There are many titles I considered for this post: Giants Fall, Blessed are they who Humble Themselves without being Compelled to be Humble, Wherein I Try Not to Curl Up in the Fetal Position, Waiting for Mountains to Move, the list could go on.
As many of you have probably heard, the visa currently residing happily in Rob’s passport is no longer valid. Receiving that news was a bit of a punch in the gut, and we’re feeling pretty humble and utterly dependent upon God right now.
So where does that leave us??? We haven’t given up hope yet and are still working toward a resolution. We now have the San Francisco Consulate’s full attention, for it appears they issued Rob a visa when they shouldn’t have. Rob has sent them every bit of documentation we have, showing that his trip to Vietnam last year was authorized and legal, and showing we have been approved by the Vietnamese government to adopt Kim. Our big hope now is that Rob can get a visa through a sponsor in Vietnam. When Steve spoke with the immigration officer he was told everyone blacklisted as a result of last year’s trip was welcome to enter Vietnam again, but they would need to have a sponsor. Our adoption agency is waiting for one more piece of documentation and then they will approach immigration and ask to sponsor Rob. I really believe this is the most likely course to getting Rob into the country.
In the mean time, we’re completing the process of getting Rob’s Power of Attornry legalized by the Vietnamese consulate. When San Francisco issued him a visa, he didn’t bother with the Power of Attorny. We regeret that big time now. Yesterday we overnighted the POA to our wonderful sister-in-law, Katie, who lives in Washington D.C.. On Monday Katie will take it to the embassy, get it legalized, then overnight it back to us so we can have it in hand on Tuesday. I hereby appoint Katie to be Kim’s Godmother! 🙂
We still plan to leave for Cambodia on Wednesday with hope that Rob will have a visa before we to travel into Vietnam on Monday, October 31st. If Rob still has not received a visa, Nathan and I will head to Vietnam without him. Once in Vietnam we will be met by a representative from our agency who will transport us out to Kim’s province. We will spend Tuesday and Wednesday at her orphanage getting to know her in an environment which is familiar to her. I am so grateful we are being allowed this time with her before we take custody of her as I think it will do much to ease her transition into our care. I’m also thrilled with the opportunity to see where she has spent the first two years of her life and to get to know those who have cared for her. Then, on Thursday we will head with Kim to the Department of Justice in her province and sign papers that will make her legally ours! I am so hopeful Rob will be there, he hasn’t missed the birth of any of our children yet, and my fingers are crossed he won’t start now!
About a week ago I heard the song “Giants Fall” by Francesca Battistelli. I think it is the perfect theme song for the road we are currently walking. I want to make it clear we in no way feel the Vietnamese government is a mean giant we need to topple. We truly believe they are good and doing their best to protect their citizens. That said, navigating this process can feel a little like fighting a giant. This song has given me hope and courage as we have struggled this past week to work through the lot that has been handed us.
Giants Fall
Everyone’s telling you
To let go of what you’re holding to
It’s too late, too far
You’re too small, it’s too hard
Throwing water on that spark
Living deep inside your heart
With oceans of reasons
The things you’re not seeing
But oh, maybe they don’t
Know what you know
That you’re not alone
Don’t you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything’s possible
So step into the fight
He’s right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be too small
But watch the giants fall
We could really live like this
Can’t you imagine it
So bold, so brave
With childlike faith
Miracles could happen
Mountains would start moving
So whatever you may face
Don’t you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything’s possible
So step into the fight
He’s right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be too small
But watch the giants fall
Ask and believe
You’re gonna see
The hand of God in every little thing
Don’t you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything’s possible
So step into the fight
He’s right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be too small
But watch the giants fall
Miracles can happen
Anything is possible
Watch the giants fall
We know God is at the helm and is very aware of our plight. We know He will be “right there by our side” and are waiting as patiently as possible for His arm to be revealed.
We would also like to express immense gratitude for the love and support we have felt. There have been so many who have rallied around us and prayed with us. Thank you, thank you all!
Baird Family 