Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

We have definitely learned firsthand over the past few months that the adoption journey oscillates between “busy stages” and “waiting stages”.  It seems at times we are so busy with applications and paperwork, and then at times we sit and wait and wait and wait.

We currently find ourselves in a “waiting stage” as we are the next family at the Good Shepherd's Fold (GSF) to receive a referral – this could come today, next week, next month… we certainly appreciate your prayers for the wonderful folks at GSF and that the right match will be made for our family in the Lord's timing.

Based on what we know at this point, here is the simplified path that lies ahead for our family:

• GSF Application: We completed this step in October! J
• Home Study: We completed this step in December - many thanks to Lauren Johnson at the Harden House!). J
• GSF Consideration: Our family was approved in January! J
• Immigration Paperwork: We have started this process with the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS); we are still waiting on final approval for our I-600A.
• GSF Referral: We are waiting for this to come.  On our application, we indicated that we were open to a single child or sibling group of either gender (though we prefer a girl) at or below the ages of our current children (six or younger).
• Acceptance of Referral
• Court Proceedings in Uganda: Both Joey & Sarah would have to be in country for around two weeks to appear twice before the Ugandan High Court in order to receive legal guardianship of the child(ren).; one of us would then need to stay an additional three weeks or so in order to completed the required immigration and departure paperwork with the U.S. Embassy for entry into the U.S.
• Adoption: Once we return from Uganda, we would begin the legal process of formal adoption in the U.S.

 Thank you again for your continued prayers and support of our family.