We are here

Quick Update:
We are in Miami. We arrived very tired. Our 'easy' pre-reserved hotel became a joke, when it was an hour and half after we called for a shuttle and we were still not checked in even. It seems that when you begin to have a nervous breakdown in at the check in counter, they quickly try to get you into a room. I'm not prone to hysterics, in fact I try really hard to minimize drama. Through out this entire week, I've been cautious to be honest, but not melodramatic. When they told me I couldn't check-in until 3:00pm, I felt the wave of hysterics. And it started to spill out. And we got a room. Sometimes a little drama is needed.
We are awaiting where to be, as well as when to be there. We are praying that the logistics of getting 60 kids on the plane happens. We are praying that the staff does not grow weary, and holds steadfast. We are praying for our own emotional health. Our kids can't afford a hysterical mom right now. I feel a ton better after 3 hours of sleep. We are going to get ready, go get dinner, and hopefully we will have word by then what the plan is.
Answer to a couple questions:
We don't know what kind of plane they are coming in on. We don't know if we go through immigration with them. We don't know what they will arrive with.
We do know that our hotel has been generous enough to offer shuttle service outside the normal times, as well as to the grocery store. We do know we have a nice room, with everything we need. We do know that our world is about to be rocked. We do know there is a good Thai restraunt somewhere nearby for dinner. We do know that we hope Carlo's, who drove the shuttle here is off, because I thought he was going to run into something. He seemed determined. Hopefully we can walk to dinner.
Thank you for your prayers. It is obvious we still need them.

While I'm waiting....

We are waiting...for details on how, where and when the kids are coming home. It's an intense kind of wait. It's 6 months of waiting in 6 days. It's exhausting in and of itself. However, there is still normal life to do. Plus get ready for them to be home.
While I'm waiting...I am:
Organizing, packing, laundry and basically nesting
On my knees in prayer
Checking email constantly
Praying
Shopping for their shoes and coat
Praying
Picking out paint colors for their room
Praying
Hugging P and CN alot
Praying
Hugging each other alot
Praying
Dishes and cooking (does cold cereal count for dinner?)
Praying
Checking email again
Praying

Isaiah 43:5-6
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, "Give them up!" and to the south, "Do not hold them back."
Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-
everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

And I hold to this promise delivered in a dark hour - God's word is amazing that way!!

Conference Call

Here is what we know. The Joint Counsel is trying to set up a safe haven around The Embassy and the airport for kids in orphanage. This would be a secure location with food and water available. It would also be a way for them to process the kids, and get them on flights here. They would fly into New York, recieve medical screening, and we would get custody of them there. However, The Office of Disaster Assistance has not authorized this yet. That is the next hurdle. I will post as soon as I know how to contact and what to say. If this doesn't happen, the orphanage will take them to The Embassy and hope for the best. However, it is not safe around the Embassy. And
There is so much more, and not enough time to do everything. We are hoping they will be home in the next two weeks one way or another. TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!

The Good News...

The US Government is going to grant humanitarian visa's. There is some criteria that must be met. We meet it. I won't go into the details, but according to the fact sheet the kids are eligible. We have a conference call tomorrow morning at 7am. We hope to have more information then.

We were hoping to be able to pick our kids up really soon. However, I think it may be closer to a couple weeks. And in a small way, I'm okay with that. The relief of knowing there is a way has made me realize the details of when and how aren't as important.
I fear for my children, but they are in God's hands. I also have concern about them being driven down to the Embassy in the next couple days. It's still bad. REALLY BAD. Bodies along the road. Imagine driving your child through a war zone, with bodies strewn about. Not something anyone would sign them up for. Even if it's means a quick reunion.
I also know we are not the only parents in this situation. However, we know our kids are safe, have what they need, and trust our orphanage completely. There are orphanages that the buildings are unsafe, that are out of food and water, and the ONLY answer is to get the kids out NOW. So I'm happy to wait. Lets save those children first. Really, it should only be a matter of days. But they can have the first flight. I'd want the parents to choose the same, if the situation was turned around.
We are also starting to see the wear and tear this last week is taking on our own children. CN is really struggling right now. How does this really affect me? How does this change my life? She is relieved, scared, happy, sad, and that is just in five minutes. It would be okay to have a couple weeks to just recover from this last 5 days, and get them better prepared.
I'll post in the morning after the call. And ask that in the meanwhile you pray for the nannies at the Toddler House.
I'm going to start listing a couple with each post. Please pray for strength, courage, and comfort. The loss they have suffered is beyond our imagination. Please surround them with prayer. Ghislaine and Nicole for tomorrow. May God's arms wrap around them, and bring the comfort only he can. May they know they are not alone, that the family of God from all over love them and are praying for them. May tomorrow offer hope and healing. -Amen

GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!

I'll post more as I know more - but it looks like GOOD NEWS!!!!!
OUR KIDS ARE COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PRAY

Good Morning,
I'm a mess this morning. Literally -no bra, haven't combed my hair yet, and am constantly fighting back the ugly cry. Broken. (I did shower so at least I don't stink)
There is so much swirling around. Some we know is true, some we are afraid is rumor. There is not 150 adopted kids flying out of Haiti. Not yet. However, those who just needed visa's - have gotten them.
We do know this...
God is a God of restoration. God is a God of completion. Who God is doesn't change dependent on situation. Thank You Father. That is our hope.
The president of Haiti has agreed to release these kids regardless of where in the situation they are.
The media is covering it, and I will be contacting media again, once I get the official statement to release.
Prayer is moving mountains. God is hearing my cry for help, your cry for help, and the hope lies in who he is. I encourage you to pray, on your knees, through out the day, consider a day of fasting-reminding you to pray, and God is going to throw up the floodgates of heaven to rain down on us.
Pray for the US government to move quickly. Pray for our children's hearts to be protected. Pray for me, to hold emotionally and spiritually. The battle is intense, and being a warrior is tough. But God is a God of strength. Read Isaiah 43, Pray it for the situation, for our family, for our children.

Who to contact and how…

It is imperative that the people, who love these Haitian kids, come together and be heard. As a parent, as an Auntie, as a friend, and just as a human being.

Please believe that your email, your phone call, your voice MATTERS. It's real, and you have the power to make a difference for Remy and Erlande. For the other 254 children is the same situation ours are in.

Here is the contact information. It took me about 20 minutes. Please pass this along. To everyone you know. Share our blog address, our face book page, and encourage people to put a real face to this tragedy.

Contact The White House at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Contact Senator Merkely at www.merkley.senate.gov/contact

Contact Senator Wyden at http://wyden.senate.gov/contact

Contact The State Dept at www.state.gov and click on contact us in the upper right hand corner. Click on the tab 'email a comment or question'

Email The Joint Counsel of International Children's Services at jcics@jcics.org

Contact Bill Clinton's Foundation at http://www.clintonfoundation.org/contact-form

What do you say? This is what I told them. Please feel free to use as is, or add your own comments. However, there are a couple key points that MUST be made. They are in bold.

Please issue humanitarian parole visas to Haitian children with US parents. These children are not 'new' orphans, and have families that have been in the process of adopting them prior to the earthquake. These children need to be removed from Haiti and brought home safely. This would allow the children orphaned by the earthquake to be taken in and cared for the orphanage, which is currently at capacity. As an American Citizen I ask that you make a way for this to be accomplished quickly.

I will be trying to update the blog regularly. I encourage you to share the blog address, and to tell our story. It's actually very awkward to ask for the attention. But the attention is needed for Remy and Erlande to come home.

Speaking of attention, as soon as KOIN 6 puts our interview online, I will post it.

Thank you for your willingness to act on our children's benefit.