Court Trials

Court Day #2-- Monday we met at the court at 9:00 in hopes that the judge would report in that day. On Friday his clerk seemed to think that he would be there. He did not show up again. He did say tell the clerk that he was on his way back to town. The clerk told us he had a full schedule for Tuesday, but told us to come early in hopes that he would make time for us in his schedule. So that was our plan.


Court Day #3-- The third time was not a charm for me. Today, I and two other families went to see our judge. Our lawyer had us come in hopes that he could convince the judge to squeeze us into his schedule today. We waited through his regular court session. Then the lawyer went into the judge’s office and called us in a few minutes later. As soon as we sat down, he said, “I shall hear only one. The one who has had to wait here so long.” I was a bit disappointed, but then so glad for my friends that have been through so much. Their case really deserved to be heard today. We all sat there as the lawyer read through all of their documents. Very few questions were asked. When they were finished, he said he would give them their ruling on Friday. Then our lawyer asked about my case and the other one. He said he did not have time today and we would have to consult his clerk to see when he had an opening. The clerk said his first opening is the 17th, and there is another one on the 24th. My case will hopefully be heard on the 17th. There is a very small chance that it may be earlier if there is a cancellation, but I’m not really counting on that. I hate that I have to wait longer. I feel like legally I have not made any progress while I’ve been here, but I am grateful for lots of good bonding time with Mercy…. note how I am trying to stay positive! 

On another note, let me tell you what a blessing my friends are. Beth has graciously gotten up early for each of these court dates and gone with me. This means sacrificing time with her family and also puts more work on her husband’s plate. She also keeps buying me lunch. I keep explaining to her that she’s given me enough already, but she continues to be a blessing. And one of the biggest blessings… she bought a case of Coke Light (aka Diet Coke) at the big grocery store yesterday. It’s no Cherry Vanilla Diet Coke with easy ice from Sonic, but it will do.  Than the past two days, she’s been able to help one of the other mom’s with her kids. This woman’s husband had to leave early yesterday morning to go back to work, leaving her with two kids (one with special needs) to keep quiet and occupied while waiting for hours in court rooms. Beth brought her fabulous bag packed with lots of extra treats and toys to keep the kids occupied. It blessed my heart to watch her minister to this mother and help ease her burden.

And my dear John Mary continues to bless me. Each court day he’s arrived early with a smile on his face all decked out in a suit. He offers to hold Mercy, plays with her, talks with clerks and the lawyer’s assistants, answers my many cultural questions and translates for me. Beth has been able to get lots of advice and information from him about adoption, foster care, and the court system. She’s even hiring him to come teach her kids for a few days about Uganda’s history, government, and culture. Those will be some great homeschool lessons! Beth and I might even be working on setting up John Mary on a date…. But we’ll save that for another day’s blog post. I’m always the matchmaker!