Finally, finally finding a moment to sit down and catch my breath…lots of good things going on.
On the morning of September 26th, we got a surprise phone call from our wonderful Lifeline social worker. I think she was in as much disbelief as we were to hear that we were “match reviewed” – which basically meant our LOA was on the way – after just 29 days.
Huge answer to prayer.
And today we got news that we can mark one more milestone off the timeline to our girl. Our I800 paperwork was expedited as well as our Article 5. More good things.
Now all we are waiting for is Travel Approval and then we’ll be on our way, y’all.
Honestly, the excitement is growing by the day and we are overwhelmed with gratitude to our mighty God.
I’ve been doing my best to keep a timeline (is it wrong that I had to go to my Instagram to remember a few dates?) and since it’s part of our girl’s story, here we go…
March 12 – received email from Rainbow Kids, inquire with Lifeline about “Pearl”
March 13 – we receive her file and put it on hold for 2 weeks
March 14 – heard back from our pediatrician – she looks great!
March 23 – contact Agape about homestudy
March 24 – we decide to pursue Pearl, will name her Clementine
March 31 – renew passports
April 7 – Clementine turns 1 and we tell the kids with a surprise birthday party
April 7 – first of three doctor appointments for family physicals
April 9 – second of three doctor appointments
April 11 – third of three doctor appointments… whew!
April 14 – Letter of Intent
April 16 – Victoria, Stefanie and Chris go to police department to get printed
April 17 – first homestudy visit
April 21 – Alabama CANs received back
April 22 – Pre-Approval
April 24 – third homestudy visit
May 1 – fourth (and last) homestudy visit
May 10 – completed UAB IAC training
May 13 – Georgia CANs received back
June 6 – USCIS receipt of homestudy
July 29 – USCIS approval date
August 8 – Dossier certified and authenticated
August 12 – Dossier to Chinese Consulate
August 21 – Dossier to China!
August 28 – Log in Date
September 12 – Translated
September 26 – Match Reviewed
October 4 – received, signed and returned LOA
October 4-5 – complete Crossings training
October 14 – I800 approval
October 21 – DS-260 submitted for Article 5
October 23 – Article 5 issued
October 24 – Article 5 picked up and delivered to CCCWA
November ? – Clementine Day!
Wow. I can harly believe we are nearing the end of this part of the process. And we are so close to actually beginning the real journey to Clementine.
Thank you to everyone who has been praying on behalf of our girl – your prayers are most definitely being felt.
Please continue to pray for her health as well as her heart, especially as we prepare to take her from everything she has ever known. Pray for us as well, as we prepare to grow our family by one.. many little hearts already home that will be impacted by Clementine’s arrival.
The truth is, none of our lives will ever be the same.
And we so want to be fully surrendered to this journey, and cast aside our own plans and expectations. I know my own heart and my tendencies towards ease. Comfort. Safety.
But He is faithful and true. And His plans are good. Trusting that, although we have still not received any updates on our girl, He continues to have her – and us – in the palm of His hand.
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” — Psalm 16:1-2
Leanne says
Oooohhhhh, just thrilled for your family!!!
LOVE Lifeline so much.
Nope, your family will never be the same….in such a good way!
Can’t wait for Miss Clementine!
Such a happy time!
NiHaoYall says
Thank you for sharing our joy, Leanne – we are so excited!
Kelli Hunter-Campbell says
praying for sweet Clementine. Praying for her family as they travel to receive her into their arms. So much love to you all!!!!
NiHaoYall says
So grateful for those prayers, Kelli – we serve a God who hears our prayers <3
Sheryl says
One step closer! Come on, Clementine!!!
Erika says
Yay.. continuing to pray.
God bless
mgatwood says
Amazing! More prayers for all to go smoothly and sweet Clementine to be in your very good hands!
everythingmurphy says
Praying for your family, Stefanie, and rejoicing that Clementine has been FOUND!!!! 🙂
Michelle365 says
This is such good news! We, too, are waiting and have not had an update (we started requesting one in July), so our heartfelt prayers are with you and precious Clementine as you continue to wait and trust the Lord in this beautiful journey.