Where are you now?

Where are you now in the process?
How is the process going?
How long will it take?


Those are probably the most common questions Sam and I hear.  We are so very grateful that you keep asking them.  However, I never feel like I have enough time to answer them when they are asked.  So, here are the answers to the questions above.


Where are you now in the process?
We are currently in the home study/paper chase part of the process.  We are collecting the information below and embarking on our pre-adoptive training.  It's the never-ending, always growing, let's take a microscope and look at every aspect of your lives part of the process.  The following forms/information is all a part of the home study process.

• Preliminary Questions Sheet
• Marriage License
• Birth Certificates
• Proof of Training (12 hours of pre-adoptive training is required of families adopting from China)
• Prior Home Studies
• Medical Forms (Sam, Wes, and I must each have a physical completed including blood work)
• Criminal Record Check
• FBI Fingerprints
• Child Abuse Clearances
• Reference Letters (3 letters written by non-relatives)
• Verification of Animal Vaccinations (Remi's medical form)
• Financial Statement (assets and liabilities)
• Financial Worksheet (number crunching)
• Proof of Income (a letter saying we're employed and how much we make annually)
• Verification of Debt (copies of all current loan statements)
• Verification of Assets
• Proof of Medical/Health Insurance and a letter stating that our adopted child will be covered upon placement
• Proof of Life Insurance Coverage

We are also in the middle of planning a couple of fundraisers.  Please take a look at our Fundraising Page for more information.


How is the process going?
You know the story about the tortoise and the hare?  We are the tortoise.  Plodding on, ever so slowly, but still taking one good step after another.  If there is one certain, for sure thing in this process called adoption it is that God brings us through.  He plans our steps, He knows.  He knows.  He's caring for our little one right now and He is preparing us to be his/her parents.


How long will it take?
The adoption timeline will vary for each family.  We can estimate anywhere from 18-24 months on average between beginning the process and traveling to China.


I hope that helps to answer your questions.  PLEASE keep asking.