Friday, December 12, 2014

Feisty Sheilas

The last month or so has been full of pretty awful news. First, the denial from the USCIS, then finding out that we have to hire an adoption agency and pay to do all of the things we've already done and paid for: home study, clearances, post-placement visits... The list goes on and on. For a few days, I allowed myself to wallow and had a pity party along with some hissy fits that were quite unproductive. Today, I have been thinking a lot about the amazing people that God has placed in our path.

More specifically, I have been feeling very thankful for the strong women who have been a part of this process. This is in no way meant to be offensive to men, but I have learned that sometimes, to get something done, you need a strong woman to get the ball rolling, or kick in the door, whatever the case may be. 

One of my dearest friends, Abby Johnson, comes to mind. Without this fierce one, I wouldn't have had that first and very special visit with Leticia. The visit when I fell completely in love with her and just knew. Abby was aware of how desperately I wanted to go to Uganda, but couldn't afford it, so she just booked a ticket for me. Just like that. Because that's how she rolls. Abby is a pro-life warrior and never shies away from a battle if she knows that she is on the side of truth. Even if it will cost her dearly. Sometimes, it does. Undeterred, Abby dusts herself off and fights on. She is indefatigable. Thank you Abby (and Doug) for being such a constant and incredible source of support for us from the very start. 

My lawyers, Christine Poarch and McLane Layton have given me renewed faith in the legal profession. I solemnly swear to never tell another lawyer joke for the rest of my life. Christine is fiery, bluntly honest, and relentlessly fights against injustice. McLane is relational, persistent, and despite the fact that she is insanely busy, she always makes time for my stupid questions and concerns. Both Christine and McLane are mental powerhouses, just absolute geniuses. Thank you both for tirelessly fighting for our little girl. 

Lastly, Greta Van Susteren. This woman has just blown me away with her kindness, compassion, interest in our case, and genuine concern for our family. I will never forget the way she leaned back in her chair after we completed our podcast and said, "This is just insane. Who can I call?" She snatched up her phone and started dialing. She has people on speed-dial who I have only read about and seen on TV. Powerful people. I can only imagine how busy Greta is and how much is on her plate each and every day. Yet, she takes the time to initiate contact with me on a regular basis. She asks what is going on, if certain people she has contacted have followed up with us, and as she told me today, "You know where to find me if you need help." Greta does this not because she will get anything out if it. Being involved with our case won't increase her ratings. Frankly, we aren't that interesting. Greta chose to be involved because she cares. 

I could list many more who have done much for our family, but I really felt the need to recognize these feisty sheilas. Their intelligence, zeal, and extravagant compassion are such a wonderful example for young girls like my Leticia. Abby, Christine, McLane and Greta, we can never repay you for all the ways you've blessed our family. All we can say is thank you and promise to teach Leticia to follow in your footsteps and be a strong, kind woman who goes out of her way for others and uses her gifts to fight the good fight. 

#BringLeticiaHome