My First Blog Post
I finally did it. I am beginning the documentation of my journey online. Although I originally thought I wouldn't open myself up like this, here I am creating an official blog.
Where to begin? A few things about my journey so far...- I cannot actually tell you how I came to the decision to adopt. It is a miracle all its own. What I do know is that I can't imagine not taking this step now that I am experiencing this paper pregnancy. The people involved in every direction--from my agency to my new listserv buddies have made this truly unforgettable!
- My family and my friends are my biggest support and have led the cheers from the moment I shared this calling. I am more than fortunate to have the positive encouragement I have received from my parents, my sister and my brother.
- Why Ethiopia? That's more than a little point on this blog. What I can say is once I read Melissa Fay Greene's There Is No Me Without You I knew I was on the journey that was meant for me.
- I am number 20 on the girl's wait list and number 5 for siblings. Until yesterday, there had been no referrals for seven weeks. Thank goodness they are starting again!
And...a cool fact...
- My unbelievably fantastic social worker's name is Clair Peyton. For those of you who don't know me well, my brother's name is Peyton (he is my Godson) and my Aunt and Godmother's name is Claire. I almost dropped the phone when she called for the first time.
So...what's next?
Below is an overview of an Ethiopian adoption process from the time my agency receives adoptive parents' completed dossier and home study.
Agency Sends Dossier for Authentication and Translation Check!
Agency will forward adoptive parents’ dossier to the U.S. State Department and the Ethiopian Embassy for authentication. Once processed, the agency will forward the dossier to our staff in Ethiopia where it is translated
Referral Process Check!
Once the dossier is in Ethiopia, adoptive parents can wait six to eight months for a referral of a child. Once referred, the agency will send the adoptive parents referral photos, medical information and the child’s background information, including any known family history. Upon acceptance of referral, the agency's foreign staff will submit adoptive parents’ dossier, with the referred child’s documentation to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA).
Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA) Reviews Documentation Check!
MOWA is the branch of the Ethiopian government that reviews all documentation submitted by the adoptive parents and on behalf of the referred child recommends the adoption to be finalized to the Federal Court of Addis Ababa.
Federal Court Date November 11, 2008 Check!
Once MOWA recommends the adoption to be finalized, a court appointment is scheduled. At this appointment, the judge can either finalize the adoption or ask for further documentation and set another court date. Once the adoption is finalized, the court decree, new birth certificate and passport are issued, and the adoptive parents can travel.
Travel December 6, 2008 - December 11, 2008
Adoptive parents should be ready to travel within two to four months after accepting a referral. One parent is required to travel and the in-country stay in Ethiopia is five to seven days. During this time, adoptive parents will complete the U.S. Embassy Immigration appointment for the adopted child, which is necessary to bring the child to the United States. The agency's in-country staff will accompany each family throughout their entire stay in Ethiopia.
Post-Adoption- Until the child turns 18 years old In Process
In Ethiopia, an adoption is finalized before entrance into the United States. Upon arrival, post-adoption reports are due at three, six, and 12 months on the anniversary of the U.S. Embassy appointment date. After the first year, family authored self reports are due every year until the child reaches 18 years of age.
8 comments:
Congrats on the blog!!
It will be fun to follow your progress.
:-)
Tracie
I am glad that you startd a blog. I can't wait to read more.
Welcome to the blog world! It is so wonderful and supportive. We are #24 on the girl's list, although now it looks like we are #22. You should have moved down two spots too. Can't wait to follow along on your journey.
Amy
It's always fun to put a face to a name.
We just received a sibling referral this week so who knows maybe your #4 for siblings.
Nice to "meet" you.
Michelle
hi girl!!! loving the blog action as you well know!!!! LOL For a first time blogger; i LOVE your opening post and page set up! But enough of that!! hee hee; Missy- i am so excited and now your blog will be one of my very few daily sites to check out!!! Can not wait and cant wait to see the house!!!
love jocelyn and zara
I am so proud of you and this courageous step. Motherhood is a gift. Your life is about to be more full--and so very rich--richer than you can ever anticipate. And now that you are going to have a child, we dont have to have a fifth! xoxosuzie
Best wishes on this exciting journey!!
Shea
Meliss, I tried to write a comment before, so you may have two now. Goodness...I love your blog accounts and hope to read more...I want you to keep reading mind as well. I will rejoice when your little girl arrives. Maybe I will even regress into that life where I used to knit blankets for kids! Wow, who knows what joy and gifts your child will bring to us all. Melanie who loves you.
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