Yesterday, we completed the final step in our adoption process that we have any control over at all. Sooooooo exciting to be this far in the process!
We got our fingerprinting done for the USCIS. When we get this approval, we will be cleared by the government to bring an adopted child into the United States. KJ is worried about it though. She's scared that we're criminals and don't know it. She's a worrier, that one. Me, I'm thinking a little jail time couldn't possibly be that bad. I mean, don't they do your laundry and make your meals and they have TV. Almost like a little vacation. Hmmmmm....
We got our fingerprinting done for the USCIS. When we get this approval, we will be cleared by the government to bring an adopted child into the United States. KJ is worried about it though. She's scared that we're criminals and don't know it. She's a worrier, that one. Me, I'm thinking a little jail time couldn't possibly be that bad. I mean, don't they do your laundry and make your meals and they have TV. Almost like a little vacation. Hmmmmm....
Sorry. Got lost in a little daydream there. Back to the matter at hand. It only took 20 minutes for both of us to be printed. It's all computerized and the women were really nice. They let the girls come back with us [Cade was at a friend's house] and showed them the equipment and explained the process. Kind of like an unexpected field trip. If we weren't on summer break, I totally would have counted it as school time.
Now the really hard waiting begins. We wait for this approval. We wait to be submitted to court. We wait for the rainy season to begin and end. We wait to travel for court and then to travel again to bring Little E home. This reminds me of one of my favorite songs - the video is below!
We will use this time to prepare, to learn, and to grow as we anxiously look forward to bringing a new son into our family. We will hope in the Lord, so that once Little E is here we will be able to meet and deal with his specific special needs and adjustment.
...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
You can do this! As you wait, it will feel like forever... just like your pregnancies. But once you have E in your arms, and you look back - it will be like a blink of an eye!
ReplyDelete{{Love ya!}}
As I'm sure you know, AFTER all our paperwork was submitted to China for Sarah, we waited 26 months for our referral and to see her little face. Anyway, there were times when it was very difficult. I came across a quote from Oswald Chambers during that time that said "Be patient and so utterly confident in GOd that you never question HIS ways or your waiting time." I felt like it was written for me. Trust me, it will all be worth it!
ReplyDeleteDawn - I DO remember how long it was for Sarah's referral. Good quote - great reminder that God is in control of this.
ReplyDeleteWe have some friends whose LID was almost four years ago. They may get a referral and travel by the end of the year. She says the wait at their agency's China program is now about 7 years.