Friday, January 4, 2008

Worry test #1



When you receive an e-mail from your agency that is titled "Not Good News," you know immediately that there is a problem! So, here I am.....fighting freaking out and then remembering what I wrote just yesterday in our blog.....don't worry! The e-mail is written below:

Dear Guatemala Families,

I just received notification from JCICS that PGN has stopped processing all cases stating that the cases must first be registered with the "Central Authority" which does not exist. The last information we received was that the Guatemalan government was trying to decide if registering a case with PGN would qualify for the central authority registration. We did not ever hear resolution on that and now we are being told this discouraging news. Please continuing praying that this situation will be resolved quickly. Also, it wouldn't be a bad idea to begin contacting your local congressman again for support. I know that JCICS and the US State Department are trying to find a resolution right now. I will let you know as soon as I hear more news.

____________________________

I know a lot of this probably doesn't make sense because honestly, I am still confused. This is what I know......all of you that already love Eliana and the many other waiting kiddos in Guatemala......PLEASE BE PRAYING THAT WE GET IMMIGRATION APPROVAL TODAY OR MONDAY!!!! I AM PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE (IT HAS BEEN OVER 10 WEEKS FROM THE LAST THING THEY RECEIVED)!!!!!!!!! I am ready to FLY TO GUATEMALA to hand deliver papers. Also, pray that somehow this mysterious Central Authority would be created ASAP.....so that we can all be registered by January 31. THIS IS CRITICAL!!!!!!

If any of you know your congressman, now is the time to call again. Be praying non-stop!!!! The Lord is mighty in battle....that is what I am clinging to this morning.

Love you all,
Lindsey

38 comments:

Katie said...

Wow, what a mess! We're praying like mad here!!

Bill and Melodie said...

She is just too precious! We haven't heard anything like this yet, but we will be contacting our congressman ASAP!
Praying for approval (for you and us)!

Rebekah said...

I love all of your Christmas pics...we were with Lauren and Corby for New Year's Eve and they filled us in on all of the drama! I am glad John is okay!
We also be praying for approval! I can only imagin how anxious you guys must be!

Anonymous said...

I am thinking that all GT government activity is going to stop till the new president and congressmen are sworn in around the middle of this month... I could be wrong tho, may be all the decision makers are still hungover from new year's eve and will work on the Central Authority next week. Hopefully for you guys they will have it running by the time you get your INS approval and are ready to start PGN. What is really awful is that I am reading PGN has stopped processing all cases, even the ones that are near completion for the time being.

The gFamily said...

It is at a time like this, that I am so glad we can go to the Lord and put our faith in Him! As we watch Guat adoptions fall apart, we look to Him to get these little ones home. Hang in there!

Amanda said...

Lindsey & Chris - I really am not sure what to say. I love you guys & you know I am praying & will continue to pray!!

Anonymous said...

Chris and Lindsey,

We are praying that you would receive your pre-approval and that the GT Government will for the Central Authority ASAP. Hang in there, God is in control.

I tend to agree with Bill. We have noticed that things are slow here in Guatemala right now. People are just now getting over New Years. The inauguration is next weekend. Perhaps we will bump into some government officials at the Westin this week. If not, they will not be able to miss the several other families that are here loving children. It is obvious that these children need to go home to their forever families.

We love you and continue to pray for you!

PSALMS 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Kristen Borland said...

oh, this isn't good! we haven't heard specifics from our agency--they don't want to tell us anything until they know for sure about our case. we are in the process of the first DNA. in fact, the agency just found out yesterday that the DNA sample hadn't happened yet because they've had trouble getting things arranged with the birth mom. our coordinator in guatemala said the sample would be taken today or early next week.

all our hearts are pounding. I'M PRAYING FOR IMMIGRATION APPROVAL FOR ELIANA!!!

Anonymous said...

I am continuing to pray for you both (really, for you three!). As I was reading Lamentations 3:20 - 26, it was a reminder again that you (we) can have hope because God's steadfast love, his mercies and his faithfulness never cease! Then I read on and I am praying these verses for you all:
"I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, 'Do not close your ear to my cry for help!' You came near when I called on you; you said, 'Do not fear!' YOU HAVE TAKEN UP MY CAUSE, O LORD; you have redeemed my life. (Lam. 3:55 - 58).
Praying for you, for your cause & for precious Eliana and all the babies and families who are waiting for them to come home!

I love you......Mom

Tracey said...

Unbelievable! We are praying that things get figured out QUICKLY. We were in PGN when the new director was hired and we thought that was a mess, doesn't even compare to this!!!

Amy said...

I found your blog through my friend Laura. I pray that the officials would begin placing these children and their cases as a top priority versus what any deadline may be.

obligato said...

Lindsey, I am so sorry i just dont know what to say except I am praying and praying for your anxieties! I TOTALLY understand how u feel. lets talk okay?

demp5 said...

Lindsey,
We are riding this roller coaster with you! I feel like telling the ride operator "Time out! I need a little break here." But, we just have to get back on, fasten our belts tighter, and hang on to the one who knows when our babies will be here. Praying for us all!
Meghan

keelstar said...

I'm praying for you guys and for all of the families and children being affected by this news from Guatemala. We received a similar email from our agency this afternoon...we still get all of the updates and everything, even though Savannah's been home now for 7 months. It's nice that they keep us informed. We're praying for a speedy resolution and for all of the children to come home from Guatemala soon!! Especially your sweet girls! Love, Keely

Tracey said...

The two of you are amazing, you inspire me! I hope that buying one shirt will help you, I wish I could buy millions:)

Greta Jo said...

Lindsey, Trust in the Lord with 'all' your heart.
I am praying for you!

TheOilHippie said...

Praying for you!!!!!
Also wanted to let you know that it took 11 weeks for me to get my 171h from the Memphis office last summer - before all this DOS mess - so being that you are at 10 now maybe the normal timeline is around 11 and you will truly get that amazing piece of paper in the next few days.

Unknown said...

Hugs and prayers to you during this uncertainty...remember that JCSIS will fight this new crazy rule, at least until the Central Authority is in existence!! Sheesh! It is so maddening. All of this will make us truly appreciate having our girls home with us! And when they become teenagers, we can say, "Wow! We have all the patience in the world! This is nothing like going through the adoption process!" :) Carrie

Andrea said...

It's just such a mess. I pray that you and Chris receive good news and you'll pass Worry Test #1!

Sig said...

PGN IS processing cases already IN, but no news cases )or previo-ed ones) are accepted. Do you read Cheri's blog? http://www.sunflowersandladybugs.com/blog.asp
She has all the late breaking details as she has lived in Guatemala for over a year and her case is still in PGN.
I wuld think as long as you are not in PGN yet, you might be OK? AS long as you get 171H very soon, maybe by the time you get DNA and FC out of the way they will resolve this?

Elizabeth said...

Praying for you.

obligato said...

i already bougjt the hotsling! :( thanks anyway though. lets talk today! call me at home 865-977-7537! :)

Betsy said...

Lindsey, Please call me if you can, I live in Gallatin and just returned home with a daughter from GT. I came to your church to try to meet you both but could not find you. I would love to talk with you.
Betsy
206-7644
you can lv a msg in I am gone

Anonymous said...

Lindsey,

I am sitting here in tears as I pray for you and your family. Amelia and I are utterly exhausted, but we cling to Almighty God who is in control of all. His timing is perfect and his mercy is great. I remember a scene from Evan Almighty (we watched it on plane on the way to Guatemala last week) - it is the scene where God asks Evan's wife about her prayer for bringing her family closer together. God asks her to ponder on that prayer and the reality that He is putting her family in a situation that WILL bring them closer together. Watch this movie tonight with Chris and cling to the hope of Christ. He is drawing us all to Him.

We love you!

PS. Please pray for us. Micah has been vomiting all morning and now I feel like I might be getting sick as well.

The Heinrichs said...

What a mess! Our agency hasn't sent an email out yet so I am trying not to worry too much! Since seeing that they had halted adoptions I noticed on other blogs, people got PGN approvals that same day...I pray Joint Council just jumped the gun with their statement... and our little girls will be hanging with us by a pool somewhere this summer! Brent and I have decided if they do delay things he is going to foster her for 3 mos while he is off school (how sad will I be as I have to stay here and work :-(

Praying for all of us and our girls (& that I171H for you!).

xoxo - The Heinrichs

MeLaNiE said...

She's such a cutie! Praying for you and all those precious babies!

Becca said...

I don't understand what is going on - I know your probably freaking out! I'll be praying for you, the people in power, and most of all I'll be praying for all of the women and children in Guatemala. I pray that this is resolved soon.

Becca
Momma to Ella

Unknown said...

Hi Linds...I don't think I've commented yet on your blog, but I just wanted to let you know that I came across your story a month or two ago and haev been keeping up ever since. You guys have been a HUGE addition to my prayer list as well as the prayer lists of many of my friends (along with the other families going through the same situation as you guys). I just wanted you to know that, and know that you guys are awesome and brave and incredible for trusting in The Lord the way you do!!! His will be done! :)

Lori said...

Praying in MN! My heart goes out to you and all who are in similar situations.

Jami said...

We will continue to pray for you and all those in this process. Praying for your peace and comfort too!

Love you guys!

Whitney said...

Guatemala has been a faith stretcher...but things never seem as bad as the reports sound. Hang in there....still praying often for your 171 to arrive. Lord, please allow that very needed document to be delivered tomorrow, if that is Your will!

emily said...

Chris and Lindsey-
You guys are so loved- I thought that I had already left a comment, but just had the pleasure of reading all 31 of the posted comments to you!! How encouraging to know that so many are praying for you and for your girl(s).

Praying for you faithfully- knowing the the One that has ordained your family before the foundation of the world is faithful and will continue to provide for each of your needs:)

Think we could use another prayer time on Suz's bed! Love you guys:)

Nicole said...

I am so heart broken for you both but will continue to send positive thoughts to you. What a whirlwind for us all in these processes and I too understand the bad days. This holiday season has been rough and I have thought of you and your family often. it feels as if someone else understands my frustrations, doubt and hurt. I will pray feverishly for your papers. Love to you both. Nicole

Chelsea Bergeron said...

I'll be praying for you guys!!

Steph said...

I am hoping and praying that good news comes your way very soon. You have already been through sooo much. Hang in there. There are many, many people fighting for our children. I am so inspired by your faith and it will carry you through. You are also surrounded by so much love and support. I will be watching for your news!! Best wishes.

Erin said...

I'm still praying, Lindsey & Chris. Peace of Christ to you!

Anonymous said...

Lindsey,

This is SO INCREDIBLY frustrating and NOT LOGICAL! I'm so sorry for you guys. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jamie

Amanda said...

hey lindsey and chris, i was just thinking about all that we have all gone through in the last 6 or 7 months as i was writing it all in Flor's journal i am keeping for her. But with all the stubbling blocks and bumps in the road combined, God has still shown out more. Just the fact that I am in this process at all is a miracle. God has proven Himself to me over and over again. Keep your eyes on Him, power resides in God's promises!!!