Where is our Dossier? WE ARE IN ET!!!

Just for fun!  Let's follow our Dossier to ET!

I will post when it has moved.  (The following is from Duni, our coordinator.)

Dear Families,
Your authenticated dossier has been mailed to Ethiopia today!

As you track your dossier, please keep a couple of things in mind. First of all, do not be worried if the package makes stops in European or other countries for long periods of time. This is normal, and I've seen this happen often. Also, when the FedEx office in Ethiopia receives packages for our in-country staff representative, they call him to pick up the package rather than deliver it to his office. Often times the FedEx report will say “wrong address”, we are not sure why this happens, because the package has yet to be shipped to a wrong address when it says this, so please do not be alarmed by this, it is something that we have spoken to FedEx about multiple times. Because the FedEx office is not in close proximity to our staff member's office, it often takes him a few days to pick up the package. If you see notes that the package has arrived in Ethiopia but not been picked up, this is why.

Ship date
Jun 13, 2008
Reference
VA/ET_Tucker dossier
Destination
BOLE SUB-CITY, ADDIS ABABA ET 
Priority Box
Weight
13.8 lbs.--BIG BABY!!!

Jun 13, 2008
2:17 PM
Package data transmitted to FedEx

Jun 16, 2008
4:21 PM
Picked up
HERNDON, VA
9:30 PM
Left FedEx origin facility  

Jun 17, 2008
12:15 AM
Arrived at FedEx location
MEMPHIS, TN
2:12 AM
Departed FedEx location
MEMPHIS, TN
11:38 PM
In transit
FRANKFURT DE
11:38 PM
Arrived at FedEx location
FRANKFURT DE

Jun 19, 2008
12:45 AM
In transit
ADDIS ABABA ET
Package available for clearance
7:30 AM
Int'l shipment release
ADDIS ABABA ET

Relaxation, Anniversary & DTE Date!!!

The family and I returned yesterday from a much needed vacation.  Away from schedules, work, laundry, cooking, etc...

We spent 4 glorious days in Destin, Florida relaxing and baking on the beach!  (Yes, we did use sunscreen!)

We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary and it was wonderful!  

While in Destin, we received our official DTE date!!!  (This is so crucial in the adoption world!) DTE-Dossier (all our paperwork) to Ethiopia.  

We can start the count NOW!  7-9 months when we should receive the CALL about our precious baby girl.  This time frame can change.  Hopefully, if will not change to a further wait time.

It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
Lamentations 3: 22-23

Good... no GREAT news!

WOW!

This has been an exciting week in our adoption world!

On Monday, I headed out to Austin to get our Dossier state certified.

I drove the entire way! Pretty good for someone who does not like the freeway...at all!

My good friend drove with me! We had a blast on our drive!



After certifying the documents we ate lunch at a Moroccan place and then went in search of a FedEx!

I was literally shaking with excitement as I was copying the last crucial papers. I was so excited that I left my credit card in the machine in Austin (did not realize until I was home).

So...the Portilla *paper* baby was priority overnighted to McLean, VA on Monday. It was received on Tuesday and our agency has been doing the last leg of the certification and authentication process.



So what happens next?

OH MY!---Our DTE (dossier to Ethiopia) date will be next Friday, June 13, 2008.

Our 16th Wedding Anniversary. I can't think of a better present.

We *officially* start the WFR (waiting for referral) phase now. As of date, 7-9 months is the expected time for a healthy infant girl 0-12 months. January-March 2009 we should receive "the call."

What I am thankful for:

Safe travel of our documents to VA.
God's continued faithfulness.
That I am at peace with the wait.

Please pray for:

Continued peace in this next phase.
Our baby who is probably growing inside her birth mommy. Also, the birth mom's health and safety.
Continued referrals from the two orphanages in Ethiopia.

Thanks for sharing in our JOY!