Tentative Timeline

I've had a few people ask about the general timeline of our adoption. I wish I could give you (and myself!) a firm idea of exactly what and when and where, but I can't. I can, however, list a general idea of where we've been and where we're going. (Things that are marked out on this list are items we've already completed). I'm sorry it's not in any sort of real order--kind of like my life right now! :)

• Begin Home Study
• Commit to children
• Begin fundraising for adoption costs (ongoing)
• Complete Home Study (Study is complete, we're just waiting to receive our FINAL in the mail!!)
• Medical Exams & blood tests (both parents)
• State Police Clearance (both parents)
• FBI Clearance (required by our home study agency)
• Apply for and receive passports
• Have taxes done (hoping to have these completed by the 2nd week of February)
• Meet with a lawyer to get will in order
• Have all documents notarized (over half way done on this)
• Have all documents apostilled (we'll be driving these papers there so we can get them back same day)
• Complete the I600-A form (this form is for people adopting internationally)
• Wait for the I171-H form (simply put--we're officially approved to adopt internationally)
• Ship all paperwork to country (via Fed Ex, so should only take 4-5 days)
• Wait for documents to be translated and checked in country (3-4 weeks)
• Wait for Dossier to be checked by governing agencies (3-4 weeks)
• Wait for travel invitation (1-2 weeks from above step)
• Travel to country for court date (usually a couple of weeks from date of invitation)
• Time in country, getting to know our kids and taking care of legal requirements (2-3 weeks)
• Back to USA for a brief waiting period (about 10 days--during this time, we hope to purchase some clothing to take back for our children, and love on our kids here that we've not seen for 2-3 weeks!)
• Final trip to country to officially bring children HOME! (10-14 days, approximately--only one parent has to return for this trip)

As is the case with international adoption, we must remain fluid & flexible. Things can change at any moment, but this is--at least--a good idea of what we can expect. As you can see, things are moving pretty quickly. That's really awesome, but also a little scary (we've still got a LOT of money to raise!)

Please continue to pray:

• That we will receive our final Home Study soon and that all revisions will be correct (and that all other required documents will be included in the correct manner).
• That our I600A form, when we send it in, will be processed quickly and efficiently.
• For continued wisdom and guidance as we walk this road.