It was Our Day!

THE JUDGE HEARD OUR CASE… PRAISE THE LORD! Now for a bit more of the story…

I woke up this morning, and although I was a bit pressed for time I checked my email and facebook. Let me tell you what a blessing it was to read the sweet words of encouragement from you all. I started crying and just felt so loved. The more I looked through facebook the more times I saw where people asked others to pray for us and it really blessed my heart so much. Some of you stayed up late just for me or set your alarms. People I’ve never met made it a priority to pray for my family. Wow, that is humbling and truly a gift of the Lord… so thank you, thank you so much.

Beth, Autumn (her 10 year old daughter), Mercy and I headed off to our lawyer’s office. There we met up with Dr. Patrick and Mercy’s uncle. I thought our hearing would be at the family court that is just around the corner. Dr. Patrick and I both had sent our drivers on because we thought we’d be there a few hours. Then we found out that we had to go to the other court about 15 minutes away. We were all able to squeeze in to my lawyer’s big vehicle thankfully. I laughed when I had to help his driver learn how to put up the third row seat. He needed a mini-van driving mom to show him how to pop us those seats. Ha! We arrived just in time. It was sort of funny walking into the courtroom and seeing several families I’ve met through the blog world. But it was great to see some familiar faces and know we are all in the same boat together.

The judge heard several cases before mine. Mercy started to get restless. She was sleepy, but always fights falling asleep, so I had to take her out for a bit. I stood outside, which I think was a blessing. I was able to chat for a minute with another adoptive mom and also collect my thoughts. There was also some drama happening in the courtroom, but I missed most of it, which was probably a good thing for my psyche. Then Beth gave me the motion from the window that I was up. I had to sit at a long table in front of the judge with Mercy. As I sat down I thought, “Wow, this is it. Why am I not nervous? Is something wrong with me? ” Then I just realized this is the day I’ve been preparing for… and that so many of you prayed for. I was at peace with it all. The door to the courtroom was just to my right and the door was open. I was worried Mercy might really become fussy and disturb things, but there was my sweet Bethie standing at the door ready to grab her if need be. Thankfully I came well prepared with snacks. Mercy loves pretzels and raisins. So between Beth playing peek-a-boo at the door and her snacks she stayed occupied. Have I told you what a blessing it is to have Beth here!? Oh my, really she’s been a lifesaver! Mercy even laughed pretty hard once and then banged her hand on the table. It sort of sounded like a gavel pounding. It was pretty funny and a few of the other lawyers in the front of the room snickered. All the while, my attorney was going through the specifics of the case with the judge. I only had to raise my hand and Mercy’s to show our presence and nod my head a few times. When our attorney mentioned how I met Mercy while in Uganda last summer with “Libraries of Love” the judge gave a slight nod. My lawyer said, “You know this group?” The judge again nodded. Go Aunt Trudy! You are a Ugandan celebrity! The doctor and uncle had to stand. Other than that, the judge did not really question much in our case. Compared to some of the others ours is fairly straight-forward since Mercy is a double-orphan (both biological parents are deceased) and the uncle testified that there is no relative able to care for her. The judge then looked at me and said “The 24th”. Then went on to discuss a previous case and then we were dismissed. My lawyer, Dr.Patrick, and John Mary all say that it went very well and not to worry. They feel quite confident in a good ruling next Friday, the 24th. Cody flies in that night and I can’t wait for him to get off the plane and for me to officially introduce him to his official daughter.

By the way, for those who read the previous post by Cody.  He was quite correct.  I came in from court and a celebration lunch to check my email.  I noticed the post and sat down and cried and laughed while reading the whole thing.  So grateful for my amazing husband and how God continues to grow and shape us.
Here are our next steps in the process... at the ruling, the judge will read his handwritten ruling before the court. Then after it’s officially recorded his secretary will type up an official copy for him to sign and give to me. They said because there are several rulings scheduled for that day I may have to wait a day or so for the official copy. I told my lawyer that I’d be happy to go type it up for the judge if need be. He just looked at me like I was crazy. Sometimes I have to remind myself… TIA… or This is Africa. They do things in their own way and their own time.

After I have the ruling, we will apply for Mercy’s Ugandan passport. Then my appointment with the US Embassy will be scheduled. They will verify all of our documents, Mercy’s orphan status, and we will fill out more paperwork (there is always more paperwork!). Then in a week or two they will issue her visa, so that she may travel to the US. Once we hit US soil she will be an American citizen. We hope to travel home on October 8th.

Thank you for your continued prayer. Pray for Cody as he prepares to travel. Also please remember my mother and grandmother who will be coming out to look after Emma and Avery. Pray for Emma and Avery… they’ve done so well so far, but I know it’s going to be difficult for them in the next couple of weeks. I love and miss my big girls and I am so proud of them for their great attitudes. Mercy is blessed to have some great big sisters. Also, please continue to pray for the Howard family as they search out their ministry in Uganda. God is beginning to give them some direction and plans and I can’t wait to see how it all works out and tell you all about it in the days to come.