Cannot believe I am writing this or that this is happening, but we have a SON!...
Matt, Ari and I went for a quick visit to the HIV house at Malambo this week. These kids are so stinkin' cute, I just had to share some photos with you all...
One of my dear friends just recently adopted an older child from Africa. It has been amazing to hear her tell the story of her miraculous homecoming, and then the joys (and trials;) of raising an adopted teenager. It is such an amazing and beautiful thing. These children are the one's that are waiting for a family, praying for someone to love them, and know what they are missing out on...
2 weeks ago Matt arranged a trip for some of the teens from Malambo orphanage to go visit an indigenous village. We are friends with the leader of the village, Phillipe. This village is called San Antonio, and is right next to the town of Gamboa. You have to take a short boat ride to get there. Phillipe heard about the orphan problem when we shared at Gamboa Union Church a while back. They were touched and wanting to know how they can help, which is very humbling. MORE>>>
Ok, so you HAVE to watch this video about what it means to adopt a child with HIV. Click here to watch: video. It is informative and touching. Just a normal family that decided to adopt a child with special needs. Brought tears to my eyes and hope to my heart...
I just found out this week that the US lifted the ban on issuing visa's for adopting children internationally that have HIV. WOW! That is so huge! The law was passed in January of this year (2010). The trend began in 2008 when President Bush began the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), where he removed the statutory language re HIV - however a special visa was still required. Then President Obama finally lifted the entry ban this year. We received confirmation via the US Embassy that they will grant Visa's to individuals that adopt an HIV positive child. That is amazing news! MORE>>>
Are you wondering how Matt is recording the music that we have uploaded on the site? Below is a picture of his "recording studio", i.e., the office in our apartment. He is literally playing all the instruments, singing and even made his own verson of a drum set! It's amazing what you can do with a water jug :) And he is recording all of it on his Mac using Garage Band. Kind of crazy! It is so awesome the songs he has been given lately. I hope he will finish them soon and upload all these new songs for you to hear. They have truly spoken to my heart and I think others will enjoy, as well!
I have been wanting to scream this from the mountain top: ADOPTIONS ARE REALLY STARTING TO HAPPEN IN PANAMA!!!!
After we were able to rule out the available properties in Chiriqui area, an opportunity arose near El Valle (an area about 2 hours from the City). We had visited many areas around there before, but nothing seemed to be available that was within a reasonable price range. Then, we were contacted by a land owner that was interested in possibly working with us to buy his land. We were so excited, as this land was perfectly equipped to handle handicapped children. The land owner was handicapped, himself, and had done a fabulous job equipping the entire property for handicap accessibility (which is amazing to find in Panama!). He was originally from the US, and all his property was up to code for wheelchair accessibility. It seemed perfect! See the photos below of the 2 hectare property. It was beautiful! And we were going to be able to move in right away with another family and several orphans...