We're Next!

I haven't posted much lately about our adoption, because there (unfortunately) hasn't been much to say. Our agency has been working hard to find some kiddos, but it's been more difficult than expected. Recently they found another agency that offered to work with them in finding referrals (pictures and information of adoptable children) for their waiting families. We've since had to update paperwork for our dossier with a few extra documents required by the second agency, but now our dossier is getting authenticated and will very soon be on its way to Ethiopia. The great news we received today is that we are number ONE on the list to get a referral for a baby!! We had been number two, but the family ahead of us just got their referral, so that means we're next! This also means I'll be checking my e-mail madly and my heart will be jumping every time the phone rings. Since our agencies aren't as large and well established as some, we really don't know if this call will be days, weeks, or months away, but we are hopeful that it will be soon! So check back often :)

Derar

We thought it would be fun to introduce our blog readers to Derar, who is one of the kids we sponsor through Compassion International. Eric started sponsoring Derar before we were married and before we knew that his country would be the birthplace of one of our children! Derar lives in Ethiopia, not too far from the capital - Addis Ababa, which is the city we'll be going to when we travel to bring home the baby. So we are really hoping to be able to spend some time with him while we are there! Derar is quickly approaching the age of 18, when he'll graduate from the Compassion program, so we are especially grateful for the timing of this adoption since it might be harder to contact him or arrange a visit with him if he were already done with the program. Needless to say, we are very much looking forward to meeting him!!