We received our dossier back from the state authentication, and it is now headed to Washington D.C. for Authentication at the US State Department followed by the Ethiopian Embassy. When we made the decision to adopt last April I was in awe at the amount of paperwork we would have to compete to reach this point. There were pages upon pages of forms that had to be filled out for both the adoption agency, the home study provider and for our dossier. Most of that has now been completed. What remains as far as paperwork goes is a questionnaire from our agency that will help us process through the many scenarios that may play out when our children get home. Things like when will their insurance kick in? Immediately, following the court date, or after they get home. Is there a therapist in your area that you may want to use should the need arise? You can see how thinking some of these things through before hand may be helpful.
In any case our Dossier is headed to D.C. and we look forward to it's quick return.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Difficult News
On Wednesday Naomi and I were told the girls we were hoping to adopt are not available for adoption in the United States. As it turns out the mother, with the best interest of the children in mind, had lied to get them into the program. She had told authorities that the children's father was deceased, when in fact he is still alive. Apparently he has multiple wives. According to Ethiopian laws the fact that he is alive means they are not orphans and are not available for adoption. By law they must be placed back in the care of their mother.
This has been a difficult couple of days for us as we are finding that we had already grown very attached to these girls even though we only had a few pictures in our hands. On the bright side we are encouraged to know that CWA (Christian World Adoption) has placed them in their home program where they will receive food, clothing and other supplies that they may need to survive. At least they will be with their family, which is also important.
Naomi and I will once again be placed on a waiting list to receive referrals. As far as what we need to do nothing will change. Our dossier is being authenticated and we are still waiting on immigration.
Through this situation Naomi and I are reminded that when we started this process we determined that we are doing this not only for us, but as God directs. If it be His desire that these girls stay with their mother then that is where they need to be. I'm not saying it makes it easy, but I am saying that His ways are perfect.
This has been a difficult couple of days for us as we are finding that we had already grown very attached to these girls even though we only had a few pictures in our hands. On the bright side we are encouraged to know that CWA (Christian World Adoption) has placed them in their home program where they will receive food, clothing and other supplies that they may need to survive. At least they will be with their family, which is also important.
Naomi and I will once again be placed on a waiting list to receive referrals. As far as what we need to do nothing will change. Our dossier is being authenticated and we are still waiting on immigration.
Through this situation Naomi and I are reminded that when we started this process we determined that we are doing this not only for us, but as God directs. If it be His desire that these girls stay with their mother then that is where they need to be. I'm not saying it makes it easy, but I am saying that His ways are perfect.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The waiting
Our dossier got the go-ahead from our agency. We sent it to the state for authentication. We are waiting for our finger print date with USCIS in Casper. Also working on two more grant applications this week. I am planning on making a list/ plans for our January fundraiser during Thanksgiving.
There are still some puzzle pieces left if anyone would like to purchases one (see older posts). Also, we have a personalized video. If you would like one, just leave a message on the blog and we will mail you one.
I am anxious to go and get our girls. We are at least 6 months out still. Once Ethiopia gets our dossier, a court date generally takes 3 months. Then we travel 6-8 weeks after that. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. We are getting closer, but we are not there yet.
There are still some puzzle pieces left if anyone would like to purchases one (see older posts). Also, we have a personalized video. If you would like one, just leave a message on the blog and we will mail you one.
I am anxious to go and get our girls. We are at least 6 months out still. Once Ethiopia gets our dossier, a court date generally takes 3 months. Then we travel 6-8 weeks after that. Thank you for all of your prayers and support. We are getting closer, but we are not there yet.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Update
Immigration paper work has arrived in Texas. Pray for speedy appointment with office in Casper. Finishing grant apps tonight and mailing tomorrow.
$4,022 More to be "Dossier Ready"
God is good and is providing for our adoption in the most amazing ways. On October 10th when we accepted these children, we knew that God was going to have to provide in a big way in order for us to have the additional $16,100 ready within 4 months. He has done just that. Thank you to everyone whom God is using to make this happen. It is your obedience to His voice that is making this possible.
What does "Dossier Ready" mean? - The dossier is the group of documents that is sent to Ethiopia and is then approved by the courts allowing us to bring home the girls. Of course then "dossier ready" means that it is completed and ready to be sent.
To give you an idea how big this is, the process will work like this. Once with have the additional $4,022 we will send our fees and the dossier to Ethiopia. They will set a court date. Six weeks after the court date we will travel to bring home our daughters. Very exciting indeed.
So, Naomi and I are going to push to have the additional money in very quickly. Our goal is before the end of November. Can you help us? Please pray about it before you make any decisions. Then, if you can help us reach this goal, we would love to have your help.
You can make donations by mail, or by simply clicking on the donate button on the right hand of this blog. It will take you to our paypal account where you can donate by credit/debit card. You do not have to have a paypal account to do this.
If you would like to write a check via mail please make it out to; "Ethiopia Hope Fund". This will also be a tax deductible donation, as they are run through Harvest Church. By mail donations can be mailed to us at: 822 Jonathon Rd. Powell, WY 82435.
Thanks again to everyone who has prayed for us during this process and those who have helped financially. We have a bit farther to go. But the goal is in sight.
What does "Dossier Ready" mean? - The dossier is the group of documents that is sent to Ethiopia and is then approved by the courts allowing us to bring home the girls. Of course then "dossier ready" means that it is completed and ready to be sent.
To give you an idea how big this is, the process will work like this. Once with have the additional $4,022 we will send our fees and the dossier to Ethiopia. They will set a court date. Six weeks after the court date we will travel to bring home our daughters. Very exciting indeed.
So, Naomi and I are going to push to have the additional money in very quickly. Our goal is before the end of November. Can you help us? Please pray about it before you make any decisions. Then, if you can help us reach this goal, we would love to have your help.
You can make donations by mail, or by simply clicking on the donate button on the right hand of this blog. It will take you to our paypal account where you can donate by credit/debit card. You do not have to have a paypal account to do this.
If you would like to write a check via mail please make it out to; "Ethiopia Hope Fund". This will also be a tax deductible donation, as they are run through Harvest Church. By mail donations can be mailed to us at: 822 Jonathon Rd. Powell, WY 82435.
Thanks again to everyone who has prayed for us during this process and those who have helped financially. We have a bit farther to go. But the goal is in sight.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Pasta'd Out
Today, we fed over 150 at the Park Co. Wyoming fairgrounds. I'd like to thank all of our family who slaved over pasta, cookies and lemonade to make this lunch possible. A special thanks to the one family member who took a little extra sauce home in her pockets. :)
We raised $669 at this lunch. This includes selling more puzzle pieces.
If you have not had a change to attach your name to a puzzle piece, you can still do so online through PayPal on the right. See earlier posts for more details.
Attend Creation Festival next Sunday to help out with our adoption and other families who are adopting from Ethiopia. For more information, go to: http://www.creationfesttour.com/
We raised $669 at this lunch. This includes selling more puzzle pieces.
If you have not had a change to attach your name to a puzzle piece, you can still do so online through PayPal on the right. See earlier posts for more details.
Attend Creation Festival next Sunday to help out with our adoption and other families who are adopting from Ethiopia. For more information, go to: http://www.creationfesttour.com/
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Puzzle Progress
We have currently sold 86 pieces of our adoption puzzle fundraiser. In case you are just now catching up; We are selling pieces to this puzzle for $5 dollars each. We then write your name on the back of the puzzle, which will hang in our daughters room when they arrive home. Here are just a few of the names included in the puzzle so far. (we have sold just enough to create the full puzzle border. To donate just click the "donate" button on the right hand side of this blog. You don't need a paypal account. Any credit or debit card will do. Thanks for all your help.
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