When we began our foster to adopt journey in 2015, we had no idea what to expect, or how long the process would take.

I remember that first phone call I had with our agency. It was before we’d even filled out any applications or background check forms. I had called to see if I could get more information as we were working to decide which direction- if any- we wanted to go.

The person on the other end of the line took my battering of questions with great care. She answered every one, not hiding the realities of the path ahead. “It will take a while,” I remember her saying, “this will take a great deal of patience.”

Well, after what does not seem like much time at all, we’re here. The lawyer has been hired, the paperwork has been notarized, and the documents have been submitted to the court system!

Right now, we’re playing the “hurry up and wait” game. Once you reach this point in the journey, the best thing to do is to just go about your day-to-day activities while you wait for a phone call letting you know that the Court Clerk has reviewed everything and has approved it.

In some cases, we’ve learned, that phone call makes it official. In others, as we’ve chosen to do, the phone call sets up a court date and everything is dotted and crossed on that day.

Once we reach that day, we’ll go to the courthouse, move through some formal things, and end with a cake. Photos will be taken and smiles will abound (I’m sure). That will not, completely, end this phase of the journey (government agencies to visit, documents to requests, etc.), but it will put a stamp on a part of it and will make things “government official.”

There will be a future blog post on the fullness of this journey we’ve been on, but we’re thankful to be in this final stretch! We can’t wait to make this official and introduce our son to you (if you’ve not already had the luck to meet him).

Thank you for your support, prayers, and thoughts!