Time Line

We are the Millers from Ohio. Four years ago, we brought home a beautiful baby girl from China. That baby has grown into a loveable, sweet almost 5 year old little girl. In July of this year, we made the decision to begin the paperwork to bring home a little sister (or maybe even a brother) for our sweet Grace. On July 17th, we mailed our application to our agency, Children's Hope International. ( www.childrenshopeint.org ) and the fun began. Here is a timeline leading up to our dossier being logged in at the Chinese Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA).

July 17- sent our application to CHI
July 19- sent our homestudy application
July 21- sent our application for an orphan petition (I600A) to the Center for Immigration Services and mailed a request for copies of our marriage certificate
July 22- completed our state and local fingerprints
July 24- completed our fire inspection of the house
July 25- received clearance for state fingerprints and employment letters
July 26- completed our class for CPR certification
July 29- received an appointment letter for federal fingerprinting (Aug. 22) and our child abuse clearance letters
August 1- mailed letter back to CIS to reschedule fingerprint appointment and requested new letter for state police record check; also had our first Homestudy visit with the social worker
August 5- received new fingerprint appointment from CIS
August 10- second Homestudy visit
August 17- CIS fingerprint appointment...yes indeed, earlier than the original appt.
August 19- social worker mailed homestudy to CIS for approval
August 26- received approval from CIS...the much desired form I-171
Sept. 1- had all documents county and state certified and mailed the dossier to New York to the Chinese Consulate for their stamp of approval
Sept. 18- received all documents back from the consulate
Sept. 19- mailed dossier to our agency's regional office in Cleveland
Sept. 20-dossier forwarded to main office in St. Louis
Sept. 22- DOSSIER TO CHINA
Oct. 30- DOSSIER OFFICIALLY LOGGED IN AT THE CCAA

So now, we begin the long wait to bring home our sweet baby girl. CHI is telling us to count on at least a 15 month wait until we receive her information. In the meantime, we will enjoy our time with Grace and prepare for her new little sister, whom we have decided to name Hannah!

We will use this blog to keep you all updated on the progress, as slow as it may be. Our favorite quote while we were waiting for Grace seems appropriate this time as well...."Be assured that if God waits longer than you wish, it is only to make the blessing all the more precious". We are certain that Hannah will be worth the wait!