Info on our case...

I finally got some information about our case...first, to remind you about what's going on at this point...the first two parts of the adoption process are completely separate and can occur at the same time...DNA testing and Family Court. Both need to be completed successfully in order to move on to the next step, which is pre-approval from the U.S. Embassy. After that, we'll move into PGN, which can be a sort-of long and arduous part of the process. After PGN approval, the kiddos get to come home.

So, here's where we stand. They've received authorization from the Embassy to perform Catalina's DNA collection and testing, but for some reason they needed new paperwork for Gus. His paperwork HAS been requested from his birthplace and now we're just waiting on that. Once received, the facilitator in Guatemala will translate it and then resubmit it to the U.S. Embassy. It shouldn't be long after that. We are hopeful that the DNA collection will have been completed before our trip in July. Oh, and by the way, Louie has decided to join us for the trip. Initially, he wanted to conserve vacation days (for use when Cati and Gus come home), but now he realizes that there is no way he can wait several more months to see them again. I'm so glad he's coming and I think he and my mom and I are going to have such a wonderful time with those sweet babies!

Okay, back to the update. The Family Court process hasn't officially begun for us. The lawyers are in the process of filing our power of attorney with the court system. Once that's done, they will get going in Family Court. The Family Court process, once officially started, should only take about four to six weeks. Maybe by August they will be seeking our pre-approval from the Embassy. That would be amazing...and it's also not very likely, but we're still hoping and praying for it.

This week has been a little tough. I've been so frustrated because DNA is taking a lot longer than it should. But, I feel better today because we are calling Catalina tomorrow. That will cheer me up for about a week and a half!! Also, my sweet, sweet husband reminded me of a Bible verse we saw during the CM half-marathon, "... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1) This is the path marked out for our family and that verse pretty much says it all, doesn't it?