Removal of rose-colored glasses

We had our first home visit with our social worker yesterday. It went very well, I think. I feel like she removed my rose-colored glasses and I am now in reality. So I am a little more anxious, a little more nervous about this. Not to say that I didn't know that there could be attachment issues or bonding issues, but I didn't think it was THAT common. I guess I'm just the more optimistic kind and think that everything will be fine. The reality is that he may not be fine, for quite some time. I just need to prepare myself for challenges and struggles and realize it will take time. I wish patience was more of my virtue.

On the up side of things our homestudy is almost complete. We have our one-on-one interviews with our social worker at her office on April 19th and then we'll just be waiting on our fingerprints to get back from the FBI. Not too long ago it was only 3 short weeks to get fingerprints back. Now it can take up to 3 months! Yipes.

We have not submitted our I-600A application (to immigration) yet because we found out a couple of weeks ago that the Ethiopian government is now requiring two trips for adoptive parents. The first trip Brandon and I will both have to go, to attend court, and then to meet our little guy. We'll spend approximately 5-7 days there. The second trip only one of us is required to go, we will spend time with our son and also spend another 5-7 days in-country before we head home.

So our next steps are to submit our I-600A app and get started on "Group 1" of our paperwork for Gladney and our dossier.

If you would keep us in your prayers we would appreciate it. We know that God is in control and that He already knows the perfect child for us. We pray that he is healthy and strong and is being well cared for now.