Now that I have learned how to put in picures in a size that you are actually able to see them then I will add more.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Rome Trip
As many of you know our I660A is only good for one year and that is just about here. Aug 20 will be our one year mark so we had to go to the US embassy. We can't have the documentation worked on at the consular's office here in Naples, it has to be through the embassy in Rome. so, off we go...... Mike command was generous enough to let him have 2 days of special liberty- Praise God!! It didn't count again his leave time!! Well, we haven't done any traveling since we've been here so we decided to take advantage of the opportunity. We caught the train out of Aversa at about 6:45 and got there about 8:30 (PM). That was nice because we still had some daylight left.
By the time we got to the hotel the sun was gone, but the walk was very nice. The streets were lined with these wonderful trees. It doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary, but we haven't seen that in a while. We checked out the hotel and an apartment they had for rent. After finding out that the apartment had no airconditioning we opted to stay in the hotel. The room was so small that the bed took up most of it. European to the max. It was funny. Very nice though. All we needed it for was to sleep and shower. There are pictures so that you can see. I have to say it was probably one of the cleanest rooms I have ever seen.
The next morning we got up early and headed down to the embassy and thank God I took a print out of our appointment made online because they had no record of our appointment. Then they didn't want to let Mike or Willow come in. They said that since we didn't have separate appts. listed for the three of us then I would be the only one allowed in. I told them that it didn't make any since to make separate appts. when on the options 3 people was chosen and our paper work would all be on one account. They agreed and let us all into the embassy. Since everything for us was still on file and all we had to do is renew our fingerprints, the process from there just took a few minutes and we were out the door.
From there we went and bought tickets for the hop on, hop off bus, very cool, if you haven't done it I recommend it. We were able to tour the city of Rome and see all of the sights. We got off and saw the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), several Chapels and just enjoy the tour. HOT, HOT, HOT. Oh man was it hot though.
Oh guess what?! We even had lunch at Burger King!! I know, I know we are in Italy. Well, we've been here for a couple of years so for us Burger King is a treat. We were so happy. You wouldn't believe how many Americans we saw in there though. Assuming that they must live here also we got into a conversation with a family and they just laughed. They were there on vacation and just had to get something to eat and couldn't find an Italian place to eat. Boy, how ironic that?
After touring the city by bus we also took advantage to the metro system, which is totaly amazing. 4 euro gets you a ticket for 24 hours any where it goes. We saw so much that in a was I have to stop and think because we packed so much in in that one day.
Ok, I'll have to finish up later. Mike and Willow are calling..
Blessings,
Meg
By the time we got to the hotel the sun was gone, but the walk was very nice. The streets were lined with these wonderful trees. It doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary, but we haven't seen that in a while. We checked out the hotel and an apartment they had for rent. After finding out that the apartment had no airconditioning we opted to stay in the hotel. The room was so small that the bed took up most of it. European to the max. It was funny. Very nice though. All we needed it for was to sleep and shower. There are pictures so that you can see. I have to say it was probably one of the cleanest rooms I have ever seen.
The next morning we got up early and headed down to the embassy and thank God I took a print out of our appointment made online because they had no record of our appointment. Then they didn't want to let Mike or Willow come in. They said that since we didn't have separate appts. listed for the three of us then I would be the only one allowed in. I told them that it didn't make any since to make separate appts. when on the options 3 people was chosen and our paper work would all be on one account. They agreed and let us all into the embassy. Since everything for us was still on file and all we had to do is renew our fingerprints, the process from there just took a few minutes and we were out the door.
From there we went and bought tickets for the hop on, hop off bus, very cool, if you haven't done it I recommend it. We were able to tour the city of Rome and see all of the sights. We got off and saw the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), several Chapels and just enjoy the tour. HOT, HOT, HOT. Oh man was it hot though.
Oh guess what?! We even had lunch at Burger King!! I know, I know we are in Italy. Well, we've been here for a couple of years so for us Burger King is a treat. We were so happy. You wouldn't believe how many Americans we saw in there though. Assuming that they must live here also we got into a conversation with a family and they just laughed. They were there on vacation and just had to get something to eat and couldn't find an Italian place to eat. Boy, how ironic that?
After touring the city by bus we also took advantage to the metro system, which is totaly amazing. 4 euro gets you a ticket for 24 hours any where it goes. We saw so much that in a was I have to stop and think because we packed so much in in that one day.
Ok, I'll have to finish up later. Mike and Willow are calling..
Blessings,
Meg
Monday, June 9, 2008
Homeschool graduation ceremony
The Naples Christian Home School Association (NCHA) held it's yearly graduation ceremony on May 30, 2008. It was really great to see each of the children recognized for their achievements. As you can imagine there is no quarterly awards ceremony. So this is the way of recognizing each child's achievements. First there was a talent show, which Willow did not want to participate in, followed by the Association president calling each family up separately. As our children's teachers we came up first and presented our children with their certificates of completion. Following that there was a small reception held in the fellowship hall. Needless to say, everyone was very happy. I forgot my camera!!! But my friend, Nicole took plenty of pictures for us. It's just a matter of getting them from her now. I'll get them posted as soon as I can.
Love,
Meg
Love,
Meg
Rumors that Vietnam is closed to adoption
The rumor is that Vietnam is closed to adoptions with the US. Ok, here is what is going on. They are not closed. The current contract between the US and Vietnam was to be renewed as of May 1, 2008 if there was going to be a renewal. The contract was not extended, therefore this contract will run out on Sept. 1, 2008.
Does this mean that adoption at that point is over between our two countries? There are many variables so that is hard to say. First, they are still in the process of devising a new contract or extending this one. Secondly there is always more than one circumstance. So no one knows for sure what is going on. Don't count us out, God has a way of working these things out for us. Look what he has done so far.
If you would like, you can go to the Department of State website you will be able to look at the documents for yourself and read everything that has taken place.
Blessings,
Meg and Mike
Does this mean that adoption at that point is over between our two countries? There are many variables so that is hard to say. First, they are still in the process of devising a new contract or extending this one. Secondly there is always more than one circumstance. So no one knows for sure what is going on. Don't count us out, God has a way of working these things out for us. Look what he has done so far.
If you would like, you can go to the Department of State website you will be able to look at the documents for yourself and read everything that has taken place.
Blessings,
Meg and Mike
Monday, May 12, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
We want to wish our Moms a Happy Mother's Day. We got to talk to one of you, but were unable to reach two of you. We hope your days were wonderful and we miss you.
For those of you who know that Willow got hurt at cheer practice we just want all of you to know that she is ok.
Last Wednessday Willow was thrown into the air, she is the flyer for her group on the team, and missed. What happened was that when they through her instead of throwing her straight up they were off and through her at an angle to the back. She went completely over the group and landed on the ground on her back. Immediately Dawn, a friend of mine ran down and started praying for her. When we took to her over to the emergency room they said that she had strained the muscles in her back. They didn't expect for her to be able to do much for about a week. For two days she couldn't. For most of the week she couldn't lift her arms above her head, but by the time the next week rolled around she was just fine. The coach will no longer let the group throw her, only lift and do smaller stunts. She is so upset. She's ready to go again. I just said that's the spirit. But, I had to tell her to just let the coach be the coach that she is just keeping her safe. Which is just fine with us.
That's all the news we have for now.
Have a blessed day.
Meg
For those of you who know that Willow got hurt at cheer practice we just want all of you to know that she is ok.
Last Wednessday Willow was thrown into the air, she is the flyer for her group on the team, and missed. What happened was that when they through her instead of throwing her straight up they were off and through her at an angle to the back. She went completely over the group and landed on the ground on her back. Immediately Dawn, a friend of mine ran down and started praying for her. When we took to her over to the emergency room they said that she had strained the muscles in her back. They didn't expect for her to be able to do much for about a week. For two days she couldn't. For most of the week she couldn't lift her arms above her head, but by the time the next week rolled around she was just fine. The coach will no longer let the group throw her, only lift and do smaller stunts. She is so upset. She's ready to go again. I just said that's the spirit. But, I had to tell her to just let the coach be the coach that she is just keeping her safe. Which is just fine with us.
That's all the news we have for now.
Have a blessed day.
Meg
God is good
Well, more good news. We are now number 4 on the list. Still within that list are a couple of lists. We are still number 1 for a 13 month old to 47 month old little girl and number 4 on the list for a 0-12 month old. We are so excited and thank all of you so much in standing firm in faith and praying for us.
Blessings,
Meg
Blessings,
Meg
Monday, April 21, 2008
Number 7!!!
You know what that means right?!!! We have now moved up to number 7 on the waiting list. We haven't received an update for Los Ninos this week, but at the end of last week when we received our update we found out that we are now number 7 on the list. Things are really starting to move, Praise God! We are believing God to go get her before the end of June. That is what our hearts' desires are.
The names, as everyone wants to know what we plan to do....
It really all depends on how old she is. If she is an infant then we will name her and leave her given name as her middle name (depending of course on the meaning). If she is on the older end of our age range then we will leave her name and give her a middle name (again, depending on the meaning).
Mike Willow and I went to Pompeii today and it was amazing. I will post pictures soon. Tonight we are really tire so we are going to go to bed, but I wanted to let everyone know what is going on.
Blessings,
Meg
The names, as everyone wants to know what we plan to do....
It really all depends on how old she is. If she is an infant then we will name her and leave her given name as her middle name (depending of course on the meaning). If she is on the older end of our age range then we will leave her name and give her a middle name (again, depending on the meaning).
Mike Willow and I went to Pompeii today and it was amazing. I will post pictures soon. Tonight we are really tire so we are going to go to bed, but I wanted to let everyone know what is going on.
Blessings,
Meg
Saturday, April 5, 2008
We're Back
Well, I know it's been a while. I'm going to give a brief update. We hope everyone is doing well.
Laurie, congratulations on real estate licensing. Kristen congratulations on your marriage.
As you can imagine many changes have taken place since Jan. Our friends Joe and Lynsey received their two children from Ethiopia and they are beautiful inside and out. We will miss you guys here in Italy, but I'm sure your new duty station will be wonderful and you'll make wonderful new friends soon.
Another couple Marla and Matt are just about to go and get their little girl from China-CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
For us many things have changed also. Willow is now being home schooled and we love it! Talk about less stress, and it also provides a great time for just the two of us before the baby comes. Of course we can't wait for the end of the school year, just like anyone else.
Willow is still active in cheer and getting really good. I know, I know everyone wants to know where the baby is.
What we do know is that there have been two referrals come to our agency in the last couple of weeks, but they went to other families. We've moved up two spots on the list putting us at number 8 now. Now, as some of you know, being number 8 on the list doesn't mean we'll necessarily be the eighth couple to receive a child. We could be, but if a child is chosen that suits our family best then they will chose us. We are faithfully standing firm that God will bring her to us soon.
We hope all of you had a wonderful Easter, we sure did.
Love,
Meg
Laurie, congratulations on real estate licensing. Kristen congratulations on your marriage.
As you can imagine many changes have taken place since Jan. Our friends Joe and Lynsey received their two children from Ethiopia and they are beautiful inside and out. We will miss you guys here in Italy, but I'm sure your new duty station will be wonderful and you'll make wonderful new friends soon.
Another couple Marla and Matt are just about to go and get their little girl from China-CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
For us many things have changed also. Willow is now being home schooled and we love it! Talk about less stress, and it also provides a great time for just the two of us before the baby comes. Of course we can't wait for the end of the school year, just like anyone else.
Willow is still active in cheer and getting really good. I know, I know everyone wants to know where the baby is.
What we do know is that there have been two referrals come to our agency in the last couple of weeks, but they went to other families. We've moved up two spots on the list putting us at number 8 now. Now, as some of you know, being number 8 on the list doesn't mean we'll necessarily be the eighth couple to receive a child. We could be, but if a child is chosen that suits our family best then they will chose us. We are faithfully standing firm that God will bring her to us soon.
We hope all of you had a wonderful Easter, we sure did.
Love,
Meg
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