The Process...why so long?

Many, just like we were, are curious about the process of adoption. Knowing of how many orphans there are in this world, it seems like the process should be a simpler one in order to get more kids into their forever families as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, that is not the case. And really, it's for good reason. So, I am going to do my best to explain this process to you as I am currently aware of it. I am still learning, but will do my best. This will pertain to our process, which is specific to Haiti.

Our process began by choosing an agency. There are MANY agencies you can choose from and all have connections with set orphanages in various countries. We chose All Blessings International, because at the time we thought we would be adopting from an orphanage that they are associated with. Once you choose an agency you have to fill out a pre formal application and pay small fee. Once that is approved, you fill out a formal application to the agency with a little larger fee. The formal application includes information about your family, finances and purpose in adopting, as well as where you would like to adopt from and the age of child(ren) desiring to adopt. 

Once the agency approves your formal application you receive lots of paperwork! This is where things begin to slow down. Filling out papers is easy for me. However, waiting on one thing before you can do the next gets a little harder. So, here is a list of what comes next, but it isn't in specific order because it can be done differently.

- apply for a home study (has fee)
- return business agreement w/first (of 3) payment to agency
- make copies of many documents like birth certificates, marriage certificate, drivers license, health insurance info, tax info
- sign multiple forms agreeing you understand the various terms, documents, risks and more of a Haitian adoption
- get several forms notarized
- prepare passports
- medical statements on all family members and pets
- order education DVD's (fee), watch them and take quiz over them
- complete home study (higher fee; this requires more paperwork we have not yet received)
- probably more I have just forgotten :)

That completes step 2. Phew! During step 2, once we return our business agreement we will receive paperwork for our dossier and can began that. However, we have to properly complete all of the above, receive an approved home study plus pay all fees up until this point (around $4500-5000) also. 

Step 3 is completing forms for the US immigrations process. This requires more paperwork, more copies, fingerprinting and fees (around $1000). This step is very important and crucial to protect orphans. Until we go through it I can't say much more about it. 

Step 4 Preparing the Dossier 
Since we have not yet received our packet of information for the dossier I am unaware of the amount of paperwork it will contain. However, we have been told it is a lot. There are many documents needed for your home study, that are also needed for the dossier though, so as we gather for one we will do so for the other. Once our dossier is complete, our home study has been reviewed and approved by our agency, and we are up to date on payments our agency will process our dossier and prepare it for shipment to Haiti. Before they can ship it, it has to be translated. 

Also, in order to ship the dossier we must be prepared to send money for various international fees plus an agency fee. (around $7000)

The dossier is submitted to IBESR (Haitian social services) and awaits for approval. During this time our specified creche (orphanage) will give a referral of a child that matches our desires. If IBESR accepts, then our agency will contact us with the referral. This amount of time this process takes can vary. Once we accept the referral, we must respond in writing to IBESR. 

Next we must send about $4500 to our creche and prepare for the socialization period. This is when Jason and I will go to Haiti to visit our child for two weeks. Our children are allowed to go along, but that will depend upon finances and time of year at that time. Obviously with traveling there are more costs here as well. (around $2500 if just Jason and I go)

While we are in Haiti we will spend time with our child and be observed to assure that the match is appropriate. It is also my understanding that we will file our immigration forms, as well as go to the courts to have the adoption decree legalized. Again, we are new to this process so I could be leaving out details or not getting this exactly right. 

After our two weeks we will return home and wait....wait....wait. It is my understanding that this is the most difficult part of the process. You have met your child, loved on them and had to say good-bye. Now you have to wait for all the paperwork and procedures to be completed by the Haitian government and others. This wait can be 12-24 months. 

Once the adoption decree is issued, along with the child's passport and visa, and all other information has been completed and approved, plus all payments rendered, we get to bring our daughter home. (around $10,000)

Once our daughter is home we have to complete post-placement monitoring. This should be our last fee and varies depending on the number of visits. 

So, as you can see there are many factors that play into the adoption process. Writing all of that has me a bit overwhelmed, but I continue to remind myself that GOD IS BIGGER! He doesn't call us to something to leave us behind. He calls us to trust, lean on Him and continue moving forward as best we are able. 

A song that has moved me tremendously through this process is "Oceans" by Hillsong United. You can find it below on youtube. Pay particular attention to the words. My feet will fail, my pride and impatience will get in the way, my heart will ache BUT my faith will stand. I will walk upon the waters where my trust has NO borders and my faith will be made stronger in HIS presence. God has called us to this and HE IS FAITHFUL!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw