A New Journey

It is time to start blogging again.  No promises that this will be as often as I would like, but there is a good reason to revive my blog.  God is taking us on an incredible journey.   That is the journey of international adoption.  Our family couldn't be more excited!   In about 12-15 months, we will be welcoming a little boy from China into our home.  

To give you an idea of what we have been doing, here is a basic run down of the last month or so. 

March 8 - submit pre-application (free) to one adoption agency.  Still researching agencies.

March 13 - submit pre-application (free) to second agency.  

March 16 - submitted formal application (not free) to AGCI online

March 19 - application approved!  YEAH!

March 20 - submitted application to home study agency.

March 21 - received LOTS of paperwork from home study agency to begin working on

March 26 - Orientation Call with AGCI

March 27 - Kids to doctor for TB tests/get medical forms filled out

               - Adults fingerprinted at Sheriff’s office ( I think we have to do this more than once)

April 3 - Started online education classes

April 10 - Received dossier packet info.  LOTS more paperwork!! 

April 13 - orientation at home study agency.  Counts as home study visit #1

So we have been filling out paperwork (what feels like non-stop), watching lots of online courses to educate ourselves on adoption, ordering birth certificates, our marriage license, sending in all home study paperwork that is finished, and documenting pretty much our entire life.  This is all in the midst of trying to keep life somewhat normal life...homeschooling, preparing for a children's musical, and extra-curricular activities.  

It is overwhelming some days, but it will totally be worth it when we are holding and loving our new little boy.  What is even better - we get to watch how God is going to hold our hand the entire way.