Adoption Diary p.18 (by Thom)

We had a couple of highlights today. First, we took our first shopping trip with the girls. It doesn't sound like much but, for those of you who have never visited Africa, shopping with just the two of us presents enough challenges. Adding in the twins was intimidating. We went and got visa photos taken, got groceries (for the first time in a month. I can only eat so much grilled cheese), and made a couple other miscellaneous stops. The girls were well behaved and we got through it well.
The second thing was much bigger: I got a phone call that the social worker who was assigned to the girls had good news. She went to the village where Hannah and Miriam were born and met with family members on both sides. The grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and everyone else had to be interviewed and give their blessing for the adoption process. Thankfully, everyone was unanimous and renounced their claim on the girls. The social worked said she'll be coming to Bamako on Friday to meet with us and examine our house to make sure our living conditions are adequate for the girls' needs.
Things have gone really well so far in the adoption process. We believe God has had His merciful hand in all of it. Please continue to pray with us for the process to continue well.