Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Day 23 Wednesday April 16th

From Chrissie the guest blogger

Paperwork Update: As of 10am EST today, the paperwork is still in New York waiting to clear customs.

Travel Update: Tickets have opened up on flights on Wed 4/16 and Thurs 4/17 with the same price rate. This is a huge answer to prayer! Still hoping Crystal can return on Monday 4/14 but its nice to know she has more options for travel just incase she doesn't receive the visa this week.

Communications Update: Crystal now has telephone access from a lan line at the Gentrys. This is helpful as sometimes her cell phone battery dies and can't be charged if the electricity is off. She also has Internet access from the house. It is too slow to post or upload but she can sign on and read the comments herself. She is just loving the comments. Thank you! and please keep them coming.

Day 23 activities: Crystal was able to obtain Savannah-Hope's original birth certificate today. The one she was given before had her adoptive name. Crystal really wanted to cover all of her bases and felt it was important to have the original birth certificate for the Embassy. They first said it would take 3 weeks. But she got it today! Praise God! Crystal and Mrs. Miller picked up supplies for Brother Gentry and Brother Miller who will be traveling to Malawi soon.

Note from yesterday: I forgot to to post about the worm medicine. Crystal brought enough worm medicine for the children in Tamandani's village and Sidala's. Because poisonings are very common in Malawi, Thandie had to eat the medicine in front of one village and Clifford ate it in front of the other village. I am so thankful they were willing to do this to show good faith and so the adults would trust the medicine and treat the children. Crystal hopes to email me pictures in the next day or two of the supplies being delivered.

15 comments:

Leigh Ann said...

What troopers to take the medicine in front of the villagers. Glad to hear about the travel opening. Still praying here for the 14th!

Crystal, one day you will be able to tell Savannah-Hope just how long you were in "labor" with her...lol!

Anita said...

Hi Crystal! I'm a friend of Gwen's..another adoptive COP momma. Just wanted to tell you how amazing you are....I know you're there for your daughter and mommas like us will do anything to bring our children home...but YOU are STILL AMAZING! Praying for all of your needs and even your wants and desires too that the Lord will open those doors for you to go home with your beautiful daughter! HUGs!! ~Anita

Alison B. said...

we're still checking in on you a few times a day to see how the journey is going. norah sits at the computer with me and when there is a picture of savannah hope she just lights up. of course everyone is "baby" right now, even girls her own age, but she knows a friend when she sees one.

praying you home, hopefully soon.

with love, alison & norah

Kelly said...

I have been really trying to think of a good joke, and well I'm just not that funny. So, I asked Coy for a good joke. This is what he gave me:

What do you call a pig that does Karate?
---Pork Chops :o)

Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana Who?
Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana Who?
Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Orange.
Orange Who?
Orangeyou glad I didn't say Banana.

:o)
How sweet it will be when you are home, and these extra days will not seem to have taken so long. Know what a light you are to those you meet in Malawi, and to the many more reading your story. Praying for your journey.

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

"When you have "hope" you have everything" Hang in there and don't give up "hope"!!! You are remarkable ...your children are truly blessed to have such a loving mother!!! Praying for you in St. Louis!!

Diana said...

I found your blog off of your SIL which I found off of anyother..YES, I am a BLOG STALKER:)
Savannah Hope is BEAUTIFUL!! Your family is so lucky to be adding such a adorable little girl to it! Keep smiling as there is a end in site. You are a amazing mom and women and I so ADMIRE you for all that you are doing!
Praying that you are home soon with your family.
~Hugs~

Anonymous said...

Hey girl! Although I haven't posted, I have been following your journey. We love you guys and are so happy for you. I know this is hard being away from the other kids, but they are in good hands. We are praying you and Savannah-Hope home, I can't wait to squeeze her. COllin wanted me to let you know that Zach and Zander are two of his best friends and that they have been very good while you have been gone. He is happy that they are getting a new sister, now if he could just get one too, that would be great! I will give the kids a great big hug when I see them and are praying for you to travel soon.

Jana

3 Peanuts said...

I found your blog thourgh Gwen...Hang in there. We are praying for you!

I wish I had something funny to share but I am not a really funny person:) Just sending good wishes your way.

KIm

Nikki said...

Just wanted to check in and say I'm still praying for you here in Michigan...Gwen told us to send jokes, but apparently none of us are real funny. sorry.

Anonymous said...

Mom,
We can't wait until your home. and Savannah too. Love Zander & Zach & Amy & Bella & Mimi & Dad & Poppy & Nana
written by Zander

Knock Knock
say whos there?
goop
goop who
big chill from Ben 10

Anonymous said...

Hey Babe,
You sounded so good today. I loved hearing your laughter. It makes me realize how much you have enlighted my life. I promise to never go down behind you on a big water slide again. God let you live thru the 1st time because he had mighty plans for you. Like bring into the world 5 beautiful children. He knew that you would one day go to Malawi to not only bring home one of his children but you would go over there to just love on his people in the villages and show how his love is so great and wonderful thru the face of a blonde haired angels from Smyrna Tennessee. My heart cry for the little twins and my heart hurts because I know how it is affecting you to have to walk away from them.But remember God has a planfor their lives and we may never know what it isbut to have love then twice mayy be someof the most powerful love and prayers ever given to them.Stay strong , rest in the arms of the Father, and enjoy his world of African people. It is a once in a life time event drink it all in so you can share it with others. Your and Savannah's story is a powerful part of God's bigger picture and plans.

I love you and pray for you 24/7 The kids are doing good but they are asking more often when are you coming home. We are talking about you all the time and they are waiting very patiancely.

Love Mom
P.S. When I grow up I have decidec I want to be just like you.

Anonymous said...

Knock Knock
say who is there
way big
way big who
way big pig

love Zander

Anonymous said...

Oh, MY!!!! I have to say, Crystal, your Mama's heart is amazing....I see now, where you get yours:)!!!! I was so moved by her P.S. to you I just had to tell you both what amazing, amazing women you are!! Your journey home continues to awe, inspire and move many, many people, Crystal. To just know that you have been Christ's Hands, Feet, Heart to His precious children...our Brothers and Sisters in Christ...just moves me to Love Him more...to know that maybe a child who received these medicines can smile and be pain free, gain some weight and just live for a moment makes me PRAISE!!!
THANK YOU, THANK your Mama, she too, understands the pain of being away from her children....because you are her daughter!!!

I just say humbly, thank you,
Diane

Kathi said...

I'm not very funny either; sorry, no jokes; but just wanted to tell ya to hang in there. I know it seems like you'll never get out of Africa, but you will. It was EXTREMELY smart of you to get Savannah's original birth certificate.

Still praying that the paperwork gets to Malawi.

Nothing new going on here. It is my birthday on Saturday, so I'll probably be going out to eat with my parents.

My cousins are coming down this weekend for their daughter's dancing.

Love ya

Jewels of My Heart said...

Hi Crystal.... stopping back in to check in on you.... it sounds like the Lord is opening doors to bring you girls home. Thank You Jesus... we are praying for you.
I am so thankful that the children were able to get the medicine... and trust is being built.
One last thing.... even though Gwen wanted us to make you laugh with jokes, etc.... the fact that none of us have any is quite funny in itself...
I was reading Kim and Nikki's comments and it made me giggle... We really are a fun bunch... but apparently under pressure none of us can come up with a good joke.
Hope we are bringing a smile to your heart anyway.
God's Speed Home
Daleea