September Referrals

Well, just checked the CCAA website and they have updated that the next cutoff for referrals is August 9th, 2005. They actually matched 18 days this time so hopefully this means they are speeding up their referrals a bit. (Last month they only matched 9 days). Congratulations to all the new families who will finally see their babies face this week!

OUR TIMELINE

Not much new these days. On August 28th, Bethany received referrals for those who were logged in at the CCAA up through July 22nd, 2005. At this rate it looks like it will be at least a year before we get our referral.

We are using this time to read books about adoption and getting Alyssa's room ready for the baby. Please keep our family in your prayers.

In case you are curious - here is our timeline in the adoption process.

2-17-06 Sent in our Formal Application to Bethany Christian Services
3-1-06 Began Homestudy
4-24-06 Sent finished Homestudy to USCIS (Govt. agency that issues the I-171H)
5-17-06 Fingerprinted for I-171H (Form from the US Govt. that allows us to bring an orphaned child to the US for adoption)
6-1-06 Received I-171H - HAPPY DAY!!
6-2-06 Took State Sealed documents to Grand Rapids Bethany Offices
6-20-06 DTC (Dossier was sent to China)
6-26-06 LID (Login Date) This is the most important date. After China gives referrals to everyone who is logged in before us than we will get our referral. Right now the wait is approximately 14 months, with travel about 6 weeks after referral. There is no real way to know when we are going except to watch referral dates each month. China gives out referrals about every 4 weeks (give or take a few days).