One more thing...

What?... A SECOND DNA test... you've got to be kidding me. Can I not catch a break here?!

Trying to be optimistic and faithful, but am having a difficult time.

Nope

Well, found out tonight that nothing has happened since I left Guatemala. We are supposed to have certified copies done tomorrow for the final deed. At this rate, if the timelines I am seeing on the message boards is correct about Guatemala City BC taking 2-3 weeks, we may not make her birthday. I cannot believe this. I know it hasn't happened yet, but after so many disappointments in this process thus far, I am finding it very difficult to remain optimistic. My son is praying hard that he gets to celebrate his birthday with his new sister. He really wants to be with her when she turns one and he turns eight. We already had plans for their big day. I pray that it happens. Please pray that with us. I cannot bear to think of telling him that he will miss it. After all, we got her referral on their birthday last year. We always celebrate it at Chuck E. Cheese and he is looking forward to showing "Bella how to have fun!" I am so weary.

Still waiting

We are waiting to hear if we were submitted to the Civil Registry for a birth certificate. The BC is coming from Guatemala City and I hear they take the longest. I have a peace, but am still anxious to go get my baby girl. I will keep you all posted!

Please release Madalyn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, bloggers, I need to ask for your prayers once again. This little girl is Kristin's beautiful daughter and Bella's future BFF. Her birthday is 6 days before Bella's and she needs to be home to celebrate. God did a miracle for us and I believe he can do a miracle for them. Please pray for her to be released from PGN now!!!!!! Kristin is such a mighty woman of God and she and her husband have been such a source of strength for my family. Let's rally around them and pray this precious baby girl home to her awesome parents.

"We love you Madalyn and are praying you home!!!"

Progress... hopefully

We are supposed to be submitted to the Civil Registry for a birth certificate this week. I am hoping to get submitted to the Embassy by August. Please continue to pray for things to go smoothly until the end. I have such a peace now. I have slept soooo good this past week. I forgot what it felt like to sleep all night long and wake up feeling rested! I am also able to eat again and my appetite is making up for lost time!!!

I cannot tell you how much everyone's comments and prayers have meant to me and my family. I am amazed at how God brings strangers together into a family to walk beside you on this crazy journey. Please continue to pray for all of the other families waiting to get out of PGN. I want you all to know that I pray for each of you and your children each day as I check your blogs. I will continue to pray for you, even after Bella is home. God is faithful and HE will do it!

I am going to begin getting my classroom ready next week and may not be able to post or check many blogs. I will catch up on the weekend and pray I see good news posts when I do. I WILL post when we get the news of a BC and passport and submission to the Embassy-- I will not be too busy for that!

I love all of you!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers. I started feeling better by last night and Bella is doing much better. I got a chance to talk with the hogar doctor when I went to drop her off and felt much better after he examined her and decided on a plan of treatment.

It was very difficult to leave her, but the most difficult part of the trip is about to happen. I am fixing to leave Guatemala and those of you that have done this before know how it feels when that plane takes off from the runway. You feel as though your heart is being ripped from your chest. It is a horrible feeling to leave your child in another country. But... good news...

We will be submitted to the Civil Registry for a birth certificate this week. Then she gets her passport and we are submitted to our Embassy for an appointment. To those of you unfamiliar with this step, it is referred to as waiting for PINK. I cannot believe I am posting these words. I thought this day would NEVER come. God is good and His ways are miraculous! We should be traveling to bring Bella home within 3-5 weeks. I am believing for a BIG miracle-- pickup before August 14. That is my first day of school and I want to be there to begin the school year. So... we will se if that happens. Pray!!!

I need to get to the airport, but I will post pics from yesterday's return to the hogar tonight. Thanks again to all of you for your prayers-- you helped bring Bella home.

SHE IS COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I AM SICK!!!!!!!!! PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I have rotavirus. I just starated vomiting and it is coming out the other end, as well. Bella has the diarehha really bad. Please pray. I cannot give her back with this horrible virus-- she is too little!!!!!!!!!