5 + 1 = 6

We want to share some exciting news with you and we want you to meet someone but first, let me fill you in...

About 2 years ago John and I started exploring adoption.  We discussed it, we prayed about it, we researched it and we talked with a specific company and let them know we were interested in international adoption.  We got the information and then a couple of packets later 'life' happened and the thoughts of adoption were put on the back burner.  Fast forward to the first of last year and the great stirring to move to Haiti was upon us.  Last year (as most of you know), we were consumed with the preparation of our move to Haiti but after being here for a bit, the stirring regarding adoption started again.  After spending time in prayer and many discussions followed by some more time in prayer we are so excited to tell you that we fully believe God led us to our 4th child...the child we prayed for when praying about adoption...right here in Haiti.  

Meet Cabila...

His Mother passed away after he was born and with no information pertaining to his Father, we think he has been on his own for a good portion of his life.  He has been living at the orphanage for the last 5+ months but we are currently working on all the details that will allow us to adopt him...our 2nd son.  

We've all fallen in love with him! We've been drawn to him since we got here.  His laugh makes my insides dance and his smile is infectious!  He exudes joy despite his past and the connection we feel with him is undeniable.  

Seeing him with John melts my heart!  He longs for John's approval and his affection whether they are hauling water from the river or watching a movie, play-fighting or working in the garden.  

He works alongside John and even behind him.  He hangs on his every word, wanting to know more English!  He is so comfortable with John.  

He looks out for both of our girls as if they'd always been siblings.  

He puts up with their tugging at him and sitting in his lap at church and he even shares his cookies with them after they've eaten their own (:D)!  

He even gave Kylie the rest of the money 

he made from working for her birthday.  

He and Caleb have really gotten close, too.

Caleb loves his sisters but he has wanted a brother since we found out we were pregnant with Kylie......and they are as close as brothers

 can be! 

We talked with Cabila last week and asked him if he'd like to be a part of our family permanently.

He said, "YES"!!!!!

While there are so many obstacles here with adoption (and we've only begun), we are very anxious to get rolling on the paperwork and checking off the requirements.  Cabila doesn't have a birth certificate and we have some other obvious hurdles to deal with but we know that He, "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work..." has got every detail in His capable hands!  (Ephesians 3:20)   

We are continually praying that God will clear the path of these hindrances so Cabila can 'legally' be a Chappelear and we invite you to pray in the same manner!

We are so grateful to have your support during times like now.  We have no idea how long or how much money this process will take but we are hopeful that the next time we see you, you'll be able to meet Cabila in person.  We feel certain that he is getting quite comfortable in this chaotic, creatively crazy, company of Chappelears...

While we pray for open doors and smooth transitions, we will keep you posted along the way.  

Thank you for blessing us with the gift of your prayers one more time!