From April 6th…
Last night we dropped our first big chunk of change on this adoption. Watching that money leave our bank account made this whole adoption thing much more of a reality and left me more excited than ever!
We had a great phone orientation with someone from Gladney last night. She laid out everything that lies ahead of us as well as our expected timeline. As I frantically jotted down notes about I600-A forms, fingerprinting, and our homestudy, I started to feel slightly overwhelmed. But then I quickly remembered that God has led us to do this and is in complete control of everything surrounding this adoption.
We agreed that we would request one infant younger than 12 months of age. She said that this paperwork stage tends to take four to five months. After our huge stack of paperwork (i.e. the “dossier”) is sent to Rwanda, it will then be translated. Once translated, it will then hopefully be approved by the government’s Ministry of Family and Gender, after which we will get our referral (a picture of and info about our little guy). Interestingly, this is all a government process. Whereas referrals in Ethiopia are completed by Gladney representatives, our child in Rwanda will be chosen for us by the nuns of the orphanage. Initially, we were struck with how odd this whole process seems, but we realize that ultimately God is choosing our child for us and is orchestrating everything in a manner far more flawless than I can even imagine.
Oh and the most exciting part- after our power of attorney in Rwanda appears in court for us and the adoption is finalized, we will then travel to pick up our little boy four to five weeks later! We will first travel to Rwanda for about one week and must then head to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (or possibly to Nairobi, Kenya… I am secretly hoping for this option !!) to get his visa. I cannot believe I get to return to Africa next year… to pick up our son!! This is all too exciting for words.
3 Comments on thoughts from a few weeks ago
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Wading through the paperwork is not an easy task, but hang in there. Also, you will soon become jaded with writing checks as every form seems to need at least $300 sent with it. We are excited for you guys. The adoption process is an emotional roller coaster, but it is well worth the journey.
hey Catherine!i don't think we have officially met yet but our hubbies know each other. Matt sent Bryan the link to your blog. you have so many cute posts!
congratulations on adopting!! adoption has always been on my heart and it is always so encouraging to see others go through the process.
I have also read Dr. Moore's book on adoption…amazing, right?
i'd love to actually meet you at church one day!!
Catherine, I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, but I knew Matt through college. Saw a post on his wall tonight about your allison antics website and had to check it out, hopeful for more adorable pictures of your kids (love babies, thinking of having my own soon enough). Anyway, saw this post, and am in complete awe of you two. I am so happy you two are considering this, especially under circumstances where you don't NEED to adopt. Best of luck to you two, and I know that you will have a child that is so thankful, and in disbelief, that he/she got parents like you two!
Tori Haro