Terms and Process...

We are often asked about our process and time frame of our adoption.  Quick and easy answer...lots of paper work and waiting :-) As we post to update you on our journey you will hear us use some terms that are most likely unfamiliar to you.  Here is a quick overview of the process, along with some common terms you will come across.  I will try my best to stay on top of explaining different things as they come up along the way.

*Home Study* ~ A detailed written report of our family compiled and prepared by a social worker.

*Dossier* ~ The set of documents that we prepare and send to Ethiopia to be put on the waiting list.

*USCIS* ~ United States Customs and Immigration Services - they will help us obtain a Visa to bring our child home. Also approve us by the US gov't to adopt.

*Referral* ~ The photo and information on our child that we will receive several months after we've been on the waiting list. This is when we find out who our little one is!

~First Trip to Ethiopia~ where we will accept parental rights and be declared her parents by the Ethiopian government.

~US Embassy appointment~ where the US Government must agree that we are her parents and she can come home with us.

~Second trip to Ethiopia~ When we bring our new baby home!! YAY!!

Hope that is helpful!

Inside an Adoptive Parents Heart

I saw this on a fellow adoptive Mom's Facebook page.  Love it, so true and had to share!


You Know You're An Adoptive Parent When . . .

1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.

2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.

3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.

4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.

5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.

6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's "real" parents.

7. You have ever been "pregnant" with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth. (2 years!)

8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.

9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.

10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.

11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.

12. You know what the word "Dossier" means, and you can actually pronounce it!

13. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.

14. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.