Our Journey

The last few days have been very stressful, and the process really does test you to the limit! On Thursday evening we received the official paper from the Peruvian Government, which outlines the extra things you need to provide in order for your application to be complete. When you first submit your papers the read it and will ask for clarification on points on anything that is missing (I'm pretty sure they will always find something so brace yourself if you are going through this too!) It came to us in Spanish, and thanks to our lovely international family we got it translated straight away! Thank you xx

As our lawyer in Peru had already told us what he thought we would need, we didn't think there would be any surprises. There was! Most of it we have or is on the way (except the darn medical forms, which after another, slightly stronger phone call should be returned early next week). However, they also want clarification on details about Catherine's social history, how our relationship evolved, and how long we have been preparing for this process. All of which has to be submitted by our social worker, WITHIN 15 DAYS!!! If we hadn't already done most of it this would have been so much worse, and we are so grateful that our lawyer knows his stuff. (I would really recommend him!) The deadline scared us allot, so we e-mailed him straight away and asked if we could get an extension. We also prayed hard that we could get the medicals, we could begin collecting any extra details soon, and above all that we would feel Gods peace which surpasses understanding. That night neither of us slept well, and teaching the next day was a struggle. It is hard thinking you are nearly there each time, and then facing more bureaucracy and more waits. We keep asking, how much more?! Surely they know enough? But no!

Anyway, during yesterday our friends and family prayed, and their friends prayed. By the end of the day, the medicals were done and are being sent, our lawyer told us not to worry, he would get an extension on the time, and peace prevailed! We had so many encouraging words and both felt so much happier. We had relayed our anxiety to our lawyer in Peru, who sent us the sweetest message:

VERY DEAR CATHERINE,

FIRST THAN ANYTHING, YOU CAN NOT BE STRESSED OR LOOSING SLEEP, BECAUSE YOU ARE PREGNANT, SO YOU HAVE TO BE VERY BEAUTIFUL, RELAXED AND HAPPY FOR THE MOMENT YOU GET YOUR CHILD.

It is so amazing to be working with someone who really understands the significance and enormity of this process, and has their eyes on the end goal. It is so easy to only see hurdles and paperwork, bills and appointments.

As we were reminded, this is sorted in the heavens, it's just working out on earth! We needed to know His peace. The night we received the e-mail, the lyrics of this Hillsongs song became my prayer:

Father of life draw me closer
Lord, my heart is set on you
Let me run the race of time
With you life unfolding mine
And let the peace of God
Let it reign

Oh Holy Spirit Lord my comfort
Strengthen me hold my head up high
And I stand upon your truth
Bringing glory unto you
And let the peace of God
Let it reign

(Chorus)
Oh Lord I hunger for more of you
Rise up within me let me know your truth
Oh Holy Spirit, saturate my soul
And let the life of God
Fill me now
Let your healing power
Breathe life and make me whole
And the peace of God
Let it reign


We are praying that His peace and truth will sustain us, and despite the emotional ups and downs, we would know His peace, strength and comfort filling us each day. That we can 'hold our head up high' and not be downhearted! Thanks for your ongoing support, will keep you updated x