Everyone always ask how long it takes to adopt a baby from China. Every situation is different but I thought I would share our journey so far. We have been so blessed with a speedy process and I would like to thank every person who played a part in our Dossier going to China on October 20th. We were told to expect it to take us 5-6 months to complete all of the paperwork but we were DTC in less than 2 months!
8/22/05- Sent initial application to CWA-rec'd approval that afternoon-downloaded 80 pages of info from computer and began the process of page after page of info.
8/23/05-1st payment to CWA; sent out SLED check, child abuse check;sent 1st payment for Home Study to Priscilla Mack
8/24/05-downloaded i-planner Phone conference with Julie Wilson at CWA to discuss adoption.
8/29/05- Rec'd my letters of reference from our dear friends:Jodi, Tammy & Lynn-thank you ladies for doing this so quickly so we could have our home study completed.
8/30/05- My best friend Jodi & her sweet husband, Craig drove to Columbia and got us a copy of our long form birth certificate. Hal picked up certified copies of our marriage liscense.
8/31/05-Sent in the CIS form and check to new office in Charleston to try and cut the normal 4 month wait!
9/1/05-Hal and I both had our physicals and got clean bill of health to adopt.
9/2/05-Our 1st home study with Teresa. Mailed physicals, references,autobiographies and lots more to Priscilla.
9/9/05-Praise the Lord-rec'd notice to come be fingerprinted in Charleston anytime!
9 /15 /05-Hal, Hayne and I drove to Charleston to be fingerprinted-stopped by CWA office and met Mei.
10/5/05-Rec'd our 171-H!!!!!!!!
10/13/05-Walter drove to Columbia and had our dossier authenicated by the Sec of State. Overnighted to Carol Fredericks to Authenicated by Chinese Consulate.
10/17/05-I sent all paperwork to CWA-Photos, Copies, Ect. and all payments
10/19/05-Carol overnighted Dossier to Mei
10/20/05-DTC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you to each and every person who helped make our dreams a reality! Hold on Anna Grace we are getting closer!
10/27/05-LID!!!!!! The clock has officially started!