Paperwork and more Paperwork

 

In case you've been wondering what I've been doing this week, let me show you.  And this isn't even all of it. This is why the adoption process takes so long, you need a year to fill all of this out. Well, maybe it's not really that bad, but it does take a while.  We've got criminal clearance checks, financial forms, employment forms, passports forms, copies of birth certificates, copies of marriage license, etc. etc.  Thankfully my husband does a really good job of collecting paperwork.  He's been running all around town this week and the getting official documents we need. 
He also applied for his first passport this week.  He is not a big traveler, so he has never needed one before.  He traveled all over the states as a kid with his family, but not out of the country. I've had a passport most of my life due to my parent's love of travel.  I love visiting new places.  There is something refreshing about removing yourself from your everyday life and seeing something completely different.  I've never been anywhere quite as unique as Russia though.  I can't wait for that adventure!  But even though I had a passport, I still had to send mine in to get updated since it had my maiden name on it. If you are thinking about adopting internationally, go ahead and get your passport. One of the first things you have to do is turn in copies of our passports with the packet of paperwork. And we need to get the paperwork done before we can have our homestudy. 
So while we wait for the passports to come back, we will be working on writing our autobiographies.  Kevin and I both have to write a two page paper about ourselves.  The good news is that they give you an outline of the things they are looking for.  So at this point it is just a matter of sitting down and getting it done.  I will be happy when all of these things are checked off the list and we can get past this part of the process. 
If you would remember us in your prayers today, pease pray that we get everything done correctly and in a timely manner.  Please also pray for the little girl (or girls) that will be finding their forever home with us.  I can't thank everyone enough for the support these past few days.  We have the best friends and family!