When we started this paperwork phase about a month ago, we had a "plan", though God has taught us time and again that He laughs at our plans ;). (It's like he's patting me on the head saying "oh YOU have a plan. That's so sweet."
Our plan was, start the paperwork now, get the home study done so we can raise money before we get a referral, and hope it's a girl. Well, the only part of our plan that actually happened was the girl !!
Despite being warned that it is a miracle to get a girl from Korea, I just hoped without any kind of restraint that it would be a girl. We literally could not think of any boy names.
The referral:
We are almost done with the paper gathering for the home study. I did my physical last week and Zach goes this week. We have one final employment letter to get, besides Zach's medical form, and we are done with our part of the home study. I've been asking lots of questions because for one, the paperwork has changed in the last 2 years since we did all this last time, and two, because I don't remember any of it! When our agency director called Thursday, I was at physical therapy with a heating pad on my just yanked neck. I had missed the call but called right back, thinking it was yet another form request or something. I was NOT expecting to be told they had a little girl that they felt would be a good match for us. Of course my pt and the techs thought I was insane with the gestures and crying, but they got to be the first to see her, after I called Zach of course.
When we got Jonah's referral 2 years ago, we had to wait an excruciating 2 days to meet at Starbucks and see his pictures in person. This time, we got an instant email with details and pictures. Ah the joys of technology! Within 60 minutes the grandparents were alerted and I'd taken the study to our doctor to look over. There is no reason for us to say no based on her health and history. We are just required to have it reviewed before we accept.
What's next:
Everyone is asking when we will travel. We have no idea!
They tell us to prepare for anything from 6-18 months. Jonah came home 11 months after referral but there really is no average because things are always changing.
The next steps:
-we officially accept & turn in a mound of papers
-we send our home study to Korea and they decide if they accept us (in a waiting child situation, our agency matched us. When you get a referral, like we did with Jonah, you are matched in Korea)
-if they accept us, we send a big fat chunk of money to Korea. (This is the leap of faith part)
-we get our legals
- we apply for her visa and wait for the paperwork to be submitted to the foreign ministry in Korea, and wait for the EP (emigration permit). This step is where we got bogged down for 5 months last time.
-after EP, the agency submits to the court. Eventually we get a court date...travel to Korea twice and hopefully get our girl!
We're so excited to finally have a sweet face to look at while we pray for our sweet girl. Jonah can't wait to meet his baby sister, who he been talking about non stop. Keep praying for sweet Zoey! Once again, part of my heart is on the other side of the world.
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