Saturday, April 21, 2012

For the Sake of Love and Money


Here we are with just the facts, ma’ma.  (If you need a refresher on “how things work” in the adoption process, you can read a short post here.)  We first appeared before the Ethiopian courts on February 3 for the adoption of our trio. Due to paperwork issues, it took two more attempts to finally clear on February 21.  At that point, our social worker, “T”, in Ethiopia had the privilege of sharing the wonderful news of a forever home with our trio.  Our trio’s response could NOT have been any more an answer to our prayers.  Not an ounce of fear.  Not an ounce of concern about whom we are.  Just JOY.

Upon news of their adoption (photo compliment of a friend)
Post court, our agency had the task of collecting documents required four our trio to immigrate to America.  A few weeks ago, our US caseworker believed our file was ready for Embassy.  BUT come that Thursday, a piece of paperwork had gone missing.  Alas.  It’s a journey.  The following Thursday, that piece of paperwork appeared and our file was taken. 


Usually, when a file is submitted to Embassy, you receive an email in the wee hours of the morning.  For these past two weeks, I’m woken every night hoping for something.  Thursday came and went.  No email.  The following morning, our US caseworker called to tell us the news:  unfortunately, our file was taken with copies of paperwork vital to our file when it required originals.  They would return the following day with the original. 

Yesterday, new news.  This form couldn’t be located.  Only the copies.  The paperwork needed to be re-originated and mailed to Ethiopia for our file.  Heart sank.  Sadness for our trio.  Sadness for us.  Many tears by our Princess and the H-man.  I drown my tears in papers needed and they hit FedEx yesterday afternoon.

In the meantime, we’ve come to understand more and more the hearts of our children abroad.  They are racked with excitement and joy AND fear.  They know loss.  Lots of it.  The news we have adopted them but not come to them creates fear of yet another loss.  Remember it’s been a month plus now since they heard they finally have a family, and from my memory, a month is eternity in kid time.  Enter our decision.

Josh (and I) believes for the sake of love, for the sake of the children’s hearts, for the sake of bonding and showing them promises kept, I need to go on over and take placement of our children.  For the sake of money, we booked the tickets departing April 30 and returning June 4.  It was the most reasonable fare.  Officials do NOT recommend traveling without Embassy clearance.  It IS, however, recommended by my husband.  It couldn’t get much clearer than that for me.

So, for the sake of love and money, I will be leaving with Princess, Tiger, and Mez in less than two weeks.  Our agency is sure our file will be successfully submitted on the 26th of April.  We will keep you posted on our progress.  For now,  pray.  Pray for travel (one mom three kids).  Pray for health.  Pray for sleep (I am prone to thinking all night long).  Pray for our children to understand why all of their family isn’t coming right now.  Pray for our transition and bonding and the perpetual Groundhog Day once in Ethiopia.  Pray for wisdom while I parent many without my one partner.  Pray for Josh, my partner is this, and his heart while we are apart.  Pray against anything that could separate us or cause friction.  Pray each moment of my time I am an example of the love of God.  

17 comments:

  1. Lori, All kinds of ++++++++++++ prayers for this all to wrap up faster than fast. Your family is an inspiration to mine. Lots of love Mama! xHeather

    p.s. kind of freaking out too, because the oldest of your trio is wearing a Wee See t-shirt! It's a DVD my husband created and when we launched a few years back we had parties in NYC, TX and LA. This shirt was one of promo shirts. Oh what a small world we live in!

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    1. SO very cool, Heather. Isn't the world so small? I have another picture with another child in the same shirt (or another of its kind).

      Thanks you for the +++++++ prayers!
      L

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  2. Praying that the embassy gets the file Thursday, takes one look at it and says, "But of course Mrs. Knight can come claim her children, and, my goodness, we have an appointment for her next week." Big Hugs!!!! :) P.S. If it's any consolation, we've talked with our kids about their feelings during their 6 month wait for us. They said they did keep wondering when on earth we were coming back, but they trusted the social worker's words that we WERE coming. They don't seem scarred for the experience. :)

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    1. Oh, yesssssss, Soko! That would be wonderful. Could it be possible???
      L

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  3. Praying!! Love your hearts so much. xxxxxx

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    1. Dawn-
      It would be a touch sweeter if we were sharing the news over a nice cup of tea like the old days. For now, I'll take a blog and tea time combo. MIss you oooodles and love you all!!!
      L

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  4. Wow Wow! So you'll be gone for a little over a month? So proud of you! So excited to see this journey unfold. Anxious to hug your neck about 9 hours from now when we hang out with some awesome 4/5 yr olds! Love ya girl!

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    1. Liz-
      As always, you are an amazing encourager! I can't wait to intro you face-to-face.
      L

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  5. Add one more to this list of prayers : your momma. I could write volumes but I will say this & only this; His sovereignty reigns upon each of these & peace indeed will flow. Because He Is & He loves to answer when called upon! Honored to be part of this chior!

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  6. I will be praying for your entire family. How wonderful that you will go soon and join your family together. I am so excited for you!

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    1. Deb-
      Yep, we will take those prayers. AND if you happen to get any great news while I'm in country, let me know. I'll go visit.
      L

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  7. I so admire your decision. I hope it is a sweet time for all.

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    1. Thanks, Julie. We hope it is sweet, too!
      L

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  8. I've loved following your blog and hearing this story unfold. My husband and I have our first court date May 8th and arrive Sunday morning May 6th. We will be at BJoe's. It will be just the two of us and our driver,so I hope we can support you the week we are in Addis with any errands, bringing you dinner, shopping, etc. I pray this next stage of your process is smooth and without the slightest hiccup.
    Lee Anne
    (FBI--G Family)

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    1. YAYYYYY, Lee Anne! Another meeting of fellow adoptive parents all the way around the world. I LOVE it. P.S. That happens to be my bday! It's like a treat to meet you then.
      L

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  9. Praying for all of you as you go...

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    1. Lari,
      Thank you for the prayers. We covet them. They really are the fuel in our journey. Love knowing there is an entire community lifting us up as we move into this next phase. NOW to love on my kiddos.
      L

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