Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Update on Eliana's Case.....

I haven't really talked much about Eliana's actual case....and I'm not sure why. Maybe it is because I feel so far behind other blog friends....or maybe it is because I am constantly just trying to take it day by day and TRUST. That is really hard for me to do....but, the Lord has really given Chris and me an unbelievable peace after our last trip. I cannot tell you all how much I miss her. It hurts. I see other babies that are 9 months old....and I long to have her right beside me. I want to hug and kiss her non-stop. I want to sing to her (I am terrible....but she doesn't know that yet). I tend to get funny, silly with her.....and I love it!! I feel so alive....and know that the Lord knew that she would be ours even before she was born. AMAZING!!! I am so grateful.

Eliana is through with DNA and family court.....and we have been waiting for pre-approval for about 35-40 days. I check my e-mail constantly! The second she gets her PA translated....she will head into PGN. We have an incredibly pro-active facilitator....and I have a good feeling that he knows people. I know it sounds ridiculous to want to be in PGN....but I am ready. I am READY TO GET HER HOME!!!

I am working on her room....and will post pictures soon (it has a vintage, Antigua theme)!!! I have the ideas in my head, and I really hope it ends up like I picture it. Too bad my sweet girl will not have pink in her room....but she will have TONS of fun colors.

I love you all....and I feel so blessed to have so many friends I have never even met!

Love,
Lindsey

P.S. Many of you have asked about Xio (to make a long story very short....I have been asked not to write or talk about her on the blog). E-mail me if you have any questions. We pray for her non-stop....and still pray for a miracle.

32 comments:

Jenn said...

PGN is just one of those places that you can't wait to get in and once you are in you can't wait to get out. I hope you get your PA soon! I'll be praying for you guys!

kristin said...

i canNOT imagine how difficult it would be to visit your girl and then have to leave again... unbearable... hang in there.

i know what you mean about seeing other babies and feeling those twinges... i'm suprised at how emotional i get when i see other babies our girl's age...

you are in my prayers... i hope things go quicker than you anticipate and that you get to hold her forever very, very soon!

Mama Bunny said...

Wahhoooo come on PA!!!! :)

Cheri said...

I can remember in Dec. the PA delaying me which frustrated me so much as that is OUR government. Once you get the PA, I really feel things will move. After the tears I shed many, many days, it all seems so fast and surreal now. I wouldn't have missed the visits for anything, but coming home is bittersweet. Just know, she will be in your arms very soon forever. I don't know what God is teaching us through our "wait", but I believe there is something. My wait has taught me that my arms are meant to HOLD MALAENA-SLOAN FOREVER! God bless, Cheri

Jocelyn said...

I hope you get in PGN very soon! I will be thinking of you all!!

Bobbi said...

The wait is so hard and long. Hang in there.

Loved all the pictures.

Bobbi said...

PS I first found you when you were with Xio. I often wonder what happened to her. I would love to e-mail with you. You can leave your address in my comments.

Christina said...

Keep your head up. Come on PA and heres to a speedy in and out of PGN. Praying, praying, praying that sweet baby girl is home very soon.

Becca said...

I am praying for you guys!

Peace and Hugs,
Becca

veggiemom said...

Fingers are crossed that you get PA soon!
Also thinking happy thoughts for Xio's adoption case.
Kerri and Ruby

Mackenzie's Forever Family said...

I was googling Guatemala adoption tee shirts yesterday and came across the ones for you guys. THen I made the connection to your blog. I had tagged your blog to my favorites a while ago and check it daily but for some reason it always came up as the Jan. 27th post so i thought you just hadn't updated recently until that is you commented on my blog today and I clicked your icon and see you have. I'M so excited. I love you guys. Without sounds too weird I just think you two (I mean three) are just wonderful with what you are doing.

I just wanted to say I know how your heart aches....when you leave after a visit trip (we made four) it just tears you apart to give your baby to another woman to care for. And TRUST in the Lord was very hard for me to do but boy am I glad He put me through that test because not only did our entire adoption process change our lives physically, emotionaly, financialy but so many spiritual changes have happened through the last two years. In the beginning I was so upset and that we were cheated the first few months of her life but looking back I wouldn't trade it for anything because it was in those months that I was forced to give up all the pain, worries etc. to God and truely TRUST. It's a gift I'm so glad I rec'd.

ANyway-enuf about me. YOu have a beautiful family and I cannot wait until I log on to see your homecoming pictures. And yes we all want to see pics of the nursery too.

Megan

Reba said...

I have been wondering. I couldn't remember how many days you were since DNA. I hope you get PA soon. It does seem like the Embassy is on a roll, so hopefully soon! Then you can get into PGN quickly and hopefully get out quickly. :) I have been wondering about Xio too and wondered if you found out anything while you were in Guatemala. Will be praying.

LouLou said...

I was hoping we would get our girlies at about the same time, but you guys will be LONG GONE, and I am thrilled! Come on PA!!!!!

Donna said...

My boys didn't make it INto PGN until they were 11 months old. Those were some very dark days for me. I knew God could do anything and I trusted Him and His timing, but I begged and prayed every minute that He would do something. I also begged for strength and mercy from the pain.
Looking back, now, those were by far the closest days I ever spent with God. It truly felt like he was riding shotgun in my car...or maybe he was driving it! Lol.
It's a horrible time, I know. Your faith will get you through and even though we didn't bring Austin and Logan home until 14 months...I'm overwhelmed with joy having them with me. I'm exhausted chasing two active boys, but I still can't get enough of them. I'm the happiest exhuasted mom i know!
Praying for your PA. Praying for your TWO weeks In and OUT of PGN!!

Steph said...

I am glad to hear that things are moving along. Of course, never as fast as we want. PA should be coming any day!! I hope and pray your time in PGN is very short and that beautiful girl is home soon.

The Milner Family said...

Thank you for the update. I'm sure that it is difficult to lay it all out. I know that the Lord knows your needs but it helps us know how to pray for you and your little miracle.

Lisa Johnson said...

I am praying so hard for the PGN process to move quickly for you both. I can't imagine how hard it must be, but I remember holding my best friends hand through those steps.

Jess said...

Thanks for filling us in Lindsey. Hopefully you'll be in PGN any day now.

Looking forward to seeing pictures of the room!!

Our brother and sister-in-law are coming down here from Nashville for Passion this weekend! Wish you were too!!

The Heinrichs said...

Make sure you are checking your junk mailbox...I know PA is coming any day for you all!!!
Love, Deanna

Anonymous said...

WOW! Lindsey, this is great news! You will have PA before you know it! PGN is right around the corner....and then it FLIES by after that!!! HOORAY!! We are praying for you both to remain strong. :)

Madelyn's Mommy said...

I am praying for PA! I also pray that PGN holds a very short stay for ya'll.


Andrea

Anonymous said...

Hi - I have been reading your blog for a while and thought I should say hi. I don't remember how I found it - maybe linked from another Fellowship blog. (We don't know you guys but we go to Fellowship.) I just want to say that I am overwhelmed by your courage and love for Eliana. You are truly walking in the mystery with God trusting Him with such a painful process. I am encouraged by your story and your love. What a celebration she will have when she is finally home!

Kori

Jennifer J said...

I was addicted to your blog instantly. Your writing conveys your emotions in full detail and it draws the reader into your life. With that, our prayers are easily given to you. I wish every child had a mommy and daddy who would cause no harm and love them fully and unconditionally. I hope that somehow Xio and Eliana make it to your arms forever. Please send me an updated e-mail jjr@surewest.net with some details so I know exactly what to be praying for. What happen in the last 4 years? How is your health recently? What is the status on Xio? I may not know you personally but I pray for your happiness.

Jennifer: Hoping for update....
dss Austin, ds Keven Thomas, dd Isabel Jenai
jjr@surewest.net

Whitney said...

Praying for your PA! We have been asked countless times how we could have left Ellie, but God gives you the strength to do what He calls you to at the time. We got our PA late on a weekend night...so you never know.

Laurie said...

Hang in there Lindsay. Maybe PGN will be cleared out and Eliana will sail right thru! I have never seen the Lord's plan more clearly for my life than being Isabella's mama! It's like He wrote me a letter saying here is the deal! :) I found the answers to His timing after we were home. So just keep strong and know His timing and plan is perfect!

Jodie said...

I couldn't wait to get into PGN too...you will be in & out in no time ;) I can't wait to see pictures of Eliana's room!

Bobbi said...

Hi, I have stayed pretty quiet, but find your blog very inspiring. We recently adopted from Guatemala and know what its like to feel like you are far behind other families timelines. I too have followed your blog since Xio...do you mind emailing me and filling me in on some of your journey? bobbi.richard@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I LOVE YOU!!
Sorry I missed your call tonight.
- Erika

Susie said...

Today is the day you get your PA...and your off and running. The wait is the hardest part, but also offers the greatest opportunity for growth in your relationship with God. I would do it again to have what I have in Christ now, but it wasn't with out sacrifice. The journey is greater, keep your eyes on Him and press in. He desires you and is holding sweet Eliana in His arms. He only has plans to "prosper you and not harm you". I know the pain, and I know the joy. God Bless dear one, Susie

McMurrays said...

Come on PA! The waiting is excruciating at times. Hang in there. . . praying for your precious baby girl.
Darcy

Lainie said...

I want to see pictures of her room! Have you used the gift certificate we sent, yet?

Love,
Lainie

Kristen Borland said...

lindsey, i don't think i have your email. can you email me about xio's story?

kristen at mohat dot come