She's coming home

All children that have been referred to American families are coming home. I don't have any specifics as to exactly when or where, but tonight I rejoice knowing that within a few days, Aliette will be safe and loved in her forever home. This past week has been such a roller coaster of emotion: joy to despair. My adoption agency tells me they are getting children out quickly, so I'm gather essentials like diapers, clothing, and food. Olivia came as a toddler, so I was clueless as I literally threw things into the shopping cart today. Live and learn.

Supplies on their way

Although there is no word on the children, I have learned that supplies (food, water, diapers, and formula) have been received or are on their way. This means that the orphanage has been located. I'm still waiting to hear about the Humanitarian Parole, the Joint council has made a plea directly to Hillary Clinton. She is in Haiti currently. Looting the orphanage food and supplies is a grave concern. Rejoicing tonight that Allie is alive, and praying she will be home soon.

Update from Joint Council

Joint Council Update
Humanitarian Parole It is the position of Joint Council that the U.S. government should immediately grant humanitarian parole to all Haitian children being adopted by a U.S. family. At present, Joint Council is appealing with the U.S. government, specifically the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to issue humanitarian paroles for any child that has been referred to an American family. If DHS issues humanitarian paroles, the children would not need a visa to enter the U.S. and be united with you. This would minimize the paperwork and possibly eliminate the need to find documents, which have been destroyed in the earthquake. Given the urgent needs of the children and the fact that they have you, we believe that humanitarian parole is the most humane solution. We will continue to work this weekend and into next week to achieve this goal. Again, please remember that at this time, we do not have confirmation from the Department of Homeland Security regarding humanitarian parole, but we are working towards that goal.From our many, many meetings with Members of Congress, the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, we feel that you should know that your government is working very hard to find a solution which will help get your children into the safe, permanent and loving setting of your family.

Today's church retreat was exactly what I needed. A beautiful "warm" day, surrounded by caring prayer warriors. It was a time of self reflection and a time to count my blessings. It was a time to refuel. One of the break out sessions, I actually found a very comfy sofa and took a power nap. As you notice the time stamps on my posts, I'm not sleeping very much, so I really enjoyed my power nap. Although it was windy and cold sitting on a large stone by the water, I heard God weeping along with me. FYI As Olivia would say "My eyes are leaking." For the past few days, anything can set off the tears. They usually are short lived, but cleansing. I've decided it is not healthy to keep things bottled up so I'm letting it flow. I'm putting my trust in God that the government will work quickly and Allie will be in my arms sooner than later. I'm making lists of things I need to do before I leave and things I will need for Allie's arrival. Since I wasn't expecting her for another 2 years, you can see the problem. Don't worry the lists are growing and I'm sure there be something for everyone.

A few of you have asked about how Olivia handling this, she is great. After the retreat we went to the Downtown Cabaret to see Hansel and Greta. It was the best play I've seen in a long time, if you are in CT it is a must see. At the end of the performance instead of collecting money for their troop, all the money will be going to UNICEF. Two of their company was in Haiti visiting family, they have yet to hear about their safety. Please pray for there safety and safe return. At the end of the performance they sign autographs and Olivia showed each one her sister. She then followed it up by saying, there is a problem in her home and mommy is going to a meeting to bring her home. Out of the mouths of babes. Explanation: to avoid a meltdown and pleas to come w/ me, any time I do anything, I tell her I have to go to a meeting. She knows meetings are boring and you can't play or watch movies, so she has no desire to go with me. A little white lie, but one that avoids a melt down, I think God will forgive me.

I'll continue to keep you posted as news come in.
Much love and many blessings,
Nikki

Rumors

I needed to correct a past post, rumors seem to be spreading like wild fire. People desperate for information long for some solution which seems so obvious to us(waiting adoptive parent). For those who have never embarked on an international adoption, you have no idea what hoops, trials, and sweat we had to get to where are today, a referral of a child. We have devoted months, years, time, and resources to bringing home a Haitian child/children. Although I have never seen Allie or held her in my arms, I love her with all of my heart. She is my daughter and frankly I want her HOME NOW. I fear for her safety and well being if she has to stay in Haiti. I've contacted my senators, congressmen, Dept. of State, and my personal favorite Hillary and have begged them to cut through all the political red tape and make this happen. In a few hours, I leave for an all day church retreat and I will be surrounded by prayer warriors. Although, I have been in constant pray, I'm going to be free from distractions to listen. Listen for Gods healing touch, listen for what to do next, and surrender my worry/doubt to the one who can REALLY move mountains. Today, I rejoice that my daughter and her friends are alive and are being looked after by loving and compassionate people.

Latest news from orphanage

• I do ask this time that you make all donations on-line in order for us to process them faster but I also understand that some do not feel comfortable with PayPal so please continue to send your checks to our record address. (See below)
  
  if you would like to make a financial donation please visit our home page, in the blue box, www.buildingarizonafamilies.com This is a new request. Don't worry if you have already sent money the old fashion way, it will get there and all the money will go to the orphanage.
  
  Here is the communication I have from our Orphanage in Haiti:
• Currently no injuries or mortalies.
• Building needed to be evacuated because of the severe damage to the structure.
• We have a phone, but not always go through, but you can try
• We have no power and our generator has been damaged
• We need funds now to alleviate the expected food and other shortages
• Pray for all of us, God's mercy and grace

Leslie Maximilien

Government plea

I'm normally an early riser, but 3:30am is even early for me! Guess my lap top was calling my name and I needed to know if there was any news. There is some hope to report today. Possibility of humanitarian visa, but Allie doesn't have passport. The US government discussing a solution, but all this takes time.
My father is not normally a political guy, but within the past month he has wined and dined with both Sen. Dodd and Liberman. Why show favorites? I reached out to both senators and asked them to support measures to bring home ALL children who have been spoken for. Too many children have died and more will, if children have no place to go. This morning, I'm praying that my cries for help for my child and all those waiting will be heard. May those in power aide in this effort.

Haiti Update

Hello friends,
Thank you so much for your calls, cards, and emails. They mean so much to me and my daughters. I received word on Tuesday night that Allie is alive and for the moment safe. The conditions in Haiti are dire. Right now, it is too early to tell how this tragedy will impact my adoption. I'm assuming it will lengthen the process, but there is a chance she might be granted a humanitarian visa, but a Haitian passport is needed and she doesn't have one yet and there are no government buildings standing that can issue one. This is unlike other disaster there was a huge orphan problem prior to the earthquake and now the problem is magnified. So tonight I pray, that she will be able to come home sooner rather than later. With God anything is possible. I will use the blog to update the process. I haven't been doing such a good job about it because Olivia dropped my camera and I needed to buy another one and I hated it. It had too many dials and I couldn't make it do the simplest of things. I bought myself a new camera for Christmas, so I will be updating the site with pictures of Olivia. I am unable to post pictures of Allie online. Those of you who have gotten New Years' cards, please do NOT post pictures of her on the Internet as it might impact my adoption. Many of you have asked what you could do to help. Right now I ask you to pray that Allie will be able to come home on a humanitarian visa and for supplies to reach the orphanage.

Also, if you are able please consider sending a donation to my orphanage. 100% of the funds will go directly to rebuilding the orphanage and for needed supplies. The building was damaged during the quake.

Check made payable to Building Arizona Families and in the Memo field reference MDA or Haiti. Please mail all checks to:
Building Arizona Families
18449 West Ivy Lane
Surprise, Arizona 85388