Adoption Update

I’d love to say that I have wonderful, happy news to report.  I do have information though.  I am finding that during this time of waiting, information is good.  Information helps my waiting weary heart hold on for one more month.

If we receive a referral sometime this summer (late June/July would be most likely) we have been told that our court date would be scheduled 2 months from the time we accept our referral.  That would put us smack dab in the middle of court closure time (which is typically August 1 to October 1). 

We would have to wait until the courts open before our case is heard before the judge.  Pending “passing court” (which means, in very simple terms,  that the judge says  “yes, this child is a true orphan and yes, we are fit parents for the child”) we would travel about a month later.  

The US Consulate has made a few changes.  First, due to the volume of adoptions they are handling now in Ethiopia, the adoption agencies are given one day, every other week, for their families to file for passport/documentation. It used to be weekly. Also, the US has instituted that all children must have a TB test once they receive their passport (which occurs after passing court).  If the test is positive, they must remain in country until treated.  Our agency has assured us that this is not an issue for them as all our children are tested for TB prior to being referred.

I know that God’s time line is always different than man’s.  But realistically with this information, it looks like the earliest we’ll travel to get our daughter would be November, and possibly not until after Christmas. 

So I continue to nest.  We are garage selling when I’m usually Good Willing.  I am Craig’s listing and cleaning and preparing and waiting.  Our daughter’s rooms is ready for her.  I’m looking forward to when I can finally hang some clothes in the closet (once I know what size she’ll be) and wash the crib sheets.

Until then, we wait and pray and wait and pray some more.  And yes, run.  Still running.  A LOT. 

And due to my love all things Twilight, including this song played during prom (in the movie), [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYUFcxBq1y4] I’ve added “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron and Wine.  I can’t get enough of this song.