Details...

The plight of international orphans who have special needs

 is starkly different from what we know in the states. 

Some children don't live past the orphange.  

Some children live out the rest of their lives in a mental institution.

Some children find families.

Down syndrome has been an instrumental blessing.  

I can't imagine what life would be like without AJ.

To think of him, having to spend one second of his life 

without a mama and a daddy 

simply because of Down syndrome 

is heart breaking.

So, now that we know... how do we respond?

God lays things before us for many reasons.

Sometimes so we can pray.

Sometimes so we can ask.

Sometimes so we can help.

Sometimes we can give.

Sometimes so we can do.

Sometimes so we can act.

After much praying, asking, helping, and giving

it is time for us to act.

So... what is involved?

Quite a LOT

Already, we have...

1. Submitted our life history... on paper
2. Been fingerprinted
3. Completed our background check
4. Committed financially
5. Completed 60+ pages of paperwork
6. Finished our physicals
7. Completed our Home Study
8. Obtained letters of reference
9. Opened our hearts to possible pain and disappointment
10. Started fundraising

Still to go...

1. Approval from customs (wait time up to 90 days) + Payment
2. Submission of the dossier - which goes overseas (wait time 1-3 months) + Payment
3. 1st trip (week long) + payment
4. Submission of approval to adopt + payment (wait time 4-6 months)
5. 2nd Trip (3 weeks long) + payment
6. Home...hopefully before her 3rd birthday!