Officially A Waiting Family

After bringing Jonah home, it wasn't long that we wanted to adopt again. Our agency was no longer accepting applications for infants from Ethiopia because the waiting list was too long at that point. We were all set to adopt a little boy from Burundi (look it up on a map!) This was a pilot program with the agency we used for Jonah and we were accepted into the program based on the fact that we had adopted from Africa before. After long thought and many reasons why, we decided that we were not going to enter the Burundi program. 
We found a new agency that was still accepting applications for infants from Ethiopia. This would be perfect for Jonah and our next little boy to be. When all the kids are older we can make a trip to one country! Jonah and our next guy will always have their birth country in common. 
Of course it will be another year or so but being a "Waiting Family" is big in the adoption world. We haven't said too much but JT is very excited to have another brother. In the meantime we are busy with our two boys and enjoying the great weather. 
Sent to us today......


Dear Kevin Heilbronner & Erin Brauer,

I just wanted to send you this quick email to let you know that your dossier has been sent back to our office from Washington D.C. You are now on the waiting list for a referral!  We will be keeping your dossier in queue here in  the St. Louis office until it is time to be expressed to Ethiopia. Congratulations on having this piece behind you!! You're now a waiting family!!

After you have accepted a referral, the dossier will be translated and authenticated, and presented to the Ministry of Women's Children's and Youth Affairs (MOWCYA), which is the first entity in Ethiopia to approve you to adopt the child.

Waiting for a referral can really be a difficult wait for most families. We suggest keeping busy and doing those things that you may not have a chance to do once your child comes home. You also will want to read as much as you can related to raising adopted children, bonding and attachment, transracial adoption, Ethiopia, etc. etc., and you may even want to  start learning some phrases in Amharic.

This would also be a good time to look into the immunizations that you will need for your trip. Some immunizations are good for  3, 5 and even 10 years so it's not too early to start. Visit www.cdc.gov/travel . Information is also noted in the CHI Ethiopia Travel Guide located on the CHIFamily.net website.

Please know that we are here to support you during your wait and answer any questions that you might have.

Congratulations again, you are one step closer to bringing your little one home!!!


Blessings,


Angie Thorn
Ethiopia Adoption Consultant