Current Timeline

I've had a lot . . . and by a lot I mean A LOT . . . of people ask if we've heard anything about the adoption. My usual response is, "No. We're still waiting". Then I get really strange looks and questions about why the adoption agency hasn't contacted us. Which leads me to think maybe I should clarify this for y'all.

First off, we actually get an email update every week. If there are referrals we'll hear about them in the update. If there aren't, then it's just a way of touching base and making sure everyone is staying on top of paperwork and whatnot. Secondly, we have regularly scheduled calls with our caseworker. Nothing earth shattering, just a way of staying in contact.

So here's what I know right now. I know of one family that is looking at receiving a referral in the next couple weeks. They registered with Bulgaria in 2009. Yep, they've waited three long years for this referral. After they receive the referral, they'll travel on their first trip in approximately four weeks but won't bring their child home until the second trip in 4-6 months. 

I've spent quite a while in the past couple days reviewing the current info and timelines with our agency. Based on the way the timelines look at the moment, we should receive a referral in late 2013, a little over a year from now, and we should finalize the adoption in early-mid 2014.  So if (and that's a pretty big "if") everything sticks with the timeline, we should have our little girl home in mid-late 2014. 

It's like the World's longest pregnancy people! 

I have to admit my patience wears thin at times. I never forget that we are in the process of adopting. That would be very much like forgetting I was pregnant, but I try not to dwell on it too much.

The good news is according to the U.S. Government website things are trending upwards. In 2008 there were five adoptions finalized in Bulgaria. In 2009 there were 15, in 2010 there were 40, and in 2011 there were 75. Considering all the kids without homes, 75 is a pretty small number, but then I look at 2008 and am very thankful to see the increase.

So there you have it, our timeline. Of course, we continue to greatly appreciate any prayers you want to send our way, and hopefully, we'll see a significant increase in 2012!