A letter to my son

     I never could have imagined how long this adoption process would take. From the moment we met you almost three years ago, our hearts merged and we became family. I know it's hard to understand why you are still waiting for us to be able to bring you home, and we don't really understand it all either. There are so many things that must take place to be able to bring a family together. If only the people who make the rules for all those things, could understand the heartache of waiting. Maybe then they could find a way to make the process work as good in real life, as they have it written on paper.
   
     Please know that you are never forgotten. I pray for you every day, and we have so many friends and family who are doing the same. You are so loved, even by those who have yet to meet you. I love that you are such a little entertainer and have an inquisitive mind. You're going to soak up all the attention you'll get from all the family and friends who are anxious to meet you. We can't wait to see what God has planned for your future!

     While you wait, please remember that we love you deeply. Most days, my mind is sidetracked from my daily tasks, because I'm imaging what you're doing that day. I think about what our days will look like when you're finally home, and it makes every day without you even harder to face. There have been so many days that I want to throw away everything that keeps me tied here, and get to Haiti to stay with you until we can return home together. Not being able to hold you in my arms, is an almost unbearable feeling of loss. I know you have watched many of your friends leave the creche to be with their families and that you are ready to come home too. Don't get discouraged. Continue to do grow and be healthy. Continue doing good in school, and stealing the show, like I know you almost always do.

     We are ready and waiting for your arrival home. We are believing for favor and hoping the remaining time will go quickly. Don't worry, we'll have all your favorite things ready, but we won't let you get absorbed into the greedy mindset that so many people get caught in here in America. Rest assured that you won't lack in anything, and you'll even have many things of your own that you won't have to share. As soon as we know a better time frame of when you'll finally be home, we'll get all the final details rounded up. Can't wait!

     The emotions cannot be put into words. The heartache cannot be expressed. I love you so much and am beyond ready to have you home.
                                                                                                                Love,
                                                                                                                     "Momma Woodley"
                                                                                (as all the kids at C4C know me as :)

Hearts melt & everyone loves him!

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!

So, what you're saying is now it's not the waiting, but it's roughly $10,000 separates us from our son?

We have finally been IBESR approved! That means that, after over a year of having our file under review, we are able to move forward! Our next step will be a trip to Haiti for family court and to file for Ooley's Visa. After returning from our court trip, it will take approximately 8-10 weeks for that paperwork to be processed... and then we can arrange to bring him home! FINALLY!

The long time wait is finally nearing an end. But it's the finances we are shifting our focus on now. With all the court dates and final steps, come the remaining expenses... and they all come fast. 

And here's how you can help! Yeah, I know, no one likes to have people ask for money and most of us don't have much to spare around the holidays. So, especially for those of you who live in the Okc metro, how about this option?! We have some great items that you can purchase as gifts for those you love, and proceeds help bring Ooley home! Double goodness! All of our items for proceed are located at Salon Endeavor 9101 S. Western ste 111 Okc, Ok 73139. There is also a PayPal link here on our blog, if you'd prefer and are able to help with funding that way. We truly appreciate your help. If only insurance would cover adoptions like they do when you birth a child.

We know that God provides for every detail, so even more than funding, we covet your prayers as we move forward. It's been an emotional journey, and we are eager for our son to be home with us. 

Thanks again for your continued prayers, support, and kind words. You've held us up through more of this process than you may ever realize. Our son is one precious little boy, and your support proves it further.

Confusion, Waiting, Isaac, and Mourning

Ok, here's the deal as we know it: lots of changes are coming and lots of unanswered questions. That pretty much sums it up, but I'll do my best to explain what we know, errr don't know. Haiti is planning to shift gears with their entire adoption process, for the better. But the details being worked through are delaying the files already in progress. They are working on the back log, which we assume would mean our file as well. Dates have been set, and passed, to reopen for new adoption applications. They really are working on catching up all of the files that have been in process awhile, but we aren't really sure if these delays are what's affecting our adoption. Our file is waiting for Presidential dispensation from Haitian President Martelly, since we don't meet Haiti's required age of adoption, which is 35. President Martelly hasn't been in good health in the last few weeks, and we pray for a quick recovery. Not only for our personal reasons, but for him to be able to return to helping lead Haiti forward.

There has been SO much information thrown around, and we would prefer to not discuss all the "what ifs". Now is a good time for me (Amber) to insert a rather blunt, but with the most kindness I can muster, plea. If you are playing with all of the "what ifs" about our adoption and endeavor to bring Ooley home, please please keep them to yourself. We are fully aware of all the possibilities and are not interested in having them rehashed over and over. We know that we were called by God to bring Ooley into our family and that he is our son. No matter what this process continues to bring, nothing will change that. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Regarding tropical storm Isaac hitting Haiti, Ooley and C4C are ok. C4C had some windows blown out and a tree took out their main gate, but no tragedies from Isaac within C4C. There are some areas that lost a lot, so please do not forget about the Haitian people as a whole. Every life is precious. Some communities have lost churches, schools, livestock, and much more. Also, with the flooding, cholera and other illnesses are now a threat again. We will never fully understand these kinds of tragedies in their living conditions, don't take your clean water and modern medicine for granted.

C4C was ok through Isaac, but they are mourning the loss of the newest infant, Sabrina. She was not in good health when arriving at the creche only three days before leaving this world. The creche mommies were very hopeful for a quick recovery with the care offered at C4C, and everyone there loved her immediately. Please be in prayer for everyone at C4C, as well as for Sabrina's adoptive family. Our hearts break for them.

That's the most I have at the time. Sorry there's not more information to share regarding bringing Ooley home, but we are hopeful as we continue to wait. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

If you are interested in ways to get involved with our adoption funding, or ways to help the people of Haiti, you can contact me at amber@salonendeavor.com. Please put "HELPING HAITI"  as the title, so it's not overlooked. We'll get you more info as we know it!

Round Two. Everything Expires.

Everything expires. So, that means here we go with a second round of gathering the documents that are about to expire. From fingerprints and background checks, to referral letters and pet vaccinations, it all has to be renewed. Ugh. We were told upfront that this could be the case, and to expect it. Still, it's not met with excitement. Having to pay for things again is never really exciting. We are waiting for one signature, one. When the Haitian President puts his approval on our adoption, we can move forward in the final arrangements to bring Ooley home! It's their rules, and we just have to play by them, even though it's to hard to know that all this waiting is because we aren't 35 years old.

So that's the skinny on the big picture.... at least as we know it. Please continue to keep Ooley in your prayers. They have moved into a the new location, and although we've been told he adjusts easily, we are believing this will not harm how he views trust and stability. If only he could know how much we love him and are longing to have him home. It's been the most emotionally draining process, but it'll all be worth it in the end.

Time to Brag a Little

It's extremely hard to know that your child is growing up away from your arms. But it's amazing to know just how much God has watched over and transformed the life of your child through prayer and love from others! We get updates on Ooley periodically, and recently received our latest update. Thought we'd take a minute to brag on our son :)

Ooley is 37 inches tall and now weighs 31 lbs. He follows instruction well and is very attentive. They tell us that he's probably the one that abides to the schedule the most (that's my boy, organized) and is always in front of the line when it's time to sing/pray and eat (again, our little leader). He goes straight to his bed when it's nap time and loves to play outside. He loves lunch time too, and his favorite foods are rice and veggies, favorite fruit is mango. I find it interesting that God has perfectly planned some of his favorite things to match ours. Proof that God knows who fits as a family unit and plans life accordingly.

Several of the children had stomach bugs over the last month, but are doing better. Those of you who know me (Amber) well, know that stomach bugs are my biggest phobia. Knowing that our child has been sick with the very thing I hate the most, is heart breaking. However, they are doing well and we know that all the children will be healthy. Haiti health care is nothing like we have here, and we are grateful that Ooley and the other children have access to medicine.

Our adoption file was submitted internationally early September 2011..... and it feels like it's taking forever to get the word to fly out for final things in Haiti. We know that after we make another trip to Haiti, it will be about 2 months before we bring Ooley home. But we have no timeline for the waiting stage we are in and it's tiring to just sit idle and anticipate that call at any moment. Everyone around us is prepared for us to jump on the next flight as soon as we get the word, and we are more ready than ever!

Thanks for loving our son and praying our family! He's a pretty big deal. But I think we may be a little partial :)

What does this mean for us?

We just got word that there has been a temporary suspension for accepting new adoption files into the IBESR in Haiti.

What does that mean for us? It's actually some good news! They have been so backlogged with files that are awaiting approval or presidential dispensation (which is where ours is), that accepting more is only adding to the backlog. This temp suspension will allow for some additional staff to be added, restructuring of the process, and hopefully a better time balance. The new director of IBESR in Haiti is motivated and ready to get things moving, which means that our files could/should be expedited!

We know that these changes may be hard for other families that are wanting to adopt. But we also know that these changes will make their process move easier and quicker than what we have endured. So, please agree with us in prayer that God will work out all the kinks along the path and that we get a call with good news soon! There is so much going on in our lives here at home, and we know that it will all be worked out in God's perfect timing. Despite all the things that seem to overwhelm and keep us busy, there is nothing more important than bringing our family together. Excitement merged with the slight fear of the unknown, a dollop of exhaustion, and a sprinkle of determination, topped with eager anticipation.... that's a pretty good description for the emotions. It's been an extremely emotionally draining journey.

We are still seeking ways to round up the final fees. If you have suggestions of easy and quick fundraising ideas, please contact us at amber@salonendeavor.com . If you would like to help bring Ooley home, donations can also be made at any local Communication Federal Credit Union under "Amber & Daniel Johnson adoption fund", or via PayPal by the link on this blog.

Thank you so much for your prayers and continued support. You may never realize how much your support has helped hold us up. Thanks again. Hopefully we'll have good news soon!

Drink Coffee and Help Bring Ooley Home!

We are nearing the end of our adoption, and nearing the end of the fees! We are still short about $10,000 to finalize the adoption and be able to purchase airfare to get our family together for good. This time we have a way that you can get involved, and get something yummy for yourself!

We are doing fundraising with Just Love Coffee, where a percentage of your purchase from our website with them will help us with our funds. We would love for you to spread the word about this amazing company with all your friends. It's important that you purchase from our link and not just from the company's general website, in order for us to get our portion.

Please visit and shop at www.justlovecoffee.com/bringooleyhome and let us know about your experience with their products! (You can click the title of this blog "Drink Coffee and Help Bring Ooley Home" and it will direct to the website to shop)

Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. We are eagerly awaiting the news that we can book a flight to go make the final arrangements & will keep you posted with everything as we know it.

More Progress....Finally!!!

Since our file enter Haiti in September 2011, we have been waiting for any word of progress. On Friday, March 2nd, 2012, we were informed that our file had exited the IBESR in Haiti and entered the Haitian President's office.

If we were 35 years old, we would be headed to Haiti right now for family court and to file for Ooley's Visa. Which would put the bring home date 8-10 weeks out. But we aren't 35, so we have to get the Haitian President to sign off on our adoption. The great news is that it is now to that last step. The other news is that there is no given timeline of how long our file will sit before being signed. Other countries don't have set times or urgency like we do here in the U.S., so patience is definitely something that has had to grow in us....or something we've been made aware we haven't had much of.... or both :)

We are nearing the end of the financial needs! We are roughly $10,000 away from what is needed to settle with our adoption agency. We will also be traveling back one time for files and then again to bring Ooley home. If you have any ideas of how to help us raise funds, please contact us at amber@salonendeavor.com. If you'd like to help by donating, click the PayPal link, or go to Communication Federal Credit Union (the one on SW 89th & Walker knows us & our process very well) and donate to the Amber & Daniel Johnson adoption fund.

Please pray that our file will move quickly and that the President Michel Martelly will have favor and urgency, not only for our adoption, but for the many that are waiting as well. Thank you so much for your continued prayer and support!

Waiting is Daunting....

Waiting, waiting, and more waiting..... a test of patience for the control freaks, like me (Amber). Waiting isn't near as daunting, when there is a deadline set in stone. However, waiting with no certainty of time frame is incredibly hard! We do know, through monthly updates, that Ooley is happy and healthy! Ooley's creche, Chances for Children, is moving into a bigger and better location, where there will be more room to play, and a more centralized location to meet all his needs. Hopefully he won't be there too long, but we hope he enjoys life more with these new conveniences.

Many of you have been asking what's new, and are all getting the same answer on repeat, "We're waiting". Our documents are still in the Haitian government hands, and they don't give even rough estimates of how long this process could take. We are hopeful that our file will exit soon and we can arrange to move forward. There was a trip tentative in January that got pushed to March, and has now been pushed to possibly April. The only way we can get in on the next trip, is for our file to exit the IBESR in Haiti. Our file requires a Haitian Presidential waiver because we don't meet the age requirement of 35 that is set to be able to adopt from Haiti. We've heard that things are starting to be signed and come out of the President's office, but some have been in there for several years. Of course we are hopeful that our file will reach the top and come out quickly, now that things are moving again. Once our documents exit, we can move on to the final things needed, such as Family Court in Haiti and file for Ooley's Visa. The timeline after the final things are filed is 8-10 weeks to be able to arrange to bring Ooley home.

We are getting closer to the final estimated amount for the adoption fees! We've applied for another grant and are waiting to hear the results. We've also gotten two totally unexpected donations in last couple weeks! One donation was from a family that visited the garage sale we had awhile back, and we are so grateful to have their support and prayers! Another was from a family we recently met and have been getting to know more each week. You all know who you are, a HUGE THANK YOU for your support! We do not take any prayer and support for granted, it's amazing to hear how many people are praying for Ooley!

It seems to be dragging on forever, but will be worth it all one day soon!!! Thanks for your constant prayer coverage, please know you are making a difference. We'll keep you posted as soon as we know more!