Waiting for Match

We've been really busy around here and this update is long overdue! We went on an epic road trip up the west coast in the beginning of July and had an absolute blast! While on vacation, our dossier (ridiculous amount of paperwork) was finally sent to China and officially logged into their system! HALLELUJAH! That is pretty much the biggest step in the adoption process and it is finally done!

Now what? Well, we are officially on the list with our agency to be matched and are one of 44 families waiting for a child. We were able to talk with our agency in detail about the special needs that we are open to and now it is just a matter of what files go across their desk when. Although rare, they asked if we are open to twins (2 girls or boy-girl)- apparently it does happen! Eli is praying pretty hard for that possibility. Not holding our breath, but that would be pretty cool.

It seems pretty likely that we will get a 3 or 4 year old girl (which we were anticipating), as most families are only open to up to age 2. Also, I think we're pretty high on the list for any children with orthopedic needs, as we know that's something that the military is very good at treating.

Pretty exciting stuff! It's becoming more real, as it could be anytime that we get "the call" that we've been matched with a child. Even though there are 43 other families on the list, it's not necessarily linear. They all have different "profiles" (gender, ages, special needs, etc) that they're open to.

We're also praying that we get a child from one of the orphanages that is not a "partner" with our agency, as that could shave off a couple of months of waiting. Apparently the way it works in China is, if a child is available for adoption from one of the partner orphanages, their file is "pre-released" to our agency, who can then make a match. But then, it takes a month or two for the file to be actually released by the Chinese government. Either way, after the match is approved, then we have to wait on all of the U.S. immigration stuff as well before we can travel to China. So much hurry up and wait!!!

Obviously, we're ready to get matched ASAP to get the process moving. It's all just a matter of what children are available for adoption when. So keep praying! There are still so many unknowns and it's tough to be patient. One day all of this waiting will be a distant memory!