Paper Pregnancy

So...where are we at in this crazy adoption journey?  One word...PAPERWORK!  Ugggg. After six years I had forgotten about all the paperwork required to complete an adoption. And I suppose like remember what it is like to be physically pregnant, it all comes back to mind at some point. I am remembering the acronyms and titles that are so prevalent in the adoption world.  I've already asked for grace from our local social worker as I have absolutely FLOODED her in-basket with my requests, questions, and updates. (We love you Amy!!)

How is this for a weird way to compare 'pregnancies'?

2011

2017

Because we have such a small window of time to travel to Albania (next summer) we are on the FAST track for processing all of our paperwork. Fast really isn't even the right word...what took nearly six months to complete for Isaac's paperwork has taken less than 3 weeks this time around!  That includes getting police clearance (same day!) and fingerprinting results (less than 8 hours!). Although not legally necessary, Isaac has even been able to get in on the paperwork action. The picture below is him signing for a background check!  *wink*  

The graphic below is specific to China, but it is a good representation of the number of steps it takes to welcome a child HOME.  Currently, we are waiting for my birth certificate to arrive from Oregon then we can send all our info to US Immigration for processing (Step 4).   If that is processed quickly, we can send everything to Albania before the end of the year (Step 6). Please be praying for favor over each piece of paperwork and every hand that touches it!