We have our pre-approval from China!!!

We just got a phone call!  We have our pre-approval from China and are OFFICIAL!  Happy Anniversary to us!

We spent the morning in a CPR class, then getting BCI and FBI fingerprinting and clearances.  But now, we are assured that we are doing all of this FOR something and not just to amuse ourselves.  So thankful for this news today.

Paper chase and first official class

I continue to do the paper chase today.  The amount of paper work required is unbelievable.  Much of it needs to be notarized, of course.  Ethan has the next two days off work, so I'm also researching where to go to get things like background checks and FBI fingerprinting, clearances, etc.  He actually took the time off for our anniversary, but this seems to be a much better use of his "business hours" time off.

This evening we are scheduled to take our first required class, "Coming Home: Adopting the Older Child."  Here is where working with an agency on the west coast complicates life a little.  Our webinar is from 8:30 - 10:15 at night.  I guess it doesn't conflict with any other commitments, anyway!  LOL!

Paper chase day

Today was a paper chase day.  I spent about eight hours either filling in papers, researching answers to fill in said papers, or on the phone to make the appointments to fill in the papers.  Our biggest accomplishment of the day was coming up with the street addresses of every place that Ethan and I have lived since we turned eighteen years of age.  These were for criminal background checks for every state that we've lived in.  Whew.  One step closer...

A refreshing day

I spent most of Saturday attempting to reorganize the basement.  It is a great space, but we don't make very good use it.  I made a LOT of progress and hope to finish up tonight . 

Sunday evening was spent at the picnic for our homeschool co-op.  These ladies were totally my lifeline when we moved here a year ago.  I honestly don't know how our lives would have been had we not connected with this group.  For sure the adjustment would have been longer and harder.  It was delightful to be with these friends again, and to meet the new families who are coming into the co-op this fall.  Patt and Mark did a terrific job with mixers to help us get acquainted.  Oh, and Sarah's family is in the co-op this year, so it'll be a first for me to have my grandchildren and Tikvah together in this setting.  Its going to be fun!

My friend Maren came (at last!) for a coffee date this morning.  She brought along some AMAZING books she created from the blogs about her family's two international adoptions.  It was fascinating to see the photos and hear of her experiences, both in India and also in China. One of these adoptions was from the same province in China where we will need to go for Abigail.  I enjoyed hearing about specific places we'll likely visit while there, and what to expect.  That seems to make it a little easier to get through.

This afternoon I went to Ann's house, and how fun to bump into Amanda there too!  God must have known I needed to take a breather today, cause the day was full of socializing. I'm truly grateful for the encouragement and refreshment.  Have I told you yet how much I love my friends???

 I shared this quote on Facebook last week, but it is still speaking to me.  I read this on someone else's blog, so I claim no credit to it.  "We are very goal oriented.  We think that the goal is the purpose, when actually it is sometimes the JOURNEY that is the purpose.  The things we learn on the journey are the things He wants to teach us."  I have very, very little control over this journey.  Two different adoption agencies, the state of Ohio, and the officials of China are seemingly calling the shots.  They say, "jump" and we just do it. Thankfully I know the One who is REALLY in charge of this journey.  I allowed myself a brief time to be overwhelmed, but I really don't have time to dwell on that.  This is NOT about me.  Our goal is VERY important, and we are working hard towards it - getting Abigail home.  But I am also reminding myself to take a deep breath, take one step at a time, and learn what I'm supposed to on this unfamiliar and sometimes strange journey. 

So, did we make any progress on our list today?  Yes.  It seems even our CATS need health papers, so I bought them collars and made an appointment with a veternarian.  Ethan came home armed with several smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher as just a couple of elements needed for our inspection by the fire department.  He is currently watching "Wild China" on Netflix to count towards our 40 educational credits that we are each required to have.  I watched it last week, and it was really good!  


Tomorrow, I begin writing and chasing documents again. 

Feeling a little overwhelmed...

We just got our packet from Adoption Star that outlines 40 credits of educational requirements, basically the writing of ANOTHER book (remember that Monster Document with the other agency?) and all the safety checkpoints that have to be done before the social worker visits our home. Then there are the physicals and documents that involve asking OTHER people to do stuff.  It seems that one of the bad sides of needing to work with two agencies is that they both have requirements, and we end up having to jump through even more hoops!  I'm hoping that I can maybe print out the Monster Document and use it as part of our credits with Adoption Star.  There was a LOT of research that went into that thing.

 At this point all I can think about is Abigail sitting in the orphanage WAITING for us to get our act together and get this stuff done.  Wow.  Any prayer warriors out there?  We are going to need much wisdom and stamina to get this accomplished - and somehow accomplished quickly. The documents with WACAP that take the longest cannot be started until the homestudy is done.  Nothing like a little pressure, right?  Anyway, this momma is a little overwhelmed today and would appreciate your prayers!

More news on Ella

I just got word that two families who both have their dossiers IN and are ready to travel are interested in Ella, and the agency is hoping for a very quick adoption on her.  I am absolutely THRILLED to hear this!  They are also being nice about keeping me in the loop now, which I really appreciate.  As she comes to mind, please say a little prayer for Ella and for her new family..

Official update on Ella, plus another milestone

From the "other" agency.  If our bugging them has found her a home, I'll be content.

"Thank you for your email. I am sorry that you did not hear back from her.  (the supervisor we spoke with in person at their agency)  Unfortunately we are not able to transfer her file to another agency. We actually have a few families considering her file right now, so I am hopeful that they would be able to move forward with her placement in the next few weeks.
I am so excited for your family and you have officially started the process! I wish you all the very best!
If you ever have questions in the future, please let us know!"

We got good news from our own agency today as well.  Our documents are being translated today and will be sent electronically to China yet today or tomorrow.  Yay!!!!