Immigration

This week they came: official immigration papers, known in the adoption world as the I-800. I opened Emmanuel's first and stared at it for a full minute before it hit me. It is a provisional approval, which threw me until I realized they don't send final papers until after the adoption. So this is it--the final stage other than updating our documents and waiting for the judicial process to start. It could be just a few more weeks....or it could still be several months. The waiting continues, but we are waiting happily and expectedly.

Immigration is a permanent step--just as we are a permanent family.Una family para siempre.

While we wait, we get to keep dreaming, preparing, and connecting with our kids. Yesterday they received their care package, and it's special to know they have pictures, letters, and presents made just for them. Some of the youth and kids in our church sent them letters, too, and it's a reminder that they are loved by a huge family. We treasure all the Skype calls together. Whether they are playful and upbeat or they pull back some, we always enjoy spending time with them. And they are quick to tell us they love us and to ask how soon we're coming. We've also learned that Emmanuel loves the emoticons and Ruth is a huge fan of typing while we Skype. Emmanuel wants to be a ninja, and we have fun acting that out together. (Um, just picture B! :)