While we received our referral for our little girl back in September, we continue to wait without knowing exactly when we can bring her home. Ideally approved families could bring their children hope directly after being matched with them. However, each step of the administrative process is designed to protect the children and ensure integrity from beginning to end. So while we are ever eager to have her home, we understand and support the process we are in.
If you are wondering what takes so long, it is a complex and laborious process that involves both US and Ethiopian governments taking multiple steps to verify that each child matched with a family is truly eligible for adoption. This is designed to, among other things, reduce the likelihood of any unethical processes in the adoption process.
Currently, we are in the "investigation" stage and still look to be months out in the process. We are hopeful that she may be home in June or July, but we still don't have travel dates. We will take two trips, each one week long, to Ethiopia. The first we will be able to meet her in person for the first time and we will go to court to complete the legal process. Then we will come home and she will remain there. Then anywhere from 2-6 weeks later, we will return to bring her home for good.
In the meantime, we continue to prepare our home and family for her arrival. This includes everything from getting furniture situated and preparing toys and clothes, to helping Henry and Amelia to anticipate how this will change our family, for the better. And we pray. Good golly, we pray, for her and everyone involved in the process. Including these two weirdos :0)
We are so thankful for each person who offers interest and encouragement in this time. We are ready to bring this thing to a close...so it may really begin!
We are so grateful for all your support and and celebration. Our hearts are very full.
Please continue pray for all five us during this journey.
In God’s Grace,
Kameron, Nathan, J. Henry, Amelia and our New Little Girl!
