Sheep, Lambs, Rabbits and Barn Cats

What started out to be a play day for Maria and Ella, turned into a group play day at Lisa's friend Marty's house. There was a houseful of kids to play with, but the highlight of the morning was a visit to the barn to see the new lambs. Maria was just thrilled, (since she's going to be a farmer you know). The kids all got a turn to hold the new lambs that were just born on Sunday. So, so sweet! Maria would have been happy to hang out in the barn all day, but oooooh, it was too cold for me. So after some major boot bottom scraping (yuck), it was back to Lisa's house for some lunch and an early birthday gift for Maria.

Maria and Ella.......Best Buddies.

Maria desperately wanted to hold one of the cats but despite her coaxing, she couldn't get one of them to cooperate.

We have no adoption news. Our agency has asked us to give them a bit more time before we hire the agency to locate Nola. We're are holding tight for now, but I'm not sure how long I can wait. I really think our lawyer has had more than enough time to get us some information. We'll see what this week brings.

Please continue to pray.

Getting The Best Of Me

That's exactly the way I feel about this adoption process. It's getting the best of me. Actually it's not the adoption process but the Guatemalan political machine that has hijacked the adoption process and left it dysfunctional. It is wearing me down. Much less than my best is left to deal with every day life. We didn't really find out anything from our lawyers assistant. She said that as far as they know, Nola is still in the hogar. We found out, from another source, that isn't true. I've contacted an individual at an agency who, in the time span of one day, confirmed that Nola is no longer in El Jardin. He is willing to find out where Nola has been moved and get us a copy of her latest social worker or medical report (for a fee of course); things our lawyer hasn't done or offered to do. Do you sense the disgust in my words? Hopefully soon we'll know where our sweet Nola is and possibly how much she's grown over the last almost five months since we've had any report on her.
In family news, last night was Mark's last night at work. Yes, he's getting laid off. At the meeting, they were told hopefully they would be called back "when the economy picks back up". We're not holding breath for that one. Not sure what's in store for us now. Unfortunately, there's no news of companies hiring around here. I'm hoping I can talk him into going back to school. I get some pretty funny looks when I mention it but I don't see many options for him without it so, we'll see.
If you're one of those who reads blogs with the sound turned off, then switch it on for just a moment. I've got a couple of my new favorites on. The Chris Rice one is old, but for some reason, new to me. I love Chris Rice and I don't know how I missed this one when it was new but thanks Nan for bringing it to my attention. Unfortunately, I listen to it and cry but I seem to be doing a lot of that lately. The Robby Seay Band's "A New Day" has been my theme song lately. I tell myself every morning, "This could be the day we get some news". The opening lyrics of the song:

I'm gonna sing this song,

to let you know that you're not alone,

And if you're like me,

You need hope, coffee and a melody.

Yep, he's singing to me. Now, I don't need the coffee. I'm a tea drinker myself, but I do need hope and a melody. I can't get through the day without music; definitely food for my soul.

I decided since my mind was on music, I would read in Psalms tonight. I was surprised to open to Psalms 143 and read in verse 8:

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."

There's some food for my soul!

We Have Royalty Among Us!

What Fun!!! Friday was our High School's Homecoming. The School picks a Queen and King from the Senior class and a Prince and Princess from the underclassmen. Our Kelsey was voted Princess!! And what a pretty princess she was! Dress shopping was fun, even for me, the one who hates to shop. She had her nails and her hair done and looked absolutely beautiful!

Of course Maria had to get in the middle of the picture taking with Kelsey and her "sweetie"

Daddy with his Princess!

I also have to throw in a couple of snow photos. Especially since there was soooo much snow!

Mark and Maria had such a good time in the snow Friday. We had lots of snow left, but temps were in the 40's so it made for a great day to play in the snow. Maria didn't want to come in.

Now for adoption news. Nothin good comin from the Lane camp. We found out on Jan 31st, the PGN investigated the orphanage where Nola was. The orphanage is now being closed down due to conditions that are "unfit for children". The director will also not be able to care for children any more after all of the children have been moved out. I'm glad someone finally took the time to check out that facility but now we are in the dark again about where Nola is. We have been told there are only a handful of children left in the orphanage but we don't know if Nola is one of them. Our lawyer's assistant was supposed to meet with our Judge yesterday to see what she could find out but so far, we have heard nothing. It would be wonderful if the judge would just send Nola back with her foster family since all of the orphanages are overflowing already. We'll just wait and see.

We continue to pray and believe that God will make a way for Nola to come home to us. It is certainly not going to happen on our time schedule...............(no kidding!)..........but we are praying and believing it WILL happen! Please continue to pray with us.

We'll keep you posted.