New Photos!

We received new pictures of Giovanni from our adoption agency. We knew these would be harder pictures to see, as they are pictures of a little boy living in an orphanage. He's a little dirty (like most 18 month old boys!!) and a little sad. He really doesn't like having his picture taken by someone he doesn't know. But, we're grateful to get pictures.

Today, I'm longing to go visit again. To hold that little boy in my arms and squeeze him tight. To bring a smile to that sad little face. To reassure him that there is a family who loves him and desperately wants him home. To feed him french fries.

Family court interviews are happening today. Our case is moving forward. God knows the perfect time to bring our son home. Trusting in all of that and in our amazing God!

Blessings,

Num 6:25 -- May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you.

Sad Day

We just learned that Giovanni's friend, Adrian, will not be coming home to his forever family. There were complications with his case and the family learned this evening that all options have been played out. Would you join us in praying for Adrian and for the family who loved him? I know their hearts are heavy this evening.



Blessings,

Amy

Registered!

We heard today that our case was successfully registered with the new Central Authority. This "little" miracle means we will be allowed to proceed with Giovanni's adoption. We continued to be amazed as we see God work for us. There have been many points along this journey so far where we could have met up with a stop sign. And yet, things continue to proceed.

We also learned that we were submitted to the US Embassy for visa pre-approval on January 22nd. Pre-approvals are taking about 60 days, so we should hear something the end of March.

There is a family court interview on Monday, February 18th. I'm assuming they'll interview the orphanage director and possibly our attorney. Obviously, they can't interview Giovanni, and there is no birth mother interview since he's an abandonment case.

As always, we'll continue to keep you posted.

Blessings,

Amy

"For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!" -- Isaiah 64:4

Quick Update

We heard this weekend that our case has been kicked-out of PGN and we are back in family court. We now proceed in a "normal" fashion. Although, noone is sure what normal looks like in Guatemalan adoptions right now.

I can tell you that the central authority has been established and attorneys are working like crazy to get ALL the in-process adoptions registered by tomorrow, Feb. 12th. From what I understand, there are over 2300 cases that need to be registered. Please join us in praying that God will bring order to the chaos that is currently surrounding the adoption proceedings. We continue to have peace and trust in the God who makes even the wind and the waves obey Him. Certainly, He reigns supreme in Guatemala and in our circumstances.

We look forward to rejoicing with our friends and celebrating God's goodness and faithfulness and sovereignty as He works for those who wait for Him and brings Giovanni home!

Blessings,
Amy

Matthew 8:26-27: And Jesus answered, "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!" Then he stood up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly all was calm. The disciples just sat there in awe. "Who is this?" they asked themselves. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"

Seeing the World through Nathan's Eyes

I've often wondered how the world looks to the little people who live in my household. Well, Nathan gave me a glimpse into his view Monday night. Thanks to some special friends, who gave us a Chuck E Cheese gift card as part of our shower gift, we had a fun family night out Monday night. After dinner, Rob took the older two to basketball practice and I headed home with the younger set. As we were leaving Chuck E Cheese, Nathan and I had the following conversation:

Nathan: "Mom, there are seven people in our family."

Me: "Yes, there are, if you count Giovanni."

Nathan: "I miss Giovanni."

Me: "So, do I sweetie, so do I."

When we got home, Nathan requested to watch Diego, the Animal Rescuer. About halfway through, there's an episode on pigmy marmosets. A picture, much like the one below, popped up and Nathan jumped off the couch and said "Look, Mommy, that looks like Giovanni." I had to laugh. I'm not sure I see the resemblance, but he certainly did. Apparently we need to get that boy home so his older brother remembers what he looks like!!

Blessings,

Amy

Impossible, Not with God!

I was so encouraged by my devotional this morning. It was based on Luke 8:25, which says, "Who is this? He commands EVEN the winds and the water, and they obey Him?" The devotional was entitled "Even". It focused on how God controls every part of our lifes. There are no storms that He cannot calm, no forces He cannot direct. Everything, weather and politics and human nature, are at the beck and call of our God.

I have so much peace about Giovanni's adoption. Maybe it's because we've done this before. Maybe it's because my faith is deeper having walked through this process with Samantha. Maybe it's because I believe in a mighty God who can command the central authority and PGN and every part of the Guatemalan government. I know, that I know, that I know, that He has asked us to take this journey again. I know, that I know, that I know, that He is faithful. I know, that I know, that I know, that He has a plan for the lives of each of my children, including Giovanni!

Today, I'm praying for those friends of mine who are caught in the storm of confusion and misinformation that surrounds Guatemalan adoptions. May you know, that you know, that you know, that God is at work, even when we can't see it. Today, may you strike the word "impossible" from your situation and look to a God who makes all things possible.

Blessings,
Amy