A message from Chrissie the guest blogger:
Another devastating blow.....
I just got word from the travel agent that the next flight out of Malawi is not until Monday April 14th. Worse than that....the next flight after that is not until Sunday April 20th.
Here's the deal:
Crystal can not leave the country with Savannah-Hope without the adoption visa. The visa is issued at the Malawian Embassy. The Embassy is refusing to schedule the visa appointment until they receive the "hard copy" paperwork from the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC sent the paperwork via DHL on Friday April 4th. We expect it to take 3 to 4 business days to arrive at the Embassy. The NVC will not give us a tracking number so we can't track the paperwork along the way. The Visa interview appointments are only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sometimes they will issue the visa the same day. Other times they make you come on one of the visa pick up days which are on Mondays and Wednesdays (the latter is the more common way).
So basically Crystal must have her visa interview this Thursday and they must give her the visa the same day or she will not be able to leave Malawi until April 20th. Things are looking grim because it is just about to be Wednesday morning in Malawi and there is no sign of the paperwork.
I am going to check with the travel agent tomorrow to see if we bump up the rate level of the plane ticket could we get her on an earlier flight. But even if that is a possibility, the funds just aren't there.
Please pray that God may open 2 seats on an earlier flight at the same price rate. Please pray that the paperwork gets processed now now now so Crystal may have her interview this Thursday. If Crystal has to wait until the flight out on April 20th that will mean 35 days total she would be away from Shane, Amy, Zander, Zach and Bella. Please pray for Crystal and her family.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
20 comments:
Hi Crystal,
I just popped on for a moment to read yesterday's post And today's. Praying here and just wanting to tell you please stay strong in God's Arms...on "those days" just let Him carry you!!! Remember how badly you wanted to be with Savannah Hope....how long the journey to just be with her seemed to take, now, the same is true to bring her on home....many seem to be walking with you, but the One to bring you home is the One certainly walking in you. God brought you to Savannah, in His time you will be home!!!
Thank you for loving God's precious treasure, Savannah Hope. I too, am an adoptive Mama...I know how hard to be bringing home and child all the while leaving children home. It is so unexplainably difficult. YOU CAN DO THIS...I just feel it:)
Just to let you know, at this very moment you, Savannah Hope and your beautiful family is being thought of and lifted in prayer,
Diane..Mama to Joe, Jen, Jana Mei, Jadyn Hua and JOY Hua:)
i get more amazed by the day at what you are experiencing ...i am sure you will be able to teach us all so much when you get home ... stay strong sister and know that so many are lifting you up right now ... i love you more than words and i will be glad to hold savannah hope while you make out w/ shane at the airport !!!!
I forgot to mention that I saw an old episode of ONE TREE HILL ... Not digging Nathan's long hair ?? what is that about??
Also, since Maggie is a night owl I am getting into the show Greek on the ABC family Channel .. You would love it ... I promise when you get back and are settled in we will take a night off and go the GARAGE for some girl time ... love ya !!
I called Carlee and this is from her ... She thinks Cade and Savannah Hope would make the cutest babies one day, so she is putting his name in the hat if you want an arranged marriage ...
I am wrapping you in prayer tonight, prayig the paperwork right to where it needs to be, praying for a soft heart in whomever has the power to issue that visa on the day you need it, praying you right onto the airplane and into the arms of your husband and other children. You are not alone, we are all standing with you in prayer. Hug your sweet baby girl and feel our prayer holding you close.
Praying for that Visa to be there today!
Crystal,
I know that it feels like you are just sitting there, waiting and waiting, which you are BUT while you have been there, I have seen/heard of folks who are moved to action. Chrissie posted about collecting money for S-H's twin siblings. If you were not there, that would not have happened. Without your posts, most of us would be happily unaware of the grave nutritional and medical needs of Malawi. While I'm sure that staying in Malawi is a crummy situation, take heart in knowing that you truely are where you need to be. Your posts have changed lives. No doubt about it!! God bless you in this journey.
verna aka the blog fairy
Crystal,
You don't know me and we may never meet. I am a mom-in-waiting. Seems like I've waited to be called mom my whole life! I can't carry my own babies due to a messed up back. I am in the darkest hour yet of our Chinese adoption. We are with Great Wall and LID 3/8/07 and the journey seems so far from the "prize". Through it all...I try hard to keep my heart focused on God's will and timing instead of my own. It is really hard these days. I know God is with you and your angel and I will pray for your speedy journey home!!!
Dear crystal,
You don't know me... I have become friends with Gwen and love her dearly. She has been keeping us updated on your journey to your beautiful daughter. I just wanted to let you know that you and your beautiful daughter Savannah are in my prayers along with the rest of your family.
I can only imagine how difficult this is... especially being away from your other babies.... but I do know that you are all in Jesus' loving hands... He has a plan... He has a reason and He is able to bring you both home right on time.
As hard as this is... it was even harder before she was in your arms.... I thank God that Savannah is safe in her Mama's arms....
Gwen wanted us to tell you a joke or something but I never can remember the punch lines... sorry.
Stay the coarse.... He will see you through... you aren't alone... the Lord is right there with you both.
God's speed home
Daleea
Alright, so Gwen wanted some of her friends to visit your site and say something funny. So, here goes:
This week my husband lost his Momma. That is not the funny part. Here it is...friends and family were in line to speak a word of kindness to all of us when a well meaning woman said (rather loudly) "So, when's the big day?". Me-Umm, what?...she then reaches out to touch my tummy...I said, Oh, I am not pregnant. The look on her face was of shock. I said, well, I am adopting though! Then I said it was the chance you take wearing a baby doll style top. She said she was sorry for hurting my feelings. I jokingly reassured her I didn't have any.
For real though, I have been following your journey and do pray that the Lord would intercede and provide a way for you to come home soon.
Knock Knock?
Say Who is there?
Echo!
Echo Who?
Echo Pizza Pizza.
Love Zander
Mom, I am being a very good boy. Poppy was pretty good at karate tonight. Ben 10 new game is April 18. I will show you when you get home on the computer.
I am always thinking of and praying for Crystal and Savannah. Please stay strong and don't give up hope. Miracles happen all the time.
Nana said to just tell everyone you are just riding around!!!!!!
Crystal,
Bella is keeping Nana on her toes. She is faster at making a mess than Nana is at cleaning up the last mess. I stopped by tonight to drop Amy off after dance. Bella opened up a packet of hot choc mix and spilled it on the floor while Nana was trying to clean up the hot choc power off the floor Bella got her a packet of kool aid to open and make. Nana took that away from her and she got out the whole 5lbs of flour and told her to make pancakes. While Nana was putting up the flour she got out the pancake syrup.
Then Nana was taking Amy's spagg o's up Bella decided she needed a bowl of spagg o's.
So when I decided to leave. Bella followed me out and got her car seat and was bringing it in the house. Nana told her to put it down she did and ran.
Nana said to tell you to enjoy the break from these spoiled brats back here that will work your fingers off.
I want you to just enjoy your time of one on one with Savannah-Hope this is the bonding time from God. We are all safe and healthy here and in the big picture a few more day will be over soon. Remember labor is not alway easy or short. Some are lengthly and very hard.
I am so very proud of you. Your strength is just amazing. Your heart is a reflection of Jesus. I am so very proud of you that I am busting at the seams. I have to give all the glory to God for the beautiful Young Lady you have become. You are the mother that I wish I had bee. I have learned more about Jesus's unconditional love from you than any other person I know. When I see the love you have for Jesus, then your husband, children, and all God's people no mather the color of their skin , size of their bank account or any thing else you amaze me. I love you so much.
Mom
Mom,
It is not fair for Bella to always get what ever she wants. She got candy and me and Zander did't. I like staying at Mimi's.
love Zach
Knock Knock!
Say Who is there?
Pizza
Pizza Who?
Pizza Deodorant
love Zach
knock knock
say who is it
ben
ben who
ben army tricks
love zander and mimi
I have created a couple of monster now who want to keep sending knock knock jokes.
Love mom
Hi Crystal,
Here is something funny for you. The other day Aiden was dental flossing his teeth. I told him what a great job he was doing at flossing. He then turned to me and says, "Mom I think I need to start working out. I want to get big muscles." Okay so is seven years old about the age when boys starting really caring about how they look? Anyways I thought that story might put a smile on your face.
I know it feels like forever, but this wait will be so worth it once your family is all together. Please know that we are praying for you and that we love you.
Crystal hang in there girl! I know how deply you miss Shane and the kids. Your right, there is a reason you are still there.
I was going to write a Knock Knock joke, but I don't think I can top the boys! :-)
Praying for you!
Linda
You are in my prayers and I know there is purpose in your journey. Just think you will have first hand knowledge of where Savannah came from. Think of the stories you will be able to share with her. You stay strong it sounds like your family is doing well. Love the knock knock jokes. Your moms commment made me cry. She is right you are showing the love of Christ. Stay stong sister, we are all praying for you and your safe return.
Post a Comment