Mandy signed away her rights today (permanently) in court. She told our social worker
that it was the hardest decision she ever made, but that it was the best. It was a very
hard goodbye.
We met Mandy and the boys at the Crayola Café prior to going to the park, but
Mandy seemed distracted all the way through lunch (understandably so). She kept
hugging on the boys! She joined us at the park afterward with her mom. The kids had
a great time bonding and playing! They really enjoyed themselves. Kanye gave a leaf
to Julia and I asked him if he was happy to be a big brother and he nodded his head.
I also asked if he would take good care of her and he patted her on the head. Aww!
When it came time for Mandy to tell the boys goodbye, we gave her the photo album
that she will fill with photos that we send her. She hugged the boys and we all were
crying. She told me, “Thank you for taking them. Please take care of them!” I assured
her (through tears) that we most certainly would. She, then, went over to Monica and
just cried on her shoulder while saying, “Mommy, Mommy.” She walked away into
the courthouse and that is the last we saw of her. It was heart-wrenching!
The boys, apparently, really didn't understand what was going on because they didn't
seem to be bothered enough to stop playing. That is the way Mandy wanted it to be,
though, so that's great! The kids and Monica all stayed for another half-hour at the park
and played. We said goodbye to Trey and Kanye and they asked to come home with
us again. We explained that it would be two more days.
We got a call an hour or so after leaving the park, saying that she had signed away her
rights permanently and that she had arrived at the location where she’s staying (away
from the boys). She is to have no contact with the boys herself for 6 months or until the
adoption is complete (this gives the boys time to adjust). However, the adults can all
e-mail and call each other and we will be sure to send her photos of the boys!
Overall, it went very well. Please pray that the emotional healing can begin to take
place now. Also, please pray for Mandy and Monica's salvation!!! They are most
definitely NOT Christians and are living very worldly lifestyles. We really want to be
able to share Jesus with them ASAP, although there hasn't been an appropriate time yet.
We will see the boys and Monica tomorrow. There is supposed to be severe weather,
so we will wait to see what options are available as to what we will do with them.
Court has been scheduled for us on Friday at 10:30 CST. It most likely will only last
10 minutes. We should have the boys in our custody at 11:30 on Friday! We will not
be able to leave Missouri until the interstate compact has been completed in both MO
and NC, which could take another week (hopefully not, though). We will update
everyone later! Please keep Mandy in your prayers, especially during the next few days!
Love, Lisa
