ALL IS IN HAITI.

So our newest development is that all is in Haiti.
(so yes, we've been there before).  Our dossier (once again)(sorry that is the last time I will fixate on the fact that we've been there before) is all IN HAITI- with BRESMA (the orphanage that we have to go through.. although Verlande is not being housed at Bresma and remains at Eliette's house).
So again, all of our information, latest doctor notes on our health, our newest PhD in psychology letter stating that we are mentally competent, yes... our VETERINARIAN letter saying our dogs are furry and gentle.. are in Haiti ready to go.
What we do not have status on right now is VERLANDE's PARENTS MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE.
We are waiting for this still, the last we heard.  The good news is that it is with the people that will be getting it/ working on getting it/ whose job it is to get it.
The frustrating part of it for us at this point is that we don't hear much.  We have been told that "culturally, we are not supposed to ask Haitians too much.  It is offensive to them to be checking in as if we do not trust their work.  they get the job done."  That is frustrating (BEYOND BELIEF) to  me.... because in MY CULTURE, I want RESULTS:)
seriously.
and we're paying for results....
AND... we have the childhood of a little girl on the line here.... Verlande is 7.  We pray we get her before August 24 next year when she turns 8.  This is truly my goal.  100%.  I am really looking at that day.  This is the first I am admitting it.  I want her here when she turns 8.  I do. 
I also want to know desperately where this stands:  are they in touch with the father about the marriage certificate, who is taking action.  So we will be working on this aspect, and again inquiring as to the extent that we can regularly receive updates.. at least to when she is in IBESR (Haiti Social Services-- we are aware that at that point there won't be much info,, BUT... right now, we want updates!)

So I continue to try to balance my frustration and irritation at what seems like slow movement.... with my newfound work on learning my first babysteps of patience and grace...

On the most awesome side of things, VERLANDE IS DOING SO WELL.  The last month has been the happiest we've seen her, and YESTERDAY she started SCHOOL in Haiti.  An English/Haitian school.  She had been so excited to go, and it was a much needed move for her to be able to get out of the house where she is and to SEE KIDS HER AGE.  She has learned alot on her own, she'll learn when she gets here, but she needs to be with PEOPLE and living a bit more.  We are so hopeful that she is happy going to school.
Mostly, I pray every time I can for her safety in getting to school.  It is all I can do to pray that she gets there safely- in every way the word can be used.... anything can happen there, so I am just trusting.  She will be driven there, and we are waiting still to know the details- we are paying for her to have safe transportation, not just on a tap-tap.... and so I'm sure it will be great.  I wish I could see her in her school uniform. 
She has been loving learning.  Everytime we talk with her she is ready with new words, songs, dances, smiles.  When skype is beign set up, Eliette will say, "wait one second" and we hear an echo, "please wait one second" and this cute beautiful girl smiling at us from a world away...... she echos everything that Eliette says, it is hilarious.  She is happy, and that is what I hang onto.  It is good.  it is so VERY VERY GOOD.  We are hanging in there, she is hanging in there..... we cannot wait until she comes home!
Phoebe and Forrest have been happy to skype with her also, and try to say something to her that she might be able to answer.  I pray with everything that the right things happen for her adoption, we love her so much.