There are currently 15 families in the process. Here is an overview to help you get a sense of perspective.

As you read this, one family is enjoying Burkina's balmy temperature of 90 degrees. That's not bad for Burkina,  where temperatures can soar well over 100 during some seasons. Ruth reports that the unification of this family and their little boy has been a smooth and joyous one. I will be updating the Travel Packet each time a new family returns home, adding/editing items as they are suggested.

Another family is leaving for Burkina in less than a week. They are excited about picking up their little girl. The traveling families will overlap in their stay and will no doubt have an opportunity to forge new, profoundly important friendships.

Next on the plate, a family just received word that their adoption should be finalized this week.

The next family has their I-800 clearance and is just waiting for the final processes and adoption on the Burkina end.

Four families have their I-800A approvals and their dossiers are complete and being "passed around" in Burkina.

Three other families have submitted their I-800A's and dossiers and are just waiting on their USCIS approval.

Four families are on the front end of the process. We're waiting for their Adoption Services Contract, homestudy, and other preliminary documents.

So I just asked a coworker, what else can I write about this month? What would YOU like to know about Burkina? Short and to the point, she declared, "Food." Good idea!

The Travel Packet addresses this a bit, but here's a quick rundown on edibles. Peanuts are another big crop in Burkina. Depending on the time of year you arrive, you will probably be delighted to observe the haystack-like piles of raw peanuts, freshly dug from the red soil. George Washington Carver would simply love Burkina! Instead of trying to cover all the great food in Burkina, here's something to try at home:

Piles of peanuts!

Peanut Stew