Friday, June 11, 2010

Update on Olivia

First of all, Bryan & I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and prayers for Olivia and our family. They have truly meant a lot. The past few days have been surreal as you might imagine.

We arrived home late Thursday night. Bryan and I both had a rough time as the plane left the ground in Guatemala. There are just so many unanswered questions and such a feeling of helplessness.

We were given the name and address of the orphanage on Wednesday and before we left Thursday, we searched online to see if we could find it. We did find a place by the same name, but it didn't seem to be in the right town where we were told it was. This place was run by an American Christian couple who have been taking in Guatemala's needy children, including special needs children since 1997. After reading their webpage, we so hoped that's where she was taken.

This morning, when I checked our emails, another adoptive mom, told me that she knew of this place and the people who run it. She said this was a very good place and that we could email them directly. So that's what I did! I emailed the lady and asked if Olivia had been brought there on Wednesday afternoon and if so, how was she? A few hours later, I got a response saying that indeed Olivia was there and that she was doing well. We were so relieved to know she is being well taken care of! We're still unbelievably upset that she was taken away from her loving foster family and what effects that will have on her, but at least we know she's in a safe and good place for now.

We're hoping we can communicate with her through the director. We asked her to tell Olivia that we love her very much and she agreed to let her know. We're just going to lay low for awhile until we find out how much contact we are allowed to have.

It's a little bit of comforting news in what has been a very upsetting last few days. A dear friend of mine told me about this song she had heard that spoke directly to her heart and thought it would minister to us as well. I listened, and it did.



This was the last picture taken of our family, just before we left for court on Wednesday.

7 comments:

Bobbi said...

Pardon me for asking, but is your daughter at the orphange Love the Child. If she is, I have been there, and met the couple who runs the orphanage. They are wonderful, and truly love the children. They are well loved and taken care of. It cannot replace her foster family, but they are wonderful. I wish you luck, and continue to keep you in our prayers.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail me at sweetiepiekc@roadrunner.com

Terri Fisher said...

So thankful you have that little bit of peace now. God has a plan for Olivia in all of this, as well as for your entire family. Hang in there!

Laina said...

I'm glad to hear she is in good hands for now. That must have been such a relief. To at least know where she was and that she was alright. I'm glad you are able to have some communication with these people.

Traci Michele said...

Oh my, Bryan and Sue. I'm weeping with you... I just can't imagine what you are going through.

I'm on vacation right now, that's why i was not able to respond to the last update.

It is amazing how what we thing the ending should be (and when) is sometimes STILL not God's answer or God's ending. I always want God's ending to be MINE. I'm sure you do to.

He must count your family SO FAITHFUL to be going through this. I know you all just want your little Olivia home for good.

That song was PERFECT. I have never heard of it. "Would you dare to believe" "When you feel the weight of glory, all your pain will fade to memory" praise the Lord!

I like that it said that our life is not a snapshot. There is a purpose.

Oh what your precious Emily will come out as on the other side of this too. She has gone through so much and she will be stronger for it by God's grace!

We love you all and though our hearts are SO BURDENED right now with you, we know that we have a Savior that is in control (even when things seem more out of control than EVER)!

What great, COMFORTING news that you got in touch with Olivia's orphanage! Praise the Lord. He is so good to give you that "connection" in the waiting.

Love you all!

Traci

Traci Michele said...

I just left a really long comment and it got lost...

Basically what I want to say (as tears run down my cheeks) is that

God must count your family so faithful to be going through this hard hard trial.

We always want (I do) God's answer/ending to be mine.

That is a perfect song! Life is not a snapshot. There are so many hurts and joys along the way.

I pray your "ending" to this story comes soon and you get your little Olivia with you.

Oh how strong your sweet Emily will be on the other side of this, by God's grace. She is a tender and sweet big sister.

We love you and will continue to lift you up in prayer, hand in hand...

hopefully and prayerfully making your load just a little bit lighter!

What a blessing and answer to prayer to find where she is and have some sort of "connection". God is SO GOOD not to leave you completely hopeless!

We love you!

The Littles

Christy B said...

What an answer to prayer. Just that little reminder that she is in God's hands and He knew the judge would rule this way and allowed her to be placed in a Christian Orphanage is amazing. Even in the worst storm the special way He shows us He loves us is the encouragment and strength that we need to keep going and keep hopeing. I have so much love for you and precious Olivia and will continue to pray. May the words of "Dare to Believe" continue to uplift you when you feel your hearts just can't bare the weight of this trial any longer. Fervent prayers and love,
Christy

Chris and Lindsey Wheeler said...

Okay wow!! I am just sitting here crying for y'all...I saw your blog on one of my facebook friend's walls. I am going to be praying so much for your family and your sweet girl. Also, I want you to know that I think I know that orphanage where Olivia is...I have worked with this couple over the last 10 years (even when they were at a different orphanage). I would LOVE to help y'all in ANY WAY!! Please feel free to e-mail me any time. It is lindseyewheeler at hotmail.com. I am so unbelievably sick for y'all...and want to help.

Hoping,
Lindsey Wheeler