We're officially "waiting"

So, I'm watching the DHL tracking site to see where our dossier packet is....as it makes its way to Ethiopia! We got the word, Friday, that it had been shipped. This means we are now "officially" waiting. The dossier has been approved by our agency, the needed documents authenticated by the Ethiopian embassy in DC and all the other boxes checked. It's funny how a 3.5 pound packet of papers can have such meaning.

So, now I'll bore you with what's in a dossier. Many folks ask. Our dossier is as complete a picture of us as the Ethiopian government and orphanage can have. It includes: authorized home study (social worker's lengthy report on our life, psychological state, ability to raise a child, approval for certain age, all our relationship issues, feelings about our parents, etc....no I'm not kidding)...about 12 pages, medical reports for all of us, financial statements, tax returns, criminal clearance, immigration approval, photos, deed of our house, proof of education (online classes, live workshops and reading of books on adoption), CPR certification, letters of reference, bank letter, verification of employment, letter from us to the Ethiopian govt, letter from us to the Board of the orphanage, power of attorney for the lawyer in Ethiopia, and more. Oh, and all of those things are notarized IN TRIPLICATE.

Now you know why this process is not for the faint of heart or those that are not totally dedicated. It's a lot of work and, even though this is our second adoption, we still have to do almost everything again! Crazy.

So, now we wait. I wonder when I should tell my work we're adopting another child? Always a perplexing question...

Oh, and did I mention that I'm going through phases of sheer panic and excitement? Panic seems to be winning lately but hopefully excitement will override soon. Many of the same feelings arise as last time. This is such a leap of faith.

Have a great weekend!

jen