Paris Airport "Fun"

Well, we've now been in the Paris airport more than 10 hours. Sleeping, a lot of Uno and some Go Fish games have filled the time. This was not the plan. While boarding our 1:45 flight we were stopped because we didn't have a visa for Leila. They weren't familiar with the "in lieu of a visa" letter, so they called the U.S. Immigration officer on staff. After about 20 minutes of back and forth I was told we couldn't board. I could not control my hysterics, and I had zero concern for what everyone might be thinking about this wild, sleep-deprived woman crying her eyes out crouched on the ground. What I did care about by the time I had some brains was what Leila was thinking/feeling. Geesh. If she had any thoughts that her momma was put together and normal, those thoughts quickly dissipated. I guess it's better it happen sooner rather than later as I am not put together nor normal but many days hanging on to the grace of God by a thread. 

The officer said he was dealing with a security issue and would head my way to talk with me as soon as he could. I called my amazing husband who calmed me down and said he'd call Jane, the U.S. Consulate in Niger. The officer came. He was very nice and immediately resolved it. Jane had done her job but Washington hadn't done theirs, which was communicate our travel to the officer. This is what he told me. I don't know how exactly he defines "Washington." 

So, they quickly got us seats on the next flight. Thank you, Lord, there were seats! Getting through the checkpoints for this flight was a breeze because the officers were aware of our situation and recent authorization. Final stop - Washington Customs. I was able to get seats closer to the front so we can book it and get toward the front of the line. Thank you for continuing to pray as we prepare to cross the finish line!

On Our Way

I am sitting in the waiting area of the Niamey airport. Fifteen minutes ago I lived 10 minutes of sheer panic while I was told that we couldn't leave. A security guard wanted a letter from Niger's version of CPS, which we didn't have. I had every other document from Niger, but we didn't know about that one. I had a LINK friend with us that tried to reach our lawyer and anyone else he could at 10pm. Nothing. The tears started flowing. Lord, may he have grace on us. Thank you Jesus. The man had grace. I still don't know what our LINK friend said or if he said anything, but the security guard stuck with us through every check, luggage point, scan, etc. I still can't believe what almost transpired.

It had already been an emotional day with lots of goodbyes and a packet from Leila's birth mother that was completely unexpected. She had it delivered via Pastor Rufai (head of her orphanage), and it contained 2 pictures of herself, her Facebook name and her email. She is a strikingly beautiful woman. And this was the perfect parting gift because I want to honor her birth mother and had told her friend I met on the airplane last year that I would really like a picture of her. I haven't shown them to Leila yet, but I will when the time is right. She asked the Pastor if she could speak with Leila today, but he said it probably wasn't a good idea. I am thankful for that. But isn't God good to give her that? I know Leila will appreciate it one day.

There was some laughter in today, too. Leila wanted to pack the dishes we'd been using, and then she inquired about the fridge/freezer we'd been using (this girl loves ice cold drinks). I said we weren't taking it, but we had a bigger one than that at her home. Her eyes got wide, and she said, "Bigger?!" Then I told her we had 5 toilets in her house. She couldn't even believe that. 

In Niger, I wear skirts or loose pants the whole time out of respect for the culture. Leila saw me in yoga pants this evening and asked with wide eyes if I was wearing that to the airport. I said yes, but with a skirt over it that I would take off after we left Niger. She shook her head no. This daughter of mine is going to have wide eyes for a while!

Rachel and Halima. Two gems that work at The LINK and have loved on Leila a lot.

Emmanuel, Jacoby, Ella and Leila. Jacoby and Ella are 5 and 7, respectively. Emmanuel is 7 and Leila is 10. 

The Woods family and us!

America, here we come!

Paperwork Received

We can finally legally leave the country!! Leila, you're coming home! Family at home - you can now countdown for real! No more changes!

USA - I look forward to setting my feet on your fine soil on Friday afternoon.

Whew.

Only 1 Seat Available

Well, after another trip to the Air France office, I learned there is now only 1 seat for Wednesday's flight, so we have to stick to the original ticket that leaves Thursday night. What's another day at this point, right! Well, actually another day feels like a lot. Pray for my husband who is jet lagged, returning to work and recovering from a virus/food poisoning. Pray for his momma who's now at our house to help with the kids while he works. She's already had them for 2 weeks, so she is close to achieving saint status in my books. Pray for Frazier and Mary-Michael - obedience, getting along, knowing they are children of God and their momma still loves them. I know this is hard for them to understand. Pray for Leila who is so excited to go home, and now she has to wait 1 more day. Thanks y'all!

Surprises

*Driving in Niger - no matter how many times I've visited, the crazy driving continues to leave my with my mouth and eyes wide open. I could scratch the backs of the people on motorcycles riding next to us. I have seen way too many accidents. Helmets? What's that? Donkeys and camels ride next to me on the road. Who needs a turn signal when you have a horn? Need to deliver a mattress, large piece of glass or a live goat? Just put it in a motorcycle wedged in between 2 grown men. Easy peasy.

*Our daughter spits like a man. She tried to teach me. I am not a worthy opponent.

*When without a tissue, blow your nose sideways against the nearest wall. Only the foreigners will look twice including the mortified mother from America who will quickly hand you a tissue that I had all along in my bag.

*Underwear may have been hard to come by at the orphanage as it is optional until mom sees its missing.

*There is no shame in being our birthday suit when you have lived in an orphanage. I'm gonna have to figure that out fast once we get home to MM and Frazier. She was at least modest when Daddy was here.

*I was talking to Daddy tonight on the phone and she asked to talk to him. Her conversation was so cute with her French accent and sweet voice. She then confirmed again that tomorrow was Thursday (I keep thinking she says "thirsty", so I head to get water), and that is when we are leaving. She is so excited! I was not expecting that.

*Doctors go on strike here, patients die, and it is talked about with a tinge of sadness and a lot of "well, this is Africa"

*Leila weighed 700 grams (about 1.5 lbs) when she was born to her then 13 year old birth mother (13!!!). She is a miracle. I learned so much in my time with the woman that cared for her since she was an infant. It is videoed and translated, and I know it will be a precious gift to Leila when the time is right.

*US technology issues unrelated to poor internet in Niger. I love America. Really, I do, but this was shocking.

*Leila has gained 4+ lbs since we picked her up. Yay!! So, she's a whopping 48 lbs now. Watch out world!

*Niger has a zoo. We went to it. It was not PETA-approved by any stretch of the imagination.

*Leila loves rice. Rice for lunch. Rice for dinner. You can't have enough rice. I have denied her requests on many occasions in an attempt to get some protein and green things in her. It's going ok.

*This girl can pray. Tonight she prayed for a good few minutes. I understood none of it except for mama, daddy, Mary-Michael and Frazier, which she said multiple times. Otherwise only the Lord knows what she said in French. Or maybe it was Zarma?!

*Humility is a gift though it often comes with challenges, but it leads to leaning on Christ and growing deeper in your faith and His Grace. Maybe not a surprise, but a truth I've taken away from this trip. Keep me humble, Lord.

Almost There

Went to the Embassy again this morning. The guard greeted me by my last name, which shows how frequently I've been visiting. I'm so thankful the Embassy is only 5 minutes from the LOC. 

Due to continuing issues with the U.S. Visa system, they cannot actually issue me a visa for Leila. Instead they will give me 3 sealed envelopes: 1 for Air France and 2 for Customs and Border Patrol, which must remain sealed until we enter the U.S. These latter 2 letters will act as a visa because the Niger Embassy put in a request yesterday for her entry.

The 2 sticking points for which we need prayer:

1. The printers haven't been working at the U.S. Embassy, so I have to return at 4pm today to see if they were able to print these letters. I continue to be baffled at the poor resources/technology issues at a U.S. Embassy.

2. The consulate told border patrol we would be entering the U.S. on Friday because our original return flight was scheduled to return then. We are still planning to leave tomorrow (Wednesday) night and arrive in the U.S. on Thursday. The consulate doesn't think this will be a problem because she told them our flight may move up, but she can't guarantee anything. I asked her if she thought they would detain us for a day. She said she doubted that since our port of entry was good for 5 days from today. I said I really wasn't too worried since I'd at least be on US soil, but still, please pray we can smoothly make it through US customs.

We are SO close!

Recreation at the LOC

One of the many benefits of staying at the LOC in Niger is that there are almost always children around, which is great for Leila who has only ever lived with constant chatter and endless playmates. Now that the Woods are here to complete the process of bringing home Emmanuel, there is a lot of hide and seek, foosball and game playing. And when it's not 100+ degrees we try to get outside. The new playground at the LOC has been awesome.

I can't wait for her to ride the bike that was given to her by my women's ministry friends. She's going to be so excited!

And here's my first real attempt at hair. This will be the go to style until I learn more. These are basically 2 big cornrows. Baby steps!

Hair

Extensions out! Thanks to Fati for the help and tutorial. Leila's hair is much longer than I thought. Yay!

Juanita took us to her beautician for some more help. Leila got a trim and a long lecture by the stylist. She wanted to make sure Leila was grateful, listening to us, respecting us and obeying. She said she'd be glad to be adopted by us if Leila  didn't listen. Leila's eyes were very big and there were a lot of head shakes and "no's". She was quite obedient after this! She hasn't given us a lot of lip but she has only lived in a place with little structure and discipline, and well, we are not that way. So, baby steps and helpful reminders by Africans have spurred her on. The stylist also have me a few lessons in braiding and cornrows.

Pretty flat ironed hair was the result. Apparently, she has had a chemical straightening product put in, so her hair isn't curling well for a poof, but we will get there.

A side view of the new do. Guess what they're looking at? (TV)

I'll get a picture of her in her pretty pink polka dot night cap soon!

No Departure Today

I went to the Embassy this morning and everything is ready but because of the inability to upload Leila's visa photo, they cannot issue me her visa today. And with no flight out tomorrow, Wednesday is the earliest I can leave. Want to know how to make a momma cry? Keep her 3 weeks from all her babies.

Please pray for my attitude - that it would glorify Him and not impact Leila and her last few days here. Trust. Grace. Trust. Grace.

Quick Update

I am sorry for the long silence! We have been without Internet since Wednesday morning, and it is still out. TIA (This is Africa). Geoff bought a SIM card so we could do a few things, and I wanted to share a quick update. 

Geoff leaves tonight, and I am so excited for him to be with Mary-Michael and Frazier by tomorrow afternoon and to just be home. Ah, home sweet home! I'm slightly jealous if I'm being honest, but I am believing Leila and I will be on our way in just a few more days. We've had daily trips to the Embassy and Air France knows us well by now. We spent 2.5 hours at the Embassy this morning with Leila. They completed the investigational interview today, but can't process a visa any faster than 24 hours, which means I have to stay here for the weekend. So, we went to Air France to change our tickets again. They had some grace with us and booked us to leave Thursday of next week but we can move that up for free if we get her visa earlier. We have paid 2 change fees already, so we were very thankful. There is a flight Monday night and another Wednesday night. You can guess which one we hope to be on. I. Am. Ready. 

Leila is doing well and learning more English each day. She is really so sweet and happy. We are blessed.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Each one is precious and encourages us. I look forward to sharing a larger update when internet is back and/or when we are home. 

Niger Creatures

We wanted to take Leila to see some of Niger that she's never experienced. So, Saturday morning we took a trip to the sand dunes where we rode camels, and on Monday morning we drove out to see giraffes. Both very fun, Niger things that we enjoyed with the Rivas' family.

Rockin' our shades.

These were our camels for a trip around the sand dunes. It was so windy we had sand in our hair, our ears, everywhere! 

Now we just need Frazier and Mary-Michael. I'm missing those babes.

Camel ride with Daddy.

Me riding solo. This us not as easy as it may look.

That is a big creature we are leaning on and not the prettiest of God's creation!

Now these are magnificent creatures. I just love giraffes!

We enjoyed seeing 2 Mommas and 2 babies.

See the giraffe way in the back?!

This is one ticklish girl and a girl who also was a bit intimidated by these creatures, so she stayed really close to us.

Pray

When internet speeds up I hope to share a larger update with pictures of our last few very full days, but until then, we are asking for your prayers. We have changed our departure flight from this Monday to Friday. Please pray this is enough time for the Embassy to complete the final step of the investigation. Please pray they would operate with a sense of urgency. Please continue to pray for Leila's transition. Each day she opens up a little more. Thank you for lifting our needs up to our great God. Blessings from Niger!

Goodbye Party at Good Samaritan Orphanage - Friday, June 12

Making icing for the 100+ cupcakes Juanita and I baked the night before.

Smiling faces. This girl really enjoys helping me in the kitchen, which I'm so excited about! Last night she offered to wash the dishes, so we did it together and today we made spaghetti sauce together. Now that we are in a little apartment at the LOC, we are cooking most of our meals on our 2 burner hot plate.

Making 100 meat sandwiches (seasoned ground beef with onions and peas) with Halima and Fati for the party.

My favorite lady from El Salvador. She has made our trip 10 times better! I am very grateful for our friendship and excited to have her in the states in a month!

Getting ready to leave the LOC for the party.

Bonita Juanita (pretty Juanita)!

This is Leila's dormitory at the Good Samaritan Orphanage.

She's still got it. The big kids take care of the babies here.

Inside the orphanage. The kids were being bathed when we arrived so a lot of naked tushies were running wild!

The bed Leila slept in. No sheet, no pillow and I'm pretty sure she didn't sleep alone.

Off to the party. The kids were excited to see her and the girls seemed to have lots of questions for her though I understood none of it! All I kept thinking was, "I hope she will still want to leave with us." I have heard and read too many stories.

Completely out of my comfort zone here. We sat at a head table with everyone looking at us! Leila was torn between us and her friends, and I think she also didn't like the attention, so we let her sit with her friends.

This is us with Zalika's older sister who still lives at the orphanage. The pastor had Leila sing a song she loves to sing in front of everyone and then asked her to choose her best friend. We thought this was strange, but no one else did! She chose Zalika's sister. I can't wait til she gets to see Zalika again at the airport!

Geoff gave a great speech to the kids about how we were all orphaned and adopted into God's family, and he thanked the pastor and his family for what they have done. This is me saying a brief thanks and presenting the pastor and his wife with African fabric for outfits for them and their 2 little girls.

A feast for the kids! We brought meat sandwiches and cupcakes. The pastor's wife made 100 juice drinks and they brought the popcorn and "shrimp" (the colored chips).

This is Angel who is also called Tante (Aunt) Leila because she was the one who brought Leila from the hospital to the orphanage after she was born. She has been with Leila since the beginning and was pretty emotional about leaving but kept emphasizing her excitement and gratefulness to us.

Sweet goodbye.

I'm planning to visit with Tante Leila before leaving Niger to ask her as much as I can about Leila's history and what she knows about mother/family.

The party gave Leila some much needed closure and was a "passing of the torch" moment in a sense. The pastor emphasized to her in front of everyone that being adopted was a blessing. He continually expressed his thanks to us for what we were doing and we expressed our thanks for the much improved state he has brought the orphanage to in the last year. Leila really realized this was goodbye and was quite emotional when going to bed that night. Juanita helped us comfort her and the last few nights have been much better. I can't imagine leaving the only home I've ever known even under her tough circumstances, and our heart is for her to not forget but remember her friends who remain so that as a family we can support them in more tangible ways than just giving money. Niger is in all our hearts, but especially hers, and we want to honor that.

What a journey - God is faithful and continues to show us how adoption is all of our story. We all come with challenges, weaknesses, histories and baggage, yet He welcomes us with open, merciful arms and a heart ready to love simply because we are His children. 

Ephesians 3:18-19 "And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

Quick Update

The chances of leaving Monday are very slim, and I can explain more once the powers that be no longer have "power" over our family (aka US govt). I say power loosely as we believe God is truly the one in charge. We continue to pray for a miracle so we can have all our family together at home. I am missing those other babies of mine and my bed and all those creatures we own (and Chickfila).

But we are blessed. Truly. To have a dear friend down the hall and missionary friends around the corner and the best guesthouse in Niamey to stay in - we are grateful. 

Riding in style to the medical clinic.

Foot soak, scrub and trim while practicing letters on the iPad. Her feet are tougher than my dear dad's who is known for wearing sandals in any season. 

Painted by M&M and Frazier for their sister.

Post-English lesson fun.

Being silly.

Embassy Appointment, Market Shopping and Tears

Leila slept almost 14 hours last night, and today she seemed better and brighter. We are learning about one another and communicating the best we can. We are trying to pick just a few rules/manners to focus on so as not to overwhelm her. That is hard! Grace, grace, grace. 

While Leila and Immanuel had English lessons we took a trip to the Grand Market with Juanita, Halima (the wonderful cook) and Fati (Halima's assistant but our market negotiator for this moment) to do a little shopping for some people back home. The LINK doesn't take teams to the market anymore - I think I almost got hit by flying mopeds a few times and sellers are constantly going "Come here. I have something you need to see. Something for you!" And the number of beggars is multiplied and truly we were the only light skinned people. I covered up well so as not to stand out too much. Geoff did some hard core negotiating, I hid while he did so and we left with what we came for. All in all, it was a success!

In between negotiations, he called our evasive Embassy contact (we seriously need a customer complaints line for the government) 3 times. This was after he texted Geoff this morning and said he'd call in the afternoon, which he didn't, so Geoff called. He never picked up, but while on our way back to the LOC he called back. Finally! He told Geoff to come to the Embassy at 1pm tomorrow, to not bring Leila and my presence was optional. Strange because we thought I needed to be present for this last step. Please pray this is a positive meeting and the next step toward getting Leila's visa. We are grateful for movement!

We came back and joined the Rivas and Immanuel where we played with some play-doh and practiced letters before it was time for dinner. After leftovers with the Rivas and Immanuel, the pastor from the orphanage came to get Immanuel. Leila and I went downstairs to greet him, and as soon as she saw him she burst into tears. Heart. Breaking. Scary. She hates us. She wants to go back. What have we done! For about 3 minutes I'm sitting there thinking all these things because I can't understand their conversation. It was terrible, so then I started to cry. The pastor called Rodrigo to come down and translate.

She is not unhappy or mad and definitely doesn't want to return to the orphanage, but it's hard to communicate sometimes and she's used to always having dozens of kids around her (aka we are probably a bit boring). She is transitioning. And it's a huge one! What a humbling moment. The pastor offered his thanks again for inviting her into our family. She left his lap and came straight to me where she cried some more on my shoulder. It was a hundred degrees inside, so we were a hot mess by the end of it. I am so thankful she opened up to him and that we will see him a few more times because I think it will help her transition better. 

We had a very sweet hour together before bed with tickles and giggles and stories. I am learning how to be a mom in new ways and am so grateful for your prayers!