Congratulations to Haiti!!

It was announced today that the U.S. Government determined that Haiti has met all requirements necessary to join the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.  Yay!!  It is reported that Haiti is an example to all developing countries hoping to implement Hague.  And....adoptions in progress will continue uninterrupted!!  Thank you, Lord!!

This is a wonderful answer to prayer for SO MANY.  We praise God that children needing families will not have to wait even longer.

Do please continue to pray, however, that the Haitian adoption process will quickly be streamlined so more children can have permanent families much sooner.  The process is too long.  It just is.  That's the current state of affairs with most international adoption programs across the world.  God's plan for children is not for them to grow up in orphanages, without a future, a hope, a family.  He is looking for willing-hearted people to step up and say, "Yes, I will!"

For those who are willing, please join us in praying for God to move the mountains of governments and politicians, that decisions would be made to greatly increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of international adoptions...and that godly people all over would would raise their hands to become parents to these precious little ones.

Read the good news story here.

Orphan - New Music Video by John Waller

John Waller, a Christian recording artist just a couple hours from us in Atlanta, GA has just released a brand new song called "Orphan".  Eric and I watched the video this morning and both bawled.. ;-)  It is definitely worth your time.  Check it out HERE.

An interesting side note-- John and his wife recently adopted a sister and brother from the Ukraine.  Such a neat story!  You can listen to their story HERE.

Now go watch and be blessed!

W's January Update...plus pics!

We were thrilled to receive our bi-monthly update from W's creche today.  Our agency coordinator is so awesome--she never waits until Monday to send it, but emails it to us as soon as she gets it!

W's Update:

W has such a big personality that is shining brighter every day! W is really self-sufficient and knows how to entertain himself when others aren't there to keep him busy. He loves to draw and is getting better at it every day. His favorite things to draw are cars and big trucks, or sunglasses. His pictures are always for his mom. His face lights up every time he talks about his family.  {Oh, my happy heart!}  He is very independent and not easily influenced by others. He really seems to stand strong for himself and makes decisions independent of what others want from him. {You go, boy!}  However, he does like to make others smile and is very silly with his friends. He can be very shy at first when meeting strangers but warms up very quickly. W is so smart and focused in everything he does. He is cooperative and is learning to follow the rules very well. He can be demanding at times with people he is comfortable with, but is usually very cooperative and patient. W is so excited about having a family who loves him.  {Yay!!}

Aren't these photos amazing?!  Well, okay, you can't actually see his face, but trust me, he looks amazing!

And another SUPER HAPPY bit of news to share with you--  We have some friends that are also adopting from W's creche and they were kind enough to take photos and a video of him this week!!  The video is of him saying Hi to his mama (me!) and saying he misses me and can't wait to meet me.

(insert big cheesy grin here)

Also, my girlfriend used her iPad to show him some pics of me on facebook.  As soon as he saw my face, he started dancing around and saying, "My mom!"

Oh goodness.  Too much.  Can I buy a plane ticket NOW and be in Haiti by morning??!