HAITI PAPERWORK PROCESS

PROCESS:
Minister of Foreign Affairs (2-8wks) DONE
Preparation of file for IBESR (2-8wks) DONE
IBESR (3-12MO) ENTERED JUNE 2009 (wile I was in Haiti!) EXITED 9/29/09
Civil Court (4-8wks) -- OCT. '09 -
Legalization (4-12wks) -- DEC. 09
Minister of Interior (3-6MO) ENTERED DEC 21, '09
JAN. 12, 2009: EARTHQUAKE

Immigration/Passport printing (2-8wks)
USCIS (3wks+)
Visa Process (1-2wks)

= 10.5mo – 29mo TOTAL

USCIS fingerprinting done!!

Well, USCIS (U.S. Customs and Immigration Service) expedited our finger-printing process, since this was the only week we'd be able to go to KC until July. We drove 7 hours (RT) today to North KC to get our fingerprints done. This is for the FBI check. The kids did fantastic!

Now, I think we're done with most of the paperwork. We just wait to get approved from the USCIS to be able to adopt and PRAY that our paperwork in Haiti goes smoothly and quickly. Nothing happens quickly in Haiti, but I'm still praying for quickly!

Glad to have that done before I leave next Wed and before Aaron leaves for all of June and before we leave again in July for 4 weeks. Now we just wait.....and wait...........and wait........

~L

GOIN' TO HAITI

Well, I leave for Haiti in less than 2 weeks. This is actually perfect timing to go because May is keeping me sooo busy, that it's flying by and I don't have my mind on this trip all the time.

I am to bring a port-a-crib, diapers/wipes/formula and baby/toddler toys for the orphanage. I've got most of that. I just learned of the needed toys yesterday, so we'll have fun shopping for those!

The airlines allow 2-50lb checked bags and those are to be used solely for orphanage donations.
I'm also allowed a 40lb carry-on and a backpack purse, those are to be used for what I need. I'll be working on that this weekend to see if I can get all of my stuff to fit in a carry-on. As far as the duffle bags, I'm out of weight, but not out of room, so we may just pay extra to take as much as we can to the orph.

I've got one more vaccination to get (Typhoid). I wasn't going to get it, but I changed my mind, hopefully it's not too late. I've gotten my Hep A and Hep B shots and will take malaria pills as well.

Vera (the gal I'm working with at the orphanage) says Charlene is getting LONG and still loves to be held all the time....I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nathan will have to wait a few months before visiting-he can't get out of work for this trip, so Dad is going with me. I'm super excited about that!

~L

BROOKS

Well, Brooks is no longer with us. It was a tough decision, but the poor dog had too many problems (diabetes, glaucoma, gingivitis, infection, etc.)...it was for the best. He lived a good life and we have lots of wonderful memories of him.

Jack is doing very well...he just sees it as we have 2 dogs now instead of 3.

Taylor took it really hard. She cried a bit the night we told her, then asked questions. The next day was rough and that night was 'rougher' :) Brooks would always lay on her bed and that memory hit her hard that night. She got through that night with lots of tears and hugs and did better yesterday.

She's getting to the 'fact' stage and is able to talk about him without crying every time.

We will miss him dearly. He enjoyed many-a-vacation with us and will be truly missed on this one.

~L

p.s. This was taken the day he passed away. It is the picture that makes Taylor laugh every time...so glad to have it!!