The China Update

It's came to my attention (from my wife and other friends) that we haven't posted any news or info about the progress of our second adoption. In fact, many of the, let's see, probably two or three people that actually read this blog, may not even realize that we have started a second adoption process. So, here's a short summary:

After many months of prayer and dialogue in 2006, Sharon and I felt led to pursue the international adoption of a little girl from China. Here's a short summary of the events of 2006/2007.

August 2006 - Chris attends a Great Wall China Adoption (the agency we chose) workshop in Las Vegas while on vacation with a friend

January 2007 - Chris and Sharon both attend a local Great Wall workshop in Charlotte; We apply for Nathan's passport just in case we decided to take him to China with us.

February 2007 - We formerly apply with Great Wall China Adoption; Began collecting documents for dossier; Began Homestudy process

July 2007 - Received notification of our Log-in date (LID), the day our documents are logged in (registered at the China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA)). At that time, the waiting period was 18 months from LID. Sadly, that time frame is now 24 months from LID. This means the estimation of when we would get our referral (a notification of what child we have been matched with) will be July 2009. We would then most likely travel within a few months after that date.

November 2007 - We attend the East Meets West Conference in Tampa Bay, FL, which all but satisfies our training requirements. So, now we're just waiting. Later this year, we'll no doubt have some documents to renew, homestudy updates, etc., but basically now we just wait. We covet your prayers. We've also still got 50% or more of the total expenses to shell out, which we have no idea where they will come from, save God's providence. We've had some financial setbacks this year that have really dampened our spirits. The longer wait, though, has bought us some additional time for saving and applying for grants, which is a blessing. Overall, the time has gone by pretty fast for us with the busyness of our lives, and the "pleasant distraction" of having Nathan around. Nathan has begun to ask lately "When will I get my baby sister?" Still a ways to go, little guy!