Yesterday Madeline and I made a trip to the local post office with "the" stack of paperwork - six months of hard work - and mailed it to AGCI in Portland. Tiffany will look it all over, make sure all of our i's are dotted and our t's are crossed, then send it in for translation and authentication at the Chinese consulate in Chicago. From there it goes to China. And we wait for China to look at it and approve it, and send us our official acceptance letter. I've been told that this could take anywhere beween one month and three months from the time they receive it. And then there's this, that, and the other that we have to file with both the USA and China after we receive that approval letter. Our hopes for travel in June are gone; the earliest possibility would be late July, but most likely it would be August or September. I'd be lying if I said that pushing that timeline back didn't break my heart. Traveling during the summer would be so perfect with Matt having the summer off from his teaching job, and we would have such fun together as a family of five getting to know (and attach to!) each other with Lake Michigan nearby and a farm full of fun things to do right at home.
I rest easy in knowing that my work at this point is done, but the "Type A" that lives inside me is screaming at the loss of control at this point in the process. Today I pray that there will be no hang-ups, no delays, and that Elliott is safe and happy today.
My dear wonderful sister.
ReplyDeleteI know that waiting game oh so well. Believe that everthing happens for a reason and that Elliott is happy today with dreams that he doesnt yet understand.
At night he is dreaming of a farm of animals and pets with sisters and a wonderful mom and dad to tuck him in at night. Everytime to feel yourself overwhelmed by having to wait, write him and tell him all the thoughs you are having. Share them with him when he comes. Our sweet little Elliott will be here sooner than you think.
Maybe, its a sign that the girls needed a little more one on one time and yet Elliott will still get here sooner than you think. It doesn't matter the reason. Its your journey, its his journey and I promise it will matter to all of you when he gets older. He will want to hear it over and over.
Have faith. I love you!
-Your big sister, Laura
I dont know if I have ever read such words that truly would put someone at ease. what wonderful words of hope, joy, and pure excitement. Yes, just believe that God is putting some "funny" looking animals in his dreams that will one day make sense to him, He is the luckiest little man and you are blessed to be his parents. You admire me everyday April. i love ya girl. Chrissy
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