Today we received I-171H approval notication via email (with the written notice to follow in the mail). Phew...this is one big step forward. Typically this is taking 4-6 weeks to receive and we only submitted our home study just over 2 weeks ago, but with a couple of emails and some outright pleading...I was able to have them expedite our case. My motherly love instinct is definitely kicking in....heaven help those teachers at Jessica's school in years to come!
Also I was able to send the fully legalized POA to our agency - which also is a big step forward. Now if we can register the POA and complete the new DNA testing we can move into family court. The DNA testing may take up to 3 weeks so please pray that we can expedite that in order to move forward in the knowledge that Jessica is more formally assigned to our family.
"Be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
3rd Visit Trip - December 2007
2nd Visit Trip - November 14-18
And finally we meet...
Thank you God
Our precious baby girl
Jessica at 4 months and 23 days old!
Jessica - 1 Month Old
Nite Nite our Angel
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The 21 Step Journey
Referral and Adoption Procedures
1. Our Dossier is sent to GUA for translation
2. Jessica is born (April 4th, 2007 - weighing 5lbs 8oz)
3. Birth certificate is issued
4. Jessica's BM signs over custody
5. Jessica has basic physical and first immunizations
6. Jessica's BM also sees a doctor and has blood tests
7. We receive Jessica's referral (actually this came early!)
8. We accept Jessica's referral (August 14th, 2007) and sign POA
9. Our POA is registered in Guatemala
10. The lawyer submits all docs to Family Court
11. The lawyer requests DNA testing be performed on the birth mother and Jessica
12. Family Court social worker reviews our dossier, interviews Jessica's BM & sees Jessica in foster care. Jessica's BM signs consent for adoption for second time
13. A third consent by Jessica's BM is signed
14. The lawyer then submits a petition for approval to PGN
15. Notary in PGN reviews all the docs
16. PGN issues its approval for the adoption to proceed
17. The lawyer meets Jessica's BM for the 4th sign-off (Protocolo)
18. The adoption decree is issued by the lawyer and Jessica is legally now our child!
19. A new birth certificate is then issued by the Civil Registry with the Jessica's original first and middle names unchanged, but with our names as parents
20. Lawyer takes new birth certificate and applies for a Guatemalan passport
21. All documents are translated into English by certified translators, as required by US INS regulations
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