Next Steps

The next steps of the process is basically me waiting to hear that the process is moving along. No more paperwork to do. Until I get Travel Approval that is. In about a month or less, I should hear that my I-800 application was approved. China has appoved me to adopt Madi. US Immigration has approved me to adopt "a child." My I-800 approval approves me to adopt MADISON. Once they approve this...and they will, they send the approval to the American Consulate in China. Usually about a month after that approval is sent to the American Consulate and my facilitator delivers it to the Chinese Adoption Affairs office, and then they issue me my Travel Approval. All of this should take about 2 months. Once I get my Travel Approval, my agency books a "Consulate Appointment" for me in China. Once all of those appointments and approvals are in hand, I can TRAVEL. LOTS and LOTS of paperwork, but oh so worth it to bring my daughter home. I can expect to travel just before or just after Christmas.

I really thought that this would all happen after the holidays, giving me more time to bank more money for the last bit of expenses needed to finalize everything. (And closer to getting my tax refund). It is all happening so fast now and I am a bit nervous. Nervous about the funds. I am staying calm and trusting that things will come together as they are supposed to. They all have up to this point. In the worse case scenario, I will postpone travel until well after the holidays, closer to the time I will get my taxes back. That will give me a few extra paychecks to bank between then and travel. Of course, my first choice would be to hop on a plane tomorrow, but that is not an option :-)

I am most nervous about how Madi will adjust to all of the changes about to happen in her life. This sweet little girl has had so many losses and traumas in her life. Although this is a happy and wonderful event in OUR life...she has no idea if this is a good thing. I am sure she will be frightened to be leaving everything that is familiar to her. She has no idea that we will love her. That we won't hurt her. That she will be safe with us. It breaks my heart!!

I am also sad to leave my girls behind for this trip. It is the right thing for everyone. I will have time to devote everything to Madi for the two weeks we are in China and we can start bonding without her having to share me with two other siblings. It is the right thing for the girls since they will be staying at home with my Mom who will keep their routine and schedule the same as if I were home. It would have been great to have a travel companion, but I think it will be fine to travel and do this alone. Hopefully I will travel with a group of other parents from my agency. But, if not, I am totally comfortable with navigating this trip alone.

I will keep everyone posted. I am so very thankful and grateful for all of the love, prayers and generosity. I am overwhelmed by everyone who has reached out to us!!!

Love to you from us!!!