...to everyone who has responded so positively and with so much encouragement! It feels so good to finally be able to share this news, this joy, with you all and to also know that we are not alone in this process. Our prayer is that this journey will not only give a beautiful little girl a home, but that it will testify to the amazing work that God is doing in our world.
With that said, we wanted to give you a basic idea of what has happened since October when we first found out about her situation. Below is a "bare bones" timeline of what has taken place.
October 10th - learned about the baby girl orphaned at birth on Likoma Island from our friend Nancy.
October 11th - inquired if the baby was going to be put up for adoption.
October 19th - we learned that baby's family was interested in a possible adoption.
- first phone call with Alex (our contact and her care coordinator). He arranged for a wet
mother to care for the child because of the grandmother's failing health.
November 1st - connected with Derek Macpherson and given Alan Chinula's contact info (lawyer).
December 10th - after several attempts, finally spoke with Alan Chinula.
- given Hyacinth's contact info (Director of Social Welfare in Malawi).
December 15th - pictures of baby's home and health report sent to us from Alex.
December
28th - Meeting on Likoma with all extended family members (including
father) and social
worker to discuss adoption. Family agrees "wholeheartedly" to adoption, 2pm Malawian
time!! Pictures sent.
February 1st - First conversation with Perry Jansen.
February 3rd - blood taken for test. Pictures sent to confirm.
February 12th - Negative HIV test!
February 16th - Wet nurse left the island, need a new care giver.
February
21st - Doctors from London confirm that they'll be on Likoma Island
March 13th to examine the
baby. Will send more pics and maybe a video!
We are so thankful and amazed by the progress that has been made. God alone deserves all of the credit! Presently, we are waiting for Hyacinth to approve the adoption so that we can do our home study and complete immigration paper work here, all of which could take several months to process. We appreciate your continued prayer for wisdom (and patience) and for the health and safety of the baby.
Love to you all...
W & B
