Approved - for More Paper Work

This week we made it through another hoop on the adoption journey – our adoption agency approved our home study and paper work. So, “what’s next?” The simple answer more paper work. We are now approved to submit an application to the US government so that they can also approve us for the process.

There is a reason they call this the “paper chase” or the “paper pregnancy.” In the grand scheme of things, nothing is very difficult – but incredibly tedious. Paperwork, paperwork, and more notarized paperwork. Fresh copies of birth certificates and marriage certificates – notarized physicals from the doctor – financials, letters, references – all notarized and certified – the list just keeps on going. Of course, the paperwork for the home study agency must be redone for the adoption agency and then additional copies sent of all those same things made and sent to the government.

Recently, my father told me that the irony is that some day this child will undoubtedly express their great disdain for us, slam a door and exclaim, “you don’t love me” – probably over not being able to watch a specific movie or having to do homework. They will have no idea the hours, days, weeks and months that have gone into this process.  (I will be tempted to tell them that we do love them, but their brothers were much more fun to make).

This week’s good news is one more step in a long journey.  We have crossed off another item on the check sheet of tedium. But the longest of journeys are made one step at a time. We are grateful to cross this bridge – and to take the next steps. We count it a great present this Christmas to be one step closer than yesterday.

A favorite African proverb says if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together. This journey is far from fast - so thank you for joining us in it.

Whoever this child is – it is our prayer that they will one day realize how much they were loved, long before they made it to our home.

Merry Christmas!