Wait....oh, hurry!

As we work on our Dossier we find out that we believe the children being considered for our match are needing a pre-approval from India.  This means, they need Dossier documents.... oh, no...we've been working on them, but not a lightening speed, until now.  Once we found out our referral might come quicker if we have our Dossier done, well, that changes everything...so we've been going like crazy getting documents done.  We are still very excited and hopeful that she might be home before Christmas.  In looking at our timeline, it doesen't seem like we've been at this for very long, nothing compared to some families that wait for their children for 4+ years.  So we're patient and hopeful... and in a hurry to get this Dossier off our plate :) 

Brad's parents are visiting this weekend on their return trip from Florida.  It's great to see them and take our mind off of this a bit....although she's always on our mind, we want her home so badly.  But having visitors is always fun.... and also having our Kentucky Wildcats win is good too.... like today, going to sweet sixteen in the NCAA tournament.  We certainly have many distractions.... but our heart remains fixed upon Miss Lauren....who is likely waiting in India right now!

I800-A Approval!! We're on our way!

Tonight after a busy day at work, then picking up Joshua from after school - I casually went to the mailbox and RIGHT ON TOP.... was an envelope from Homeland Security!  I ripped it open as I walked up the driveway..... it was our I800-A Homeland Security approval to move to the next step in our adoption.  Then I had to wait 30 minutes until Brad got home, before I could tell anyone :) ..... bursting, I say...bursting!  We are so excited...the intensity is building and we can't wait!  With this letter, we are officially eligible to receive a referral from our adoption agency! (We just can't wait to see a picture and know more about our little girl...(or sibling set) if that's what God has in order for us). We are so thankful to God for our blessings... and our challenges.. they both remind us to rely more on Him and less on ourselves.  Signing off with patience knowing He has her (and us) right in the palm of His mighty hand.  :)

Counting the Days

Ok, so I've been VERY patient.  I haven't followed up on a calendar, haven't followed other blogs, haven't contacted Homeland Security, and haven't been emailing our agency every day saying, "when do we get our referral"...but I MUST admit, I am getting a little anxious these last few days and now I just want to see her little face and know all about her!  We are currently waiting for our I800-A pre-approval from Homeland Security... and also the agency to call us to discuss referrals.  We know we are not really "entitled" to the referral discussion just yet - until the I800-A letter comes back....but our agency contact suggested the referral person would be calling us last week....and I know she's really busy...and we didn't hear from her... so now the anticipation is starting to set in!  :)  It's like she's already a part of us and we don't even know her!  So we wait....... (I think putting the timeline together for the blog last night also was not the greatest idea)... out of sight out of mind... now seeing it on paper...puts into reality that we are nearing some really amazing milestones!  Up until this point, I've been too hesitant to focus on the waiting too much, because I knew we were just going to have to settle down into a long time of wait and didn't want to make myself too crazy...but I think the time is here... Crazy for you Miss Lauren, already. 

Walking through the journey

I nearly tear up when thinking about bringing Lauren home. We've researched and dismissed several countries, waded through mountains of paperwork, had enough background checks to be accepted by the CIA, and been on an emotional roller coaster. We're so close now. In only a few short weeks we'll know who God has matched us with, our newly beloved daughter. Many prayers have gone through on her behalf. Now we wait. And I can't wait to hold her in my arms. I dream of that often--what that moment will be like. It shall be more magnificient than anything I could imagine or conceive. Lauren, we're coming for you...

Certainly time for an update

Well, it's been months and a lot has happened - here's the 30 second version -- moved from Nepal program to the India program... have home study done.... adoption education done (that was interesting, challenging, and eye-opening)... have home study and I800A mailed off to Homeland Security....and now waiting for fingerprints.

What's yet to come: - prints, referral, medical evaluation, and travel.... agency says it's not too much to hope for that she will be home before Christmas 2011.

What have we been doing in the meantime? Joshua entered a new school -- he LOVES it. Brad and Renae still working. Brad and Renae JUST returned this last Sunday from a mission trip in Kenya, Africa. Amazing time with Kenyan children and friends of ours. Planning for this trip has been a great way to take our minds off of the adoption. Joshua is 5 now...tall as ever...and waiting anxiously for his little sister....oh, and I forgot to mention, during our home study, Brad springs on the idea of getting qualified for siblings! So if that is in God's plan, we'll have two children from India...but in order for us to accept them the law would require they be younger than Joshua -- giving the India program..this is unlikely, but with God anything is possible... we'll be totally happy either way.... but just hoping that by the end of 2011 we are a family of 4 or 5 :) Joshua has already got bids on holding "Lauren" for our Christmas card this upcoming year. Waiting with great anticipation.