I have been putting off this update because God is moving us forward and I don't know when there will be any breathing time. So as I pant and try to catch my breath, let me bring you up to speed.
I posted 10 days ago Friday.
Saturday, Tracy and I decided that we should move forward in faith and plan my Haiti trip (without Tracy). There was a possibility that he may have to travel in December after all and we didn't want to pass up any potential work.
On Sunday, I was approached and asked how much more money I would need to make my trip to Haiti happen. I threw out a pretty random number not really knowing the cost of my hotel & food there in Haiti but guessing based on what other experiences had been. "That's about what we thought" was his response and our conversation ended. Later that day, we were presented with an amazing gift and a story that brings me to tears even as I write this. God had impressed on their hearts that their money was not their own. In a nutshell, and without sharing someone else's story, we should not put off giving when God prompts us. At church, we shared with another adoptive family about how we received our appointment letter with USCIS (Immigration) to have our fingerprints taken again. They encouraged us to try and go before our appointment time to see if we could get them earlier. They had done it without hassle. Love that we have friends who have gone before us with little pieces of advice that give us hope!
Monday, with my trip paid for, I began to plan and look into plane tickets. Our agency director will be in Haiti from December 5th-15th. I was planning on going before Mathea's birthday on the 12th but to my dismay, the 2nd half of his trip was to host the families that have children at Lifeline (where Christopher lives). I reluctantly told Mathea I would have to be gone for her birthday and to my surprise she told me that would be okay - she wouldn't be sad. That was a very different tune from the week before and so I knew God had helped her little heart. I think it helps that I'm going to try and Skype while in Haiti. She and I planned her family birthday for the day before I leave and I made a bowling party reservation for the weekend after I return. She's thrilled.
Tuesday, I made plane reservations and a hotel reservation in Florida. There are only early morning flights from Florida to Haiti so I lose a day to travel but I was able to come into FL early enough that I can get to a hotel and try and get some sleep before my very early flight the next morning. I joined an adoption discussion group through CCAI. I also started buying stickers, nail polish and balloons for the kids at Lifeline. Tracy and I trekked to Aurora (East Denver) and got right in for our fingerprints - 9 days before our appointment! I am confident that God will send my letter soon so that I can check into the Embassy as an adoptive parent.
Wednesday, I gave my phone number to a South Dakota mom who will be in Haiti with me! She and I talked and I could hardly contain myself. I scoured Facebook as she told me of people who had been there in the last few weeks and may have pictures of Christopher. Her son is 4 and will be staying with her and her husband in the hotel. I didn't realize that Christopher may be able to be with me at the hotel the entire trip. I am still clarifying that with the director but I am over the top thrilled and praying that he and I can bond in a closer way than I imagined during my 3 days there.
The rest of this week has been listening to Creole on CD and figuring out the differences between Creole and French. I have been following our dear friends by blog and Facebook as they have been in Haiti with their daughter. I am unashamed to say that I have already pulled out my suitcase and packed some summer clothes and 3 oz. toiletries. I have a sweet running friend who gave me 4 HUGE bags of boy clothes that I went through and picked out my favorites to bring with me now and some favorites in 4T to save, hoping we will come home before he turns 5. We had a worship service on Sunday and I was able to share with everyone in 1st service God's testimony in the Hires' lives these past few months. It was awesome!
Phew! Please pray for Christopher's health. We heard that the kids have parasites (not uncommon) and they only get 2 meals a day with a small snack. One thing I just read as well is that he is shy and that's the first time I have heard them use that word to describe him. I don't want a petrified sweetie when I am there so please pray that God will give Him comfort in knowing this change is good and I love him.
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