at 2:24 a.m.

While we were sleeping we received an email that our home study had been completed, and our adoption agency has sent our paperwork on its way to the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).  Within a week or so we will receive a notice from USCIS that we can go get finger printed at the Beijing embassy.  I think our prints get run through the FBI database, so cool.  Within 60 days we should hear pre-approval to adopt from US Immigration Services.

Once our agency receives our USCIS approval, they will review and bind all our dossier documents (2-3 weeks).  Then, send them to China.

Thursday, June 30, at 2:24 a.m. marks a milestone in this process.  Receiving the finalized home-study now allows us to begin applying for adoption grants.



Prayer request -
• for approval of our home-study and other documents by the USCIS
• His perfect timing
• receive a grant to cover the costs of the adoption
• for us to keep recognizing and trusting Jesus for the above 3 prayer requests, and all things.

"The things surrounding you are real, but when you look at them you are immediately overwhelmed, and even unable to recognize Jesus. Then comes His rebuke, “…why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). Let your actual circumstances be what they may, but keep recognizing Jesus, maintaining complete reliance upon Him."  - My Utmost, Oswald Chambers


The updated timeline:

Mid November 2015, inquiring to CCAI.  
December 2, agency application.

December 19, application approved by the agency.

February 24, sent initial agency documents.

March 24, called the agency wondering if our paperwork had been approved.

March 25, began the paper-chase for the dossier.  

May 13-14, home-study with social worker.

June 22, finished the 12 hours of parenting training.

June 30, home-study finalized.

June 30, paperwork sent to USCIS for approval.

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