Comfortable Existence?

"We seem more interested in managing life into a comfortable existence than in letting God spiritually transform us through life's hardships."
-Larry Crabb, The Pressure's Off

Christmas In August

Well, still no word about the girls' visas, but thought I would share some recent news. Many of you have asked about Tropical Storm Fay and its effects on GLA. They reported lots of rain and some strong winds, but they weathered the storm just fine. Thanks for your prayers!

Today we got our monthly update (frustrating, since we didn't even think we would get July's). In the letter they informed me that the girls' Christmas presents just got there (I sent it December 6th). I couldn't even remember what I even had sent them, then I remembered when I saw the pictures. I filled bags with lots of girly stuff, rings, bracelets, earrings, lip gloss. I also got them each a locket with each other's pictures inside of them. Needless to say, they were very excited to get the package and all the goodies inside. At this point, I think the package was perfect timing, because they know they are suppose to be home already as well. God's timing was so perfect with this little gift (even though in our minds it was 8 months late)! He knew the girls would need this reminder that we were still here and still cared about them. I had also sent them an email telling them how we can't wait for them to get home, they got it on the same day as the presents. I can hear you all saying, "God is Good, All the Time!"

Well keep up those prayers, if you can, we badly need them now as our patience grows thin. The boys start school after Labor Day and we are looking forward to that (okay I am, ha ha).

Love you all!

Allison

Legalization

Since I posted last, a lot of you have asked me about this piece of paper that the US Consulate is waiting on. I just found out that this paper is a document that verifies the girls' birth certificates are registered with the Haitian government. This document is now being "legalized" (officially stamped by the Haitian govenment) and that is what the U.S. Consulate is waiting on before they will issue the girls' visas. I have no idea how long this will take, but will let you all know when it occurs. Thanks for your many prayers! I also thought I would share the following, it is one thing helping me get through all of this...

I was regretting the past
And fearing the future...
Sudenly my Lord was speaking:
"MY NAME IS I AM." He paused.
I waited. He continued,

"WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE PAST,
WITH ITS MISTAKES AND REGRETS,
IT IS HARD. I AM NOT THERE.
MY NAME IS NOT I WAS.

"WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE FUTURE,
WITH ITS PROBLEMS AND FEARS,
IT IS HARD, I AM NOT THERE.
MY NAME IS NOT I WILL BE.

"WHEN YOU LIVE IN THIS MOMENT,
IT IS NOT HARD.
I AM HERE.
MY NAME IS I AM.

-Helen Mallicoat

Love you all and so does Jesus!
Allison

The Final Step???

Just got the following email from our social worker. So apparently the DNA is not the last thing, not sure what is anymore...

What is holding things up for the Shira's? Any idea? - Dixie and I discussed the Shira's case right before I left. The DNA results have been received; however, the Consulate had also asked for an additional document, and GLA has been waiting for it to come out of legalization.

So whatever this piece of paper is, hopefully it will come soon. Well at least I don't have to worry aboout the DNA anymore, that is one blessing.

Also our social worker was just down in Haiti and got to see the girls. She said they could understand everything she said, with no translation. In fact they were in English class when she got to the orphanage. They are excited about us coming and even knew Brison and Walker's names.

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers!

Allison

Still Waiting!

Yes, it has been a month and we are still waiting on the DNA results, so that the girls' visas can be approved. This is the last step and then the girls can come home. Funny that the Haitian government stuff went pretty smoothly, but the US government is taking forever... Please pray for our patience, it is growing thin. The only thing keeping me together is my faith and that God knows exactly what He is doing and His timing is perfect!
Thanks!
Allison