Lots of paperwork and we are super happy to get it

Our paperwork arrived for our home study and our dossier. I have never been so happy to fill out paperwork in my life. This puts us one step closer to our sweet girl. We'll keep you posted as we continue to move forward.

Accepted

We found out on Friday around 4:30pm that we were accepted into the America World Adoption's Ethiopia Program.  Cindy was dancing and screaming because she was so excited and calling everyone she knows.  What an amazing way to start the weekend. We went out to dinner to celebrate at Red Robin.

While we were there Cindy ran into a student she had a couple of years ago. She is good friends with the mom and shared our news. When we were finished with our dinner the sever came over with this dessert and note for her. Let's just say there were happy tears that were shed.

Then all of the paper work arrived. Lets just say it was a very large stack of papers that needed to be read and signed. Unsurprisingly, all of the papers were signed and mailed back on Saturday afternoon. Those of you who know Cindy can understand.

Now we have to send them the first of three payments for there services and then start the process of setting up our home study visits.

We are remembering what God says in Romans 8:28 "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

We Have Decided to Adopt From .....

After much prayer and discussion our family has decided that we will be adopting a little girl from Ethiopia.  We are very excited and have chosen to use America World Adoptions (awaa.org). They are a Christian based adoption agency with a long standing Ethiopia adoption program.  The process is expected to take anywhere from 12 - 24 months and we anticipate God's perfect timing in bringing our daughter home.  Cindy and I are working hard to follow God's plan and trusting him throughout the entire process. 

We have decided to create this blog as a way for all of our family and friends to join us on this journey. Please read Our Story to gain a better understanding of how we arrived at this decision.


Here are some facts about Ethiopia's orphan population from UNICEF:

• 1 out 20 Ethiopian children die before they are a month old
• 1 out of 10 Ethiopian children do not see there first birthday
• There are over 5 Million orphans in Ethiopia
• 1.2 Million of them have HIV or AIDS
• 82% of the population survive on less than 1 dollar a day

After reading those statistics it makes us want to get on a plane and get our daughter now, but we know that this process will not be easy and we ask that you pray for our family as we go on this journey.

As you are aware the cost to adopt a child is significant and if you feel lead to contribute to our adoption fundraising we have a few options that are found here:http://cindyanddrew.blogspot.com/p/fundraising.html

Most importantly we ask that you lift us up in pray as we follow God's call on our lives. Finally we leave you with a video of the sweet babies in Ethiopia.