A JOURNEY TO GOD'S HEART: Blessings Everywhere

Friday, November 30, 2012

Blessings Everywhere

Some neat things have occurred in the last couple weeks regarding Henry and the adoption process. First, the home study in-home visit went well and the next one is coming up on Tuesday, Dec. 4th, in which the social worker will meet the boys. I continue to get us organized and it looks like necessary documents are starting to get completed and compiled to turn in. It is neat how the Lord puts people in place to help with even little things like notarizing and such.

It was very exciting to receive notice that Henry received our family photo album! Doesn't he look happy? We sure are!

We also received a letter and photos this week from someone who went on a mission trip to New Day in October where she met Henry. It was so sweet and encouraging, and yes, it seems that whoever spends any time with him just falls in love with him! It really is such a blessing to know that many wonderful people are entering his life and loving on him as he waits to come home. We can not wait to spend lots of time with him ourselves!

Along this journey, I am realizing just how unique and special the adoption community is. There is an instant bond of shared experience...the paperwork, the trusting, the waiting, the hoping...and no doubt, adopted children connect on a deeper level with one another. It really is a blessing to be becoming a part of this community.

That is all I can think of for now. In the preparation and waiting period, small things really are big things to celebrate! Blessings,

Kerri

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Adoption Timeline

Aug 17, '12 - Henry arrived at New Day Foster Home in Beijing and I left the U.S. for Beijing
Aug 22, '12 - I officially met Henry
Sept 10, '12 - We submitted our family info form to CCAI along with an inquiry of Henry's eligibility
Oct 1, '12 - We received word that Henry was available for adoption!
Oct 3, '12 - We communicated our desire with CCAI to pursue the adoption of Henry
Oct 11, '12- We were assigned our home study social worker with CHI
Oct 23, '12 - Our info and request for adoption of Henry were submitted to CCCWA (China's adoption agency)
Oct 25, '12 - Our application with CCAI was approved
Oct 29, '12 - CCCWA granted us pre-approval for Henry's adoption
Nov 1, '12 - Henry received news and photo of his adoptive family
Nov 8, 2012 - Dossier compilation begins
Nov 20, '12 - Our first home study visit
Dec 12, '12 - Second home study visit
Nov 28, '12 - Henry receives our family photo album I made
Jan 21, '13 - We completed parent training
Jan 24, `13 - Third home study visit
Feb 14, '13 - Last home study visit
Mar 5, '13 - Our first SKYPE visit with Henry
Apr 6, '13 - Rummage & Bake sale adoption fundraiser
Apr 15, '13 - Home study is approved
May 8, '13 - Our immigration application was received at the USCIS
June 5, '13 - Fingerprints were taken at USCIS
June 19, '13 - All of our dossier documents minus immigration approval were received by CCAI
July 8, '13 - Immigration approval!
July 26, '13 - CCAI mailed our dossier to China
July 31, '13 - CCCWA received our dossier
Aug 5, '13 - Our dossier was logged in at the CCCWA (LID complete!)
Sept 22, '13 - Letter of Approval granted!
Oct 16, '13 - I-800 Provisional Approval granted!
Oct 22, '13 - The Nat'l Visa Center sent Henry's visa petition to the US Consulate in Guangzhou
Oct 24 '13 - The U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou received our paperwork from CCAI; now we wait two weeks for an Article 5 to be issued.
Nov 7, '13 - Article 5 was issued
Nov 25, '13 - Travel Approval and dates chosen
Nov 27, '13 - Received Consulate Appt date
Dec 4-21, '13 - Adoption trip to China! Beijing to Hohhot to Guangzhou
Dec 9, '13 - Henry's Gotcha Day!
Dec 19, '13 - Consulate Appt. for Henry's immigration visa
Dec 21, '13 - Henry is home!
Jan 11, '14 - First post-adoption home visit
Mar 31, '14 - Received Henry's Certificate of Citizenship
Apr 7, '14 - We received Henry's SSN
June 3, '14 - Six-month post-adoption home visit
Dec 10, '14 - One year adoption anniversary!
Dec 15, '14 - Third post-adoption home visit
Dec 10, '15 - Two year adoption anniversary!
Dec. 10, '16 - Three year adoption anniversary!