Juliana Gabrielle

I know it's been FOREVER since I updated this site! I wanted to catch you up (if anyone is even reading this now) or at least put it down in writing somewhere - on just what God has been doing lately. :)

A few months ago - I think around November, I got an email from FOCE (Friends of Children Everywhere) - the organization over Wendy's orphanage - Casa Bernabe. The email newsletter talked about sponsorship - about sponsoring a child. To the left of the article were some pictures of kids who needed sponsors. I got so excited to see one little girl's name and face . . . . Juliana Gabrielle!

Now let me back up. For those that don't remember - Juliana was one of our referrals (as a relinquishment) in Sept. 2006, but ended up not being available as she was actually caught in the middle of an adoption already. Long story - you can read more about it in several posts here in the September 2006 archives. I had deleted some info - but will most likely repost it (as it's been so long).

Anyways - Juliana never did end up coming home to the U.S. Her sad story is filled with a horrible (dare I say "evil") adoption agency and lawyer, a "strange" adoptive mother, and the unwillingness by that mom to trust anyone else to help her (after the abuses she endured with the last agency - I can see why) - and to bring Juliana home.

What I've been told, is that Juliana's adoption had gone all the way to the end - even getting her a new Birth Certificate with her new parent's last name. But something went wrong after that. ?? Someone didn't pay some money? Someone in GT didn't sign off on something to allow her to get her visa. ?? I'm not 100% sure - but my feeling is - after almost 3 years, the mom probably didn't want to bring home a 3 year old as she had signed up to bring home a baby. ?? Who knows. I don't know. In any case - Juliana was stuck in Guatemala - and then adoptions shut down between GT and the US in December 2006.

I prayed for Juliana frequently - not knowing what happened to her. The other woman who had originally helped me find her adoptive parents would let me know if she heard anything about Juliana through the grapevine - as she knew I had such a heart for this little girl. At one point I heard Juliana wasn't doing well . . . something about bruises on her, the foster mom being arrested?? I don't know if any of that is true - but it did make me pray for her more. I didn't know what was going to happen to her now - I am sure she had been through alot.

Fast forward a few years - on Jan 15th, 2010 I get an email from my friend who had been keeping me updated. She sent me an email with the subject "Juliana is at Casa Bernabe!" :) My heart leapt! Really?! Out of all the orphanages that she could have ended up at - God saw to it that she was sent to Wendy's orphanage - a Christian orphanage!! Wow! God is so cool! I was thrilled that I could keep an eye on her here, and prayed she would stay here and not be moved. I thought about sponsoring her - but she wasn't listed as needing a sponsor (I guess I could have asked - but didn't think about it at the time).

She had grown so much! No longer was she a little toddler with brown curls - but she had a cute short bob haircut and looked so grown up. She was. She was almost 6! Wow.

Now back to November 2010 and that email . . . . when I saw her picture and info stating she needed a sponsor - I got so excited! I sent emails to my family telling them of the miraculous story of God's plans for this little girl - and His answers to my prayers - and a couple of them agreed to sponsor this little girl with us - as a family - to love on her and let her know we are here for her!

When I told Wendy about Juliana - at first she asked "What? You don't want me anymore?" I think she thought we were going to get Juliana and send Wendy back. ?? :) I told her that Juliana can't be adopted as adoptions are closed to the US still. But I told her how we could pray for her, bless her, send her cards, gifts, etc. Wendy got excited about that - and wanted to send her a card telling her that she used to live there, etc! She even went to the store to pick out some gifts for Juliana - PJ's, coloring set, etc. We sent them off with lots of prayers and joy!

We are waiting to receive Juliana's letter back to us (it's being translated) - but the woman who brought it back with her (and had brought the gifts down) said that Juliana is "quite the artist". :) She would fit in with our family well! I can't wait to get her letter. FOCE sent us a picture to put on our fridge, and I keep reminding the kids to pray for her. I am just so thrilled that we can still be a part of this little girl's life - even though she wasn't able to come home as our daughter. That referral was NOT an accident!

Another sad part of that story though is that my friend never did get to bring her 2 girls home. The agency would never do what they were supposed to do to get the adoption going before adoptions shut down. They basically just took her money. My friend has kept in contact with her girls, but not as much as before as it hurts her heart to know they are stuck there forever. So sad.

Last night I painstakingly made a little necklace for Juliana with her name on it (from my girl's shrink art jewelry kit). I say "painstakingly" because I got impatient and freaked out when it was shrinking and tried to open it back up when it curled in and then I cracked it! :( ugh. So I made another one just like it. I kept the 1st one and have it hanging by my bed to remind me every night when I turn off the light to pray for her. I would take a picture of it to show you . . . but honestly - I need to get off this computer (maybe I"ll do it later. We'll see)! I had no intention of blogging today (got a bunch of other things I need to do) - but some friends of mine got me thinking about Wendy's adoption, etc - and I just had to give an update on Juliana.

People have to know that God DOES answer prayers! He DOES hear them. He DOES have great plans for each one of us! I'm excited to see what He has in store for Juliana - and how we will play a part in her life! She is like one of my own that I couldn't bring home. I'm so glad I can still be a part of her life!

As for what else God has been doing in my heart . . . .

After reading the email about sponsorship - I went online to see if GT adoptions were open yet to the US. Nope. I then went online to see about other adoptions - to view the photolisting of kids at Rainbowkids.com. That's not a good thing for me to do! :) I fell in love with these 3 precious siblings from Ethiopia (2 boys and 1 girl)!!

I spent 2 months in Ethiopia when I was 19 - working with an orphanage and the underground church, with a small group from my YWAM DTS. It was a great experience in many ways. Hard at times, but I learned alot that summer. I also fell in love with the kids and the Ethiopian people!! I taught "kindergartners" how to sing English songs. Good ole classics like -Father Abraham; If You're Happy and you Know it; Allelu, Allelu, Allelu, Allelujah . . . Praise Ye the Lord. Ones that involved moving around and having fun! :)

During our adoption process I found out that Ethiopia was opening for adoption. I was excited and wished I could have adopted a child from there right then. But it wasn't meant to be. But was it now?? :)

I could not stop thinking about these 3 kids for quite awhile. I contacted the agency, and got more info on them. There was another family interested too. I talked with Jeremy. We prayed. J just didn't feel like we were supposed to adopt right now ("I didn't have a dream Lori." Hey - God likes to use different methods to speak to us!). We couldn't really fit 3 more in this house, or our van - and did I really want to have 8 kids?! It was as if my brain wasn't even thinking about those things - because I know that I never wanted more than 4, and didn't envy anyone with more than 4 - but when God calls you to do something - he prepares you for it many times- and gives you the grace to do it (if you don't feel prepared). We only had $96 in our savings when we set out to adopt Wendy - at the tune of $30,ooo. God provided! AND we got a discount (it only ended up costing $21k). So - I knew if He was saying these 3 kids were ours - then He would provide.

I found myself crying often for a couple weeks. God was stirring my heart towards orphans again. I would watch a video of someone else's adoption and just bawl. What was God doing?

In the end - the other family decided to pursue these kids. My heart sank. I had just prayed for them the day before and had written out what I felt the Lord said about these kids - who they really were. The cool thing was - later I looked up the meanings of their names . . . and it coincided with what God had said about "who" these kids were! :) So cool! I thought God was giving me that info because they would be ours . . . . but I guess not. Was it to just pray for them? Was it to send that info to the adoptive parents (I don't even know if they are Christians - as the agency isn't)? Was it just because I asked Him? :)

I did end up sending the words for those kids to the agency to pass onto the family (if they so chose). I never heard back from the agency. I've debated on sending another email to find out what they did with it - if they sent it to the family. They probably thought I was crazy - but I really don't care. I know what God said - and these kids need to know what God says about them - how awesome they are - how amazing He thinks they are - and that He has great plans for their lives! We'll see what happens.

So, after that let down (a relief to Jeremy!) - I haven't thought much about adoption again. I heard that Ethiopia might be shut down for adoptions soon - and part of me wants to rush and do something before it does. But I know that God has perfect timing and perfect plans - and I can't go forward with any adoptions unless Jeremy is totally on board and we both feel that God is telling us to do this. I know my heart bleeds for so many people - orphans included. I feel God's heart. I can misinterpret that as "I'm supposed to adopt again" when that might not be it. I still need to pray more about it. Most days I can't imagine having more than 5 (we have our hands full here) - but then I think about all the kids that don't have anyone to call their own. How can I be so selfish?! I do have alot of love to give. I could give more.

We'll see.

We are volunteering at the Winter Jam concert like we do every year - to work with Holt and promote their child sponsorship program. I always enjoy doing that and seeing people's hearts turn towards the orphans.

Well - this post ended up being a book! Sorry! Hope I didn't bore you. :) I hope, instead, that you caught on to a couple things:

1. God LOVES everyone - orphans and even you!
2. God has a PLAN for everyone's lives! A good plan!
3. God ANSWERS prayers!
4. God's HEART is that we will LOVE and take care of the orphans, widows and needy. James 1:27 says - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
5. Always be willing to let God lead and guide you - and TRUST Him 100%! He IS trustworthy!

Blessings today and always!

Lori :)

Tragedy in Adopting

I have to share this with you all. I am sitting here snuggling with my little Guatemalan girl - crying and trying to explain this all to her - all the while, grateful that I have the chance to snuggle with her!

My good friend Kelly (who I met through my adoption agency . . . we both have similar families and adopted about the same time) posted some info on her blog about a friend's adoption from Guatemala - of little Josi. She was just about to come home (after over a year waiting) - but was just found murdered in a home invasion (along with the foster family). :( Kelly has posted the info and a link to help raise money to help cover the remaining costs THEY STILL HAVE TO PAY in their adoption ($13,000) - that will never be completed. :(

Thanks for praying for them! I can't even imagine their grief! I just read the book "The Shack" and that has helped somewhat to put a different perspective on all of this. You want to just go into the "why's" and the "if only's" and the "what if's" . . . what if they had gotten through PGN or other parts of their adoption sooner, what if they had gone down to foster her themselves, what if . . . .why . . . why . . . why?? They literally were only a couple weeks from picking her up. They had just gotten her new birth certificate in GT and were just waiting for their pink slip saying they could come down to get her and her visa!! What a sad c-mas it will be at their house. :(

Here's my friend Kelly's blog

Here is the Azhderian family's blog
(there a video on here about Josi . . . grab your tissues first!)

Here's where you can donate through ChipIn


Please pass on this info to those you know who can pray for them or bless them financially with the rest of their adoption costs.

Blessings

Forever Family Day

OK . . . so it's almost 3 months PAST our Forever Family Day and I am finally getting around to posting the pictures from our day on the sand dunes! The kids LOVED it (as you will see)! They were not too sure that playing in a bunch of sand all day would be fun . . . . but when we left, they were asking if we could go back again the next day! :) Maybe it will become a tradition! :)

Here's a slide-show of the pictures. There are some videos too (of the kids running, sliding, jumping, swimming, etc - down the hill!). Click on the picture below to see the video. You can also see the slide-show on the right above the other slide-shows.

Enjoy!

Lori :)

Forever Family Day

1 year ago today!

At this time, last year, we were tired but excited! We had been up since 3am - to get on a plane (Jeremy, myself and Meghan) to go finally pick up our daughter Wendy!! I can't believe a year has gone by! I can still remember the excitement in seeing our beautiful daughter again - being brought to us by her house dad Antonio, and the sweet, but slightly unsure look on her face when she saw us. It was as if she kind of remembered us, but wasn't sure who we really were. She easily came to Jeremy when passed into his arms, and let me take pictures of her and all of us together. She was a bit sleepy as it was almost nap time, and we had interrupted her lunch - so I'm sure that played into things. We let her go finish lunch, and then joined her to let Meghan play with her a bit before nap time. Despite the language barrier, they hit it off right away! By that evening they were chasing each other and laughing constantly! We were so glad we had brought Meghan along. She really did help Wendy transition into our family and feel comfortable and welcomed. Wendy had done well with us when we had visited last April, but she was very quiet. With Meghan around, we got to hear more of her awesome giggles and sweet Spanish speaking voice!

So - here we are - a year later and Wendy hardly remembers any of her Spanish! Yikes! I asked her the other day what "bed" was in Spanish. She said "ummm . . . . . bedito?" :) LOL! I just died laughing. I then asked her what "food" was in Spanish. "umm . . . . Foodeeo?" :) I love that girl! I am a bit sad she has lost so much of her Spanish. Maybe one day we'll teach her again. I think her older siblings know more Spanish than she does now! :) She was just so hungry to learn English when she came home. She would walk around every day, all day long, asking "Que es eso?" (What is this?) I would tell her the English word and she would repeat it. Very rarely did we ever have to tell her twice what something was. She is a fast learner!

Today is the first day of public school here (Ty started last week), and for the first time in a looong time, Wendy is home alone with just me. She's already asked me this morning when are we are going to pick up Jacob (he had half-day kindergarten last year). She is already missing the kids! I think it will be a bit of a shock for Wendy to be just with me for long periods of time, but it will be good. We can actually have playdates and DO things together! :) Yeah!! Mommy and daughter bonding time! :) She is very excited though to start preschool tomorrow! She has been begging to go to school since last October! :)

I think that instead of celebrating a "Gotcha Day" today, we will celebrate a "Forever Family Day" on Sept 7th - the day we brought her back home to the US and we ALL became a family forever!

I had wanted to compile a video of pictures and video snippets of Wendy for this 1 year anniversary . . . but August was sooo crazy around here that I haven't had time. Plus, I don't think I have the software on my computer anymore. Jeremy had to wipe my hard drive clean twice this year! I'm sure he could still reload it if I asked. We'll see. Right now - I've got a lot of organizing and catching up to do after a crazy month. I might just be able to get some of it done with the kids in school now! :) You can see some of our visit trip and pick up trip pictures to the right. There are other pics of Wendy throughout the blog as well. I have some video of when she was younger (around 1 year old), but I don't think I've uploaded that to the computer or this blog.

Blessings to you all!

Lori :)

Jeremy was prayed for on the 700 Club!

CBN (where Jeremy works) has a show called the 700 Club. It has a segment called "Bring it on" where people can send in questions for Pat (Robertson) to answer (on a wide variety of topics). Recently they started a new method of sending in questions - via web cam. Since Jeremy knows the producer of that segment, he was asked to to a couple web cam questions, in case they didn't have any on some days (I guess people either haven't caught on that they can do this, don't know how, or just don't want their faces on tv??). Jeremy didn't know they were going to use one of his questions last Thursday - but it was definitely in God's plans! You can see it HERE. Pat's response was a good one.

Gordon Robertson saw that question, and told his producers that he wanted J on the set after Friday's Spiritual Gifts seminar, to be able to pray for Jeremy! How awesome! I was so excited for Jeremy to get the prayer as I know he has been stressed out this past month or so, and could use a time of refreshing! I really hoped and prayed that Jeremy would go get that prayer (and not get too busy with all the technical stuff). I just didn't expect this to happen . . .

God did a mighty work this past Friday the 13th! Watch the 700 CLUB VIDEO to see what God had to say to my wonderful husband!!

The words of God for him are at 40:41 - 42:39 (Anne Thigpen), 43:56 - 45:04 (Jane Hamon), 46:20 - 48:53 (Duncan Smith from Toronto), and 57:59 - 58:39 (a woman from the audience). J was really touched by God through these words - especially Duncan's message!

May God bless you and minister to you through this 700 club segment!!

You can also view parts 2 and 3 of this series that they did. Part 2 is a night of soaking prayer online (this past Tuesday - and hopefully every Tuesday night from here on out!), and part 3 is about the Manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings!

Lori :)

Heaven Bound!

What an awesome day today is!! The Angels are rejoicing in Heaven today and God had to use his pen (or quill . . . or magic marker . . . whatever he uses)! Why? Becuase our darling daughter Wendy told Jesus that she wanted Him to live in her heart and be the Lord of her life today! :) What a blessing! Now all my kids are Heaven Bound!! :)
Of course, this all came about while we were snuggling and praying and talking after a very looooong "4 minute" time-out that she didn't want to take for over an hour and a half. Instead, she wanted to scream (did you hear it?) and almost burst some blood vessels in her eyes in the process! :) OK - not really . . . but she was screaming mad that mommy would have the audacity to put her in a time-out for disobeying!! How dare Mommy do that?!! :) I know . . . I'm the "meanest mom in the world" . . . or so I've been told. :) But thankfully - after the punishment is finally done and we are snuggling and loving on each other - I'm usually the "best mom in the world" again and all is well in the West household . . . . for at least a minute. :)

I know that I haven't kept up with this blog. I'm sorry. I have started another blog, and I've just been trying to keep up with all the other momly duties that I have each day. :) But thank you for checking in on us!

Wendy is doing awesome (except for the occasional 4 year old fit like most kids)! She amazes me! I knew she was smart - but she still amazes me! The other day she was watching daddy mow the lawn and asked him "Why are you doing that?"
"Doing what? Mowing the lawn? Why do you think I'm doing it?" he asked her.
"To make mommy happy?" she replied. !!!! :)
You betcha!! Because otherwise I don't know that he would do it . . . or at least not as often! :) What a smart cookie she is!

Also, when asking her what we should get daddy for his birthday - she went on to list quite a few things that are Jeremy's favorites - a new Star Wars movie, a Star Wars shirt, a new van, a new chair, etc!! I was sooo surprised at how specific her answers were! She definitely knows what her daddy likes! :) This girl doesn't miss ANYTHING!! :)

So - as you can see from this post . . . Wendy has turned 4. I will have to post some pics and fill you in on her recent b-day later. I just realized that my other daughter's bus will be arriving in 5 minutes and I still have a wet towel on my head from taking a shower (late in the day - I know! But I did get some exercise today!!). And then it's off to pick up another child (my 10 year old) from school! :) So . . . . for now just rejoice with us that Wendy is part of God's kingdom and sealed for eternity as a Princess of the King!!

Blessings
Lori :)

I'm all done here!

"I'm all done here!" Have you ever felt that way? If you said no - then either you are lying or you haven't lived long enough! :) Hee,hee. Evidentally my 3 year old HAS lived long enough. :)

We were just going about our normal routine - the kids running around torturing each other . . . ok, ok - not really - at least not today. They were playing . . . . .and occasionally getting on each other's nerves. :) I was folding my 5-7 loads of laundry that I trudge through twice a week, when Wendy walked over near me and said "OK. I'm all done here!"
"What? Done with what?" I asked.
"I'm all done HERE. I go to Guatemala . . . . . .to my home." she casually replied.
"Oh. I see." I said calmly, and then teasingly asked, "Why? Don't you like it here? Don't you like Mommy and Daddy and Ryan and the other kids?"
"Without hesitation or even looking up, she matter of factly said, "Yes. . . . I like you. . . . but I go to Guatemala . . . to my home".

We started to talk about how I bet she misses it there, but that this is her new home . . .that was her old home. She has yet to agree with me on that issue. Usually she says "No. . . . is YOU home. My home . . . Guatemala". Just before the phone rang and cut our conversation short, I said "Well, when I was 3 I lived in a different home too".
"WHAT?!" she cutely, quickly and loudly responded. :)
"Yes. But now I live here . . . .with you. Aren't you glad?"
I never did get to hear her response or finish the conversation as raced to get the phone (I should have just let voice mail get it).

So - I can tell that we will be having more conversations about her "home" as she gets older. She still is very happy here and LOVES her siblings (and us . . . .most of the time). I think she is just missing all that she really remembers till she came here. I don't know whether showing her video footage of her home would help or hurt at this point. I'll have to feel that one out. We do look at photos, but not the video footage we took yet. We'll see.

So - like my daughter said . . . .

I'm all done here!

Time for dinner! . . . . .Pizza night! :)

Lori :)

2 years ago today!

2 years ago today I was getting ready in the morning, talking with my husband about the dream he had just had that had woke him up sobbing. It was the divine intervention that I had just prayed for the night before - "God if this desire (to adopt a 3-5 year old little girl from Guatemala) is from you . . . then you have to speak to my husband about it!" (he knew NOTHING about it at the time)

So, in essence - 2 years ago today we found out we were "pregnant" with a toddler girl (2-3 years old) - with long dark, curly hair! My heart was bursting to find her! I wanted to bring her home the very next day! Little did I know it wouldn't happen for another 18 months.

We are so thankful to Lucy (our agency director) and KAS (Kentucky Adoption Services) for being the wonderful "detective" agency that they were in helping us find our truly "orphaned" toddler girl! God knew where she was and knew who would be able to help us find her and bring her home!

Thank you guys for supporting, praying for us, and encouraging us (keeping me going) along the way! You are a blessing!

For those who haven't read it before - you can read all about my husband's dream (and our journey) on this blog - "The Dream"

Lori :)

I know, I know . . . Where's the update on Wendy?!

The whole gang! - Christmas 2007

Duck, NC

Wow! Am I a procrastinator or what?? . . . . Actually - it's called "trying to keep my head from spinning off my neck while raising 5 kids"! :) Our schedule is way too crazy this year! I am currently looking into (and praying about) ways to de-stress our schedule next school year!

So - for those of you that have waited patiently for an update on Wendy . . . . here it is.

She's fine.

:) hee,hee. OK -I'll give you more! :)

She has been home with us 5 months as of yesterday!! I can't believe it! She still acts as if she's been here for years! She loves to be in charge and boss her siblings around - though that gets her into trouble when she tries to tell ME what to do! :) She definitely is a West and will definitely be a leader in whatever God has for her!

2 stories that just tickle me pink whenever I think of them . . .

Because Wendy didn't come home till she was 3 1/2 years old - we missed alot of her "firsts". That makes me sad - but at the same time - I am realizing that there are so many more "firsts" that may not fall in the traditional categories. Like the first time Wendy went to Walmart with me and rode in a shopping cart! You would have thought she was on a ride at Disney World! She giggled and giggled each time we went over a bump, and it was hilarious to watch her giggling with glee as her butt was being tickled by riding over the bumpy pavement in the parking lot! :)

Not too long after Wendy arrived home, we were all sitting at the dinner table enjoying our meal. We thought that Wendy understood quite a lot of English, but we soon realized that she was really reacting to our tone of voice and non-verbal communication even more than the words. Jeremy (my husband) was in a silly mood, and in a very excited and happy voice asked our 5 kids - "Who here wants a spanking?!" :) 4 of our kids just looked incredulously at my husband for asking such a "dumb" question - but Wendy, who always wants to be the first to do ANYTHING and wants to do EVERYTHING that everyone else does - shot her hand up excitedly and shouted "YO!" :) We just laughed and laughed. (and no - we did not give her a spanking.)

She continues to amaze me with the speed at which she has picked up English! Much faster than I am picking up Spanish - that's for sure! She has been asking for 3 months now "When do I go to school?" She wants to go to "her class" each day. I think she will enjoy preschool next year! She is such a social little girl!

Halloween was fun - watching her learn all about the crazy custom of going to houses to get candy! :) After each house she kept asking me "Now? mommy?" She wanted to eat her candy so bad! After the 4th house I let her have a piece. And then, of course, she had fun digging in once we were done! The next night she wanted to do it all over again. :)

We dedicated her to God in our church on December 16th, 2007 - and she was sooo cute - going to each sibling and giving them a hug as my husband was introducing our family up on stage. :) You would have thought we had planned it.

Christmas we went to a beach house in Duck, NC and when it was time to pack for the trip, Wendy started to cry. She said she didn't want to go on a trip. I wasn't sure why she was crying, but then I asked "Do you think we are not coming back?" . . . . . The tears came heavier! "yes" she sobbed. The last trip she had taken she had left Guatemala and came here. Bless her heart! So we talked about how we would come back as this was our house where we lived, then I showed her pictures online of the house we would be "visiting", and she understood. Then she was excited to pack up! :) A few weeks later we had to go take my husband to the airport and she thought we were going to Guatemala. She said she didn't want to go back to GT unless mommy and daddy went with her. Though she has been asking lately when can she "go back to her home"? I told her that was her "old home" and this was her "new home" - and she said "No - that is my home. This is your home." That surprised me as she calls her bed "mi cama" or "MY bed" and seems to have taken ownership in living here. I think her little 3 year old brain is trying to wrap around the idea of having an "old" home and a "new" home. She really is a happy girl and LOVES living here and playing with her siblings! She is still VERY adventurous, creative, imaginative, and totally goofy! :) You should have seen her jumping into the pool at the beach house! That girl has NO FEAR! :)

I will try to post a picture slide show at some point - so if it's not there now - check back later. For now - here is our goofy wonderful girl in a few shots!

Lori :)

Our little Guatemalan Princess - Halloween 2007

This is how Wendy dressed up for Ryan's b-day party . . . in DECEMBER! :)

Ninja girl! :)

Wendy's 1st Christmas at home with us!

Wendy and Mommy (me) on Christmas day!

Return to Sender - Part 2 - and new BLOG!

I have started another blog! It's called Mothering Matters and More! - Matters concerning Mothers; The matters Mothers should be concerned about; What matters to Mothers, and - YES! - that Mothering MATTERS!!

I wanted to have a place to put the stories and information I come across, am passionate about, or things I feel that relate to mothering (and fathering). We'll see if my busy mothering myself allows me to keep up with it! :) (I get alot of great ideas . . . . just not enough time to accomplish, or even start, them all!)

You can read this post about the latest in the Candy Cane card saga there at http://motheringmattersandmore.blogspot.com/2008/01/return-to-sender-part-2.html

Blessings!
Lori :)

Happy? New Year

I just had to pass this on. My heart just breaks thinking about the kids that will die while waiting for a Forever Family to care for them! I am thankful that Wendy is home and that it wasn't going to take 2 years to bring her home - but I'm sad for those that will be "in limbo" for quite awhile.

- Lori

December 31, 2007

Out with the Old, In With the ?

2007 has drawn to a close, and with it Guatemala’s system of notarial adoptions. Tens of thousands of children have found permanent, loving homes outside the borders of their country of birth, and equal numbers of families from all walks of life have been blessed with the joy of parenthood, thanks to that system. The notarial system also brought many claims of attorney and adoption agency incompetence, lies, and malfeasance, along with bureaucratic delays on the part of both US and Guatemalan government agencies.

Looking ahead into the new year, we are left with so many questions, and so many fears. How will the new system function? How will Guatemalan families unable to care for their children manage? Will the new system in fact function, or is the new law a way to eliminate adoptions quietly?

The initial signs are disquieting, to say the least. The new Adoptions Law was passed through heavy international pressure in December, with a very short implementation period and with many questions left open as to how the law would work in practice, how women in need could access adoption services, and what requirements adoptive parents would have to follow. Moreover, the Guatemalan media was filled with commentaries and official quotes stating that, under the new law, an adoption would take at least two years to complete and that the new law’s requirements would have the effect of drastically reducing the number of adoptions.
Notice that Guatemalan officials were not quoted as saying that the new law would reduce the need for adoptions. No, these officials appear to be concerned only with reducing the number of adoptions. Perhaps they honestly believe that the thousands of adoptions over the past several years reflect a corrupt, money-driven system that somehow paid thousands of women to get pregnant and sell their babies to the highest bidder. And perhaps some portion of their claims/concerns are true. Yet equally true are the stories that birth families have conveyed face to face to many adoptive families. Stories of dire poverty and secret pregnancies. Stories of illness and too many children to provide for.

Our worry must also be mixed with genuine outrage. UNICEF and various NGOs that purport to care about women and children might want to take a look at a recent study published in Science Magazine. The study shows the severe harm done to children through institutionalization and the benefits of foster care as a temporary measure for children waiting for forever families. Yet the law that they urged Guatemala to pass does away with foster care. Further proof (if we needed any) that, for UNICEF and organizations like Casa Alianza, the well-being of children is the least of their concerns.

The new Central Authority is not yet running, with only days until the new law takes effect. Where are the counselors who will be able to provide women with advice and assistance? Where are the children’s homes to care for children who cannot remain in their biological families? We as an adoption community are about to find out. More importantly, so are the children of Guatemala. Posted by Lee at December 31, 2007 05:58 PM

Happy Holi-Hanua-Kwanza!

My friend Terri sent me a link to this poem on another blog - The Potter's Hand ! It fits in perfectly with my post from yesterday!!
Enjoy!

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ‘Holiday ‘.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe’s the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny’s and Sears
You won’t hear the word Christmas;it won’t touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’ under your‘Dream Tree’
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !

Return to Sender

Our "Merry Christmas" Candy Cane gift

"Merry Christmas!" said 7 year old Meghan as she handed her classmate a present.

"Thank you Meghan!"

"You're Welcome" she replied as she continued to pass out candy canes to each of her classmates during her lunch period at school.

Her teacher had given her permission to pass out her Christmas gifts at lunch, and Meghan was enjoying blessing her friends. She was so excited to give them to her friends and teachers this year that she just couldn't wait till the "Winter Party" 2 days later. She had even reminded her mom a few weeks earlier to "not forget" to get candy canes this year to pass out like she did the previous years.

Lovingly attached to each cane with bright red ribbon was a handmade note. It was the same note that has been attached to candy canes given out by Meghan and her siblings for over 8 years . . . . . a reminder of what Christmas is all about and a Holiday greeting from Meghan.

A Gift for You

I hope you enjoy this candy cane.

As you take it in your hand, turn it upside down and you will see the "J" that reminds us of Jesus who was born on Christmas Day.

Turn it back upright and you will see the crook that reminds us that He is the Good Shepherd.

The stripes are a reminder that He was beaten for us.

The red color reminds us how He shed His blood for us on Calvary.

The white tells us how He can wash our sins white as snow.

As you taste this candy cane be reminded that fellowship with Jesus is ever so sweet.

Merry Christmas!

From Meghan West

As lunch was ending, Meghan's teacher returned to collect her students and take them back to class. She saw one of the cards on a student's tray and read it. The kids went back to class after a bathroom break, and the day would go on as each and every day has so far this year. . . . . with one exception. . . .

---------------------

Meghan arrived home on Wednesday, happy as usual and excited to see her Grandmom and Aunt who had just come over to visit. I was sitting on the couch, trying to enjoy the visit despite my pounding headache, sore throat and exhaustion. I greeted Meg as usual, she got her snack, and then got out her backpack to do homework. She handed me a note. I assumed it was from her teacher explaining why Meghan was "off task" today or some other issue. Her teacher has been very patient and creative in trying to find what will "work" for Meghan in the area of attention and focusing on the work she needs to do. It's been a frustrating year as I see so much potential in my intelligent daughter, but she day-dreams the days away many times. This would not have been the first note that has been sent home.

Imagine my surprise to read instead -

"Mrs. West,

Thank you so much for the treats.

But the administration has kindly asked that the cards be returned.

Thank you again!

Mrs. 'Teacher' "

Attached to the note were 4 of the handmade cards that had been attached to the candy canes! Meghan told me that once they were back at class the teacher had asked the kids to remove the cards from the candy canes and give them to the teacher so she could return them to me. No explanation was given as to why.

I could feel it deep inside . . . my blood was starting to churn. . . . . I tried to remain calm (and looked that way on the outside) but my insides were burning! I was sad and hurt as we had made those gifts to bless people and the teacher had the audacity to ask the kids to remove part of their "gift" and return it! And I was especially frustrated as I knew that it was only because it was "religious" - ie. CHRISTIAN - in nature.

I couldn't concentrate on "chatting" anymore. I had to do something. So I looked up information from the ACLJ (Amercian Center for Law and Justice - they fight for Constitutional rights - especially religious freedom of speech) regarding whether we had done anything wrong with mentioning Jesus on our Christmas card/gift. I found an almost identical case back in 2004 in Oregon - and the school system decided to "change their mind" (and policies) about it all and settled out of court. I looked up some more info, called the ACLJ - and then made a call to the teacher.

I won't go into the whole conversations with the teacher and then the Assistant Principal (who I was passed off to) as they were not pleasant. I tried to remain calm (but probably wasn't) and not say things I would regret later, and I just tried to let them know that I was hurt, that it was rude and disrespectful to myself and my daughter, and that it was my daughter's Constitutional right to give a card with the word "Jesus" on it. There had been no wrong-doing on my daughter's part. They told me it was done because they were not allowed to send home things of a religious nature! Hmmm . . . what about all the Hanakah menorrahs and Kwanza cups and Muslim projects the kids have been bringing home all week?! Are those not "religious"????!!!

I didn't get an apology. Instead the Assistant Principal was going to contact the legal dept and let me know - but he didn't think they did anything wrong. I felt very patronized by him and that he was just wanting to push this under the rug, but was willing to do a little research for me.

I sent an email to the principal - trying to state our position and what happened in an intelligent, hopefully non-threatening way and saying that - "overall we have enjoyed our kid's excellent teachers at "this school". We were hesitant at first when we were rezoned here a couple years ago from "another school". But the staff, administration, and kids have all been wonderful. I hope that our remaining years at "this school" will be just as good."

Yesterday my husband Jeremy got the story on CBN News - but asked them to withhold all names - the school's, teacher's, ours, etc - as we were not out to smear the school or teacher, but wanted to get the word out to people that we DO have a Constitutional RIGHT to be able to pass out Christian Christmas cards/gifts!!! It was aired today.

Here are 3 different versions depending on how fast your connection is to the internet.

High quality

Medium quality

Low quality

This should play correctly in Windows Media Player on your PC.

The story is about 12 minutes and 23 seconds into the video. You can drag the play slider in the player to get to that section without having to watch the first 12 minutes.

They did a pretty good job summarizing the incident and Gordon had some good commentary about it afterward.

------------------

So - today the school had a "Winter Party" for youngest son's kindergarten class. . . . . . and YES! I did send his candy canes to school!!!! And his teacher LIKED them! :) She even commented about the button I was wearing that said "It's OK - Wish me a Merry Christmas!". She said she liked it! :) I knew she would! The kids even sang the song "Silent Night" (all about Jesus' birth!). My camera batteries kept dying on me - but miraculously it stayed on throughout that WHOLE song (and shut off right as it ended)!!

2 funny things about this week - on Wed. my kindergartener's class had a Polar Express Day at school and got to come in his PJ's, drink hot cocoa, read the story and make a craft. They made little trains out of candy. Now this is a CHRITMAS story - right? Well, the train had a tag on it that said - "A Happy Holiday Train"! ????? Hunh? Do the Jewish people get on trains to light their menorrahs? What about the Kwanza or Muslim celebrations? As far as I know, the last time Jews all got on trains was when they were being transferred to concentration camps. So why bother calling this a "Holiday" train? What other Holiday do we have stories about riding on a trian? (if anyone knows - let me know!) Here's a picture of the train and tag!

The other funny thing was the entryway display at my kid's school! Smack in the middle of the entryway is a Christmas tree with 2 HUGE sign displays (text and pictures) on either side. One side said "Happy Kwanza!" The other side - "Happy Hanakah!" My 10 year old son asked - "So, where is the Merry Christmas sign?!" Oh - I wish I had taken a picture of it!! I didn't think to do that till I got home. It was kind of comical considering what's happened this week! :)

So I was at peace today - expectantly waiting for a call from the Principal or Assistant Principal (or even the teacher . . . .Heck! Even a note from the teacher!) saying they were sorry for what happened and that they were wrong.

HA!!!!

Instead I got a call (from the A.P.) stating that they were right! Another very patronizing call that lacked real evidence - other than "I'm just a policy-keeper and doing what the Assistant Superintendant told me to do." He couldn't even point me in the direction of the specific policy - but said that they just couldn't pass out things of a religious nature (it might offend someone else!) - and that my daughter couldn't pass it out in a way that would "interfere with the instructional day"! Hmmm. . . . . I don't think she hindered the instructional day in any way (it was during lunch!) . . . AND she had permission to pass it out . . . AND the teacher was not the one passing it out . . . AND it said Meghan's name on it - not the school's or teacher's . . . .AND Meghan was not trying to get anyone to convert to Christianity right then and there or forcing the kids to take the candy or cards . . . AND . . . .. Ok - don't get me started again! :)

It's a shame that giving a simple Christmas gift and card would end up like this. With all the stressors of the season and the busyness in our house right now - I was tempted to let the whole thing slide. . . . . . . .but then what would happen next year? What would happen to other kids trying to give Christmas cards? Would they ban me from passing out cupcakes with the name Jesus on it (for HIS Birthday?!)? . . . . . I know it's a huge fight - but for some reason I have to fight it. My Mama Bear instincts have kicked in! Don't mess with my cubs!! :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

ps - I'll have to update you on Wendy another time. My computer is being waaay tooo slow to do it now and I've been on waaay tooo long today looking up Constitutional law and Department of Education guidelines! :)

Wendy's first PAP's

No - it's not a Pap smear! Gosh guys! Don't you know the lingo by now?! :) hee,hee.

PAP stands for Prospective Adoptive Parents. Why am I talking about Wendy's first PAP's? Did you even know that she had another family wanting to adopt her? Let me back up.

We knew that Wendy ended up at Casa Bernabe because she had been placed for adoption at some point before she was 15 months old, but her birth mom never showed up for the DNA testing. That's all we knew. We speculated on some things, but we never really had concrete info, as CB didn't really know. All during the adoption I was dying to find out more history on her first 15 months of life - who wanted to adopt her? What really happened? Did the previous PAPs name her from birth, or did she live with her mom/family for awhile? We just knew nothing. I know that Wendy will have questions when she gets older, so I really wanted to find out. However, I really didn't want to do any "digging" until our adoption was complete. Now that it is, I wanted to start trying to look for her previous PAPs. I wasn't sure if I would even find them as it's been a few years, and I wasn't 100% sure they would want to be found or would be happy to know we adopted her. I didn't want to bring up the heartbreaking feelings they must have felt when they lost Wendy's adoption. I didn't even know what the circumstances were - if they had decided not to try to adopt her when she became an abandonment case, or if they had fought to keep her, and what happened. Anyways . . . .all this to say - God hears our cries!

I had not even started looking yet, when, last Thursday, a woman named Kelly who I had become friends with from my agency (through our adoptions and similar life/family situations) said she had seen a post on an adoption forum of someone looking for the family that adopted a "Wendy" recently. Through a series of emails between my friend and this person, and then that person and another (3rd) woman - the 3rd woman's info got passed back to me as the possible previous PAP for our Wendy!!! (did I just confuse you??) She was 99% sure after seeing this blog (sent to her by the second lady, who got it from my friend!). The 3rd lady sent me her name and number . . . . and don't you know I called her immediately!!! I left a message and she called me right back. WOW!! God is sooo cool!! After quickly comparing some info - we realized that our little Wendy was the same Wendy that she and her family had tried to adopt in 2005 when Wendy was 1!!! I was in shock that God totally led her to me in such a quick way (and a big THANK YOU to my friend Kelly for making the connections!!!!!!!!)! AND . . . . this woman is a woman after my own heart!!! She saved all sorts of pics and info on Wendy . . . which she so graciously is passing on to us!!! What a woman! God bless her!!! We talked for about an hour on the phone, and she sent me several emails of info, and will be sending me some CD's with pics &/or videos too!! Wow! I can't wait! It was such a pleasure to talk with her, hear about her daughter they ended up bringing home last year, and how this has been such a blessing to her, as it brings closure to her and her family. They loved Wendy and were so worried that she had been sent to a gov't orphanage and wouldn't get out of there. They were so happy to know that she was well cared for and loved at Casa Bernabe (we are too!!!)!

So - here's what I learned - Evidentaly Wendy was placed for adoption when she was 1 and that's when this family got her referral. They were totally in love with her! Can you see why?After a few months, however, Wendy's birth mom came and took Wendy back. This was devastating news to this family (can you imagine?)! They accepted another referral, but after that one fell through too (can you feel their pain?) they were told that Wendy was back, but that she would be an abandonment case (as her mom was no longer in the picture) and did they want to continue? . . . . Of course they did!!! So they did everything they were supposed to . . . filed papers, wrote letters, sent pictures, etc. And despite it all - the "abandonment decree" was denied (NOW can you feel their pain?!). Who knows for what reason the judge denied it - but as both the previous adoptive mom and I said - "It was meant to be"! We are thrilled that we were able to adopt Wendy as she truly fits into our family perfectly and is a true West, and the other family has adopted a BEAUTIFUL little girl that fits perfectly into their family! Isn't God good??!!

Well, as you can see - I was on cloud 9 last Thursday - and feel so blessed to have had my prayers answered so quickly and easily!! We still don't know anything about her 1st year of life, but we assume she was living with her mom &/or her family. We do have more info on her mom's age, grandparents names, and some early medical info (from 1 year till the orphanage) - and that's a blessing.

God bless you all today! May God answer the cries of your heart and bless you above and beyond what you could ever imagine!!!

Blessings
Lori :)

No mas Wendy . . . Katie Giraffe!

Yes folks - our 3 year old has decided that she no longer wants to be called Wendy . . . . her name is now . . . Katie Giraffe! Or Katie Monkey-girl, or Sugar-booger, or . . . . . . basically anything silly! :) She's a goof-ball! But we love her still!!! :) hee,hee.

Yesterday I took her to Walmart and she got to ride in the shopping cart for the first time. She LOVED it! She just laughed and giggled whenever I turned, and especially when we went in the bumpy parking lot! I think it was tickling her butt!!! She couldn't stop laughing!

We are enjoying watching her experience her "firsts" - first time sleeping in her bed, first time pooping in her bed (diarrhea! Yuck!), first time putting toilet paper in the toilet (instead of the trash can like in Guatemala), first time not having to wear her "zapatos" (shoes) all day in the house, first time having to watch her siblings go to school and she had to stay home (there were tears involved with that), first time fishing with daddy and eating most of the hotdogs (bait), and many more! She's having to learn a lot of new things - or new ways of doing things. Today she wanted to clear my breakfast bowl and plate. I had eaten a half of a grapefruit. She decided to try to flush it down the toilet. I guess she figured, since you put TP in there, you must put other things too - like grapefruit rinds. :) hee,hee. I had the fun job of fishing it out. Thankfully there was nothing else in there to fish it out of! Yuck.

Well - just wanted to let you know that Wendy (Katie Giraffe) is doing well! She fits right in and acts as if she has been here a long time. She takes her naps well (no arguing at all - she even WANTS to take them!!), sleeps well, eats well, and loves playing with her siblings! Thank you guys for all your prayers for her and us! They have truly worked. Keep them up! I know this honeymoon phase will wear off some after awhile - but I hope it's still just as good around here then!

Blessings!
Lori :)

We're home!

Wow! Are we really home with our little girl? It just doesn't seem real sometimes, yet at other times it seems like she's been here awhile. She really is doing well. I know it's just the "honeymoon" season still, but I hope that after that's over, we will all continue to do well. You know we are praying through it all! And God has been sooooo faithful to answer so many of our prayers! We are blessed!

We left Guatemala around 1pm (3pm VA time) - and Wendy LOVED the plane ride!!! She was sooo excited to get on the plane (which she talked about for 3 days before) - that she was hoping up and down at the gate saying "El Avion! El Avion! El Avion!" and talking to everyone (saying Hola, etc). She excitedly pointed out all the other airplanes and "carros" (cars), and when we took off she was all smiles! There was a slight "dip" at one point, and she LOVED it! Her mouth was wide open in a huge smile! But within 10 minutes she was asleep! It was close to her naptime and we had had alot of excitement that day! I was surprised she could sleep with the high-pitched, ear-piercing screaming coming from the baby behind me! I felt sorry for that couple! Ouch!
Wendy did well on the rest of the flight to Atlanta - and on the flight home. We fed her some Ben and Jerry's ice cream (God is so good to bless me with putting a B&J's right next to our gate!!! PTL!), and it wound her up! She was, again, bouncing down the jetway, and talking/rambling on and on and on in spanish - and I'm not sure it was even real sentences - but just a bunch of random Spanish words. I could understand a few of them. :) We finally put on a movie for her and Meg, and she settled down some for the rest of the flight.

We flew in late last night, about 10:30pm, and didn't get home till close to midnight (and we had a wonderful sign waiting for us at home!)We had such wonderful friends meet us at the airport to welcome Wendy home! Thank you so much guys! It meant alot! Even though Wendy seemed quiet last night, meeting everyone, I tell you what - that girl can talk!!! :) Just you wait till she gets settled in! And her giggle cracks me up! I love hearing it! In the parking garage at the airport, Jeremy buckled Wendy into her carseat, and she started crying - probably because she was tired, but more than likely because she has never ridden in a car seat before (that I know of). She settled down quickly, and before we knew it Jacob was making her laugh! The kids all learned the Spanish word for crazy - and was asking her if each of her family members were "loco". She would laugh and say "si" or "no". At first all the boys were loco and the girls were not, and then she switched it - except daddy was always loco (and he is! :) hee,hee.). We came home, and the boys excitedly showed her some things in the house, and where her room was. She went up to her bed and said "Wendy cama!" (Wendy's bed). We got ready for bed, and when I asked "Who wants to pray first?", it was a tie between Jacob's "ME!" and Wendy's "YO!" :) How cute! Jacob said that Wendy could pray first "since she was the youngest". She said her prayers in Spanish, thanking God for each of her family members. That just tickled my heart! We had prayed together on Thursday night in Guatemala, and I was trying to help her pray in Spanish, and she stopped me saying "No Mami! Yo puedo!" (No mommy. I can!). She's definitely 3!! Her favorite things to say are (in Spanish, of course) - I want . . . I don't want . . . and I can (do it)! :) She is also a total ham - just like her big brother Jacob! She just fits in perfectly.
As I sit and write this, she is content in her bed - and even yelled out "Good-Night!" to me and Jeremy when we were in the room. :) She'll be speaking circles around us in English before we know it!

In Atlanta, at Immigration, I noticed that the other adoptive families didn't have their last names doubled on their paperwork like ours (West West). The Immigration official said that her Certificate of Citizenship would be sent to us with her name as it is on the paperwork - Wendy Elizabeth West West. I asked if there was any way to change that first, and he was going to try - as they had to fix a mistake on our address too. We'll see. We will probably have to change things anyways if we add Kathryn into her name.

Well - it's getting late, and I am exhausted. I got most of the laundry done today, and visited with my mom & dad, a couple friends, and my brother and his wife (and my adorable niece!). I've got about 10 syllabus' to read and sign for the kids' schooling, and groceries to buy, and a party to attend to tomorrow (along with church too!). So - I better get some sleep myself. I will try to upload more pics and post them when I can. Be patient with me, but check back to see them!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all your prayers and support along this WHOLE journey!!! I can't believe this 18 month pregnancy is finally over (except for the post-placement stuff - visits and paperwork)!!! I love my little girl, and I think she enjoys being here with us so far. She's even been able to go play with Meghan at our neighbor's house. They have a little 4 year old girl who also speaks Spanish. We've been blessed with 2 sets of Spanish speaking neighbors!!! God is good!!

Blessings to you all!

Lori :)

Wendy Elizabeth West West

Yes - that's what it says on her passport and visa - Wendy Elizabeth West West. :) When they called her name (Wendy West) to pick up the visa on Wed, she just smiled a big smile! :) They put the mom's and dad's last names on the birth certificate, passport and visa. Strange - I know. Let me back up though, as I haven't had internet access since Monday.

Monday night the staff prayed over us as a family - a blessing on Wendy, the adoption and our family in general. It was all in Spanish - but I think that's what they were praying. It sounded wonderful anyways. :)

We kept Wendy with us in our dorm room Monday night, as she had cried the day before when we took her back to her house. I'm glad she wanted to sleep with us. However, like most 3 year olds, when daddy said "It's time for bed!" she started to cry. We immediately prayed for her, and Meghan prayed against the spirit of fear that might be bothering Wendy. . . . and Wendy immediately stopped crying!! :) PTL! I was starting to think "why did we decide to bring her up here when we have to get up at 5 am tomorrow? I'm not going to get any sleep?" (selfish thoughts - I know - but that's what first went through my head as I knew it would be a looooong day on Tuesday). She slept great - only once did she moan a little in her sleep (and Meg responded in her sleep - "Yes - It's ok."). And somehow in the middle of the night they switched places in bed (they were sharing a double bed). :) But she didn't fall out of bed! This was her first time in a big bed (she had been in a crib still).

So Tuesday's appt went well - about 2 1/2 hours sitting in the embassy - with about 1 1/2 minutes of interviews. :) OK - maybe 5 minutes total - between 2 interviews. :) But we were approved for an IR3 visa (meaning she will come to the US as a US citizen)! :) Whoo-hoo!

We had to come back on Wednesday to pick up the visa and the yellow envelope that we can NOT open!! We are to give it to immigration in the US.

The rest of Tuesday we went to Burger King and then the beautiful zoo in Guatemala City!

Jeremy read a small sign in B.K. that said last month they only had a "40% infestation." :) Of what - I'm not sure?? I don't want to know. :)

The zoo was absolutely gorgeous, and our day was the same - sunny skies ALL day till we got back to the orphanage!!! God answered my prayers. We went with Wendy's housedad and his 3 girls, as well as the couple from Florida that I had met online, who were visiting their soon-to-be-adopted son Juanito (who came too).

Wendy and Meghan both loved the zoo! Wendy's favorite animal was the pink Flamingo

and Meghan like the Tapir (that seemed to like her too!).

At the end of our zoo tour, J got a banana split, Meg and Wendy got fruit bars (popsicles) and I got a wonderful Chocobanano!! Yum! That hit the spot on such a sunny day!

Tues night, Wendy cried again when we said it was almost time for bed, but because I was sitting in the dining room talking with the couple from Florida, I just held her, and she eventually fell asleep in my arms. She's a good snuggler! She did fall out of bed that night, but I had put pillows by the bed this time. :)

Wednesday Antonio took us to the Children's Museum and out for lunch at Pollo Campero before we went to the embassy.

We tried to go see a Star Wars Museum (of course!) - but it was closed. Both Antonio and Jeremy LOVE Star Wars (if you didn't already know)! There was a Lego room at the Children's Museum - and it had an R2D2 in it! :)

After the embassy we went to the church of some friends of ours, and they took us down to Antigua to spend the night with them. Their house, and Antigua are just beautiful. I wish we could have stayed in Antigua all week instead!! Very peaceful! Wendy cried again when she was going upstairs to our room with our friends (and I was tagging along behind) and she just wanted to snuggle and cry. She was exhausted (only a 10 minute nap that day), and in a strange place. We just rocked in a rocking chair and I prayed over her - again rebuking & binding any spirits of fear, sadness, etc that shouldn't be there, and again - she stopped crying right away. (noticing a trend here?) We snuggled a little, then I laid her down next to Meghan on a mattress by our bed. She stared at me for awhile, and then at Meghan, and then fell asleep within about 10 minutes. Yeah! :) She slept through the night fine and woke up happy! :)

Today we had breakfast on the porch, and then spent a couple hours sightseeing. We saw the ruins in Antigua via horse and carriage (VERY bumpy!!!),




went in an old convent,

and then went to the Market (not long enough though - only 45 minutes. I could be there for hours!), and to eat lunch at a beautiful coffee plantation!!!

Just breathtaking! I think this has convinced Jeremy that he could move here now! :) hee,hee.

The down side of this trip has been Wendy's diarrhea (yuck!) and Meghan vomiting last night (double yuck!). Wendy just caught something the other kids had in her house - it started the day before we got here. Meghan - ?? - she probably just ate something not too good for her (I hope that's all it was). She hasn't eaten much today, so we'll see.

OK - well I've written long enough I think! :) I had to catch on up the week's events though. Tonight we are going back to the church in Guatemala City (right by the airport) and will stay there in an apartment. Tomorrow J will help our friends with some technical (audio/visual/computer) stuff before we head to the airport around 11am for our 1pm flight. And then we will be home around 10:15 pm (I think that was the time). Yeah!!!! Home for good!

Thank you all for your prayers! It was a beautiful day in Antigua today - when it was originally supposed to be raining and miserable from a hurricane. We only got a slight drizzle all day yesterday - actually less rain than we had earlier in the week! So Felix was a bust here! PTL!!!

God bless you all! Pray for our safe return! See you on Friday (for those that are meeting us)!!

Lori, Jeremy, Meghan and Wendy!