Court Day!

Friday, April 17 2009 - Tom and I arrived in the High Court of the Republic of Marshall Islands to petition to adopt Analina Beta. 5 people testified - Melody Beta - the birth mother, Atma Beta - the birth grandmother, Claudia from the Central Adoption Authority, Cathy and finally Tom. We went into the courtroom with reservations on whether someone would try to influence Grandma Atma against the adoption. But, everyone who took the stand was positive about us adopting Analina.

The culmination of all our work and time put into the adoption happened in those final words at 12:15 where the judge says "I hereby grant the petition ....". Wow - a victory like no other! Analina was now a Brinegar. So many feelings coursing through our bodies and minds - we were numb!

We all went to celebratory lunch together at the RRE resort diner.

Analina unfortunately was in court during the entire proceeding and became quite sad at leaving Grandma Atma so Grandma agreed to come stay with Analina overnight at the hotel. They stayed in their own room and Analina was a little busy bee setting up the room and putting her backpack belongings in one of the dresser drawers and telling Grandma all about what she's been doing. Grandma had a good talk with Analina explaining what was coming up in her little life. Whatever Grandma said, she most definitely did right by all involved.