As travel looms closer, the pace and preparation has definitely picked up. We have been engaged in weekly meetings with our caseworker to prepare for various potential scenarios and to help us think through how to respond in each case. This is a sign that we are about to launch, as this pre-travel training usually occurs quite close to actual travel.
We are hoping to hear exact dates within the next week or two. One of the psychologists in Brazil whose responsibility it is to prepare the children for the news is returning from maternity leave in August. Once she gets back, she will be able to let us know exactly how much time she needs. This also means the children will be informed about us and the adoption within the next several weeks. Please be praying for them as this is big news that will certainly come with a whole range of various emotions.
This past week the forms to apply for immigration visas (needed once a citizenship hearing date is set) were filled out online, giving us much sympathy for non-US citizens! Even with a very helpful cheat sheet put together by Lifeline, filling out each one was quite a chore and when multiplied by 4 took about 1.5 hours.
We are also moving rapidly to get the house ready – rooms have been decluttered and things sorted to give away or donate. The bed is getting closer to being done (the base skeleton is complete, drawer, shelves, doors, and final attachments are still in progress) and we are finding solutions for other things (clothes, storage space, etc.) while trying to minimize any new purchases especially since we will not be remaining in Munich long term.
Thank you for your continued prayers! We certainly need them and will look forward to updating you once we have confirmed travel dates!
Halfway Around the Globe 