I've been asked to share "where we are" in the adoption process. The answer is somewhat complicated because the process is so detailed and I'm honestly still familiarizing myself with it. Those who know me well have heard me say that if I didn't personally know people who have adopted from China, I may just think it was impossible. To say that the paperwork can be overwhelming, would be a gross understatement. However, there is great joy in accomplishing each task and knowing that it brings us one step closer to our little guy. I recently had a friend refer to me as "paperwork pregnant" - HA!
We just completed our home study. This involved compiling documents (birth certificates, financial statements, utility bills, marriage license, etc.), background checks/fingerprints, fire inspection, proof of animal vaccinations (yep, you read that correctly), dr. appts for all, and multiple interviews. We were really pleased with our social worker and she submitted the 16 page study to our adoption agency yesterday. Once it is approved, we will submit it (along with other documents) to U.S. immigration along with a form called the I-800a. Basically, this is USCIS evaluating if we are suitable to adopt a child from China. Currently, we've been told that this process can take 60-90 days. Once we get the approval and have all of our other documents together (too many to list here), we must get all of the documents notarized, certified by the county clerk, certified by the Secretary of State of Ohio and sealed by the Chinese Consulate in NY. From my understanding, the consulate does not accept mail, so the documents will be sent by courier. Once we have all of the documents back, I believe we can submit our dossier to China. After receiving and approving the dossier, we will receive a log in date (LID) to China's system. We can then be matched with our little boy. After match, we can expect to travel to China in 4-6 months. I hope this makes sense and that I have the details correct. Please give me grace, as all of this is still a little confusing to me. ;)
So, if you're still with me, that's "where we're at." I've been praying that all of this will move as quickly as possible. Not necessarily for us....but for our precious boy. We want him to know the security and love of a family, the joy of siblings, and the peace of sleeping safely in his home...
Fortunately, we are blessed to serve a God who delights in "placing the lonely in homes" (Psalm 68:6). During our last home study interview on Monday, our social worker informed us that she would work really hard to finish the report and present it at her staff meeting on Tuesday. She said that if she didn't do it then, she would have to wait until their meeting next month to present it. One day made a month's difference. This was not lost on me. When people have asked us what they can pray for, I've asked them to pray that for every timeframe we're given, each step will be completed in the fastest time possible. God knew when that staff meeting was when I scheduled the interview. I, of course, had no idea. We are thankful that He is in the details. I know that this is an unpredictable process, but it brings great peace to know that not one small detail of it is unknown to Him.
