Timeline

2005

Discussed adoption as the means to build our family in our dating relationship.

January 2012

Started to explore the reality of adoption and the country to adopt from. We

entertained the idea of adopting domestically and internationally.

February 2012

Drew bumped into an old pastor friend and was wondering where people at his

Church were adopting. He mentioned the need in Ethiopia right now. Our hearts

were immediately beating for that country. This was partnered with the fact that my

stepdad was already so involved in that country, and plants businesses for the

people to profit in Ethiopia. So, Ethiopia seemed like a good fit.

March 10^th, 2012

Told Mom and Buffy about Ethiopian adoption; they couldn't have been more thrilled...tears!

March 18^th, 2012

Decided to Adopt with America World Adoption Agency, and chose a little boy from

the age of 0-1.

March 19^th, 2012

Drew came home so excited, and said ‘babe, can we name our son, Miles?’ Miles it is.

March 20^th, 2012

Announced the adoption decision with our small group! They were SO supportive!

March 25^th, 2012

Told Daddy, Rhonda, Chase and Zach! They were very excited and encouraging!

March 26^th, 2012

Pre-Application Submitted!

March 27^th, 2012

Told Mom and Pops Mercer. They cried and cried with excitement!

March 31^st, 2012

Bought Miles a sweet little chair for our play room

April 4^th, 2012

Submitted our application

April 5^th, 2012

Started announcing to the rest of our siblings an family...so fun!

April 23^rd, 2012

Got an elephant charm necklace with a key. It’s a prayer necklace I use to remind

myself to pray for sweet Miles.; For his parents, for his care, for his family, for

his health. The key part of the necklace reminds me to pray that the Lord keeps him,

and protects him.

April 18^h, 2012

Revised application.

April 19^th, 2012

Met with an adoptive family. This is the family that sparked our attention on

African adoption in 2010. Drew, knew before meeting them that it was going to be

the very same couple we saw in Starbucks. We loved that family then, and even

more now. God does not work by coincidence.

April 24^th, 2012

Application approved!

May 2^nd, 2012

Finished first set of paperwork, and second check!

May 3^rd, 2012

Decided on the fundraiser! Puzzle pieces J

May 8^th, 2012

AWAA received our paperwork and began to process

May 15^th, 2012

Began Dossier! (6 month long paper chase, otherwise known in the adoption world

as the ‘paper pregnancy’)

May 15^th, 2012

Assigned with our Social Worker and Family Coordinator.

May 18^th, 2012

Signed and faxed another adoption agreement

May 20^th, 2012

Assigned with our family coordinator and social worker

May 30^th, 2012

Dossier guidelines form faxed (Just the guidelines packet was 30 pages…woofta!

June 18th, 2012

1^st Home Study # 1: Educational

-Delays with life & jobs & madness-

September 7th, 2012

Great news for a new career path for Drew!

September 25th, 2012

Home Study # 2: House Inspection (Nordy barked a tad too much, but all was approved)

September 27th, 2012

Physicals

October 16, 2012

Home Study # 3 & 4

October 23, 2012

Home Study Submitted!!