Submitted!!

We received an email last week from our social worker, Kristin Tipping. She informed us that Lidiya's file has been submitted to the US Embassy! This is done so her visa may be obtained to allow her to enter the US. One of two things will happen: they'll approve the file and issue our travel date or they will request more paperwork/documentation. We are expecting the latter of the two. Either way, we are one more huge step closer to seeing Lidiya again. We should hear something this week...

Finally!

Introducing...

So, I had this plan to post the movie I made introducing our daughter. Then, I encountered technical difficulties. Blogger won't let me upload my movie! Please stand by...

We Passed!!

We got the email at 12:59pm today. We are hers! Celebrating, collecting our thoughts, more to follow...

Sigh...

We were notified this morning that our court hearing took place as planned, and MOWA did review our file but have yet to issue their letter. Belay, Gladney's in-country coordinator, indicated that he suspects MOWA will issue an opinion the early part of next week. Thanks to those of you who sent your positive thoughts! At least MOWA isn't requesting any additional documentation before issuing an opinion on our case!

Well,...

...we received word today that MOWA has reviewed our marriage license and finds it acceptable. We can, at this point, expect a favorable letter. Our court date is this Friday, but we have been told that there is a chance MOWA may not be able to complete our letter by that time. Court will proceed, regardless of whether MOWA is able to issue our letter by Friday. If MOWA is able to complete our letter by Friday, then we pass! If not, then we must wait for MOWA to do so. We appreciate any positive thoughts you may want to send toward Addis Ababa for Friday!

New Court Date

Our second court date has been scheduled for June 24th. The courts are expected to review the requested marriage license and issue another opinion on our case. At this point, we've been given no reason to believe the courts will change their once favorable opinion of our adopting Baby L. Let's hope second time's a charm!