Hello all, long time no writing. We've been enjoying our summer around here. Lots of projects getting done, (probably more not getting done), and LOTS of playing! Enjoying every second of it!
Where are we at in terms of the adoption? I guess there is never an easy answer. Exactly one year ago yesterday, we decided to pursue this adoption. Time sure does fly when you are waiting forever. Our dossier was sent to Ethiopia on 11/14/08. We just received a message from our agency that they referred 11 healthy infants this month, and that there are currently no healthy babies remaining in the nursery-this is bittersweet. It is good news for the babies who have found forever families, but means we have quite a wait. They do not expect to make any new referrals for at least a month.
It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete files for new children coming into
care. They also told us that not as many babies are abandoned this time of year-more are abandoned in the fall and winter months.
To put this into (clear?) perspective-there is one family whose dossier was sent in October 2008 who is still waiting for a referral of a baby girl. Then they will start referring to families with dossiers there since 11/08 (aka us).
There is no exact science, but based on past trends, I have an estimate. *Maybe* a referral by end of September. Then a court date usually follows in 4-6 weeks (most cases do not pass the first time). Then we must wait for an embassy date in Ethiopia (another 4-6 weeks), PLUS waiting on all of the Immigration and Interstate paperwork to be completed so the baby can be escorted here, which in this state, can take 3 mos. Maybe a first of the year homecoming? It would have been a little quicker if we were traveling and did not have to wait for the extra immigration step for escorting, but that is not possible for us.
Keep in mind, there are so many variables. How quickly will a court date be assigned? Will we pass on the first try? How quickly will our local USCIS office move? Is there power in Ethiopia so the government offices there can be open, process paperwork, hear court cases, etc?
In the meantime, I will enjoy every second of every day with my family. Will I get impatient? Helloooo? This is KRISTY writing here! But I will remind myself......
It is all in HIS timing....................
Blessings all :O)
(you can click on the collage to enlarge it)
