Hope 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Today I thank God that on my next trip to Haiti the girls will depart with me!

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true there is life and joy. Proverbs 13:12

Adoption 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.

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!

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!


Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His loving kindness is everlasting. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Adoption News ~ Mixed Emotions!

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".

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!

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.

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!

And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Matthew 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.

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.

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.

We are so very proud of Matthew!!!

Adoption News ~ More Waiting!

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.

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.

Please pray that the Consular Section of the United States Embassy approves our case quickly and provides us with an expedited visa interview appointment.

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. Psalm 46:1-3

Adoption News ~ I-600's Approved!

Not to us Lord, but to your name goes all the glory, 

for your unfailing love and faithfulness. 

Psalm 115:1

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!

Final steps:
1) The girls will travel to Port-au-Prince for medical exams per U.S. requirements.
2) The girls will be scheduled for visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy and apply for IR-3 Immigrant Visas.

Once Jesula and Redjina have Visas we can bring them home!!!

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.

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!

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.  Habakkuk 2:3

Come Monday It'll Be Alright

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

And Jesus told them a parable to show them that they should always pray and not lose heart.  Luke 18:1

Fast Forward

I 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!

Here I am - Send me

I traveled to Haiti again this past week, July 21-29, 2012 to serve and spend time with my beautiful girls. This was my eighth trip to Haiti and the fourth mission team I have been blessed to lead. 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.

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 hugs are always so wonderful! 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7

In the Hands of the U.S. Embassy

I received an email from the U.S. Embassy in Tabarre, Haiti on July 10th that reads:

Dear Sir,

We acknowledge receipt of your final adoption dossier. Your case is currently under review. You will be notified once this process is completed.

Regards,

USCIS Haiti

Here is all that remains:
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.
2) The U.S. will require the girls to have medical exams and meet health requirements.
3) Then we apply for the girls' U.S. Travel Visas.

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!

Adoption News ~ Passports!

Bondye Bon Tout Tan ~ God is Good All the Time!!!

Today we learned that our girls have been issued Haitian Passports.

This means as far as the Haitian Government is concerned, the adoption is final, the girls are ours, and they are done.

All that remains:
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.
2) The girls will have new medical exams that the U.S. will need to approve
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.

 We are oh so close!!!

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. Habakkuk 2:3

I Feel Like Rambling

The Theory of Adoption Years

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.

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.

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…

Feels Like

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:

Today’s High 84 - feels like fall

Tomorrow’s High 101 – feels like Haiti

Speaking of Haiti

I will be there in 25 days!

Missing My Girls

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. 

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.

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. 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. 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.

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!

Happy 12th Birthday Jesula!!

Happy 12th Birthday today to our sweet daughter Jesula.

I wish I was with her in Haiti!!

Happy 14th Birthday Redjina!!

Happy 14th Birthday today to our sweet daughter Redjina.

I wish I was with her in Haiti!!

Adoption 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.

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:


Jesula Desir Cunningham


Redjina Jean Simon Cunningham

Praising God for His Favor. Praising God for two more Cunningham's!!

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!!!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men
on whom His favor rests. Luke 2:14

A Few Pictures With My Girls

I was able to spend the first week of April in Haiti with my girls. It was a very special time. Here are a few pictures!

Presidential Dispensation ~ Le Moniteur

Got a follow up email from our attorney in Haiti this morning. Attached was a copy of the Port-au-Prince newspaper (Le Moniteur) published March 15, 2012 that shows our girls' Presidential Dispensation is complete. Also included a copy of the actual decree with the President's and Minister of Justice's signatures.

Glory to God!!

Adoption News ~ Presidential Dispensation!

It has been 18 months since we started the adoption process in September 2010. It has been 13 months since we submitted our Dossier in Haiti in February 2011. We learned in September of 2011 that our file had been approved by IBESR (Haitian Social Services). We have been praying continually since that time that we would receive Presidential Dispensation.

Presidential Dispensation is a big step, perhaps the biggest step in the process. The office of the President of Haiti must sign a waiver approving our adoption and allowing it to be finalized.

Today we learned that God has answered our prayer.
We have received Presidential Dispensation.
Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!!!
Thank you to all of you that have prayed specifically for this day.

We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our file now moves to the next steps:
* Parquet - court approvals (this is where the girls become legally ours in Haiti)
* Application for the girls Haitian Passports - starts at Ministry of Interior (MOI)
* Final file submission, review and approval by the US Embassy
* Visa application filed - schedule appointment in Haiti to receive travel visas
* Time to bring the girls home

It has been a long 18 months. But during that time, God has grown and blessed our family in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I believe that His perfect timing is drawing close and that one day soon I'll step off a plane in America with my girls.

I ask for your continued prayers. Pray that that our file moves into and through Parquet and Passports very quickly. Pray that we don't experience any delays, that the adoption process is completed, and that our girls come home so fast that only God can get the Glory!

Praise the Lord and pray in His name. Tell everyone what he has done.
1 Chronicles 16:8

Kisses in the Wind

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are, what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin,
Because tonight just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you again.
I promise you my darling, I'm doing everything I can.

Very soon you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

~ Author Unknown