Well, this morning started out by returning to the government office to finalize the adoption. The director presented us with certificates and congratulated us on the happy event! From there, we went to another government office for a notarization process (i.e. more paperwork, money, and gifts). From there, the real fun began...
We were told that it would be 2-2.5 hours to his "orphanage". We told our guide that someone who had gone there yesterday had encountered a closed road and a difficult detour. She assured us that both she and the driver knew where they were going. Some 3+ hours later we were there (we encountered the same closed road and difficult detour). We saw more of his local city than we ever cared to. It was actually quite comical, watching the driver and guide figure out how to arrive at a location whose road had been closed. After several stops on the road to ask "locals" and calls on a cell phone to a mystery person, they finally took our advice to call Maria's itself for directions, which proved to be the most helpful.
The welcome at Maria's Big House of Hope was, well, like home. We saw people we knew, people we knew of, and people who have known and lovingly cared for Jack for nearly three years. So much could be said about this incredible place and its incredible people. Needless to say, we are grateful for what the Lord is doing at and through Maria's.
We will try to get some video posted on our YouTube channel tomorrow. Right now, we're beat, but we did want to get some pictures posted for you. We love the comments--keep 'em coming!!!!
Whose crib is this anyway?
Jack is a good eater!
Chillin' out.
Lovin' the bath!
It's official!
Long day in the van!
When we pulled up outside Maria's, his nanny called and waved to Jack from his former fourth floor room.
A hug for/from Jack's nurse, Jonalyn.
And from Becca the preschool teacher.
Stayin' close to mommy at Maria's,
Sorry, Alice -- we missed you but enjoyed seeing your daddy!
Visiting with his nanny in his room.
Next to one of our pictures they had posted on his wall.
Out front of Maria's, just before leaving "for good".
10 comments:
That is like 85 miles per hour in Alabama. What was the speed limit, J-N? I love the folks at MBHOH, for dedicating there lives to making things better for orphans. Pure religion and undefiled before God is this, to visit the Fatherless... in their affliction!! The Book of James Chapter 1 verse 27. That is a good link to MBHOH on the right of your BLOG. The Great news is Jack did not look back, but clinged to his new mother. When we are adopted and redeemed we shouldn't look back either. Love GMA and GPA
Praise the Lord for all the answered prayers! Thanks be to God for His Unspeakable Gift of His Son. Thanks be unto God for the gift of Jack & to MBHOH & all those who care for these precious children! It is sheer pleasure to see the happy looks on all your faces. Can't wait to see them in person! Prayers are continuing for you all!! Love Aunt Genie
Seeing you stand next to the picture of your family on Jack's wall was such a poignant reminder of the "full circle" our faith must travel. Begin praying about something....the indescribable in between stuff....and the circle meets at the expected end. All the "stuff" in the middle disappears into joy and praise! We can feel your joy clear across the globe! Love you all, John & Jan
What a day...it must have "sped" by! So thankful you were able to see MHOH & for Jack to have that closure. He already looks so comfortable w/ you guys! So many prayers being answered each day...what a caring Heavenly Father we have! Thank you for giving us glimpses of that care through your love for Jack & JN & the journeys you are taking/have taken in pursuit of them.
Love you guys....sweet sleep!
How bittersweet to be able to hug the necks and see the hands that stood in the gap for you til you could come get your boy!
Love,
Nikki
So thankful you got to go visit Maria's! What an amazing work that is going on there. Praying so much for all of you!!!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! He looks amazing! :). SO very happy for all of you. I'm feeling so blessed tonight by our connections. We are so fortunate to have been able to travel this journey together. It's so amazing to be able to SEE the work He began come to fruition :). Thank you for allowing us to be a part :). Much love to you...
I am so excited for your family. While all of your pictures touched my heart, there is one group shot that melted my heart. THANKS for sharing the pictures. Looking forward to seeing your videos. Many prayers and much love from our family to yours.
The Chabert Family
Rejoicing with you!!!! So excited to share with my girls!!!! Love, Jen u
We love the pictures. Each morning here we check to see what you will share and see pictures of your smiling faces.
Post a Comment