LOA!

We received an email from our adoption agency yesterday that our LOA “Letter of Acceptance” is on its way! This important document, which is officially called the "Letter Seeking Confirmation" (LSC) is not in our possession just yet, but it is in the database of the CCCWA (China Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption).

What does that mean? It means that China has officially said, "Yes" to our request to adopt Lulu and we have "soft LOA" until that precious hard copy is in our hands! 

So, what is next, you wonder?  Here are the remaining steps in this arduous process:

We file for the I-800, which is request for US immigration approval to adopt this specific child.

After I-800 approval, we file VISA paperwork: DS-260 for Lulu, and send our passports for Visas.

“Article 5 drop off”: Our agency rep in China drops off several pieces of paperwork (visa confirmation, etc) at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou.

About two weeks later, the “Article 5” is picked up and the paperwork is sent to the CCCWA offices in Beijing.

Travel Approval is then issued by the CCCWA.

We request a date for our Consulate Appointment (CA) in China.

Travel plans begin!

And how does all of this translate into the 2016 calendar, you ask?

Well, we could be in China by mid-April, if not sooner.

It feels so good to finally post a picture of our pretty girl on this page. Thank you for your continued support to bring Lulu home.  We're so very blessed by your outpouring of love.

If you feel led to help with Lulu's adoption costs, we have a YouCaring page set up, and we have partnered with MudLove once again for a bracelet fundraiser of our two best-selling bracelets the first time around:  loved. and blessed. Thank you for your support on our little one's behalf!