and... ONE more Check

So our papers have been received and reviewed at NBC  CHECK

Now they go to NVC (like all the acronyms?) National Visa Center who cables them to the Embassey.

So tonight I will call the NVC and see about the speediness of this cabling process.  I worked with 2 adoption travel agents yesterday and the rates were changing and non matching between the 2 of them all day.  Flights are limited and expensive.  Flights for the girls ranged from $630.00 to $1700.00 for one way tickets and I was told it is illegal for an agent to book a RT ticket if they know it is only one way.  I am hopeful that I can get an answer later today or in the morning about booking these.  They are expensive because it is summer in Peru, in addition to Christmas. So waiting until after Christmas would not be a help.  Additionally, I have done my research.... :) and it is best to use a travel agent in these circumstances.

We are hopeful that we will FLY on Tuesday or Wednesday, to make it to Peru and have our meeting with the SNA on Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.  They are closed on Christmas Eve.  We are thrilled that the papers have moved so rapidly and we STILL have HOPE that will be with our daughters on Christmas.  This would be the best CHRISTMAS present ever since the GIFT of Christmas.  More than a Christmas present our prayer is that our daughters would know that this years Christmas gift is representative of how much we love them and that we did everything possible to be with them on Christmas because of our love.  A gift that they would truly have forever!  Our Gotcha Day to be celebrated on Christmas!  We are believing it can happen!
Thank you for ALL for the PRAYERS, words of ENCOURAGEMENT, and EXCITEMENT as you journey with us to our union as a FOREVER FAMILY!!!

KISSES IN THE WIND

(The Waiting Child's Lullabye-adapted for "OUR GIRLS")

WE hold you in our hearts and touch you in OUR dreams.

You are here each day with us, at least that's how it seems.

WE know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.

Oh GIRLS, WE love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...

Because tonight, just as always, WE blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hands until WE can be with you.

WE promise you, OUR darlings, WE’RE doing all that WE can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.

But for tonight, just as always, WE blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.

And let the angels bring the kisses that WE send to you each night.

Good night, J and J... Mama and Papa LOVE YOU BOTH and are so excited to be united as

A FOREVER FAMILY!!!! 

(Words in Orange- changed to share with both of our girls.)

Indeed

The events on July 22nd in fact occurred.  It was my dear friend Jenn's birthday, and CONGRATULATIONS to my newest friend Paige, she was officially matched with her daughter in Peru and they have begun the acceptance and immigration paper work to be united with her!

What I didn't "plan" for on July 22nd, were the overwhelming emotions I experienced.  After hitting the refresh button on the MIMDES page, for the 22nd time, to see that it was official.  How does one feel such JOY and PAIN all at the same time? I am not sure, these were emotions that I have never experienced before.  My friend had been matched, another orphan had a forever family, and the pain of the reality that OUR girls are still waiting became a new reality! I burst into tears and I sobbed, why, why do our girls have to wait, they have been waiting and waiting, we have had lots of detours. It felt good to release the pent up emotions of the journey of unknowns, regroup and to know even more confidently that looking back and knowing the journey and the sliver of heartache I experienced, I would do this all over again!

Psalms 139: 13-16
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,

as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

You saw me before I was born.

Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out

before a single day had passed.

I am reminded that as my girls were in their birth mothers womb God knew Ben & I would be their mommy and daddy!  That it IS recorded in HIS book the day they will be matched with us and we will be a FOREVER FAMILY!