PROVISIONAL VISA APPROVAL!

It.  Came.
IT CAME!
Yesterday afternoon we checked the snail mail and there, in our mailbox, was the coveted letter from US Immigrations granting us Provisional Approval for Solomon's US visa!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!

Just when you think you cannot possibly survive another moment of the unknown and the waiting and the *ugh*, God drops that huge blessing in your lap.  THIS IS SUCH A HUGE ANSWER TO PRAYER.  YOUR PRAYERS.  OUR PRAYERS.  ALL GLORY TO GOD!

We know that some of you are asking , "Provisional approval?  Provisional?  What's that all about?"  Based on the documentation and evidence that we have provided, the US considers Solomon a legitimate orphan in need of a forever family.  Essentially, they acknowledge that he is not a victim of child trafficking (that he was not forcefully or wrongfully taken from his birthfamily) and can ethically become a part of our family.
The provisional part, however, means that we still have two more boxes to check before they will actually print Solomon's visa and allow us to bring him into the US.
1. Medical Examination: can't have scary, mystery illnesses leaking into the US borders!
2. Visa Interview: this is sort of a last-chance review of all the documentation where our POA (Power of Attorney) actually brings Solomon into the Embassy.  Obviously, since Solomon isn't really talking yet, our POA will be interviewed so let's be sure to pray for him (his name is Solomon too!!)!

Over the next 1-2 weeks, the US immigration office will be transferring our files to the US Embassy in Ghana.  Once we receive notification that the Embassy has our files, we will request a day for our visa packet pick-up (always on a Wednesday).  Our hard-working social workers in Ghana will schedule and take Solomon to his medical exam and then we will schedule for Solomon's visa interview at the Embassy.  Visa interviews take place on Mondays or Tuesdays and if we pass, Solomon's visa will be printed that following Friday. AAAAAAH!
Just a few more steps.  So close.

So, yes.  We're waiting again...but hopefully just a few more weeks with an end date in sight!!!!  Pray with us that our files arrive promptly in Ghana and that we are able to schedule the packet pick-up, exam, and interview ASAP.

And even more good news: our super de duper hard-working social workers in Ghana acquired Solomon's passport on Monday...this time with the correct birthdate.  WOOT WOOT!  This is a week full of praises....

"You who bring good news to Zion,

go up on a high mountain.

You who bring good news to Jerusalem,

lift up your voice with a shout,

lift it up, do not be afraid;

say to the towns of Judah,

'HERE IS YOUR GOD!'

See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,

and He rules with a mighty arm.

See, His reward is with Him,

and His recompense accompanies Him.

He tends His flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in His arms

and carries them close to His heart;

He gently leads those that have young..."

Isaiah 40:9-11