Our day in court

So, again, today was Flor's finalization of adoption. It went very smoothly. We (Chris, Flor, Daddy, and I) met my lawyer in front of the probate office and he told us that the judge was out for the afternoon. Luckily there was someone who could fill in for him in our hearing. She didn't tell me to raise my right hand, but I did swear to tell "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God." Chris told me later I should have raised my hand, but she didn't tell me too and I thought about it, but before I could react I was in the middle of being sworn in, then it would've been obvious I had no idea what to do. But anyway, she asked me a series of questions and my lawyer asked me some more, including, "Were you asked to spend an accessive amount of money?", "Has anyone approached you, claiming to be related to her or wanting to adopt her?", and several other questions. I really started to feel hot, like I was in one of those police questioning rooms, where even if you did nothing wrong you were about to get in trouble for something. haha! The cutest thing that I will never forget is how the lady overseeing our hearing asked Flor how old she was. "Five.", "Are you in kindergarten?", "Not yet.",' "Are you excited about it?", "Do you want me to sing my ABC's?", "Of course I do!", "A,B,C,D...," And she proceeded to sing her ABC's very proudly. It was about the cutest thing I've ever seen. So, in about 1/2 an hour we were done and had our pictures taken and hopefully in a few months I'll have 3 new birth certificates for Flor. We celebrated with dinner at Chedder's. :) It was good day.

job interview

Well, I was thrilled to hear back from the hospital about the interpreting job. I had an interview Tuesday afternoon, and I really think it went well. Of course, it was unlike any interview I've ever had!! From the time I got there to the time I left (about an hour) we walked and walked and walked... and it was almost entirely in Spanish. He did most of the talking, appologizing every now and then for talking so much! He asked me about myself and I think he really appreciated what I've been doing with my life. Then he would get distracted by a call and go off again, just talking. It was good for me though because he told me all about the job. It sounds amazing!! I even got to go on a few calls with him. He said he works a lot in labor & delivery and with new mothers, but really he works all over the hospital!! There's no telling the things I'll see and experience!!

He said I should hear from him on Monday and to call him if I don't. Because of his busy days (and I saw that first hand!) he gets distracted easily and forgets. So he said not to hesitate to call. So, I really hope I get it!!

In the meantime, I started working back at the restaurant I worked at before I moved to Guatemala. I just hosted this week, but next week I'll be waiting tables again. I'm so excited about it too!! I absolutely love that job!!

I'm waiting on a few details before I send in the paperwork to get started with Flor's adoption. I think that my hesitation has been out of fear. Not fear of how my life will change when I get her... but fear of what if it doesn't happen...

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Heb 11:1

And so... I press on toward the goal and keep my eyes on him and my heart on that little girl and she will be loved and that is the bottom line.

A Special Update

For some time now I've felt like the wind it is a-changing. I can't say at this time what that means exactly. I just wanted to let you guys in on what God is working in my life. So, know you know about as much as I do. You know, I've always said that when God called me to Guatemala, He just said "GO!". He always just says "GO", I think. That's what makes life exciting and worth living!! So, we GO and do as He has instructed us until we hear Him say GO again!

I think I've learned that God's will for my life is always changing. I mean, even in the almost 3 years I've been in Guatemala, not one year has been the same as the one before. It makes for a pretty exciting life! Sometimes hard; never boring! I've done things I never thought I could, or would be doing.

I've said before that you are Clay In His Hands, just as much as I am. You are my strength, my support, and my family. So please be in prayer with me as I hear God's voice and follow his way.

I got mad skillz

Tonight I had the privilege of meeting an adorable couple who are adopting an even more adorable baby boy from Guatemala. I just "met" them a month or so ago via email. A lady who knew me as a baby, who just happened to run into my dad, who just happened to tell her what I was doing here in Guatemala, which just happens to be where they are adopting their baby from. Who of you believes in coincidences?? Not me. I know a God meeting when I see one. This couple has since kept me in their prayers and even helped with a request I sent out about the strollers. So, when they told me they were coming to Guatemala to meet their baby for the first time, we decided to meet, for real. I was also intorduced to their adoption lawyer.... hmm.... wonder why I would ever need one of those??? You never know. Anyhoo... I just think it's neat how God brings His people together. I mean, these people are from Madison, AL... HELLO??!? I would never have met them in Alabama! Anyway, it's just exciting for me to meet new people I guess. It's always amazing to see what these new relationships are about. How they play out. How God will use them for His honor and glory.

It was a weird day today. Plans changed. Time ran out. But it's all good.

Oh, I am so excited that I have actually finished the booklet for New Life & Peace Ministries!! (i.e. the boys' home in Parramos) I took it to the printer yesterday and he said it was good to go and was very impressed with my mad InDesign skills!! (thanks to Lisa Milby for the book she sent me!) But I had all the pictures on my external hard drive, which is so conveniently small (for traveling) that I forgot to take it with me. So, all I have to do now is show Victor and Chici the final product, get their approval, and take a copy of the pictures to the printer... and TADA!!! Booklet. YAYAY!! I like this stuff!!

And let me just say that taking Katerin and Monica to therapy has become a new experience with the stroller!! It's GREAT!! I love it so much!! (and so does Katerin!!) So, thanks again!! (I think I'll say thanks again in the future, so just get used to it!!)

waiting..., watching the clock

Well, I'm leaving in about 1/2 an hour to get daddy and Jami... I think time has slowed down just to get on my nerves...!!! I'm so ready to leave. Sitting here is driving me crazy! I've cleaned everything I can, there is absolutely nothing else to do, but sit here... and wait.