And the paper work continues...

Our breakfast table has been overtaken by adoption paperwork.

On February 1st we received an email from our new assigned a social worker from America World who will be working with us throughout the adoption process, particularly on our home study documents. This email included pages and pages of documents to read, fill out and/or sign. 

On February 2nd we received an email from our Africa family coordinate from America World who will also be working with us throughout the adoption process, particularly on the dossier documents. This email also included pages and pages of documents.

Here we are on February 4th struggling not to obsess over getting these documents filled out and returned as soon as possible. Right now we are mostly focusing on our home study documents, but some of the components will also be a part of our dossier, which is the main adoption packet that is approved by the U.S. government and then the Rwandan government.

Here is what is required for our Home Study Application:
o Adoptive Parents’ Right to Information Form
o Autobiographies for both of us
o Authorization/Consent for the Disclosure of Confidential Information Form
o Criminal Background Check Consent Form
o Drivers License Photocopies and Social Security Card Photocopies
o Fee Agreement Form
o Payment for Home Study and Post Placements
o Guardianship Statement Form Residential History Form
o Statement of Faith Form
o Medical Examination for each family member
o Fire Protection Checklist (completed by the city or county fire department)
o Environmental Health Checklist (completed by the city or county health department)
o Home Ownership/Rental/Lease Proof (copy of any document that supports your status)
o Birth Certificate photocopies
o Marriage License Photocopy
o Health Insurance Coverage Proof (copy of page that states you can add an adopted child)
o Pet Vaccination Proof
o 1040 Tax Form Photocopy from previous year AWAA Financial Statement Photocopy
o Verify that our pool has a fence around it
o Sketch of the floor plan of home showing dimensions and purposes of all rooms
o Photos of the outside of home and all yard areas – both front and back
o Employment Verification Letters Photocopies
o Reading Agreement
o America World Home Study Agreement – Texas
o Home Study Agency Agreement
o Home Study Post Placement Agreement
o Reference Letters Distributed to a pastor and 2 friends

To be honest, it’s a bit overwhelming. And even more than overwhelming it’s hard to focus on anything other than the process and the paperwork. Although it’s a lot, it’s all so worth every minute!

Please pray for us! We imagine Satan is going to try sneak into this process somehow or another, so pray for God’s sovereignty over this entire adoption process.