Before our case worker gave me our number she said, "It will not be a long wait." What does that mean? Only God knows for sure, but I am excited and relieved.
I also have to confess that I am so happy that there is a wait list. The first time I called IAN, our placement agency, they asked what age and gender child we were thinking about adopting. I replied that we were fairly open to a variety of things, but that I felt like there was a 3 yr old little boy in Ethiopia that needed our family. The case worker then told me that she had the files of two little boys who fit my description on her desk, and that she did not have families to refer them to. While hearing that news was a part of the confirmation I needed that God was indeed calling us on this journey, I hoped and prayed neither of those boys was our son. I did not want our son to have to wait that long for me to come for him. I could not stand the idea of him waiting in an orphanage while I sifted through paperwork. So I am thrilled to report that we will have to wait for a referral. I can wait, be it short or long. I am warm, well-fed, safe and loved. I do not know what Joshua's circumstances are, but I have been praying that Joshua's wait at the orphanage for us is brief.
What does happen next?
- We wait to receive a referral. A referral will be a picture of the child along with the medical and social information they have gathered about him. It will be brief.
- Once we choose to accept a referral a court date will be scheduled in Ethiopia. The date will be about 2 months after the date we accept the referral. I have been told that families pass court the first try about 50% of the time. When we pass court, Chad and I will legally be Joshua's parents in the eyes of Ethiopia.
- We will travel to bring Joshua home 6 to 8 weeks after we pass court. A date is schedules at the US Embassy to receive his travel documents. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to get all the documentation in order to be able to bring him to the US. I have seen families travel more quickly that 6 weeks, but I was told today that in our case it will most likely be 6+ weeks.
We have quite a few hurdles to cross before we have Joshua home. There are sure to be challenges, but for today we will just celebrate being one step closer to our boy.
I have to share my new favorite Bible verse. I think it will make you smile too.
"Children are a gift from the Lord... how blessed is the man who has a quiver full of them." Psalms 127 3, 5a
I am not sure how many arrows a quiver holds, but I certainly feel blessed! Happy New Year!
