I haven't written about this yet because I wanted to wait, and to give more of my sister's perspective. But she's hard to get a hold of :) My sister is stuck, in Tonga. She has been there since June trying to bring home her two newly adopted children. I won't go into the details because I can't do it justice, but this process has been heart breaking. Watching her trying to give these two deserving children a better life, and being stopped by bureaucratic nonsense, has been really difficult. Most of us won't have the DRAMATIC story that her little family has, but we all will experience powerlessness at some point or another.
Michelle and her good husband, Omar, are trying to do something righteous. She has wanted to be a mother for so long and has been through so much, all to fulfill a very important commandment. What I have learned watching this situation unfold and being powerless to do anything about it has been hard earned. I have learned that our Savior's atonement makes all things for our good. God has not forced this Judge to change his mind. He has not teleported Michelle and Malia and Sima home. But the atonement has taught us things that are making this terrible situation worth it. Michelle undeniably earning her mothering stripes; our family drawing together in a new and significant way; all of us seeing that each and every person has enormous value; and the knowledge that we all can do super human things; are some of the rewards of this trial. Michelle I'm sure could write a lot more blessings. She is very happy to be with her children, and I'm so so glad. But I miss her, and I want her to come home for Christmas. I couldn't even acknowledge that dream for a long time because I was scared to be disappointed. But it's what I want and I'm not going to stop hoping out of fear anymore.
My Mom has been in Tonga with her for awhile now, and I am amazed how many times a day I catch myself walking for the phone so I can tell her something. I put up our Christmas tree today, our first artificial tree ever, and I wanted to call and tell my Mom that I finally understand why she likes having her tree up for so long. I called Michelle in Tonga to tell her that I was expecting baby #4, that was back in July. I can't believe I have 4 weeks left and she's still there. So on Monday when we heard that this judge had pushed another court date back and that they weren't going to be able to leave this week like we were hoping, I was very sad. But I'm feeling better today, they'll come home soon.
6 comments:
Since JUNE?! What in the world? How can they possibly do that? Do they have jobs there? That is so hard. I will be praying that they can bring their sweet kids home for Christmas. That would be such a great present!
My sister has been there by herself most of the time. Omar has been able to go over for a week once or twice; but he has to stay and work in the US to prove they have income, insurance, etc. It's been hard on him, not being able to be there; he's a do-er. Michelle has been living in really difficult situations; no running water, raising two kids by herself, having to move frequently. It's been so brutal. It's got to end though right? I'm really glad my Mom is there now.
This post had me in tears. Prayers for your sister and her family.
i was actually just thinking about your sister the other day. i'm so sorry the judge pushed the court date back again. she must be an incredibly strong person.
what a wonderful sister, full of sacrifice. i hope they come home soon!
I love these pictures of Michelle...they are such beautiful pictures of love :) Congrats to Spencer!!! Even without any details it sounds like an amazing opportunity that only comes to the best of the best :) And way to get the first cousin once removed and second cousin references correct...Grandma would be proud :)
Post a Comment