It’s been almost two months since our last adoption update so we just wanted to fill everyone in on where we are right now in the journey.
Two months ago we were officially matched with the most precious little 6 month old boy! He is perfect. He has the most beautiful skin and the prettiest big brown eyes ever and just such a gift from God. We are so in love already. So of course, we cannot wait to have him here with us in our arms and our girls are just so excited about him. Its really the sweetest thing! We all love him so much already! By the way, we got an update from his orphanage and he is doing really good! They also sent a couple videos that were just precious!
So, there have been a couple things that have happened since our last update. The first thing is that we got our I-800 immigration approval. This did take a little longer than usual with Covid, but nonetheless we got it! The second major step since we received I-800 approval was filing for his immigration visa, which registers us for our article 5 approval. This is what we are currently waiting on. I know all of these approvals will be foreign for some of you or most of you reading this, haha. The main point is, lots of big approvals happening that are all necessary to get him here. We are praising God that these approvals, even though they are moving slower than usual, are still happening!
The next step after article 5 approval is getting another major approval from India called a No Objection Certificate. This is India saying that they have no objection to our adoption. After NOC, we will be able to proceed to the court process. We would greatly appreciate your prayers that these next steps (Article 5 & NOC) would move smoothly and quickly.
Another exciting thing that we did last month was FINALLY get our puzzle put together. A big shout out to our family, especially Sis (Lauren) and Dad (Voight) for being such troopers and spending multiple hours working on a puzzle that was mostly all white! Haha. The puzzle was a beast. But, so thankful that it’s put together, framed and ready to hang in his room. It has been so neat to look at the puzzle and see all the people who have been a part of this journey. I know we say this over and over but we truly mean it with all of our hearts, that we absolutely couldn’t have done this without your support. The amount of prayer and encouragement we have gotten has been so special and has made the biggest difference. Thank you so much to everyone who has prayed, encouraged us and given financially. We appreciate you so much! I cannot wait for the day when I get to take that puzzle off the wall, turn it around and show him all of the special people who God used to make his adoption story possible.
Ways to Pray:
Continued prayers for our little guy. For protection, safety and continued healing. That his heart will be prepared for us and our family.
You can join us in praying that he will be here by Christmas, Lord willing.
Pray for his caregivers. For their salvation and for their health during Covid.
For our family in the hard wait and as we prepare for the transition to come.
Thanks everyone for your love and support!
Love, The Smiths