A Little Patience

Last week we met Erin, our social worker, at our agency. We had been anxiously waiting all week for our home study packet- checking the mail each afternoon to see if it had arrived. When it had not arrived by Thursday, we decided it was never coming and we should probably go and get a new one from Erin. She was happy to oblige and we were fortunate because we were able to sit down with her and have her explain the home study packet and answer some questions. She is so great- she’s very down to earth and patient with our questions. (We, on the other hand, were lacking patience – our home study packet was in the mailbox that afternoon when we returned from the agency!)

So, now we begin to compile our home study documents. This includes our autobiographies (we each write our own- Kevin has already started!), local police checks, DFS checks, draft letter to the Ethiopian government, our references (we chose 5 people – Erin will mail them the forms), and more that I cannot remember without looking at our checklist. After we turn in all of the home study paperwork, we will meet with Erin at the agency for individual interviews. Then she will come to our house for a visit and another interview with both of us.

And, for an update on the licensing – still no word from the Ethiopian government. According to our program director, they are in the final review stage and then it will be approved by the ministry that handles adoption. Based on her experience, she sees no reason why they would not be approved, and the timeline is really quite standard for approval. So, we will practice patience - and they gave us a great reading list to focus on in the meantime (although I think we have enough to do with the home study!).

Thanks to everyone for being so supportive, and for actually reading our blog – we can’t wait until we have a photo to post of our new little one. I’d better get to work on my autobiography so that can happen as soon as possible!

And, if anyone is interested in reading about a family that has recently adopted from Ethiopia - there is a wonderful (and much more witty) blog: Addis Ababy

Stacie