We just got a phone call from the adoption agency about our application. The good news is we are approved on the American side of the process. However, we have already hit our first hurdle. We aren't old enough according the Chinese government. We have to be 30 to pick up our child in China. I did know that but I thought we could get the process going on this side. The adoption agency said they won't let us go any further until Darryl (since he's the youngest) is 29 and 3 months. This does still put our total time within the original estimate of up to 5 years to complete the process. This just means we will have to be very quick on our end of things getting paperwork in and mailing checks as soon as Darryl is old enough.
So where does this leave us now? Well for the next 2 years we will be working hard to get all the money together so that as soon as Darryl is old enough we can go through the process quickly. We hopefully won't have to wait to gather the money before moving through each step. It also means we have time to learn some Chinese history so we can teach our daughter about where she came from. We also plan on starting to get involved with the Chinese adoptive community up here. We apparently have a pretty good size community of adoptive families up here so it will be nice to have that support system. The Dr. I used to work for is going to get us in touch with some families she knows that have gone through the adoption process already.
So the next 2 years are all about preparation for us. We were of course disappointed because we want to go pick up our little girl now but God has a purpose for everything. He is ultimately in control of this process and knows exactly which little girl He has for us and we can't rush His timing. I just keep praying for our little girl and for her family that God will keep her safe and will comfort her parents since I can't imagine having to give up my child. Please continue to pray for us and for our little girl wherever she may be. Also if you have any great ideas for fund-raising that we could do we would love your suggestions.
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I've been so wrapped up in me and my kids that I didn't even know you had this blog or that you were starting this process! BAD SISTER-IN-LAW!!! Better late than never. The time will fly by with all you have to do to prepare for this adventure, along with all you have to do with life as it is now. It's still amazing to me to see the how you've grown into such a beautiful, responsible, Godly woman! I'm so proud of you!! (unless that's just weird for me to say to you -- then "I'm so impressed with you!" instead since that's also true.)
ReplyDeletethank you very much. We are really excited to start this new journey God is taking us on.
ReplyDeleteOh the hurdles! I'm not going to lie, I laughed when I read this. Darryl makes fun of you for being older, but now it bit him in the butt. :)
ReplyDeletePraying for you guys!