Kampala

Our alarms went off extra early Monday morning as we had to be on the road by five am to ensure we made it to the U.S. Embassy in Kampala by 7:30. We wanted to be one of the first in line so that we could get in, be seen and be on our way to the IOM office for our 11:00 am appointment for Maisy’s physical.  Half asleep, we stumbled our way to the car in the pitch dark being sure not to step on any toads in the process! We loaded up our belongings and made ourselves as comfortable as possible. Our relaxation quickly diminished; we were soon as wide-eyed as deer in headlights - driving at five in the morning in Uganda is sure to make anyone pee themselves! Cars whizzed this way and that, botabotas swerved between cars and trucks, headlights shone brightly in our eyes as we zoomed into the opposite lane to pass slow-moving vehicles. One learns to pray extra hard in these circumstances!!!  Praise the Lord we made it to Kampala in one piece!  

We approached the Embassy and were searched before being allowed inside. Once we were given the OK, we walked in and took a seat next to a handful of fellow Americans – most of whom were also visiting the Embassy in regard to adopting a child. Conversations quickly sparked due to everyone’s curiosity about the persons sitting next to them. We didn’t do too much talking ourselves but we certainly did a lot of listening… However, each couple seemed to report disappointing news in regard to adoption – things like appointments not being scheduled for weeks out, judges denying cases, talking about how long they have been in Uganda waiting for things to move forward, etc. When you are surrounded by negativity, it is easy to get wrapped up in a blanket of worry and anxiety. We looked at one another and yet again spoke these words, “Do not be anxious for ANYTHING” and we silently prayed.

We were able to pick up the IOM forms at the Embassy, take Maisy to her DR. appointment and have Maisy’s visa photo taken (again she screamed but we did manage to capture one shot of her with both of her ears showing). It was a very long day in an extremely crowded, hot and busy city but we survived and we continue to thank God in it all and for all the blessings we have received along the way. As Americans, it is in our DNA to want things done fast, done NOW - expecting things to go a certain way and in a timely fashion but usually speaking, things are done a completely different way from what we want because it is God who calls the shots and thank the Lord for that because His way is the very best way! We are learning time and time again to be extra patient and to expect the un-expected! Everything we have gone through and continue to encounter is in the Father’s hands so we lay everything at His feet. We remind each other everyday that God has been driving a very smooth Cadillac and we need to be grateful and not loose sight of the fact that it has been quite a bump-less ride thus far!!!

Please continue to pray that all paper work is finalized no later than Thursday, July 11th as we need to be back in Kampala at the U.S. Embassy Friday morning with ALL paper work in hand; meaning - court ruling, medical records, signed irrevocable release forms, etc. Once we have all the paper work in hand and turn everything in to the Embassy, we then make an appointment to pick up our visa, which Lord willing, will be the day we head to the airport. Our flights home are booked for July 17^th so please be praying that everything is finalized before then so that we can keep our flights as scheduled!!!

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is it’s own trouble.

Hebrew 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Psalm 107:1

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!