So, it's been a little over a month since my last update - I hope everyone had a blessed holiday season and enjoyed time with family and friends. I had a wonderful holiday and often thought about what future Christmases will be like when my son or daughter is celebrating with me.
I have a few things to share in this post, but today's news from my agency is that my dossier is officially registered in Ethiopia! They told me that as of December 31, 2012 my dossier is registered! (Little did I know that as I was ringing in the new year so much was happening for me overseas.)
Now comes what can be the hardest part - the waiting period. No one can be certain how long I will wait to be matched with my child, but I am anticipating over a year. I think my mom said it best over the holidays..."Next Christmas will be like this year, and the following one we'll have someone extra to celebrate with."
That's the big news that needed to be shared - but I also have a few other things:
1. Shortly after Christmas, my friend posted to my Facebook wall about a conversation her boys (5 and 7 years old) were having at snack, after they got a globe for Christmas. Here's how the conversation went:
Luke, "Logan, do you want to see where Angie has to fly to get her baby? She has to go around the globe two times because she is so far away, even across the OCEAN!"
Logan, "Angie doesn't have to go around the globe two times, she has to go there two times."
Luke, "What if she goes this way to pick her up and this way to drop her back off."
Logan and my friend, "Why would she drop her back off?"
Luke, "WHAT!? She gets to keep her?"
I told these boys about my decision last May and it's especially cute to me that they continue to remember the exciting news and the special addition my child will add to our little group.
2. After winter break I told my students that I'm in the process of adopting. The responses ranged from a class that applauded to one that all simultaneously said "AWWWW!" They were all so great about keeping it a secret until I was able to tell everyone. The teacher in the room next door told me she could tell each hour when I had told the class because of the reaction she heard through the wall. They had great questions and have been supportive in their own ways.
3. On another note, there's already a new addition to the house. A boy (who is also adopted) from my church gave me a gift for "my kid's room" one day after service. He went through a giraffe phase and heard that I am planning to decorate with giraffes and decided to give me a four foot tall giraffe! So, anyone who spends the night at my humble abode will be greeted by this cute, not-so-little addition in the room.
That's all for this update. I, again, want to offer a heartfelt thanks to everyone for their prayers, positive thoughts, and various types of support. I am always awestruck when I receive support from people I don't know, and I am grateful to each and every one of you for what you have done for me during this journey.
There won't be any more "official" updates about the process until I get my referral, but I will be posting as I have other news to share and / or just want to talk about my adoption.
Love to you all. <3
