It's been awhile!

I'm sure many of you have wondered, as several have asked, if we're still adopting...?

Adopting, Yes. From Ethiopia, No. 

It's been a long and as of late, frustrating journey. I have sat down at least a half dozen times in the last year to write an update and when I read back through my complainer face sermon, I've determined its just better not to post. 

As things got increasingly frustrating with our agency, we decided to table updates and work until

after Sullivan was born as we just wanted to enjoy my pregnancy, and this little miracles arrival.

Recently we started reviewing every thing again with our agency, talking to other waiting families, and interviewing agencies who also have programs in Ethiopia. 

The outlook isn't good. 

Many agencies aren't even accepting new families into their Ethiopian program at this point as everything has slowed down so much due to changes in the rules, and unrest in the country. 

Since Ethiopia is looking like a dead end, and has for awhile, we decided to explore other options. 

During our hunt for answers we learned about two programs, one in Bulgaria and one in China where you can be matched with little ones before the mountain of paperwork even begins! These kiddos have mild to severe special needs. 

We fell in love with a little guy from Bulgaria, but as we took a few days to learn more about his condition he was snatched up by a loving family. After looking at dozens of other kiddos we ran across a little guy from China that we just can't get over! He is adorable and full of love and life! Such a handsome little guy who has a special need that surgery can help correct to allow him to lead a full, healthy life!

With the help from a nice doctor in Maryland, we've gathered a lot of good info on his condition and what he may need. We are super excited about this little one and are hoping to hear back from some doctors at John's Hopkins in Maryland today to see if our thoughts and course of action would be on track for him. As the type-A, planner that I am, I like to understand everything before jumping in with both feet - but we may just need to take a leap...AND...trust...  

Luckily the agency this little one is with is allowing us the time we need to explore and make a well informed decision.

Please pray that we find the answers to our questions. I know we will be heart broken if we don't as our hearts have already grown to love this little one. Please also pray that our first agency is cooperative with the items they have agreed to, to help facilitate us moving down this path and forward with a different adoption agency.

Much love <3 <3 <3

~The Drakes