WoW---- We are PARENTS!!!

We are parents!  I am at a loss for words!  After nearly 2 years on this journey, we were matched at the Consejo on Tuesday, Nov 23rd.  It was confirmed by posting on the Peru website yesterday morning.  The hours of waiting past 6 pm on Tuesday were difficult to say the least.  Two years of emotions "pent up" and after switching gears to CELEBRATE the great news...... that did not come when anticipated, well, in great AUTHENTIC fashion, I was having a difficult time being with myself! 

I got up at 3 am and checked no news.... I got up in the morning and did not check, but when I heard Ben yell, BABE, BABE, the page has been updated.  I ran to him in bed and we scrolled down to the very last posting and together saw, H168, Lifeline, USA COUPLE.... my heart jumped from my chest and we just held each other tight in celebration! WE ARE PARENTS!!!!

Thank you to ALL who have prayed, inquired, listened to us, and followed our journey! It has only just begun.  Our desire to be with them for Christmas in Peru is strong and we appreciate all the prayers that this 5 stop/step VISA process happens.... IT IS POSSIBLE!!!!!! 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, LOVE Ben, Tracy, Julissa & Johanna

Taking Steps Closer

As we count down WAIT, for the days to pass until the next consejo (matching meeting) I have started travel preparations and completing J & J's bedroom.  Washing mattress pads and sheets, a few more purchases to personalize our home for their arrival.  Although the bunk beds have been up for the last 11 months, we only had the comforters covering the new mattresses.

I have sharpened my coupon/sales shopping skills and have been picking up travel supplies, as well as games and activities for the girls while we are in country.  It helps to fill the waiting for the official matching date with preparation. 

I have gone as far as replenishing our two First Aid kits, one for the family car and one for the trip.  I giggled at myself as I consider every last detail and thought to myself, is this a sign of a first time mom?  MAYBE!!!  That's ok!

We are hoping and praying to be with our Peruvian Princesses on Christmas..... in Peru, but with them in Peru! 

I also have a "shopping cart" waiting online, with items for the girls, to make party bags for their goodbye party at the orphanage..... I just have to click...... CHECKOUT on November 23rd.  

Stay tuned... things are a happening!!!!!  Please be praying for the movement of papers... as a friend of mine prayed.... God PLEASE Fed Ex these papers... I'm with her.

Believing IS Seeing

We are seeing things begin to change and although we know most would say it is wise to proceed with caution, LOVE knows no limits and we struggle with the 'how to' of being wise when the head and the heart do not agree.  After having our dossier approved in Peru, and our new homestudy agency approve us to adopt sisters up to the age of 14 years old, sent in more paper work, more money and requests to update our current status with the USCIS, the next step is to officially make a request to the SNA.  The request is basically sharing your strengths as a couple/family and how we will meet the emotional, physical, educational, etc needs of the girls.  Additionally our psychologist writes a recommendation for us based on his evaluation of us stating we are capable of meeting their needs as described and are willing to address any and all unknown needs that arise.  Once these letters are translated and received by the SNA we can be officially matched with our daughters at the next consejo in Peru!  THESE LETTERS ARE ON THE WAY TO PERU!!! We are hopeful that our paperwork for the USCIS is expedited and the necessary paperwork is in Peru by the October consejo!  Believing that with God, ALL things are possible, and this CAN happen.  Once matched we would then send for the girls VISAS and as soon as we receive the article 5 letter....... WE WILL BE ON OUR WAY TO PERU!!!!

Nothing or Something

No updates.  This months consejo was scheduled for Thursday, August 26th and I went back to confirm the time and it had been changed.  It is Monday!  We will not be making this months, no referral, no recommendation to parent our two precious daughters= no match at a consejo meeting.

How does this make me fee?  Sad, Disappointed, Wondering, Unfair, Angry, LIKE STOMPING MY FEET!!!

What am I going to do with these feelings?  Oh, feel them, all of them!  Will I stomp my feet?  No, But I will not deny them, I feel them, STRONG, and POINTED, even as I write this post, I feel them knowing that I will/am giving these to God.  He knows my thoughts, He knew before I discovered the change how I would feel and respond.  I find this comforting and frustrating at the same time.

Why, why, why?  Oh OUR GIRLS have such an incredible story about their journey home already! They are truly AMAZING and this is why I can feel the emotions and give them to God and TRUST that HE is not wasting the steps orchestrated in joining our family. 

Is it EASY?  OH NO!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Do I like it?  NOTONE BIT!

Why do I do it? FAITH, it is how I live my life and I must live it out consistently, not conveniently!

Do I fail!  OFTEN, Thank GOD for FORGIVENESS!