homestudy *almost* done

This is just a quick update to let you know where we are in the process.  We haven't been posting much as we have been plowing our way through piles of paperwork, classes and reading (if you are interested, we can post the complete list of paperwork, education, and reading we did- seems like pretty specific minutiae but if you want to know, I am your girl!).


We are *this* close to being done with our homestudy.  We are awaiting the completion of one physical exam, 2 physicians' forms and one social worker visit.  Then our social worker will compile everything into a report- our homestudy.  We sort of blew through the "social worker phase" without any fanfare.


Once the report is complete and approved by Nightlight's home office we will submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS or CIS) along with our Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt from a Convention Country (or I-800A).  What a mouthful, huh? We will be fingerprinted again and then approved to adopt.  Wahoo.  At least the US will have approved us.  Then we have to work on everything to submit to China for approval.  That is a different pile of paperwork.


While our I-800a is in the works, we will be applying for grants and working to fund the remainder of our adoption costs.  We are hopeful that through our savings, grants, fundraising and a low to interest-free loan through the grant organization we will be able to completely fund this process.  You know, without having to sell everything we own.


There is always work to be done for the adoption.  Thanks for coming along this journey with us.  It is surely an adventure and we are excited God has called us to it.