The Nuts and Bolts

So, It's been a while since I've updated on here and a friend gave me some outside perspective on what she wanted to know regarding our adoption process and progress.  


I had an Arbonne "Party with a Purpose" last night.  All of the proceeds ($120) went towards our adoption.  It was so sweet to see a few women come out to support us in that way.  So, thank you.  (That money will go towards paying our agency in Ft. Lauderdale (Adoption by Shepherd Care) for our orientation we had while on vacation.  That agency is who we are adopting through.) We do plan on having more fundraisers down the road as well. By the way, if you knew about this party and wanted to come and order but couldn't, Angie is still taking orders up until next Friday (June 22nd) I believe.  You can always let me know as well.  


Now onto the steps we are taking currently...
My husband, Eric, and I had 50 questions to answer for our agency who is providing us with our home study (Gateway Woods).  These questions were the same for each of us.  We finally finished them and sent them in.  Yesterday, we received an email from our social worker that we have been assigned to another social worker through that same agency to come out and interview us.  This is the actual home study.  The purpose of this visit is so they can see for themselves and the country of Colombia that we are fit to bring children into our home safely.  They will recover some of the questions that we answered and sent into them, they will look around our house and get to know us and our children.  


Cost of Home Study: $1700.00 (Still needed)


Once we have our home study completed, which could be anywhere from 1-2 months from now, we will qualify to start applying for grants.  Meanwhile, Gateway Woods will send our Home Study off to Colombia.  


The next step is for us to put together a Dossier (French for "Bundle of documents with a label and spine").  Basically, it is a very detailed description of the Wood family and our life for Colombia to see on paper.  We will send pictures, inform them of our hobbies, etc. We cannot move forward with this until we have the money for it.


Cost of Dossier:  $6,500.00 (Still needed)


So, that's where we are at currently.  Hopefully, this will give you better understanding of what we need and how you can be praying for us.  Thanks for keeping up with us!