Journey to L and H: Leaving on a jet plane

We really just couldn't wait any longer. It has been 16 months since we were matched with our girls in September of 2022. We were told upon match that it could be up to 6 months before we could travel. Unfortunately it took them an entire year to complete the Liberian side of things. 

For a while now we had been toying with the idea of sending Sam over there to see if possibly he could move things along. We asked our caseworker. We talked to other adoptive families who were on the verge of going as well. And when our case history report came out we were so relieved that he wouldn't have to make that trip. But then the investigation into the Small World orphanage put everything at a halt. How long would the investigation take? Are there things going on that we have no idea about that are going to delay things further? Then the president was inaugurated and we had to also wait on the government officials changing over. In the adoptive world, the waiting game is very familiar. Especially when you're dealing with international adoptions and foreign governments. Although our friends who have fostered can tell you that the American foster care system has its own set of flaws. 

Why do we not prioritize the most vulnerable? Why do policies and politics blind so many entities to the real tangible needs of orphans?

So after much prayer, looking at our finances, and doing some research, we decided that not just Sam would go but myself as well. We want to meet our girls together. If anything, we can look them in the eye and tell them that we are doing everything we possibly can. And that is the gosh darn truth. So we are not ONLY going to visit the girls, though that is the only thing that is certain. 

We are also going to explore every avenue possible while we are in Liberia to try and get a court date. And we have now hired a Liberian lawyer who is going to represent us at whatever Ministry or office or governing body we need to approach. He has already met with several people involved in this process. And we will be meeting him next week.

So here we are. In a couple hours we will be boarding that first plane and heading to Africa! Unfortunately we could not afford to take the kids with us and it would be disruptive to their schooling as well. Thankfully many friends in our community have been willing to take the kids in. Each kid will be in a different place. While that may not be ideal, it is the easiest situation for everyone.  We consulted with the kids when we were trying to make this decision. Amelia's response was so sweet. "Mom, I really think it's important that you go." How did we end up with such awesome kids? God is definitely providing them with strength and resilience to walk this tough journey. They're SO excited for two more sisters. And definitely are feeling the wait too. I'm so thankful they are in good hands.

First stop will be the capital city here (5 hr flight) where we will have 8 hrs to go out and shop for some things we'd like to bring for the orphanage and for the girls. Unfortunately it also happens to be Chinese New Year. Which is HUGE in this country's capital as there are many Chinese that own businesses in this country. So we will see what is open and what traffic is like. 

Tonight we will board our international flight and by Sunday night in Liberia we will be arriving in Monrovia! Stay tuned!