We received a precious little one's file on January 21st. We did research on his special need (cleft palate) and prayed over him. By January 23rd we knew we wanted to move forward with adopting him. We just had this overwhelming sense of peace. There was nothing holding us back. So, we started working on our LOI (Letter of intent) to submit to the CCCWA to let them know that we wanted to bring him into our family. It took us a few weeks to complete all of the documents but we got it done and submitted it last Wednesday. We were told it could take up to 2 weeks before we would hear if we received pre-approval.
Suddenly the nerves kicked in, what if we do not get pre-approval, what if, what if, what if? That is why my biggest prayer request has been for favor. I wanted our family and our documents to have God's favor all over them.
Today we had our China Orientation interview over the phone scheduled with our case worker. Did you catch that guys? Our orientation interview...haha! We literally were just accepted into the China program a few weeks ago! Our case worker, started off by saying "Well, before we get started, I thought I would give you guys some good news...." Right then my heart dropped and I knew what she was about to say. I looked over at Evan, eyes as big as saucers. We had received PA for our little guy! Once she told us the good news, Evan and I were shouting for joy (and probably waking up the kids that we had just put down for nap). It was perfect! Had the phone call been at any other time, Evan would have been at work, but Monday is his off day and we were both able to be on speaker phone together when we found out!
After that our hearts were racing with excitement and relief and we were both thinking...How are we supposed to concentrate now? But we did and as soon as our orientation call ended, we embraced and we thanked God for his faithfulness. Tears poured down my cheeks as my sweet husband gave glory to the One who is writing this story, who is in control of all things, who is faithful. Tears of joy, tears of relief, tears of hope all coming down. We have seen our boy's face! We know he will be part of our family!
We shared the news with our kiddos tonight and they were so excited to finally see who Brother was. We gave each of them their own picture to keep of him. Their reactions were so sweet (video to come later). My sweet friend, Kallie, happened to show up at our doorstep with congratulations balloons and a gift right as we were telling the kids, so the celebration was even sweeter!
What an AMAZING Monday it has been! Our hearts are full and now we can move forward with this precious face impressed on our minds with every document we fill out, every step we take, knowing they are leading us closer to having him in our arms, to becoming his Mommy and Daddy!
After all of that, are you ready to meet our little guy?
Introducing: Maverick Daniel
(Maverick, because it is a strong name that we have ALWAYS just loved and Daniel after my precious younger brother, who is so very dear to us and loves the Lord with his whole heart.)
Is he not the sweetest thing EVER?!?!
WE GOT PRE-APPROVAL! AHHHHHHHHH!
Seeing Brother for the First Time
The road ahead is still long and we have a lot more work to do. Our timeline is looking like about 11 months (that is pretty conservative) from now until he will be home! We think it may be sooner, but we have learned that God's timing is always best and we will trust in that!
God has been so very faithful this entire journey, even through the bumps and the twists and the turns. We know that we were in Ethiopia for a reason, for our hearts and our faith to grow. We know that he led us to China for a reason, to this sweet precious boy.
Oh, and can I tell you something REALLY cool? This little guy was born right around the time that God started laying adoption on my heart a few years ago. He was preparing to enter the world as God started pressing adoption on my heart. So amazing!
We are over the moon excited and in love and ready to bring Brother home into this crazy family!
We love you Maverick and we are coming for you baby boy!
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