Another Overdue Update

Ok people, so stellar blogger I am not! Time just seems to get away from me - I have really excellent intentions... I THINK about updating the blog... ;-)

So today we received "official" word from USCIS (Immigration - or officially, the Department of Homeland Security) that they have received our I-600A application.  That's pretty good - only took about one week because I didn't actually get the application to them until February 10th.  So, next we should receive a "Biometrics (fingerprint) Appointment Notice."  I can't wait to see this as our notice says that the notice will contain "the specific date, time & place where you will have your fingerprints and/or photographs taken."  Given that I work out of town A LOT, I just know that the "specific date" will likely be when I'm in Lubbock, Little Rock, Timbuktu, etc.  So, we'll see how that goes...

That's our next step.  I have the necessary information to get the two documents "certified" (meaning that the notary on them is verified by the Secretary of State) at the Oklahoma Capitol so will try to do that next week.  It's been interesting learning about "notorizing" & "Notaries" throughout this process.  Apparently, many things that get notorized are not actually notorized correctly.  Notary Publics are sent a brochure that tells them how to notorize - they are not really overseen in a consistent manner & they are not all actually "trained" on how to notarize aside from their brochure.  I'm not sure if this is true just in Oklahoma or all over.  Interesting...

Still working on making fundraising items - not enough hours in the day!!! I'll get that stuff going eventually - work has just been too busy - no complaints - a great problem to have!

So, a bit more waiting but we are steadily making progress toward sending our dossier to Ethiopia!!!!

Step 7 of 9 - Paperchasing Progress! & Fundraising Update

It's Wednesday - week is half over & it's already February.  Wow!  Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Just random morning thoughts.

We are so excited to have received our official Home Study copies yesterday which means today we will send of our I-600A form to USCIS (Immigration) to apply to adopt an orphan from abroad.  USCIS approval will complete Step 7 of 9 in terms of completing of Dossier (the official package of papers that we will send to the Ethiopian government for their approval of us as an adoptive family.)  We are also ready to get the required documents certified by the State of Oklahoma which is Step 8 of 9, and, we already have Step 9 - which is making copies of Dossier documents - mostly done.  So, in short, we have made progress & are getting closer to submitting our Dossier.  We are hoping to be able to do so in April.

We will be really ramping up our fundraising efforts as we have a large amount that must be submitted with our Dossier.  We are praying about this portion of things and have faith that God will provide in this area.  We are continuing to do coffee through Just Love Coffee & are additionally going to be selling jewelry that I am making with African Trade Beads I obtained as well as Ethiopian silver beads.  We also have a t-shirt idea in the works for early spring.  And again, I need to be cloned to get everything done - the scientific part of me is working on that!!

So, I have one necklace example so far.  I will post the first pics I have (which I took with my phone & are somewhat mediocre) so I can see what you think.  I have sold one necklace thus far - so I'm on my way! :-)  I made the necklace with leather cord, African Trade Beads from Senegal, African Christmas Beads from Ghana & a clay cross made by Georgia in Taos.  I am in the process of making other jewelry pieces & will post pics as I get them done.  I appreciate any & all comments - good or bad!

So, that's the news & update for this morning!  More pics to come in the next several days.

Have a blessed Wednesday!