Hi all,
Darren has allowed me another guest appearance but has made me promise not to write a sappy post!
We still have no visa news. Our in-country contact David went to the US Embassy today and was told by the adoption liaison that she didn't have time to talk with him. So, David is to return to the embassy in the morning to see what the heck is up. We are praying for visas. Our friend Sheresa desperately needs her visas (she is going on 3 1/2 weeks in the DRC with 2 small kids and her husband and 4 year-old son at home). We desperately need our visas. Our big girls (especially Kate) are really struggling and we all need to be together on one continent. It continues to astound me that bureaucratic types at the embassy can prolong this process without any updates. Please continue to pray without ceasing that God will move mountains and all of our visas will be issued very soon. We know that he can change hearts and we are praying for mercy and compassion from the embassy very soon.
Tonight was the first night since we met our new daughters that bedtime was not a brawl! No crying, no fighting. They little twigas (that is the Swahili word for giraffe and has kind of become their nickname) actually lied down in bed and went to sleep after a short while. I am worried that their malaria is about to come back. I mean bedtime is usually a 2 hour ordeal which involves lots of crying, flailing about and intense bouts of comforting. I feel like we gained 2 hours in our whole day. Amazing!!!!
We left our box today and went on a fantastic outing to a Bonobo sanctuary outside of Kinshasa. Bonobos are primates, more closely related to humans than chimpanzees, and are only found in the DRC. They were fabulous. We had a wonderful time and were excited to see these amazing creatures in the wild. We did not expect, however, that the girls would be terrified of the bonobos. Absolutely terrified. Tears streaming down their face with high pitched wails terrified. Refused food terrified. So, we had to sort of backtrack and look at the bonobos over our shoulders but they were still awesome. Thanks Sheresa for the picture of the bonobos as are camera battery died on our excursion!
I am reminded tonight that God tends to the sparrow and has clothed the wild flowers. His love is infinite and his plans for us beyond comprehension. As I sit beside my precious sleeping daughters tonight, I cannot believe the crazy path that he has led us on that started with a simple yes. The heartbreak of failed adoptions, years of waiting, the finances. Two little girls with severe malaria that should have died. This visa stuff is not too big for him. Please join us is continuing to pray for Sheresa's visas and the visas for Natalie and Josee.
Darren has allowed me another guest appearance but has made me promise not to write a sappy post!
We still have no visa news. Our in-country contact David went to the US Embassy today and was told by the adoption liaison that she didn't have time to talk with him. So, David is to return to the embassy in the morning to see what the heck is up. We are praying for visas. Our friend Sheresa desperately needs her visas (she is going on 3 1/2 weeks in the DRC with 2 small kids and her husband and 4 year-old son at home). We desperately need our visas. Our big girls (especially Kate) are really struggling and we all need to be together on one continent. It continues to astound me that bureaucratic types at the embassy can prolong this process without any updates. Please continue to pray without ceasing that God will move mountains and all of our visas will be issued very soon. We know that he can change hearts and we are praying for mercy and compassion from the embassy very soon.
Tonight was the first night since we met our new daughters that bedtime was not a brawl! No crying, no fighting. They little twigas (that is the Swahili word for giraffe and has kind of become their nickname) actually lied down in bed and went to sleep after a short while. I am worried that their malaria is about to come back. I mean bedtime is usually a 2 hour ordeal which involves lots of crying, flailing about and intense bouts of comforting. I feel like we gained 2 hours in our whole day. Amazing!!!!
We left our box today and went on a fantastic outing to a Bonobo sanctuary outside of Kinshasa. Bonobos are primates, more closely related to humans than chimpanzees, and are only found in the DRC. They were fabulous. We had a wonderful time and were excited to see these amazing creatures in the wild. We did not expect, however, that the girls would be terrified of the bonobos. Absolutely terrified. Tears streaming down their face with high pitched wails terrified. Refused food terrified. So, we had to sort of backtrack and look at the bonobos over our shoulders but they were still awesome. Thanks Sheresa for the picture of the bonobos as are camera battery died on our excursion!
YEAH another post from Valerie!!! Way to not be sappy so that Darren will allow you to post again sometime!!! :) Again sorry and frustrated for you and Sheresa that the embassy is so nonchalent in their attitudes. Great thoughts and so true Val that God does care more than we could imagine, love you all more than you could imagine, love the girls (all 4 of them) more than you do, and does care about the details of all of this and it is NOT TOO BIG for Him!!! We commit to continue to pray without ceasing for the embassy to get off their high horse and get moving so families may be reunited and built in full!!! Glad you were able to get out of your box and see the tonogos ~ sorry the girls were terrified of them. Keep up the great attitudes and continue holding on to HIS hope!!!
ReplyDeleteLove and miss you all,
Gracie and gang
Hi Val! We are on our way to Kansas in the first leg of our big road trip to a wedding on Kenny's mom's side of the fam (in Cedar Rapids IA) & fam reunion for his dad's side in Nebraska. Before I lose my 3G signal I wanted to tell you I am glad you got out & about but sorry the girls were scared. I don't blame them though, the big primates scare me too (especially when they stare you down). We are praying constantly for your visas & exit paperwork to all come together ASAP, as well as your friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouraging words too, God is using your faith journey to strengthen & minister to us all. I wa just reading an Ann Voskamp blog the other day about the sparrow - I keep reminding myself o those verses when I start worrying that I won't get through my trials. His great love for us gives us hope and strength to trust Him & His divine plans! I know He is writing a great new chapter of faith & courage in your families lives that will have impact beyond what we can even understand.
Love & hugs!
Renee
Gretchen let us watch the videos on her facebook account. OH MY GOSH!!! PRECIOUS!!! To hear them pray and sing and do their little hand motions, so sweet!!! Colson says, "They are soooo cute and happy. I love their little broccoli sprouts on their heads!!!" Crack me up!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you all,
G
Val,
ReplyDeleteI emailed the contact info for David and Lori Persons. I am loving the FB videos too! I forward your prayer requests to as many praying people as I know, even to Margo at camp. I really can not wait to get you guys home and meet these precious babies in person! Love and hugs!!! Karen
Yea! A Valerie post! So sorry the girls were scared of the primates today... But so thankful you got out of the box! I wonder how the girls will respond to Catch's ears:)! Thank you for taking us on this journey with you and all of the ways that God is patiently reminding you that He is in control. We are praying so much for a fast turn around for you and Sheresa and will pray that David will be well received tomorrow and return with fantastic news! We love you all very, very dearly!!!
ReplyDelete