I am really not good at keeping up with this blogging thing, but the waiting phase of adoption is overall not that exciting. We did receive an email from our agency February 2, 2015 that the Korean agency (ESWS) has requested our file so preparations can be made to be moved to the ministry (Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare) for the purpose of Charlie's emigration permission (EP). The ministry is a branch of the South Korean government that oversees when and how many EP's are given. Sounds complicated but basically we are waiting on that day for Charlie's EP to be given so we can appear in court (1st trip) and then 4-6 weeks later take custody (2nd trip) of our son and bring him home!
So we continue to wait to be submitted to receive an EP, but having our file being "prepared" is a good step forward. Timelines are not consistent when compared to other families but we have been able to narrow the time frame down somewhat that it's *possible*to travel and meet Charlie before the end of 2015 which is sooner than we originally thought. Of course we are excited but you find your self being guarded and even nervous to even narrow timelines down because adoption regardless of domestic or international is so out of your control. So we keep trucking along with life staying busy with work, church, and with our family and friends.
During our wait we did participate and formed "Team Hardin" in the Charlotte Chosen 10-Mile race in October of 2014 as a fundraiser. We had an awesome turn out from friends and family who helped us in raising $5,076.25 toward our adoption expenses. We are so very grateful for everyone who signed up to support us. We cannot thank you enough, this was a tremendous blessing!
 |
| Missing a few but for the most part "Team Hardin". You guys are the best, thank you so much! |
 |
| Jen my co-worker and good friend who held me accountable with training for the race! So much fun hanging out and "trying to talk" while running after work. Proud of us! |
 |
| So fun to do this race together. So proud of my man! |
 |
| Megan and Melanie two awesome ladies who run competitively. You girls did awesome! Thanks for being a part. |
 |
| Joy my best friend since second grade! There is not a large enough caption for what a loyal friend this girl is. Truly thankful! |
 |
| Kids fun run! |
 |
| My sweet college friend Wendy who also likes to sign up for races and torture herself :) We did a 1/2 marathon a few years back together and I could barely walk afterwards! Wendy we should just get coffee next time! |
 |
| Our awesome friends, the Robinson's who have supported us from the beginning and have written multiple reference letters for us! |
 |
| The "We Love Charlie" shirts were a surprise as we crossed the finish line from our awesome family! We love you all! |
 |
| Our good friends Sarah and Taylor after the race (who I failed to get a picture with) :) Had to include you guys! |
Also during the wait we get to send Charlie a care package every other month. It's really fun to be able to pick things out to send him. We get to include pictures of us and also write letters to his foster family. We also receive monthly pictures of him and occasionally we get to see him opening items from his care package which has been really special and fun! It really does help with getting through this crazy wait.
 |
| Care Package 2 |
 |
| Care Package 3 |
 |
| Care Package 4 |
Our house continues to remain on the market but over the holidays we decided to prepare Charlie a room. It started out with us deciding just to paint and well now it's fully finished! What can I say, it was therapeutic, and fun! :)
Until we have custody of Charlie we cannot post any pictures online of his sweet little face. But trust me he is one little cutie, with sweet chubby cheeks and he is getting so big! Thank you again for those of you have joined Brent and I in this journey whether it is through your prayers and words of encouragement, writing reference letters, or participating in fundraisers. We are truly thankful for you in our lives and your support.
 |
| Charlie at 18 months opening his care package :) |
