Still Waiting

We are still (impatiently) waiting on the i800a.  USCIS has 90 days to review each case.  We have now passed the average (40-55 days).  I'm trying not to be a bother but am alternating between calling and emailing daily.  Adoption requires a lot of advocating for a child you haven't even met-but love already.    I'd so appreciate if you could pray with us for God to grant us the necessary approval this week.

FAQs

While we waited on the 797 I thought I'd answer a few of the Frequently Asked Questions regarding Sadie and this adoption

How is her eyesight?  What can she see?
Because we haven't met her yet we do not know.  In the file it notes albinism and nystagmus (bouncing eyes) as her special needs.  Most children with albinism can see but are considered legally blind (like Noah).  It is the lack of pigment during the development of the eyes that causes an abnormal development of the retina and affects nerve pathways from the eyes to the brain.  Because of this there is decreased visual acuity (or low vision that cannot be corrected to 20/20).

Why is her head shaved?  In orphanages it is common to shave or cut all babies and children's' hair on their heads very short to prevent the spread of head lice.  We have requested that they not shave it anymore.

How old is she really?  She was given an estimated birth date after abandonment and we will celebrate August 12 as her birthday.

What is the age difference between Sadie and the boys?  Sadie is 7 months younger than Beckett and 10 months younger than Noah.  She is 4 years younger than Ella.

Is she with Bethel like Noah?  No, Sadie is in a different orphanage, different city and completely different province (think state) than Noah was in China.  Her orphanage does not receive care from a low vision group.

Do we think they are related?  Absolutely not-but they will be soon ;)

How much longer will it take to bring her home?  We don't know at this point.  After we receive the 797 and it is certified and authenticated all the dossier documents will be submitted to the CCCWA (Chinese Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption).   From this point we will then wait agin for the LOA (letter of Acceptance) this is the real unknown factor in any adoption timeline.  Some families receive their LOA in 30 days while others wait 100+.  Because we identified Sadie first and then started the adoption process we hope our wait will be shorter than average.  After that we will be 2-3 months from travel and meeting our daughter.

Is this adoption going smoother, faster or better?  I think it is going similar although I had hoped it would go quicker.  We are doing everything we can to bring Sadie home and we choose to trust in God's timing and not stress about all the details of which we cannot control.

Are we fully funded?  No, not close.  At last count we still need about $14,000.  We have applied for a private grant and a matching grant which would allow us to come closer to that amount if we receive both.  In the meantime Luke continues to work hard and explore additional projects and I am focused on minimal spending on our current income.  We have put together a yard sale and eBay pile.  We will use some (last time all) money from our savings as needed.  We are so grateful for the donations that have been made.

How can you pray for her?  Please pray for God to protect Sadie while she waits, prepare her heart for adoption and for this process to bring glory to Him.  It is amazing to be a part of.

The Promise of Change

Revelation 21:5 "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."

Fingerprints

We took the whole family (minus Sadie obviously) on a road trip earlier this week to Jacksonville.  The timing of it all was perfectly orchestrated by God; Luke is not teaching this week (college spring break) and without family in town it wasn't feasible to go without the kids.  We were assigned a 10 am appointment so we left Tallahassee at 6:30 am, made a few pit stops, were at USCIS from 9:30-11:30, ate a quick lunch and stretched our legs then got back in the car and returned home at 4:00 pm.  The kids were so well-behaved!  You don't hear me say that a lot.  ;)  Now we wait on the approval officially called the I-797.  We expect it will take 30 days but of course would love to receive it sooner. Thanks for all the continued prayers!

A Great Reminder

Fingerprint Appointment

We received the biometrics notice and will be headed to Jacksonville, FL early next week to be fingerprinted.  We will make a day of it, drive there and back with the kids in tow.  Luckily next week is spring break for FSU so Luke will not have to miss work.  Great timing!  Please be in prayer with us for a quick approval.

Fundraiser Shirts

All the shirts have been mailed/locally delivered.  Thank you again to everyone that purchased a shirt (or donated).  We are very happy with the final product-designed by our good friend Wendy and printed by Fund The Nations.  I am still in the process of collecting some of the money but we will have raised around $500 thru shirt sales and received $2,200 from donations once it is all settled.  How awesome!  God always provides.