We are excited to announce we have received and accepted our official referral for Jojo from South Africa. This happened much sooner than expected! Thank you to everyone for praying for this along the way.

With the referral came several pictures and videos along with more detailed medical and personal information on Jojo. We reviewed all of the information with the International Adoption Clinic in Milwaukee and have spent time consulting with medical professionals as well as therapists, friends, and family. Though there are challenges ahead, we are looking forward to the blessing of bringing Jojo into our home and family.

At this point, we are expecting to travel to South Africa in 2-4 months in order to finalize the adoption of Jojo in the South African court system. We will be submitting the I-800 application (a child specific application with all necessary information on Jojo) to USCIS in order to receive their approval to bring Jojo into the U.S. After their approval, a court date will be set in South Africa. We have been told that we will only receive a two week notice for our first appointment in South Africa.

Please specifically pray for a timely response from USCIS and for our planning as we prepare to travel. As we are expecting to be gone 6-8 weeks, we have a lot to do in order to be ready to travel on short notice.  Pray also for Jojo that he would continue to grow and learn as the staff who are currently caring for him work to address his needs.

Stay tuned!

-Joe ad Katy