Home Study II

As we wait for our USCIS apt (which is a couple of weeks), we just found out that we need to update our home study in order to get a new I-171H (that will be expiring in June).  For some reason, getting all of the documents ready to update our home study is just as stressful the second time around.   I am excited to see our social worker again (she's so sweet), but not excited to go through the hassle of obtaining all the documents and paying a pretty hefty fee.  Can't believe it has been a year and a half since we completed our first one. 

Right now, were excited that Ethiopia is remaining open to international adoption, but this waiting is beginning to affect all of us (even our little ladies).  They talk about what she could be doing at any given moment.  One of them asks almost daily where we are at on our referral list.  At least one of them asks ask weekly why we can't just hop on an airplane to bring her home (if only it were that simple).  This process is not a simple one, and is difficult explaining it in kid terms. 

As we are going through the motions this winter of school, we are praying for a little girl who is far away.  A little girl who we have never seen, and who we don't even know if she is here on the earth. Please continue to pray with us as we wait (sometime not very patiently) for our referral.  Lately international adoption has been looked upon negatively.  There are so many boys and girls in the world who are desperately needing parents, but less people are adopting.  It is sad that less adults are stepping up to protect the children of the world

6 inches of fresh snow + bright sun=squinty eyes

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Not Stopping

We received confirmation that Ethiopia will NOT be stopping intercountry adoptions at this time!  What amazing news for our family!  This means that once we receive a referral, we will be able to move along and get the paperwork completed for the PAIR (Pre-Adoption Immigration Review) process.  It is just another step in the process which went into effect September, 2013.  So, as we are still waiting on a referral, we have a glimmer of hope that one day we will bring our fourth child home from Ethiopia.  

Please pray that the process begins to speed up now that the Ethiopian Government has made the choice to keep their international adoption program open.  Please continue to pray for UNICEF (that they stop interfering with paperwork so more children can get referred which will bring them closer to going home to their forever families), and pray for all of the babies and children who are stuck in the orphanage.  I cannot imagine what they are going through.  Please pray that the kids are safe, fed, and that one day (hopefully soon) they will go home to a loving and forever family. 

The weather FINALLY warmed up a bit, so we were able to get outside to play in the fun fluffy white stuff!!