I have been waiting for more definite details before I could post another part to Our Wild Adventure, but it seems that maybe I should just go ahead and fill everyone in.
With permission from Jubilee’s agency and with permission from Chinese Children (our homestudy provider) we have been moving forward with getting our Immigration Paperwork complete and all documents to Uganda – Yippee Jesus for Fed-Ex!
In the meantime we have had bits of contact with the Baby Orphanage where our little Elizabeth and Elijah are. We got a picture a couple of weeks ago: Can you find our Elizabeth and Elijah?? (Answer at bottom)
For the record, many of these little ones need homes….please pray that God will call families who love Him to bring one or two home…. maybe someone reading this will answer the call?? =)
The Lord has graciously moved on our behalf so that the process for the I-600 has cruised along and on our end we are ready to go get our babies. How we thank Him!
Our attorney in Uganda has all the paperwork needed to take to the court and set up a hearing. We spoke to him this morning on the phone and he hopes to have a hearing set by Friday. The hearing date will, most likely, be somewhere about 2 weeks later. We need to be present for the court hearing.
As it turns out, there are some circumstances that are leading Dw and I to believe that it is God’s plan for me to go to Uganda to get our little ones. So at the moment, it looks like I will be traveling to Uganda in about 10-12 days. I will need to stay about 3 weeks.
This morning we had an email from Barbara at Elizabeth and Elijah’s orphanage. We had sent some laminated pictures of Dw and Emma holding them, and today we heard that everytime they show Elizabeth the picture she points to Dw and says, “Tata” (daddy). Awwww….that sure made us cry! Precious baby girl is waiting for her daddy to come and it is driving him crazy that he has to stay here and wait.
When we first get to Uganda I will go to court with our attorney. Then the Judge can either rule right there or have us wait about a week. First, we could use prayer that the Lord will already be preparing the Judge’s heart and give us an instant favorable ruling.
After the court ruling comes back (which as I said can take a week), then we apply for a passport (this can take days)…then we will head to the American Embassy to get the little one’s VISAs. Secondly, please pray that the passport comes at record speed. Thirdly, please pray that the Embassy will grant them VISAs quickly.
At the moment, several of the people we have contact with at African Hearts have been battling Malaria (it is rainy season too). I am unable to take a Yellow Fever shot due to the Autoimmune disorder I have. We would love you to pray, also, that the Lord would protect all of us from all diseases. He is a BIG God – this is so easy for Him to do. Infact, we listen to worship music when we sleep and I woke up to a song playing that said, “I am your shield” and I felt very clearly that the Lord was my shield against any and all diseases.
The process needs lots of prayer – as you can imagine! I would love to know that my bloggy friends are praying us there, throughout the process and back. As it stands right now, it appears that Emma and Graham are also going to go with me.
Lastly, I am concerned about leaving Isaiah for 3 weeks. When Dw and Emma were gone to Africa this past summer he sobbed off and on over the time, and it was only 16 days! With Emma and I both gone, it could be very hard on him.
The plan is still not set in stone, so your prayers for wisdom for us would be greatly appreciated. We know that God is always faithful.
**Elizabeth and Elijah – Elizabeth is the far left little one in the front holding a little Raggedy Ann dolly. Elijah is behind the little boy in navy at the front. Elijah is looking out of the corner of his eyes over toward Elizabeth!
YAY God! Your babies are SOOO cute and SOOO lucky to have you two as their parents!
I will certainly be praying for the process, speed, health, and wellness! (OH–And for Isaiah here at home!)
We CANNOT wait to see your journey, and see those babies in your arms!!!
YAY GOD-AGAIN!
It took me a little while to find Elijah but I spotted Elizabeth RIGHT away. That smile is INCREDIBLE! Of course they’re both cuties! And I do remember Jubilee from the waiting list – I prayed for sweet Winnie as well:) Will be praying for everything to go smoothly.
Blessings,
Sandy
Can I just tell you that ALL of these beautiful little babies are so awesome! I SO want to go with you guys. I SO want to send them tons of stuff to play with and fun clothes/jammies to wear and someday… maybe someday I want to hold one in my arms and call them my child… all bloggers please pray… pray that if this is the direction he is calling me to that I boldly step out and grab one of these babies and love them, teach them and care for them. I am praying for all your requests Linn. In my spirit there is huge favor… so as I pray… my prayers will be for an overload of protection and love. LOVE YOU GIRL! lv, jen
Oh my goodness…that’s soon!!! I’m so happy for you. I picked out Elizabeth right away but couldn’t find Elijah in his pink shirt. 🙂 They are beautiful!
They are so adorable. How do you go about adopting from this specific orphanage?
prayer said!! I hope that it ALL GOES like it should!!!!
Go get packing!!!!
hugz and love
Hey Linny, sorry I missed your birthday!!! Happy belated one. I turn 50 in August so I’m right there with you sister!!( I also loved the show Evening Edition, what a lesson one could learn) Wow things are moving ahead for you!! Yipee!!!!! The children are beautiful!! Check out my blog, we received new pictures of Sierra today!!
www .for somewhere in china .blogspot.com
(without spaces)
Kathie
Oh Linn,
Tears in my eyes as I type this. How I wish so desperately I could travel with you and start the process for our family. Praying hard hear for all your requests. I cannot wait to hear about your journey. If you cannot blog while you are there….PLEASE BEG THAT SWEET HUSBAND OF YOURS TO BLOG IN YOUR ABSENCE! I cannot wait to see how the Lord unveils this to all of us.
Blessings my friend,
Julie in Washington, mama to Isaiah
I promise I will be praying for you! You might find me hiding in your suitcase, ready to bring one of those other sweeties home with me!
Wow, that is soon. I spotted Elizabeth right away (who could miss that smile). It took a little longer with Elijah (the pink shirt threw me). Will cover you in prayer. Can’t wait to see pictures of the joyous reunion!
Hugs,
Robin
Happy Belated Birthday Linn!!!!! Sorry I missed out on all the birthday card fun, I read what people wrote and I would say that they said it much better than I could have!!!
I am not so patiently waiting for your announcement that it is time to fly…to Africa that is!!!!!!!!
I am also anxiously awaiting your approval from USCIS, for two reasons. Number one, I am just plain anxious for your dossier to head to China….and number two, we are a bit behind you, so I’m waiting to see what your timeline is for approval.
I can see you had a fabulous birthday and I have no doubt you will have a FABULOUS year ahead!!!!
Blessings and Big Birthday Hugs,
Sherrie
Yes! It’s so awesome when you can “see” God working! So glad to add traveling mercies to my prayers for your family!
As I read your wonderful story of love and adoption I can’t help but to think of those still yearning to find that place that God has for them, new families to love them and to share God’s awesome love for them with them. How important it is for these children to know God’s love and a loving caring family. Speaking as a once homeless, loveless, child of Los Angeles the opportunity that a caring, loving family presents to ones self esteem and self worth is worth all of the sacrifice. I am so grateful for people like yourself that so love our God that they are willing to sacrifice everything for the pure joy of being a parent. May God continue to use you in this awesome ministry. I will continue to pray for your upcoming travels.I will also include a belated 50th happy birthday wish and apologize for not being to make your birthday bash, it sounds like it will be a hoot. Until next time. Frank
i came across your blog and have just finished reading all 8 entries fo your adventure.
may God continue to bless your family.
your story adn faith in Him are amazing and inspiring. you’ll be in my prayers.
Our home is definitely praying for your family. Many blessings as you seek God’s perfect plan for bringing your babies home. Blessings, Lisa C.