When I last wrote, we were anticipating traveling in March to adopt BB3, who I can now reveal is named Niko. It's still not out of the question, but everything would have to pick up the pace because things are moving s l o w.
The short story is that we spent December and January putting together documents that we would need for court. More fingerprints, of course, and many other items: mortgage statements, doctor's letters, and various government approvals. Once it was all turned over to Bulgaria in mid-January, they had to translate everything for court. That process also took some time. Last week, everything was submitted to the Ministry of Justice, so it seems, at last, we will soon know our court date.
In the meantime, we have been keeping busy. We have a lot to do to get ready here at the house, including finding closet space for Niko. A lot of our projects are just general house projects, but the most exciting ones involve getting Niko's room ready. Oliver and Ellis have an O and an E on the door to their room, and today we finally got to add Niko's N to his door.
We Skyped with Niko again in January. His hair was long and he was adorable. The orphanage received the picture book we sent with family photos, so he seemed to know us. We kept seeing the top of his head and finally the caretaker told us that he was trying to hug the phone. How lucky we are to have a sweet boy like him. We can't get him here soon enough.
I had always been told that this process gets hardest at the end. At the time, that didn't make sense to me because, I thought, you at least know you're at the end! It should feel like you're in the last mile of the marathon! It's true that there is a joy in knowing this journey is almost over, but in my heart it feels like we have a son that is slightly out of reach. Another day waiting means another day of him not being in a family. And if we knew our travel dates it would feel like we could see the finish line. But here we sit and wait and trust God.
Trust in God has been a large part of this journey for me. I always felt like I trusted Him before, but now I feel like I am learning to trust with a capital T. Trust when there is no clear path. Trust when things aren't going according to my plans (which in the case of adoption is almost every step of the way). Trust when I'm separated from this little boy who I already love. I can control what I can control and then the rest is in His hands.
We can't wait to make this adoption final so we can share more of Niko with you! He truly is precious - adorable, active, and joyful. We can't wait to show you pictures and videos. Hopefully that will all come soon.
We continue to be so thankful for your support, friends! We feel cared for when you ask how the process is going and when you check in on us. Niko is sure to feel the love by this wonderful community of family and friends. You can be sure I will share a picture when the very special Bulgaria puzzle is up in his room.
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