Hello again! Several people have asked me what the steps are in the adoption process, or what paperwork needs to be filled out. I'm going to try to briefly list what's involved. I may leave something out because I've not got it all down quite yet. It does help to keep going over it.

We are nearly through with the paperwork to get the homestudy started. As frustrating as it all is, when the paperwork is completed there will be many months of nothing but waiting. We'll probably be wishing we had paperwork to do to keep us occupied! We have filled out about an inch thick stack of papers, and we're not close to being done. So far we've filled out the application, IAP, LOI, home study packet, USCIS forms, passport forms, and we haven't even started on the dossier!

The home study packet has the forms with all of the personal questions about your childhood, marriage, who you dated in high school...Ok, maybe not the dating in high school question, but they're pretty personal! We are hung up on the net worth worksheet right now. It's a little more involved when you're self-employed. Once we get these turned in, the home visits can begin. The social worker will visit us in our home 4 times as required by China. One visit will be a tour of our home and yard to ensure it is safe. She said she does not look under beds or in closets, so guess where everything's going??? :P

We must call the states we were born in to get new birth certificates issued because they must be less than 2 years old. Same thing with the marriage certificate and David's divorce papers. Our physicals and blood work are next week. We must have a notary meet us at the doctor's office to sign the medical report. There's the financial status form, employment letters, and power of attorney form (because I'm traveling without David). We must get local police clearance and CIS (center for immigration services) approval. That requires that the form be sent with copies of birth certificates, etc... and then an appointment is made in San Antonio for us to be fingerprinted. Everything must be notarized, copied three times, and then sent to the Texas Secretary of States office to be authenticated. Then I must send my passport and visa application to the travel agency in New York so they can take it to the Chinese Consulate for my visa.

Once all of that is done, (will take anywhere from2-4 months) the dossier is sent to China. Once China accepts it (about a month) we get logged in and are put on a waiting list for travel arrangements (anywhere from 2-4 months). During this time I will get all sorts of fun shots and start getting Brighton's room and travel back-pack together.

When we get our travel announcement, I must get prescriptions for antibiotics for Brighton and me, sulfur cream for scabies, RID, and get an emergency med pack together (Tylenol, Thermometer, Dramamine, Kaopectate, Benedryl, etc...). They have it all on a long list. It sure helps to hold Brighton's picture in front of me to keep me focused on the goal...to have our son home in our arms! The flight to China is 14 hours long. The trip will last 2 weeks. We will fly into Beijing, then Anshan, Guangzhou, and then fly home out of Hong Kong. I will be right over the border from North Korea when I'm in Anshan. I wonder if I'll be able to see Kim Jong-Il's hair? I'm praying that he doesn't decide to test any of those missiles in the opposite direction!

We also received our Attaching in Adoption book that is required reading, all 394 pages. At first we were frustrated because it seemed like just one more thing we had to do, but this book is great! It covers trauma, grief, attachment disorder, emotional age vs. chronological age, cultural change, race, prenatal exposure to alcohol and drugs, getting diagnoses, identifying and meeting challenges within the family, and forming a circle of support fort the family. It really helps to know how some of these children react to being torn from the only homes they've ever known. We will know what to look for and how to help Brighton overcome any grief or trauma he may have post-adoption, and to help him attach and bond with us.

A wonderful lady from Brenham called me yesterday to encourage me and offer help with any paperwork questions I might have. Her and her husband are waiting for their child from Russia. It was like talking to a family member! She was wonderful. We just feel so blessed that we have met so many like-minded people who have a heart for orphans.

David and I are really feeling the Lord pulling us deeper into the world of adoption and orphans. We really can't stop thinking about it. David calls me from work to talk about it! For someone who wasn't sure in the beginning, God sure has softened his heart. We would like to get involved in an adoption ministry, perhaps helping to raise funds when our adoption is finished for someone else to adopt who might not have the resources. There are so many great mom's and dad's out there who want to adopt, but just need a little extra help in order to add an arrow to their quiver.

I can't wait till I can send gifts to Brighton! While I was at Hobby Lobby, I saw one of those squishy pillows with the tiny beads like a bean bag chair. It was round and had material made to look like a soccer ball! Of course, I had to get it for my little guy who loves soccer. I also want to make him a blanket and get started on his photo album that we will be sending him.

It is really bothering me that Brighton's birthday is next week and we can't send anything. He will be 9 on the 18th. We were told that the children's welfare institutes in China do not celebrate the children's birthdays. It brought tears to my eyes, but then David told me that he doesn't even know what a birthday is. Won't he be one excited kiddo on his 10th birthday! Please pray with us that he'll be home in plenty of time.

These posts are getting longer and longer. Please know that this is not only a blog to keep friends and family updated, it's also my personal journal and helps me to stay focused.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Brighton and for us! We love each and every one of you!

Blessings!
Tina

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from Him and through Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever, Amen! Romans 11:33-36