I’ve become a pro at dossier assembly, and I think I could easily get everything done in two months (minus our I171H, which may or may not show up in that timeframe). But even though it goes against my nature, I think I need to take it slow so I don’t risk having documents expiring during our wait. We also don’t want a referral too soon, because we want to make sure we have at least a year between our Haitian kids’ arrival and the new child’s first appearance.

Once I get our dossier off, I’ll be researching our plans to (hopefully) make a side trip to Cairo to see the pyramids just prior to the adoption part of the trip. I’m told it’s about a 3 hour trip from Addis to Cairo, and that we’ll really only need one day to see the pyramids. Our eight-year-old twins will be going with us, and they’re dying to see some of the places we’ve been studying in school, including the pyramids in Egypt and some churches carved out of solid rock in Ethiopia. Given the recent kidnapping of British tourists from a rural part of Ethiopia, I don’t know how much in-country travel we’ll be able to do, but if it’s relatively safe at the time, we’d definitely like to do some sightseeing. I’m also hoping to do a little research into the Church presence in Ethiopia and what we can expect if we are able to go to church there.

We applied with our agency back in November, so it feels good to actually be starting. I’m feeling a tad closer to this little person who will join our family, and also making a conscious effort to try to enjoy every moment of this paperchase since it’s likely the last time I’ll be doing it. My husband and I have yet to discuss this, but I’m really beginning to feel like this child will be our last. I’ll never say never, but the feelings of family completeness that have eluded me for so long seem to be creeping into my heart. It’s hard to acknowledge it, but at the same time, it’s important for me to acknowledge my abilities and limitations and to be able to look forward to the next chapter of our lives. Several people have commented to me that maybe we’re just done “for now,” but I don’t get the sense that this is the case for us. My husband and I both want very much to serve a mission (hopefully in mainland China. Hey - it could happen!) and want to have our kids out and established in their lives before we’re so old that it wouldn’t be possible! ;) I don’t want to be a 50-something with a toddler (but I know lots of 50-somethings with toddlers for whom the arrangement is perfect.)

I plan to write a separate post later about knowing “when you’re done” and how to cope with the conflicting feelings that can come, as well as ways you can find value and worth in other areas and still stay involved with adoption. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject!