Here is a working timeline of important milestones and thoughts on our journey.
May 31: Filed Appeal #2 on the district court level to contest the initial court ruling.
May 29: Last day of school- Looking like it might be a slow summer.
May 21: Petition #1 ruled unfavorable- the judge does not wish to challenge the Committee's ruling in court.
April 23: Petition #1 is sent to the local court.
March 22: Denied by the Ministry of Social Affairs in Estonia. Beginning to file appeal #1
February 27: USCIS 1-800A Application is approved! This is one step that went faster than we anticipated. YAY! Next, we send our approval letter to Estonia, and submit an 1-800 "Petition to Classify and Adoptee as an Immediate Relative" for each of the boys. We're truckin' along!
February 22: USCIS application still in process. Went for biometrics today downtown Baltimore. Please no smudging this time! I want the clearest, easiest to read fingerprints ever!
January 5-10th: We traveled to Estonia to meet the boys for the first time!
January 5: USCIS finally prepared correctly (I hope) and sent to Texas to start the approval process.
December 22: We finally got our finalized home study! Best Christmas Gift ever!!!
November 21: I get re-fingerprinted for the 2nd time to fix the delay that was holding everything up (though those appeared lost for a while, too)
October 18: We had our last home visit with Betty Jo. She is been wonderful to us, and has had our home study typed up for quite sometime! We are just waiting on those few last pieces to be included. Still waiting on those fingerprints to come back in order to finish our background checks.
September 15: Josh's fingerprints came back inconclusive, because they were apparently smudged. He got reprinted, they were resubmitted and we are starting the waiting process over again. Pretty disappointing. We can't wait to get our home study finished!
August 18: 3rd home visit with Betty Jo. One more to go!
August 17: Copy of our deed for dossier, sending out Ohio birth certificates and marriage license to be apostilled. Didn't realize this needed to be done, or I would have done it a lot sooner...argh.
August 16: We have most of our documents ready to be notarized and apostilled for the dossier. Just missing the homestudy, notarized physicals, and our background clearances...yes, all the important pieces! Thank you, Tamie and others, who have helped me better understand this process.
August 9: Good news. Josh doesn't have TB! :) He got his test done today. Now he just needs his physical. They couldn't get him in until Sept. 9, but our PRIDE classes won't be done until mid-Sept. anyway, so it shouldn't push anything back.
August 1: Still plugging along. Had my TB test done today at the health dept. FYI, don't wait until August to go to the health dept! I waited over an hour in a very crowded room, filled with families getting their school shots. I'm hoping Josh will be able to schedule his sometime soon as well.
July 30: Josh and I attended our first of six, 6 hour PRIDE training classes (this includes CPR and CPI training). Oh yes...it's gonna be fun. On the bright side, after all of this is over, we will also be eligible to accept foster children or even become offer respite for foster families.
July 13: We had our first home study visit with Betty Jo this evening. It went well, and more relaxed than I thought, but I feel like we are still not "in the clear" (no relief yet), because she hasn't looked at any of the initial forms we already turned into the agency. A lot of this is new to her, because she usually does private home studies and uses all of her own forms. I think she will be doing this over the next week, and if she doesn't have any major concerns, I'll feel so much better. I am amazed at all of the things we were able to accomplish in and outside in our yard these last 2 weeks! We couldn't have done it without the awesome help of our friends and family to expedite things! Never have all my drawers and closets been this organized. :)
July 2: Josh received his passport in the mail today!
June 28: Sent in homestudy paperwork, paid for our background checks in order to set up the initial visit $60.
May 31: Filed Appeal #2 on the district court level to contest the initial court ruling.
May 29: Last day of school- Looking like it might be a slow summer.
May 21: Petition #1 ruled unfavorable- the judge does not wish to challenge the Committee's ruling in court.
April 23: Petition #1 is sent to the local court.
March 22: Denied by the Ministry of Social Affairs in Estonia. Beginning to file appeal #1
February 27: USCIS 1-800A Application is approved! This is one step that went faster than we anticipated. YAY! Next, we send our approval letter to Estonia, and submit an 1-800 "Petition to Classify and Adoptee as an Immediate Relative" for each of the boys. We're truckin' along!
February 22: USCIS application still in process. Went for biometrics today downtown Baltimore. Please no smudging this time! I want the clearest, easiest to read fingerprints ever!
January 5-10th: We traveled to Estonia to meet the boys for the first time!
January 5: USCIS finally prepared correctly (I hope) and sent to Texas to start the approval process.
December 22: We finally got our finalized home study! Best Christmas Gift ever!!!
November 21: I get re-fingerprinted for the 2nd time to fix the delay that was holding everything up (though those appeared lost for a while, too)
October 18: We had our last home visit with Betty Jo. She is been wonderful to us, and has had our home study typed up for quite sometime! We are just waiting on those few last pieces to be included. Still waiting on those fingerprints to come back in order to finish our background checks.
September 15: Josh's fingerprints came back inconclusive, because they were apparently smudged. He got reprinted, they were resubmitted and we are starting the waiting process over again. Pretty disappointing. We can't wait to get our home study finished!
August 18: 3rd home visit with Betty Jo. One more to go!
August 17: Copy of our deed for dossier, sending out Ohio birth certificates and marriage license to be apostilled. Didn't realize this needed to be done, or I would have done it a lot sooner...argh.
August 16: We have most of our documents ready to be notarized and apostilled for the dossier. Just missing the homestudy, notarized physicals, and our background clearances...yes, all the important pieces! Thank you, Tamie and others, who have helped me better understand this process.
August 9: Good news. Josh doesn't have TB! :) He got his test done today. Now he just needs his physical. They couldn't get him in until Sept. 9, but our PRIDE classes won't be done until mid-Sept. anyway, so it shouldn't push anything back.
August 1: Still plugging along. Had my TB test done today at the health dept. FYI, don't wait until August to go to the health dept! I waited over an hour in a very crowded room, filled with families getting their school shots. I'm hoping Josh will be able to schedule his sometime soon as well.
July 30: Josh and I attended our first of six, 6 hour PRIDE training classes (this includes CPR and CPI training). Oh yes...it's gonna be fun. On the bright side, after all of this is over, we will also be eligible to accept foster children or even become offer respite for foster families.
July 13: We had our first home study visit with Betty Jo this evening. It went well, and more relaxed than I thought, but I feel like we are still not "in the clear" (no relief yet), because she hasn't looked at any of the initial forms we already turned into the agency. A lot of this is new to her, because she usually does private home studies and uses all of her own forms. I think she will be doing this over the next week, and if she doesn't have any major concerns, I'll feel so much better. I am amazed at all of the things we were able to accomplish in and outside in our yard these last 2 weeks! We couldn't have done it without the awesome help of our friends and family to expedite things! Never have all my drawers and closets been this organized. :)
July 2: Josh received his passport in the mail today!
June 28: Sent in homestudy paperwork, paid for our background checks in order to set up the initial visit $60.
June 27: Copies of our birth certificates arrived in the mail.
June 23: Josh got his fingerprints taken...fun time hanging out at the Caro, MI police station $15. :)
June 19: Josh applied for his passport. $150
June 17: Received copies of our marriage license in the mail. That was faster than I thought!
June 17: Received copies of our marriage license in the mail. That was faster than I thought!
June 16: I got fingerprinted today for the state and federal background check. $18
June 14: Mailed out requests for several copies of our marriage and birth certificates $137. Betty Jo got hired on at Children's Home Society of Martinsburg, and she will be our social worker! I was so excited to hear the news, I nearly cried when I realized we can finally get started and that she will be able to do it, after waiting for an answer and playing phone tag for several days. Thank you for the prayers!
June 13: School is officially out! Time to get all the phone calls, paper work, painting, and fixing done around the house! I had my physical today, and now we just have to find Josh a time where he can get his done around his work schedule.
June 4: Betty Jo called on her Saturday off to tell me she talked with someone at the Children's Home Society (CHS), and they may be able to contract her out, so she will be employed by an agency, and be able to do our home study! I'm praying this happens!
June 1: Talked with an agency in Camp Hill, PA, called "Adoption Services." The woman I spoke with was incredibly helpful and informative. They could get our study started right away, but it will cost $95 for every hour the social workers are out of the office, and we would also have to pay for gas mileage. Being 1.5 hrs. away, this could end up being MORE than $3000 when all is said and done.
May 31: I called Betty Jo Hersh, a private social worker recommended by Tamie B. She has excellent prices (only $1200 as opposed to CHS's $3000), seems very caring and motivated, AND said she could get our home study started right away! How awesome is this? However, we found out from AHI that we can't use her, because we can only use social workers, who are employed by an agency. I was really bummed, because she seems perfect, and even knows our next door neighbor! We announced our situation at Small Group tonight. They are super excited and praying for things to work out! We'll see what happens.
May 28: Terry (our lead pastor) talked about spiritual wisdom at church today. It was just what I needed. :) Sometimes the doubt we have over questioning God's plan is ALL us, and completely unnecessary. I think this is what I've been doing all along in this journey so far. Afraid to jump, thinking I am not listening to Him, when in fact I'm playing these wacky mind games all on my own! We can't forget to seek him relentlessly in this process.
May 27 1/2: I remembered my student's mother, Tamie already sent me a few recommendations for social workers nearby, who may be able to do our home study. I'm going to call them and hope we finally get somewhere!
May 27: Barb Harle (from Adoption Hope International) spoke with me today. She and Diana sent us some links of available grants, although they are VERY hard to get, I hear. She said we should apply for them all. Good thing I'm off in the summer! This is going to be a LLLLOOTTT of paperwork!
May 26 1/2: I finally got to talk with Janie (Mary's good friend in North Carolina). We talked for 2 1/2, until 12:30am on a school night about her compelling story of bringing her 2 loves home from a Russian orphanage 9 years ago. Perhaps the most compelling part was the journey since then...none of it has happened without hardship, but she doesn't regret any of it! Her advice: be prepared for the unimaginable. I don't think my brain can contain all of the new information, intense stories, and emotion I've felt in the last week! My head feels like it's going to fall off! I'm so glad I've "met" Janie, and can't wait to talk with her again!
May 26 1/2: I finally got to talk with Janie (Mary's good friend in North Carolina). We talked for 2 1/2, until 12:30am on a school night about her compelling story of bringing her 2 loves home from a Russian orphanage 9 years ago. Perhaps the most compelling part was the journey since then...none of it has happened without hardship, but she doesn't regret any of it! Her advice: be prepared for the unimaginable. I don't think my brain can contain all of the new information, intense stories, and emotion I've felt in the last week! My head feels like it's going to fall off! I'm so glad I've "met" Janie, and can't wait to talk with her again!
May 26: Spoke with Danica again, and she sent an email with a checklist of things their agency looks for during a home study. She has been incredibly helpful these last couple days. Called the only Hague Approved Agency in our Area- The Children's Home Society, to inquire about getting a home study. Unfortunately it will cost $3000 (almost double most prices), and they won't be able to finish it until the end of the year! This is just too long to wait, so I am going to call and look elsewhere.
May 25 1/2: Talked with Danica, an awesome substitute teacher at our school, and a local social worker. She regularly does home studies and places children in foster care. She gave me many resources for local people in the area, and tips on the MANY things we need to do in order to get our home child-ready for a home study. We have a LOT of work to do! Josh and I started writing our autobiography letters while we wait to find a local home study agency, for our dossier, and grants that we'll apply for.
May 25: The decision is officially made and we desperately want to bring K, V, and K home to us! We finished filling out Adoption Hope International's application (the only US agency connected to Estonia and the boys), sent in our $500 fee, and supposedly the boys will be placed on hold for us until we find out if we do/do not make it through the home study and dossier review. Prayers, please! We are locked-in to this agency with this fee, but if this falls through, we are still able to try and adopt other children in their system.
May 25 1/2: Talked with Danica, an awesome substitute teacher at our school, and a local social worker. She regularly does home studies and places children in foster care. She gave me many resources for local people in the area, and tips on the MANY things we need to do in order to get our home child-ready for a home study. We have a LOT of work to do! Josh and I started writing our autobiography letters while we wait to find a local home study agency, for our dossier, and grants that we'll apply for.
May 25: The decision is officially made and we desperately want to bring K, V, and K home to us! We finished filling out Adoption Hope International's application (the only US agency connected to Estonia and the boys), sent in our $500 fee, and supposedly the boys will be placed on hold for us until we find out if we do/do not make it through the home study and dossier review. Prayers, please! We are locked-in to this agency with this fee, but if this falls through, we are still able to try and adopt other children in their system.
May 24: Received detailed social bios for the boys. This may be the most detailed information we get regarding emotional, and and medical histories. There were several minor things listed, but nothing too major is jumping out to tell us to STOP pursuing them. Eye, muscle tone, foot issues. Past history of being hospitalized for high fevers (still haven't found out why...wondering if it was a drug dependency thing). The good news is it appears that since they've been in the replacement home (for 3 years so far), they've all made significant strides, physically and emotionally. Please pray for someone to love on these boys endlessly until they find a permanent home....hopefully with us!
May 21: Looked into a trusted agency resource called "All God's Children International." Filled out the pre-application and requested an information packet. They look like an incredibly organized, awesome agency, but the downside...they aren't connected to the boys. :(
May 18: I talked with Diana Adams, of Adoption Hope International. They are the only US agency organizing adoptions in Estonia. They are affiliated with Waiting Child programs in Estonia, Nicaragua, Russia, and Mexico. http://www.adopts.com/ I was calling about a 3 year old boy that Josh and I were interested in, and the conversation ended up with us looking at a sibling group of THREE boys!!! The first time I saw their picture, I fell in love immediately (which is often said not to be a good thing in the adoption process...it's how you get your heart broken). I couldn't wait to get home and show Josh. Turned out, he was more excited about this than any other child we've seen or read about so far!
April-ish: Inquired about a 3 year old boy in Estonia. Received a social bio via email, and detailed information packet about Adoption Hope International in South Carolina. They are also going to send us a dvd of him!
April 12: Talked with our sister-in-law, Erika, about our decision to adopt, and she told me about her good friend, Hilary's adoption blog. After reading it, I was completely certain that my feelings were true, and this was the right decision for us. THANK YOU, Hilary! Please read her blog, it's amazing story of their adoption journey and incredible faith in Christ! http://helmshappenings-ethiopia.blogspot.com/
March ?: Talked with a student's mother, Tamie, who has adopted several children internationally. She was amazingly helpful, and gave me several resources for information regarding adoption and beginning this process. She sent me a link for http://www.rainbowkids.com/, which is a site for waiting children. For the first time ever, I think I am starting to understand this crazy process! Josh and I made a profile on this site, and will start receiving information about waiting children, while we figure out how to get a home study- which allows parents to adopt locally or internationally. Thank you, Tamie!
March 21: My 26th birthday came, and I became overwhelmed with thoughts of family, and getting older...maybe it's finally time to start this adoption thing?
January-ish: Josh came to me, out of the blue saying "I think we should adopt!" I didn't know WHERE this came from. The last time we talked about this, which was months ago, we weren't on the same page in our decision. I have been leaning towards adoption over the last few years, but he was not. Although I was incredibly stunned and excited about this surprise-conversation, I am still not feeling kid-ready right now. We'll keep in in mind for the future.
May 21: Looked into a trusted agency resource called "All God's Children International." Filled out the pre-application and requested an information packet. They look like an incredibly organized, awesome agency, but the downside...they aren't connected to the boys. :(
May 18: I talked with Diana Adams, of Adoption Hope International. They are the only US agency organizing adoptions in Estonia. They are affiliated with Waiting Child programs in Estonia, Nicaragua, Russia, and Mexico. http://www.adopts.com/ I was calling about a 3 year old boy that Josh and I were interested in, and the conversation ended up with us looking at a sibling group of THREE boys!!! The first time I saw their picture, I fell in love immediately (which is often said not to be a good thing in the adoption process...it's how you get your heart broken). I couldn't wait to get home and show Josh. Turned out, he was more excited about this than any other child we've seen or read about so far!
April-ish: Inquired about a 3 year old boy in Estonia. Received a social bio via email, and detailed information packet about Adoption Hope International in South Carolina. They are also going to send us a dvd of him!
April 12: Talked with our sister-in-law, Erika, about our decision to adopt, and she told me about her good friend, Hilary's adoption blog. After reading it, I was completely certain that my feelings were true, and this was the right decision for us. THANK YOU, Hilary! Please read her blog, it's amazing story of their adoption journey and incredible faith in Christ! http://helmshappenings-ethiopia.blogspot.com/
March ?: Talked with a student's mother, Tamie, who has adopted several children internationally. She was amazingly helpful, and gave me several resources for information regarding adoption and beginning this process. She sent me a link for http://www.rainbowkids.com/, which is a site for waiting children. For the first time ever, I think I am starting to understand this crazy process! Josh and I made a profile on this site, and will start receiving information about waiting children, while we figure out how to get a home study- which allows parents to adopt locally or internationally. Thank you, Tamie!
March 21: My 26th birthday came, and I became overwhelmed with thoughts of family, and getting older...maybe it's finally time to start this adoption thing?
January-ish: Josh came to me, out of the blue saying "I think we should adopt!" I didn't know WHERE this came from. The last time we talked about this, which was months ago, we weren't on the same page in our decision. I have been leaning towards adoption over the last few years, but he was not. Although I was incredibly stunned and excited about this surprise-conversation, I am still not feeling kid-ready right now. We'll keep in in mind for the future.
