I am guessing you have a few new questions now that we have accepted a referral. Here are some things I bet you would like to know.
What did the kids say?
They were so happy to finally see his face! They each wanted a picture of their own.
What happens next?
A lot of paperwork! Our dossier is currently in route between D.C and our agency. Next it goes to Ethiopia. Once in Ethiopia a court date is set. It sometimes takes a couple tries to pass court, but once we pass court we travel 6 to 8 weeks later.
At the same time paperwork is being done in Ethiopia we work on government approval here. We are waiting for our appointment to be fingerprinted. After our fingerprints are done, we wait for the magic form from USCIS (Immigration) granting Joshua's acceptance into the US.
So, is this a sure thing?
Of course nothing is a sure thing until we walk off the plane in our airport with our arms full of a handsome little boy - but my caseworker told me they have never had a referred child not make it home with the accepting family. It may be a bumpy road, so buckle up!
When do you think you will travel?
My hope is early May. I would really like some time at home with Joshua before the older kids are done with school for the year. That date is not impossible, but aggressive. He should definitely be here by June.
What happened to his parents?
While I understand what a curiousity that is, we feel strongly that Joshua's birth family history is his to tell if and when he wants to. We will do our best to find out as much as we can about his Ethiopian family. We will share with him what we know. We will leave the rest up to him.
How can we pray?
First please give thanks for God's fingerprints all over this process. Then, pray that our US government fingerprinting is scheduled conveniently. Pray that we receive US clearance in a timely manner. Pray for Joshua's health and well being. Pray for quick processing in Ethiopia. Pray for my first 4 amazing kids. I am so proud of their loving hearts. They are so excited to meet theit little brother, but Joshua is going to be stealing the show for a while and that may be tough sometimes. Pray for our company as work conitnues to be trying. (Our spirit's are stronger and more peaceful - but storms continue to rage around us. I am thankful for more inner stregnth and peace, but it would sure be nice if the waves around us grew calm.)
Thank you for loving our family and for supporting us so beautifully!
