Adoption Journey Overview

Our journey began in November 2011 with a focus on domestic adoption.  This shifted in June 2012 when circumstances beyond our control caused us to prayerfully reconsider our adoption options.  We knew we would still adopt but it became apparent rather quickly that God had something other than domestic adoption in mind.  Near the end of July 2012 we applied to America World Adoption Associates (AWAA) and chose to participate in their China Waiting Child Program.  Once accepted, more paperwork than we have ever seen started coming in through mail and email!  

The First Picture

By the end of November our home study was complete and our Family Coordinator informed us we could be matched with a child any time from that point forward.  This was when we figured the true waiting would begin.  How long would it take for them to find a child who matched our profile?  Weeks?  Months?  Years?  We didn't have to wait long to find out!  That same night we received a call asking if we wanted to review the file of a two year old little boy.  This is when we first "met" Zeke. We knew from the moment we saw his picture, as grainy as it was, that he was our son!  

12.12.12

We followed the required steps, accepted his file and were "pre-approved" to be his parents!  This wasn't official acceptance but a way to put him on "hold" until the rest of our paperwork was completed, logged in with the CCCWA in China, and a Referral Acceptance (RA) was issued and received.  It was so difficult not to share our news with everyone but we were told we had to wait for our (RA).  After accepting his file in early December we were given updated pictures.  Now we had a mission: push our paperwork through all of the required government agencies as quickly as possible!  Our dossier was sent to China early January 2013 and was officially logged in on January 30th.  Then, we waited . . . 

04.12.13

On April 29, 2013 we received our RA and were FINALLY able share Zeke with our extended family and friends!  This was followed by another paperwork frenzy and the wait for Travel Approval (TA).  Our TA was received July 8, 2013, travel dates confirmed the following day, and tickets purchased two days later!  

With this (very) short summary, you are now up to date!  The next chapter of our story begins on July 25, 2013 when we board an airplane that will take us to Beijing, China.  We hope to make frequent posts during our time in China as a record of our in-country journey and to keep family and friends updated.  

We are so thankful for everyone who has been a part of this process through prayer, words of encouragement, donations to our adoption fund, and just being there when we needed to vent, cry and/or laugh.  We love you and are grateful you are a part of our lives and that Zeke has so many people who already love him!

Robyn & Randy