Update One

Hello to all of you who have joined us on this journey.  I first want to put out there an update on where we stand in the process of our adoption.  First let me show you a rough timeline/checklist, as far as we understand it.  The simple version to begin with:

1. Fill out paperwork -----> 2. Get approved -----> 3. Go pick up our child!

Now for a more detailed checklist.  It looks like a lot.  Try not to get all confused.  OK, so, after we decide to adopt, we need to....

1. Find an agency to help us in the adoption
2. Meet with a someone who will prepare a home study for us
3. Send off paperwork, i.e. background checks, to accumulate in our home study report
4. Complete home study report and have it checked over.
5. Apply for approval from the US Government (USCIS)
6. Get fingerprinted and background checked, again
7. Compile all paperwork, and verify everything, into a dossier
8. Send dossier to Burundi
9. Receive information on current children waiting for adoption in Burundi, and let God guide us to the one who will be our child.
10. Fly to Burundi to pick up our child!

*A few terms, and our attempt at a definition:
Home study = A report prepared, usually by a social worker, describing the family who wishes to adopt, and states whether or not they seem fit and ready to be parents.  Includes criminal background checks, child abuse registry checks, FBI checks, autobiographies, references, birth certificates, marriage licenses, pictures, etc.  This report helps the US government decide if the family is able to adopt internationally.
Dossier = A complete folder of information on the Family which is sent to the country of adoption's government for approval.  Includes the home study report, officially verified documents, and US government approval.  This folder helps the country's government decide if the family will adopt from their country.
*I may compile a list of terms in a later post, or choose to define as I go.  We'll see.*

OK, so now for the update.  We have completed steps 1-3, and are working on step 4, completing our home study.  It is in the review process.  I am waiting to receive word that they have everything that they need and that the home study report is in order.

Now for the caveat, not everything goes exactly as planned.  For instance, when I thought that we had our home study done a month ago, upon further review, we were told we needed some more paperwork that was missing.  And that is how it goes.  So, we are not upset about this, but know that God's timing is perfect, even what seem to be "interruptions" in the process.  He is in control of when and how everything will come together.

So we welcome your prayers for a smooth process, and of course, feel free to pray for it to move quickly as well. :-)  Thanks for stopping by, I hope to post more soon.