Progress Report

Since my last post....

We filled out a bunch of paperwork for the agency.  Didn't send it in for a while because it needed to be accompanied by a check, our first payment to the agency...  Got past the holidays and in a position to write said check and now we're just waiting for the agency to receive and process our paperwork.

In the meantime, we are applying with a second agency for the purpose of completing our home-study.  Our primary agency doesn't do home-studies in Texas so we need a second agency to do that.  Another application process, more paperwork, and another check will soon be in the mail to them.

Tonight I filled out an application to renew my passport, it expires next month so that won't do.  More paperwork, another check.


Based on our past experience I would say there are two phases to adopting internationally from China.  The first phase I like to call the "paperwork and check-writing" phase, which is where we are now.  The second phase I like to call the "waiting impatiently and wearing out your credit card" phase.  Being matched with a child is the event that separates the two phases.  Prior to that moment all your adoptive dreams and plans seem kinda nebulous and distant.  Once you're matched with a child there's a real person out there that you're going to go meet, and bring home, and raise.  It changes your outlook a bit.

We did find out today that it's possible for us to lock a file on a special focus child no matter where we are in the process.  I think we might request a few files...

Our prayer is consistently that God would direct this adoption in regards to timing and who we're eventually matched with.  We're trusting Him to provide the funding, provide the patience, and lead us to the child He's chosen for us.  We would love it if you would join us in praying for the newest addition(s) to our family.