Saturday, January 31, 2009

Fingerprinting is Done!!!

We had our appointment with the USCIS yesterday to complete our fingerprinting for our I800 application. This is just another step in the process.

I know we are getting there - but it sure seems like a long road. God has a plan, but I am having a really hard time waiting.

On another note, be learned of an Adoption Ministry workshop that will be held at Calvary Church in St Peters, MO. Calvary has an amazing adoption ministry known as Open Arms. The seminar will be held on April 25 and is sponsored by Family Life. A few of my adoptive mom friends from our church are planning to attend. We feel this will help give us the tools to start our own adoption ministry at 2 Rivers.

Also, on a happy note - our friends have decided to pursue the adoption of a little boy from Korea. There will be more details about that later - but I can tell you he is adorable!!!

Till later...

Monday, January 26, 2009

Happy New Year

Happy New Year - Chinese that it. We actually celebrated last night. We found a new Chinese restaurant and sampled some of their cuisine. I don't think Tess fully understands the Chinese New Year celebrations yet - but we want to make sure that we make it a family activity each year.


This is the year of the Ox. I had a chance to read what the characteristics are for a person born this year - "Those born in ox years tend to be painters, engineers, and architects. They are stable, fearless, obstinate, hard-working and friendly." I feel quite confident that our daughter Tia will not be born in the year of the Ox, but rather in 2008 or the year of the rat. I guess we will know more in the coming weeks.


Until later,

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Fingerprints


We received our official notice today for our USCIS fingerprinting appointment. It is next Friday at 8:00 am in downtown St Louis. This is the next necessary step in our adoption process. Our paperwork was officially logged into the USCIS system on January 14. The current timeline is estimated at 90 days from the log in date. So, that would make it mid-April before our approval is received. But as I have learned in this adoption process, things change - and you just have to roll with them. For those of you who know me well, you will agree that this is not an easy task for me. But I am working through it.
I would however ask that you pray the paperwork is expedited and we receive our approval in record time. We can always hope - right...
Till later,

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

We Are Making Progress

I am pleased to say that we have mailed our I800 application to the USCIS. For those of you outside the adoption community -this is a really big deal! This event is the culmination of months of preparation. The current wait time for receipt of our approval from Homeland Security is approximately 90 days. This can vary - A LOT!!! As I have learned - nothing is "typical" in an adoption.

I want to point out that this is again a time when God showed His grace on us. As with each step of the adoption, there is money to be paid. Terry and I had really struggled with this payment. We needed $830 to send with our application. Since it was Christmas and our taxes are due - we were really having a tough time with this payment. But God made a way. I had some additional stitching jobs that came in at the last minute, a family member sent us a donation, etc. By the end of the month, we had more than enough to cover the payment. It just helps to remind me that He has a plan for us.

The next step in our adoption process will be the receipt of our referral. We have asked our agency to wait to match us with a child until we have received our USCIS approval (the 90 day wait). It is our desire to adopt a child as young as possible. If we wait, the likelihood will be greater that she will be younger when we travel. That was a really hard decision, but we know we did the right thing.

Lastly, I would like to ask you to be in prayer for one of my friends. My friend Jennifer's father went home to be with our Lord on Christmas day. This was such a tough blow to her and the entire family. The relationship that she had with her father is one that I envy. He was truly one of her best friends. My heart has ached for her. I have asked God to give me the perfect words to say, but all that comes to mind is "Love her like Jesus". Please pray for my friend.

Until later....