The most common question we are asked is "How soon will the babies be here?" So, we launch into our very long answer of...Well, first we need to complete our dossier and send it three places: our government, our agency, and the Ethiopian government. I don't know in what order that occurs except that Ethiopia is the last stop. Then we begin our wait to be matched with our children which is a typical 4-6 month wait. However, it has been shorter for some families, and it has been longer. It seems that it's not been much longer than 6 months for most families. So, if you compare it to a "regular" pregnancy, we may be in our 2 trimester in just a few weeks, or we may be in our third. How's that for an answer?! We are telling everyone that our prayer is that they are here for Christmas.
We are now scheduled for fingerprinting in York on April 13 at 9:00AM. We received our letter from Homeland Security stating when we need to be present. Yes, this is a work day, but when you get this appt., you go. Each of us have had a criminal clearance done, a child abuse clearance, and a letter written by our local police department stating that we are in good-standing with them. It's amazing what you go through to prove you are safe to be parents. I'm thankful, though. I may not be in the majority with my appreciation of the abundance of background checks, but my opinion is, the safer we keep our kids, the better.
We've (or should I say, I've) started thinking about names for the children. Julia rattled off two names, first and last, that we will name them, and she was serious. Jim and I are not so sure, but it will become clear. We know we want to keep part of their birth names, as this is the only thing they'll own.
It's all very exciting, and we are getting more and more excited. We have had an offer made on our home, and we are waiting for the family to sell their property. Where will we go??? Not certain on that either. The Lord will provide.
Blessings,
Ang
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
~Hebrews 10:23
