Yesterday Joe and I decided that we would take our chances at the immigration office. The waiting was driving us both insane and I needed to hear them either say yes we can do it or no you have to wait. I felt like atleast I tried. Right?
I think the whole drive there we said maybe 5 words to one another, he was praying constantly and I was worrying. At immigration we prayed that the Lord would put someone before us with an open heart. Someone that would be kind and understanding and know our struggle.
When we got there, there were about 6-8 people waiting. Which was a surprise!! I was thinking it d b a packed house in my head. But grateful that it was not!
We explained our needs and how our date for the fingerprinting was not until Feb. 16 but we were really wanting it before then. And they let us!!!! We could not believe it was that easy! It was definitely God changing hearts and placing us there at the right date and time. We were soo excited and were in and out in about an hour.
So now, the wait does continue. But I do feel like a weight was lifted. Now we wait for approval from the US, which should be a few weeks. And then finally I can send that huge amount of paperwork, that I stare at daily, to Eastern Europe!!!!
Thank you for all the kind words and good advice. Im so glad we went and took that chance.
Now we are able to focus on speaking to the congregation this weekend. We are very excited to let people know about what God has called us to do and about the orphan ministry at our church. We are very excited to allow the church in on what we are doing and having all those prayers for us during our travels. We want a very big welcome when we bring our little girl into the church and we want people to understand what we are doing and how special she is!! Will hopefully get some pictures to add too!!!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Trying to remain postive
We received our fingerprint appt. on Friday of last week.
Our appt. is Feb 16. Not exactly as expedited as I was hoping.:(
Trying to convince Indianapolis Immigration that we are adopting a special needs child and we would like a sooner appt. has been dismissed.
Feeling very frustrated today. Not sure what else I can do.
We also hit a brick wall with our congressman Mike Pence's office, which was unfortunate.
The good news that came out this, is that we received a receipt from immigration stating that all the paperwork they have receieved is correct and as soon as fingerprints are done, we should be good to go. They say it can take up to 3-6 weeks to get approval. But after this waiting period of 3 weeks before the fingerprint appt. I might be extremely convincing that they need to get my approval form asap.:)
I keep reminding myself this is on His time. I need to be patient and pray that we do not hit any more bumps in the road.
This is difficult to do when you know there is a little girl that is waiting in an orphanage for a family and needs medical care and there seems like nothing you can do but wait.
As our faith is tested, we will continue to pray that Olga is well taken care of, is safe and knows in her heart that we are coming as soon as we can.
Our appt. is Feb 16. Not exactly as expedited as I was hoping.:(
Trying to convince Indianapolis Immigration that we are adopting a special needs child and we would like a sooner appt. has been dismissed.
Feeling very frustrated today. Not sure what else I can do.
We also hit a brick wall with our congressman Mike Pence's office, which was unfortunate.
The good news that came out this, is that we received a receipt from immigration stating that all the paperwork they have receieved is correct and as soon as fingerprints are done, we should be good to go. They say it can take up to 3-6 weeks to get approval. But after this waiting period of 3 weeks before the fingerprint appt. I might be extremely convincing that they need to get my approval form asap.:)
I keep reminding myself this is on His time. I need to be patient and pray that we do not hit any more bumps in the road.
This is difficult to do when you know there is a little girl that is waiting in an orphanage for a family and needs medical care and there seems like nothing you can do but wait.
As our faith is tested, we will continue to pray that Olga is well taken care of, is safe and knows in her heart that we are coming as soon as we can.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Stalking...just a little ;)
So I have never been a very patient person when it comes to something I want.
Therefore, this adoption has tested me for sure, but has also taught me quite a bit during my times of prayer. I definitely have not prayed for patience, but rather prayed for comfort and guidance.
We submitted our USCIS documents, HS and i600a, on Dec. 28th. And still no word from them. I did receive our receipt number-showing they got it. But no news about our fingerprint appointment.
I emailed them, called them and all I got was we are working on it. So now Im just frustrated. I know this will all happen in God's time, but working with the government is not much fun.
I contacted our congressman rep. Mike Pence's office yesterday. A lady from there called today, got all our information and why we needed it expedited. And at the end of the conversation she says, Im calling the field office right now. I was so excited.
I hope and pray that she convinces them of the importance of not delaying this process. Im eager to get that confirmation from the USCIS and to send our dossier off.
Please keep us in your prayers.
On a brighter note, we are speaking to our congregation the last weekend of Jan. at all three services. We are very excited to let the church know what God is leading us to do and allow them to get a glimpse of the need to help these orphans find forever families. We will also be in the lobby with literature and a video of Olga. We are also praying that the Lord will provide us with the remaining moneys that we need to finish the adoption. We are excited to see how the Lord will provide!!!
With A Full Heart,
LeaAnn
Therefore, this adoption has tested me for sure, but has also taught me quite a bit during my times of prayer. I definitely have not prayed for patience, but rather prayed for comfort and guidance.
We submitted our USCIS documents, HS and i600a, on Dec. 28th. And still no word from them. I did receive our receipt number-showing they got it. But no news about our fingerprint appointment.
I emailed them, called them and all I got was we are working on it. So now Im just frustrated. I know this will all happen in God's time, but working with the government is not much fun.
I contacted our congressman rep. Mike Pence's office yesterday. A lady from there called today, got all our information and why we needed it expedited. And at the end of the conversation she says, Im calling the field office right now. I was so excited.
I hope and pray that she convinces them of the importance of not delaying this process. Im eager to get that confirmation from the USCIS and to send our dossier off.
Please keep us in your prayers.
On a brighter note, we are speaking to our congregation the last weekend of Jan. at all three services. We are very excited to let the church know what God is leading us to do and allow them to get a glimpse of the need to help these orphans find forever families. We will also be in the lobby with literature and a video of Olga. We are also praying that the Lord will provide us with the remaining moneys that we need to finish the adoption. We are excited to see how the Lord will provide!!!
With A Full Heart,
LeaAnn
Friday, January 15, 2010
An Orphan's Prayer
I am waiting…somewhere far…far away
on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like
But some how deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It’s a long journey, and it takes a lot of time…
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me
will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here
and not somewhere else?
Asking…why my life couldn’t have been different?
It is so lonely…Even though I am surrounded by
hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing…
I know in my heart I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father’s embrace…
I long to be saved by a mother’s love…
Gazing out the orphanage window I offer a
prayer of hope,“Oh God please help them
come quickly.”
Even as I lay in the darkness of each night
somehow I feel assured,
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe
my tears, touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God that knew me before I was born
Hears me every time I call
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure that you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields,
That He will personally cut a path and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is…When He speaks…Please don’t forget to listen…
When He calls don’t be too afraid to go
For I am waiting…somewhere, far…far…away
On the other side of the world
To come Home
on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like
But some how deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It’s a long journey, and it takes a lot of time…
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me
will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here
and not somewhere else?
Asking…why my life couldn’t have been different?
It is so lonely…Even though I am surrounded by
hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing…
I know in my heart I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father’s embrace…
I long to be saved by a mother’s love…
Gazing out the orphanage window I offer a
prayer of hope,“Oh God please help them
come quickly.”
Even as I lay in the darkness of each night
somehow I feel assured,
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe
my tears, touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God that knew me before I was born
Hears me every time I call
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure that you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields,
That He will personally cut a path and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is…When He speaks…Please don’t forget to listen…
When He calls don’t be too afraid to go
For I am waiting…somewhere, far…far…away
On the other side of the world
To come Home
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
We Spotted Her
Ok, Me, Joe and my sister played detective this morning.;)
We were watching the video of the orphanage Olga is in on youtube. And we spotted her, it was Olga sitting on the blanket outside. Not a very clear shot of her and Joe was not convinced. But I knew!!!! That was my baby girl!
My sister noticed that one of the missionaries had on a Hokie shirt, which ofcourse means nothing to me. But evidently it is the Virginia Tech maskot?
So we knew they were from Virignia, so from there we searched the site. We were on a mission at this point.
We found within the context of the youtube site some abbreviations. After googling that, we discovered it is a youth lead church at Virginia Tech. Yeah!!! At this point we were so excited.
We found on their site information about the need at Olga's orphanage with diapers. I guess the orphanage lost their sponsership with Pampers and they are back at only changing the diapers once a day:( Which is sooo sad.
Within the staff page we found one of the girls that was there with the children, so I called and left her a message to see if she had anyother pictures of the kids or any little tidbit of information in regards to Olga.
The most exciting thing was that we found more video footage and we were able to clearly see little miss Olga laughing and playing on the blanket. IT WAS HER!!!!
I told Joe not to doubt a mother when it involves her child!!!! :)
It was so awesome to acutally see video of her. Pictures are great, but there is nothing like watching her move and play and smile.
Ofcourse it brought tears to my sweet hubbys eyes. He is such a softie!!!
Every so often God gives us a glimpse of our little miracle waiting for us. He gives us hope, that the day will be soon that she is in our arms. He gives us light and clarity, showing us that this is where He is leading us. And most of all showing us His LOVE, through the smile of a little girl that already melts the heart of her daddy!!!!
If you would like to see the video clip, I can email you the link.
With Full Hearts!!!!
LeaAnn
We were watching the video of the orphanage Olga is in on youtube. And we spotted her, it was Olga sitting on the blanket outside. Not a very clear shot of her and Joe was not convinced. But I knew!!!! That was my baby girl!
My sister noticed that one of the missionaries had on a Hokie shirt, which ofcourse means nothing to me. But evidently it is the Virginia Tech maskot?
So we knew they were from Virignia, so from there we searched the site. We were on a mission at this point.
We found within the context of the youtube site some abbreviations. After googling that, we discovered it is a youth lead church at Virginia Tech. Yeah!!! At this point we were so excited.
We found on their site information about the need at Olga's orphanage with diapers. I guess the orphanage lost their sponsership with Pampers and they are back at only changing the diapers once a day:( Which is sooo sad.
Within the staff page we found one of the girls that was there with the children, so I called and left her a message to see if she had anyother pictures of the kids or any little tidbit of information in regards to Olga.
The most exciting thing was that we found more video footage and we were able to clearly see little miss Olga laughing and playing on the blanket. IT WAS HER!!!!
I told Joe not to doubt a mother when it involves her child!!!! :)
It was so awesome to acutally see video of her. Pictures are great, but there is nothing like watching her move and play and smile.
Ofcourse it brought tears to my sweet hubbys eyes. He is such a softie!!!
Every so often God gives us a glimpse of our little miracle waiting for us. He gives us hope, that the day will be soon that she is in our arms. He gives us light and clarity, showing us that this is where He is leading us. And most of all showing us His LOVE, through the smile of a little girl that already melts the heart of her daddy!!!!
If you would like to see the video clip, I can email you the link.
With Full Hearts!!!!
LeaAnn
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Finally!!!!
We submitted to US immigration on Monday December 28. I was so happy to send the i600a off with that big fat check!!!!!
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and kind words. Also I want to say thank you to everyone who purchased tutus. I really enjoyed making them and hope to continue to sell more.
We are very excited to start this new year, we can now actually say we will be a family of 5 this year!!! We continue to ask that you keep us in your prayers as we send out our prepared documents in the coming weeks. We are eagerly awaiting our fingerprint appointment. We hope that it comes quickly and that they aprove us just shortly after the fingerprints, therefore we will be able to submit our dossier by Feb.1.
We are now in the process of changing the girls bedroom. We are not sure if we are doing bunk beds or just a toddler bed to start out with. The room will be bubblegum pink and Joe will be painting the walls in the bedroom to welcome little miss Olga in, like he did Gracie.
I think the nesting stage has started. I continue to clean, rearrange and get rid of stuff. I feel like I need to do this stuff now, so that when the time comes to get ready to travel, this part will be done and behind me.
Please let me know if anyone has anymore fundraising ideas. And if there are still people wanting to order tutus, let me know!!!
Thanks,
L
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and kind words. Also I want to say thank you to everyone who purchased tutus. I really enjoyed making them and hope to continue to sell more.
We are very excited to start this new year, we can now actually say we will be a family of 5 this year!!! We continue to ask that you keep us in your prayers as we send out our prepared documents in the coming weeks. We are eagerly awaiting our fingerprint appointment. We hope that it comes quickly and that they aprove us just shortly after the fingerprints, therefore we will be able to submit our dossier by Feb.1.
We are now in the process of changing the girls bedroom. We are not sure if we are doing bunk beds or just a toddler bed to start out with. The room will be bubblegum pink and Joe will be painting the walls in the bedroom to welcome little miss Olga in, like he did Gracie.
I think the nesting stage has started. I continue to clean, rearrange and get rid of stuff. I feel like I need to do this stuff now, so that when the time comes to get ready to travel, this part will be done and behind me.
Please let me know if anyone has anymore fundraising ideas. And if there are still people wanting to order tutus, let me know!!!
Thanks,
L
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