As the dust settles on another hectic holiday season, we've been quietly reflecting on all that 2017 has meant to us and all that it has taught us. And even though Jenny is still so far away, she somehow seems closer than ever. It's only a matter of God's time. Soon we will board a plane to Eastern Europe. Until that invitation comes, however, we want to reflect on this journey and thank all who have personally been touched by it.
January 2017 - It began when we read an article by our new bestie, Crystal Kupper. Crystal and her family have become dear friends, sharing holidays, birthdays, and rejoicing in every milestone in our adoption journey. We can't wait for Jenny to meet her "Auntie Crystal" - the woman, the mentor, the legend. We submit a "Letter of Intent" to adopt Jenny and begin the long, arduous process of completing a homestudy.
April 2017 - With an almost-completed homestudy in our pockets, we get the news that Jenny is able to be adopted by an American family and we are on our way to being approved for her! This was huge news that came after a halt was placed on all international adoptions from Jenny's country. An exception was made for her since she's considered "difficult to place" due to her respiratory condition.
May 2017 - We go public with our news and confuse quite a few people by stating that Vivien is going to become a "little sister!" We are more than overwhelmed by the love and support of our friends and family, many of whom have also been touched by adoption and fostering in some way. We become sponges, soaking up advice and well-wishes. Our fundraising efforts will top well over $5,000 by the end of the calendar year - a testament to God's provision along this expensive and uncertain path forged by faith.
Summer 2017 - Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. We are busy obtaining fingerprints, birth certificates, and blood samples (literally) to submit our dossier to Jenny's country. By the middle of September, every necessary document, certified twice over, is en route to the adoption agency in Jenny's country. We are also blessed by numerous fundraising efforts, from LuLaRoe to yardsales.
October 2017 - Jenny's country submits her medical information, birth certificate and other court documents to us in an official referral. Of course, we say YES to this referral and quickly apply to USCIS to begin the process to obtain a VISA for her. We also learn quite a bit more about her medical condition, current living arrangements, and custodial history. We connect with the international adoption department at CHOP as well as their pulmonology department in order to prepare for her arrival in our family. We also complete a 9 week adoption course called Empowered to Connect which equips us with strategies to parent a child from a hard place.
December 2017 - The US has approved Jenny's VISA and the file is forwarded to the central authority in Jenny's country for final approval. All of our i's are dotted and our t's are crossed. Now we wait, and we pray, and we prepare for the journey to bring Jenny home.
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