Once we got back we started filling out our I800 form. We needed some documents from Bulgaria and in a little over a week they arrived. So, we mailed in the I800 almost 2 weeks ago now. We do know they received it and are processing it. Hopefully, it won't be too long before we hear something.
Since getting back we have received around $1,300 from various people. Only $10,000 or so to go. We are so blessed to have friends and family supporting us in our adoption. It is amazing to see God provide to bring our son home through so many people. We applied for 2 adoption grants prior to our first trip, but were denied. Since returning we have applied for one more grant and are waiting to hear from them. So maybe we'll get some good news in the next month or so. Either way, we know God will provide all our needs. He called us to adopt and He is faithful. At this point He's already provided $26,000. What's another $10,000 when our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
We did want to mention how much we enjoyed Bulgaria and how we really cannot wait to return. Not only are we in love with our son, but also we have fallen in love with the country of his birth. Bulgaria is now a part of us and our family. We are now 1/7th Bulgarian! While we were there we asked as many questions as we could about their history and culture which is now a part of our history and culture as a family. We hope to return many times in the future.
We also wanted to mention how amazing the agency in Bulgaria is and how efficient they are. They have and continue to work tirelessly for the families in their care.
Our translator, Maria was amazing as well. She went above and beyond every day. Not only did she translate for us, but she became our tour guide as well. She even kept track of the time for us and made sure we were where we needed to be at the right time. Maria was the perfect match for us in that she was willing to walk all over Sofia with us when time permitted instead of taking public transportation. At one point she even paid our cab fare because she felt responsible when we ran out of time.We were amazed at her wisdom during our time with our son. She was mindful to make sure that we were the first ones he saw when we arrived and not her. Whenever our son asked her for help, she pointed him to us. Maria worked well with us and knew what to translate at the appropriate times without having to ask.
We are missing Andrew and want him home now, but we are trusting in God's perfect timing. Scripture is full of exhortations calling us to remember the works of the Lord. As we look back, we realize just how much God has worked every detail together in his plan. The fact that our home study took a year to complete was necessary to bring us to the only moment we could have found Andrew. Even while we were in Bulgaria, the comment was made to us that it was amazing how things had "lined up" perfectly for us. Whether we ever understand the timing or not, we know that God is trustworthy and works all things together for the good of those who love him.
