greenfridge: December 2010

Good question. Here's a few suggestions from Ann Voskamp who writes over at A Holy Experience.

Ten Things to Do on Christmas Morning: When all the Gifts are for Him

The video at the bottom of the post is worth your time for sure.

Our adoption timeline at a glance:

July 14, 2007 - Sent Dossier to attorney in Burundi
July 24, 2007 - Received referrals for Justin and Emelyne
August 9, 2007 - Received medical evaluations of J & E
August 16, 2007 - Referrals accepted - gave attorney the green light to go ahead with the legal process
October 28, 2007 - Justin turns 1 year old
December 13, 2007 - First hearing for Justin's Declaration of Abandonment
January 29, 2008 - Emelyne turns 1 year old
April, 8 2008 - We find out that Justin's D of A hearing has been delayed until May 15
April 13, 2008 - First hearing for Emelyne's Declaration of Abandonment
June 24, 2008 - Justin's hearing once again delayed to July 10
July 28, 2008 - Declaration of Abandonment received for Emelyne
September 2, 2008 - Declaration of Abandonment received for Justin
September 3, 2008 - Emelyne's case goes to Central Authority for approval
October 28, 2008 - Justin turns 2 years old
November 12, 2008 - Justin's case goes to Central Authority for approval
January 29, 2009 - Emelyne turns 2 years old
February 24, 2009 - Meeting expected to take place at Central Authority to determine where our files are at in the process. Still waiting to hear back . . .
May 6, 2009 - Hearing takes place at Central Authority - it is determined that an "attestation of death" (for one of our children's parents) is needed from the mayor of Bujumbura. Attestation should be complete the 8th and CA hearing will be rescheduled.
July 7, 2009 - Meeting supposedly took place at CA to get approval on our file . . . still waiting to hear if meeting happened . . .
July 24, 2009 - It's been two years now since we received referral photo's of Justin and Emelyne
July-October, 2008 - Meetings set - meetings canceled - people not in the office - it's just the same old story. Many changes afoot in the CA. Lots of good changes - we're just stuck in the red tape. Hopefully an approval letter will come soon and we can get on with this!
October 28, 2009 - Justin turns 3 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY Justin Marcus Nizagama Green! Your family loves you!
December 2009 - Updating documents that are about to expire
January 14, 2010 - Sent updated documents to re-complete dossier to Burundi
January 19, 2010 - Documents should be in the right hands by now
January 29, 2010 - Happy 3rd Birthday Emelyne Jayne!

greenfridge

Friday, December 03, 2010

what DO you do on Christmas morning when all the gifts are for Him?