Transitions

Friends,

Thanks for stopping by and viewing my blog.

 Life is full of unexpected twists n turns, and the only constant I've found is the certainty that things are always changing! 

     I will give you an adoption update and then dedicate my future blogging to the transitional thoughts and experiences I have daily, as I prepare to come home, from Egypt. Since an adoption is still in progress, there will continue to be adoption-journey thoughts as well.

     This blog was birthed to express the joys and challenges of the adoption journey. I connected with Naomi, whom we thought would join our family.  The adoption process was set into motion and much work was done, including a home study.  Before the home study, I'd sat with Naomi's uncle (my co-worker) a few times to make CERTAIN that her caretakers were intent on abandoning her to the necessary orphanage, so the process could start. I didn't feel it would be wise to invest money and time in the process if they were not truly serious about adoption.  Every meeting resulted in a resounding, "YES" to adoption and she was brought to the orphanage; pictures were taken and sent to us. They were placed on this blog and that is where we left off.

Soon after the home study was done, I received the unfortunate news  from Wasatch Adoption agency that Naomi's caretakers took her back  with them immediately after photographing her at the orphanage. It seems that they desired to be paid to take care of her until I came to get her. Their actions disqualified her from being adopted and I was advised to not proceed with her adoption.

Wasatch adoptions offered to place me on the top of their list for those waiting for a baby from Congo. While this option was exciting and Congo adoptions are quick . . I continued to pray about this, but I did not have any peace regarding proceeding with an adoption from Congo at that point.

     Rather, my thoughts turned back to Haiti, where my daughter is from, and where I had been hoping to adopt from again some day.

     For the past few months I've been continuing the paperwork required to proceed with a Haitian adoption through Reach Out to Haiti, using the same organization and same adoption facilitator that adopted Grace to me 10 years ago. Currently, Haitian adoptions are becoming quite tricky, and the process-much longer than before. However they are much less expensive than Congolese adoptions. In the "Giving" section of my blog, I will soon have the financial (Donate) section made to reflect the updated adoption costs for Haiti.

    Right now, my Dossier (mound of notarized, necessary paperwork for a Haitian adoption) is being translated into French, after which I will have it Authenticated in Annapolis and then sent to Haiti.

I am waiting also for I-600a approval to adopt, from the US Government.
There are so many uncertainties with adoption. .. so many challenges and constant changes in the laws of the various lands people adopt from. 

We ask for your prayers for God's mercy, that He will bless and guide and provide, and bring another child "HOME" to our family.
You are invited to keep reading these blog entries, which will be little reflections of Cairo. . .. trying to find the humor in the chaos of my daily life, and our transition back  "Home" to the States.

God bless you and your family, and grant you a Wonderful, Merry Christmas!

With Love,

Nancy