Travel plans finalized!

Monday, November 21, 2011

We're leaving on a jet plane and we'll be back next year! Flights are purchased and we have 11 days left in our home as a family of 3! I am somewhat running around with my head cut off...but I know God is going to pave the way and everything will be just fine. We will officially get to meet our daughter on Wednesday Dec. 7th. Would you pray for that day that she would recognize us from our pictures? I am so nervous about that. I cannot wait until I get to be the one to hug her and take care of her. Zac obviously keeps his emotions a little more held in, but this last weekend we were so blessed by our church to spend the weekend at Weekend to Remember. It is such a blessing to have that time together to connect and communicate. So thankful. I will update again prior to leaving, but you still have a couple more days if you'd like to donate and have a chance to win some awesome prizes. Winners will be announced on Dec. 1st. Blessings!

3 comments:

Sherrie said...: This is so so so exciting. I hope you can post updates while you are there so we can see how it's going!!1; November 21, 2011 at 5:22 PM
Anna said...: She is soooo beautiful. I am so happy for you, thankful the process has been so smooth. Happy thanksgiving and Merry Christmas all in one!!!!; November 22, 2011 at 9:53 AM
Anna said...: I shared your beautiful story on my blog today. ;); November 22, 2011 at 10:26 AM

Our Adoption Journey

~December/January- Goal to travel to bring Sister home!

~January - $300 to be paid for Erin and Adriana for an inter-country flight to Guayaquil to get Adriana's visa

~December - $1500 to be paid for apartment in Cuenca

~ December - $3500 to be paid for Zac, Erin, and Adriana's flights for travel.

~Nov. 4th - $2195 to be paid for Adriana's in country fees..medical, visa, etc.

~Oct. 25th - $3750 Paid to to adoption agency

~October 24th - Official Referral!

~Sept. 17th - Flapjack Fundraiser in Galseburg, IL raises $1200

~ August - Amy Roach Dove Chocolate fundraiser raises $80

~Aug 26th - Mail approval and final papers for dossier for translation to adoption agency

~August 25th - Travel to Des Moines to get apostille for USCIS approval

~August 24th - USCIS I-800A Approavl arrives in mail!

~July 29 & 30th Garage sale raises $1300

~July 15th $3750 (50% of fee) paid to adoption agency

~July 14th - Dossier minus USCIS approval arrives in country for translation.

~July 28th - USCIS finger printing appt.

~July 9th -USCIS fingerprinting (walk in) and got all apostilles - $110 paid to Des Moines Secretary of State

~June 17th Form I-800a mailed $890 paid to Homeland Security

~June 4th Pancake Breakfast, Bake sale, and Silent Auction Fundraiser raises $5000

~June - Andrea Barcz Norwex fundraiser raises $200

~May 20th - Passport Arrives!

~May 15th - 3rd and final home study visit $500 paid

~April 26th - 2nd home study visit

~April 25th -passport request sent $151.00 paid

~April 17th - 1st home study visit $500 paid

~April 16th - Garage sale/bake sale fundraiser raises $1500!

~April 6th - Adoption Learning Partners - $176.00 for Hague Classes.

~March 31st - Fingerprints and background checks mailed $100 paid, Adoption agency contract mailed with deposit $200 paid

~March 27th - Zac agrees to move forward to bring Sister home.

~March 20th - We see Sister's picture, I asked Zac to pray for God's guidance

Our Story

Zac and Erin have been married for 5 years and have one daughter, Adelynn, 3, who was born with designer genes. Zac and Erin have always wanted to have a large family and after the birth of their daughter Erin was always looking at the children on the Reece’s Rainbow website and was feeling called to adopt. Erin often brought up the topic of adoption with Zac but he did not feel ready.
In March 2011, Zac and Erin had friends that traveled to Ecuador on a missions trip. Erin felt the nudge that their friends would more than likely encounter a child with Down Syndrome since they were going to work in orphanages all over Ecuador. Upon returning from their trip, the missionaries had shared some pictures in a private album and Erin found their daughter to be. Erin showed Zac the picture and stated that she just wanted Zac to “think about it and pray about it”. One week later, Zac was convinced, this little girl was meant to be a Harlan, and how long was it going to take to get her home. Erin was ecstatic and quickly jumped into adoption action! The process has gone smoothly thus far and the Harlan’s are praying to have their daughter home by Christmas! Addie is ready to have “Sister” home.

The Journey to Bring Sister Home

Monday, November 21, 2011