Adoption Update



It's been a while since our last post!  There hasn't been much to report - we've been steadily working on our dossier and grant applications so we can get to the next step in the process: getting on the waiting list!



We do have some news, however: last week we received our official paperwork from the US Government approving us as adoptive parents for an Ethiopian baby boy!  Though we expected to be approved, this official letter certainly made it real for us!  We continue to work on our dossier, which is all of the paperwork that we will be sending to the Ethiopian government.  We are hoping to have all of this paperwork finished by Christmas.  Once that is finished and we have completed our adoption classes, we will be put on the wait list for a child!  Wow, it’s so exciting!



We strongly believe that this adoption is going to be a community effort and we are really excited to be able to tell our little Immanuel one day about all of the people that helped to bring him home.  We would feel truly honored and humbled if you would be interested in helping us as we work toward bringing our son home.  International adoption is an expensive endeavor and while at times we wish it was easier and cheaper, we also know that the expense allows us the opportunity to watch God work in miraculous ways through the generosity and faith of the people around us.  We know He will provide and we are greatly anticipating watching this miracle story unfold.



To make being involved as simple as possible, we’ve set up a fundraising website where you can give to particular pieces of our adoption – airfare, court and agency fees, etc.  Please take a look at our "registry" at https://gifts.betterment.com/babyimmanuel!



Above all, we covet your prayers.  Whether through adoption or otherwise, becoming parents is a huge step in life.  We want to be as prepared as possible and we really need wisdom from heaven in order to do everything well.  We also appreciate your prayers for our son, Immanuel, who may not even be conceived yet, but who is already dear to our hearts and very precious in the eyes of God.  This entire process will be a miracle, and having you stand with us in faith is very strengthening and encouraging to us.



Thank you for your friendship and your support!!  We are going to be making a memory book for Immanuel about all of the people who helped in the process of bringing him home.  If you choose to give and would like to be a part of Immanuel’s memory book, please let us know!