Our Colombian Adoption Story

We began the adoption process 2 1/2 years ago because it was something Jeff and I have always wanted to do and we believe God has placed it in our hearts.  We decided on Colombia, South America because my brother's family speaks fluent Spanish and my sister-in-law is from Xalapa, Mexico, so we thought a child from Colombia would be a good fit for our family.  We are learning to speak Spanish as well.  We initially had a 3 1/2 year wait, unless we would be able to adopt a waiting child before then (which is what I was hoping for).  When our May Colombia newsletter from CHI (Children's Hope International) came I was so excited to see an adorable 2 year old boy named Samuel.  I sent our social worker an e-mail saying Jeff and I were interested and then we had to wait two days to make sure no other families came forward.  I could not sleep because I was so excited about this little boy!  My dad was reading the book of Samuel at the time and I looked up the meaning of the name "Samuel" which means heard from God.  I prayed for Samuel to find a loving family and could not wait to hear from our social worker.  She called and gave us the good news we've been waiting for!  Our first step was to send a letter of request for Samuel to Colombia.  We still have to hear back from Colombia that we have been matched with him before it's "official".  We have seen pictures of him and I immediately feel in love with his smile!  We pray for everything to go smoothly so we can be matched with Samuel.  We will not get a travel date until then and all the paperwork is updated and sent to Colombia.  If all goes well we hope to travel early Fall.