The greatest experience, the one which shakes a soul with hopes and fears, the results of which are never ending, and incidentally, the one which pays the biggest dividends, is to be found in the adoption of children.
--Anonymous

Lilypie Waiting to Adopt tickers

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Two Years Today!

It's hard for me to believe that it's been two years since we received our referral of Nola. As difficult as this time has been, there are some families who have been waiting much longer, years longer in fact. Those of us who are left in this mess live from one anticipated date to the next. Unfortunately, for many of us, those dates come and go with no resolution in our case. I've been exceptionally angry lately. I know I look at this process logically and not so much through the eyes of the law. It's hard to see anything but logic when the law seems to be ever changing. Orphanages are over crowded and the children left "in process" are all around the age of two years or older. That means if a birth mother had changed her mind and wants to parent or if she wants to announce that her child was taken from her illegally, she has had at least two years to come forward and state that fact. It angers me that no one seems to be speaking for the children. How many times do officials have to check and double check and triple check paperwork? How many studies have to be done showing the ill effects of institutionalizing children for extended lengths of time before someone says "enough is enough"! Obviously, nothing is making an impression on the judges in Guatemala.

Last year, at holiday time, I was feeling blue that Nola wasn't going to be a part of all the family fun. But I just knew, it would be our last holiday season without her................................
This year, I'm not sure how many more Thanksgivings or Christmases are going to pass before she comes home. Honestly the reality is too difficult to consider. We're waiting. Not patiently waiting, not quietly waiting, just waiting. Waiting and praying for God to clear the way for our little girl to come home.



9 comments:

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

My heart goes out to you. We were fortunate not to be one stuck in the process. I would be going absolutely nuts if my Luca was stuck there. It must be especially hard when you don't get frequent updates and cannot visit like you used to.

Prayers for you and your family and the little ones still waiting.

Stacie said...

It so saddens me and angers me that you along with so many parents are still waiting to bring home their children! The process is so unfair and all these children including Nola should be home. I know the waiting must be sooooo hard especially with so much uncertainty. I believe Nola was put into your heart and your life for a reason, and I pray everyday that she will come home soon.
Stacie-anewjourneybegins.blogspot.com

Danny and Brittney said...

Big Hugs coming your way from me. I have definetely hit rock bottom this week. Now that we are both there, maybe we can bring each others heads back above water. Love ya!

Guatemala Waiting Parents Group said...

It's definitely a frustrating "club" we all find ourselves in. Patience is in short supply for all of us!

We started our process 2 years, 8 months ago and the adoption still hasn't officially begun. Our daughter will be turning 4 next month.

You're right about anticipating specific dates, just to have them come and go with no progress or even worse, disappointing setbacks. It would be nice if these judges could walk a mile in our shoes, maybe they'd be a bit more sympathetic, not to mention the toll it takes on the children.

We WILL be with our daughter for this birthday and an anticipated 3rd Court hearing two days later. Right now, we're VERY cautiously optimistic that the judge will do the right thing so we can get the ball rolling, however............

Your daughter is beautiful and we're praying for her and all the children waiting to come home.

Gardenia said...

what a beautiful happy energetic baby Nola is in that picture. she exudes joy in her face and bright eyes. I'm praying for her and you that she comes home and quickly!

merkley4 said...

Your dedication to your sweet daughter is so admirable.... you are her family and I have faith the God will see her home to you!! I am so sorry that this wait has been so long... and so unfair to Nola and the many other precious children who have families waiting for them!!! God bless you for your courage... our prayers are with you!!!

Michelle said...

I am so sorry Pam. I can not even imagine your heartache. May Jesus come beside you during this agonizing wait.

ANGIE..... said...

I AM SO SORRY........

Lisa said...

Little Nola has such spirit! Can't wait to meet her in person. Never giving up.

Looking forward to seeing you guys on Sunday.

Lisa

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