Happy Haitian Flag Day!
Why hello and Happy Haitian Flag Day! It’s amazing to think that a year ago today, on this national Haitian holiday, we shared publicly that we had engaged in our adoption adventure. It has been such a blessing to traverse this journey, but to also feel the support of so many of you. Thank you! Merci!
You may be wondering what’s the latest and if we have any updates to share. I (Amanda) told Thomas months ago I was working to write a blogpost update and he’s been patiently waiting ever since Thanks for your patience, too!
So here’s the latest: we are fully approved and our documents are registered with the Haitian government This might not sound like a big deal, but it is huge!! So many documents, so many conversations, so many appointments, so many notarizations, so many certifications, and mail deliveries that were finally successful. It had felt like a marathon and then some. So now we (try and patiently) wait, as it could be years - yes, you read that correctly - before we hear back if there is even a child match for us to consider. We will wait as long as it takes. Our child is worth waiting for and we believe our family is meant to be together.
It’s been so awesome to see many pieces come together throughout this journey. One of which, that people are usually very curious about, is the finances it takes to navigate adoption. I’m happy to report we have reached 69% of our fundraising goal. Hooray!!! So many of you have made that possible and we could not have gotten to this point without your fiscal stewardship. Thank you for your generosity! Many thanks to those who have made one-time gifts and to those who have participated by making purchases through a fundraiser. Special thanks to my Mom (Barb) and my friend Lauren for hosting fundraisers with Vitrine on Main & Noonday Collection, respectively. So many of you have given of your resources to help make bringing our child home a reality and it is so humbling. To be perfectly honest with you, there are so many variables in the adoption journey that the financial aspect has not been top of my mind. The cost is very tangible but I’ve known with great faith that if this is meant to be, which I believe God has called us to do this and be obedient in this calling, that the dollars would come together. Thank you so very much for helping make this happen.
“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
A dear friend of mine reminded me of a Bible verse this week that has brought them great peace and it has done the same for me, too. Here it is: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3 NIV) I currently have this verse on my phone wallpaper as a constant reminder that we are known by God and we can wait before Him expectantly. May we continue to do so all the time, but specifically pertaining to bringing our child home.
Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words. Thank you for loving this Pauko Party of Five. Much love to you and many thanks for walking with us! As we continue to patiently wait, we will gladly share updates with you as they become available.