Our adoption timeline thus far

October 2011 - Adoption is constantly at the forefront of my mind. Giving time or money to orphaned kids is not enough. We want to bring one home. Todd and I agree that God has called us both to adopt a child.

October 28, 2011 - Our 5 year anniversary. Our adoption application is sent into Lifeline Children's Services, and we are accepted. Originally planning to adopt from the DR Congo in Africa.

January 2012 - Begin the homestudy process.

April 23, 2012 - Things are not looking good in the Congo, as far as the adoption program goes. We switch our adoption country to China. We chose China for 2 reasons. 1.) China has a strong and rather smooth program 2.) We have many Chinese friends; there are a lot of Chinese resources in our community

August 15, 2012 - Homestudy finalized and approved. Officially "adoption ready"

September 20, 2012 - Immigration approved by Chinese government

October 1, 2012 - I get an email from Rainbow Kids saying there is a girl that meets our profile. Her name is Meiqi and is 9 years old. As I read it, my heart leaps with joy. She shares my Mom's birthday. She is with our adoption agency. She is relatively healthy. She likes younger kids and helping with the chores around the orphanage. I emailed it to Todd and he said yes!
[Rainbow Kids is a non profit organization that puts out the word about specific kids in need of a forever family. I would often get emails from them with kids available for adoption that match our profile. I would prayerfully read each email - daily]

An older picture of Meiqi

October 16, 2012 - After much prayer, and asking for counsel from Doctor's and other adoptive parents of older kids, we get the green light and commited to Meiqi. We have to wait for Chinese "Pre-approval" before she's officially ours.

November 13, 2012 - Receive Pre-Approval for Meiqi - She is officially ours to adopt!