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Sunday, November 25, 2007

Izzie at home....

We haven't updated the blog in a while, so I thought I'd post some pictures of Izzie at home:


Just look at those eyes.
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This is how she wakes up. I thought I'd have a problem with a "morning child"...but I think she's actually converting me to be a morning person as well. I mean...look at that face!!
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Izzie loves her Mommy.
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Sleeping Angel.
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Izzie is Walking!!!

Izzie is walking at just under 14 months old. Until tonight, she was only taking a couple of steps. Now, she's almost running. That's my girl....

More pictures from the Welcome Home party...

Another shot of the chicken. Mmmmmmmmm.



Look at the big girl standing. She's starting to walk more and more. She'll be running by Christmas.



Pretty girl, getting ready for church.



One of my favorite shots from the past week.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Great time welcoming home Mandie and Izzie

We had a great time this last Saturday celebrating Mandie and Izzie's homecoming. My Grandfather's bar-b-q chicken was the centerpiece of the meal. It was a great honor for me to be able to cook it with him at my house.




Notice the shirt. It says "Sorry I kept you waiting." On the back, it says "I'm bilingual. I cry in English and Spanish."

Izzie knew exactly what to do with her cake. She was just wondering what all the people were laughing at. Can't a girl eat cake in peace???


God has truly blessed our family, more than we could ever imagine or ask for. As Thanksgiving draws near, our cup is so full...it is flowing over. Thanks to everyone who helped us pray, and gave us words of encouragement as we traveled down the journey to bring our sweet baby girl home.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Izzie is HOME!!!

Mandie and Izzie landed in Atlanta Tuesday night at around 6. Our family is finally complete...and all in the same Country. God is good.



I missed this little girl

Izzie loves her big brother.

Yep...Izzie is glad to be home.

Our amazing family.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Tomorrow is the big day!!!

I'm sitting here in my apartment working on packing. Izzie is taking a nap. My brother went walking around for a little bit. I'm all by myself, and this overwhelming feeling hits me. I'm going to be home tomorrow!!! I think it is just now sinking in. Wow!!! I am so excited to be going home, but at the same time I'm sad to be leaving. I have fallen in love with Antigua. If anyone gets a chance to visit, please do. I've met so many truly wonderful people here. This has been an amazing journey, and God has really blessed us through this trip.

I also want to thank everyone who has helped us along the way. Thank you for your prayers especially. We love you all, and tomorrow we will be home forever!!! So get ready, we've got 2 weekends of partying already scheduled!!! We love you all, and see you tomorrow!!!

Friday, November 2, 2007

Visa Appointment is DONE!

Mandie and Izzie had their Visa appointment today. Everything went fine, and as expected. Myriam, or interpreter, will pick up the Visa on Monday...and then get it to Mandie on Tuesday before she flies home.

It almost doesn't seem real. We're almost done. Isabella is almost home, and our family is almost complete. God has been so good to us. If you had told either of us a couple of years ago that we would be going through what we did this past year, we would have thought you were crazy. God's ways are higher than ours, and we do not always understand where He's leading us. But, if we'll just take that step and follow where He's leading...we'll always come out the other end in a much much better place.

We will miss Guatemala very much. The people that we've met there are amazing. We couldn't have made it without some of those people helping us (even though they may not have known they were) get through the long wait. We will miss the food. Antigua is an awesome place, and the food is amazing. Best hot chocolate and coffee in the World. Yes....we will miss Guatemala. But, we'll be back soon...

Keep praying for us. We still have a few more days until Mandie and Izzie are safe, on the ground in the good old United States. And then...we will need continued prayer that we will raise Isabella in the way that God wants us to.

Thanks everybody!!!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Getting closer!!

The doctor's appointment went fine. Izzie didn't even cry on the first shot. She just jerked her arm away and looked at the doctor like he was crazy for poking her in the arm like that! She cried a little on the second shot (probably because she was getting tired of that mean doctor). We're going to have a hard time with this child...nothing phases her.

The next step is the Visa appointment on Friday, November 2nd. We're #28 out of 30...so it'll be a long day. Todd is flying in on Thursday!!! Then the Visa will be ready for pickup on Monday, November 5th....and then on Tuesday....HOME!!!!! It's been a long journey. God has been faithful the whole way.

We've almost got her home!!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Lastest Information

Monday we have to head to the city. Izzie has to see the Embassy doctor for clearance to come to the US. Plus she also has to have visa pictures taken. We'll get all that done, then next will be the Embassy appointment. I'm so excited!!! I can't believe we will be home in 10 days. The sad thing is I've already starting packing. Oh well. We'll keep you posted on how things are going.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

I just booked the ticket

for my brother to come. This time next week he'll be here. I'm so excited!!! Only 12 more days until I get back home. The sad thing is I know once I get back home and settled in, I sure am going to miss Antigua. I have really liked it here. Oh, well....at least we'll be home!!!

We have PINK!!!

I just spoke with the Embassy. We have our pink appointment!!! It's November 2nd. We'll pick up her visa on November 5, and head home on November 6. I can't believe it!!! I know when I'm coming home!!! This is so great!!! I'll keep you posted on the rest. Thanks for the prayers!!!

2nd DNA Results Delivered!!

We got the message late yesterday afternoon that the results from the 2nd DNA test were delivered to the Embassy. Now all they have to do is give us a date. The hitch is...if they don't give us one today, then it will be next week before we get a date. The Embassy doesn't issue Visa appointments on Fridays. We're so close to getting Izzie home. Everyone keep praying.....

Monday, October 22, 2007

This is going to be a rough week

So, we found out that our agency has our 2nd DNA test results, and the Embassy should have them tomorrow. If the Embassy does what they are supposed to do, we should know when our appointment is going to be on Thursday. So on Thursday, I should know when we get to come home!!! The rough part is having to wait out the days until Thursday. This week is going to go by so slow. But this is the final step. We get our appointment, go to our appointment, get Izzie's visa, and GO HOME!!! This is getting exciting!!! Please pray our appointment will be soon!!!

Friday, October 19, 2007

Update

Ok, here is the current update. We found out Wednesday that the samples for the 2nd DNA made it to LabCorp that day. Today they emailed us to say that our samples are being tested. We are hoping to know something next week. We will keep you posted on what we hear. Since the last video worked so well, I'm posting some more.





Fuego erupted the first night we were in Antigua. The video isn't the best...but you get the idea.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Well...

Brandon fussed at me for not updating the blog, so here's the update. We had the 2nd DNA done Friday. Everything went fine. I got to meet the doctor that has been seeing her since she was 3 days old. Izzie had to have 2 shots and will have to have 2 more. He commented on how smart she was because he gave me a canister to keep her entertained. He stood behind her and gave her the first shot. She looked at her arm, looked at him, then started crying. After that, she wouldn't pay anymore attention to me and kept watching the doctor behind her. He finally just had to give her the shot. She is 30 inches long and 21lbs 10 oz. Now we just wait for the Embassy to get the results. After they get the results, they have 48 hours to give us an appointment day. We're getting closer. I also think I have figured out how to post video. If it works, this is a video right after I got her. Izzie loves to look at pictures of herself, so we looked at all the pictures. I can't believe how much she's changed. Thanks for all the prayers. It's amazing how God is working. I pray that God blesses all of you as much as He has blessed us. Enjoy the video (if it works).


Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Drum roll please

They tried to submit us to the Embassy yesterday, but the Embassy wouldn't take our paperwork because the copy of Izzie's passport was too dark. So we were submitted today. They moved our 2nd DNA appointment to Friday at 10:00AM. I'm so excited, I can't believe it!!!!!

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

The latest news

First, for those that don't know, Brandon made it back home safe and sound. The kids met him at the airport. They were shocked because he cut off all of his hair. We didn't tell because he wanted to see their faces when they saw him. Now, on to the news. Myriam, our translator, called yesterday. We should be submitted to the Embassy today. She has scheduled our second DNA test for Thursday. I should be in the city at 10:00 Guatemalan time. We are very excited to see our case moving again. It shouldn't be too much longer before we are able to get back home. I'll update as more news comes in.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Brandon leaves tomorrow

We're sad because Jorge will be picking up Brandon tomorrow at 10:00 to take him to the airport. We went out tonight with our friends Stephanie, Bella, Stephanie's dad, Jenni, Bryan, and Lena. We had a great time at Cafe Sky. Then some of us went to get dessert afterward. It's sad for Brandon because he will not be coming back. He's trying to get his last minute stuff in, like one more cup of Antigua hot chocolate and things like that. Please pray Brandon has a safe trip tomorrow. I know the children at home will be so happy to see him. We'll keep you guys posted on how things are progressing.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Izzie has a passport!!!

We told the kids yesterday that Izzie has a birth certificate. The girls (mainly Mackenzie) started screaming they were so happy. Their little sister is coming home!!! We went today to get Izzie's passport. We got there about 45 minutes early, so we just sat there and waited for our lawyer. She got there, and gave us a copy of the long awaited birth certificate. We went in the passport office and stood in line. When we got to the counter, the lawyer gave the lady our paperwork. We had to wait for a few minutes, then they called us to sign and go get her picture taken. We went into another room. They had to get her fingerprints on a electronic device. It was hard because she didn't want to keep her fingers still. Then it was time for the picture. It took the guy about a hundred times to get the picture. It was so funny. He had a little squeaky duck. I was holding it. She was laughing and would point every time he would take the picture. Finally, we got a good one of her smiling. We waited about 20 more minutes, and our lawyer got the passport. So we can mark that off of our list. I saw quite a few other babies there that were obviously being adopting. The guy was the lawyer with four ladies. He was running between them trying to take care of all the paperwork and everything. So, now it's time to be submitted to the Embassy. I'll let you know when that happens. I can't believe we are moving forward again. This is wonderful!!!

Oh, and we also moved again today. We moved into an apartment that has 2 bedrooms. It's so nice to be in a bigger place that in one room. It's so much better. My brother will also be coming down near the end of the adoption to help me get back home. I've got so much stuff to get home I couldn't do it by myself. I'm very excited that he gets to come. It should be great.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

I can't believe I'm posting this

WE HAVE A BIRTH CERTIFICATE!!!!!! I am still just in shock. After almost 3 months. Wow. Today we went to Chinautla. Brandon went in with our translator and messenger. They told them to come back after 3:00, and it would be ready. We didn't really tell people because every time they would tell us something it would end up being not true. So, we waited it out and received the phone call just a little while ago. Izzie's last name is officially Harris!!!! Tomorrow I will go get her passport done, and I should hopefully be home in about 3 weeks. Thanks for all the prayers. God has answered them, and now we are on to a new chapter.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Brandon forgot to mention...

that Izzie took her first step today!!! She was watching TV and didn't pay attention to what she was doing. She was standing and was trying to reach my knee. I was so excited!!! Anyway, I just wanted everyone to know.

My new shoes

A week or so ago I had a cobbler in this small village we visited make me a pair of shoes. I finally got them today. He actually sketched the outline of both feet to be sure and get the measurements exact. Now, these are hand-made, custom fit leather shoes. In the States I would have paid about $200 for a pair of shoes like this. These cost me Q250, or about $30! At first I thought, oh no...they're too tight. Then, I realized that I thought they were tight because I've never had shoes that actually fit. Plus, they're real leather, so they will mold to my feet. We went out for supper tonight and I walked probably 5 or 6 blocks. I was sure my feet would be killing me...but they're fine. I'm really happy with my hand-made leather shoes.


Izzie is so funny. She's started shaking her head and saying "Nah nah nah" whenever we tell her "No". She's also started pointing at things and whispering "Wow!". She especially likes to do that when we're trying to get her to go to bed, or do something she doesn't want to do. It's almost like she's trying to distract us. Funny kid.

A message from Izzie

WAR EAGLE!!!

Nothing new

We wanted to update everyone on the adoption...but there's really nothing to update. We are still waiting for Isabella's birth certificate from Chinautla. Today we will be contacting the facilitator to schedule a trip to Guatemala City and possibly Chinautla for tomorrow. I(Brandon) am heading back to the States on either Saturday or Sunday, so we will need to go to Immigration and the Embassy to get all the paperwork completed so that Mandie can complete the Guatemala side of the process by herself. There's just no other way around this. As much as I want to, I cannot stay in Guatemala any longer without taking a leave of absence from my job...and that's just not an option.

We want to thank everyone for the prayers and kind words. It helps more than you'll ever know. There have been valleys and mountain tops in this process. Some of you have been there with us the whole way. Mandie and I thank God every day for the family and friends He has blessed us with. Mandie has a great support structure here in Guatemala as well. She is surrounded by knowledgeable people who know Guatemala as well as the locals do. It is also very clear to us in events that have happened, that God is very much in control of our situation. That brings us a lot of peace.

Hopefully this week we will have some good news to post.

Thanks...

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Fame has gone to her head.

Apparently the "Real Life Boo" post went straight to Izzie's head. She now thinks she's a movie star.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

New pictures...

No update on the birth certificate, except that the Registrar is out of the office. Wish I had his job. He has better hours than a banker. Oh well.
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We had lunch at the Hotel Antigua today. Isabella decided she wanted to sit on the table. She thinks she's the boss. I have no idea what gave her that idea. Today she is sporting the beautiful dress that Aunt Pepper and Uncle Scott got her.


Here's Volcán de Fuego burping again...

Saturday, September 22, 2007

The Real Life "Boo"

We were having supper with our good friends last night at Las Palmas (best Garlic-Lime Chicken in the World), and I realized something about Izzie. She is the spitting image of "Boo" from Monsters Inc. LOL.....

Thursday, September 20, 2007

A few more pictures...

Mandie got her hair "done" on Monday. I think it looks awesome.



Fuego, one of the 33 volcanoes here in Guatemala, decided to spew some smoke the other day. We have a great view of it from our hotel terrace. Definitely something we don't see a lot of in Alabama.


We took a trip to "La Bodegona", which is the Antigua version of the Wal-Mart Supercenter. Actually, you could fit "La Bodegona" inside one of the bathrooms at the Supercenter. Not very big...but it has everything we need. As you can see, one of the things we "needed" was a 2-liter Coca-Cola Light. Izzie decided she wanted to carry the Coke. She would cry if we took it out. She just laughed and had a good 'ole time carrying around her Coke. It was the funniest thing.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Izzie's 1st Birthday!!!

No word yet on the birth certificate...so we thought we'd post some pictures from Izzie's birthday party we had on Sunday. We got together with a few friends we've met here and had a great time. We all met at Pollo Campero, which is kind of like the Guatemalan version of Chick-fil-A. Izzie was so much fun! She got the cake all over her face, and she smiled and laughed at every present. She even unwrapped her own presents. We can't wait to get her home so we can have another party with our family and friends.

Enjoy the pictures!!







Friday, September 14, 2007

Good day

Well, I got the call today that Izzie's birth mom went to the village, did everything she was supposed to do, and said everything she was supposed to say. I was told that the mayor should sign off on it today, and hopefully we will have a birth certificate on Monday. I'm praying that is the case. I should hear something on Monday. Tomorrow is Independence Day in Guatemala. There are supposed to be a lot of parades and activities going on tomorrow. We are going to get out early, have breakfast, and watch some. Here they carry a torch across Guatemala, and we actually saw them doing that while we were out earlier. It's really neat. Brandon will also be here tomorrow afternoon. I'm so excited and can't wait. It's going to be so great to see him again. Then Sunday is Izzie's birthday. We're going to have her party at Pollo Campero. It should be a lot of fun. We will be taking lots of pictures, and I will post them as quickly as I can. Be praying that Monday brings great news!!!!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

And the verdict is.....

still no birth certificate. But it wasn't a wasted trip. Izzie stayed at my friend Stephanie's apartment while I went to Chinautla. I went to Guatemala City, met up with our facilitator, lawyer, and translator, and we headed out to Chinautla. We went to city hall. The mayor wasn't in, so we met with his adviser. I did find out that our facilitator had not been lying to us, which was nice. The adviser apologized over and over to me. He said that they are being extra careful because they have had 2 fradulent adoption paperwork come through. They received verification from PGN yesterday that our file was valid. Out of all the cases they submitted, he only got 6 verifications back, and ours was one of them. He even showed me the paper with the date. He said that they need to verify with the birth mom, and then they would give us our birth certificate. Our facilitator has contacted the birth mom. She will go to city hall in Chinautla on Friday, so hopefully we will have a birth certificate either Friday or Monday. From there, our file will have to be submitted to the embassy for her visa to leave Guatemala on. I'm figuring this part should take about 2 weeks. We are supposed to contact Mike Rogers' office when we enter the embassy. Hopefully he may be able to help things some. So, that is where we stand now. Hopefully I will have some good news within the next few days. It was good to go and see for myself what was going on. And because I'm getting fussed at badly, here are a few pictures. We should have more after Brandon gets here Saturday.

This is what happens when you play too hard.
Izzie swimming at Hotel Antigua
Daddy is never going to get the remote. Besides, how can he resist this face???
Central Park
I was at the market the other day. I looked up and this was the view. This picture just doesn't do the view justice.

Please pray hard!!!!

I am headed to Chinautla (the village Izzie was born in) with our lawyers, facilitator, and translator in hopes of getting closer to getting a birth certificate. This is a big event because they didn't want me to go before. Yesterday, out of the blue, they called and wanted me to go today. I don't know what the change was, but please pray that today will make a difference in us finally being able to come home. Thank you all so much!!!! I'll post how it goes.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Still no news

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. There hasn't really been anything to post. We still have absolutely NO news as far as our birth certificate goes. We are hoping that maybe after elections are done with on Sunday, that people will get moving and get this thing done. We'll see. Izzie and I have moved into another hotel. We are over here with our friend that moved out of our previous hotel. It's been a lot of fun being over here, except the big bug in the bathroom last night. I called Stephanie up here. We probably talked for an hour trying to figure out how to handle it. I must say, she did a good job at killing it :) In other news, Izzie turns one on Sunday, the 16th. I can't believe it!!! We're going to get her a cake and have her a little party here. Brandon is coming down on the 15th so he can be here for her first birthday. Izzie is just so amazing, and she's going to fit in so well with our family. I can't wait for the kids to meet her. Brandon went to the beach last weekend with the kids, his brother and his family, and his mom and dad. They had a good time, and Brandon took a lot of good pictures. I'll post more as I hear it.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Could it be???

Well, after speaking with an attorney from Adoption Supervisors, he said that our file has basically just been sitting there and has not been looked at for 6 weeks!!! I was in shock. The guy at the civil registery wouldn't tell him why it hasn't been looked at. Again, I was in shock. So they said they would start working on it today, and for the attorney from AS to call back on Monday. Ok, great. They are starting to sound like our agency. Then......we get an email from our agency. It said that the registrar actually called our facilitator and said it's been approved by the mayor. He was just waiting to get the file back so he could make up the new birth certificate. This all sounds wonderful, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up because I've been crushed so many times with this issue. So on Monday, we will see if we have it. Then we can start moving forward again, get submitted to the Embassy, and start working towards coming home. Oh, that sounds so great. Thanks for the prayers. They are so appreciated!!!! And most importantly, THANK YOU GOD!!!!!

One month ago today

I arrived in Guatemala and picked up my beautiful baby girl from her foster mom knowing that I never had to give her back. Thinking back on that day, I never imagined that one month later I would be in Antigua with still no birth certificate. I am happy to say that at least I am able to still be here with her. She is an amazing child, and I feel like God has blessed me to allow me to be her Mommy. Izzie and I have gone through a lot trying to get adjusted to each other, but I feel like we are getting closer. She is such a sweet baby. Thank you, God, for letting me be her Mommy. Now, can we please, please, pretty please come home?????

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Pray for today

I finally did it and made the call to Adoption Supervisors. For those that don't know who they are, it's a group of attorneys here in Guatemala that will help if you have problems with your adoption. I spoke with an attorney yesterday. He is supposed to send someone to Chinautla (the village where Izzie was born) and check on the status of the birth certificate. At that point he will know if he can help us any further. He will call me back today to let me know. Please, please pray that it is good news. I would love for them to be able to help us or tell us a way that we may get it faster. Izzie and I are so ready to come home!!! I also wanted to say that we had very minimal effects from Hurricane Dean. I think the only real thing was it was cloudy and colder here than usual. We got no rain or anything, which is even unusual because this is rainy season here. Thanks for all your prayers and support. I'll let you know what happens today!!!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Brandon is home, and we are ok

Brandon made it home yesterday, all in one piece. After he left yesterday, Izzie and I did a tour of some of the historical sites of Antigua. We learned all kinds of things. Izzie did great on the tour, except at the beginning. She wanted to talk while our guide, Elizabeth Bell, was talking. I had to take her out of the stroller and walk around with her. Since Brandon's been gone, she's looked for him. She's been really clingy to me again, I guess making sure I'm not going anywhere. We've just kind of hung around today. We went to eat at Pollo Campero for lunch. Izzie had a great time throwing bread. I've also been emailing the doctor at the International Adoption Clinic at UAB regarding her formula. I'm worried since she's not on a true formula she might not be getting all of the nutrients she needs. The doctor said that we are doing good by feeding her more solid food and made some recommendations as far as formula goes. For those of you who read this and are in the Birmingham and surrounding area, I really recommend them. The doctor is so helpful. Well, I'm going to try to post some pics from the past week. Enjoy!!!!

Look, Mommy. I unpacked my suitcase right after you packed it!!!
How many suitcases does one Izzie take?
Bye bye Guatemala City.
Mommy and me.
We got blankie, so we can leave now.
Hanging out at our new hotel Thursday morning with the dogs.
I'm in the stroller enjoying breakfast.
I'm eating/playing with my bread for lunch.
I'll try to post some of the pictures from yesterday later after I get them uploaded. Have a great day!!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Brandon is heading home

Well, Brandon is leaving today to head back home. Please pray that he gets home safely. I'm going to miss him so much, but he really needs to get back to the kids. Just letting everyone know!!! We miss you, Daddy!!!!

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Still no news

As frustrated as I should be, amazingly I'm not. We're really doing ok. It's going to be tough when Brandon leaves, but he needs to head home for awhile. We are both missing the kids terribly. I can't wait to see them again. It feels like it's been forever. It's getting more and more natural to answer questions in Spanish than in English. I may not remember English when I get home. Hopefully it will be soon. We miss everyone, and I can't wait for everyone to meet Izzie. She's so great. We put her in the Snugli and went walking today. She had the best time. She just sang and laughed. It was great. I've got tons of pictures to post, but I have a hard time on the internet here. I will post them as soon as I can. We'll keep you posted as best we can. Thanks for all the prayers!!!

Thursday, August 9, 2007

The volcano erupted

No big deal, right? You see it a lot in Antigua. Volcano erupts, take a tour to the magma river, fun, fun. Well last night we watched it. Apparently the eruption was bigger than normal because CNN had an article about it today. Here are the pics from the eruption. Brandon took these on the terrace at our hotel. Enjoy.


Ok. I have several pictures of Izzie to post, but I'm on Brandon's laptop so I'll have to wait. Apparently I don't get a good wireless signal in our room, so we have to come sit out in the little square area. Izzie is enjoying herself, except for her schedule is terribly off. But she's not as board as she was in the other hotel because we can get out and see a lot of sights.

And a side note here. My grandmother told me she wanted pictures where Izzie and I are standing in front of whatever it is that Brandon is taking a picture of. I just want to say sorry, we were not standing in front of the volcano while Brandon was taking pictures:) I'll keep everyone posted as soon as we hear something about the birth certificate, and I'll try to post more pictures soon!!!!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Signing off for now

Ok, we're officially signing off for now. The next time you hear from us, we'll be in Antigua, Guatemala, one of the oldest and most historical cities in Central America. We'll let you know how we're doing after we get settled in!!!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Sorry to confuse...

Apparently my post was a little confusing. Brandon made sure I knew it. Let me clarify about the paperwork. The protocolo is the final adoption decree stating she's ours. We got the original copy of it yesterday so that we can leave the hotel. We have to have proof that she's ours so we don't get accused of kidnapping a child. Plus if we have to take her to the doctor or something, we have to have proof that we are her legal parents. Now, we are STILL waiting on the birth certificate. Our lawyer and facilitator went there Monday and was told to come back Wednesday. It's been the same game for almost 4 weeks. It's crazy. They still go everyday just to check on it. Our agency is full of apologies. They tell us that we got caught up in this at the wrong time. I, however, know that all of this is God's plan. Although I don't know what His plan is yet, I'm waiting to find out. I'm keeping an eye out for someone to share about Jesus with, or whatever the situation maybe. We thank you for your prayers. It's amazing the sense of peace that I have. I know where it comes from. Izzie is amazing. I will not be posting more pictures until tomorrow night or Thursday morning because I have packed the cord to upload the pictures. We'll tell you all about our new place when we get there. Thanks again, and until next time....

No more jailbirds!!!

We finally gained our freedom yesterday. We got the original of the Protocolo, which is the final adoption decree saying she is ours, and no one can take her away. We also got a copy of our PGN receipt where we exited PGN. It was great to see the papers that we've waited so long to get. We walked around in the mall. I bought Izzie a pair of white shoes to go with her white dress Pepper got her. Izzie was happy to get out. As we pushed her around the mall, she just sat there and watched everyone. I think she's going to be happier in Antigua where we can get out and do stuff. As far as that goes, tomorrow is the big day. They are coming to pick us up at noon tomorrow, 1:00 Alabama time, 2:00 Georgia time. It should take us about an hour to get there. We are also supposed to have breakfast with the foster mom and our translator in the morning, too. That will be the last time she sees Izzie, so pray that goes well. Alright, on with the pictures!!!

This is a picture of a final adoption decree. This is just the heading, and we took the number off just for security purposes.
Playing hard as she tries to keep herself awake.
Here is a picture from the other day. She was having a snack in her stroller.
There are all the pics I have for this morning. Stay tuned, and I'll be posting more as they come available. Have a great day!!!