Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Jardin Botanica Nacional

Who knew there was such a lovely Botanical garden here in Santo Domingo!? It is absolutely beautiful. Just a little piece of paradise here in the Dominican Republic.






Mercy and I (along with her Mom) loaded up the kids and strollers for a long walk around the beautiful gardens. We also enjoyed a picnic lunch in the Japenese Garden.



It was a fun day.....but it was HOT! It may not look like we are in the DR, but trust me- WE ARE!



In some countries, adoptive families travel as a group. It becomes such a huge source of encouragement to each other as you go through your adoptions. Our agency did not connect our families. We did by chance, or really we feel like God brought us together. Just one of those details only he can do.





So meet our travel group (minus JT, Greg, Taryn and James)! We are on this last leg together.





...and I am so thankful.








Who's crazy child is that standing up in his stroller with just a diaper on?? Oh wait. He's mine.







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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Special friends





One of the many blessings we have experienced with our adoption is getting connected with the Tucker family. They received their referral for Daniela the same day we received ours for Alex. We have all been in the DR about the same amount of time. Today is 60 days.












We were in contact before we came to the DR and once we got here, we actually met for the first time. It was an easy - effortless beginning to a friendship. JT and I are so very thankful to walk this last leg of our adoption journey with them.






Our kids were in heaven when we moved into the house directly behind theirs. They have played together every single day - all day. Singing and dancing shows were performed and Friday night was "Movie" night. Their form of transportation from our house to theirs was by sliding down a palm tree. Seriously.












Gregg, Taryn and James flew back to Colorado today. School starts this week for them. We were all sad...especially the girls. Mercy, little Will (3 months) and Dani are still here waiting out the rest of this long process. Please pray for my friends. It is so hard to have your family spread out like this adoption has made us all have to do. They are a precious family with a strong faith.



We know God is in control and will see us through this time when our families have to be apart. This is the hard part. Plain and simple.




But when you look at these two sweet faces...we know it is all worth it.







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Sunday, August 7, 2011

Los Tres Ojos

This past weekend we visited the "Los Tres Ojos" (The Three Eyes) with the Darnells and their grandson, Noah. JT and I have both been here while on our mission trips, so I was glad to finally take the girls to see the caves.

Los Tres Ojos is complex of caves, lakes with a mini-lagoon. It is a steep walk down to the caves, but once you get there it is beautiful site of natural landscape and tropical vegetation. It is also said to be a Taino holy site.





Only one person is allowed to swim in the lakes. They call him "Spiderman" because he climbs up the side of the caves and dives down into the lake. We saw him as we were headed down, but did not get to see him dive.





Thought my girls needed to sandwich themselves between a few nuns. It's been a long 59 days here in the DR. I'm just saying....







The view looking down into the lagoon.



It was a fun day and I am so glad the girls and I got to spend some time together. You may be asking yourself, " Where is that little cutie pie Alex?" Well... he was happily napping at home while a sweet Dominican lady named Biemba watched over him. Best 500 pesos I ever spent. :-)



On another note- Thank you to all who have left comments on my blog. I can not tell you how much it encourages me to read them. You bless me.


Please pray our 30 day appeal process will begin Monday. I am ready for my family to be together again in our home. I operate better that way.


Love to all-




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