Where in the world are we anyway?
If you have been stopping in lately, or visiting us on our facebook page, you will know where in the world we are in our adoption process. Still, sometimes we feel like we are standing still smack in the middle of no-where with empathy for "Where's Waldo." Waldo was a children's book character who was hidden in overcrowded illustrations as the reader was challenged to find Waldo. We know how you feel brother Waldo. Waldo knows his place in this world, but do we?
We wanted to give a clear update on our adoption process, possible timetable, and finances as we currently stand.
The Process:
1. We have completed our home study and are waiting for the final report to be here in our hands. Our case worker is working as we speak (hopefully) and most likely is only days away from sending us the draft. This will be reviewed by us, and then our placement agency before notarized copies will make it all official.
2. After our official home study report is in our hands, we can apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be qualified as adoptive parents in the eyes of the Department of Homeland Security in preparation for international adoption. This process from our I-600A form and takes 4-6 weeks and includes yet another (this will be the third) background check and fingerprint scans but this time for international records.
3. In the meantime, we are working on our 'dossier' which is the 20+ papers that are all filled out, completed, notarized, and then authenticated by the Secretary of State.
4. When the I-600A is accepted then we can send our dossier to the placement agency for review and translation as it will all get shipped to Ethiopia! (We are hoping to be on the waiting list at the end of May or early June-praying, praying!)
5. Now the fun begins! We will be on the waiting list to be matched with the children! As stressful as I hear the waiting is, I think initially it will be a relief that all the paper work has been completed, accepted, and we are ready for the children to be matched with our family. Waiting for a referral, or a match, can take as little as one week and up to 6+ months.
The Timetable:
As we know, time is not in our hands, but God knows when all this will come together. As we would guess, we hope to be on the waiting list for the referral of the children in early June. We could wait 1 week to 6 months or more for a referral, so let's just be positive and say 3 months until we have a referral. After we are matched it can be another 2+ months before the court date for us to arrive in Ethiopia and meet the children. Of course, anything can happen, but this is just an idea of a timetable. This example would put us flying in late fall/early winter to meet the kids! Again, all this is just an example but many people are asking what we know as far as "when will we get the kids" and this is all we know.
The Finances:
God is so good and in His time and by His ways He has provided for us and continues to hand pick the people who are purposed to be involved, or not involved, with our adoption fundraisers and givings.
The approximate total for the adoption process of two children, including the required two trips to Africa, are near $45,000. We have a remaining total of about $19,500. These numbers amaze us each day as I can't deny that finances are on the mind. I continually hand my worries over to the Lord as He has promised to complete this as I have my trust in Him that He will. We are very thankful, very, very thankful for His provisions thus far and it is only by a miracle that people have helped us with these funds.
Want to help us reach our goal of 100% fully funded? We would be honored and humbled by your help at any amount in bringing the children home to be no longer orphans. Donate using the secure Paypal button on our homepage or contact us via our facebook page if you are more comfortable mailing a check. Participate in the various fundraisers we have going on (visit our facebook page for the most current updates on fundraisers - One Sought Me) and please, please, continue to lift us up in prayer as we take these steps of faith in this adoption journey!
Thank you!!
If you have been stopping in lately, or visiting us on our facebook page, you will know where in the world we are in our adoption process. Still, sometimes we feel like we are standing still smack in the middle of no-where with empathy for "Where's Waldo." Waldo was a children's book character who was hidden in overcrowded illustrations as the reader was challenged to find Waldo. We know how you feel brother Waldo. Waldo knows his place in this world, but do we?
We wanted to give a clear update on our adoption process, possible timetable, and finances as we currently stand.
The Process:
1. We have completed our home study and are waiting for the final report to be here in our hands. Our case worker is working as we speak (hopefully) and most likely is only days away from sending us the draft. This will be reviewed by us, and then our placement agency before notarized copies will make it all official.
2. After our official home study report is in our hands, we can apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be qualified as adoptive parents in the eyes of the Department of Homeland Security in preparation for international adoption. This process from our I-600A form and takes 4-6 weeks and includes yet another (this will be the third) background check and fingerprint scans but this time for international records.
3. In the meantime, we are working on our 'dossier' which is the 20+ papers that are all filled out, completed, notarized, and then authenticated by the Secretary of State.
4. When the I-600A is accepted then we can send our dossier to the placement agency for review and translation as it will all get shipped to Ethiopia! (We are hoping to be on the waiting list at the end of May or early June-praying, praying!)
5. Now the fun begins! We will be on the waiting list to be matched with the children! As stressful as I hear the waiting is, I think initially it will be a relief that all the paper work has been completed, accepted, and we are ready for the children to be matched with our family. Waiting for a referral, or a match, can take as little as one week and up to 6+ months.
The Timetable:
As we know, time is not in our hands, but God knows when all this will come together. As we would guess, we hope to be on the waiting list for the referral of the children in early June. We could wait 1 week to 6 months or more for a referral, so let's just be positive and say 3 months until we have a referral. After we are matched it can be another 2+ months before the court date for us to arrive in Ethiopia and meet the children. Of course, anything can happen, but this is just an idea of a timetable. This example would put us flying in late fall/early winter to meet the kids! Again, all this is just an example but many people are asking what we know as far as "when will we get the kids" and this is all we know.
The Finances:
God is so good and in His time and by His ways He has provided for us and continues to hand pick the people who are purposed to be involved, or not involved, with our adoption fundraisers and givings.
The approximate total for the adoption process of two children, including the required two trips to Africa, are near $45,000. We have a remaining total of about $19,500. These numbers amaze us each day as I can't deny that finances are on the mind. I continually hand my worries over to the Lord as He has promised to complete this as I have my trust in Him that He will. We are very thankful, very, very thankful for His provisions thus far and it is only by a miracle that people have helped us with these funds.
Want to help us reach our goal of 100% fully funded? We would be honored and humbled by your help at any amount in bringing the children home to be no longer orphans. Donate using the secure Paypal button on our homepage or contact us via our facebook page if you are more comfortable mailing a check. Participate in the various fundraisers we have going on (visit our facebook page for the most current updates on fundraisers - One Sought Me) and please, please, continue to lift us up in prayer as we take these steps of faith in this adoption journey!
Thank you!!
Comments
Post a Comment