Dear Friends,

We should make a deal, if you don't hear follow up news from us it means, "no news, is bad news."

Nothing happened last week except our hearts broke further. The director of social services is a very difficult, rude woman who made it clear we were to stop bothering her. Well, that can't be done until she gives us our girl. She's not being asked an opinion, or to do anything, she just needs to appoint someone to come with us to the orphanage to release Zinha into our care. Still, she refuses. 

Andre, our lawyer, met again yesterday with the Judge. They have sent another order to social services that they have delayed too long and they need to respect the court order by Friday. 

Please pray this battle will come to an end-- that we can get Zinha home and final adoption paperwork can follow soon after!

In the meantime, we've all be in bed with malaria. Yes, three of us, in bed, at once. We're sure ready for this season to pass. 

I pray the next news you receive is good news. If you hear nothing, pray harder because the battle continues. 

Until She's Home,
Love,
Dara, Chad, Nede and Zinha