SO much still to process from our recent trip to Haiti, but I'm gonna try my hardest to get you caught up on the latest news without babbling :)
Our recent trip was to go to court and the U.S. Embassy to get approval from them. The next step is for the birth mom to do both as well, and then they will begin working on our son's Visa. From this point, they are still giving us an estimated timeline of 4-6 months, yes months, before being able to bring him home. Ugh, timelines seem to keep stretching on and on. We have heard that it has not been easy to locate the birth mom, and are praying for her to show up quickly, as she is needed for the next steps.
Ok, there's the business end of it in a nutshell... now for the fun stuff!
We spent a week in Haiti and spent time with our son daily! So much to say, but where do I begin?! Let's see....
First: After seeing an official birth certificate and hearing all the other children say his name, we know the legit spelling and pronunciation! But you don't get to know yet, hahaha! Due to some child protection guidelines, we won't be making it completely public until it's all said and done. But, if you know me &/or Daniel personally, contact us and we might give you the inside scoop ;)
Second: Our son was able to spend 3 nights with us at the guesthouse and it was crazy amazing! We experienced a bed wetting, coughing all night, and what we think must have been a nightmare... and we loved being able to be there with him for every minute of it!
Third: Daniel didn't really share all the ways he found our son to be like him. Well, he did say "he's awesome, duh"... LOL. But I found several ways he is like me! He's very organized and likes every door closed, zipper and snap fastened (until school is out, and then he's the first one to undo his uniform... also like I was), and he cleans up his messes. He is extremely strong willed, has a bit of sarcasm and lots of humor, and he completely knows how to work his eyes already.... watch out world, God cut him from the same mold as me!
Next: Our son is indeed one that everyone remembers! We thought people were just telling us that, and that they say it to every parent... and then we started seeing it firsthand. He has something about him that people want to follow, a natural leader. He is extremely smart! He's onry, mischievous, all boy, and we found out how much he likes to chase and pick on animals (RIP baby chicken). He already has a pretty big fan club here at home, in Haiti, and across the globe with everyone who has met him. We can't wait to see what God has in store for our precious little man!
Last: This has been such an emotional journey. Leaving Haiti without our son was by far the most heart wrenching experience of our lives. I can't explain it. I can assure you that God forms families in ways that cannot be fathomed. It's a matter of the heart, not a matter of who birthed a child. This is our child, and God planned this journey before he was even born. We are honored to be trusted with the life of this amazing little guy and we look forward to watching his beautiful life unfold!
From near death, to restoration. From one of many, to our perfect one. He is a one of a kind for sure! God, please speed this up and get our son home soon!
Thanks so much for all of the love you have shared with us and for following our journey!
