Dave posted this title 3 weeks after we had made our final decision to adopt.
It has actually now been 5 months and I thought it would be nice to take a look back at our journey and where we are today. Even though the process seems slow at times, the truth of the matter is a lot of incredible things have been accomplished. Of coarse there is the paperwork, Home Studies, Medical test and Fees but the most incredible highlight of all has been the relationships we have built and the knowledge we have gained.
We have had the opportunity to talk to, email and actually meet many wonderful people in the adoption world. Some that have adopted from China and are already home with their children. Some that are in the process and some that just want to help people who are interested in adoption.
For instance My "adoption friend" Jen (Hi Jen) we exchange email almost daily. Jen, PJ, Ashlyn and Phillip are an adorable family from Texas and they are just a little ahead of is the adoption process.
There is Jeanette - who found us through another blog and after an exchange of a couple of emails - learned that we live a mile away! Her family just celebrated their one year home with Elizabeth - there adorable little princess from China. They actually go to our church and invited us to their Thursday night bible study. We have attended two consecutive studies - and they actually invited us back! What wonderful people!
Many families that we have met are currently in the China program, some for over two years now. Currently the wait time is three years and appears to be growing with each month. As we continue to follow the China Program and finalize our HS(Home Study) We are continuing to look at all options for adoption. Our hope is by December, our HS will be completed and through the courts - this means we will be certified through the state of Arizona to adopt domestically or internationally.
Each day brings new opportunities, opens new doors and new life journeys. Where will this one lead us next?
It's so fun to see your pics and actually KNOW you now! :)
ReplyDeleteYou guys are awesome...shania is one lucky little girl. :)
Hey Dave and Sheri,
ReplyDeleteHang in there. This sounds so trite to say and so easy on this side but oh how the wait is so worth it. I look forward to the day you post your news of your referral!! It is SO exciting.
If you ever have any questions about SN's feel free to ask.
It took us a full year to do our paperwork so you guys are dong great!!
You guys are so close to being done with the paperchasing! Who-hoo! I'm really thankful that we became friends through our process.
ReplyDeleteJen