Today I was able to pick up our officially completed and certified home study report! This is the first HUGE step in the adoption process. Of course there are many more steps, but that was a big one. We are so excited to be able to move on to the next step. The next HUGE piece to the adoption process is called the dossier. The dossier is basically ALL of the paperwork that has to be completed, notarized, certified and later translated and sent to China. Of course we still have some steps in between before we are ready to get that going...fingerprints, many more documents, and I think we still have one more required training ahead of us. We will get there bit by bit! We also received the medical expedite letter from the neurologist. We are hoping that this will help encourage the workers who have to review our information and process stuff for us, to do so quickly.
It is exciting that Hudson is getting to see all the work that goes into adoption. He has said to me many times, "what took you so long to get me mom"? And, it breaks my heart. I've explained to him many times that if I could of just jumped on a plane to bring him home I would have, but there is a process and LOTS of paperwork and MANY people are involved in the adoption of each child. I think he can somewhat see that now. Hudson is excited to have two little brothers, from China like him, who have weaknesses and will likely require some leg brace(s) like he does. He told me the other day, "we are special" and I said, "yes, each of my children are special!" He laughed and said "no mom, just your China boys!" Oh yes, my China boys sure are special (and so are my bio children). I love all of my children, I am so blessed to be a mama to these children. If you would of told me 5-10 years ago I would have 4 boys and 2 girls I would of laughed! Now, I couldn't imagine my life any other way!
So as we are moving on to the next steps, will you please continue to pray for us? Pray that the steps continue to go smoothly and quickly. Pray that the medical expedite will be honored. Pray that the money needed for each fee is there when it is needed. Pray for the boys as they wait for us. Pray for our family, as adoption can be stressful and we don't want our children to feel the stresses from us. And please pray for each of us as we prepare to change our rolls a bit....the boys will be sons and brothers, Hudson will be a big brother, the older 3 will now have 2 more little brothers, Brock and I will need lots of new found energy to keep up with two little boys!
Thank you so much for all your love and support. Without your prayers, kind words, and financial donations, this adoption would not be possible. If you would like to make a donation to help offset some of the upcoming fees, you can use the Paypal like on the top right of this screen or mail a check to our bank at:
Charleston Federal Savings & Loan
Attn: Paul Family Adoption Savings Account
800 West Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
