Next Steps

So, many people want to know what is coming next in the process so here you go. 

We are waiting for our PCR results to be received back to the US Embassy.  This is

the test to show whether or not our girls actually have HIV.  However I have heard

the results aren't always accurate so we will retest them when they come home 

regardless.  I did confirm that our test was done on July 15th so Monday would be 4  

weeks. Once that is done we will be submitted to Embassy the following Wednesday. 

The results could possibly come in on Monday based on other families timelines 

but could be a couple more weeks as there is no guarantee.  I am trying not to 

hang my hat on Monday but I can’t lie & say that I’m not!!!  (my fellow adoptive 

mommas understand the craziness that comes as you get closer & closer!!!)  I 

have done EXTREMELY well, considering, but it’s getting harder & harder as time 

goes on.  Once we are submitted to the US Embassy they will be in direct contact 

with us during the process from what I understand from other families.  There 

will be an initial intake process which could be a few days to a week+.  Then 

they will schedule our finder interview.  This is when the police officer from 

Adama will come to the Embassy & confirm the facts of our case.  Many people 

clear the same day as the finder interview.  This interview could be as early 

as 1 week after submission but it appears they have been booked up & delayed on 

this portion with the last couple groups of people.  Praying they will catch up 

when it’s our time so this last step will be quick!  I’m still counting on 

traveling the 1st week in September hopefully!!!  That will work out perfectly 

with time off of work with FMLA & will put me coming back to work right after 

Thanksgiving week.  If we travel sooner I will have to come back before 

Thanksgiving which will screw up our plans to travel to be with family & we 

will have to drive ALL night Wednesday night with 3 children & be super tired 

on Thanksgiving day.  Not so fun!!!   

We will be in country for about 4 days for Embassy & then travel a LONG 17 hours

from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to DC with 2 babies!!!  Ahhh!  That’s going to be a 

LONG flight!  Praying they sleep most of the time & that we will be able to get 

a bassinet on the plane.  I will fight someone to the death to get one!!!  (or they can

listen to 2 screaming babies, their choice!!!  haha  That way we can have one of them

in there & one on a lap & the other person can trade off resting. 

We want anyone & EVERYONE to come to our airport homecoming if possible!  We 

would love to have a TON of people there to welcome our girls home!  We have had SO

many people  supporting us physically, financially & prayerfully & they are a BIG part 

of this adoption!  We are going to try to make it so we arrive on a weekend if possible 

so more people can come!  I’ve never been to an airport homecoming before but I have 

heard they are AMAZING!  Unfortunately no one from our agency is from Cincinnati so 

I haven't gotten to go to any. :(  I have seen LOTS of pictures & love it!  We will keep you

updated of when we will arrive so you can make arrangements to be there!

We can't thank you all enough for your prayers & support!  Keep our girls in your prayer

for continued health in our absence!   

I can't wait to have them in my arms again!!!

I will leave you with another picture of our girls.

This is from 4 months ago in early April.  They have grown SO much!  So grateful for the care that they have received!!