Submitted!

After what has literally seemed an eternity, we are proud to announce that our dossier has officially been submitted to the SDA (State Dept of Adoption) in Micah's country.

For five months, I have literally driven all over the state of California paper-chasing, making appointments, making sure we were all where we needed to be, ordered forms, certificates, sent off for apostilles, and kept all the chaos organized. I remember looking at the dossier instructions in November, which were sent in three files, and feeling so overwhelmed with all we had to do. In addition to the dossier, we had to simultaneously compile all the items for our homestudy, which was painless now looking back.

Some things came really fast and easy (our passports, which I thought would take the longest), and other things took their time (getting our medical forms filled out correctly, getting our USCIS fingerprint appointment letter, and getting this dossier submitted after a two week closure even when we rushed to get our documents there beforehand).

And now the hardest part is over (we think). We should have our SDA appointment letter in the next 2-3 weeks and hopefully will be traveling in 5-6 weeks. If all goes as hoped, Barry will come home with Annie around June 22, and I should be bringing Micah home the beginning of July!

I really hope we get back before the 4th! That's one of my favorite holidays, but Micah and I can still celebrate Independence Day in another country; it'll be our last hoorah, and his "independence" will have a completely new meaning for that day/time of year ;)

So continuing with the theme of the past five months, we continue to wait. But this time the wait should be much shorter and go by much more quickly.

I want to thank some friends for helping me get through the dossier stress. This does not include everyone who has helped, but some key people in my life the past few months.

1) Marianne Fick, my friend from high school, whose example and story touched my heart, and truly without her we wouldn't have even found Micah. She has given countless hours of advice, support, and love.

2) Brigitte Van Nice, our stateside helper with Reece's Rainbow who has given many, many hours of email responses, advice, and support. I really hope to meet her someday.

3) Sherry White, an amazing RR mom who is at Micah's orphanage RIGHT NOW adopting two more sweeties after her trip there last summer to bring home three littles... she has helped me understand the process, learn more about the orphanage, and has been a huge support in trying to keep me from worrying so much.

And to new friends Karrie Cannell and Rachel Golden, who are sharing this journey of adoption and who have helped keep me grounded and focused on the end result.

4) Karrie is inspiring as she finds the light in every situation, strong as she and Donnie found and commited to Carson's newfound brother in the middle of their process, and a shining example of being a follower of Christ. I was blessed to meet her in Turlock a few weeks ago since she just lives in Lodi... go figure! :)

5)Last but not least, Rachel and Joel should be submitted very soon also, and we will be traveling at the same time, to the same orphanage. Joel has offered humor in times I needed it the most, and Rachel and I share a bond that I can't quite describe yet, but I feel it's timeless and distanceless (is that a word?). I cannot wait to room with her after our hubbies go home after court, so our boys can continue their bond with their mommies before they part ways to their new homes. They committed to Caleb and Jackson about the same time we committed to Micah. We have been neck and neck every step of the way, offering encouragement, prayers, love, and support. I cannot wait to meet them very soon!

Blessings to all on this beautiful day! Thank you to everyone who has helped us save this sweet orphan, a half a world away. We could not have come this far without your help, prayers, and support. We are really almost there!

Please if you have just a moment more, read this blog. It's short, and it will touch your heart. http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2011/04/left-behind.html