Today's Developments

First, I'm in completely in AWE of what the Lord is doing in Haiti. This is still a devastating situation in Haiti, but so much could have been so much worse. Our children are safe at the orphanage. The property damage at the orphanage is substantial (property border walls have fallen, unsure how safe the building is) but the children are all safe and the two injured adults are doing OK, the government brought tents for the children to sleep under so they can remain out of the buildings until they can be determined safe, they have food, and were able to get water. We finally heard today that our Haitian adoption lawyer is safe. There is more detail about this on FHG's website. There are also some developments that could bring the children home soon.

Second, let me thank so many of you for your prayers with and for us and so many others who are concerned for the children in Haiti and many others there in need. I've been overwhelmed with the responses and the prayers, and so thankful for our family and friends. It's been a very stressful week with trying to keep up with all the communication out there. I'm also thankful to our friends in the adoption community. You have all been a great support system to us in communicating ideas, information updates, prayers, etc.

I was in contact today with someone from both of our Senators' offices and our district's House Rep's office. All three are doing what they can to advocate for us and several other families in Iowa. Things are developing on this front, and we are hopeful that we may be able to get humanitarian visas for the children, and then complete the remaining steps of the adoption here while they are safe and sound here with us. There is more information on the JCICS website - they are an organization that advocates for international adoptions. This is the same information that we are hearing from our senators/house rep contacts.

We are working to pull together any documentation we have regarding our adoption. While our children legally became our children in March 2009, have our last name, and their Haitian adoption decrees are final, we are not sure if there is any copies of documentation to this affect, aside from our original paperwork that is likely under the rubble of what was the Haitian government's Ministry of Interior office.

Please pray:

• about paperwork - that there are copies somewhere accessible, and if not, that what we can pull together from email notifications, etc will be enough to show that we are E & J's legal parents.
  
• for the planning that the US Government agencies are doing to bring children home to their families - that not only those of us who had completed adoptions, but also those who were not quite as far in the process, would be able to bring their children home. This will free up resources at many orphanages in Haiti to care for the countless other children undoubtedly orphaned by the recent tragedy.
  
• for those leading the orphanage and For His Glory, and our adoption lawyer as they continue their work for the children of Haiti.
  
• for the children in Haiti - whether aware or unaware of what is going on around them, likely confused and frightened - and also for their continued safety.
  
• for our sanity. It is difficult and stressful and exhausting combing through all the information coming through and determining oru next steps.
  
• for Kaylen. We have shielded her from much of the tragic information, but she is affected by our emotions. We are preparing her for the possibility of her brother and sister coming home soon - as we prepare ourselves and our home.