Hopeful

We have been experiencing difficulties the last few days in regards to Allan's travel plans. Another group of children coming to the states to perform, not Childcare Worldwide, had agreed to allow Allan to travel with them. This decision was made last week without us knowing about it and although we were frustrated we were glad he would not have to travel alone. The problem with that was we were now exposed to 16 other children's paperwork and their adult chaperones which caused delays. They were supposed to fly last week, but could not because of a child's visa paperwork and then just yesterday as we were again hoping they would fly, a special signature had not yet been obtained by the mayor for the entire group. I awoke alone, Mark left Thursday night for his Emmaeus Walk this weekend and I cried and cried wanting to be able to talk with him. It was difficult hearing yet again that Allan would not be flying yesterday.

I spoke with Jamil this morning and he asked me if I would be willing to send money for the mayor to sign paperwork for Allan so that he would be able to travel alone. Without Mark being here, I prayed about it and just felt that it would be better not to have Allan tied to that other group so would agree to send money for something I had already paid for weeks ago. If it meant Allan could fly tomorrow the risk was worth it. The money has been wired, Jamil assured me that once I rescheduled the flight for tomorrow that he would make sure Allan was on it. Allan told him yesterday, "please, Uncle, I do not want to wait for these people anymore, I want to fly alone to be with Auntie and the boys." So, later today, I will make the flight arrangements. The airline is researching his flight because I have had to change it so many times. But that shouldn't be a problem, I pray; and once that's done, Allan should be flying tomorrow evening.

Jamil told me he wanted to call Mark tomorrow night and surprise him telling him that Allan was on a plane and since Mark is gone, this weekend, he doesn't know about any of the events that have occured. I don't know if I'll be able to keep a secret tomorrow or not but I can only imagine the look on his face when we hear the news we've longed to hear for weeks. He also told me today, "Aunt, when I put Allan on that plane tomorrow, I will go to bed and not get up for TWO days" laughing. I know he's telling the truth. He has worked so hard to make all this possible, day in and day out traveling and taking care of procedural things. Essentially putting his life on hold, I have to remind myself at times to ask him what is going on his life, because our conversations revolve so much around Allan.

Please join us in prayer that this will be the last leg of the journey before Allan joins us here in Texas. We know that the journey will simply continue as we enroll him in school and he begins his adjustment to our culture but we simply desire for him to be here with us so that we can move forward with his life, entertwining it with ours. We'll be anxious for each of you to meet him someday soon. Thank you so much for all your encouraging words of support and other gifts we've received. It's truly been a testament to God's love for each of his children, no matter where they are in the world!