Progress

I've debated for a few days whether to post the latest progress of Jordy on my blog mostly because I'm feeling very protective of my little guy already.  He wasn't born "normal" like most kids and faces challenges that most of us can't imagine.  Most of you know that his limbs weren't formed correctly at birth and I've shared with many that we aren't sure that walking will be a possibility.  We are so in love with this boy though and we know that regardless God has brought us to him and he is wonderfully made!  There is a part of me that doesn't want to expose him to ridicule before he even sets foot in the US.  However, I know so many people are praying for him and progress is the very essence of those prayers!

When we were first introduced to Jordy's file, it was dated 2010.  It still has not been updated although we have requested new information.  However, God has been incredibly faithful and has connected us to a network of people that connected us to a Chinese blog from Jordy's foster home.  Through that, we have learned more than we could have ever asked, imagined, or prayed.  This is by far the greatest praise and luxury and I try so hard not to take it for granted because this is not typical of most Chinese adoption situations.  My friend and her husband had a single picture of their son from a young age before going to meet their son for the first time.  They literally had no idea which child was going to turn out to be theirs as the nannies brought children into the room where they waited (which honestly sounds a lot like giving birth).

We know from the foster home blog that Jordy has undergone at least one surgical procedure.  This was to correct his left club foot.  However, for months, no updates have been posted on the post surgery progress.  As I surf the blog, I'm constantly looking for signs that Jordy is moving forward.  Every picture I see, I'm scoping out his legs to see if there is a cast and what sort of stance is he in.  The last several pictures of him have been teasers because while it appears he is standing, you can't actually see his legs.

Well, as I was surfing some videos posted by Jordy's foster home a few days ago, I finally happened upon Jordy and his PROGRESS!  Still lots to pray for but my heart is thankful just to know where he is at!

To gain perspective, here is one of my favorite pre-surgical videos:  Jordy playing before surgery.

And here is the now:  Jordy's steps.

For all of you praying for Jordy, thank you.  I see God's work!

What does I-800A approval mean anyways?

As you all noticed, I'm just a teensy bit excited about getting our I-800A approval from immigration.  However, many of you have asked a very valid question.  What exactly does that mean?  Where are we in the process?  My wonderful friend, Tonya Wike (who by the way got us into this whole mess in the first place =]), offered a chart that she used to explain this process to her friends and family.  If you follow each number, you will be able to see what step happens next.

Getting the I-800A approval means we just finished step 5.  So, we are on to step 6.  Now, we have to send a copy of the approval to the Indiana Secretary of State with a notarized cover sheet saying that it is the real and true response from US Immigration.  The Secretary of State will put their gold seal on it with a piece of paper that says the notary we used is a valid notary with a current license.  This is called authenticating the document.  Sound kind of silly?  It kind of is but I guess this would be an easy part of the process to try to forge.

Once we get that authenticated, we send our whole packet full of paperwork including our home study, medical exams, proof of employment, financial statement, birth certificates, and marriage certificate all to Washington DC where they will visit the US Dept of State and the Chinese Embassy.  Why?  To be honest, I don't really know why.  What I know is we pay them per document to work whatever magic it is that they do and then . . . and THEN, all of our paperwork is ready for step 7.

We are then waiting for LOA which is a Letter of Acceptance from the Chinese Center for Adoption Affairs.

Hopefully, this gives all of our family and friends an easier way to pray for us.  I will continue to keep you all posted.  Thank you!  Thank you!  THANK YOU! for your continued love, support and prayers.  When I opened up Facebook and saw how many people were celebrating with me, it gave me a HUGE boost.