Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Hearing Results

Our hearts are very heavy tonight. We did not get the news we were praying for at our hearing today.

The lady who says she's Olivia's biological grandmother and her husband were there. I had made a photo album of our entire history with Olivia and Beyla, our attorney showed it to them before the hearing. They seemed quite moved when they saw all that we have done with her.

When it was time for the hearing, the grandmother as well as Olivia, Brenda, (her foster Mom) and the attorneys went in. Meanwhile, our translator, Mirna was talking to the grandfather who was in the waiting room with us. She advocated for us big time, and at one point he asked if he and his wife decided not to adopt, would they be able to keep in contact with Olivia through us and wanted to know where we lived and what it was like.

After about 40 minutes, we saw a man come in with a white lab coat carrying a small cooler. We were told that there was a possibility that the judge would order a DNA test of Olivia and the grandmother and that's what this man was there for. 10 to 15 minutes later, everyone emerged from the hearing room and we were ushered out into the street to talk.

Beyla told us that they were going to get DNA samples and upon the results of the test, the judge would either let the grandparents adopt her if it's positive, or if it's negative, declare her abandoned and we would still be in the picture. The results will take anywhere from 15 days to 3 months.

Now for the worst part. The judge ordered Olivia go directly to an orphanage and not be able to go back home with her foster family that she's lived with for past 2 1/2 years of her life.

We were able to have lunch with her and then just after 3:30, people from the orphanage came and pulled her out of her foster father's arms crying and reaching for him and put her into the back of a car and drove off. We were right there at the car and it was one of the most heart wrenching moments of our lives. She was so scared and confused. We're still numb. Please pray for her. She couldn't take any belongings and can't have any contact with anyone she knows. Absolutely inhumane.

Beyla made an appeal to the judge to allow her to go back with her foster family, but we don't know what he'll decide. It would be the absolute best thing right now.

The judge set the deciding hearing for Sept. 9th. We're not required to be there. Hopefully we'll get the DNA results before then. If the results come back negative, then we're back in the race. And even if they come back as a match, the grandparents may decide to relinquish their rights. Allowing us to move forward. The grandmother herself, told the judge that she didn't know for sure if she was the biological grandmother, so there are doubts even in her mind. We'll just have to keep waiting.

We know God has a plan and a reason for all of this. We can handle the waiting, we just pray for Olivia that God would comfort her and give her peace in the next 3 months.

There still is hope, but we are also realistic in that we may have seen her for the last time today.

We head for home in the morning with an enormous "?" and a profound sadness for our little girl.

Our other little girl has had a very, very bad 10th birthday today. She misses her sister.

We welcome each and every prayer.


11 comments:

The Heinrichs said...

my heart is breaking. and what do they mean they may not be biological?! really this makes me sick.

do you know what orphanage? maybe we can have some people check in on her!!! stay strong.

Tricia said...

Sue....I just found your blog. I AM PRAYING FOR YOU IN THIS VERY MOMENT. Praying for peace & strength & patience in this very moment. I wish I could just wave a magic wand and make it all better......

Tricia said...

Sue, I just found your blog. I am praying for you IN THIS VERY MOMENT. I'm praying that you will sense God's peace & comfort & love & strength. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make it all better.....

Apuch said...

So sad. As much as this story scares me I am glad you shared it. This seems to be in the same vein of what is happening to all of us. Amy just go back from Guatemala last week with a new set of hoops to jump through. I hope you do not mind but I shared your story here:

http://www.facebook.com/repmarkbcohen?ref=sgm

...since I am his friend and who knows. I also shared it on my google reader page here:

http://www.google.com/reader/shared/apuchy57

I just feel that the more people who become aware of our situation the better.

Much love,
John and Amy

Goodness and Mercy Mom said...

I just found your blog through a friend. I read the last several posts then had a good cry. It took us two and a half years to get our eight year old son home from Guatemala. Many times it looked like it would never happen. Our attorney even told us to prepare for the worst. But God moved mountains and he came home this past Christmas Eve.

Don't give up! We'll be praying that there's no DNA match or that the grandparents decide to relinquish their rights. And we'll pray for you to have peace and wisdom during this challenging time.

Much Love,
Kathie

Laina said...

Oh my heaven's, what a terrible scene to have to see that. And poor little Olivia having to leave her famiiar family and be forced into the unknown. That is a terrible system they have over there. Unless it's like that everywhere, how awful. I hope it all works out for the best for Olivia in the end.

Christy B said...

My heart is braking for you. I can't imagine what you are going through right now. The hurt, the confusion, the shock... sending you a big hug and continuing to pray,
Christy

Stacie said...

My heart is breaking for you and Olivia!
I know your hearts are breaking and another three months of waiting...I will continue prayers for your family and that Olivia will be returned to her foster family.
Stacie

Mary Ann said...

I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you all! Praying for that sweet girl especially! This truely sickens my heart!

Terri Fisher said...

I don't even know what to write...my first question was "Why did you allow this, God?" I know He has His reasons which are beyond what we can comprehend, but it is hard for me to understand at this moment. I will keep praying for your entire family and especially little Olivia, that God's supernatural peace will be with her and will protect her during this time. Stay strong...God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!

Valerie said...

I found your blog thru a friend and just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for all of you! May God give you and your family the strength and power to move those mountains and see Olivia home! We have two kids from Guatemala.