Third Trimester

So, I'm not sure what the timeline comparisons from adoption to pregnancy usually are. But, I kind of feel like we are in the third trimester of our "paper pregnancy" now. That's right! We completed one more big step in the international adoption world. Log In Date (LID). This means that China has our paperwork and application and they have accepted it into their system. This is the official end of our big "paper chase" that we have been working on since we started our home study in November.

This is something kind of fun that many people on our agency fb board (our awesome "support group") does. They often make fun pictures to announce the big steps in the process. So, I thought I would join in. Things like this are fun to do, especially when you're amidst the pressure and stress of the process.
So, next, our paperwork will be translated and then, finally looked over for approval. We already have a Pre-Approval to adopt Carissa. So, they have seen some of our information, but not all of it. So, this step (LOA) will be our final approval. This step can take from 30 to 90 days. Most come in about 60 days. We are really praying for a 45 day approval ;o), just to make it a bit quicker.

So, that's where we are at now. Possibly about 4 to 5 months to travel to pick up our girl..... October!....It seems so far away, but also like it's coming up fast....Like, it will be here before we know it. We have lots to do to prepare to have toddler in the house again. So, I'll make the best of the wait, and hope the busyness helps the time pass faster.

In the meantime, we still need to make about $12,000. This is basically travel and the mandatory $6,000 orphanage donation. I have applied for several grants, but we won't hear about those until close to travel and they are a long shot, something we can't rely on happening, so we still need to attempt to raise some more funds. I'll be going ahead and going back to my job at the school, once school starts back up, until we get close to travel. So, that will bring in some more funds.  But, we also have the puzzle fundraiser going on.

We have three pieces sponsored so far. 249 pieces left. A good start. A slow start, but we are so thankful for every little bit. We don't deserve any of it. We know that. But, we are willing to do all that we can to bring our girl home, to get her out of an institution. Because she does deserve a chance. She needs a home, a forever family. Without that, her future does not look bright. Not only is she an orphan, but one with special needs. That puts the odds against her, to survive into adulthood, much less a productive, happy, fulfilling life. But, her future in a family, with a mom and dad that love her and siblings. We will do all we can to give a chance at a super bright future, a chance to reach her full potential. And most of all, she will be given the chance to hear about Jesus and hear all about how much God loves her and how all of us are adopted into His family. The most important family of all!

Info on the puzzle fundraiser:
$10 to sponsor a piece. You can sponsor as many pieces as you would like. You can donate through paypal, check in the mail (if you already have our address), or through our Pure Charity account. (Links are on the side of this blog). Leave a message as to what name and/or tiny message you would like on the piece. Once it's done, it will be framed where you can see either side, to show the picture and the names/messages. If you still have questions or want more detail, please see the previous blog post. Thank You!