Packages of Joy and Surprising Phone Calls
I wonder sometimes if people know the joy they bring into the lives of others. A friendly hello, an encouraging comment, a phone call, a little package in the mail. All of these things remind me of the small ways we can be thoughtful to our friends and family. My Aunt recently brought an infinite amount of joy into my life. My mom and I met up with my aunt and cousin at an Ethiopian restaurant for dinner. At dinner my aunt presented me with the most amazing gifts! With her own hands she made me some of the most beautiful baby's clothes I've ever seen. Each one hand made, purposely planned, intricately and thoughtfully knitted. I keep looking at these little tiny sweaters and hats and one-pieces and I just melt. So thoughtful, so beautiful!
Yesterday I got my monthly update call. There were so many referrals last month! I am currently # 7 on the girl's list and #4 on the sibling list. Seven is a good number! I am prepared for the slow down with the courts closing and with the agency keeping up with the paperwork due to this large number of referrals.
On Saturday, my aunt sent me another package. She made me a baby blanket to send to the little peanut. It has Baby and my last name on it. And, it is soooo soft and fluffy! I can't wait to send it to Hannah's Hope! How amazing is that? A personalized blanket made by my future little one's great aunt. I am so blessed!
At least when the time comes, I'll have the greatest little blanket ever to send to the little one. Thanks Aunt Bert!
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:
The clothes are beautiful! What a precious gift.
I love the ides of sending the blanket to your daughter.
What a blessing to have homemade gifts for your baby. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouraging words. You have brought great encouragement to me as we waited out this delay. I can't wait to see you united with your child.
Wow we are #8 on the girl list and #5 on Siblings! It's good to meet you!
Bethany
How sweet! Congratulations on your movement - getting closer - woohoo!
I'm sure your bundle of joy will love the blanket that you send!!
Kristin
How exciting! The movement is so wonderful and the reality has really set in for me now that we are getting closer.
What a blessing to have those beautiful clothes!
Amy
such a joy seeing you in your new home! Zara loved every minute! No.7 is just too cool!!!! yipeee.. we will be thinking of you girl! xoxoxox love j
Thanks I really appreciate your support! Please know that you have mine to and I love checking out your blogg.
We all saw the POWER in prayer and fasting when we as a blog family took a day to do this for the hold on some of the Ethiopia adoptions.. SO I feel that we as a blog family need to do this for Margot (Julies' mom) SO please join me this Friday July 25,2008 for a day of fasting and prayer for Margots healing!!!!
C
"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers."
1 Peter 3:12
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