“God sets the solitary in families.”
-Psalm 68:6 (AKJV)
As whispers of our Adoption Decree (the document that finalizes our adoption in Haiti and officially makes our son a Palmer) slowly (but surely!) roll in, I find myself overflowing with more expectant hope than ever. Once we round this next bend, we’ll have the ability to get necessary paperwork legalized so that we can apply for his passport and visa; two things he’ll need to enter this country.
(photo: Bright Green Door)
Until we get our Decree, I’m not allowed to share photos of our son on the internet or via social media. But I was thinking this morning…why can’t I gush about him here a little in the meantime?
I don’t think I’ve ever told you how gutsy and outgoing he is. How vibrant and animated he is. How quickly he can make people laugh and how he is almost always full of joy. How he makes fast friends because he trusts quickly and seems happiest when spending time with others.
I don’t think I’ve ever told you that he is charming, or that he introduces himself to “madams” (ladies) with a kiss on the cheek, or that he bids every “mesye” (man) he sees with a hearty “bonswa!“. I don’t think I’ve ever told you that his little voice is raspy (think: Boo from Monsters, Inc), or that he sings with so. much. passion. I don’t think I’ve ever told you that he loves to dance and play, or that he always has energy to spare.
I don’t think I’ve ever told you that, even at only four years old, he is a caretaker. The nannies giggle when he points at himself and proclaims, “ti parent“. (little parent)
I don’t think I’ve ever told you how curious he is about the world and people around him…about how he nearly drove a local carpenter nuts with his endless questioning at the orphanage one day. 🙂
The man was hired to build a bed for Three Angels. He set up shop near an electrical outlet underneath the concrete carport at the top of the driveway. It was level ground, and provided shade while he worked.
We were playing clear on the other side of the Angel House when Sweet P heard him fire up his circular saw. At the very sound of it, I could literally see my son’s curiosity sky-rocket straight up. He shot off my lap and begged, “Vini, mama! Vini!“. (Come mama, come!) As he ran in the direction of the sound coming from the carport, he looked back to make sure his papa was “vini-ing” too. I forgot to mention earlier, that I don’t think I’ve ever told you how he likes for us to always travel in a group, too. 😉
He came to a quick stop when he got within viewing range of the woodworker. He half-turned toward me, his eyes glued to the Skill-saw, and lifted his little arms up; sending an unspoken message that said, “I’m completely fascinated, but a little scared, too.” I hoisted him onto my hip. His eyes never strayed from the saw.
When there was a break in the noise, Sweet P yelled, “Mesye! Mesye! Kabann pou Imma?” (Sir! Sir! Bed for Imma?) The man didn’t hear, so he yelled it again.
This time, the man turned our way, looked at my babe, and shook his head “no” with a smile. He went back to work; his saw blade chewing it’s way through another piece of heavy wood.
We stood there for several minutes before I motioned and mouthed the word ‘chairs’ to Kevin. He nodded yes, and dragged two colorful kids chairs out from the foyer. Oh what that man must have been thinking as the three of us sat there, like an audience, front row, in our little chairs- just watching him work! 😀
Sweet P continued to take advantage of every sliver of silence between saw cuts: “Mesye! Ou fe yon kabann?” (Sir! You making a bed?) The man answered yes, and went back to cutting. The next few breaks Sweet P went back to asking about who the bed was for: “Kabann pou Ysmerline?” (Bed for Ysmerline?), “Kabann pou Nicodette?” (Bed for Nicodette?) “Kabann pou Gregory?” (Bed for Gregory?) He threw out several other names, but the answer was always no, no, no.
Sweet P switched gears around this time (He does that a lot- ha!), and Kevin pulled the tiny chairs back inside the foyer while I ran after our son again.
Later that day, we were chasing him back through the carport area, and once again, he came to an abrupt stop when he realized the woodworker was still working there. The man, who had an assistant helping him now, was using a hammer and some kind of a chisel to create a paneled effect on the headboard . The hard-carved detailing they created left me jaw-dropped. It was perfect; it looked like it had been done by a machine. It was at least 90 degrees that afternoon and by this time both men looked like that had just stepped in and out of a shower, fully clothed.
It wasn’t long before Sweet P found an opportunity to ask another question about the bed. “Mesye! Kabann pou mwen?” (Sir! Bed for me?)
I guess the man’s assistant could see where this was going, because he jumped in and answered: “Kabann pou Madam Christine“.
Ohhhhhhh! The bed was for Madam Christine! Sweet P was positively giddy with excitement to know the answer. He celebrated by squirming up and down in my arms; beaming from ear to cute little ear. And I have to say, it was pretty fun for me, as his mama, to see him so excited that the bed was for someone else. 🙂 #ProudMamaMoment
Anywho, just wanted to share a bit more about our babe here today. I can’t wait for you to meet him. It won’t be long now.
(Side note: Christine, originally from California, now lives in Haiti and is in charge of making sure everything is running smoothly at the Angel House. Our son loves her dearly, and we are so grateful for her hard work and dedication to Three Angels.)
For today’s Thought-Full Thursday, I chose a verse I just discovered for the first time today. Other translations word it this way:
God makes homes for the homeless. (MSG)
God sets the only child in a house. (NIV)
God provides homes for those who are deserted. (HCSB)
The next two verses say “God takes the lead for them”. That He “marches out into the wild for them”, and that “the earth will shake and the sky will break out in a sweat” when “He marches on” for them.
What a vivid description of what He’s doing for our son! What a humbling privilege to experience God on the march. What a glimpse of heaven to see Sweet P become family.
Mandy
That was lovely to read & made me smile. Sounds like Daddy is going to have a little helper soon. I am so excited for you and look every day to see if there’s an update, I don’t know how you can contain yourself. ?
Rita Hankley
As I read your post I thought about how much I love hugging all my grandbabies & I could almost feel the strength of the long awaited hugs you & Kevin must give Sweet P when you get to see him each time! I am so happy that soon you will be able to shower him with hugs & kisses any time you want. My heart is full by proxy!! It’s so very exciting, I hope it’s soon.
Sian McDowell
So so exciting. Loving your adoption updates, thank you for sharing.
Jenny
Special prayers just went up that this is THE week. ?
Jaxty
He sounds like an amazing kid! They must really love and care for the kids in that orphanage for him to be thriving so.
Patti
Thank you so much for sharing more about Sweet P!
Kimberly
I love following your story and it came really close to home for me recently. I attended a trades of hope party about a month ago and the girl giving the party had been to Haiti. She brought a picture book that she had made of her trip and when I turn the page and saw three angels I jumped up and down and told everyone about you and Kevin. She had visited and spent part of day with all the children and your Sweet P. Can’t wait to meet him and praying that the wait is short. Many blessings to you and your family.
Andrea
My first thought was that you had learned two days early about the adoption being finalized. I’m still with you on 2/26 being the day. I hope you’ll post on Saturday if it all works out on Friday. 🙂 God’s timing is perfect, whenever it happens. This was a great insightful glimpse into Sweet P’s life. Can’t wait until we get daily updates from all your adventures!
Ter'e
What a precious story. We can just reach out and touch your excitement!
You know, we all love Sweet P already!!!!!
I can’t wait to officially meet him. What a little darling.
Thanks Layla, for sharing this.
Heidi @ Decor & More
I lOVE reading all your sweet observations of his heart, his personality. So precious that you know him so well even before he’s officially a Palmer. Praying for God to speed this process through so you can all be together forever!
xo Heidi
Mary
Layla, how your post echoes in my heart when I see our adopted son, who was waiting for us to be his parents, just as your Sweet P has waited so patiently for you! He is already so much like you…and people often say to us, “what are the odds he looks so much like you” and “what are the odds that he acts just like his older sister”. I answer that I believe in the power of God, not odds. He knew. He formed. He was the only One who could have brought us all together. I cannot wait to share, if but it a small way, that joy I felt with you and Kevin. Blessings!
Robbin
I just love this whole “internet” thing . . . because I feel like I know you and Kevin and Sweet P already :). And while we will probably never meet this side of heaven (I live in Missouri!), I am so blessed to share life with you. I am praying for you and the adoption process. For God to go before and make all the crooked places STRAIGHT and just take care of everything. And I believe at that moment you and Kevin and Sweet P walk into your home together as a family, that heaven will pause and God will smile. It sure makes me smile too. Soon, Layla. Soon. Thank God for people like you who feel a burden in their heart for a boy in Haiti and are obedient. Blessings to you my sweet friend! Anxiously awaiting the big day!!!
Beth Moore
Layla, thanks for sharing your little guy with us! There’s no doubt God chose his happy little self for your family. Praying for all of you and for His continued favor on this journey, and looking forward to the day you get to share pictures of him – without cropping, blurring or filtering out of any sort.
Layla
Thank you, Beth! I look forward to sharing his joy-full face with you soon too! 😀
Carol
Thank you for sharing your joy and the sweet, innocent joy of your little man. Such a beautiful sentiment to wake up to this morning. May God bless you and your family. So excited to see and hear more about your family
Layla
Thank you for your kind comment, Carol! We appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement so much! 😀
Alison
I LOVE this! But shouldn’t the verse on the picture say “solitary” instead of “solidarity?”
Layla
Yes! Thank you for catching that typo, Alison! I fixed it! 😀
Maggie
Such exciting news!! Can’t wait for for you all to be together as a family!!!
Marsha Householder
So beautiful! Our God is an Awesome God! He Reigns! Love reading about your precious Sweet Pea! How blessed he is to have you both as parents. God set him aside just for you! Please know I am praying.
Julia
I share in your excitement for the day you bring Sweet P home! Thank you for giving us a glimpse of his sweetness 🙂
Barbara
What a beautiful post. You’ve been in my mind – and prayers. It will be soon!
cheri
So excited to read this! This is one of my favorite posts yet! What a darling little boy!
MaKaela
So glad you were able to share some of the things about your son that makes you so happy! Praying for speed as you prepare to bring him home!
Rebecca
Wonderful! I can’t wait until you all get to bring him home!!
Teddee Grace
It was such a pleasure to learn more about your son. What fun he’s going to be to have around!
Cyndi
Oh, I can’t wait until you are waking up every morning with that sweet boy in your home. It’s so close now!
Sara sun
Oh, Layla, so wonderful for you to share this glimpse into your son’s most charmingh, delightful personality. That last line brought tears to my eyes. He, indeed, will be FAMILY soon. Many blessings to you all. Can’t wait to hear about this next chapter in your miracle.
Lana
I just love reading about your Sweet P. He sounds like the happiest child! Can’t wait to hear that he’s with you full time!
Jeanna
Thank you for this! I have been wondering what your little guy’s personality was like 🙂
Colleen
Oh Layla, I had to read this twice because I wanted to relive it again. How absolutely precious sweet P is! How big his heart and joy are! I can hardly wait until his life is exploring your world, in your home and state! Thank you for this !
Kathy
I read this sitting in my living room listening to a construction truck roll by. I pray it will not be too long before Sweet P is dragging mama and papa to watch the big “machines” in our neighborhood!
Vanessa
Your adoption story is so amazing. Thanks to you, I have been following Three Angels and have told others. I have an adopted brother from Korea; adoption is amazing and difficult, but so worth it all. I remember when my parents decided to adopt-I was already in college and they felt a call to adopt my brother. I still recall the day he came off the plane-speaking only Korean-such a sweet and amazing experience! Many prayers to you y’all-so very anxious for you to be settled together!
Kari Cox
Your adoption updates are always such a Blessing! What a privilege to be able to watch from afar and pray for your sweet family.
Sarah
Awesome! Can’t wait to meet him on your blog.
Jeri
Your description of your sweet P was so endearing to me. How precious and sweet! I’m so excited for you and Kevin to finally become a family of three! Praying that will be so very soon!
Jewel
That was so very sweet. You have painted a beautiful image of your son in my mind. Photos are always nice but what you relayed here is even better.
Gina
How precious!! I love hearing about your son!! I am smiling ear to ear. 🙂 Continued prayers.
Aunt Chriss
Oh, my goodness! There are not words strong enough to express how much I am looking forward to meeting this little guy! Thank you for sharing these wonderful stories with us – I love imagining these times you shared with him!! I am now going to be purchasing every child appropriate power tool I can find…may have to stick to blenders, whisks and food processors. 🙂 Love you all so much!
Stephanie
Loved reading about Sweet P! How lucky you three are to have each other!
Nicola Blake
I felt a level of JOY reading your post. I will continue to lift you and your little family up in prayer as well as the children and staff At the Three Angel. I pray for a quick home coming!!
Karlene
What a bundle of joy he is! I already look forward to hearing about his days in your home! Sounds like Kevin will have an assistant woodworker! I can only imagine Sweet Peas excitement those first few weeks as he settles in!
Thank you for sharing, brought a smile thinking about him.
Laura
what a blessing that God revealed these words to you, not before, but now as you wait and hope for the plans He has made for your family. A lesson in faith, hope, and trust. We are learning the same with out older kids, husbands who needs a job, and friends in the hospital and who just discovered cancer. All is in HIS HANDS, and we know HE is the only one we want driving the bus in HIS time. Oh, yeah, and selling our house…haha.
Suzi
This was the same scripture God gave to us before adopting our first son over 30 years ago from Guatemala! We now have 5 adopted children ranging in age from 30 to 15 years! We are incredibly blessed and we look forward to rejoicing with you when your little guy is home!
Louise
Loved that post! Cannot WAIT to see you guys as one sweet little family, all together in Sweet Home Alabama. I check in every day, hoping for an update that will bring you that much closer to your adorable little one. Take care!
Dawn
I can’t wait to see his sweet face, to read his name , and to see the three of you together for always!! Thank you for sharing a bit more about him..it was lovely!
Penny
Thank-you for sharing Sweet P’s adventure with us Layla. He sounds like quite the thoughtful little man and very inquisitive. What a joy to read. I truly am happy for you that you will all be together as a family soon.
Whitney
Oh, what a sweet little guy! It’s so clear you just adore him, and it brought tears to my eyes! Praying you have good news soon 🙂
Lauren
Oh he sounds absolutely TOO precious. That is such a sweet story and I really can’t wait to meet him. I can feel its anytime now, honestly I come & check your posts to see all the time.
So happy for your upcoming new family
Lauren | Lovely Decor
xx
Jessica
Layla, this is so beautiful! What a blessing to have these little moments with your son to get through all this waiting. We are in the final (please Lord!) stages before we get to travel to the Philippines to meet and bring home our son. We have a few photos of him, but I’m just dying to hear him talk and see him move and get those little glimpses of his personality. Praying with y’all that your wait is over and the real journey begins soon!
kristin
Tears of joy for you mama Layla. He sounds like the perfect fit for you and Kevin. 🙂
Sunny
He was sounds altogether wonderful, and you are a mama in love!
Rose L.
Can hardly wait till he is there and you can share him with bus all!