Happy 8th Birthday Julner!!

                                     

So today our son Julner turned 8.  We thought we would throw a party for him and video us singing Happy Birthday.   I just emailed it to the orphanage and hope he gets to see it.  We did a Mickey Mouse theme hoping that it is universal enough that he will understand it.    I can hardly wait to make my first custom cake for him which I hope will be next year.  This date August 16 holds dual meaning for me.  10 years ago today I said goodbye to my mother until eternity.  Only my great, merciful, wonderful Lord could take this date and turn it into a joyful one.  No longer will I be sad on this day due to the life of this little boy Julner.  God has turned my sadness into gladness and reminded me that He brings life out of death every single time.  He is worthy of all my praise!!

Good News: They know we are adopting them.

Yes things are moving slowly but surely. I received the July update today and cried as I read and saw pictures of our Haitian Sensations being introduced to their forever family.

This is the part of the report:

Julner, Julena, and Windy were THRILLED to learn about you this month in detail for the first time. Previous to this they knew they would have a new family, and that one was waiting for them, but until now they did not know your names and faces. Joyce sat and talked with them about you, how you will make one visit to meet them for a few days, and then you will come again and they will go home with you to their new lives. She talked with them about what a family is like, trying to introduce the concept that they have never really felt before. Julner took it all in quietly, almost motionless, eyes glued to the photo on your album. Julena, smiled, giggled, fidgeted, said “YES” repeatedly, and overall beamed. Windy looked from Joyce, to his big brother, to his big sister, and then back to Joyce, trying to understand how he should be feeling from what Julena and Julner were. They loved the album, and took long moments on each page, only flipping forward when Julena could no longer contain her excitement to see what was on the next page. Julena being more verbal than Julner at this point about it, commented that her new Mama is beautiful. She pointed to Emily and declared that she wanted to be her. They were concerned by the Halloween costumes, and as Joyce explained what they were for they shook their heads at the oddness of it, and flipped on. They are all pretty certain they want to swim in the pool in your neighborhood, so good luck if you get them home in the winter months. And they would like to have ice cream with you in the photo.

After they took their time and flipped through the album again and again Joyce showed them the plush animals you sent, they tried to guess which was for who. Julena was certain the blue one was for her, so GREAT job picking it out! The boys have swapped back and forth several times already.

They would like to say “THANK YOU” for the album, and the toys you sent. They said they would like to say “Hi” and “How are you?” and “We want to see you.” And since they can’t communicate with you in person they each “wrote” you a letter, or more accurately drew you a page. They are scanned and attached below. Hope you enjoy a little something from the hand of each of your three loving, spunky, excited little ones here.

May Update

This months update was especially difficult for me.  The last Sunday in May Haiti celebrates Mother's Day.  Our update was written in the children's voices.    I can not tell you how much I love these children that I have never met.   I have been having days lately that I wonder if that President is ever going to sign our dossier.  I keep reminding myself that all I have to do is believe it--that what God has started He will finish .    Look at the difference a year makes.  I see so much joy.  It's amazing to see how children are transformed when they just get the basics on a daily basis.

Life Changer Day

One year ago today our 3 Haitian Sensations were relinquished by their mother into the care of God's Littlest Angels Orphanage.  Things for them have certainly changed.  My prayer is that next year they are in my arms.

You Make Me Smile!

This girl is full of joy.  Her smile is infectious.

Look at the girls knees.  There are ashy.  The condition happens when their skin doesn't get enough moisture.  Their skin has a higher moisture requirement than ours.  In fact, they lotion up twice a day at the orphanage.  She also has a white mark on the bridge of her nose that I think is from an injury(or as my Sam(little Dr. in the making) told me"She has a boo-boo Mommy).  

Wounded Heart

Please pray for Julner.  We received an email from Molly(Orphanage coordinator) about his behavior this week.  He has been vacillating between good and bad.  My heart is heavy for him.  Since he doesn't know that he has a new family, we are wondering if he is lashing out because of that information being withheld.  It was a year ago that his mother relinquished him.  Normal growing pains of an emotional age of 6.  Anyway, it is hard to know he is struggling and that I can't reassure him by a hug.  I have given it over to God, but taken it back a couple of times.  I know He has the plan for Julner's good.  He is the Master comforter and broken heart healer.  I pray feverishly that He touches Julner.

April Update Late

Haven't they grown?  Don't they look fabulous!!  

No is the answer to the burning question of whether or not President Martelly has signed our dossier. Yes it is a little frustrating.  though we are focused now on the positive fact that as of May 4 Haiti has a new Prime Minister.  He is the one that pushes paper to the President.  We also know that the Haitian Social Service Department will not accept any new dossiers in the month of May to clear out(push through the system) older ones.  This is a most encouraging step forward cause we are an old one.  In my heart I am still convinced we will travel to meet them for the first time this summer.