We are currently awaiting approval for Humanitarian Parole. It is very rare but in circumstances as dire as these, it can occasionally be granted. This would mean the children could leave Goma immediately and come into the US. The hang up with this is that they would have to come out through Rwanda and there are ethical tensions that complicate the process. Best case scenario would be a combination of Humanitarian Parole and the second possibility below.
Secondly, our agency just informed us that there is the very near possibility of them flying out to Kinshasa on a humanitarian flight across the country (to the safe side of Congo) with an Immigrations Director. He is flying into Goma tomorrow night in the first humanitarian flight to the area. He will speak with the orphanage director and they will discuss possible arrangements. I don't know what would be to discuss!!!!! They are asking the Committee to move ahead with the current documents we have and finalize the adoption since Goma will not be operational in the courts for the remainder of the process. Or if not, see if Kinshasa can file the rest of the process. The latter could still take a while but at least they would be safe in the waiting.
I am a little bit in shock as we just received the news about the humanitarian flight possibility. We are still not getting too excited because there are a lot of "ifs". Thank you to all of you for your friendship, support, and prayers!
A family in New Jersey is compelled by God's heart of love to adopt two children from Congo (DRC).
Blog Description
"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." Ephesians 1:5
"We love because he firstloved us." 1 John 4:19
"We love because he firstloved us." 1 John 4:19
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Hearts held hostage
After the elation of getting to talk with Nico and Anwa for the first time has now worn off, today has been a much more difficult day. I woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep. At first, I was recounting all of the remarkable ways so far that it has seemed that it is just more than coincidence or misunderstanding that has laid the path of getting us to this place of grieving hope where we are today. We have exhausted all options that we could think of over this holiday weekend. Chuck has spoken with consulates, attorneys, foreign embassy personnel, and has drafted a letter to our congressman and made an appointment at immigration services. We had our hopes up for a while that they would be able to legally escape to Rwanda on refuge papers and the adoption be completed in the US. For the time being all answers at this point are that we just have to wait. There is nothing we can do. Sitting and waiting is the last thing we want to do after hearing yesterday from Trent that during the fighting a bomb had gone through the orphanage wall and kitchen yet never exploded. (Thank you God for protecting them, YOU DID HEAR AND DID ANSWER OUR CRIES). We can see in the near future the crumbling of this nation or much more bloodshed, rape, children becoming orphans and child soldiers as they lose families in the mass exodus, courts with officials who have likely fled, and if anyone happens to still be there, a confusion over who has authority upon return.
If we allow ourselves even for a short time to dwell on the circumstances, we begin to lose hope. I can not afford to do that! Neither can Chuck. The pain of not being able to adopt these children would be one thing, but the pain of wondering their fate if left behind would be something entirely different. We need a fresh word from God. These past 6 days have seemingly been never ending days as we wait for Monday morning to roll around and see if our attorney in Congo has made any progress with his requests on our case. Time is not on our side and if time has a thief, it is Congolese litigation. As my mother-in-law said, "we don't need everybody to say "yes" we just need God to say "yes". In which case, we know it will be. God please keep our hearts and minds in a safe place regardless of the outcome. And please bring those two precious children that will already forever be Hetzlers home immediately. I believe, help my unbelief!
If we allow ourselves even for a short time to dwell on the circumstances, we begin to lose hope. I can not afford to do that! Neither can Chuck. The pain of not being able to adopt these children would be one thing, but the pain of wondering their fate if left behind would be something entirely different. We need a fresh word from God. These past 6 days have seemingly been never ending days as we wait for Monday morning to roll around and see if our attorney in Congo has made any progress with his requests on our case. Time is not on our side and if time has a thief, it is Congolese litigation. As my mother-in-law said, "we don't need everybody to say "yes" we just need God to say "yes". In which case, we know it will be. God please keep our hearts and minds in a safe place regardless of the outcome. And please bring those two precious children that will already forever be Hetzlers home immediately. I believe, help my unbelief!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
We "meet" them on the phone today on Thanksgiving!!!
Last night after midnight we got a call from our friend Trent who said "I am getting on the bus with Gilbert and I am not afraid. We are going into Goma!!! We are going to check things out on the ground and make sure they are ok. We want to see how things are in Goma and take them some food. If they were my kids, I would want to know. I will call you from there and maybe you can talk to them."
Oh my gosh!!! As you can imagine, I slept about 30 minutes all night long. At 2:30 am he called and said they had safely crossed into Goma and that the soldiers weren't in the city. They were outside of the city training. At 6:00am we got a call from Trent and got to speak with Nicodemu and Anouarite for 30 minutes! They are absolutely precious. They were trying their very best English and we spoke some occasional Swahili. Trent was translating the rest for us. Highlights... Nicodemu has a very strong, confident, yet gentle and respectful voice and when asked if there was anything he wanted to ask us, he asked what he was going to be able to eat when he came to America. We told him, "anything you want!!!" and started listing everything I could think of from ice cream to steaks! He also sang us a song and has a very very good singing voice, wow! Anouarite joined him super quietly at the end of the song. Anouarite is very shy and Trent says she is super sweet and has been latched onto him all day. She spoke occasionally, with a very quiet gentle voice. We finally learned how to say her name. It is ahn-wa-ree-tay with the accent on the ree. Her nick name is "ann-wa" and that is how she introduced herself. "My name is ann-wah". Nicodemu kept saying in English "my name is nee-ko-day-moo (strong stress on day with his cute little African accent). They are calling us Mama and Baba, Nicodemu said "hello dada" (sister) to Annalise.
Nathanael and Annalise woke up and got to speak with them as well. Nicodemu counted to 9 in English and Nathanael and Annalise each sang them a song. I sang them a song too.
I am still in shock. We asked how they are and they said "nzuri" which is good. We explained to them that things are difficult now because of the war and that we are doing everything we possibly can to get them home as soon as possible. We don't know how much they understand, seems like very little of this concept. Then the older kids got Anouarite to say "I am hungry, give me some of that food" - in Swahili of course. Everyone broke out laughing. Unbelievable. We are still in shock. I even prayed against my will that if they would not be able to come home that God would just not allow us to be able to speak with them. I was so worried laying awake all night and not being able to get through. Finally the phone rang at 6:00.
I know there is so much more that I can't remember at the moment but that is enough for now. Trent will call us when he gets out and is taking videos of them!!! Oh, and get this... Trent says he thinks they look like us! I just have to laugh out loud. Chuck and I have thought the same thing, that they somehow look like they belong with us as improbable as that seems. That was one of our first thoughts when we saw their pictures but we didn't know that anyone else would think that.
This is the best Thanksgiving ever. And we recorded the whole conversation. God, please bring them all the way home! Thank you for this Thanksgiving blessing.
Oh my gosh!!! As you can imagine, I slept about 30 minutes all night long. At 2:30 am he called and said they had safely crossed into Goma and that the soldiers weren't in the city. They were outside of the city training. At 6:00am we got a call from Trent and got to speak with Nicodemu and Anouarite for 30 minutes! They are absolutely precious. They were trying their very best English and we spoke some occasional Swahili. Trent was translating the rest for us. Highlights... Nicodemu has a very strong, confident, yet gentle and respectful voice and when asked if there was anything he wanted to ask us, he asked what he was going to be able to eat when he came to America. We told him, "anything you want!!!" and started listing everything I could think of from ice cream to steaks! He also sang us a song and has a very very good singing voice, wow! Anouarite joined him super quietly at the end of the song. Anouarite is very shy and Trent says she is super sweet and has been latched onto him all day. She spoke occasionally, with a very quiet gentle voice. We finally learned how to say her name. It is ahn-wa-ree-tay with the accent on the ree. Her nick name is "ann-wa" and that is how she introduced herself. "My name is ann-wah". Nicodemu kept saying in English "my name is nee-ko-day-moo (strong stress on day with his cute little African accent). They are calling us Mama and Baba, Nicodemu said "hello dada" (sister) to Annalise.
Nathanael and Annalise woke up and got to speak with them as well. Nicodemu counted to 9 in English and Nathanael and Annalise each sang them a song. I sang them a song too.
I am still in shock. We asked how they are and they said "nzuri" which is good. We explained to them that things are difficult now because of the war and that we are doing everything we possibly can to get them home as soon as possible. We don't know how much they understand, seems like very little of this concept. Then the older kids got Anouarite to say "I am hungry, give me some of that food" - in Swahili of course. Everyone broke out laughing. Unbelievable. We are still in shock. I even prayed against my will that if they would not be able to come home that God would just not allow us to be able to speak with them. I was so worried laying awake all night and not being able to get through. Finally the phone rang at 6:00.
I know there is so much more that I can't remember at the moment but that is enough for now. Trent will call us when he gets out and is taking videos of them!!! Oh, and get this... Trent says he thinks they look like us! I just have to laugh out loud. Chuck and I have thought the same thing, that they somehow look like they belong with us as improbable as that seems. That was one of our first thoughts when we saw their pictures but we didn't know that anyone else would think that.
This is the best Thanksgiving ever. And we recorded the whole conversation. God, please bring them all the way home! Thank you for this Thanksgiving blessing.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
In the aftermath
Fighting ceased
yesterday for now. The rebel group has taken over the city of Goma and
is occupying now. Chuck is in New York today and is trying to get an
appointment with the Congolese Ambassador at the United Nations. Please
pray that he will be able to get in to see him and that the meeting
will bring about some successful clearances or expeditions with the
final court proceedings so that we can get them out of there as soon as
possible. Our Congolese attorney is asking for the same things there in
Congo with the Ministry of Justice. Please pray that God will continue
to strengthen the hearts of Nicodemu and Anouarite and that they will
not be shaken. Though we are grieving for them and the region, God has been
so near to us, and to them we trust, and is faithful and very much still in control! Nothing is impossible with our God.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Goma has been taken
Fighting has stopped.
Goma is now under M23 authority. M23 seems to have political ambitions, not brutal violence for the sake of violence.
It is far too early to know what this will mean for the adoption, but at least we now know that all 180 or so children in the orphanage are safe from the fighting.
What a tumultuous time for this entire region.
Goma is now under M23 authority. M23 seems to have political ambitions, not brutal violence for the sake of violence.
It is far too early to know what this will mean for the adoption, but at least we now know that all 180 or so children in the orphanage are safe from the fighting.
What a tumultuous time for this entire region.
Our personal declaration that Jesus reigns
I want to make it public to all who know us, that if indeed Nicodemu and Anouarite make it home to us in safety, that it will be an absolute miracle from the hand of God. God forbid that as we cry out to Him and He moves in mighty deliverance, that I would neglect or cower in giving Him all of the glory. I am specifically pleading with God, Abba "Daddy" Father, through the powerful blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Whether you agree or disagree, this is what the Holy Scriptures say about the One in whom we put our trust.
It would be foolish of us to trust in anything less, and wise of us to put all of our hopes in Him. I know much of the world would call us foolish but that's okay. He's worth it and this earth is not our permanent home. There is mighty power to save in the name and the blood of Jesus. We believe in the resurrection! I want anyone who knows me and us and our adoption to know, to hear clearly from us, and I have to continually tell myself, that it will not be by chance or by coincidence if something were to happen to allow these children out safely and moreover to become ours.
It seems that the Rebel M23 group has overtaken Goma and the airport we were hoping could play a role in getting them out of there. We did hear this morning that the children are still alive. For them to get out to safety and for there to somehow be clearances for the children to legally make it through the system that is maybe no longer a system at all, would be an act of God. By God's grace, we'll declare it as such. May He pry my lips open to be more faithful to Him.
More than anything, I want to hold those sweet children and rub and kiss their heads and tell them that they are loved and belong with us and that God has delighted to place them in our home and family. I was reminded this morning as I was praying that my God is not a God who is distant and who is unacquainted with suffering. He seemed to be telling me, "Karen, I know this suffering very well. You and the people of Goma, and Nicodemu and Anouarite are not suffering alone. I am right here with you all in this." How could our foolish hearts ever reject Him every time we are met with the sufferings of this world? The God of the Bible is not one who judges from afar, but who in love asks us to lay our burdens and sins on Him. He has borne them lash by lash, was despised and rejected as He entered into our pain. His love for us is beyond our comprehension. Just as Jesus prayed in the garden that the Father would take this cup of suffering from Him, He also prayed with full trust and full surrender to the wisdom of God, "not my will but yours be done". We stand where He stood. "Abba, we beg you to take this cup of suffering from us and them. We know you are mighty to save. You have proven it throughout all generations. We eagerly await the parting of the sea so that you can show off your glory again! And we say with Jesus, not our will but yours be done."
Colossians 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
It would be foolish of us to trust in anything less, and wise of us to put all of our hopes in Him. I know much of the world would call us foolish but that's okay. He's worth it and this earth is not our permanent home. There is mighty power to save in the name and the blood of Jesus. We believe in the resurrection! I want anyone who knows me and us and our adoption to know, to hear clearly from us, and I have to continually tell myself, that it will not be by chance or by coincidence if something were to happen to allow these children out safely and moreover to become ours.
It seems that the Rebel M23 group has overtaken Goma and the airport we were hoping could play a role in getting them out of there. We did hear this morning that the children are still alive. For them to get out to safety and for there to somehow be clearances for the children to legally make it through the system that is maybe no longer a system at all, would be an act of God. By God's grace, we'll declare it as such. May He pry my lips open to be more faithful to Him.
More than anything, I want to hold those sweet children and rub and kiss their heads and tell them that they are loved and belong with us and that God has delighted to place them in our home and family. I was reminded this morning as I was praying that my God is not a God who is distant and who is unacquainted with suffering. He seemed to be telling me, "Karen, I know this suffering very well. You and the people of Goma, and Nicodemu and Anouarite are not suffering alone. I am right here with you all in this." How could our foolish hearts ever reject Him every time we are met with the sufferings of this world? The God of the Bible is not one who judges from afar, but who in love asks us to lay our burdens and sins on Him. He has borne them lash by lash, was despised and rejected as He entered into our pain. His love for us is beyond our comprehension. Just as Jesus prayed in the garden that the Father would take this cup of suffering from Him, He also prayed with full trust and full surrender to the wisdom of God, "not my will but yours be done". We stand where He stood. "Abba, we beg you to take this cup of suffering from us and them. We know you are mighty to save. You have proven it throughout all generations. We eagerly await the parting of the sea so that you can show off your glory again! And we say with Jesus, not our will but yours be done."
Hell on earth
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20121120/DA2LMET82.html
The airport has been seized by the M23 rebel group, they are now in the city center.
Our friend was able to get in touch with the orphanage director and the children are still alive. That is all we know about them at this point.
We are working from every direction to find out how we can get them out of there to safety. God still sits on the throne and He is with them! I will say again this morning, nothing is impossible with God. We humble ourselves before His power, wisdom, and love.
First concern of prayer, the safety of all involved. Secondly, that the volatility and (seeming?) overturning of governmental power won't stop the adoption procedures. Thirdly, wisdom for us and provision of a way out.
The airport has been seized by the M23 rebel group, they are now in the city center.
Our friend was able to get in touch with the orphanage director and the children are still alive. That is all we know about them at this point.
We are working from every direction to find out how we can get them out of there to safety. God still sits on the throne and He is with them! I will say again this morning, nothing is impossible with God. We humble ourselves before His power, wisdom, and love.
First concern of prayer, the safety of all involved. Secondly, that the volatility and (seeming?) overturning of governmental power won't stop the adoption procedures. Thirdly, wisdom for us and provision of a way out.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Urgent!!!
Urgent prayers needed!
The M23 rebel group has now advanced on Goma and began heavy fighting last night, retreated for negotiations, and when they were told negotiations wouldn't happen, this morning began the fighting again . Goma is under heavy attack at this very moment.
In the mean time, our attorney is doing what he can to legally get clearance to get them out of there to safety (7 children total being adopted), even though the adoption is not yet complete. Please pray for clearance and for their safety!!!!! If this is granted, they will have to wait for the airport to re-open to fly out to Kinshasa.
God has been very gracious in steadying our hearts so far to not grumble against Him. Pray for us in the testing of our faith, that it will prove genuine. We are hoping in Him for a miracle. No matter what we put our trust in Him, He alone is God. And He is always good. God, their lives and our hearts are fragile. Let us see your glory!
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20121119/DA2L5VEO0.html
The M23 rebel group has now advanced on Goma and began heavy fighting last night, retreated for negotiations, and when they were told negotiations wouldn't happen, this morning began the fighting again . Goma is under heavy attack at this very moment.
In the mean time, our attorney is doing what he can to legally get clearance to get them out of there to safety (7 children total being adopted), even though the adoption is not yet complete. Please pray for clearance and for their safety!!!!! If this is granted, they will have to wait for the airport to re-open to fly out to Kinshasa.
God has been very gracious in steadying our hearts so far to not grumble against Him. Pray for us in the testing of our faith, that it will prove genuine. We are hoping in Him for a miracle. No matter what we put our trust in Him, He alone is God. And He is always good. God, their lives and our hearts are fragile. Let us see your glory!
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20121119/DA2L5VEO0.html
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