Guatemala Turmoil

Over the last 24 hours, here is what has unraveled.

There is a family currently in Guatemala visiting their child. When they arrived, they found their baby ill, and the foster mother gave the family some medicine to give to the child. As the child grew worse, the family decided to take their child to an MD. There they found out that their baby was essentially being poisoned by the medicine. It was an illegal substance in Guatemala and they were giving their child a dosage that was higher than what an adult should take. The effects of this was that their baby could have had a heart attack had it continued any longer. And their child was severely constipated.

As the family neared the end of their planned visit, the child was still not much better, so the family planned to see the MD again.

Finally, the day arrived when the scheduled and extended visit trip was supposed to come to an end. Only the family could not bear to leave their still-sick child. They said they were not leaving.

Now there is a huge dispute that we are afraid will have effects on us.

There's the news for today.
Please keep this family in your prayers.

Whooooo hooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

Good news at last!!! Guys, I cannot begin to express how happy I am. I feel like I just want to collapse with joy. This is the first good news Ray and I have had in months and months. Drum roll please . . .

We are back in PGN!!!
&
We are near the END of PGN!!!

What this means is that we may not have too many weeks more to wait until the boys are legally ours. This is fantastic news. Once we get out of PGN, there are still remaining steps, as we have to get them finally approved through the US Embassy through a series of steps so we can bring them home, but nevertheless, the boys will be 100% our children.
YAYYYY!!!!!

Let me share with you Isaiah 42: 12 - 16

Make God's glory resound;
echo his praises from coast to coast.
God steps out like he means business.
You can see he's primed for action.
He shouts, announcing his arrival;
He takes charge and his enemies fall into line:
"I've been quiet long enough.
I've held back, biting my tongue.
But now I am letting loose, letting go
like a woman who's having a baby --
Stripping the hills bare,
withering the wildflowers,
Drying up the rivers,
Turning lakes into mudflats.
But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way,
Who can't see where they're going.
I'll be a personal guide to them,
directing them through unknown country.
I'll be right there to show them what roads to take,
make sure they don't fall into the ditch.
These are the things I'll be doing for them --
sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute."

The Not-So-Funny Pointing Game

News:
Well the news re: the adoption today can be summed up as a pointing game between our facilitator and our agency. The bottom line though is that our facilitator holds all the cards as he has full and total control of our adoption case. I believe our agency leader has a swelled ego and is under the false thought that he is the leader. The only problem is that you can't be much of a leader if no one's following.

Today the agency said they are flying to Guatemala to deal with the situation directly -- they want to talk to Teo and talk to the US Embassy about the situation. Progress??? Hardly. I believe they are looking for an alternative to using our facilitator. What the ramifications of this will be, I cannot say. I do not believe they are looking out for our best interest or the interests of our children. Instead it's a power play on the part of our agency. Can I tell you how tired I am of power plays? *sigh*

There are, I think, now FOUR families who have finished PGN, the children are legally theirs, but our facilitator is refusing to submit their files to the US Embassy for the paperwork that allows the children to come to the US legally. He is doing this to force our agency to pay him. It's heart-breaking.

We also found out that DCF (The Department of Children and Family Services) is trying to shut our agency down. Apparently, our agency was stripped of its rights to continue doing adoptions back in 2006? And instead of following Florida State law and turning over adoption cases to a reputable adoption agency, instead they created an LLC and kept the adoption files and continued to practice doing adoptions despite the clear intent of the court's ruling. It may be that we end up joining with them to help them shut down this law firm.

A couple of prayer requests:
1. One family in Guatemala is dealing with the poor health of their baby as the foster mother was essentially poisoning the child with improper medicine. It was a very scary situation that could have led to their baby's death. Their child is still not recovered. Please keep them in your prayers.
2. Ray is carrying the weight of the world right now as he is compensating for my crumby (but much-improving!!) health. He is also dealing with so many issues re: his step mother's impending passing. It's nearing the end of the grading period, and Ray's conference season begins this weekend (which is always a super-busy and consuming part of the year). It's taking its toll. Please remember him in your prayers.

Hope
I am uplifted by 2 Corinthians 4:8, which says: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair." I do believe God has a plan. If this adoption had been easy, we would never have been so bent on shutting down this agency. Also, this is affording us multiple opportunities for visiting Guatemala. This coming trip we are thinking about traveling around the countryside -- something we would never have thought we would do when we started this process. It's caused us to spend countless hours reading about Guatemala, the politics, the people, the country, and has really opened our hearts to this small country.

Also, if you have not seen "Facing the Giants" or "Flywheel," the best lesson I have learned from either of these is that God is GOOD, and it's not over until it's over. Never give up hope. God's plan may be, or include, any number of scenarios. One possibility is that we never bring our boys home. However, if these two movies showed us anything, it was that God has his own timing and it is a lack of faith and hope to believe that it is the end before God says so. So, with Emily N. as my inspiration, we continue with great hope.

First Private Post

There were a number of reasons why we wanted to take our website private. One was for the protection of our boys; we didn't want to have too much information on the website about our daily activities and that sort of thing. But other reasons, more immediate reasons, were that there has been a lot going on with our adoption that we didn't feel appropriate to post on the World Wide Web. We also wanted to keep some things secret from our agency. (By the way, if you know someone that didn't get an invite, but should have, let me know! It's not too late. :)

Secret #1: We have new photos of our boys! See below!

Our facilitator is verbally on strike from our agency, as they are not paying him the way they should be. However, he is still continuing to work on our cases, though he tells our agency that he isn't. He also tells our agency that he refuses to let us come visit our children. In reality, we are going down to Guatemala secretly and still see our children. A couple families went down this week and sent back new photos! Here they are.

(Mateo hugging Daniel around the neck).

Here are Mateo and Daniel holding the photo book we sent of our last trip together.
We were told that they had a great time looking through the photos pointing out Mommy and Popi!!

News from this last week.
1. Ray and I were on the local news in Orlando (where our agency is). We actually had a phone conversation and sent pictures, so you don't actually see us talking, but there are pictures of our family all over the news segment. Essentially, they were doing a Crime Stoppers sort of segment and were letting the public know that our agency is under investigation for possible numerous crimes. You can watch that video HERE.

2. In that news piece, we found out that DCF (Department of Children and Families) has had a court order that all their adoption files get turned over within the next 30 days. We're not sure what that means for our case right now, but Ray is contacting the lawyer representing DCF and hopefully will have some news this week.

3. Our agency was featured on Guatadopt, the leading website for Guatemalan Adoptions. You can find the article HERE.

Secret #2: We're going to Guatemala again!
We're planning on going at the end of March. We want to make sure our boys are safe. One child has already passed away and another was terribly sick and in great danger when our friend went down to visit her daughter last week. Seeing the new photos gives us great relief. We are really excited and anxious about being able to see them again.

Going Private

Can you believe it? I never thought I would want to go private on our website, but after discussing it over with Ray for a while, I think we mutually feel this is the best decision. But it's a little tricky doing this switch because we've made so many friends online that I don't want excluded from our page, and there are so many 'friends of a friend' that read as well -- friends of my parents, friends from my family's church, etc.

So . . .

I need a favor.

If you would like to be included as one of our readers, please do one of two things. Either email me at loveformocha@gmail.com (and include your name), or post a comment here and include your email address. If you have never posted before, it's pretty simple. You can simply click: Name/URL and just type in your name. You don't need to type in a URL (aka. a webaddress) for it to work at all. :)

Thanks guys. We'll wait a little while until we're sure we've heard from everybody before we go private. We appreciate your love and support as always.

Love,
Ray and Kelli

Lovin' Mocha

I just thought I'd share about my sweet dog. As you can see, this adorably beautiful and sweet puppy lives indoors. She is hardly any trouble, except for the occasional trash raiding, or toilet water drinking. My handsome husband has been so good to tolerate her being in his way when he walks from room to room, or begging for his popcorn. But lately, it's a little harder on him than other periods during the year because this season is. . .
That's right, it's SHEDDING SEASON. Ick! Check out this furball! I think it was definitely a foot in diameter and possibly 4" or so high. And this, people, is just ONE DAY's worth of grooming!
But we still love our sweet girl. You can't help it when she's just so fluffy and soft. Plus, she can definitely lay on a guilt trip with her sweet "puppy dog eyes." :) She is definitely the dog that caused that saying!

And even Ray will sometimes forget that she drinks from the toliet and will try to get some Mocha lovin' in. :)

El Dia del Carino

Message says: "I love you!! Happy Valentine's Day -- Fer (Fernando or Fernanda)"I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Weekend. In Guatemala, "El Dia del Carino," is celebrated amongst all friends and family. It's a day to express how much you care for all the people in your life. This photo was taken in Antigua, Guatemala. Someone wanted to express love for all the people in his/her life with post-it notes all over a doorway. Amazing! I found this (and checked license agreement) at "La Antigua, Guatemala Daily Photo." If I ever go foster our boys, this city is where I'm headed! :) It's breath-taking.

Post-Surgery Update

My dearest husband left school right after third period, went to his surgery, and then returned to school in time for seventh period! One nap later and only trading popcorn for chocolate ice cream, I think my handsome man is alright! I'm not sure when I'll get to *kiss* him just right again -- because the doctor said it will take 4 - 6 weeks to heal correctly!! Yikes! Poor guy.

No apples for a while; his doctor follow-up is in one week. :(

An Apple A Day . . .

If only. . . (we eat lots of apples!)
Well, today is Ray's oral surgery. He's having two gum grafts at the same time! They wanted him to have it done on Valentine's Day, but he waited for me.

Was that an "Ahhh. . ." moment???
Yeah, he's such a sweetheart. *smiles*

Do please keep him in your thoughts today.

Happy Heart Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! For years I really hated Valentine's Day because there was this pressure to be dating someone and to have a perfect evening with that someone in order for the day to turn out well. And I know this will seem like a cop-out since I am married to my sweetheart and love of my life, but it took me a long time to really appreciate those whom God placed in my life as people to celebrate on Valentine's Day: family, friends, Mocha (my dog), or my church family. Whether you have found the perfect romantic love or not, I hope you spend the day with people that love you. From our family to yours, Happy Valentine's Day!

Progress!

I know everyone is anxious for some news with our adoption as much as we are. We are so thankful for your prayers. We found out last night that we are officially registered with the new Central Authority and now our case can proceed through the remaining steps. Yay! Progress! This is really our first good news since November. Please keep in your thoughts all those who have not had such good news in even longer.

New Website to Make a Difference

Hey family and friends,
Sorry for the delay. We were out of town for the weekend, had a huge VDAY event at church to host, and then lost power due to crazy high winds (70 miles at hour or more!) Anyway, I didn't mean to leave you hanging.

Here's the "good news" that lots of you have asked about. I have started a new website, "Love Moore," that I'm really excited about. It just BREAKS MY HEART when I'm reading about the daily lives of the average Guatemalan, and I really have a passion to make a difference somehow in this country, and around the world. What I would like to do is have a fundraiser each month and donate to a different cause. I'm really excited about it. Right now, the first fundraiser is to help sponsor two children through Mayan Families for their schooling for the year. We are doing the fundraiser through children's moments at church and will be throughout lent, so keep watching. Also, Ray and I are really excited about visiting an orphanage in Guatemala, called Esperanza De Vida, Hope of Life. We'll bring back lots of photos, I hope! Check out the video, already posted on the website. It's exciting. Click HERE to see the new spot on the web.

We Finally Collapse. It's Been a Long Time Coming.

Getting Better

Restore me, O God,
Make your face shine upon me.
Psalm 80:3

All my friends and family, I just want you to know that I'm feeling some better today. Yay! I appreciate your continuous prayers. God is a good teacher; he molds our very selves into the character he strives for us to have. Needless to say; I'm learning. Hey some news soon. Stay tuned! -- Kelli

Hope

Just in case you're having a difficult time with something as well, maybe you'll find these as uplifting as I have. -- Kelli

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance."
~ Romans 5:3

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!
I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33

Hard Days, These Days

Hey blogland family,

I just really want our boys home. 337 days this process has lasted. 337 days our boys have been in different foster homes, waiting for us. 337 days we have been on pins and needles just wanting news. Just something. A twinge of hope, from our silent agency.

They say that when you need more patience, God gives you frustrating situations, to teach you patience. Maybe while things feel darkest, God is teaching us real faith. Sometimes if feels like the darkness blocks out the light of hope. Hard to explain. God is not a Santa that gives us all the things we want. He's not something under our control to get all of our wishes; but He is a GOOD God, and His Ways are Good Ways. I believe that. And I will trust

that, as I lean on him in this darkness.

Here are two verses my friend, Emily, sent today:

Psalm 91: 1-2
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty, This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

Psalm 91: 14-15
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer. I will be with them in trouble."

Meet Jose Steven!

Meet Jose Steven!!
We are sponsoring his schooling through Mayan Families!
We are so excited to be helping to make a difference in his life. If you are interesting in sponsoring a child of your own, PLEASE let me know. They will send updated photos, and pictures of the children receiving new clothes and shoes for school. You can send packages! It is truly a life-changing experience to help another family

Isn't he so handsome?!?!

This is his extended family. His aunt, and two of his cousins are pictures below. He has two other cousins who are not quite school-age, so they are not photographed here.

If you would like to sponsor a child, PLEASE let me know. It cost $120 for a year and it will make such a difference in the lives of these children, who otherwise would not be able to attend school, and might never learn Spanish in order to get a good job, or might never learn to sign their name on paperwork. The difference you can make is incredible. I beg of you to think about it.

RELY: An Awesome Song for Anyone in a Hard Spot

I am so proud to know Phil Norman, song writer and band member to Blue Moonshine. He and his wife (a dear friend of mine) are adopting and are not having an easy path of it, which may be one heck of an understatement. Whether you are adopting or not, you will be blessed by this song. It is incredible! Please check out this song entitled, **RELY**

You will not regret it. :)

Thanks Rockstar Phil.
In the photo, Phil is the guy with the guitar. :)

More Video

Oh I miss my boys and I just keep watching these videos, and laughing. I think when we finally bring them home, I will grow laughlines around my eyes because they are just so funny.I just really like this one because it has clips from all of the videos that we took on this last trip. It's a BUCKET OF FUN.

Isa. 43: 6 - 7
"Bring my sons from afar,
and my daughters from the ends of the earth --
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and I made."

Tagged! I'm it?? Rats.

The rules are to link the person who sent this and leave a comment on their blog so their readers can visit yours

~Post the rules on your blog
~Share 7 strange/weird facts about yourself
~Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and link their blog
~Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

Tagged by Corey!
1) I am afraid of the dark. I'm not kidding. At all. Completely Terrified.
2) I could watch the Harry Potter movies over and over until they broke.
3) I used to be a clown -- for pay. I have pictures to prove it.
4) I have a real genius for a brother. That's not really about me, but it's still pretty cool.
5) I have a deep love of pumpkins. I would love to own a pumpkin patch. And I used to have framed photos of pumpkins, until Ray made me take them down.
6) I have a weird need to have my toenails painted at all times. Naked toenails (on me!) gross me out. Other people are okay. Not sure why.
7) When I come home from work, I full-fledge tackle my dog Mocha, flip her upside down, and rub her belly while she licks my face.

I tagged Hunter, ManyBlessings, Emily, Nikki, Lori. These are the only folks I know who haven't already been tagged!

Also, if you didn't see it, scroll down and see the latest video of the boys. It's pretty darn cute. Ray and I took it in December.