Adoption Timeline
November 2010 – officially decide to adopt two children from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
December 2010 – application to placement agency
February 2011 – home study
April 2011 – Fingerprinting
May 2011 – received USCIS approval but it’s incorrect
June 2011 – receive corrected USCIS approval
September 12, 2011 – REFERRAL!
October 2011 – docs sent to DRC court
February 2012 – we passed court! (judgment entered in December 2011) waiting for Certificate of Non-Appeal
March 2012 – Cert of Non-Appeal received for Freddy and Carolyn; Passports received for Freddy and Carolyn; Accepted referral of 9 year old sister
April 2012 – I600 filed for Carolyn and Freddy. I600A filed for Katie. Passports obtained for Carolyn and Freddy.
May 11, 2012 – hear that Katie is through court, waiting on documents
June 2012 – received RFE from USCIS and begin investigation
August 2012 – travel to DRC to investigate, learn documents were fraudulent and terminate adoption proceedings
Amanda
Delighted in the Lord 
Amanda, this is soo exciting! I cannot wait for the two of you to give these children a loving home that they so deserve! Good luck with the rest of the process!
July 18, 2012 at 6:57 pm
Thanks Loryl!!
July 23, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Amanda,
As of Wednesday (as in 5 days ago), my husband and I have been called to adopt. [Long Story] We are praying about all the details (domestic or international, agency or independent, etc.). Still not positive, but we both seem to be drawn to Africa – the DRC, in particular. Our bio daughter’s (she’s 11) heart is also for Africa; and our bio son (almost 9) is just excited!
Anyway, I had to laugh at how God works when I found your blog. I saw that you much be doing “Seven” by Jen Hatmaker. I’ve read several of her books (although not “Seven” yet) and I think reading “Interrupted” a few years ago helped us along this path that has led to adopting. Plus, my husband and I are both lawyers (although I haven’t practiced since having kids).
I’d love to hear about your experience and pick your brain about your experience thus far with the DRC process. I am guessing you can see my e-mail when I submit my comment, so if you would e-mail me if you have a few minutes, I’d be grateful. Praying for your family!
Thank you,
Michelle
August 6, 2012 at 11:54 am
Thanks for writing! I, too, was a lawyer, leaving the BigLawFirm when my second child was born (I guess I am still a lawyer but don’t always feel like it). Our family is also pursuing adoption in the DRC. So, it is great to hear your story, even your struggles. Thanks for putting your emotions out there honestly. We have struggled through the same things on this journey and have had to check our sinful hearts numerous times. So thankful for a God that gives us a spirit of discernment so that we can glorify Him. Keep on the path; He gave you this desire and love for the orphan for a reason. I am certain that He will give you guys a beautiful story to tell. We will add your family to our prayers.
October 3, 2012 at 7:01 am
Thanks Kristen! I am certainly enjoying my time away from the law firm. I would really like to go back to work but in a different environment. We will see where The Lord leads!
October 5, 2012 at 4:59 pm