Day 3 April 2 2013

Today was a dissappointing and stressful day.  I left New Life at 8:30 this morning to make the drive towards the mountains to meet with a supervisor at social services. I took Wisbens with me to help them put a name with a face and again let them know who I am fighting for. I introduced him to flavored water this morning and he could not drink it fast enough.  He fell asleep as soon as we hit the main road and slept for most of the trip.  Our driver woke him a few times either yelling at someone or slamming on his breaks.  At one time there were 5 lanes of cars on a three lane street. 

After arriving at social services we had an extended wait for our appointment.   We stood for about 20 minutes and employees began bringing Barry and I chairs.  I overheard two men arguing and couldn't understand what they were saying but realized that a security guard employee made a Haitian man get out of his chair so we could sit down.  I talked with Barry more about what happened and it has everything to do with the fact that we are white.  It is not fair and sad to me that this happened but was quickly informed by Barry that we should sat down.  It would have been a sign of disrespect if we would have given the chair back to the angry man and not done as they asked. 

We were eventually called back and Wisbens, myself and Jean Luc presented our file in the correct order. The supervisor was not pleasant and immediately told me that our file will not get in under the old law.  She would not even hear my case and only explained to me the new law and restrictions.  I told her that as a social worker I completely understand the new stipulations with the new law and that Haiti should have been under this law 20 years ago.  This will catch the adoptions up to the 21st century.  I explained our case and the difficulty we have had navigating the system.  I also explained that our attorney lost paperwork and that pushed us back months as well.  I was not happy with her answer and asked to meet with the director of social services.  We again were asked to wait and eventually the same supervisor came out and said that she was in a meeting and would be unavailable today.  She stated that she would contact the US embassy and discuss the case to see if they could help.  I encouraged her to do so and will have my attorney go back on Thursday to get their answer.  I knew that she would not follow through on that promise and that I would have to move through the steps myself.

She informed me that I had two options at this point.  The first was to retain an agency and start the process over as well as spend a large amount of money for someone to do what we have already finished.  The second option was to include the US government.  I was told that the US embassy could get the case in social services if it was presented on their behalf.  To do this I had to contact Congressman Brett Guthrie who would then contact the State Department to have them contact the US Embassy in Haiti to recommend that this adoption take place under the old law.  As soon as I returned to the orphange and ate lunch I began the process.  I contacted Congressman Guthries office and was able to talk to his represenative who immediatley began working.  Jen was an integral part in the process because she had to sign a release for his office to contact the state department.  It is a long story but with Jen's help and Congressman Guthries office quick response a letter was sent this afternoon to Haiti asking for assistance.  His office has played an integral part in a few of my trips down here and my family is truly indebted to him. 

After I finished with everything I saw Wisbens father and went out to greet him.   We were able to talk for awhile with the help of a translator and it was good to see him.  He thanked me again for what we are doing and told me that he continues to pray for a long and healthy life for Jen and I.  He also asked that I thank Jen when I get home for what she is doing and he was appreciative of her as well.  I look forward to the continued relationship with our extended family in Haiti!  I will post pics on Facebook because the files are to big for this site and it takes hours.  It has been a long day and I have worked non stop since arriving on our adoption.  I plan to rest tomorrow and spend time with Wisbens when he gets home from shcool.  Thanks for your continued prayers and support.  Tomorrow is a new day!