Text From the U.S. Govt

So who knew the United States Government sent texts?

Apparently they do.  I have a habit of checking my phone in when I get up in the middle of the night (b/c one of the 4 of us is guaranteed to have to go to the bathroom around 4 am each night).  Anyways, I was surprised to find a text from the USCIS this morning stating that they had received our I-600 A packet!  Yes!!  Now, that doesn't mean it has been approved.  But, it's a step anyway.  And steps forward are good.

A recap of how the text came to be:

First, we finally received the Addendum to our Home Study, making it complete & ready to mail.  

Included this too: 

Our cover letter: 

This was really emotional for me to type.  And I'm not an exceptionally 'emotional' person.  But something about writing a letter to our government (of a country that I love so much), expressing our intent to bring two orphans into this country, and getting one step closer to bringing our two babies home....it just felt so, so real.  So tangible.  So close.  And I loved it.  My stomach still gets butterflies reading it again.

We mailed the I-600 A (petition to bring orphans into this country for adoption): 

And you KNOW we had to wear our ADOPT shirts that day!!!  Celebrating another step! 

(and the fact the shirts were all clean at the same time?)

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Meanwhile, a couple more Sippys 4 Siblings have rolled in!!! 

We are so blessed to have friends and family and even strangers who have heard of our story continue to help us.  We are doing an on-going fundraiser where EVERY CENT goes towards our adoption expenses. (It will cost over $35,000)  It's super easy.  We can send you a Sippy Cup or you can use a cup you already have.  We just ask that you collect your spare change.  No time limit.  No rush.  Just whenever it gets full, you can return the sippy w/ the change, or you can 'cash' the change and mail the check.  We hate asking for help, but we know this is much bigger than we can do alone.  We are where we are b/c of God's favor & b/c of the help of others.  We couldn't do it without you!  

Some ideas for your Sippys 4 Siblings cup:

1. Keep it in your car cup holder.

2. Let your kids participate in finding change around the house.

3. Tell your team, small group, church group, etc. about them. 

4.  Take one with you to a meeting, playdate, family gathering.

5. Set one on your desk at work.

For those of you who are already collecting/have collected, what did you do to fill your Sippy?

Every bit helps!  Thank you!

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Next step?

We have the huge task of getting our Dossier completed.

I'm hoping to finish it in maybe a month.  (Those who have adopted before, overly ambitious?)  We should get our I-600A Approval within a month or two.  This must be included in the Dossier.  So, I'm hoping to have it finished by the time we get that back.  
Please pray for this all to fall into place quickly & easily.

Taking steps, 

~ 6 in Love ~