How can I ever thank you all enough for your prayers?
Sorry I did not give any details about what we are up against with Hailee’s adoption. It just all seemed so crazy, and truthfully, I could not find the words. Thank you for all the very kind comments and e-mails assuring me of your prayers. I appreciate it so very much.
In a nutshell. On Wednesday morning I woke up to an e-mail telling me that there was a 99% chance that we would not be able to bring Hailee home. This was after I so clearly spelled out our situation before we agreed to adopt her. But, I know that our case is so unusual, and so it was easy to overlook certain things. I completely understood…but was absolutely crushed.
The country that Hailee is in requires that there be no more than 45 years between parent and child. That disqualifies Anthony, but not me. They would allow me to adopt her as a ‘single person with consent from my husband’. No problem. Or so we thought.
Then we had the issue of me being a non-US citizen. Again, no problem I was told. Not! As the main petitioner for the adoption, getting the required visa to bring Hailee into the USA would be impossible. You see, the IR3 visa (which is what all orphans are brought into the country on) cannot be issued to a non-citizen. Dilemma number two.
Our problems had only just begun. Even if I could, by some miracle, get another type of visa issued that I could bring Hailee home on, we still had another problem. Money! As a ‘single petitioner’ they look at MY income. Holy moley-many of you know all to well how much money we stay at home moms earn. Yes, that would be a big zero. Nothing. No money in the bank in my name to prove that I can support a child…not to mention the other 5 kiddos at home.
I know, I know. It is all so ridiculous. I mean, for heavens sakes, they would see that I am married. And they would see that my husband has an income because we have to prove it in our dossier. So many of you understand this-they make the process to adopt a child so darn difficult! I will never understand it.
Needless to say, on Wednesday morning I was in a frenzy. I had no idea which way to turn. I could not find any place to get help. I started calling attorneys, but I never got further than the receptionist. If I wanted advice on the phone-I had to pay $200 for a 45 minute consultation. Oh my freaking goodness, all I wanted to know was whether someone could help us-just a simple yes, or no would be good. I did not need a 45 minute consultation! I just needed someone to give me a glimmer of hope in the midst of what seemed like an impossible situation.
I began to sob uncontrollably…things were spiraling downward before my eyes, and I just could not see any hope in it all. I was absolutely heartbroken. I looked at Hailee’s picture and before me was not just any child-darn it, she was OUR child. Nothing made sense. Here was OUR daughter lying in a crib in a third world country-so frail and so weak that we are concerned she will not even be alive in the next six months-and all I was hearing was, “There must be another child, in another country that God intends for you to bring home, this is not going to work out for you.” Actually, no! There is no other child that God has told us to adopt. And, God has NOT closed the door to this adoption yet!
God gives us husbands for a reason. Two ARE better than one. My dear hubby remained calm through the entire day-always pointing me toward Christ and constantly reassuring me that God is faithful. My faith felt like it was hanging on a thread-just barely there. So much smaller than a mustard seed.
Phew.
Want to know what the Almighty God did? Is there any possible way we can bring Hailee home? It seems absolutely impossible…but is it really?
Well, I guess you’ll just have to read tomorrow.
I can’t wait to find out!!!
Amazing story, but then, His plan is truly much bigger than our minds can begin to imagine.
Okay girlfriend, let me just tell you…Almighty God does NOT care what Immigration says…Almighty God does NOT care what the country says…IF Almighty God says “she’s yours” then He will move every single obstacle to bring her home. He is faithful and I can’t wait to see her in your arms because we serve (as you know) a Miracle-working, Mountain-moving, Awe-inspiring, Gasp-giving God!! He so totally rocks and this is going to be so fun to watch again as He builds our faith thru it all! Yippee Jesus!! xo Praying from the lower part of Colorado!
Oh, no you didn’t! That is so not cool! Hanging on the edge of my seat!!
In Him,
E
Wow!! I take it you have good news? How mean of you to make us wait! Hurry, hurry.
Of course I want to know, but you know why I can go to sleep tonight and rest peacefully while you’ve left us hanging? Because I know our MIGHTY GOD and I know He has Hailee’s life in our hands.
I have no idea how He’s moved these mountains but I know HE IS the mountain mover and HE is faithful to equip us for whatever calling He has on our lives!
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!
love,
holly
You are such a tease!
But Linny is right…and she should know, she’s been in many situations…just hanging by a thread only to see GOD spring forward with his mighty handy work!
Ok, I’m ready for tomorrow’s post. I’ll have my mug of coffee ready, laptop situation and I will be all set to snuggled up to your blog to read all about it!
I am waiting in prayerful anticipation! Prayed for you last night, asking the Lord to crush the feet of the enemy as he attempts to hold this mountain before you. Love from Africa.
I had no idea, but glad God did when we prayed! Still praying for you and Hailey! God Bless!
Are you kidding me! You can’t stop the story there.
I had no idea the battle was that big. Cool thing though is that God can win any battle!
I will keep praying and you need to get on with the story before I go crazy!
Ohh, maaaaan! Ok, can’t wait for the rest of the story.
No fair leaving us hanging like this!!I have been checking your blog every day.Have a blessed Sunday.
Oh, do I have to wait…really??? I know God works miracles all the time and I’m dying here to know what he’s doing!!!!
What a story. I am so sorry sweet friend. I have been there and felt those feelings. Will continue to pray. I will call later. My husband is really wanting to get ya’ll out here.
I need to hear the end of this new beginning! UGH! It’s my birthday today, can’t believe you would leave me w/o closure of this amazing testament of faith! My dear friend, I am bursting with excitement! Praise God, the view from the top is often miraculous!
Precious Precious Friend - I have ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT in my mind that God is in total control. I have complete peace - yip not a single doubt that He is able to do above what we could ever imagine dream or hope. What a wonderful opportunity for Him to show Himself strong on our behalf. I am so excited to hear how He came through!!!! Love you lots xxx M
You can’t do that!!!!
OK, waiting to see this God-sized miracle unfold!!!
Love you, friend!
What! you’re leaving us hanging by a thread???
I AM very interested in this because as two non-us citizens we have been told we can’t adopt internationally either. Tell me there is hope… just a wee bit of hope?
OK lady it is tomorrow and I still don’t see an update! :^) don’t leave me hanging here!
Can’t wait to hear THE REST OF THE STORY!
I am waiting for this mountain to move you know! I will be checking back tomorrow so you better update as quickly as possible. Love you girl!
talk about a cliff hanger. . . . ugh. can’t wait to read tomorrow, friend!!
and, let me know if you want details to that tubing river. such a fun free day with the family. your kids would SO love it! love, L