The Process

I have 3 goals with this blog, 

1. Memories
2. Keep friends and loved ones informed
3. Information for others who are adopting

When Jordan and I decided to adopt I spent hours online looking up blogs from people who adopted from China and spoke about the process.  I wanted to know as much information as I could and learn before I had even filed any paperwork.  So this post is mostly for those who are like me and really want some good information to go on.

So far the process has gone like this...

In November we decided that we were going to make our dreams come true and adopt.  We prayed and decided that China was where God was drawing us to.  We researched Adoptions, Adoption agencies, home study agencies, and of course looked for others who had gone through the process already. 

In December we filed a pre-application.  Not really knowing what we were doing we just guessed on a lot of our answers.  NOT a good idea, especially if you are trying to adopt from China.  Luckily the pre-app cost nothing and didn't mean a whole lot.  In fact it was a great learning tool on what and what not to do.  We underestimated our net worth by ALOT!   

We decided to wait until we received our tax money to file our actual application.  A lot of up front costs are involved once you file so we wanted to make sure we had money on hand.  We are trying to do this as debt free as possible.

January we compiled all our tax documents and filed ASAP.  We received our money in February.

February we filed our official application with America World Adoption Agency.  (I highly recommend them if you are a Christian and want a GREAT agency. )

Feb. 20th - Got a phone call congratulating us on being accepted to the China Program and received an email with legal paperwork to be filled out and sent in with another payment to the agency.  

Feb. 21st - Mailed in the legal documents with first payment.

Feb. 22nd - Checked into financial options, loans, fundraising, etc. 

Feb. 26th - Was assigned our Family Coordinator and received an email with all our documents to get started on selecting a home study agency, compiling our dossier, and information on the Child in Waiting program.

Feb. 27th - Called Home Study Agency to ask questions and get the application.

Feb. 28th - Filled out the Home Study (17 page) application and wrote the check

March 1 - Mailed the Home Study Application/Check, and signed up and paid for our Adoption Training

Going to the Lego movie now with the hubby and the kids.  Then later tonight I will be sitting down to make a check list of things we need to do.  

Hope that helps and you find this blog informational.  :)