The Beginning

Hi Everyone!

We weren't sure when to start telling people this, but we've started thinking that we need all the prayers and good thoughts we can get, and we're very excited, so the news is breaking.

We decided to adopt from Ethiopia. We went to a meeting recently at our agency (Children’s Hope International) and they were going through the details on each country’s program. We were listening to each (even the ones we knew we weren’t interested in) and then they started talking about Ethiopia, and we heard that there are over 5 million orphans in the country, and that they have multiples- twins, even triplets – available for adoption. At that moment, Kevin & I turned to each other and that was it, we just knew.

In case you’re interested I’m including information to answer questions because this is a big process, and we are only at the very beginning of it. I’ll go ahead and answer some of the FAQs.

Where We’re At:

THE BEGINNING! We have just submitted our initial application. Our agency is not even licensed in Ethiopia yet, although they have been working on it since last year and are hopefully only a few weeks away (or less). After they get licensed, and we get accepted, we will begin our Home Study and Dossier preparation. The home study will consist of a visit to our home (with our THREE dogs!) and individual interviews with our case worker. We used to feel intimidated by the home study, but now we’re so ready to get moving- we’re not as worried about it. The dossier is a BUNCH of paperwork that needs to be submitted for our government and the Ethiopian government.

How Long Until We Meet that Baby?

According to our agency, the home study & dossier process can take 2-6 months – with a lot of that depending on how fast the parents-to-be get things done. Kevin and I are on a mission to get through this part quickly. After all of our paperwork is submitted to the Ethiopian government we wait for a referral. A referral is when they send a picture and some information about the child (or children- I forgot to mention, we’re open to twins!) that we have been matched with. This could take anywhere from 4-6 months (but it could be much less). After the referral there will be a 2-3 month wait for travel time. After that time, we will travel to Ethiopia to bring our child (ren) home.

Travel?

The flight is 24 hours total, but obviously it will be worth it. Chrissy calls the flight home with our new baby (ies) our “labor.” Too bad there is no epidural for flying 24 hours with a baby (ies).

We will be staying in the capital of Ethiopia- Addis Ababa.

Boy or Girl?

Lots of people have asked us this one, so I’m including it. You can choose whether or not you want to adopt a boy or a girl. Kevin and I, however, are not going to choose. This pretty much means we will have a boy. Surprisingly, most people that adopt request a girl. That means there are many more boys that are left waiting. We decided to be open because we are first time parents, and we couldn’t choose if we had a biological child, so we’ll leave this one up to God. And, if we have twins, maybe we’ll get a boy and a girl.

So, as I mentioned, we are at the beginning of this wonderful process. Things could all change tomorrow- international adoption is never cut & dry or simple, but we’re ready to take it on, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!