Happy Birthday and Adoption Update

Although we were not able to be with Richard for his 3rd birthday (yesterday), we had a wonderful time with friends celebrating his special day.  We sincerely hope his 4th birthday will be with us, and we cannot wait to throw a big party for him then.  

Korean BBQ was delish.

The kids (and adults alike) loved watching the lantern going off, sending birthday blessings off to Korea.

And the evening was finished off with fireworks!  We hope he enjoyed his birthday in Korea, and we cannot wait to make it such a special day next year. 

We are excited to announce that 889 days since we received his referral, we have FINALLY been submitted for an emigration permit (EP).  We are so excited for this to step to be out of the way.  So, what does this mean?  Our paperwork is now in with the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Korea where they will approve our EP.  This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.  We are prayerful that things will move quickly from this point, and we would love for you to lift this process up in prayer as well.  Since the beginning of the year, I have been praying that we would receive his EP submission before his 3rd birthday, and the Lord allowed it to happen the day before his birthday.  Throughout this process, God has provided many opportunities to see His glory reflected in small ways, and I was so thankful that He allowed this prayer to be answered (EP submission April 9 and his birthday is April 10).  I would love to think we could travel sometime this summer, but it may realistically be closer to fall, but I am so very thankful to finally have progress to report.  

Here is our adoption timeline:

• Initial Application for Adoption - 12/1/2011
• Home Study Sent to Korea - 7/15/2012
• Referral - 11/2/2012
• Dossier to Korea - 12/1/2012, updated 1/20/2014, and updated again with a new agency/house/state of residency 12/12/2014
• EP Submission - 4/9/2015
• EP Approval
• Submitted to Court
• Court Date Issued
• Trip #1 - Appear in Court and Meet Richard
• Trip #2 - Visa Appointment and Custody

Please join us in praying for this process to go quickly from here on out. We hope to have another update very soon!