Status Update

Just thought I’d give an update of where we are right now.  I know many of you are eager to hear what is going on.  

We are almost 3 weeks into being submitted to the Embassy.  They emailed us on Tuesday asking for additional information and a phone number for a person familiar with Elliana’s case.  Our Agency quickly provided that number to them, so we are praying that the number is correct and that this person is readily available to speak to the Embassy.  I have been a bit anxious about this, as this person hasn't been asked about the case for 18 months -- so I'm just praying he remembers the specifics.  We haven't heard anything else after that.  

We did, however, just receive an email tonight from our Agency that 3 cases have been sent to the USCIS office in Nairobi for further review – meaning the Embassy was unable to make a determination as to the status of the adopted child.  I believe all of these cases are the same scenario as ours :(   From what I’ve read and understand, this process can add additional weeks or even months to the process.  Upon receipt of the case (5 days later) the USCIS office can do one of three things.  They can approve the case; they can make an RFE (request for more evidence); or they can deny the case outright. We really do not want to think about this right now, but realize that it could be a possibility for us or for any of our friends who were submitted at the same time as us.   Please keep us all in your prayers.  

This has been, by far, the hardest part of the wait.  I feel like we are so close, but yet so far away from bringing our daughter home.  The Lord has continued to teach me throughout this journey that I am not in control, and I am continuing to learn that.  I think the hardest part is knowing that we could be off on a jet-plane next week, or we could still be sitting here 3 or 4 weeks from now.  We just don’t know the timing of it – only God does, and I’m sure He has it perfectly planned.