Journey to China

Round 3 of paperwork

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:36:00 +0000

Our paperwork for the US gov is off again with another check! Our paperwork is good each time for 18 months. Obviously, when we started this, 18 months was the wait time. Three times we are filing out the same forms- changing very little only our ages!
I was hesitating this time around b/c I am not bringing in a salary right now. I had already started the homestudy re-write in June, so some money was already spent. I guess I had to continue and hope for the best.
Once we get our paperwork update - it will be good for another 18 months. Then we will be grandfathered (no, not grandparents YET) and ask for another free extension for another 18 months. After that, it will be really hard to renew again.
We can't help that our original adoption family plan has changed and we will be 3 years older at that point.

Hopeless

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:02:00 +0000

I used the China Referral forecast calculator and this is what it came up with...

Our prediction for LID 2006-09-29
China has 191 days of dossiers to be processed before they get to your dossier. China currently processes about 3.1 days of dossiers each month.

Our best guess: 2013-04-17

Since China generally sends out referrals in a batch about once per month, your referral date could easily vary +/- one month depending on whether you just get included or just get missed in a particular batch.
About 4 more years....???????...

I'm so sad....

Counting the days

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:51:00 +0000

RQ gave a great post about visually helping kids understand the days before our referral. She mentioned using items in a jar like marbles or pennies or something that you could put a large amount in. After a referral date is posted by CCA* , then take out that number of days that were matched.
I think a jar would be really helpful for ME, too!

Here is our calculation of "days" left in line:
It is 192 days from the start date March 22, 2006 (the latest match date) to the end date (Sept. 29, 2006 -our LID date), end date included.

Or 6 months, 8 days including the end date

Alternative time units
192 days can be converted to one of these units:
16,588,800 seconds
276,480 minutes
4608 hours
27 weeks (rounded down)

You Might Be Adopting From China If:

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:09:00 +0000

(borrowed from The Shelton Family blog)

...you know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways

...you've been expecting a baby for over 3 years

...you understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world

...you've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S

...you know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Macy's or dishes

...your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4)

...you never know how many days next month will have

...you know that babies come in batches

...you've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime

...you automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl

...you own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons -because you don't know when or how big (I will add that she has more clothes than I do!)

...you look twice when you see a ladybug

...you're more interested in what will happen in April 2006 than in April 2009

...you know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 5 day months

...your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years

...you know who the Rumor Queen is ... AND ... you don't know who she is

...you know that forecast doesn't have anything to do with the weather

...you've waited so long, they re-checked your fingerprints to see if they changed

...trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles

...when you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals

This one made me laugh AND cry! God is good and if it is meant to be then it will be...

An Update of Sorts....

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:04:00 +0000

WOW! It has been five months since I did my last post. It isn't because I haven't been near a computer but as I said in my holiday letter - not much to say.

We are still waiting. We will go through another renew process this summer to keep our paperwork current. Way back I said that we wouldn't renew unless we were close. Well, we aren't much closer- random polls suggest anywhere from March 2010 on a good day to Dec 2015 on a bad day.
We will renew- it is just more waiting. While we soul search - I still feel the need to keep going. Like - I can't let go! I will try to use this time to keep reading information to help train us for a variety of adoption scenarios.

It has been 3 years this month since we made the decision and contacted an agency. The estimate at that time was 18 months. A bit long (*snort*) but we will use the time to get ready.

Still moving slowing but forward. They are on March 6th, 2006 LID - We are Sept 29, 2006 not far on a yearly calendar but may be years in a referral away. At this point - not much else to do....

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Here is a short update on the adoption.

Sept. 29, 2008 was our 2 years of waiting anniversary.

Referrals were matched at the end of Sept. for people with LID (paperwork dates in Ch*na) through Feb. 15, 2006.

The line is still moving. People are still receiving referrals.

March is a huge month of people waiting. We hope they can get through that month by Jan 2009.

Our USGIS paperwork will expire in Sept. 2009. I hope we have a better projection of the time frame.

I took a new job and love it! This keeps me focused and organized. Maybe I should use this time to get established in my job/career so that when princess does come, I can have both.

Another update

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:18:00 +0000

We took another small step in line this month. I think the term "baby steps" is an ironic play on words in this case.

We were lucky to have a set of referals this month since the speculation was there wouldn't be any due to the Olypm*cs. Most of the gov agencies have closed until they are over. Next month will also be small IF they are able to get any at all. Many people still waiting in IA are hopeful that the rumor of things speeding up after this month comes true. There are many prayers for more matching, and we are among them.

The predictions if things continue or slow even farther down are horrible. But we are almost in our 2nd year of waiting. There are many more important needs in the world than my desperate plea for answers. I have seen my selfish ways too often. If I can keep busy enough and avoid the daily speculations- I can get through this using more patience.

Someone the other day didn't like how I was rushing to get something back from service- She scolded me and said "slow down, You have to have patience. Just wait, in time."
Blah! Blah ! Blah! I wanted to shout like a two year old - I have been waiting! I am tired of it!" Then wanted to throw myself down in a temper tatrum. BUT I did not. I did manage a half smile through gritted teeth though.

We can do this. 2010 doesn't look so far away anymore. A special little girl is there for us. I love to see the people's news of the latest referrals. Someday it will be us, looking back telling people it was worth the wait.

Latest Referrals

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:07:00 +0000

The latest referrals were for people logged in (LID) with paperwork was from January 13-20th. That is seven days further we move up. Better than last month's batch but slower than last year at this time. Moving forward is still a plus.

The rumor is to get to March 2006 by the end of this year. March has a lot of families logged in. It will take a while to get that paperwork done & matched.

We are LID end of September 2006 & still in line hoping for some faster matching.

Congrats to all those who waited for 29 months to see their new family members!

What do you say?

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:04:00 +0000

The question is caring & hopeful but my answer is so full of emotions that I am not sure if this is what people are ready to listen to. Everyone means well, but do they really want to hear me ramble again?

"How is the adoption going?"

My favorite picture. Patience.
We are waiting. Still waiting. Yes, this is the longest wait for IA with Ch*na. Our paperwork will expire again in May 2009. We will have to decide to continue by refiling the paperwork or pull out. I am desperately hopeful at this point. Why so long? Many reasons- but this is the way it is right now. We have a closet full of clothes, books & toys for "princess." The boys have written stories about having a sister to play with, take care of and spoil.
I was devastated by the news of the Ch*na earthquake, the schools and the people that lost their lives, homes, family. I did get upset though that I counted at least 20 orphanages in the effected region. Why are there that many orphanages when there are so many willing people?

I guess it is a culture that I will have to keep learning about, empathising, and understand.
Thank you for asking.

Interesting Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Consider the postage stamp;
its usefulness consists in
the ability to stick to one thing
till it gets there.

-josh billings 1818-1885

No news. Still waiting...

For Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:29:00 +0000

Not much is new. We are very excited to have spring here and some nicer weather. Here is our dog with her pal playing tug O war.

We passed our 18th anniversary of waiting. We haven't rec'd our latest update paperwork but the longer our gov takes to process this then the longer we have until it expires.

We rec'd our passports in just 4 weeks. They are good until 2018. I hope we have travelled to China before then!
Just keeping busy & enjoying the boys. Maybe applying for a new job.

The latest referrals were reported to take the current placement date to Jan 9th, 2006. Congrats to those who are celebrating. At least we are in 2006.

Still waiting

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:17:00 +0000

I haven't posted much since there isn't much to post.

Just Waiting...
Waiting for the next set of referrals to be official.
Waiting as we just passed our 17th LID anniversary.
Waiting for the new 171 form from our paperwork renewal.
Waiting for answers to many questions with IA adoption in China.
Just Waiting.....

Starfish Supply Raiser...

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:11:00 +0000

This information is posted on fellow adopter's blog Red Mary Janes to spread the word about helping out a special charity.

Starfish Foster Home is run by an angel. The dedication she has for the children is beyond any words. If you are not familiar with Amanda or the Starfish Foster Home in China, please visit their blog at 'Chinese Starfish Blog' and the Chinese Starfish Organization website for donations and information.

Starfish Foster Home is always in need of small-item donations! Some things are just difficult to get in China. At the moment, they need the following items. Due to import regulations, it is better to receive new items.

Long sleeved onesies or body suits from 0-3to 2T. We need some for next year
Winter sleepers, the ones with covered feet from about 6-9 months to 3T.
Any summer clothes, Preemie to 2T.
Summer shoes from 0 to 6 children's.
Vick's Baby rub
Infant Motrin and Tylenol
Gripe Water from Amazon.com
Pelican plastic bibs
Baby sunscreen
Plastic backed changing table covers
Plastic backed bibs
Playtex Bottles (the ones with the bags in them)
Playtex nipples (the have four different kinds some of each will do)

If you would like to help the Starfish Foster Home by supplying any of these items or any other items for small children, e-mail Kim at timnkim@gmail.com or go directly to the Chinese Starfish site to get mailing information.

She will be collecting the items throughout the month of February and then mailing them to Chinese Starfish at the end of the month.

Even if you cannot donate at this time- please check out the Chinese Starfish blog and the mission of this foster home at Chinese Starfish Foster Home. It is very inspiring to know that angels are out there.

It is 16!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:40:00 +0000

This case it is not a sweet sixteen.

Right now this adoption blog is nothing more than a reminder of another month waiting.

The current wait is 24-26 months. What this means is that people who have just received a child referral have waited 24-26 months. Rumors & speculations are telling us that we have 3-5 more years. 2008 is not really possible without a miracle. 2009 is less likely to happen also.
Have Faith. I do. But not necessarily that this adoption will actually take place. I have faith that the divine power is in control and knows what is best. His plan may not include this adoption. That I am accepting. Depressed? Of course, but we have our paperwork in through 2009. Then we will see what will happen.

We are looking into other countries IA programs. We are trying to find the right fit. We started off wanting to expand our family. We decided not to add another into the world with children needing homes. So Ch*na was a perfect fit for us but we would have to wait a year. Well that changed.

We are currently researching Eth*opia. The orphanages and country is in extreme poverty. This seems to be where the need for a new life is greatest. Just some health factors and emotional issues to work through. It isn't the perfect fit but we may be led this path.

So another month waiting. Thanks for reading....see you next month.

The latest updates

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:57:00 +0000

The rollercoaster continues. The latest referrals were for LID up to December 19th, 2005. This was another small batch. Remember I am a Sept 2006 LID.
There is HUGE concern over what is happening with the IA program in China.
People want to know but there doesn't seem to be much information given. This is when the rumors and speculation is high. People need to figure out what is going on and many people have ideas.
I have been bouncing around to check out some.
The Olympics is probably a factor. Speculation is that China is planning on minimizing some of the IA program because image.
There are other rumors that they will only be through Feb 2006 at the end of 2008. Again, this is a tough one- drawing out a lot of emotions on all grounds.
I am going to have to trust this is the path I am meant to take.

This is part of my daily prayers & readings:

"May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. (this is really hard on some days)....
Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love....."

We are renewing our paperwork. All of our doctors reports were good & we are now waiting for the home study update. This should take us into 2009.

Another LID anniversary....

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 19:41:00 +0000

Here we go again. There isn't much to write each month. Trying to stay optimistic, empathising with fellow adopters, and keeping busy.
Not feeling very good with details lately, I sent 50 holiday cards with the wrong adoption blog address. Luckily it didn't take them to something nasty. Just nowhere. Now do I send a postcard with the right address as a follow-up?

I did buy an ornament (see below) but didn't take it out of the box- I might end up sending it to someone who actually goes through with the wait.

We are in the mist of updating our home study. Just had some doctors appointments & our police reports are cleared. There is some paperwork to file with our gov but it isn't as much as the first time. We will wait for another appointment time to be fingerprinted again.

Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 03:20:00 +0000

Hard to post lately. I use this blog for more factual or information for others.
The emotions are still there. Overly controlled on this blog but as I wrote my holiday letters last night- it was hard to update others with "still waiting to adopt."
My dream world was going to have her in our family pictures this year & to welcome her and introduce her to the Christmas card community of friends & family that we have.
Sigh...
I recently watched Evan Almighty with the family & a great friend. I am intrigued and think about a special quote in it lately.
The comment is coming from "God" (Morgan Freeman) to Evan (Steve Carrell)
"If you ask God for courage, does he give you courage or does he give you the opportunity to be courageous?"
So I am going to take this a few steps further -
If you ask God for patience, does he give you patience or does he give you the opportunity to be patient?
If you ask God for strength, does he give you strength or does he give you the opportunity to be strong?

I am trying to learn & grow from these opportunites...

14 LID anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:25:00 +0000

Yeah! We are out of the review room and moving down the hall to the match room but the cart our paperwork is on is in a HUMONGOUS back up line.

Yesterday was our official 14th anniversary. Some people like to celebrate anniversaries - I would like to celebrate the GOTCHA day instead.

More Math

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:04:00 +0000

This information came from another site but they explain some of the math.

Using this information to calculate the number of dossiers ahead of us Sept 2006ers:
as of October 2007 30000 dossiers at CCAA
12600 dossiers for October 2006 - April 2007 if you use 1800 dossiers filed on avererage for those months
3000 dossiers for May 2007 - October 2007 (if you use 500 dossiers files on average for those months)
30000 - (12600 + 3000) = 14,400 dossiers ahead of us
with 7000 referals a year or (7000 / 12= 583 referrals /month)
and 100 files closed per month
14,400 / 683 = 21 months or August 2009.
That would put us at a total wait of about 35 months.

While my thoughts are obvious on this- there is hope for something to change. I guess I will keep up the faith.

We are currently renewing our paperwork with the US gov. We are granted one FREE extension. After our paperwork expires the second time- I believe we will drop out.

13th...

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:04:00 +0000

Well, with mixed emotions it is our 13th month LID ( ie waiting). 13 is good because we are still moving forward. Yep, time has NOT stood still for this ghastly wait.

When we started our paperwork in March 2006, the wait was projected to be about a year to 15 months. So I guess technically we are still in that time frame. Unrealistic to think it could happen so in Dec. I can probably lay it out then.

So another step forward, moving up in file-ville. Happy LID to my fellow line mates.

Referrals for September

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:19:00 +0000

I don't pretend to understand the universe - it's much bigger than I am
Albert Einstein

They have confirmation of referrals through Nov. 30th 2005. The cutoff is not set but doesn't look good according to the rumors. We don't know if Dec.1st - 5th is in or not.

People with Chinese heritage have been expedited through Aug 2006. That is very good news that children are being placed.

Congrats to all of you that see the light at the end of this long tunnel now. This last month was an emotionally rough one.

It's been 12!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 20:24:00 +0000

It has been 12 months that our paperwork has been logged in China. I tried not to think (obsess) about it too much.

My feelings were of mixed emotions. Glad to get through a big milestone but then WHY does it have to be this long?

To be the eternal optimist (which is always challenged) I went to the closet with gifts from friends & family for our China girl. It is packed! see below!
She is blessed and probably not even born yet - this chick has more "stuff" than most children--- her brothers were not so well gifted this early:) Yeah, that's the way it should be for our Asian princess anyway.

I have put together a little rhyme for this occasion.SUNG to 12 days of Christmas.

On the 1st month of LID china girl rec'd...
One lady bug toy.

On the 2nd month of LID china girl rec'd...
Two china dolls and

On the 3rd month of LID china girl rec'd...
Three pairs of boots and

On the 4th month of LID china girl rec'd...
Four special blankets and

On the 5th month of LID china girl rec'd...
Five rubber duckies and

On the 6th month of LID china girl rec'd...
Six golden treasures and

On the 7th month of LID china girl rec'd...
Seven dress shoes and

On the 8th month of LID china girl rec'd...
Eight cute dresses and

On the 9th month of LID china girl rec'd...
Ninth special books and

On the 10th month of LID china girl rec'd...
Ten quilt squares and

On the 11th month of LID china girl rec'd...
Eleven lucky dragon flies and

On the 12th month of LID china girl rec'd...
Twelve little socks and

* ok.. they didn't all actually come in that month but you get the idea- she is loaded! Now all we need is HER!

Outta there!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:25:00 +0000

AUGUST is Outta there! Congrats folks! That was fast- good signs? Anyone see a dragon fly?

September LID is next.
Please no phone calls....

The CCAA has finished
the review of the
adoption application
documents registered
with our office before
August 31, 2006.
The CCAA has finished
the placement of children
for the families whose
adoption application
documents were
registered with our
office before
November 25, 2005.

Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:03:00 +0000

This past weekend we were a part of a fundraiser. Called: An Afternoon at the Museum: a Kid's view.

The kids from 5 families worked on some type of research through the summer to exhibit. There was a cafe, silent auction and art work on display. We were even lucky enough to have a firetruck visit for an hour.
The kids did the planning through a series of meeting over the summer. The kids range in age from 10-5yrs. The kids donated the money raised to Habitat for Humanity and Love without Boundaires. They raised $300. We are so porud of them. It was a long day too.

This is Brett with his Hockey display.

This is Garrett with his animal facts and tree frog display.

Here is the display for the donations.

Dang Nebit!

noreply@blogger.com (Christine) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:58:00 +0000

This is probably the nicest way I can state how upset we are that the latest news is that there were only 4 days LID referrals.
To explain for those not in this twisted mess what just happened is that the Chinese government agency took the whole month of Aug. to move 4 days of LID paperwork. The last 3 referral trends were 7 days. Now it is lower.
When we signed on there was about 3 weeks of referral dates for each calendar month. It has been getting progressively slower- which means - the wait for us is LONGER.
Current predictions for the BEST case scenario from NOW is 2 years for us to recieve a referal. Why this is happening is not clear- not easy to give ONE reason.
We need a miracle that this is not the trend.