ten days later and counting we are still waiting.<br />
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Several factors have contributed to the delay. Hurricane Sandy closed the Embassy for two days on October 24th and 25th. Embassy appointments scheduled on those two days had to be rescheduled prior to ours being considered. The Embassy is now closed again for two days. November 1st and 2nd are observed holidays in Haiti, All Souls Day and All Saints Day. And apparently, the adoption of multiple, teenage girls brings increased case scrutiny and simply requires a more thorough case review.<br />
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Please pray that the Consular Section of the United States Embassy approves our case quickly and provides us with an expedited visa interview appointment.<br />
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<b><i>God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. </i>Psalm 46:1-3</b><br />
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God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-29620734946593538002012-10-23T09:44:00.000-04:002012-11-13T11:38:57.772-05:00Adoption News ~ I-600's Approved!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Not to us Lord, but to your name </i></b><b><i>goes all the glory, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>for your unfailing love and faithfulness. </i></b></div>
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<b>Psalm 115:1</b></div>
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After more than three months of waiting on the USCIS we finally received The Email. The USCIS has approved our I-600 petitions, clearing the way for Jesula and Redjina to come home with us!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Final steps:</span><br />
1) The girls will travel to Port-au-Prince for medical exams per U.S. requirements.<br />
2) The girls will be scheduled for visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy and apply for IR-3 Immigrant Visas.<br />
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Once Jesula and Redjina have Visas we can bring them home!!!<br />
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We are planning a quiet and unembellished homecoming with just our girls and family. I hope to be sharing pictures and the story of their arrival in about 4-6 weeks.<br />
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Thank you to our family and friends who have been prayer warriors for our now 25 month long adoption process. Please continue to pray for us as we take these final steps in our journey to bring Jesula and Redjina home!<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i>For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay. </i>Habakkuk 2:3</b></span>God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-56304352748917463142012-10-19T13:59:00.001-04:002012-10-19T14:47:56.162-04:00Come Monday It'll Be AlrightThe Haitian Government finalized and approved our adoptions on July 1st. At that time, the girls were given our last name, legally became our children, and were issued Haitian passports so they could leave Haiti.<br />
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On July 10th our complete file of documents was sent to the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. The USCIS is the United States Government agency that oversees foreign adoptions. They must review and approve I-600 petitions for adopted children to be allowed to enter the United States. For three months all we have gotten from the USCIS is the run around. We have provided new documents, had documents attested, provided clarifications of documents, and even provided funeral pictures and videos.<br />
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They request information. We provide it. Then we wait. Sometimes we wait a week, sometimes three weeks. We wait for what we hope will be The Email announcing that our I-600 petitions have been approved, but so far it's been requests for more information. It is like an endless loop. The last time we provided information was last Wednesday, October 10th. Since then we have been waiting.<br />
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I can email them but they usually don't respond. If they do respond it is likely a form message that simply says "your case is under review". It is literally impossible to call them. If you get through you get a voice mail with a mail box that is full so no message can be left. So, I wait on The Email. Every time my phone vibrates I anxiously look in hopes it will be The Email. I run my battery down hitting the refresh button looking for The Email.<br />
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And all that said, Friday afternoon is the worst time of the week. Friday at 4:00 PM means the United States Embassy has closed for the week and that The Email isn't coming. Instead of Thank God It's Friday, it's I Wish It Was Monday. Only Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are qualified to be The Day, the day The Email finally comes. Come Friday at 4:00 PM all we can do is wait for Monday morning. And pray, that Come Monday It'll Be Alright!<br />
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<b><i>And Jesus told them a parable to show them that they should always pray and not lose heart. </i> Luke 18:1</b>God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-48104919390632354812012-10-15T16:09:00.000-04:002012-10-16T09:37:02.931-04:00Fast ForwardI wish I could just fast forward to the day our girls come home. But I don't even know when that day will be. I wake up each morning, pray all day, and believe we will get the news today. The day ends!God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-20838905416711019282012-08-08T15:27:00.001-04:002012-12-09T14:13:06.004-05:00Here I am - Send me<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I traveled to Haiti
again this past week, July 21-29, 2012 to serve and spend time with my
beautiful girls. </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was my eighth trip to Haiti and the fourth mission team I have been blessed to lead.</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My daughter Ashley and her husband Jeff also made the
trip. Our mission team consisted of 16 people. We had an awesome
group of young adults with pure servant's hearts, and many first-timers, which made for an awesome
experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We departed Knoxville on Friday evening, drove to Atlanta and spent the night near the airport. We were at the Atlanta airport at 5:00 AM on Saturday morning. We checked 18 bags of supplies. Our flights into
Miami and on into Port-au-Prince were timely and uneventful. We arrived in Port-au-Prince about 2:15 PM. Two of our team members flew a different airline and came in just minutes after us without any issues. The process of clearing immigration, baggage claim, and customs went smooth. All our check bags were in hand. We
walked straight through customs without a single bag being inspected. We loaded our bags on the truck and got on the road. The drive through
Port-au-Prince and up the mountain was relatively quiet. I noticed remarkable improvements in the roads. Many areas have been newly paved. We didn't have any traffic delays and we made the drive to Camatin in about 2.5 hours. We arrived at the orphanage about 6:00 PM and the girls were waiting to greet us. Jesula and Redjina were so happy to see Ashley, Jeff, and I. Those first <span style="line-height: 115%;">hugs are always so wonderful! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday morning we attended
Church in Coq Chante. The Haitian people know how to worship. Ashley went up and spoke. She talked about how Haiti first impacted me, and then how it has impacted her life. She spoke so eloquently and many of our team members cried. Jeff and Leah went up and performed two songs. Jeff played guitar and Leah sang, Amazing Grace and Agnus Dei. Their performance was amazing. After church, we provided the church members with a warm meal of chicken, rice, and beans.</span><br />
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We served in all the area villages. We spent a day in each of Camatin, Tiapo, Beloc, and Coq Chante. Walking to and through the villages is always the serving highlight of my time in Haiti. Seeing the faces, the environment, the living conditions, the isolation is enough to break the strongest person. Our focus in the villages was providing prayer, medical attention, food, baby food and clothing, and children's clothing and toys. Everywhere we turned there were babies. We distributed bottles, formula, cloth diapers, and clothing to hundreds of babies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Tiapo is always a very special experience. It involves a long, steep walk just to reach the church. We provided a food distribution for church members, conducted a medical clinic, and distributed baby and kid clothing. On the walk out of Tiapo, a few of the team members met a family that obviously was struggling with a lack of food and cleanliness. The next day after another trip to the market, Nate and Allyson, with Chad's help lead blessing this family with prayer, baths, feet washing, three goats, and rice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Beloc, the village I feel most drawn too, included several highlights. We provided complete sets of soccer uniforms to the area youth and organized a great soccer match. Babies were blessed and loved on everywhere we turned. My sweet friend Mikiana, who calls me Popi, was there waiting for me when I arrived and walked with me every step. We prayed for and blessed Mikiana and her mother Madame Islande.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coq Chante provided several special moments and one true God moment. The first day we were in Coq Chante someone came running to our team and said we were needed as a baby had fallen into a fire and was badly burned. Jeff and two others ran ahead of the team. I can't imagine what must have gone through their minds in route to this baby. I must mention how proud I am of my son-in-law Jeff, He is a recent paramedic school graduate, and a long time EMT, firefighter and rescue squad member. He doesn't blink an eye when faced with trauma. He is hands on, and time and time again we were fortunate to have him on this trip. The baby had fallen bottom first into a coal fire for cooking. I won't describe in detail the extent of the burn, but it was surreal. Jeff, with the help of the others, treated the baby as much as possible. It was obvious that this baby would not survive without being taken to a hospital in Port-au-Prince, a three hour drive away. The team collected money to provide for the baby to be transported and admitted to the hospital. At last report the baby was stable and expected to be in the hospital for approximately a month. I have no doubt that God placed Jeff and our team in this baby's path that day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We blessed an elderly lady, Madame Maranta, that my daughter Ashley feels led to help. Ashley and I walked through the area market and bartered to buy chickens and beans. We took them to bless and pray for her.</span><br />
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While walking through a less traveled area in Coq Chante we came across a baby girl that had been born just a couple of hours prior. We gave the mother and the baby a basic medical check. We blessed the mother with food, vitamins, baby bottles, baby formula, cloth diapers, baby blankets, and several other items. To our delight the mother asked to name her baby after one of us. We arrived at the name Presley (for Preston) Marie (for Ashley Marie). Presley Marie Bien Aimes weighed 4 pounds and was approximately 18 inches tall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took a nice break during the middle of the week and treated all the girls and workers in the orphanage to a day at the beach in Jacmel. Everyone enjoyed the beach, the water, as a well as a nice meal of fish or pork, and plantains, and piklize (Haitian slaw). The weather was absolutely perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The primary mission on the trip was to build a new house for Jesula's grandmother, Madame Elivert Labady. Jesula's parents are deceased and Madame Elivert raised Jesula since a very young age. In December 2009 realizing it would be a better opportunity for Jesula, she brought Jesula to the orphanage. Madame Elivert is a very elderly woman and is not in good health. Her previous house, which had a leaking roof, failing walls, and a dirt floor, is located in an isolated area at the bottom of the mountain in Coq Chante. She was no longer able to make the 1.5 mile walk, each way up and down the mountain to secure water and food from the market or to attend church. The new house, albeit a small one room house, would provide her with basic protection from the elements. It is close to the top of the mountain and next door to her daughter's family house (Christella's parents). They will be able to help care for her and she can now walk to the market and church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had planned to build the house on Monday and Tuesday. But things don't always go as planned in Haiti. When we got to the home site Madame Elivert was not there, but the house was already being built. There was still a lot of finish work to do, but the concrete slab, walls, and metal roof had been erected the day before. I was not happy. I expressed my displeasure with our Haitian host. We had raised the funds for and our plan was to build the house.</span><br />
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I soon learned that God had a different plan. Within just a few minutes Madame Elivert came walking up with a smile as bright as the sun. She told us how much she loved her new house. She loved her new house so much that she slept in the house on the concrete floor the night before we arrived. In that instant I was reminded that God was in control. God had blessed her with a new house and she was very thankful. She was so thankful that she slept on a concrete floor and never again had to make the long walk up and down the mountain. We spent the best part of the next two days doing finish work. We painted Madame Elivert's house inside and out. We bought Madame Elivert a new mattress. Several team members hiked down the mountain to carry up her remaining belongings. We also painted Jesula's aunt and uncle's house next door. They were so grateful. They cooked yams and chicken for us that I know was likely there food for the week. People from all over the village gathered, watched, and even helped work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the last full day of our trip a few of us made one last visit to Jesula's grandmother's new house. We took her a few parting gifts, primarily food. Inside the house, I emotionally explained to Jesula and her grandmother that this would be the last time they would see each other, as Jesula would soon leave to live in the Untied States. Jesula had large tears trickle down her face and her grandmother smiled that smile of total peace that says I fought the good fight, I finished the race. I stepped back just outside the door of the house to give them privacy and just watched. They hugged and exchanged words in their native language. Then Jesula flashed her beautiful little grin, kissed her grandmother on the cheek, and turned and walked out the door. Jesula and I were the last to leave. As we walked away out the trail to the road, Jesula stopped several times and gazed back momentarily at her grandmother sitting on the porch of her new house. I would so much like to know what was going through Jesula's mind. Perhaps Jesula was day-dreaming of sweet childhood memories surrounded by her grandmother. Perhaps Jesula felt at peace knowing that her grandmother, who raised her and then lovingly left her in a better place at the orphanage, was on this day being left in a better place.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.</i> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Timothy 4:7</span></b></div>
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God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-32737916150789680802012-07-19T14:37:00.003-04:002012-07-19T15:24:51.306-04:00In the Hands of the U.S. EmbassyI received an email from the U.S. Embassy in Tabarre, Haiti on July 10th that reads:<br />
<br />
Dear Sir,<br />
<br />
We acknowledge receipt of your final adoption dossier. Your case is currently under review. You will be notified once this process is completed.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
<br />
USCIS Haiti<br />
<br />
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<br />
Here is all that remains:<br />
1) Our Dossier (translated into English) is now at the U.S. Embassy in Tabarre, Haiti. The U.S. will review and hopefully give it their blessing.<br />
2) The U.S. will require the girls to have medical exams and meet health requirements.<br />
3) Then we apply for the girls' U.S. Travel Visas.<br />
<br />
Once the girls have Travel Visas we can bring them home. There is still no way to know for sure when that will happen, but we are prayerfully hopeful by late August!God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-32258462006319335162012-07-02T10:08:00.000-04:002012-11-13T11:37:45.840-05:00Adoption News ~ Passports!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Bondye Bon Tout Tan ~ God is Good All the Time!!!</b></div>
<br />
Today we learned that our girls have been issued Haitian Passports.<br />
<br />
This means as far as the Haitian Government is concerned, the adoption is final, the girls are ours, and they are done.<br />
<br />
All that remains:<br />
1) Our Dossier (translated into English) now goes to the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. will review our Dossier and hopefully give it their blessing.<br />
2) The girls will have new medical exams that the U.S. will need to approve <br />
3) Then we apply for the girls' Travel Visas with the U.S. Embassy. Once the girls have Travel Visas we can bring them home.<br />
<br />
We are oh so close!!!<br />
<br />
<b><i>At the time I have decided, my words will come true. You can trust what I say about the future. It may take longer than you hope, but it will surely happen. </i>Habakkuk 2:3</b><br />
<br />God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-13504846002808424282012-06-26T11:32:00.000-04:002012-06-26T17:46:04.147-04:00I Feel Like Rambling<br />
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<b>The Theory of Adoption Years</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I know that most everyone has heard of the Theory of Dog Years.
The basic concept of this theory is that a dog ages seven years for every one
actual year of their life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well I have discovered that there is a very similar theory,
which I call the Theory of Adoption Years. The principle is the same, for every
one year a person spends navigating the international adoption process they actually
age seven years. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
So if I take my age and add in two adoption years... well forget that. You know they say "you're only as old as you feel". I feel like…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Feels Like</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I like how the weather forecast now includes “feels like”.
I never have completely understood how 90 degrees can feel like 88 or 92. If it
feels like 92, then it seems like it would be 92. Now I could see something
like this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today’s High 84 - feels like fall<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tomorrow’s High 101 – feels like Haiti<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Speaking of Haiti</b></div>
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I will be there in 25 days!</div>
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<br /></div>God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-5118262789316826362012-06-13T12:14:00.001-04:002012-09-27T09:52:41.185-04:00Missing My Girls<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
wonder sometimes what people think it's like having two adoptive children so far away for
almost two years. Perhaps no two people would have the same
experience or feelings. Maybe it is different things for different people. For
me, I think that before God placed these children in my life, that I would
have thought it would be out of sight out of mind, or that each day away would
be easier than the day before. Thoughts like that are far from the reality of
my personal experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not
a single day has gone by in the last 21 months without thoughts of
Jesula and Redjina. I think of them every day. Some days, when I am
really busy, I may think of them occasionally throughout the day. Some
days I think of them much more than others. I think about what they are
doing, if they are happy, what they are feeling, if they are safe, what they
have had to eat, or if they are thinking of me. I think about everything
imaginable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There
are so many triggers that make me think of them. Some big and some
small. Some are obvious, like the two birthdays they each have had
come and go since we started the adoption process. Of course holidays,
particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas. But some are as
simple as when I walk out of church on Sunday and I think Jesula is probably
leaving church too and walking down the hill to the orphanage. Maybe it's a
weekday afternoon and I think Redjina has left school, caught two different
tap-taps across the city, and has started her 2 mile walk home. Maybe I am
eating rice and I think that's likely what they ate yesterday, and today, and will again tomorrow. Maybe I see someone eating spaghetti and I think about making
it for them in Haiti. Maybe I am pushing a buggy through the grocery store and
I think about which of the hundreds of the things on the shelves that they don't
even know exist, they might like. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe it's really hot outside and it just
feels like Haiti. Maybe it's that rare moment here that is really still
and quiet, that feels like every night time in Haiti. Maybe it's the stars in a night sky that appears so much bigger and
clearer in Haiti. Maybe it's sitting on the porch and seeing the moonlight glitter off a rooftop. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe it's a song playing that reminds me of them. Maybe it's
a picture or a post on facebook, or a call or a message from anyone that I have
served with, or a news story that flashes across the TV screen about Haiti.
Maybe it's at my son Matt's baseball game and I think what it will be like when
they are here. Perhaps it's my daughter Ashley speaking with them on the phone
in Creole, with which she has become well versed. Or maybe it's those tough times when Ashley calls me crying because she misses them desperately
that day. Honestly, it's way to many things to mention.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some
days I just can't stop thinking about them. Some days I want
to walk away, drive to the airport and catch the first flight to
Haiti. Some days I desperately want their presence in my life. Some
days I really just need to see their face, hold them, and talk to them.
Today is one of those days!</span></div>
God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-12010056917664664032012-05-03T08:42:00.000-04:002012-05-03T08:42:25.842-04:00Happy 12th Birthday Jesula!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy 12th Birthday today to our sweet daughter Jesula.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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I wish I was with her in Haiti!!</div>God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-78716627219621398762012-04-28T20:50:00.000-04:002012-04-29T16:56:14.505-04:00Happy 14th Birthday Redjina!!<center>Happy 14th Birthday today to our sweet daughter Redjina.</center>
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<center>I wish I was with her in Haiti!!</center>God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486573917532535611.post-29584641881709273312012-04-25T15:16:00.000-04:002012-09-27T09:52:25.192-04:00Adoption News ~ Acte d' Adoption!Through a series of legalizations and hearings the Haitian courts approve the adoption and issue the final adoption decree, The Acte d' Adoption. <br />
<br />
Well our Acte d' Adoption has been approved, signed, and we have received a copy. Which means that the girls are now legally ours in Haiti, and have been given the name Cunningham. Let me officially introduce:<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/KoolPappyPD/jesi2.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<b>Jesula Desir Cunningham</b></center>
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/KoolPappyPD/41.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<b>Redjina Jean Simon Cunningham</b></center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Praising God for His Favor. Praising God for two more Cunningham's!!</div>
<br />
The next and final step for Haiti is applying for and getting the girls Haitian Passports. Then it is on to the U.S. Embassy for U.S. Approval and obtaining Travel Visas. Then we bring them Home!!!<br />
<br />
<center>
<b><i>Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men <br />
on whom His favor rests. </i>Luke 2:14</b></center>
God's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09896481730375907479noreply@blogger.com1