Adoption

We're in the process of adopting from the Central African Republic.  I will try to keep this page up-to-date with adoption posts, our timeline, resources, and other relevant links.

Jonathan's House for Orphans is the beautiful place where our children live.  Adoption is a small part of what they do.  Please consider supporting this mission.

Adoption Posts
CAR
finding rest
weekly meditations: Psalm 33:20
thoughts of an adopting mom + a (little) adoption update
Adoption FAQ's
How Long, O LORD?

Our Adoption Timeline (so far...)
*Every adoption story is different, and every country is different.  If you are in the process of adopting, or if you're thinking about it, remember that your timeline may be completely different.  It may take longer, or it may go faster.  Only God knows the end of the story!*

July 9, 2017
Carter Strand spoke at our church, and God told us clearly we were adopting.
A few weeks later...
Met with Carter to discuss adoption. He explained a new agency was opening a CAR program.
September 23, 2017
Spoke with new CAR adoption worker and found out the agency has not yet opened the program.
November 2017
Agency opens CAR program. Send in application.
January 2018
Business Agreement with agency (finally) signed.
Home study provider (finally) approved.
February 2018
First home study visit.
Much home study work including fingerprints, approval from doctors and veterinarian, financial information collected, etc.
Preparation for travel to CAR including yellow fever and typhoid vaccines, visa applications.
March 12-21, 2018
Travel to CAR to visit JHO and meet children.
April 19, 2018
Final home study visit.
(delay due to home study provider waiting on responses from adoption agency)
July 25, 2018
Received final home study report.
(this delay was very unique to our case, caused by uncertainty about the future for CAR adoptions)
November 6, 2018
Mailed I 600 A to USCIS.
December 4, 2018
Fingerprinted by USCIS for I 600 A process.
January 12, 2019
Received I 600 A approval to adopt.  Forwarded to adoption agency.
Currently...
Waiting on agency and lawyer in CAR to establish relinquishment.  When children have been relinquished, we hope to be "matched" with a child/children to adopt.

Resources
The Adoptive Mom Podcast
The Honestly Adoption podcast has great wisdom, experience, and practical, helpful information on trauma-based parenting.  You can also check out their website for their blog, as well as other resources such as books and conferences.
I've followed Ashley Campbell's blog for years, and her posts on adoption are encouraging and insightful.