Monday, February 25, 2008
Pictures from Brugge (Belgium)
We did have a wonderful two night stay in Brussels on our way to Liberia. What a beautiful city! Dave and I had met another couple traveling from Kansas City, MO (practically neighbors to Iowa :) They had a rental car and invited us to spend the day with them in Brugge. We had a lot of fun...God was so amazing to put some wonderful people in our path while we traveled. They were Christians too! We talked for 3 hours over dinner with them at our hotel in Brussels. They were just another blessing God gave us on our trip. We had so many God encounters on our trip I could tell several stories!
They were able to stay at the castle I posted a picture of. We had hoped to stay there but didn't think we should stress out doing that and trying to get back the next morning to catch our flight. We did get a tour which was good enough for now ;)
Brugge was by far the loveliest city. The buildings are so unique. There are canals with boat tours...horse and carriage rides...wonderful bakeries and restaurants. We just saw a small part of it!
I'd love to go when it's a little warmer. It was in the mid 40's when we went.
Don't go without eating a yummy Belgian waffle with all the toppings!
They were able to stay at the castle I posted a picture of. We had hoped to stay there but didn't think we should stress out doing that and trying to get back the next morning to catch our flight. We did get a tour which was good enough for now ;)
Brugge was by far the loveliest city. The buildings are so unique. There are canals with boat tours...horse and carriage rides...wonderful bakeries and restaurants. We just saw a small part of it!
I'd love to go when it's a little warmer. It was in the mid 40's when we went.
Don't go without eating a yummy Belgian waffle with all the toppings!
3 Weeks Home....
I can't believe it's been 3 weeks already. In some ways it seems like I was never in Africa-it seems that distant...like it was a dream. But we're happy to tell our story over and over again about our trip. It may even get published! I had several people mention I should write our story (which I felt totally uncomtortable doing! I can't even journal or blog consistently!) Then someone at church e-mailed that her daughter is a jounalist major and needs to have a story to publish in a magazine next semester. She e-mailed back and was very excited about our adoption. We are planning to get together over her Spring break. So maybe God has plans for more people to hear our story. My prayer is more people will hear about Liberia and the need for adoption--everywhere in the world.
Here's the lowdown (short version!) of what we've been doing the last few weeks.
All 3 kids had Dr. appointments last week...at the same time. It was a long day but I would rather do it in one shot (no pun intended)than make several trips in.
They had their TB tests done (negative-praise God!!) Blood work done, stool/urine samples and overall check-up. I don't have all the labs results back yet...but everyone is Hep free (A, B and C) No one has high lead...amazing! They are a little low in iron but not bad. They did AMAZINGLY well with the needles. I was thinking we'd have to majorly hold them down but we didn't. No one cried at the lab either! In fact when we left they all said good-bye and thank you :) I did use some numbing cream on their arms so maybe that did the trick. I will definitely try it again. We haven't done shots yet...probably in the next few weeks.
Poor Isaac! The morning we were trying to get out the door for our appointment he was moving really slow and not wanting to get off the sofa or out from under the blanket. I kept telling him to hurry up and wasn't being the most patient thinking he just didn't want to go. When we got there I found out he had a temp of 103.4!!! That explains everything. I felt so bad. Then we did a flu test (horribly painful!) because there is so much of that going around and one of our kids had it before we came home. Negative. So not sure what was up with that. He did have a little touch of the stomach flu the next day. He's been fine since then though.
We had two dentist appointments last week as well. Those went great. Marie and Josie both sat so still. Josie needed alot of scraping but no cavities for either (I was amazed again!) Isaac goes this week so we'll see about his teeth. He has some pretty bad breath going on!
We were invited out to friends' houses for dinner Friday, Sat and Sunday nights! I kept telling the kids we really don't do this often...and it will probably be the last for a looong time!
Our church and homeschool group have provided meals..every night for almost 3 weeks. It has been the biggest blessing not to run to the store and figure out how to cook for 10 people. I'm hoping God puts a super natural energy in me to get excited about that :)
The things we run out of the quickest are bread and banana-0s!
The baby carrot thing is going great. Everyone eats them w/o complaining and Marie was even snacking on them without being prompted at someone's house. Guess it's time to try a few more new veggies.
Isaac has had to go without eating a meal because he just wouldn't try what we were eating. I think he figured out it's not worth it to be hungry until dinnertime.
Josie has still had the most struggles with obeying. We usually have a show down every other day (sometimes everyday...and they can last from 15 min-1.5 hours) I'm sure she was never taught about authority...so it's something new for her. It's tiring but something that we just have to keep doing. She does all the typical pouting, not looking at you, thrashing, wailing that I hear about. But she is learning it's not acceptable and in the end you'll still have to do what you're told.
Sunday was our first time in church for a month (due to travel/bad weather) I was amazed we actually got there before it started AND found a whole row we could all sit in! We're usually always late and sit in front...the seats no one wants :)
While we were singing I was still amazed at how we pulled it off when I noticed that I had my sweater on BACKWARDS...oooh to be humbled! :) It was a good laugh though.
On the way home Josie asked if we were going to "church". I said we already did. She told me that was "white church"...which I'm thinking is the equivalent of VERY BORING to them :) The Liberian church we went to was so different and fun I can see why she wasn't very impressed with ours!
We haven't done much with trying to find a schedule. More going with the flow...trying to eat and stay caught up with laundry and the appointments we have.
The kids have enjoyed playing outside...even in the snow and cold. They even brought out the bikes and scooters the other say. We still have TONS of snow and more coming tonight again.
I can hardly wait for summer!
Here's the lowdown (short version!) of what we've been doing the last few weeks.
All 3 kids had Dr. appointments last week...at the same time. It was a long day but I would rather do it in one shot (no pun intended)than make several trips in.
They had their TB tests done (negative-praise God!!) Blood work done, stool/urine samples and overall check-up. I don't have all the labs results back yet...but everyone is Hep free (A, B and C) No one has high lead...amazing! They are a little low in iron but not bad. They did AMAZINGLY well with the needles. I was thinking we'd have to majorly hold them down but we didn't. No one cried at the lab either! In fact when we left they all said good-bye and thank you :) I did use some numbing cream on their arms so maybe that did the trick. I will definitely try it again. We haven't done shots yet...probably in the next few weeks.
Poor Isaac! The morning we were trying to get out the door for our appointment he was moving really slow and not wanting to get off the sofa or out from under the blanket. I kept telling him to hurry up and wasn't being the most patient thinking he just didn't want to go. When we got there I found out he had a temp of 103.4!!! That explains everything. I felt so bad. Then we did a flu test (horribly painful!) because there is so much of that going around and one of our kids had it before we came home. Negative. So not sure what was up with that. He did have a little touch of the stomach flu the next day. He's been fine since then though.
We had two dentist appointments last week as well. Those went great. Marie and Josie both sat so still. Josie needed alot of scraping but no cavities for either (I was amazed again!) Isaac goes this week so we'll see about his teeth. He has some pretty bad breath going on!
We were invited out to friends' houses for dinner Friday, Sat and Sunday nights! I kept telling the kids we really don't do this often...and it will probably be the last for a looong time!
Our church and homeschool group have provided meals..every night for almost 3 weeks. It has been the biggest blessing not to run to the store and figure out how to cook for 10 people. I'm hoping God puts a super natural energy in me to get excited about that :)
The things we run out of the quickest are bread and banana-0s!
The baby carrot thing is going great. Everyone eats them w/o complaining and Marie was even snacking on them without being prompted at someone's house. Guess it's time to try a few more new veggies.
Isaac has had to go without eating a meal because he just wouldn't try what we were eating. I think he figured out it's not worth it to be hungry until dinnertime.
Josie has still had the most struggles with obeying. We usually have a show down every other day (sometimes everyday...and they can last from 15 min-1.5 hours) I'm sure she was never taught about authority...so it's something new for her. It's tiring but something that we just have to keep doing. She does all the typical pouting, not looking at you, thrashing, wailing that I hear about. But she is learning it's not acceptable and in the end you'll still have to do what you're told.
Sunday was our first time in church for a month (due to travel/bad weather) I was amazed we actually got there before it started AND found a whole row we could all sit in! We're usually always late and sit in front...the seats no one wants :)
While we were singing I was still amazed at how we pulled it off when I noticed that I had my sweater on BACKWARDS...oooh to be humbled! :) It was a good laugh though.
On the way home Josie asked if we were going to "church". I said we already did. She told me that was "white church"...which I'm thinking is the equivalent of VERY BORING to them :) The Liberian church we went to was so different and fun I can see why she wasn't very impressed with ours!
We haven't done much with trying to find a schedule. More going with the flow...trying to eat and stay caught up with laundry and the appointments we have.
The kids have enjoyed playing outside...even in the snow and cold. They even brought out the bikes and scooters the other say. We still have TONS of snow and more coming tonight again.
I can hardly wait for summer!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
It's Official...they're brothers!!!
Caleb loves to tease. Isaac loves to tease back. Tonight Isaac farted on his brother Caleb-numberous times....I guess it's now official!:)
I'm jealous of all of you with Liberian kids that will eat anything put in front of them. Our kids are pretty picky. They would LOVE eating PB sandwhiches and bananas all day. Put a piece of broccoli in front of them...or a carrot and you get a look of disgust.
We're working on trying everything...THEN you get the 2nd helping or dessert or a snack. It's amazing what they'll eat for a piece of bread!
We're had several crying/whining/wailing sessions. Going on the advice of several seasoned adoptive moms with kiddos from Liberia we're all over it. No wailing-no whining or you get a whoopin' as it's called here. I'm a little surprised it's working. I still feel like we're in the calm before the storm. I know we'll have many more issues and tantrums to deal with in the future. We just keep praying for God's love and wisdom...because we can't do this on our own.
Even our sweet little Josie has a streak in her. She's probably the most difficult so far. At the dinner table the other night we had her eat her broccoli. Low and behold she had to go pee-pee really bad. Come to find out she deposited her broccoli in the toilet! Good thing I have the food police here. Not much will go unnoticed!
God give us grace...seasoned with wisdom, love and laughter so we can ALL be pleasing in your sight.
I'm jealous of all of you with Liberian kids that will eat anything put in front of them. Our kids are pretty picky. They would LOVE eating PB sandwhiches and bananas all day. Put a piece of broccoli in front of them...or a carrot and you get a look of disgust.
We're working on trying everything...THEN you get the 2nd helping or dessert or a snack. It's amazing what they'll eat for a piece of bread!
We're had several crying/whining/wailing sessions. Going on the advice of several seasoned adoptive moms with kiddos from Liberia we're all over it. No wailing-no whining or you get a whoopin' as it's called here. I'm a little surprised it's working. I still feel like we're in the calm before the storm. I know we'll have many more issues and tantrums to deal with in the future. We just keep praying for God's love and wisdom...because we can't do this on our own.
Even our sweet little Josie has a streak in her. She's probably the most difficult so far. At the dinner table the other night we had her eat her broccoli. Low and behold she had to go pee-pee really bad. Come to find out she deposited her broccoli in the toilet! Good thing I have the food police here. Not much will go unnoticed!
God give us grace...seasoned with wisdom, love and laughter so we can ALL be pleasing in your sight.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
It's Finally Real!
We've been home two full days now...it's hard to believe just a few weeks ago we were making plans to travel and not sure if it would happen. So much has happened in the last 12 days but I will try to share some of the highlights. (you might want to skip most of this as I'm doing it mostly so I can remember everything! :)
We flew out of Iowa on Jan 24th to spend a few days in Brussels before heading to Liberia. We are so glad we did!
In Chicago we were eating lunch when we got a phone call from Rachel at AOH. I had just been thinking about another adoptive mom who had been traveling alone and was in Chicago when she got a phone call not to come...and I was thinking how horrible that must have been. Then our cell phone rang. Our hearts stopped and lunch went cold and we heard that our adoption needed to be redone through the courts again with the birth father's signature. I couldn't bear thinking we might have to go home. Rachel said to still come and that it should be through the courts early the next week. And praise God it did get done! (this is just the beginning of us seeing God at work to bring our kids home)
Our trip to Brussels was fun-kind of cold weather but no rain. We spent one day just walking around, window shopping and of course having an incredible Belgian waffle with all the toppings...oh and the chocolate filled croissants-yummm! Those were to must-haves. The highlight of the trip was meeting two couples from the Midwest. One couple was from Minneapolis. They saw us struggling with our luggage at the train station. We had 4 huge suitcases, carry-ons and two flimsy metal carts. Not good. We looked ridiculous trying to find the right train and then literally throwing our bags up the stairs (they wouldn't fit inside) One almost fell onto the tracks! At this point I either had to laugh or cry. This kind couple got us on the right train and then helped us up the HUGE flight of stairs to get to our hotel. She grew up in Brussels so knew the area well. Our walk to the hotel was just as bad...dragging luggage over bumpy streets...having them tip over...our arms aching like anything. We finally found the place and another nice lady directed us to the door. We find out they are staying there and are from Kansas City. We had dinner with them that night at the hotel and spent 3 hrs talking. They had a car and invited us to visit Brugge with them the next day. I was dying to go there so we said "sure!". Not sure who was crazier...but we had a great time! It's a lovely place...ever better than Brussels.
We took the train back to Brussesl that night and a cab to the airport the next morning (that was my b-day gift!)
Now onto Liberia. We met some wonderful people from Liberia on the plane. One had lived in Monrovia years ago and was going back to work there. Another guy was a pastor in the States. His parents had been exiled from Liberia around 18 yrs ago and they want to go back there and live. Quite a trip for them as well.
I was expecting extreme heat when we walked off the plane and was suprised it wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined. The airport is a little odd. A long wait in line and then luggage is in an outside tent. Everything arrived and we found Rich without a problem...kind of accidently though. Our luggage was taken to the car and I would have paid double for that!
On the way back it was dark so there wasn't much to see. Rich's son was visiting and in the car too. We didn't know that he had brought a bush cat with him. It jumped in the backset on Dave and I thought he was going to scream. I thought something flew into the window...they are pretty neat creatures. They had 3 at the Guest House.
I was shocked at all the people walking on the road...going nowhere it seemed. It seemed amazing we didn't hit someone. They don't really move off the road at all so we just whiz right by them and honk. There's alot of honking going on over there! Driving was crazy! Cars passing any side...no lights or stopsigns. Looked rather fun to drive :)
We got to the guest house and had supper and settled in. We really had a great time there. A missionary family with 7 kids was also there and we had fun getting to know them. The food was good...especially the potato greens. It was fun to be able to play with the caustic kids and few others who were staying at the compound as well. If Yeleseh or Dixon's family read this...they are abslutely adorable!!!
Meeting the kids was incredible! I started cring just walking into the room hearing all the children singing. It was like a dream. I caught each of their eyes and just enjoyed watching them dance and sing...for at least 20 min! We said hello to them...took pictures...hugged and got a tour of the rest of the orphange. The toddler orphanage is the sweetest! They were saying verse after verse for us (although I couldn't understand much!) They are amazing, happy kids. I can't say enough about the sweet nannies.
We went to the beach with Linda and the missionary family one afternoon which the kids loved. We were able to go shopping several times and brought home several navity scenes, clothes, jewelry, a coal iron, drum and other wood carvings. I could have stayed in the market all day! I really needed to shop with a lady...I think I drove Dave and Rich nuts! My husband doesn't really like to look at everything like I do.
The most amazing part of the trip was going to the Monrovia prison. I never believed this could happen but had thought of it often before traveling. God worked out this reunion. It was one I will never forget. We were able to meet the children's auntie (who brought them to Patty) She said we're sisters :) Their grandma (who could only speak Pelle but was the sweetest little lady!) and great uncle all from Bong County. I know Buster had to go up and bring the great uncle to the prison to meet with the father before he would sign papers. I believe they all stayed in Monrovia until we got there and could meet with them which we did on a Friday. I'm not sure how AOH worked it all out but it is something I'm SO thankful for! I now it was hard on the kids...but someday I believe it will be so important and special to them that they saw their father one last time...and had a blessing from their family to go to America.
The incredible thing is absolutely no children are allowed in...and no cameras. We were able to have the children come AND take pictures and have a private room to talk. The prison warden and deputy warden with both there as well as a guard. The kids' father spoke with them...especially to Garlayma and he is the only son. He did apologize to the kids and they each in turn said "I forgive you" to him...even little Gbanko. It about broke my heart but was so sweet and such a picture of the forgiveness and redemption we have in Christ. I'm sure it was healing to the father as well. Before we left he wanted to give the kids $ he had earned in prison...he was trying to do all he could. We were able to take many pictures. At the end (I wish we could have recorded this but I had dropped our new video camera in the ocean!) The deputy warden asked if he could say a prayer on behalf of the Liberian government. It was the most incredible prayer I have ever heard!!! Everyone was crying...and just before the prayer the aunt starting singing a song and the others followed. I felt like Paul in prison and wondered if others could hear all the praising of God that was going on in that little room. It felt like we were in a movie scene. During the prayer this man quote a verse in Isaiah 61...the exact same verse that God had given me when we started our adoption about "turning ashes to beauty". (this is when I alsmot lost it and did the ugly cry!) I wish I could have shared how special that was to me for him to say that---a God thing for sure.
Walking into the prison was the strangest feeling and I know God gave me peace during the whole thing. It's not exactly the nicest place to be. But God gave me peace and love for the kids' father that I never could have had on my own.
We will never forget that time....ever.
Our Embassy appointment went well. Pretty quick and just a few questions. We needed one more passport picture which Chris got done...and they had to rush another passport for Gbanko and the Embassy lost the first one. So a few stressful moments but I really knew it would come together. I prayed there like I never have before...almost constantly to reassure myself who God is and He is in control...He can move mountains and my faith is in Him not man. At times I had to literally talk myself through any doubts...and claimed His promise that He would do it. (I wasn't sure how sometimes!)
Getting the Visas was a big surprise as we heard it would be a miracle if they were issued with all the questioning and news articles coming out. We were in the market when Chris came to tell us. I yelled and caused a little scene I think!!!
We were up in the air about purchasing the kids' tickets which we hadn't done yet. We still needed a signature from the Minister of Justice (?) And there happened to be a huge cocaine bust there that week and he had been busy with that. We weren't sure we could leave w/o that so we prayed about what to do. Dave decided to stick with our Sunday departure date and bought the tickets. Little did we know all that was about to happen with talks of shutting down adoptions, the newspaper articles, etc. all happening. We were told we needed to leave Sun. night or they wouldn't let anyone leave with kids the next day. We were going to escort several ready children back but it was decided that would cause more problems with 2 parents and 7 Liberian kids leaaving. I don't know all the details but I believe some did get escorted out late that night. We were praying those kids would get out and also for the families flying in that night right before we left. There was so much uncertainty in the air. Buster went before us at the airport with paperwork and if it weren't for him I'm not sure it would have been as smooth (I know it wouldn't!) getting through the airport. So a BIG thanks to him.
I think the scariest moment was standing in line to board the plane and a lady working in the airport came over to me/the kids sereral times asking their ages...then looking at their passports several times...writing down info. I was so afraid we would get pulled out of line and not allowed to leave. I almost ran to the plane with the kids..it was everything I could do to walk across the tarmac. What a relief once we were in the air!
I must say I didn't know what to expect on this trip...if I would "suffer" through the week or what. But I lOVED every minute. Loved the people. Loved the church service. Saddened by the incredibly poor conditions they live in...but they are full of joy. It was so life changing. Someday I hope to go back.
The trip back was long but the kids did so well. Even our extra night because of cancelled flights in Chicago. I knew they were pretty much at the end of their rope though. They fell asleep on the floor about 9pm. We finally got a hotel room but couldn't get them to wake up or stand up. We had to call for two wheel chairs to push them out!
Funny thing was Dave's sister was also at the airport stuck. She's from Minneapolis but was visiting their Uncle near Chicago. So she got to meet the kids and we all shared a hotel room. God has a sense of humor for sure!
We also ran into our Brussel/train friends at the airport in Chicago. How crazy is that! They were so excited that we were adopting and then they got to see us coming home with the kids. I know God was doing something with that divine appointment as well.
The last few weeks I have seen God work and felt Him like I never, ever have. It's been one amazing ride...and the real trip has just started.
If you actually read to the bottom of this post you must be bored! Sorry it was soooo long. I'm just writing as things come to mind...and more to myself than anyone else.
The kids are beautiful, fun, and challenging too. We need wisdom and guidance and His strength for each day. And I know He is more than enough.
We flew out of Iowa on Jan 24th to spend a few days in Brussels before heading to Liberia. We are so glad we did!
In Chicago we were eating lunch when we got a phone call from Rachel at AOH. I had just been thinking about another adoptive mom who had been traveling alone and was in Chicago when she got a phone call not to come...and I was thinking how horrible that must have been. Then our cell phone rang. Our hearts stopped and lunch went cold and we heard that our adoption needed to be redone through the courts again with the birth father's signature. I couldn't bear thinking we might have to go home. Rachel said to still come and that it should be through the courts early the next week. And praise God it did get done! (this is just the beginning of us seeing God at work to bring our kids home)
Our trip to Brussels was fun-kind of cold weather but no rain. We spent one day just walking around, window shopping and of course having an incredible Belgian waffle with all the toppings...oh and the chocolate filled croissants-yummm! Those were to must-haves. The highlight of the trip was meeting two couples from the Midwest. One couple was from Minneapolis. They saw us struggling with our luggage at the train station. We had 4 huge suitcases, carry-ons and two flimsy metal carts. Not good. We looked ridiculous trying to find the right train and then literally throwing our bags up the stairs (they wouldn't fit inside) One almost fell onto the tracks! At this point I either had to laugh or cry. This kind couple got us on the right train and then helped us up the HUGE flight of stairs to get to our hotel. She grew up in Brussels so knew the area well. Our walk to the hotel was just as bad...dragging luggage over bumpy streets...having them tip over...our arms aching like anything. We finally found the place and another nice lady directed us to the door. We find out they are staying there and are from Kansas City. We had dinner with them that night at the hotel and spent 3 hrs talking. They had a car and invited us to visit Brugge with them the next day. I was dying to go there so we said "sure!". Not sure who was crazier...but we had a great time! It's a lovely place...ever better than Brussels.
We took the train back to Brussesl that night and a cab to the airport the next morning (that was my b-day gift!)
Now onto Liberia. We met some wonderful people from Liberia on the plane. One had lived in Monrovia years ago and was going back to work there. Another guy was a pastor in the States. His parents had been exiled from Liberia around 18 yrs ago and they want to go back there and live. Quite a trip for them as well.
I was expecting extreme heat when we walked off the plane and was suprised it wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined. The airport is a little odd. A long wait in line and then luggage is in an outside tent. Everything arrived and we found Rich without a problem...kind of accidently though. Our luggage was taken to the car and I would have paid double for that!
On the way back it was dark so there wasn't much to see. Rich's son was visiting and in the car too. We didn't know that he had brought a bush cat with him. It jumped in the backset on Dave and I thought he was going to scream. I thought something flew into the window...they are pretty neat creatures. They had 3 at the Guest House.
I was shocked at all the people walking on the road...going nowhere it seemed. It seemed amazing we didn't hit someone. They don't really move off the road at all so we just whiz right by them and honk. There's alot of honking going on over there! Driving was crazy! Cars passing any side...no lights or stopsigns. Looked rather fun to drive :)
We got to the guest house and had supper and settled in. We really had a great time there. A missionary family with 7 kids was also there and we had fun getting to know them. The food was good...especially the potato greens. It was fun to be able to play with the caustic kids and few others who were staying at the compound as well. If Yeleseh or Dixon's family read this...they are abslutely adorable!!!
Meeting the kids was incredible! I started cring just walking into the room hearing all the children singing. It was like a dream. I caught each of their eyes and just enjoyed watching them dance and sing...for at least 20 min! We said hello to them...took pictures...hugged and got a tour of the rest of the orphange. The toddler orphanage is the sweetest! They were saying verse after verse for us (although I couldn't understand much!) They are amazing, happy kids. I can't say enough about the sweet nannies.
We went to the beach with Linda and the missionary family one afternoon which the kids loved. We were able to go shopping several times and brought home several navity scenes, clothes, jewelry, a coal iron, drum and other wood carvings. I could have stayed in the market all day! I really needed to shop with a lady...I think I drove Dave and Rich nuts! My husband doesn't really like to look at everything like I do.
The most amazing part of the trip was going to the Monrovia prison. I never believed this could happen but had thought of it often before traveling. God worked out this reunion. It was one I will never forget. We were able to meet the children's auntie (who brought them to Patty) She said we're sisters :) Their grandma (who could only speak Pelle but was the sweetest little lady!) and great uncle all from Bong County. I know Buster had to go up and bring the great uncle to the prison to meet with the father before he would sign papers. I believe they all stayed in Monrovia until we got there and could meet with them which we did on a Friday. I'm not sure how AOH worked it all out but it is something I'm SO thankful for! I now it was hard on the kids...but someday I believe it will be so important and special to them that they saw their father one last time...and had a blessing from their family to go to America.
The incredible thing is absolutely no children are allowed in...and no cameras. We were able to have the children come AND take pictures and have a private room to talk. The prison warden and deputy warden with both there as well as a guard. The kids' father spoke with them...especially to Garlayma and he is the only son. He did apologize to the kids and they each in turn said "I forgive you" to him...even little Gbanko. It about broke my heart but was so sweet and such a picture of the forgiveness and redemption we have in Christ. I'm sure it was healing to the father as well. Before we left he wanted to give the kids $ he had earned in prison...he was trying to do all he could. We were able to take many pictures. At the end (I wish we could have recorded this but I had dropped our new video camera in the ocean!) The deputy warden asked if he could say a prayer on behalf of the Liberian government. It was the most incredible prayer I have ever heard!!! Everyone was crying...and just before the prayer the aunt starting singing a song and the others followed. I felt like Paul in prison and wondered if others could hear all the praising of God that was going on in that little room. It felt like we were in a movie scene. During the prayer this man quote a verse in Isaiah 61...the exact same verse that God had given me when we started our adoption about "turning ashes to beauty". (this is when I alsmot lost it and did the ugly cry!) I wish I could have shared how special that was to me for him to say that---a God thing for sure.
Walking into the prison was the strangest feeling and I know God gave me peace during the whole thing. It's not exactly the nicest place to be. But God gave me peace and love for the kids' father that I never could have had on my own.
We will never forget that time....ever.
Our Embassy appointment went well. Pretty quick and just a few questions. We needed one more passport picture which Chris got done...and they had to rush another passport for Gbanko and the Embassy lost the first one. So a few stressful moments but I really knew it would come together. I prayed there like I never have before...almost constantly to reassure myself who God is and He is in control...He can move mountains and my faith is in Him not man. At times I had to literally talk myself through any doubts...and claimed His promise that He would do it. (I wasn't sure how sometimes!)
Getting the Visas was a big surprise as we heard it would be a miracle if they were issued with all the questioning and news articles coming out. We were in the market when Chris came to tell us. I yelled and caused a little scene I think!!!
We were up in the air about purchasing the kids' tickets which we hadn't done yet. We still needed a signature from the Minister of Justice (?) And there happened to be a huge cocaine bust there that week and he had been busy with that. We weren't sure we could leave w/o that so we prayed about what to do. Dave decided to stick with our Sunday departure date and bought the tickets. Little did we know all that was about to happen with talks of shutting down adoptions, the newspaper articles, etc. all happening. We were told we needed to leave Sun. night or they wouldn't let anyone leave with kids the next day. We were going to escort several ready children back but it was decided that would cause more problems with 2 parents and 7 Liberian kids leaaving. I don't know all the details but I believe some did get escorted out late that night. We were praying those kids would get out and also for the families flying in that night right before we left. There was so much uncertainty in the air. Buster went before us at the airport with paperwork and if it weren't for him I'm not sure it would have been as smooth (I know it wouldn't!) getting through the airport. So a BIG thanks to him.
I think the scariest moment was standing in line to board the plane and a lady working in the airport came over to me/the kids sereral times asking their ages...then looking at their passports several times...writing down info. I was so afraid we would get pulled out of line and not allowed to leave. I almost ran to the plane with the kids..it was everything I could do to walk across the tarmac. What a relief once we were in the air!
I must say I didn't know what to expect on this trip...if I would "suffer" through the week or what. But I lOVED every minute. Loved the people. Loved the church service. Saddened by the incredibly poor conditions they live in...but they are full of joy. It was so life changing. Someday I hope to go back.
The trip back was long but the kids did so well. Even our extra night because of cancelled flights in Chicago. I knew they were pretty much at the end of their rope though. They fell asleep on the floor about 9pm. We finally got a hotel room but couldn't get them to wake up or stand up. We had to call for two wheel chairs to push them out!
Funny thing was Dave's sister was also at the airport stuck. She's from Minneapolis but was visiting their Uncle near Chicago. So she got to meet the kids and we all shared a hotel room. God has a sense of humor for sure!
We also ran into our Brussel/train friends at the airport in Chicago. How crazy is that! They were so excited that we were adopting and then they got to see us coming home with the kids. I know God was doing something with that divine appointment as well.
The last few weeks I have seen God work and felt Him like I never, ever have. It's been one amazing ride...and the real trip has just started.
If you actually read to the bottom of this post you must be bored! Sorry it was soooo long. I'm just writing as things come to mind...and more to myself than anyone else.
The kids are beautiful, fun, and challenging too. We need wisdom and guidance and His strength for each day. And I know He is more than enough.
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