Today's recap (adoption process here)

WOW! I am overwhelmed with happiness with all that happened today! Josh went to the office that had our paper at 9:30am this morning. I stayed behind with the girls and tried to wait patiently. Around noon I still had not heard anything so I decided to contact him to see what was happening. I didn't want to call and interupt so I decided to text him. In the states I had a Palm Treo so all the letters of the alphabet were on the keypad. Here I have a basic phone so I tried to text without success. I kept trying to type "any news?" and got the A with no problem but I figured if I hit 6 twice I'd get an N. No such luck. I got an O and after struggling like an idiot for about 5 minutes I discovered that I could do question marks with no problem! :) So I sent "???" and waited. Josh called back a bit later and said that he only had a second and that I had to listen. He told me that he went to the first office and the paper was sent to the police station (the next step), he went there and they did the interview and forwarded to the Department of Health (next step) and that within the hour the inspector and he would be at the house for the inspection! He listed documents that he needed copies of as well. Thankfully we have a copier!

I looked down at what I was wearing. I had not showered yet (I opted for morning nap during the girls' nap instead of shower), my hair was in a knot, I was in my pjs and I looked rough. The girls were in onesies. The house was clean but there was clutter. Toys were all over the living room and papers were scattered all over the second living room (I was sorting through them for the move). Andrew's pjs were still on his bedroom floor from this morning, etc.

I hauled booty and got that house in tip top shape and managed to get the girls dressed in cute little dresses and myself in slacks and a blouse. Meanwhile Andrew came home from school (It was a 1/2 day b/c it was the last day) and I promised that he could have ANYTHING for lunch if he would help! I had just served him lunch as the guys walked in. I used my Arabic as much as possible to flatter him (Yes, I've stooped to that level at this point!!!).

The guy was happy with what he saw and said "I can't think of a better home for these girls!" It melted my heart.

As I was writing this Josh called needing some other copies of other documents so I'm not sure if he's still working even more or not but after the guy left he told Josh that he would write his report today and send it to the next office.

If all goes according to plan I should be able to pick up that document on Monday and have a driver take it to Meknes (where the girls were born and where the judge is). We SHOULD be able to get in to see the judge by the end of next week and then all on the Moroccan side will be done.

I am so relieved! I guess that goes without saying! I am so thankful for all who have prayed, sent well wishes, added our names to prayer rolls, etc. It has truly meant the world to us

and I am amazed at all that was accomplished today. Today's tasks usually take weeks but I was hoping for days. Instead we got hours. :)

The girls are napping so I am about to get my shower and we are going to a party at the embassy tonight and will be able to thoroughly enjoy it knowing all that happened today.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Love,

Rachel, etc.