Travel Plans
I am elated to report that I will be traveling to Addis Ababa in early December to meet my daughter. I have the good fortune of traveling with seven other families from my agency. Cloud nine doesn't even begin to describe it! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. My little S. will be home in time for the holidays; can you think of a better present?
Tonight I found out she weighs 15.69 pounds and is 26.77 inches. I also was sent her feeding schedule, eating schedule and other fabulous things about her. I can not wait to finally meet my little pink-cheeked bundle of happiness!
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.
26 comments:
Congrats! I've never posted on your blog but found it through another AGCI blogging family... That is so exciting. And to have your daughter home before Christmas is such an amazing miracle. Have safe travels!
M
I'm so happy for you!!! I recall reading your post when you received your referral phone call on a night of a school function. That was exciting and this is even more exciting! I thought with the changes in the process it was going to take much longer! I'm so happy for you! Big congratulation hugs.
Maria
Congratulations!!! That is so exciting... I can't wait to hear more about her and see what she looks like.
Congratulations-that is so great!!! Merry Christmas to you!!!!
I am so excited for you!!!! Can't wait to see her beautiful face!
That's wonderful!!! Congrats!!
WOW! I'm so happy for you, this is incredible. How perfect is that? A Christmas baby.
Erin
YAY!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! this is such wonderful news!
Oh my goodness, I had no idea!!!!!
Isn't that prep email the best? Quite the lux schedule they have!!
Woohoo!!!! Congratulations!
I am jumping out of my skin in excitement for you sister! Praying for easy resolution for the "travel issue."
We are all so excited for you at our house. What a holiday present, indeed! Can't wait to cover her cheeks with kisses and hold that bundle of pure joy. As they say in the old country, Mazel Tov!
YEAH!!!! Can't wait to see pictures of the two of you together!
I am so excited for you! What an awesome and unexpected Christmas present (which makes it even better!). Good luck controlling yourself and focusing for the next couple of weeks and believe that this is all real and happening to two very deserving people who were meant for each other - you and Baby S!
Eileen Falk
P.S. Have fun shopping for an adorable Christmas outfit!!! (let me know what it is like to shop for a girl...)
Congratulatons!!! I am so excited for you. I can't imagine the frenzied excitement you must feel.
Can I just say this...OMG! Amazing, Melissa. The day is almost here. What fantastic news...gives us all great hope for the future.
Can't wait to see you on Saturday!
Big BIG LOVE!
Auntie Pammie
I thought I posted to congratulate you...I am glad I double checked...I am so happy for you! CAn't wait to see pictures of ehr when you get home :) Shannon
HOORAY!!! Congratulations - the feeling of meeting your daughter will be indescribable. I am thrilled for you!
Happy Thanksgiving to you too!! Yes... I'm so thankful that I won't be affected by this new single mother adoption regulation (I think)... it is a pretty sweet group that we are a part of eh? Thank you for all your support and words of encouragement. I am following your journey closely...I am so excited for you! Have a fantastic day... Eat well!
Shauna
Hey Meliss...loved reading this. I have been thinking of you and your daughter a lot lately and am so thrilled that your time is so near and dear. Travel safely and know we are thinking of you! I cannot wait to come see you both once your little bundle is home. Love, Melanie
I'm thrilled for you! Congratulations and safe travels.
have a great trip!!
I am dying to hear about your trip! Congratulations on TRAVEL!
We need an update!!!
Any new news Melissa?
Can't wait to hear about your trip. I am sure you are trying to settle back in and get caught up on sleep (or not) :). Looking forward to talking with you and seeing pics of your daughter. Welcome home!
--Sunday
Post a Comment