Dossier Sent!

***update: we got our call around 3:45 and we have one tiny revision to make! It is actually more of a recommendation but we will take their recommendation if that means it will be the best for us. They know what they are doing! We will get it sent off tomorrow and wait to hear back. Than we are on the waitlist!***

Wednesday was a HUGE day for us - we got our home study back from Lutheran so we could finally get our dossier sent! First it was making copies (my second trip that day) with the girls in the rain but nothing could bring me down!!

Here is the 132 paged stack (that's the original with two copies!)
After being asked a number of times what all we have been working on to be included, I thought I'd list it out so I can share and remember myself =)

- Power of Attorney x 2 - both notarized, one state certified
- Application letter - notarized
- Photocopy of both passports with notary sheet
- Passport photos
- Photographs of Family
- Photographs of home (internal and external)
- Homestudy - notarized
- Letter's of Employment - notarized
- Financial Statement - notarized
- Original birth certificates
- Original certificate of Marriage
- Medical letters for both - notarized
- Police Clearance for both - notarized
- Two letters of reference - notarized
- Obligation of Post placement reports - notarized
- 2 complete copies of everything above
- Appropriate Fees!

Despite the running around and rain, I was so giddy and nervous getting everything just so and ready to be sent off! After making copies, we met Neil at the post office so that we could get it sent the same day to get there in time to be reviewed on Friday. The lady probably thought I was crazy asking her to take a picture but I'm so glad I asked. After all the hours and time we spent with that paperwork, it was time to celebrate it's drop in the mail.
Could I have a cheesier smile?!
Claire also included something in the package =) She wanted to draw a picture of herself to send to baby brother's country so this is a replica that she gave me for my dashboard. It was too cute not to send so our case worker got a little gift in the package - hopefully it made her smile!
I was trying to think of something to compare this to and all I could think of is maybe in preparing and completing a dissertation. You spend months at a time compiling, revising, stressing, etc. for this moment when you finally get to turn it in to then be reviewed. Haven't been there myself =) but I think that's what I could compare it to.

Next step is waiting to hear if we need revisions - I have the phone right by me to get the call! They are in Oregon so it could come as late as 7 p.m. today =) As soon as we get any revisions made and back to them, we will be officially on the wait list and "paper pregnant" as many like to call it! We will then be working on our immigration paperwork and finger printing but that's nothing compared to what we have done.

Praise God!! This day seemed so far away even 2 months ago! He has truly given us the strength and perseverance to get everything done =)