An un-expected phone call .....

So I have not updated here in a while. Unfortunately we are still just waiting for the Director of Social Welfare to open cases back up again so that we can request a court date in Kumasi.


In the meanwhile, we talk to the boys at least once or twice a week. They are hopeful and happy and continue to ask when we will be coming back to see them.


I have been feeling so helpless lately; not knowing who to turn to for help or even what to ask.
So two weeks ago, I was working, had just received a text from Mary assuring me she was still checking in with Social Services regularly but that there was no change. I literally hit my knees in my office and wept and asked God to please just help in any way. And I asked Him what it was I was supposed to do. I just couldn't believe He had brought me this far for this adoption to fall apart.


This was on Thursday November 12th. Within 15 mins of my text and prayer, I received a phone call from a customer. I was helping with the Customer Service Lines at PoshTots because we were short staffed on that day. I answered the phone to a very polite pregnant woman asking about a cradle. After a couple minutes, I had to ask where she was from because I recognized that beautiful accent. "I'm from Africa", she replied. I asked "where in Africa". Of course my heart sank because I knew what her reply was going to be. "Ghana", she says. I then proceeded to tell her about my connection and visit to Ghana and how much I loved her country, the people and two young boys in particular.


She then asked me what "region" I stayed in when there. I said the Ashanti Region. She then tells me she is from Kumasi and her father still lives there. He is a physician and owns a hospital. I am in tears and she is clearly shaken up too. She tells me she never calls companies and prefers to shop online. She said she had a strong urge to call and talk with someone that day. As I explained I typically don't answer the CS lines, I only answered that day because we were busy. Clearly, God is laughing while the two of us are bantering back and forth and this crazy connection.


Okay, so let's fast forward to today. Nana has since contacted her father, who has contacted two lawyers who have also gone to the orphanage to meet with Mary and see the boys. I just received an email from her yesterday with pictures of the boys and Luvis and Vasty too. You see, because her fathers friends had difficulty getting Mary on the phone, they drove to Offinso to meet Mary in person and discuss our situation with her. I am teary just typing this again. I just cannot believe how incredibly generous this was.


I thanked Nana over and over again for all she and her father had done. She then proceeded to tell me that her father had offered to sign an affidavit of support for the court as he is very well known and respected in Kumasi. I just don't even know what to say other than God is still at work here and I still remain HOPEFUL!!


Below are the pictures that Nana's father emailed me of his visit at the orphanage. It breaks my heart to see the kids so sad and solemn. Also seeing the conditions of the orphanage just make me so sad too. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers!


~ Andrea

We Need Your Help!

So many of you who are living this experience with us have been wanting to help. We are so amazed at the true love that is surrounding us on this journey. We feel it and we thank you all. What we truly need is financial support for the enormous costs associated with this mission. Everything from our Ghana Attorney to Travel to Government Fees is expensive!! Some very good friends of ours, Deborah Clark, Maria Elder, Lynn Hurley and Kelly Evans, are organizing an "Adoption Yardsale" for us in the parking lot of PoshTots on Saturday, June 22nd. If you have any items you would like to donate for our sale, please let one of us know. We are happy to pick up donations or you can message me about where and when to drop off. If you can't make it to the sale on the 22nd and are interested in making a donation, here is how you can help by donating here via Visa, MC or Amex through GoFundMe All donations over $50, will automatically be in a drawing for a 1 week stay at PoshCasa on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in CapeCharles (value $2200). Drawing will be on July 1st! Thanks for everyone's continued support and encouraging messages. Having such a supportive group of family and friends has been such a blessing and we are truly appreciative!

"A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of one child." Forest Witcraft

~Andrea

Reflections from Ghana

It's been a bittersweet past few days as Evan and I get back into our normal routines at work and school. We are both missing our newest family members and all the other new friends at the Offins Children's Center. Before I left, I purchased an inexpensive phone for the boys to use to call or text us until we are together again. We've heard from them several times; asking how we are and telling us how much they miss us. This is the hard part as we wait for the next step in the adoption process. I've had a chance to sort through the pictures on my camera and have loved seeing and remembering the special moments of our visit and seeing the sweet, joyful faces of our friends. Just looking at them again reminds me of just how really special the people of Ghana really are. As challenging as it was at times, it's clear we were happy and loved our time in Ghana and at the orphanage. I'll update more about the adoption process and where we are in the next couple of days. For now, I just wanted to enjoy the pictures and the faces in them. ~ Andrea

Life in Ghana

I'm on Day 6 here in Ghana and am starting to settle in.  My morning regime is pretty simple now.  I throw a wet washcloth on my face and tie my hair up in a pony tail.  I still refuse to give up my mascara.   ;-)

We have gotten a lot done in the past week - a visit with the lawyer and a visit with the boys' family members and "family representative".   Part of the adoption process is that Social Services investigate the boys' situation and background to determine they are in fact orphans and that it is in their best interest to be adopted into another family.

Joseph and Askia were taken to "Antie Mary" (orphanage)  11 years ago after their father died and their mother became unable to care for them.  Their grandfather, Thomas Osei, tried his best to care for the children but because of his health and age, he was unable.  He made the decision to bring them to the orphanage.  

After meeting with him yesterday, it is apparent he loves these children and did the best he could for them at the time.  He was very vocal about his appreciation for all that Mary had done for his grandchildren.

Thomas is a retired Catholic Catachist.  He is a very friendly, happy, jovial man with a great sense of humor.  It's been my observation that most Ghanaians (men especially) keep a stern, serious look on their faces.  It drives me crazy because they have such beautiful smiles and are actually very friendly and kind.  I guess it's a macho thing.  ;-)

Thomas also spoke great English and I loved the fact he greeted Evan directly with a big smile.  We all agreed we could understand where the boys got their friendly, happy disposition. 

Evan is doing great here.  I worry about him getting enough to eat but I've discovered an International Market in Kumasi, where I grabbed some generic "Oodles of Noodles".   He also puts Peanut Butter on Granola Bars and Tuna out of packs we brought from home. 

Today we are taking all the boys to Kumasi for the weekend and will stay at Treasure Land Hotel for a couple nights so they can swim in the pool and get a change of scenery.  For Joseph and Askia, this was their very first night ever out of Offinso and first night in a "hotel".   And even though they told me they could swim, I'm pretty sure that was their first time in a pool as well.   Boy will they have a lot of "firsts" coming up when they get to America.  I can hardly wait to see their faces when we take them to our pool and to Cape Charles.

My journey here in Ghana is quite an eye opener and as hard as it is, I am glad I am getting to experience life through the eyes of my boys.  I have such a greater understanding of where they come from and such a greater appreciation for my life in America.  And the irony in all of it is that these people are so full of Joy and Love and appreciation.  I never once sense they are bitter or resentful.  And even the ones not coming to America; yet knowing their friends are going, are genuinely happy for their friends.  There is no jelousy or competition here. 

These sweet children and sweet people of Ghana are truly "gems" and I am forever grateful I have been able to get to know each of them. 

Going into this Memorial Day Weekend, I think of my family heading to Cape Charles together and am so sad to not be going.  We are missing you all terribly and look forward to all being together soon.

~Andrea

I Hate Cliffhangers

So, technically, we have not completed processing, because Andrea is there NOW as part of the processing, to be granted a court date. Wow. I hate cliffhangers.

This clarification just in from US State Department:

Ghana

May 20, 2013

Alert: All Adoption Cases with the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare are Subject to Suspension

The Government of Ghana has temporarily suspended processing of all adoption cases, including intercountry adoptions, pending Ghana's review of its current adoption procedures. All adoption cases which have not received final approval by the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare are subject to this suspension.

At this time, adoption cases which have completed processing with the Ghanaian Department of Social Welfare, and are either before a Ghanaian court or have a completed adoption order, are unaffected by the suspension. Urgent or emergency cases subject to the suspension can be referred directly to the Ghanaian Director of Social Welfare in Accra for consideration.

The U.S. Embassy will continue accepting orphan petitions and approving qualified visa applications of those cases not subject to the suspension.

Joy

We made it to Ghana!!

After a very long journey - nearly 24 hours from Richmond, Virginia to Kumasi, Ghana - we are so very happy to be within hours of meeting Joseph and Askia for the very first time.   I can't imagine what they must be feeling right now; as I know Evan can barely contain himself with the anticipation he is feeling.

Mary just texted to say they would come after church service.  I understand that could mean a few hours.  I'm sure those boys are squirming through this service today.  ;-)  Since they are in Offinso, it will take a little over an hour for them to get to us by car.

We are staying at a hotel in Kumasi called Treasure Land.   The people here are definitely a "treasure".  As I type this blog post, "Colby" is helping Evan with his homework in the lobby.  Part of his assignment was to map out exactly where he is going in Ghana.  This is one Geography lesson he is sure to never forget!

I must mention that before Colby began the Journal Assignment, he had also prepared our breakfast and spent at least 30 minutes chasing lizards with Evan.  The lizards in Ghana are much faster than American and Jamaican Lizards we have determined.  Everyone here is getting a kick out of the little white boy running around; determined to catch these speedy little creatures.   They have underestimated his perseverence; I have assured them.

At breakfast this morning,  the only other couple in the "restaurant" was a young Canadian girl sitting with a local Ghanaian having breakfast.  Of course I had to introduce myself since she was the first white skin I have seen since leaving the Kumasi Airport.

Turns out she has been living in Kumasi for over a year working at the Agriculture Center here.  Muriel is her name and she appeared in her early 20's.  She shared with me a couple places to go for local fabrics, soccer jerseys and some local bags.  She reiterated how loving, friendly and safe the area was and how much she loved Kumasi and its people.  It is a very Christian area and a lot of worship and Bible Studies going on she said. As we ate, we could hear the music and singing from at least 2 churches near by. 

Last night, at the same "restaurant" (which felt more like my grandmother's kitchen with a few more tables in it) a group of 4 local Ghanaians sat down at a table next to us.  I assumed they were coming in to watch a game on TV and would be ordering cocktails/beer and out socializing on a Saturday night like many American guys at a hotel bar.   After politely welcoming us to the area (it's pretty apparent we are visitors), they ordered a round of Sprite and Coca Cola's, held hands and prayed before their Bible Study.

As I sit here in the tiny lobby, I am looking at Evan sitting at an outside table with Colby and another local young man helping Evan with his map and assignment.  It's the cutest thing ever watching them together.  Evan just ran past me to go grab his Science Book  I am loving this Home School thing!!

A Destiny Decided By Hours....from Andy

 Imagine this: 14 years old, lived in an orphanage your entire life, your country finally opens for international adoption a few years ago, seeing other younger children find families, knowing that you may be stuck simply because the timing did not work out for you. You treasure your education, appreciate any meal.....you posses infinite hope in spite of unimaginable hardship.

And then one day, a single picture of you and your little brother finds its way in front of the eyes of a single perfect soul somewhere literally on the other side of the planet. You learn that this person is trying to rescue you. Without even hearing her voice, to you, she is already, "Mum". Yes Mum.

Now imagine this: a contemporary American family with three awesome kids, two working parents, one complicated weekly itinerary and zero margin of error for monthly cashflow. So many blessings, so many distractions, so many challenges......so many reasons NOT to make our life any more complicated.

Yet, here we are. Andrea and Evan on a flight to Ghana to see Joseph and Askia for the first time.
In spite of the announcement from Ghana suspending international adoption, it seems that our status is barely on the right side of the cut-off date. Literally by one day. Wow. Think of how that one day changed the destiny of these boys, our family and yes even you- our friends. There are still many obstacles before us. More mountains to move in this very complicated and red-tape infested process.
We are simply taking it one step and one day and one crisis at a time. Through faith.

Why are we doing this?

When I tell people that we have 3 biological kids and we are in the process of adopting 2 older boys from Ghana, the surface reaction is usually something like " wow, that's awesome, you guys are amazing humanitarians , blah blah blah" .  However, I sense that their thought bubble is often saying "seriously, do you know what your getting yourselves into?" In fact, this was MY initial reaction to the concept. Honestly, we really don't know what we are getting ourselves into.

All I know is that I love my wife, I love my family and that our whole life together has been blessed and rewarded for over 26 years through a willingness to take bold action. We acquired a crack house and renovated it ourselves by hand. We got a gas station and turned it into an institution. We bought a 5 bedroom riverfront house in 1994 with NO MONEY and NO CHILDREN. Our life has been defined by crazy faith.

To pull this off and bring these boys here; to give them hope, a family and a future ....we will need your faith too.

Love trumps Greed.

Andy

"Alert: Government of Ghana Suspends Intercountry Adoptions"

So after several hours waiting in line at the Ghana Embassy yesterday, we were told the soonest it would be ready for pick up would be Monday after 1!!!  But we are supposed to leave on Friday.  Clearly this would not work.     I quickly hopped on our Ghana Adoption FB Page for advice.  Thankfully someone quickly replied saying that there was a Ghana Consulate Office in Houston and they provided a quick turnaround.  We made the decision to take our chances on Houston.

Prayer answered.  A very kind woman by the name of Dianne assured us she would turn it around same day once she received our application and passport.  Andy and I hurried to the UPS Office down the street to send it Next Day Air to the Houston Consulate to an "angel" named Dianne.

On the way home from DC, we stopped for lunch and to pick up some last minute items for Ghana.  We have to assume this would be road block was diverted for now and we are back on track for our Friday departure.  After all, Dianne assured me she would turn the Visa around same day.

I'm back in my office by 3, emotionally drained but optimistic all will be fine and this was just a minor hurdle.
My bigger problems now lie at work.  We are in the middle of a major site re-launch and a couple of large design projects in NYC and Miami.  I have a great, dedicated, supportive staff at my office but I hate to leave them with so much going on and me so far away with little or no internet connection.

By 7:30 I am now emotionally and physically drained and it's all I can do to make it home to a relaxing bath, dinner and bed!  And now this .....  Andy reads the headline to me from the Ghana Adoption FB Page. The same page that had delivered my angel earlier in the day is now reporting this news?!?

Andy and I look at each other in disbelief.  Is this the sign that it's now time to abort our "orphan rescue" mission?  After all the headlines sound pretty clear.  All this work we have done and now the country is cutting off the opportunity of a forever family for these poor boys?   I just couldn't talk about it anymore and crawled into bed praying that God would give us a sign as to what to do.

I guess Andy needed the rest to come to a conclusion this morning.  The fact this message comes just days before we head to Ghana to start adoption proceedings is just typical for an "Edmunds' adventure".  Of course you will still go, he says.  We've come this far.  They surely can't mean us when they make this kind of announcement!!  

Alert: Government of Ghana Suspends Intercountry Adoptions

Until the next chapter ...... prayers appreciated!!

~ Andrea

"Let Go and Let God"

Yes, easier said than done at times.     I tend to worry too much about things that are out of my control.  But if we are following His path, He will meet our needs.    May not be in my time and as I would handle it but that's part of letting go.

The entire adoption journey up until now has been a walk of Faith.   So we will continue that walk today; even if it leads me to the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC.  I so do not feel like making that drive this morning.  I am only in my office 4 days before I leave for 2 weeks.  I have so much to do and the absolute last thing I want to do is drive this far  and sit all day waiting for Evan's Visa.  I have requested twice but each time they have sent it back asking for more information.  At this point, I have no choice but to go in person since we leave on Friday.  

I am sitting here this morning complaining about my "misfortune" and "hurdle"; yet maybe I need to change my way of thinking and look at this as a very clear message that this is my path today.   At times I get frustrated because the path/choice seems unclear, it really does always unveil itself when I pause and listen. 

By the same token I need to see the "uncomfortable" trail as a blessing that I at least can see it and know where to go.  And that's what I shall do today.    So DC, 4 hours in my car and possibly hours of sitting in an Embassy Waiting Room, here I come.   I will open my eyes and ears to the message and lesson that lie ahead today.

God - please make this day simple in that they issue Evan's Visa without any problems.  

~Andrea

He is either everything or He is nothing at all .......

A very dear friend told me that today.  And I so needed that reminder.

So it's official.  Evan and I fly to Ghana a week from today!    Still so much to do and so much I am worried about while I am away but I know I am not alone in any of this.

Last week we were honored to have Carrie, her three children and Mary, the Orphanage Director and "grandmother" to the 74 orphans at the Offinso Home for Children in Ghana spend some time with us in our home.  Carrie is the one who put that original post/plea out there on Adeye's FB Page talking about the boys and their desire for a forever family.  She and her family live in South Carolina.

Mary was in the US briefly; escorting a sweet 18 month old boy to his new family in Michigan.  Allison and Tim Nelson are now enjoying life, as they never knew before, with a handsome, busy little boy named Eli, who was brought to the orphanage after his mother died suddenly.

This is Joseph with Eli in Ghana.

We were so fortunate to spend so much time with Mary and get to know her. It's evident she loves these kids wholeheartedly and has devoted her life to their well being and care.  It's so reassuring to know that Joseph and Askia have always been loved.   Mary brought letters the boys had written to us.  In them they express their gratitude and tell us how anxious they are to see us in Ghana.

Having gotten to know Mary a little better has certainly made us all feel more at peace about the upcoming trip,   I think it especially made Andy feel better about our traveling so far away. Mary has assured us she will have one of the older boys (from the orphanage) pick Evan and I up from the Kumasi Airport and drive us to our hotel.  Evan and I will spend the first night in Kumasi and on Sunday we will meet Joseph and Askia for the fist time.

As Evan and I are getting prepared for this unbelievable adventure, I find myself an emotional mess this week.  I am sad about missing Madison's very first prom and just being away from them for so long.  It definitely helps being able to take Evan with me.   I am also an emotional wreck at work finding myself worrying about everything and everyone while I am away.   I actually cried in a meeting today discussing priority lists for product loading.

I have to remind myself I am not alone in this and God is in control and NOT me!!  I need to let go of my fear and worry and have FAITH.   Someone shared this with me this morning and I liked it.  I will remind myself of this when I am feeling overwhelmed and out of control.  "I have enough. I am enough and I do enough."

Tomorrow we will start packing our suitcases and preparing our hearts for the trip that will forever change our lives.


~Andrea

Struggling.....

So hear it is April 25th and I am expected to be on a plane in less than a month (May 15th to be exact) to Ghana to meet our boys for the first time and spend time with them.

So many emotions these past couple of weeks about leaving.  We were advised to plan on a 2 week "bonding period" and then we would come back a few weeks later for our court date.  After much family discussion, it was agreed that Evan would go with me on the first trip.  Andy and I agreed we couldn't both leave our kids for two weeks but I can't bear to be away from my whole family for two weeks.  So, as a family, it was decided Evan would join me. 

Evan is thrilled at the thought of spending 2 weeks with his brothers and all the other kids at the orphanage.  He sees this as an adventure and let's face it, 2 weeks away from sisters and school is most appealing to a 9 year old boy!   Although, he had to agree to be "home schooled" by me during our 2 weeks away.  Thankfully, his principal blessed our trip and agreed it would be an incredible opportunity for Evan.

Now the struggle......

So I woke up this morning feeling very strongly about putting this out there because I know that when He does work this out,  it will be in His time and the reason and timing will not only be a lesson for me but will be a testimony to others. 

We have gotten to a place where finances are preventing us from taking that next "leap of faith".  The flights alone for two to Ghana are $3200. right now.   Up until this point, the money has always come just when we needed it.    I know it will now too.  I'm just getting a little impatient.  The longer we wait to book our flights, we risk the prices going up.

I wondered if this is a sign we need to postpone the initial trip.  I just don't know but for some reason, we cannot take that leap to book our flights just yet.   I've had a few offers from friends wanting to initiate fundraising for our adoption but I just have not felt comfortable doing that for many reasons.  I feel like there are so many families out there that need it worse than we do. 

Because God has had His hand on every aspect of this adoption process, I know He is still right here with us and He will see us through to the next phase of our journey.  One of my dear friends told me this morning that He puts us through these hurdles so that when we get through them, we are more grateful and He is more glorified. 

~Andrea

Keeping the Faith

So after worrying how in the world we will handle four weeks in Ghana, I am reminded that God is in control and He will not give us anymore than He knows we can handle.

Andy and I seriously began questioning how we could manage the 4 week requirement; even if we split it up.  I made a decision not to worry too much about this yet.  I just have to believe God would not have brought us this far for something like this to deter us.

After emailing Mary to explain just how difficult this requirement would be on our family, she came back to us a few days ago suggesting we come for two weeks middle of May and return for court in June or July.  So even though the return court date and length of visit is a little uncertain at this time, I can rejoice that the original 4 week requirement is now only 2 weeks.  This is manageable and we are grateful for this.

We have also decided that instead of my going alone,  Evan will go with me for the two weeks.  It will be an amazing opportunity for him to experience and he will enjoy bonding with his brothers.   Madison and Emma agree this is a good plan.  Their acceptance was important to us as we wanted this to be a family decision.

After getting the blessing from our school today, we will begin looking for the best flights right away.

My lesson in all of this has been to learn to let go of fear and not let fear control me.  "Our course has been charted.  All is well.  Today I will relax, breathe, and go with the flow."

Some un-settling news from Mary.

 So today I've been expecting to hear from Mary with our May court date and instead got this:

"DEAR ANDREA AND RUTHANNE,TODAY I MET WITH THE FAMILIES OF THE KIDS, THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND THE LAWYER. AFTER A LENGHTY DELIBERATION THE OUTCOME WAS THAT ADOPTERS HAVE TO BOND WITH ADOPTEES BEFORE THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE SENT TO COURT. THIS IS THE NEW GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVE. I AM THEREFORE ASKED TO TELL YOU TO COME TO GHANA. YOU HAVE TO PLAN TO STAY NOT LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS. SO WE DECIDED THAT BECAUSE I AM COMING TO AMERICA AND WILL NOT BE BACK TILL 13TH MAY. SO YOU CAN PLAN TO COME 15TH OF MAY. YOUR STAY SHOULD BE FOUR WEEKS. THE MAN OR WOMAN ALONE CAN COME.THERE IS NO NEED TWO OF YOU IE HUSBAND AND WIFE COME. AFTER YOU GO BACK THEY WILL ARRANGE FOR JULY FOR THE INTERVIEW. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF THEY DONT DO THIS AND YOU COME FOR COURT YOU MAY BE REFUSED THE ADOPTION DECREE.I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND ME. I HAVE FORWARDED ALL THE DOCUMENTS AND YOU WILL BE INTERVIEWED BY THE LAWYER AND SOCIAL WELFARE WHEN YOU COME IN MAY.MARY"

I am going to try not and panic yet.  I am going to pause and turn this over to God.  Four weeks is pretty unrealistic but this journey thus far has been one FAITH.  I was just reminded of that from one of my very dear friends tonight.

On a lighter note, Evan thinks this is great news and doesn't understand why I see this as a problem at all.  He says he will go with me and play with his Joseph, Askia and all the other boys in the orphanage for 4 weeks.  He sees this as a break from his sisters and a party in Ghana!  LOL

Clearly life is easier when we view it through the eyes of a child.