Majestic Whispers

I have always believed that God speaks to His people. He does not want us to wander in darkness, floundering through life, stumbling along without guidance. He is our Guide, our Compass, the Script-Writer of our lives. And He wants us to know where to go and how to get there.

Over the last few days, I've been reminded even more of these facts. Something deep within me has been longing once again for some assurance that we are doing the right thing in continuing to wait for Geovany to come home. Some little gift from God that we are still walking the right path, that He will bring our son home. Sunday morning I was begging God to speak to me. In the midst of getting family out the door to the airport and getting kids ready for Church, I needed to hear from Him. From the balcony, I heard Samantha yelling..."Mommy, Mommy, come here, come here." Her 2-year-old enthusiasm caught my attention. Stopping what I was doing, I climbed the stairs to find her playing with a rainbow. A beautiful, vibrant, gorgeous rainbow. "Look Mommy, it's on my hand. Look Mommy, it's on my dress. Look Mommy....Look Mommy!" I smiled at her and played with the rainbow and went back to doing what I had been doing before.

At Church yesterday morning, we sang "Wonderful Maker" by Chris Tomlin. The chorus says "What a wonderful Maker, What a wonderful Savior, How majestic your whispers..." As I sang that, God brought to my mind the rainbow dancing in my hallway. A majestic whisper. A reminder that God keeps His promises. He is faithful. When the storms rage and the doubts arise, a rainbow reminds me that I do not need to be overcome or washed away.

Sitting in my living room later that day, I picked up a devotional book laying next to the couch. The devotional for the day was on Noah...a man of faith who built a boat and continued to trust God when other people laughed at him and mocked him and wondered why he would persevere in such a ludicrous task. Many have questioned our decision to hang in there. Some have told us that God isn't big enough to finish this or that they will be surprised if our adoption ever finishes. I have a choice to make, to listen to God, or to listen to those other voices.

This morning, my devotional was on hope. Romans 15:13 "So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Hope. Not from me, but from God. Not something I can conjure up, but something that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. Hope as I believe in Him. Hope and peace.

So, once again, God has heard my pathetic cries and, in His grace, has given me just what I need to keep moving through this day and this adoption. Are we done? It doesn't look like it. I have to believe that God isn't finished just yet.

On that note, the Guatemalan 900 is issuing a call to action. An opportunity for people to voice their concern over the lack of movement in Guatemalan adoptions. If you would like to participate, it's very simple. You can learn how by clicking here.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us and pray for us and for Geovany.

Blessings,

Friday

I have been begging God to let me know if our attorney is still actively pursuing our case. Being one of the few cases left in Guatemala, our agency has all but given up on us. What I needed to know was if our attorney had also given up. I desperately needed an answer. In His amazing faithfulness and graciousness, knowing how much I could take, God provided an answer. On Friday, we received an email that our attorney had gone to the MP, the reviewer our case was assigned to is still out of the office. Her boss is also out of the office. So, our attorney spoke with the "boss of them all" to see what could be done. Our attorney was told to come back on the 23rd. It seems like the same old thing, but in reality it is an answer to the desperate prayer of a mother's heart. Yes, people are still working, but more importantly, God is still working.

He has been doing a lot in my heart this week. I will share more about that later. Still some things to process, but good things! So, again, we covet your prayers for this week. That someone will look at our case and do something positive with it.

Trusting in His time, in His way, as He writes our story and Geovany's story. To God be the glory.

Blessings,

An Opportunity to Pray

Heard from our agency today. It seems that the new case reviewer for Geovany's case was pregnant and has had a miscarriage. She is out of the office on rest and nothing further will be done on our case until she returns. While I'm frustrated about yet another delay, my heart breaks for this woman who has lost her child. I know many of you have been praying for us and for Geovany. Today, would you take a moment to pray for this woman? I know nothing about her, not even her name, but God knows. He sees her where she is. May He provide comfort for her grieving heart and peace in the midst of this trial.

Blessings,

Challenging Questions

"When through Jesus Christ we are rightly related to God, we learn to watch and wait, and wait wonderingly. I wonder how God will answer this prayer. I wonder how God will answer the prayer the Holy Spirit is praying in me. I wonder what glory God will bring to Himself out of the strange perplexities I am in. I wonder what new turn His providence will take in manifesting Himself in my ways."

I read through these questions from my devotional book several times this morning and am still pondering them as I type this. Spoke with our attorney yesterday. He went to the MP on Monday, having missed the appointment Friday because he was sick. They told him to come back this Friday. He also said, that because someone was concerned that there was a possibility of bribery or corruption leading to the potential positive release of our case, our case has been reassigned to a new MP official. So, we're kind of back to where we were this time last year. What's old is new again! So, I wonder what glory God will bring to Himself out of this strange new perplexity. I wonder what new turn His providence will take in this.

"God always keeps the minds of His children open with wonder, with open-eyed expectancy for Him to come in where He likes. I wonder how many of us have been getting our ideas and convictions and notions twisted. Thank God for the confusion if it is going to drive us straight to the watchtower with God,...watching, waiting, wondering and witnessing."

Today, I am taking my worries and concerns straight to the tower. I'm going to sit and watch and wait with expectancy that God is going to come, in His time, when He's ready. When He does, I want to see it! I don't want to miss it. I want to see Him coming across the landscape, marching forward, deliverance in hand. I want to be staggered with wonder at the amazing way God works this out.

Blessings,

Struggles

My head knew that there was a good chance last Friday would come and go and we would hear nothing. But my heart refused to accept it. I cried more Friday afternoon than I have in a long time. It's safe to guess that since we didn't hear anything, either the meeting didn't take place or there was nothing good to report.

I'm beginning to really wonder where this road goes. We can't just spend the rest of forever waiting. We need to continue to find purpose in each day. We want these days and months and years to count for something. To make a difference in His Kingdom. The question is "What next?" and how to you move forward when there is something so uncertain that holds your heart?

I still believe that we were called to start this journey. God clearly directed us to Geovany. He is still God. But He also created us with a free will. An ability to choose and those choices affect not just us, but so many others. There are many people in Guatemala who don't want these remaining cases to finish. Will they win? I don't know the answer to that question, but tonight, it looks like their choices are affecting my family. My son sits in an orphanage, because someone else is choosing to exercise the free will they've been given. I'm not angry, but I am sad and my heart aches.

Samantha needed extra snuggles Friday night. She wanted Mommy to lay next to her in bed while she fell asleep. As I did so, I wondered, does anyone take the time to lay next to Geovany when he's feeling scared or unsure? And the tears fall and there are no clear answers. But still there is hope, because of Who God is. Maybe one day, Geovany will know what it's like to be part of a family. To matter so much to someone that they're willing to set aside their plans and just snuggle or read a book or look at a rainbow together. But, more than this, I'm praying, that should he never know the love of a father here on earth, he will know the love of his Heavenly Father for eternity.

Being challenged as I read a book by Oswald Chambers on prayer. On waiting and watching, waiting expectantly with the faith and anticipation of a child. Watching, not giving up, not growing weary or lazy, watching from the post I've been given for God's hand to move. How much easier it would be to give up. To walk down from the tower and say "God is done." To close the door and never look back. But God hasn't called us to a life of ease, a life that requires nothing but playing. In His darkest hour, Christ asked His closest friends to do one thing...watch with me. And they slept. May God not find me sleeping in this dark hour, but watching.

Blessings,

Friday

Another email today confirming that our attorney will be meeting with the public ministry (who was supposed to release our case two weeks ago) this coming Friday. I want to hope for the best, but we've been here so many times, only to face more disappointment. In my devotional reading this morning, this quote jumped off the pages...

"Faith is unbreakable confidence in the personality of God, not in His power. We must have confidence in God over and above everything He may do, and stand in confidence that His character is unsullied." -- Oswald Chambers.

I've been mulling over that all day. I know it's true. My faith is in HIM, not in what He does or does not do. How thankful I am for little pieces of truth that God slips into my day.

We appreciate your prayers for those involved in this meeting, that God's will would be done.

Blessings,

Seriously...

So, maybe instead of praying for compassion, we should be praying for integrity. That people who say they're going to do something actually follow through and DO IT! Truly, I knew that there was a chance that the nice gentleman in the MP office was being just that...NICE. However, after grilling our translator and our attorney, I had hope that maybe he was being honest. Now, it would seem, our case is stuck again. Waiting the clarification on some things, but it appears our attorney has been told to come back and check again on Sept. 4th. Sometimes is feels like you mark those dates on your calendar only to watch them pass by and have nothing happen.

One of my friends remarked that it seems like your case only moves when you are there to push it along. Another family is currently doing just that. They have 6 weeks to get their case done, or their children age out of the system. Once a child reaches a certain age, they are no longer adoptable. Crazy, but true. They are currently in Guatemala, daily appealing to people who have their case, trying desperately to accomplish what some people think is impossible. I am praying that they are successful, that the children they have come to love as their own will be able to join them. We are also praying for wisdom. Should this family be successful, it may change how we approach Geovany's adoption process.

So much to think about and pray about. How thankful I am to know that God has not forgotten us. He is still in control. He does hear us. He does guide us. He does love us.

Blessings,

I cried out, "I'm slipping!" and your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. --Psalm 94:18-19

Our Visit

It was a beautiful way to end our trip. I'm still processing much of what we learned and experienced this time. Still not sure of all the reasons why we went. Don't know that I need to know. Maybe someday God will reveal it to me, but for now, my heart is truly at peace.

We arrived at the orphanage just before lunch time. We went upstairs to the room where all the little kids were. As we walked in, Adrian - who is Geovany's sweet friend - looked up and began to yell "Papa de Geovany! Papa de Geovany!" He ran over, grabbed Rob's hand and pulled him to the sofa where Geovany was sitting. He kept repeating over and over "Papa de Geovany." It brought tears to my eyes, as it was obvious Adrian knew exactly who Rob was and who he belonged to. Adrian is the sweetest little boy, as outgoing as Geovany is shy, and a perfect companion for our son. Upon seeing us, Geovany began to cry. I held him in my lap, read him books, nothing worked. He just sobbed. Lunch time was announced, so we took him downstairs with the rest of the kids. I tried feeding him, but he wouldn't have anything to do with that! Through our friend Tommy, we asked the house mother if we should go outside in hopes that Geovany would calm down and eat. She thought that would be best. Not ten minutes after we left, Geovany came out, smiling a little bit. He had eaten all his lunch. We were allowed to take him into a private room where he opened right up. We colored and read books. We built block towers and knocked them down. We counted and laughed for about an hour. It was a wonderful way to end our week.

There are still many hurdles that must be overcome before we get to bring Geovany home, but this visit gave me the renewed courage to keep fighting. It's an uphill battle, but we aren't fighting alone or in our own strength. The week didn't end the way I wanted it to, we weren't allowed to bring our son home, or meet with all the people we wanted to met with, but I can rest in knowing it's all in God's hands. Just because He didn't work the way I wanted Him to, doesn't mean He wasn't at work.

I've updated the prayer requests on the sidebar. There are some specific people you can be praying for and we hope that you will join us in doing so. Thanks again for sticking with us and for carrying our requests to the Father. The love of so many for our little boy continues to amaze and humble and overwhelm.

Many Blessings,

Today

We met with our attorney this morning. He is cautiously optimistic about what we've seen this week. It sounds like, if the criminal judge who is getting our case will approve it, then it's just a matter of time. With her signature on it, MP will release it and sign off. With their signature on it, PGN will feel safer and release it and sign off. With the criminal judge's signature, MP's signature and PGN's signature, family court will feel safer and sign off and we'll be bringing him home. We've asked for the name of our criminal judge so we can let you know and we can all be praying specifically for her by name. In some ways, it reminds me of one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books, "All Because a Little Bug went KACHOO!"

On another note, we had a wonderful time with our friends last night. Throughout this entire week, as I've read your comments and been reminded in so many ways of the people who are praying for us and for Geovany and for his case, I've been brought to tears. It's truly humbling and amazing to me that so many of you continue to care about the fate of one little child. Last night, as we shared about Geovany's case with our friends, Evelyn said that she believes in miracles. Her church believes in fasting and praying and she will be asking them to do so for Geovany. I completely lost it. Across language barriers and cultural differences and 1,000 of miles, people are coming together to intercede on behalf of our precious son. And maybe that it what this week was all about.

Thanks for being part of our journey. Looking forward to tomorrow!

Blessings,

Today's Update

Well, not much good news today. The judge who will be receiving the case has refused to meet with us. She says she'll deal with our attorney, but not us. Don't want to make her angry, so we'll let that go.

PGN doesn't want to meet with us because they don't have our file. Which, I suppose, makes sense. Until the file is actually released from the MP and is back in their hands, what can they really tell us? They were "kind" enough to give us an appointment though, for next Weds. Guess we'll be canceling that one since we go home on Saturday, a fact they knew when they gave us the appointment.

Tomorrow, we'll meet again with our attorney. We need to sign some paperwork, as our previous power of attorney was missing a page. Then, we'll discuss what's next and go from there. It would appear, that for now, the meetings are over. If nothing else, we got some good news yesterday, so will hold on to that for now. We have lots more questions for the attorney, so hopefully, he'll have more answers.

Still plan to go to REMAR on Friday. Looking forward to seeing our boy and playing with all the kids there. Will try to get pictures of as many of our friends' children as we can. We know how important those little things are!

Thanks for praying. I still believe that we witnessed a miracle this week.

Blessings,

Our Meeting with the Ministerio Publico (MP)

The gentleman overseeing our case was very gracious and kind. He met with us right away and discussed the case in detail with our translator. He told her that they are finished with the case and plan to release it next week to a judge. They find nothing wrong with it and are willing to sign it off! Our attorney was not present for the meeting, but was pleased to hear this and will meet with MP this afternoon to confirm what we've been told. After leaving the meeting, I asked our translator, if he was just being nice and saying he would release it, or if he REALLY planned to release the case. Her response was that she believed he was sincere. That he said he was preparing the paperwork to release it and she had no reason to believe that he wasn't.

Once the judge receives it, she will decide if it goes through PGN - the old system - or through CNA - the new system. Our translator is continuing to pursue a meeting with PGN, as of right now, they are very hesitant to receive us. However, with the new news that MP is signing off, maybe they will be more open. She is also working with our attorney to get a meeting with the judge who will be receiving the case. Rob commented that he was pleased it was a female judge. Maybe she will have greater compassion and a "Mother's heart".

Our translator was very encouraged by the meeting today. It would seem that God is beginning to open the floodgates and allow our case to move forward.

Blessings,

Ministerio Publico

Tomorrow we head to the Ministerio Publico at 9:30AM. They don't make appointments, so we will hope and pray that they will see us. Currently, this is one of the places where our case is "frozen". They are currently reinvestigating the abandonment decree for Geovany. If we find a compassionate heart here, it could go a long way in moving our case forward. We have pictures of us with Geovany and a DVD comparing our time with him and footage from the orphanage. There's a pretty noticeable difference. So, we're praying that someone will take the time to talk with us, look at what we have to share and hear our hearts as we discuss what can be done to get our son home.

The meeting with our attorney went well. We have a better understanding of what is holding up our case. It's not hopeless, but may take a long time. While we don't mind waiting, we hate that Geovany must wait.

We'll let you know how the day goes.

Blessings,

Moments

We had a great day in Antigua, reminiscing and wandering through the town. It's full of memories for us. It's strange though, we can tell that we're not quite "here". Rob didn't bring a map or our Guatemala guide book. I think he only took three or four pictures the whole time we were there. We forgot where the shuttle dropped us off and had them looking for us because we were in the wrong place to go home! Things that just aren't typical for us.

There have been moments today that have been challenging...going in the elevator and not worrying about whose turn it is to push the button; breakfast buffet with no kids and no high chairs. Little things that bring back lots of wonderful memories. All in all, a good, relaxing day. Something we needed before beginning a very busy, emotional week. Looking forward to talking to the kids tonight via Skype. It's amazing that we can be so far away and still be able to see their little faces via the computer.

Thanks for the continued prayers. Emotionally, we're pretty wrung out already and the week hasn't even begun. I usually feel this way toward the end of a trip, but not usually at the beginning. I told Rob I'll be a puddle of mush by the time the week's over! =)

Blessings,

Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet Boy

Well, we didn't get to celebrate together, but we're in the same country. Happy Birthday, sweet boy. May you always know how much we love you and how much we long to celebrate life's milestones with you. Mommy and Daddy are working as hard as we can to bring you home and praying that maybe next year, we'll all celebrate your birthday together, as a family, in your new home. We love you and hope to see you later this week!

All our love,

Daddy y Mommy

Here

We made it safely. No delayed flights, no lost luggage. Enjoyed catching up with a friend over dinner. Hoping to head to Antigua tomorrow. We'll be speaking with our translator tomorrow evening to go over the schedule for the week. As of right now, we only know of one meeting, set for Monday morning with our attorney. It's good to be back in Guatemala. We really do love it.

Reports from Grandparents are good. Samantha did well this morning. Kayla made monster cinnamon rolls and cinnamon bread for breakfast. Looking forward to seeing pictures of those! All in all, we're witnessing God's grace in action not only in our lives, but in the lives of our kids. His grace is sufficient for each of us as we follow in faith.

Blessings,

Grace Alone

Tuesday, Mantha decided to empty all the music out of the piano bench and the organ bench. It was spread everywhere. After stepping over it for a day, I finally got around to picking it up and putting it away. As I did so, I came across a little half sheet of paper entitled "Grace Alone" by Scott Wesley Brown. My Grandmother used to own the organ and would copy little songs like this and hold on to them. She must have done that with this song. Reading the words, I was overcome with tears. This journey has been so much more challenging than I ever would have imagined. Yet, in everything, God has been there. As Saturday approaches, I find myself struggling more and more with what we've been asked to do. I wonder how I'll ever be able to hold that sweet boy in my lap and then let him go one more time. I beg God to deliver our son and let us bring him home. I cry and I hope and I pack, knowing that we go forth in grace alone. Isn't it wonderful how God uses even the "messes" in our lives to speak to our hearts?

Blessings,

Traveling Again

It's been too long since I've posted. A lot has happened and yet nothing has happened. We've been told that there's a very slim chance of our case finishing and that if it does, it will be at least another year. After much prayer, we have scheduled a trip to Guatemala to meet with officials and see what can be done to resurrect our case. We leave this coming Saturday, and will be in-country for a week. Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we take yet another step of faith and follow God's leading, out of our comfort zone once again. I promise to do a better job of blogging while we're there.

We won't be taking Geovany out of the orphanage this time. Returning him to REMAR was too hard on him last time, and we're blessed to be given permission to even visit, as the judge says he doesn't want to raise our hopes or Geovany's. We hope to get to REMAR at least one day, maybe Sunday, to just spend some time with our son and the other kids. I've purchased some of our favorite children's books in Spanish and have been working on learning to read them. Geovany turns 3 the day we fly to Guatemala, so we'll leave the books as his birthday present. Not exactly how I expected to spend his 3rd birthday, but at least we get to be together.

As we've prayed, both Rob and I believe that God is asking us to take this trip. In so many ways, He continues to confirm that this is part of His plan for our family. We don't know what to expect, but we know that God is going with us. In many ways, it's reminiscent of a trip we made almost 2 years ago that started this entire journey. We don't think God is done yet. We have no peace in quitting now. Some may say we're foolish, some may say we're naive, some may think we're just throwing away money. I guess we're past caring what "some" may say and walking in faith, trusting what God is saying. Crazy? Maybe. Comfortable? Not at all. Exciting? Definitely!

Specific prayer requests include:

• Successfully scheduled appointments
• Hearts softened towards our case - PGN officials, minor's court officials and the judge over our case
• Safety for our kids who are staying home with grandparents and strength for Grandma and Grandpa and they care for their four wonderful, energetic grandkids
• Good visit with Geovany, I'm not even sure what that would entail!
• Peace while we're there and as we come home, trusting that we've done what we've been asked to do

Blessings,

My Wish

I've been thinking about this post all day. I know it's been some time since I posted...too long, really. There hasn't been much news to share on Geovany's case. We're no further along than we were before and maybe further away, but that's not what I wanted to write about tonight.

While nothing may be happening with Geovany, God is doing much in my life. I continue to learn more each day about trust and failure and growth that follows when we admit our weakness and curl up in the lap of our merciful Heavenly Father.

Over the last few weeks, we've watched good friends make big decisions regarding their adoption cases. Decisions involving big changes, stepping out in faith, taking risks and trusting. And we've begun to wonder what God is asking of us. Are we once again being pushed out of our comfort zone? Being challenged to take some risk? To experience God in places we never dreamed we'd have to go? I've prayed and cried, hoped and despaired. Wondered if we were done, only to be encouraged, through God's Word. Encouraged to keep going, to not give up, to cling to the hope I have in Him.

This brings me to my wish. I met with God this morning. And what appeared at first to be a regular, everyday morning, was quickly transformed to a mountaintop, awash in God's presence experience. I wasn't searching the scriptures for answers, I wasn't crying out in agony or despair, I wasn't begging God to hear me. I just walked humbly into His presence, coffee in hand and sat down to listen. Opening my Bible study, I read these verses...

Isaiah 42:10-16 -- Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants. Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits; let the habitants of Sela sing for joy, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the Lord , and declare his praise in the coastlands. The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes. For a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor; I will gasp and pant. I will lay waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn the rivers into islands, and dry up the pools. And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them."

As I read that last verse, it was as if God spoke directly to me. A promise, written thousands of years ago by a prophet of God became a promise for me. I do believe that God is asking us to walk down paths we have not known. To trust that He will bring light to the darkness and level the rough ground. All day long, I've thought about this and thanked God that I didn't miss meeting with Him this morning. Because there have been mornings where I have missed Him. Where I slept in, or talked but didn't listen. Mornings where He had something to say and I didn't stay long enough to hear it.

So, what is my wish? My wish is that each of my friends, would experience this same amazing God-experience. So often, it's easy to skip a quiet time, to find an excuse not to meet with God. To become lazy and complacent, to feast from God's Word only on Sundays and miss meeting with Him during the week. Whether it's rising early or staying up late or turning off the TV during nap time, please, take the opportunity this week to curl up in the lap of God and listen to what He wants to say to you.

Praying for you this week...

They Meet Again

So, the news for today is that our attorney will be meeting with the head of Minor's Court on Tuesday of next week. PGN continues to be uncooperative, so nobody knows where this will end. Our attorney asked when our immigration docs expired, hoping that if they expired soon he could use that to push the case. Being the good adoptive parents we are, we renewed those documents, so they don't expire until July 2010. Guess that won't help us!

We continue to wonder and wait. It's a frustrating place to be somedays. This last week has been one of the hardest yet. We will never give up on Geovany. As long as there's even the slimest chance of bringing him home, we will persevere. Yet the dream of having him here grows dim sometimes.

We're not really expecting any great or exciting news to result from the upcoming meeting. Our agency director leaves for Ethiopia tomorrow. She will be out of the country until July 1st. We understand why she's going and will be praying that her trip is successful; however, with her out of the country, contact with our attorney pretty much comes to a standstill. Yet another opportunity to trust and wait.

I'm trying to apply some things I've been learning lately. Trying to ask the "right" questions... not, "When will this be over" but "What can I learn while we wait?" Not "How do you expect me to continue waiting?" but "How can I glorify you in this?" Not easy questions to ask or answer. If I didn't believe that God was in this, I'd really be a mess! How thankful I am for His presence.

As always, we thank you for your prayers and your continued support of our family.

Blessings,


I've been reading and praying Psalm 37 over the last week or so. It brings some peace to my heart in light of all we're going through. I've included just a few verses, but if you have the time, read the whole Psalm. It's a beautiful prayer and declaration of Who God is and what He can do.

Psalm 37:4-9 and 34

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.

He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others-- it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.

Don't be impatient for the LORD to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.

No Change

Just wanted to let you know that there is no change in Geovany's case. PGN continues to be uncooperative, but our attorney is confident that he will finish this case and that Geovany will come home.

Reminded this week that patience is one of God's attributes...He is patient with me when I question, stumble, fall flat on my face, lose my temper, or miss an opportunity to share His grace. The God of patience does supply all my needs. He gives me patience and comfort and grace and strength. There is such peace and joy in trusting and resting. As I've prayed these last few days, I've felt more at peace than ever. Deep in my heart, God has confirmed to me that someday soon Geovany will come home. In the meantime, there are great lessons to be learned in the waiting.

Blessings,



Rom 15:5
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,

Isa 9:6
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Rom 15:13
So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hbr 13:20
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Meeting Results

The meeting on Thursday didn't go exactly as we had hoped it would. Apparently, the representative from PGN was uncooperative. I'm not sure exactly how, or in what way, but that's the message we received. So...our attorney will be heading to PGN on Monday to meet with the representative's boss. Our understanding is that Alfonso will continue to elevate this as far up the chain of command as necessary.

In the meantime, we continue to pray and wait. It's interesting, my devotionals for the last several weeks had been on peace. Friday, they switched to the topic of patience. I will admit (not proudly) that I threw a bit of a fit and told God..."We've been patient for 17 months. I'm not reading these!" and I set the book aside. I left Friday afternoon for a women's retreat, still not knowing the outcome of Thursday's meeting. Friday afternoon, my husband called and said "You should have taken the devotional book. It looks like it's going to be awhile."

Each year, our women's ministry team works hard preparing for our retreat and each year a little gift bag is prepared for us to open upon our arrival. As we approached our room, sitting outside our door were three little brown paper sacks...just as we expected. I picked them up, took them into our room and tossed one on each bed. A little while later, I sat down on the bed to open mine. Now, these don't have our name on the outside. Nobody put a bag together and said "This one's for Amy Carr." They just pre-assemble them and set them outside the rooms. Anyway, I opened mine and inside were several fun items, along with an adorable little wooden angel. Across the front of her dress, in beautiful script, was written the word "Patience." I'll admit, I lost it and started to cry. I immediately asked one of my roommates to open her bag, wondering if all the angels were the same. Of course, they weren't. Pam's angel said "Hope". Many have asked if I threw the angel across the room. I thought about it, for a brief second. In fact, I think my initial words were "Oh, no!" But as I've reflected on it this weekend, I realize it's just another gentle reminder to me that God sees where we are. He knows the journey He's asked us to take and once again, He's asking us to be patient. To trust Him. To believe. To rest.

Praying for progress on Monday!

Blessings,
Amy

Meeting

I will contact our agency director tomorrow for some clarification, but got this email today...

"Next appointment is May 14th between some entities regarding Geovany's case."

We covet your prayers for this meeting and for us as we wait.

Today I read some things from John talking about where we find our peace. What reassurance for me, a good reminder that our peace is not found in our circumstances, but in Christ alone. We were chosen for this journey, to go and produce fruit that will last. Thanks again for walking with us.

Blessings,


"You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name...I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
-- John 15:16 and 16:33

Today

Today is one of those days where I sit and I wonder and I ache to be with our son. My heart cries out to God, begging for answers, for resolution, for progress, for something. And yet, there is no answer, just silence. How long, Oh God, will you make us wait? How long until you release our son from the bondage of an orphanage.

Yet, in all this, I know God still has a plan. I can see little pieces of it. The connection that the work and witness coordinator has made with REMAR. Another work & witness team who visited the kids last Sunday, loving them, sharing life with them, bringing some sunshine into their day, something new and different. Would that be happening if Geovany's adoption hadn't stalled? Would we have met Tommy in November during our visit? Would Rob's team have visited the orphanage if Geovany wasn't there? Would there be other teams visiting? Or would all of that simply have blown away in the wind of life, as we get caught up in just living where we are?

Sunday, both Rob and I longed to be in Guatemala. Not just seeing Geovany, but being in that country. Our hearts have a desire to be back there. We wonder what God will do with that longing. We wonder what's next. We wonder how much more God needs to do before His plan to bring Geovany into our home is completed.

So, for today, there's laundry to do and schoolwork to check. There's lunch to make and dinner to plan. There are four precious children sitting in my home, looking to me for direction and guidance. There are things to do, right here, right now. Those are the things that keep me from falling into utter depression. Their smiles are what help me get through the day. Their excitement as they learn and play is contagious. So, today, in the midst of the longing for Geovany, I will sing praise for where we are. A sacrifice of praise to a God Who is amazing. I will ask God to use me right here, right now, to bring Him glory. To allow my life to reflect Him. I will choose joy.

Blessings,



PSALM 65

1 What mighty praise, O God,
belongs to you in Zion.
We will fulfill our vows to you,
2 for you answer our prayers.
All of us must come to you.
3 Though we are overwhelmed by our sins,
you forgive them all.
4 What joy for those you choose to bring near,
those who live in your holy courts.
What festivities await us
inside your holy Temple.

5 You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
even those who sail on distant seas.
6 You formed the mountains by your power
and armed yourself with mighty strength.
7 You quieted the raging oceans
with their pounding waves
and silenced the shouting of the nations.
8 Those who live at the ends of the earth
stand in awe of your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets,
you inspire shouts of joy.

9 You take care of the earth and water it,
making it rich and fertile.
The river of God has plenty of water;
it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,
for you have ordered it so.
10 You drench the plowed ground with rain,
melting the clods and leveling the ridges.
You soften the earth with showers
and bless its abundant crops.
11 You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
12 The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,
and the hillsides blossom with joy.
13 The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,
and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy

Visit

Our agency director did visit Geovany. She emailed photos and a video is on it's way to us. We were surprised to see how much older he looks. Hopefully it's just the clothes he's wearing. But, a reminder to us of how quickly time really is passing.

The latest report is that the public ministry judge has asked PGN to write a letter stating they erroneously sent the case for investigation. Our attorney has requested the letter and PGN has agreed to write it "soon". Who knows how quickly that will happen! But, at least the judge has looked at the case and taken some action.Thanks for your continued prayers.

Blessings,

Agency Visit

Just got word that our agency director may be going to Guatemala on the 16th of this month. Waiting for more information. Praying about the doors that she could push on while she's there. Trying to wait patiently for God to reveal His plan and His timing. Getting away from the computer to do the tasks that need to be done today!

Blessings,

Pictures

Back in November, when we visited Geovany, we were given a gift from our good friends in Guatemala. When I opened it, I didn't realize what it was. It took me a few seconds to see what they had done. They had taken two photos off our blog and, using editing software, had placed Geovany in the family picture you see above. They presented us with an 8x10 and two photo keyrings. Since November, the photo has sat in it's package, on a shelf in my room.

The last few weeks have found me silently waiting. Learning more about trusting God and relying on Him. Finding peace in the quiet and feeling my faith stretch as we wait without knowing.

Sunday, we had a combined service at church, merging our Anglo service with our Hispanic service. These are always some of my favorite worship services. There's something about coming together with people of another culture to worship that gives me a glimpse of Heaven. Our Hispanic pastor preached the sermon. He is a gifted preacher, with a passion for sharing God's heart with God's people. At one point, Pastor Jorge spoke of the pictures that hang in our homes. How our homes are museums. That this is true of homes around the world. Homes of every culture proudly display on their walls the photos of their past. Then, he began speaking about the future, about the dreams God gives us to dream and the promises God gives us. He challenged us to picture those dreams and promises. As Pastor Jorge spoke, I could see the photo the Prados had given us. I knew that God was asking me to hang that photo on the wall of our home. As I thought about it, I thought maybe I would hang a different photo. You see, this one is a bit grainy, due to the low quality of the photo they had to work with. I have other pictures of us all together as a family of seven, I thought maybe I should hang on of those.

As I thought about that, God revealed to me the difference, why He asked me to put up that particular photo. All the other pictures of us as a family of seven are taken in Guatemala. This is the only picture of us all together, here in our home, under our roof, living life as a family. I truly believe it was as if God was saying, "It's time to visualize that dream." I really haven't done that in a long time. I'm not sure I've ever done that. I haven't pictured Geovany running up and down the stairs in our home, playing Legos with his siblings, watching Dora with Samantha, tormenting his older brother by getting into his stuff, following his Daddy around the yard being a helper.

My Bible study this morning was entitled "Patiently Waiting." I don't know what God's timeline is for Geovany. But, I'll leave you with these words from the Scriptures...

Psa 27:14
Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

Psa 37:34
Don't be impatient for the LORD to act! Travel steadily along his path.

Psa 130:5
I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.

Lam 3:24-26
I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.

Hab 2:3
But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

Well, I have a photo to hang! I don't know what dreams God is giving you, but I'm praying you'll be able to truly visualize them today, to embrace them and picture them and invite God to be a part of them.

Blessings,

No Change

There's no news to report, but thought I'd share some photos from Rob's visit in January.

Blessings,

A Visit with Dad

Rob is in Guatemala on a mission trip. Yesterday, he and the team he's with spent the afternoon at REMAR visiting Geovany and the other orphans. It was a tough day for everyone, but especially for Rob and Geovany. It usually takes Geovany about 3 or 4 hours to warm up to us when we first pick him up. Until then, he's almost in a shell. A defense mechanism, I'm sure. Well, the sum total of time Rob had at REMAR was about 4 hours, so he never really saw Vany come out of the "shell". Rob said he got a couple smiles, but nothing like what we were able to experience in November.

Before going to REMAR yesterday, the team attended a Nazarene Church in Guatemala City. The text for the message was Hebrews 12:1-2. They also sang the hymn "It is Well." As I think back on that, I can see God's hand all over that service. I'm sure it wasn't designed just for Rob, but I know God had Rob in mind when He planned that service!

Rob's Dad is part of the mission team and he was able to meet his newest grandson for the first time. I haven't talked with him, but I'm sure it was a moment he will treasure.

Please continue to pray that we will see some actual positive movement on Geovany's case. There really hasn't been anything in a long time. While we've been told that the investigation's court plans to release the case, we've also been told that they won't do so without a judge's signature. The judge was supposed to sign December 5th, but didn't. Then, he was supposed to sign two weeks ago, but didn't. Who knows what the hold up is...okay, the obvious answer is, God does...but I'm struggling with that again. I just want that little guy home!

Tonight, as my husband ministers to the Guatemalans in the Coban region, I'm a little tired from mothering four precious children without him; I'm missing my hubbie; I'm missing my son. Yet, in the midst of all that, I'm a living testimony to the fact that God's grace is sufficient for each day and He gives me what I need to accomplish the tasks set before me. But, like Nathan, I'm counting the sleeps until Daddy's home...only 6 more!

Blessings,

Amy

Operation Zapatos

Tears flow. Tears of gratitude to so many who gave so much. Tears of anger that Geovany isn't home yet. Tears of sadness because my heart hurts for our son and for the hundreds of other children cared for by REMAR who don't have a family waiting for them.

We challenged our church family to be a part of a shoe and backpack drive for the orphans at REMAR. To look beyond their own needs, which in some cases are great, to see the needs of some children in Guatemala. Never could we have imagined what God would do with that challenge. In a matter of weeks, we collected 180 pairs of shoes, 128 backpacks, over 500 pairs of socks, over 600 pairs of underwear and 2050 pencils.

Last night, as I stood in my family room, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of what had been given, I struggled with being angry at God. I looked at the pile of shoes and held a pair in Geovany's size and wondered if these shoes would be placed on his feet. And my heart hurts. I look at the pair of blue cowboy boots and I wonder which child, in their heart of hearts, may have asked God for those shoes. And the tears fall. I have no doubt that God is going to work through these gifts to encourage souls, to remind these children that He does see them, that He does hear them, that He has not forgotten them.

This morning, I read these words, "As for me, when I am poor and in heaviness: Thy help, O God, shall lift me up. I will praise the Name of God with a song: and magnify it with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30-31. In singing and praising and thanksgiving...on days like today, when I am feeling heavy...when I feel like I can't go one step further...His help lifts me up. I am trusting that will be true...as I pack the boxes, and prepare to send off my husband and 17 team members...in singing and praising and thanksgiving.

Blessings,

In Due Time

"...while they were there, the days were fulfilled..." Luke 2:6

I'm thinking on these words today, as the new year begins and we eagerly anticipate what it might hold. What will be fulfilled this year, in God's timing, in accordance with His plan? Will we welcome home Geovany? I want this year to be about more than just the waiting for the fulfillment of that dream. Each day has a purpose. Each day brings me closer to Christ. Each day...

Just my musing for today as we continue walking this road. Sometimes its feels as if I'm just literally putting one foot in front of the other.

Rob is preparing for a 10 day trip to Guatemala. He's taking a team of 18 people from our church. They'll be spending several days in a chapel factory, helping build chapel structures and then several days in Coban working with a local church. They will also be spending an afternoon at REMAR, conducting a VBS, playing with the kids and delivering literally hundreds of shoes, backpacks, socks, underwear and pencils. The outpouring of love from our church congregation for a group of orphans in Guatemala is overwhelming. What a beautiful testimony to what the body of Christ can do.

Because the items going down can't be in packages or look like they're for resale, our family spent an afternoon taking underwear and socks out of their original packaging, balling socks and pulling tape off the girls underwear (if someone could explain to me WHY women's underwear is packaged that way, I'd certainly love to know!!).

Blessings,