Another Month...

The kids did not get their visas this time. The embassy officer asked that I send a new power of attorney letter, this time with the children's birthdates listed on it. I'm not sure why, it's on their birth certificates, passports, social welfare report... Does it really need to be on the POA too? Appearantly so. I hate that something so small is keeping my children at an orphanage for another month. But- I can't change it. Their next chance is Oct 12. Maybe that one will go better.



Soon...

Well, here I am. Sitting outside, staring at the Atlantic. Just on the other side, my other children are about to get up. This is it. The visa interview is scheduled for early this morning in Ghana. I am hoping and praying for good news. It could be very soon. Within the month I could be on the other side of this ocean looking back toward America. I can't wait.

One Week...

Just one week. I can't believe the visa interview is so close! I am so anxious to hear what they will say. I hope they won't request any additional documents. I hope they won't ask us to wait a few months for 'administrative processing'. I just can't wait to see the kids again! It's been SO long! I also can't wait to see Ghana again. I just love that country. I am so sad that Al & Malorie aren't going. I think they would love to be there, to play with the kids in their own country. I hope we can at least all return one day. I know they will fall in love with it too!

Sweet Baby Girl, Waiting...

I just read this post: http://gillispiefam.blogspot.com/2011/09/baby-girl-o.html . It's  about a sweet baby girl, who doesn't have a family. They've gotta be out there somewhere. Just trying to spread the word....

When It's Not Enough...

Lately I've been packing my suitcase. Trying to get in as many donations as possible without going over 50 lbs. I'm excited to bring the small amount of donations I have to Ghana. I love giving things to those beautiful children.

But what do you do when it's not enough?


Don't get me wrong- they will LOVE anything they get. But for one particular boy, I know it's just not enough. He wants more.

I remember when he first told me, "I wish I could come where you are." The lump in my throat. I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach.


This morning my daughter, Serwaa, called. I could hear that same boy in the background telling her what to say. He wanted her to ask me if he could come to America with us. He was too embarrassed to mention it again himself. I didn't know what to say. I think I stumbled through some random words, then thanked God that their phone ran out of minutes right about then.


He wants to come to America. To be in a family. He is desperate. But his chances are small. Older boys are pretty much on the bottom of the totem pole in the adoption world. Especially when they have a brother.

I don't know his story. Maybe he's eligible for international adoption. Maybe he has living family somewhere that he could return to if they are supported financially. I will definately find out all I can. I will do all I can. But sometimes it's just not enough. These days are hard.

While I'm Waiting...

It's 3 weeks until Serwaa & Konto's visa interview. I'm excited. I'm nervous. But I'm ready. I've made & frozen lots of soup. (They seem to eat alot of soupy stuff and rice at the orphanage.) So far I've got a couple bowls each of Groundnut Soup, Eggplant Stew, Banana Soup, Groundnut/Chicken Stew and Spicy Yam Soup.

I also have plenty of chicken legs in the freezer. (Thanks Nana!)

Next I intend to find out what kind of meals freeze easy. (Any ideas?) Because I'm pretty sure that some days it's just gonna be too hectic to cook!


The girls' room is pretty much all the way ready.


Konto's room is (finally) painted now. And he has new blankets. I still have to get some curtains & stuff. (I'm trying to get curtains made with a strip of kente at the bottom.) I'm gonna pick up some more paintings in Ghana for his wall, as well as a big basket for his toys.


So... that's my pointless blog for the day!

Visa Medicals...

Joseph called yesterday morning (at 6am) to tell me that the Serwaa & Konto had gone to Accra. That means they are getting their visa medicals! They will be there for 3 days. I totally wish I was there with them. I am just dying to take them to the beach. (I don't think they've ever seen the ocean.)


Joseph also wanted to remind me about the Iphone he requested. I finally told him how much they cost, and that he may not get one. He didn't argue. He's so sweet. But, I'll keep looking- just in case.