Paper Pregnancy

On September 3, 2006, we were told officially that Sarah would be ours! Now began the mounds of paperwork and the seemingly endless wait to be able to bring her home. The initial time frame we were told was that we would "probably" travel in the spring of 2007. (March or April) were the months we held in our head. And thus began the first trimester of our Paper Pregnancy. Like biological pregnancies this trimester had it's share of ups and downs. And yes I had my share of nausea at times. We were told we would get quarterly updates with pictures and health status. It is like an ultrasound across the globe. (Fortunately for me, unlike a biological pregnancy in the first trimester, my clothes still fit.)

The second trimester - We worked hard and fast to get all the paperwork done as quickly as possible. After all our daughter was waiting for us. Our goal was to turn our paperwork around fast so that we were not a hold up to the process. Our Dossier was completed in record time and sent to Vietnam. We received a call that on January 15th our paperwork was received and approved and was being sent to the Ministry of Justice for approval within the Dong Nai province. Unfortunately, as part of this update we were also told that it would be a longer wait than we initially were told. Dong Nai, the province she is in was taking longer to approve Dossiers. We now expected to go in June or July. Our due date had been pushed back. Expectant mothers and fathers hate to get news like that! (I am bummed to report that my clothes are tight and I can't blame it on this pregnancy.) :(

The second trimester drags on! We were told that the previous family to complete the process took 8 months from the time their Dossier was sent to Vietnam until they received approval through the Ministry of Justice and then an additional 2 months to travel. We hope and pray our wait will be shorter but now we really have no idea when we will be able to bring Sarah home. We now do not have a due date for this paper pregnancy! :(

The third trimester - The final phase of this paper pregnancy should consist of the following:
1. Ministry of Justice approval through Dong Nai.
2. Travel approval
3. Travel within 2-3 weeks of getting travel approval.
4. Meet Sarah and bring her home! (This is about a 3 week process that we will outline in more detail later.)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7