The Wait...

So, the wait continues. Haiti continues to make laws and backtrack. Put into place new requirements that seem like a good idea on the surface but further delay helping all of the kids who have families waiting for them. We are waiting to see how this will effect us and how much more these steps will cost. Our hope and prayer is that because Leika is in IBESR and has my favorite number, 20247, we will be grandfathered through the new hoops and steps.

As I wait to hear of forward progress, my mind is dulled and by the seemingly endless wait for Haiti to figure out how to proceed. I was given an amazing defibrillation of hope yesterday as we received our update on our little girl from the orphanage. Not forward progress in the system, but movement toward bonding our family together - all five of us!

We had sent down a package for Leika's birthday (last September). She could not receive it until her paperwork was accepted by IBESR (this is a good thing in case the paperwork is rejected there are fewer hopes being dashed against the rocks of rejection). Well, since we were given a number, 20247, Leika was given her box. Here is a portion of the update we received about when opening her gift which included a picture book of our family...

Leika sat down with Molly and myself this month and talked about her new family. Leika was beyond excited and slowly and carefully looked at each picture in her book. At first little was said as she studied each face and finally pointed at dad and said in her broken English “Dad is so big boy!” She laughed at herself and continued to flip through the rest. As she got to the picture of the backyard with the pond in it she asked “is that the ocean?” Leika loved the picture of Rome and Kodi by the Christmas tree with their presents staring at it for so long, and finally when we came to the last page she put her little hand on moms picture and replied “wow, so beautiful.” Leika is very proud of her new album and is trying to be patient in knowing that one day soon mom and dad will be able to come for their visit.

With this came a gift from her as well that I must share with you:

Thank you for all the ways each of you have been supporting us through this very, very long process. Continue to pray for our patience, the Haitian government, the process, and our family. Thank you!