While some find the waiting after a referral to be worse than the wait for a referral, I have not found this to be the case for me yet. I know our boys in Ethiopia are loved and cared for by the wonderful staff at our agency's transition home. They are provided with some age-appropriate education including some English and Bible lessons. Moreover, our agency has been doing a phenomenal job of late getting all the necessary documents and witnesses in place for families to pass through court. Knowing their names and having seen their terrific little faces, I can now hold them in my heart until we can hold them in our arms!
We have had some work to do on our end this week. First, we sent referral acceptance paperwork and our final payment to America World Adoption agency. On a side note, as I wrote the check and transferred money from our "adoption fund" into our checking account, I had to stop and thank God for his incredible provision in our lives. After withdrawing everything needed to cover our largest payment of the process, we still have a significant amount of money put away for our travel expenses. I cannot think of a better investment!
In addition to our acceptance paperwork, we had paper-chasing to do for a home study update. Our home study will soon expire, so we are required to refile certain forms and meet with our social worker again in order to renew this important piece of paperwork.
Finally--and on a much more fun note--we were able to connect online with a family that recently passed court and will be traveling in April to pick up their infant son. They have expressed a willingness, even eagerness, to deliver some "care packages" to our boys. We were able to fill two gallon-sized ziploc bags that this family will take with them to Ethiopia. In each bag, we were able to squeeze a T-shirt, a pair of pants, a photo cube, a punching balloon, a small package of jelly beans, a book, and a snuggly blanket. We also included a very special note. Ethan and Abby have been busy making pictures and projects for their brothers, and this one was too special not to include! Can you read Ethan's message?
(I love you 6 year old brother. Ethan. Ethan.)
In a few weeks, we'll get pictures of the boys opening these packages! That will be another exciting day. What a journey!
2 comments:
I am so happy for you.
I am glad you are doing so well. And what a blessing to be able to send those things for your boys. I sure hope you will blog from ET when you go:)
love, Lenka
I was so excited to see the photo of packages that you prepared for our new grandsons. Ethan's note was so special!! How wonderful that you could send love gifts ahead to them. Love Nanny Linda
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