Things were moving so smoothly! Some might say..too smoothly. Well, I hit a bump on Friday that left me sitting at my desk at school, crying my eyes out, during my lunch break. My adoption case-worker (Ms. OConnor) is only in the Montego Bay office on Wednesdays. So, I began trying to reach her during any break I could find during the day to get an update. I finally reached her on Friday at another office. She quickly informed me that little man is not available for adoption right now, and that I am NOT allowed to identify the child I would like to adopt myself. Okay...I know you are asking...what does that mean?? Well, it means that although he has been in the care of the government since he was at least 6 months old, that they have never gotten the family to legally terminate rights. CRAZY!! He has been abandoned for 2.5 years and the parents still have to be located and rights have to be terminated. What is even more frustrating, the name of his parents are in his file and the area where they were living is less than an hour away from their office??? AAAHHH!! The birth certificate also appears to missing, however, we also know the hospital in which he was born. So....as much as I would love to fly down there and take-over...I just can't!! It is out of my control and I HAVE to let God take care of it.
So, where does that leave me today? I have decided to take a few steps back and get myself back into the place of peace that I was in before I went to Jamaica. I want the child that God has for me. Not the one that I pick out for myself. God is completely in control and knows who and when the timing is right! I have to stop staring at his picture everyday and prepare my heart for the phone call telling me they have a son for me!! I am anxiously awaiting that day and will love him with all of my heart.
On a sweet note, my students came back from lunch to see me in pieces. I quickly scurried to the restroom to get myself together. Several of my girls followed me in and hugged me from all sides. So precious! One of them went and told several other teachers to check on me. They are really such loving kids and I am blessed to have them in my life!
Please keep praying and I will keep you posted!
Cindy
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Back to routine!
Tomorrow is the beginning of the last 9 weeks of school, and God has to give me the strength to get busy with teaching my kiddos. It is going to be difficult to get my mind out of Jamaica, but it is really out of my hands at this point except to pray and call every week to check on the progress.
Cute stories with little man..
I was trying to spend some one-on-time with him by taking him to the playground. As we were walking there, we passed some of the older kids playing. Little man kept saying "Da-ko-ta", "Da-ko-ta"...over and over. I asked him if we could swing...and I said PLease...and he would repeat...peeeesseee. Then "dakota". Finally, I took him back to where the big kids were and realized they were riding SKOOTERS!! LOL. He was saying The Skoo Ter! So precious.
Then...there was a dog laying around asleep, and pointed at her and said "nap-time", "nap-time". :-))
I also survived my first temper tantrum. He was mad at me because I couldn't keep picking him up to put the basketball in the goal. I am a weakling. I let him cry it out and told him he could come sit in my lap. After a very short time, he walked over and plopped down in my lap and put 2 fingers in his mouth. My heart melted~!!!
Needless to say, I am praying and going to fight to bring this little man home. I am purposely leaving his name off for now, because I think it is best until I know something for sure.
Please continue to PRAY for speed and for "little man" with the great big smile!!
Blessings!
Cindy
Cute stories with little man..
I was trying to spend some one-on-time with him by taking him to the playground. As we were walking there, we passed some of the older kids playing. Little man kept saying "Da-ko-ta", "Da-ko-ta"...over and over. I asked him if we could swing...and I said PLease...and he would repeat...peeeesseee. Then "dakota". Finally, I took him back to where the big kids were and realized they were riding SKOOTERS!! LOL. He was saying The Skoo Ter! So precious.
Then...there was a dog laying around asleep, and pointed at her and said "nap-time", "nap-time". :-))
I also survived my first temper tantrum. He was mad at me because I couldn't keep picking him up to put the basketball in the goal. I am a weakling. I let him cry it out and told him he could come sit in my lap. After a very short time, he walked over and plopped down in my lap and put 2 fingers in his mouth. My heart melted~!!!
Needless to say, I am praying and going to fight to bring this little man home. I am purposely leaving his name off for now, because I think it is best until I know something for sure.
Please continue to PRAY for speed and for "little man" with the great big smile!!
Blessings!
Cindy
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday Arrived!!
Thank you all for your prayers!! I truly felt like I and Ms. O Connor were covered today!! I had my meeting this morning, and I feel that it went very well. I should start by telling you that our trip to Robin's Nest yesterday was amazing. I did make a special bond with a beautiful little boy, but I am not sure yet if he is available for adoption or if he is the son God has for me. I met with Ms. O Connor (my case worker and adoption officer) this morning, and she said that I am approved, all of my paperwork is in order and that I am now on the list for her to find a son for me. She IS going to check into the background of the "little man" I met yesterday, but I am going to keep my heart open to whoever God puts in my life!! I am so EXCITED and feel like that the process is well on its way now! Katie and I got enjoy some beach time today, a bon-fire on the beach tonight and more playing all day tomorrow. 40 has started out in a BIG way.
I do have tell a funny on myself. I was so anxious about my meeting this morning, that when I left the room for breakfast all dressed and ready to go....I made it 10 steps before looking down and realizing I still had to hotel slippers on. LOL....We chuckled all day about that.
I will be back on Friday and will share more of my experience at Robin's Nest at that point. It you want to look at their website, it is www.robinsnestchildrenshome.org
Blessings!
Cindy
I do have tell a funny on myself. I was so anxious about my meeting this morning, that when I left the room for breakfast all dressed and ready to go....I made it 10 steps before looking down and realizing I still had to hotel slippers on. LOL....We chuckled all day about that.
I will be back on Friday and will share more of my experience at Robin's Nest at that point. It you want to look at their website, it is www.robinsnestchildrenshome.org
Blessings!
Cindy
Sunday, March 13, 2011
24 hours!!
As I sit here drinking my coffee, I can't believe I will be on the plane in 24 hours. Normally, I would have had my bags packed with all my tanning stuff and sun dresses, but right now I have nothing prepared to go except for my binder full of documents for the CDA. Amazing how different, and yet wonderful, this trip to Jamaica is!! Yes...Katie and I WILL have some much needed relaxation and girl time amidst taking care of business.
To answer a question I am getting a lot...I do not have a child identified yet. That is called a referral, and it doesn't take place until more approval has happened. It is my prayer, that when the officer (Ms O Connor) sees that I have all my documents in place, she will be willing to discuss available children with me. In my home study, we just put my preference is a little boy up to age 36 months!
I guess I better get off the couch and start figuring out what I need to pack and what I need to pick up at Target today:-). Thank you so much for your continued prayers, ESPECIALLY at 9AM central time on Wednesday morning!!
Cindy
To answer a question I am getting a lot...I do not have a child identified yet. That is called a referral, and it doesn't take place until more approval has happened. It is my prayer, that when the officer (Ms O Connor) sees that I have all my documents in place, she will be willing to discuss available children with me. In my home study, we just put my preference is a little boy up to age 36 months!
I guess I better get off the couch and start figuring out what I need to pack and what I need to pick up at Target today:-). Thank you so much for your continued prayers, ESPECIALLY at 9AM central time on Wednesday morning!!
Cindy
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Getting Ready
Tomorrow is the home visit for my home-study. I have installed 2 new fire alarms, bought a new fire extinguisher and bought kiddie locks for the kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Cleaned and cleaned today and I am ready to show my house. I cannot wait until I am ready to start decorating his new bedroom!! That is going to be FUN! I am thinking green and yellow where I can put a Jamaican flag on the wall and of course we can still have some Green Wave decor!
After the visit, I have to head to the bank to get 4 more documents notarized, then to get passport pictures and I may be finished with all of my paperwork at that point. Whew....That is until something gets lost in the mail and I have to send it all over again. I pray for everything to go smoothly. (Not sure what the passport pictures are for since I already have a passport, but it is one of the things on the list).
If you feel inclined, it be wonderful it you would pray for me, the trip, and my future son. Pray for our safety, pray for the government officials to have open hearts, pray the process goes quickly, pray that I have patience, pray for son's health and sweet personality. I would love it if you would put my name on a post-it on your bathroom mirror and pray for me when you brush your teeth everyday! Prayer is Powerful!
Thank you!
Cindy
After the visit, I have to head to the bank to get 4 more documents notarized, then to get passport pictures and I may be finished with all of my paperwork at that point. Whew....That is until something gets lost in the mail and I have to send it all over again. I pray for everything to go smoothly. (Not sure what the passport pictures are for since I already have a passport, but it is one of the things on the list).
If you feel inclined, it be wonderful it you would pray for me, the trip, and my future son. Pray for our safety, pray for the government officials to have open hearts, pray the process goes quickly, pray that I have patience, pray for son's health and sweet personality. I would love it if you would put my name on a post-it on your bathroom mirror and pray for me when you brush your teeth everyday! Prayer is Powerful!
Thank you!
Cindy
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
March 1st
Well this is my first go at a blog!
I thought it would be a great way to keep a written account of my journey to find my son! I want to start at the beginning. I had a brother, Tim, who died in 1991 from Muscular Dystrophy. His was a sex-link disease, which means that the male children can get the diseased X chromosome, and the female could be a carrier of the X. I always knew that there was a 50/50 chance that I was a carrier and that I would be tested when I was married and ready to have children. So all through high school and college, I knew that adoption could very well be a part of my future.
Jump forward to being married in 1998, tested and found out that I wasn't a carrier, and divorced in 2001 with no children from that marriage. I have always felt blessed by God that I have never been one of those women who felt like her life was not complete if she didn't give birth to a child. However, there was a seed planted for adoption years ago that has come up again and again, but it was never God's timing. Throughout my 16 years of teaching, I have come to realize that there is a special place in my heart for the young black boys that I have taught. I have always bonded with them and I have felt like it was a great experience for them know that a white, female teacher loved them unconditionally. In fact, a former colleague of mine (a black coach), once told me that my relationship with those boys was a blessing! One of the best complements I have ever received. (Thank you Jack Pittman!) So, at least 6 years ago I went to my first adoption meeting just to find out what it was all about. I read books, researched, talked to people, and PRAYED! I wasn't ready at that point in my life. I would go out on 1st dates, and tell the person that I wanted to adopt a little black boy one day:-). My friend said..."and he didn't call you back"? LOL! Yeah...a little heavy for a first date, but obviously a seed in my heart.
I considered Ethiopia, Haiti, America and gave great thought about each and it just never felt right. Very recently, I went through yet another heartbreak relationship and I learned so much about myself and what I really want in life! Then at Thanksgiving, my friend Katie's husband mentioned sending me and Katie on a tropical trip for spring break. A 40th birthday present. So sweet!! The ball started rolling and God has just said yes, yes, yes. Next, we were going to Jamaica for a girls trip and going to take a small side journey to visit an orphanage. Yes, you heard it, and orphanage!! Wow...it is falling into place. After researching, praying, phone calls, etc....I sent in my pre-adoption paperwork to the CDA in Jamaica. Okay..so now here comes a God moment for sure. I knew I had to have a home-study done and got the name of Catholic Charities from a friend. I googled and found a random number and called someone named Julie. Well, Julie didn't answer...Leigh did. After a few minutes of conversation she realized who I was and it turns out she was senior at Brentwood Academy when I started teaching there. I believe that was just another confirmation!! I am READY to share my home, my life, and my love with my son! I know he is out there!
So, where is the process today? Paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork. I just about have everything collected on my part. The home-study will be complete next week and the I600A will be sent to Immigration. I am leaving for Jamaica on the 14th and have an appointment with the adoption officer at 10AM on the 16th. I pray that I get more information at that time and specifically would be so happy to get his name and face!! The process could take as long as 2 years, but I just have a feeling that it is going to move more quickly. My daddy does too, and daddy's are never wrong...right??
I thought it would be a great way to keep a written account of my journey to find my son! I want to start at the beginning. I had a brother, Tim, who died in 1991 from Muscular Dystrophy. His was a sex-link disease, which means that the male children can get the diseased X chromosome, and the female could be a carrier of the X. I always knew that there was a 50/50 chance that I was a carrier and that I would be tested when I was married and ready to have children. So all through high school and college, I knew that adoption could very well be a part of my future.
Jump forward to being married in 1998, tested and found out that I wasn't a carrier, and divorced in 2001 with no children from that marriage. I have always felt blessed by God that I have never been one of those women who felt like her life was not complete if she didn't give birth to a child. However, there was a seed planted for adoption years ago that has come up again and again, but it was never God's timing. Throughout my 16 years of teaching, I have come to realize that there is a special place in my heart for the young black boys that I have taught. I have always bonded with them and I have felt like it was a great experience for them know that a white, female teacher loved them unconditionally. In fact, a former colleague of mine (a black coach), once told me that my relationship with those boys was a blessing! One of the best complements I have ever received. (Thank you Jack Pittman!) So, at least 6 years ago I went to my first adoption meeting just to find out what it was all about. I read books, researched, talked to people, and PRAYED! I wasn't ready at that point in my life. I would go out on 1st dates, and tell the person that I wanted to adopt a little black boy one day:-). My friend said..."and he didn't call you back"? LOL! Yeah...a little heavy for a first date, but obviously a seed in my heart.
I considered Ethiopia, Haiti, America and gave great thought about each and it just never felt right. Very recently, I went through yet another heartbreak relationship and I learned so much about myself and what I really want in life! Then at Thanksgiving, my friend Katie's husband mentioned sending me and Katie on a tropical trip for spring break. A 40th birthday present. So sweet!! The ball started rolling and God has just said yes, yes, yes. Next, we were going to Jamaica for a girls trip and going to take a small side journey to visit an orphanage. Yes, you heard it, and orphanage!! Wow...it is falling into place. After researching, praying, phone calls, etc....I sent in my pre-adoption paperwork to the CDA in Jamaica. Okay..so now here comes a God moment for sure. I knew I had to have a home-study done and got the name of Catholic Charities from a friend. I googled and found a random number and called someone named Julie. Well, Julie didn't answer...Leigh did. After a few minutes of conversation she realized who I was and it turns out she was senior at Brentwood Academy when I started teaching there. I believe that was just another confirmation!! I am READY to share my home, my life, and my love with my son! I know he is out there!
So, where is the process today? Paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork. I just about have everything collected on my part. The home-study will be complete next week and the I600A will be sent to Immigration. I am leaving for Jamaica on the 14th and have an appointment with the adoption officer at 10AM on the 16th. I pray that I get more information at that time and specifically would be so happy to get his name and face!! The process could take as long as 2 years, but I just have a feeling that it is going to move more quickly. My daddy does too, and daddy's are never wrong...right??
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