Adoption Paperwork Update

We have been asked by a few people how the paperwork is going for the adoption so we thought we would put out an update.

The paperwork isn’t difficult to work on or get, it’s just the waiting period of getting them all.  We had a “hope” to have all the paperwork done and in our hands by the end of February so that we could have it submitted to the adoption agency before the Kenya elections on March 4^th. Unfortunately, there are two things that likely won’t be available by the end of the month and so we will likely delay putting our paperwork in until mid to end of March.

We’re not upset, slightly disappointed but not upset.  As one of the ladies said in bible study last week, “It’s just part of God’s plan to be perfectly orchestrated so that you get the baby He has specifically chosen for you and Sean.”

Ah, yes.  God’s plan. Not mine.

I just can’t wait to hold our sweet baby girl or boy in my arms.

Here’s the list of what is needed and what we have so far (check marks indicate what we have - blogger wouldn't let me post it differently):

• ü  Passport copies
• ü  3 full size colour photographs
• ü  Copies of Birth Certificates
• ü  Copies of Marriage Certificate
• ü  Application Forms
• ·         Medical Certificates  (going in the next two weeks)
• ü  One reference from someone overseas 
• ·         One reference from someone in Kenya  (should have in the next week or so)
• ü  Legal guardians letter of consent 
• ü  Consent letters from extended family members
• ü  A report on finances
• ü  Copy of work permits and residence pass
• ü  Letter from employer
• ·         Certificate of good conduct (Kenya)  (will be ready at the end of the month)
• ü  Criminal Clearance (Canada)
• ·         Consent from government authority (Canada) permitting the adoption (going to apply for it soon!)

We’ve already been given a few little gifts for our child.  First we received a baby carrier from a missionary family here.  The day we got it, yes, Sean and I did try it on.  We were so excited.  We’ve been told to put a large watermelon in the seat of the carrier and walk around. That will give us a bit more of a “real” feeling.

Note to self:  go and buy a watermelon.

And the second thing we have gotten is a high chair. A real high chair!  Awesome.  Love it.

And so we wait and try not to buy baby stuff. Yet.  J

If you could all pray for us, it would be so appreciated.  We know that with the upcoming elections and what may or may not happen with them, it will delay things.  But we know that when we hold our baby for the first time, the wait, will have been worth it all and maybe, we’ll forget how long the wait really was.

Much Love,

Meredith