Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Good, The Bad, and the Wee Bit Sad

Yesterday was a rollercoaster of emotions kind of day. I was thrilled to wake up and find an e-mail containing the last bit of stuff we needed to file our I-600. It is a huge relief to have everything to be able to do this. It was sweet to see our last name behind Mercy's on an official piece of paper. Unfortunately I can't do anything with this paperwork because of our expired fingerprints.

Normally I would be semi-content to wait, but the reality of Mercy's living situation has me feeling in a hurry. I haven't said much on here, but the orphanage where Mercy was living was closed at the beginning of summer. She has pretty much been bounced around from place to place since then. She is currently being cared for by a lady I was told is her grandmother, however, the social welfare report I received says it is her aunt. Familial terms seem to be used very loosely in Ghana so it's hard to know how exactly this person is related to her. I did have someone check on her last week and was told that the "grandmother" was out traveling and she left Mercy in the care of her older male cousins (again, a guess). You can imagine that this has been very concerning. If she were in an orphanage setting I would at least feel confident that she is being supervised and fed. The reality is that I don't know either of those things are happening right now.

It was also the sad realization that one year ago yesterday Anchise was placed back with her mom. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on Anchise and my journey to Haiti. The truth is that I wouldn't change any of it. I am so thankful for the people that I've met by being a part of the Haiti crowd. I am thankful that I got to love Anchise (and still do). The reality is that I think my children are best cared for by me. If Anchise's mom is able to care for her, then that is where she belongs. Maybe my role in her life was to reunite her with a mom that loves her. I may never fully understand it this side of heaven, but I am at peace with it.

If you feel inclined to pray, we covet your prayers for Mercy, our fingerprinting appointment and the final steps to bring her home. Please pray for our remaining finances needed ~ we need about $1,500 yet to buy Mercy's plane ticket and my in-country expenses for pick up. Also, please take a moment to pray for sweet Anchise. I pray God's blessings are showered on her and her mother.

18 comments:

Bill and Christina said...

Praying!

livingpurereligion said...

Can you call the man at USCIS that said he would expedite your application... maybe he can hook you up with a finger printing appt.

Amanda said...

Praying for you today, sister and your sweet Mercy. I pray that God would grant her the care and protection that she needs until you can grab her up in your very own arms.

Michelle said...

You are so beautiful my friend. What a good Mama you are. Mercy will be home and in your loving care. Remember He loves her more than you do and she is in His care until then. Praying and waiting with eager anticipation to see her home coming.

blessedfamily said...

Praying you through such a difficult time!

Anonymous said...

I will pray!!!!!!!!

Kim said...

Praying for you, Mercy, and Anchise. So sorry you have to go through all this, and I hope you will get good news of a fingerprinting appointment soon!

The Gang's Momma! said...

You know I am - praying that is. I love your heart for this process - soaking it in, letting it be in God's hands, but being real about how hard it is and how frustrating it is to wait. You are a great example to us! Hang in there. Hugs to you today.

Kathy Cassel said...

Anchise will always be your daughter in your heart.

Laurie said...

Oh yeah so close. Try to get that finger print appointment expediated. Praying for your finances, Anchise, Mercy & that all the paper work is completed asap. I hope Mercy will be home to celebrate Christmas with you this year.

Sean and Lisa said...

Lifting each of these things in prayer and praying abundant blessings over Anchise and her family!!!

Kathy Eden said...

Praying for you & your family during this difficult time. {{{Hugs}}}

Amanda said...

I also wanted to add that if I can't forget Anchise's big, bright eyes, then I can only imagine your heart. May God bless Anchise, today and always with all that she needs to thrive and even love the Lord.

Lisa said...

praying always...

Annie said...

Your emotions are being pummeled for sure. There is something very odd about having to trust your child to .... well, the unknown. And yet - she came from the unknown. You have no control over any of it. And, you'll see that it makes some difference in how you will raise her. At least it did for me. I am more trusting, feel more that God is helping me care for my children; I am less confident that it is ONLY my way that will "create" the "perfect" child. Somehow they arrive in your home with so much goodness in them....and none of it your doing! Strangely humbling, yet comforting.

Lena Just Lena said...

I love you, Stephanie and am praying for you. I find you so encouraging. Thanks for being you.

Chapter Two said...

Praying!

CG said...

I'm glad you have peace that Anchise is with her birth mom. That is a gift from God! As for all the rest... still praying!