Well, I can’t say I didn’t know, or was unprepared. . . but man! That packet of paperwork gets sent your way and you start looking through all these official forms and think, “What am I supposed to do with this!” Or, “this is a 40 hour a week job just to fill this stuff out!” And then you try to remember how many copies of certain documents you need and if you just read in some book that you needed three birth certificates or if that came in your packet, or if you just made that number up. And can you get one and photocopy it or do you have to pay six dollars/copy for the “original” “certified” one (that of course will expire and be “uncertified” 12 months from now!). So then you call your agency who connects you to your family coordinator and you leave her a voicemail wondering how many other calls just like yours she’s received today! =) And then you email your social worker (for the 4th time that day) about reading requirements for the homestudy.
But, I digress. . . actually, its still kind of fun and I’m not really that stressed. I do need have to guard my heart though from allowing myself to be completely consumed every waking moment with adoption paperwork. I keep wondering how fast I can get it done and turned in so that we can move ahead. I think a lesson in patience is in here! Actually, I’ve already experienced much grace in being reminded of how God has molded my heart through our years of trying to conceive. He has bound up my heart, my faith in His sovereignty has increased, God is surely good, I know this, very well!! And even though, I’m extremely excited to think that there are children in Ethiopia waiting for their mom and dad to come get them, I will continue to wait patiently and take one day and piece of paper at a time. My next goal?? -Write a letter to the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs in Ethiopia, it’s called our application letter as part of our Dossier. . . much more to come.
Thanks for everyone’s prayers. . . God continues to faithfully provide for each new step we take!
4 Comments
March 7, 2008 at 7:54 am
Praying for clarity of mind as you complete all the paperwork. Blessings, Joy
March 7, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I second that! Also praying for you guys to remember to make time for each other.
March 12, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I can totally relate to what you are going through! The paperchase with all the appointments, papers and work seemed like a part time job to me for a couple months! I am praying you will have the Lord’s peace as you do each piece of paperwork one piece at a time. If you ever have questions the YG is here to help!
Anna (AWAA YG, DTE FEB 1st)
March 18, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Yes, the paperwork can be quite crazy!!! But, you will get through it! Just remember, each step brings you closer to your child!