3. I Love You!
Those of us who are connected to Haiti, by any means, will always remember
January 12th, 2010. We were about to go into year 3 of our adoption process and we
were weeks away from bringing our little boy home. When we heard on the news
that an earthquake had hit, the first place we went was to the GLA website. Luckily
for us, we didn't hear the news until later in the day, so by the time we went to the
website, Dixie had already posted that everyone was OK. That was a HUGE relief. I
can't imagine the helpless feeling we would have had if we had absolutely no
information.
After that, I don't remember too many specifics other than keeping a constant eye on
the GLA website and working with Bethany on being prepared if something should
happen quickly.... and it did.
Dixie had posted on the blog that she wanted all of the kids in process of being
adopted to receive emergency visas from the US government. I am convinced that it
was her force of will that got that done and that only God could have given her the
strength to keep everything going at the orphanage and accomplish such a feat in
such a short period of time.
4. I Love You!
So, a week later, we get word from Bethany that we should be in Miami by 7pm
January 21st. We then began what we dubbed "Operation Gotcha." My wife,
daughter and I hopped on the first available flight and headed down to
Florida. Once we were down there, we started the long wait with all of the other
adoptive parents.
I'll always remember the moments before we were united with Cash. Dixie
organized the process to perfection, thinking of the kids and how to best do it for
them. Right before the first group of parents were united with their children, we
could all hear the kids in the room next to us singing with such joy that I don't think
there was a dry eye in that room. A few minutes later, we were united with Cash,
and "Operation Gotcha" was complete.
During the first few months, one of my favorite memories was when Cash received a
toy that could record and play back small phrases. My wife had recorded "I love
you." into it. Cash couldn't quite talk yet, but he did his best to repeat the
phrase. Luckily, I had my cell phone and I was able to record the moment.
5. I Love You!
You can see it in this video:
http://youtu.be/Xt-Jj0tFytc
Since the day we picked him up, we have enjoyed
getting to know Cash and the wonderful person
that he is. He's smart, funny and, it's hard to
remember life without him.
6. I Love You!
The nearly 3 year process was frustrating, but we'll always be grateful to
GLA for providing monthly updates with pictures and always a little story
about "Richardo". When we had to go to Haiti to sign documents, they
even helped us schedule it so we could be there for his 1st
birthday. There's absolutely no doubt, we would do it all over again.
We try to stay connected with GLA through donating, sponsoring a child
and keeping up with the blogs. Cash said just today that if he had an
airplane that he'd want to fly to Haiti. We can't wait until he's a little older
so he can do just that.
So, two years later, we still feel an enormous sense of gratitude to Dixie
and the entire staff at GLA. The work they do is amazing and
inspiring. We also pray every day, as a family, for the people and the
country of Haiti.
The Williams Family
7. If you’d like to talk about helping God’s Littlest Angels, please contact
Laurie Bickel at 719-638-4348 or lorlor@glahaiti.org or Tom Vanderwell
at (616) 884-8901 or tom@glahaiti.org. Thank you!
