Monday, May 11, 2009

A New Beginning

So our family once again finds it's self moving in a whole new direction then the way we thought things were going to go. We are okay with this because we want God to be our navigator so that we know that the best for everyone will be done. Sometimes it's a painful journey but it's one worth having.

I've been sharing a bit that Stephanie may have a new family to live with and it now has been confirmed. We really couldn't have possibly imagined a family better equipped to take care of, love on, and help Stephanie. They have been missionaries in Haiti for many years and have a great understanding of what kinds of things are happening there, the language, and the culture. They have helped many children and adults in very big ways. Now, they have offered to help Stephanie. They have asked for nothing in return but to be able to serve God by helping her! The tough part is that they live in Haiti, so Stephanie will be returning there. While she was not thrilled about it at first she is accepting it now. She will only be there for 2.5 months and then will return to America for a few months with her new family. She will likely travel back and forth between the two countries quite a bit. What adventures she will have!

Early Thursday morning Stephanie and I will board a plane and start our trip to Haiti together. We will arrive on Friday morning and hope to be able to see her friends, Mom, and little brothers. She is VERY excited about that part of the trip. We will also be able to spend those days with our son, Jacques, that we are in the process of adopting! On Monday we will board a plane to the other side Haiti and stay a few days with her new family and new home. I'll help her get settled in and then fly out on Thursday, arriving home Friday.

What an emotional trip this will be. Stephanie and I have become very close since she moved out. To have her so far away will be very hard. We are so thankful she will be with such good people and getting help. I'm likely to return home having shed an ocean of tears. First will be the always gut-wrenching goodbye to Jacques, then again a few days later with Stephanie. One child I will leave behind because I have no choice, the other out of choice. I'm not sure which feels worse. Yuck, I can hardly stand to think of it. :(

Some very positive news is that this family has offered to take Stephanie in as guardians of her so that we do not have to disrupt the adoption! We will continue on as her legal parents. What we are all hopeful will happen is that Stephanie will get the help she needs and can safely return to our family one day.

We thank God for providing in every way during this time. Now I must trust that he will provide me with the strength I will need to take this trip and do what needs to be done.

10 comments:

Dawn said...

Angela,
What a blessing this will be! I think you that as gut-wrenching as this all is, God is surely working in the midst of all the pain. Hold fast to hope!
dawn

Rebekah Hubley said...

It is simply amazing how God works things out!!! I have goosebumps... I will be praying for your travels, your tears, and your triumphs!!! Actually God's Triumphs... It warms my heart that this little girl will be able to get the "goodbye's" with her birth mom that she so desperately wanted when you left and she did not show... You are in soooo many prayers and God is in control. Not that I need to tell you that, you obviously are seeing His hand!

Praying in Indiana...

Anonymous said...

Angela:
I am amazed at how things are working for all of you. For Stephanie to get to spend time in Haiti and the U.S. with her new family may mean a very different kind of healing for her. The family sounds very supportive and interested in making sure Stephanie and your family feel comfortable in the arrangement.

Best of luck

Trina

The Haiti Lady said...

WHere is she staying? How did you meet this family? I am so excited that she will have somewhere to go and still remain part of your family. God is good for that!

Love you guys,
LeAnne

Ericka said...

Incredible.
Thank you Jesus, thank you Angela and your family for doing His work.

Becky Hinchley said...

This is just wonderful Angela. I know it will be hard, but Stephanie will get the help that she needs and hopefully return to your family once again. I've beent thinking about you and praying that things will work out for the best.

Have a very nice trip to Haiti.

Becky

Baurer said...

What a journey you guys have been on. And yet it is amazing to see how He's working. PTL for answered prayers!

Linda

Amanda said...

Wow, Angela! I'm praying for you this week that you have a blessed trip to Haiti and safe return...So thankful for a good alternative for Stephanie. Have fun hugging on your Jacques!

Kathy Cassel said...

Heartbreaking. I do understand. I just had a visit with my Haitian child that is not able to cope in a home situation. Sometimes it's hard to know what the right thing to do is and sometimes doing the right thing hurts. Prayers.

Anonymous said...

Let's try this again! I tried to file this comment once already and got an error message. :o(

I know that by the time you get this, you will just have left your oldest son in Haiti. You might be feeling a little sad...

But, check out the absolutely gorgeous smile on your boy!