A Whirlwind of Paperwork & Gotcha Day!

Our 10 day waiting period was over on Mother's Day, May 8th.

Monday was a holiday here and then Tuesday we had an unexpected delay.

Wednesday we needed to start our paper chase at 8:30 am. Our first stop was to the courthouse to get 12 documents from the judge. Then our next stop was to get AJ's NEW birthcertificate. Thankfully we didn't have far to go because AJ was born very close to where we are staying. The third stop was where Sonya was born which was NOT close. We had to travel more than 340 kilometers round trip over VERY BUMPY roads. When we arrived the people in the office were on their lunch break for another 15 minutes. So we had to wait. After getting Sonya's NEW birthcertificate we had to hurry to the final stop for the day -back 170 kilometers from wence we came. We were praying that we would make it there before it closed at 5:00 pm. Prayer answered, we got there with only minutes to spare. Thank you, God! 

Thursday we had more documents to get notarized. Then we were off to get the children at the orphanage in order to get their passport and visa pictures taken.  Sonya and Dusty were very interested in figuring out what was going on - inside and outside of the car. It's a whole NEW world!  Dusty was out of his comfort zone and we tried reassure him.  It was helpful when we remembered to give him his favorite toy - the plastic monkey from big brother Johnny.  Sonya was happy and curious the entire time.  She was so busy in the car!  Here are some pictures of them on the ride back to the orphanage.  Sure wish we could have taken them back to the apartment instead!

Car ride - in Daddy's arms

It's a whole new world

Sonya's safety belt - Momma's arms

 Now fast forward to Monday, May 16th . Today is Gotcha Day!  This morning we all woke up to an announcement from our 5 year old son, Johnny, "TODAY IS THE DAY!  TODAY IS THE DAY!"  It was a great way to wake up!  Can you tell he is REALLY excited?

 A few nights ago Johnny prayed, "Dear God, Thank you for is wonderful trip to ________ so we can rescue the children."  Carolyn, our 20 month old keeps walking around asking in a sad voice, "Dusty? - Sonya?"  Then I ask her if she wants to see them and she says, "Pet!" and gives herself a hug.  I ask if she wants to hug them she shakes her head yes and says, "Uh huh!"   It is heart warming to see the love they have for Sonya and Dusty.

 John and I will be going to get Dusty and Sonya in a few minutes.  After that we will come back to our apartment to get Johnny, Carolyn and Grandma Brwee.  Then we will go to the train station.  We will be on a train for 6 hours.  We will arrive at our next destination around 10:30 pm.  It will be a LONG and EXCITING day!

We have an appointment at the US Embassy Tuesday morning to finish paperwork.  Then Wednesday afternoon we will get the children's visas.  Finally, Thursday - before the break of day we will go to the airport to fly HOME!!!!

We appreciate all of you. Thank you for your prayers and support- don't stop!  It's a long trip back to the states.