What's in a Dossier?

Over the weekend I received our package from CHI with the details of preparing our dossier, which is the paperwork which will go to Ethiopia and be presented before our referral is given. Oh my goodness! It looks somewhat intimidating. On the other hand, I believe we already collected most of it for our homestudy. So, except a few things, we shouldn't have to collect many more pieces. Then we have to get it certified at the state level before the whole package is taken to be bundled and authenticated. And, then, well, then it goes on to many more hands before it is finally translated in Ehtiopia and we receive the green light. What a bureaucratic mess of red tape this whole ordeal is!!! Here's praying we'll get through this with smooth sailing.

On the List

Today I received a very special piece of information in the mail...our I-171H. Our homestudy is complete and we now have clearance from CIS so we can go on the list for a referral! This could take several months. I'm not sure exactly when we begin to work on our dossier, but I'm sure it will all be happening quickly...Yeah!

License Finally Here!

Yesterday, April 5, was the day! CHI officially received their license from the Ethiopian government. Everyone is so excited! I am very grateful to Sharon Turner, the director of this new program, and all the CHI staff who have worked so hard to get to this day. We are one of 30 families who are in this new ministry of CHI, so it is very thrilling to be a pioneer with the others. What a journey it will be!!!