12 hours and counting...

We just got the girls settled in bed and are heading that way soon. Although it is hard to put into words, we are scared, excited, nervous, and peaceful all at the same time. Scared of the obvious, excited to see what God is going to do and what He has in store for our family, nervous about the words that we will say before the court as well as the words of others involved in our case, and peaceful because God is able to do all things and we believe that He is at work now and will be with us in that courtroom tomorrow.

A quick meeting with the attorney tonight left us feeling prepared for what will happen in the morning. I have an advantage in understanding how the case will flow because I was there in March 2008. This will be new to Kenny. After all testamonies and statements are given, the attorney's part will be to close the case and present our petitions. The petitions will read sort of like this: 1. Cintia's human rights were violated when she was left sick without any option for medical care when her birthmother abandoned her 3 years ago. Her human rights were also violated when she was denied the right to a family because her birthmother abandoned her. We ask that the court issue a certificate of adoptibility to give her back the rights to which she was deprived. 2. We ask that the court declare Dr. & Mrs. Hayman as her substitute family until such a time as the Central Authority can process an adoption for Cintia. 3. We ask that the Haymans be allowed to take Cintia back to the US to continue her medical care...however, if it is found that this court does not want Cintia to leave Guatemala City, we ask that the Haymans be allowed to remain here with her.

Then a PGN attorney will give his/her recommendation to the court. The social worker will do the same. Then the judge will give her resolution. The judge does not have to listen to the attorney or social worker but their opinion should sway her's.

If we win all of the petitions, we will go straight to the embassy to start the visa process. Last time, that was the step that almost stopped us in our tracks. Again, God will pave the way if we are meant to bring her home. If not, we start house hunting.

Please pray for God's protection and provision for Cintia. Pray we walk out of that court with Cintia in our arms and that God reveals His plan for our family. Pray that if the path ahead of us includes more unknowns and more waiting that we will continue to walk in faith...patiently...as He makes His path known to us. We want to trust and obey. May we represent Christ in all that we say and do and may all of the glory of Cintia's story be His and His alone.

Thank you for praying for us. We feel lifted up and protected in every way!

April