We REALLY appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers from so many people! You lift our spirits when we are down. Today we just chose to not get down even though, once again there was not a word from USCIS. We called the head of the Asian section for WACAP, Mary Moo. She said that they are recently noticing this slowdown with the USCIS in Bangkok and they are sure what to make of it. But, she's hoping that with the reality of our visas expiring on the 14th that we just might get our interviews at the last minute. Meanwhile, we've decided that if nothing happens by the 14th we will try to cross the border at Cambodia to get new visas for Thailand. That would certainly not be our first choice. But, we would do anything for our daughter. We are becoming more and more bonded as a family. Today was absolutely the best day, ever! It must have been all of those prayers. It was incredibly miraculous. We were able to completely communicate with her (via our electronic translator) all about our long wait and tenuous situation. She completely understood and was so sweet to say that she's not going to worry about it and she'll be happy to go with us to Cambodia if we need to. The money is a little tight, but we found a fairly inexpensive guest house to stay at since we had to leave the Bangkok Christian Guest House. And it's right around the corner from a very nice internet cafe.
Can't describe in words what an incredible day it was as a family. We were literally laughing, singing and dancing for hours in our hotel room in spite of the unexplainable wait. How blessed we are! And we do sense that Penny is beginning to understand a little more about our love for Jesus. She loves to hold hands to pray before each meal. She is usually the first one to reach out to grab our hands. What a gift!
7 comments:
You are more than welcome. After adopting from Russia and knowing that your only communication is via your blog and e-mail, I know how important it can be to receive those daily words of encouragement.
I also see God's hand in your delay. I think Penny is seeing God through you and Jay and is able to experience something truly special in how you handle your delay. I think Penny will have a greater appreciation for her adoption knowing what great lengths you've gone through to bring her home. Much love coming your way!
What a delight to read your posts and see God working in you!!
Praise God for this WONDERFUL update!!! We rejoice with you, dear friends!
Love and hugs,
Chris for all the Arni crew
Praise God! I was imagining God looking at your situation this morning and looking at the options of having resolved things more quickly or slowly and determining that this way is better. He alone knows why, but surely you both would be feeling more stretched between work and Penny at this point and instead you're laughing and dancing and trusting and bonding together as a family. You will have so many of life's normal cares and responsibilities to deal with once you're home... I'm betting that down the road you all are going to be really thankful for this time - even though it's hard to be thankful right now!!!
Bryan & I have been praying for you since Christmas time. Just keep your chins up and let God take care of it for you. We hope to travel to our son, Ray, this year and are praying that things get better with the US Bangkok embassy processing. Glad to hear your translator is working well...we just ordered the same one. Glad to hear you had a great day!
Hi,
If you have to do it Cambodia is a lovely country. Much poorer then Thailand but wonderful people with the most beautiful smiles in all of SE Asia. What seems to have changed is how the US checks the information on kids abandonments or relinquishments. My thoughts are that it has to do with the craziness that happened with Vietnamese adoptions which were recently halted and were incredibly corrupt. Then all adoptions get painted with the same brush.
Sammie
Hang in there!!! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
ellie
Gosh, that is just SO great! That's what it's all about. She's learning already that the 3 of you will make it through thick and thin! You can't imagine how much we on this side of the globe are pulling for you. If I forget to check it, Jeff always reminds me -" hey look! Jay and Chandra are doing so great with Penny." Or "gosh, they are still there. I hope they'll be able to get back soon." It warms our hearts to hear how you are bonding as a family and at least having some wonderful moments in and around such a stressful situation. You'll not only make it through this, but you'll shine!
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