Dear Leyna

Dear Leyna,

Friday we received a long awaited update and pictures.  I couldn't stop smiling all day.  You've grown so much already.  You are growing into a beautiful little girl.  You look happy. A man came to visit you in your foster home to check on you.  He said you looked happy and healthy.  Your foster home is a nice home.  He told you about your brothers and sister.  He also told you about your mom and dad waiting to come and pick you up.  We can't wait!!  We look at your picture everyday.  We are waiting for your Birth Certificate so we can file more paperwork to come and get you.  We are still hoping to see you in November.  It can't come fast enough.  Your sister Amaya talks about you to anyone who will listen.  Her teacher at school said she talks about you a lot.    A family is in Congo right now picking up their children.  I follow their story and look forward to the day it will be our story coming to get you.  We love you and continue to pray for your health and that you are happy.

Love,
Mom

Passed Court & 30 Day wait almost over!!!!

I can't believe it.  We found out August 20th we passed court.  I just looked through the documents that are all in French and saw the dates were Aug 7th!  I thought we were still waiting on a court date.  Our lawyer doesn't update our coordinator on every detail so this was a great surprise.  If I read the documents right our 30 days will be up this week!  So what's next.  We have to apply for our immigration I600, apply for Leyna's visa and birth certificate and passport.  All of these steps can take 4-8 weeks.  So it looks like Novemeber there is still a good chance we can travel in November.

My mind keeps spinning with how much stuff I still need to get ready.  We have no baby things. Then there is the lists of things we need to take with us when we travel.  I'm so lucky to be part of an online adoption community that helps with what we need to take with us.  It has been so encouraging seeing and reading other's journeys also.  It is a great way to get support.  Adoption is so complicated in so many ways that I love having others to ask questions. 

I look at Leyna's picture every day.  We pray for her as a family every day.  It's been amazing to see God's hand leading us throughout the whole process.  It has taken a lot of faith and prayers to get to this point.  We are so excited!