A new week...almost!

It's Saturday, and a beautiful one at that. I just stained a section of our fence, and I finally decided it was OK to start preparing for Tyson's arrival again. You see, last week I stopped everything. I did not shop, did not work on his room, nothing. In fact, I closed his bedroom door because I cried each time I stepped or even looked in there.

But it was nice to know on Thursday and Friday to not expect anything. That should sound depressing, knowing that your TA will not be coming to you, but it was a relief just to know that it would not be arriving. Waiting and expecting is excruciatingly painful; but I cannot control when it will arrive. I have heard that in addition to my TA paperwork being in the wrong department, the person who signs TAs at C2A2 has been sick. If someone did sign AND mail them Friday, only then will we see them Monday. I just think that is a slim chance for us.

I do expect to see it next week and leave on August 5th. I think that is the reality. And even though it ticks me off, I have to be OK with it. Do I have a choice? No, I don't, and that is what God is showing me. He's in control, not me.

No TA, but got info as to why

I guess it would help if my paperwork from the US Consulate was in the right department at CCAA. That would surely help speed things up, don't you think?

I am soooooooo angry. I'm sure you can figure out what happened.

I have truly lost faith in this whole system. If God is trying to bring me down to an all time low, it's working. I should be getting ready to be on a plane next week. Instead, my paperwork sat in the wrong department for two weeks. CCAA says they are processing it as quickly as possible, but we probably won't see anything until Monday at the earliest. If it's not here by then, then our travel is delayed another week.

I'm sure there's a reason, but I just don't get it. So God, when you want to reveal your plan...I'm ready to know what it is, because right now, I'm just beyond any emotion. I'm almost numb.

I love my dogs!

Actually, only the pug (Rocky) is mine. The Boston Terrier (Sadie) is my mom's dog, but I love her like she was ours. This video was taken in Spring at least a 1.5 years ago, maybe even more. And it's quite long, so don't feel like you have to watch it all. They don't play like this anymore, after all, they are now over three years old.

I have nothing to report on the adoption at all, so enjoy the video! (oh, you may want to pause the music at the bottom of the page) :)
Jolene

No TA today...7 weeks since LOC

Our TA did not come today. If our TA can be here by next Monday, we will leave the 29th. Our agency is going to call today to make sure it is being processed. My son has to live yet at least another extra week in an orphanage. We will now not meet him until August.

I am sickened and saddened beyond words. Kacie will miss her summer camp. Football party in August will not happen. Less time to help a sub prepare for the new school year. The summer is slipping away, and Tyson isn't here to share in it.

This sucks. Period.

Where we are going--the tentative plan

I have had several people ask me where we are going in China and will we get to do any sight seeing. The answer to that is yes, we hope! Here is a map so you can see where we will be. There are 4 flights total. But this is always subject to change. For now, here's what we hope/plan to happen.

1. Sea Tac to Beijing. Beijing is on the east side of the country. Here Dan, Kacie, and I will see the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiannamen Square, and other tourist areas. Approx 3 days.

2. Beijing to Nanjing. Nanjing is the capital of the province of Jiangsu. Nanjing is about two hours from Tyson's orphanage in Changzhou. Tyson will be brought to us in Nanjing because that is where all of the provincial offices are that will make the adoption final. Approx 5 days.

3. Nanjing to Guangzhou. Guangzhou is south and then slightly east of Nanjing. Guangzhou is the home of the US Consulate. All adoptive families go through Guangzhou. Tyson will get his medical examination here to get his immigrant visa to enter the US. When Tyson steps off the plane, he'll be a citizen. We will stay at the White Swan hotel, and from what I hear, it is very nice. But, it will be hot!!! The end of our stay will be our consulate appointment (CA) and the swearing in ceremony.

4. Guangzhou to Sea Tac. I am leaving with one child, coming home with two. I am not sure if this has fully hit me yet, and I am not sure how the logistics of Sea Tac to home will work out.

PRAYING FOR TA TOMORROW! I am not sure how many more days I can handle this.

Status of TA and Travel

There is still no TA, so I had counted out leaving the 22nd. However...we have one more day. So, if TA comes Monday, we can still leave as early as July 22nd. If it comes after that, we'll be looking at July 29th. So that's where we're at! I really hope this is the last long weekend I have to wait on something.

If TA comes on Monday, travel may not be established for a day or two. If you look at the clock on my blog, you'll notice that day here is night in China. Therefore, the agency has to wait and call in the late evening to be China's morning in order coordinate the travel plans. We leave on a Wednesday. Not sure why, that's just how our agency does it. The agency makes all the travel plans, which is good because I'd be clueless. This all centers around the consulate date. The consulate date is the last thing you do, then everything is scheduled backward from that.

Please keep praying that no one on our plane to China has H1N1, and pray that we will make it there safely. Also, continue praying that Tyson is healthy and growing! Thanks!

A beep, or a ring?

High pitch noises were never so important. If my cell phone beeps, it means I have an email, which means my agency might be telling me that DHL did not bring my TA. So every time I get a beep, my heart sinks. But alas, no emails from my agency today.

If my phone rings, home or cell, I jump 5 feet and and run to the phone. But, alas, no calls from my agency today.

So now it's 4:30 and the day is over, and tomorrow, I'll do it all again, and hopefully with better results. Come on TA!

No TA today...6 weeks since LOC

I didn't expect TA today, but one can always hope. I am now on that roller coaster again, holding my cell phone until 2:30 everyday, hoping it will ring and my agency will be on the other line saying, "Your TA has arrived!" But it didn't ring today.

The RQ stats at this point do not look good. The average is 22 days after your paperwork goes to CCAA to get TA, which would put us leaving not until August. I don't know what day mine was sent, so I am going off of the day I found out, which was June 30. That makes today 7 days, which is why I would not expect to see TA until at least Friday at the earliest. However, I am only one week behind a family with my agency, and they received their TA last week, so if you go by my agency's timeline, this week is certainly in the timeframe.

I probably won't post again until I get TA since the journey to Tyson is now at a red light until we get that precious green one! Praise God that my paperwork sailed through the I800 paper trail with no issues!

And now we wait for TA...just that one last piece of paper, Travel Approval! At that point the consulate date is set and we can make travel arrangements. Oh, and at this point, Kacie is going.

Thank you for your prayers. I appreciate every one of them!
Jolene

Happy Fourth of July...a day early!

I will probably not post tomorrow, and since I'm sort of stuck to the couch now, I thought I'd post quickly. I am not feeling well, but I'll be OK. It's not a flu or anything like that. But I certainly didn't get all the stuff done yesterday that I wanted to, but I made great progress! I went through all that I have and still need to get. Wow! I still need 2 more large suitcases! Kacie will get one (assuming she goes) and we need one just for gifts and other items for Tyson. The good thing is that when we give the gifts in Nanjing, then we'll have more room for shopping! The question is...how will we fit items we buy in Beijing into our bags before we go to Nanjing? We think we might take an extra bag in our suitcase. I am glad I'm doing all this now. I really hope TA comes next week so we can leave the 22nd. And when TA comes, I know my brain will shut down, just like it did for LOC.

I also started washing Tyson's clothes. He has plenty of new and used clothes, more than I thought. I have a plastic bin for the 4T and up clothes so I don't have to deal with those til we need them. We dressed Kacie in a lot of sweats and sports clothes, so I set those asside for Tyson. The hand me downs make great day care clothes--no worries about stains! I have also been buying some clothes too, especially for China. The funny thing is, who knows what's actually going to fit! He has quite the assortment of Seahawks and Mariners clothes already. Now we need to get some UW shirts.

Well, Happy Fourth of July! I can't wait for Tyson to be a US Citizen and join our family. Our plan for tomorrow is to actually go to a wedding! Our town has a big festival on the Fourth, and Kacie just loves it. So she and I will hit that in the afternoon, then my friend gets married near there at 4:00. We'll go to the reception, then come home to do fireworks. Dan has to work, of course. So Happy Fourth, and be safe!

I'm getting out of here today!

OK, all this stuff is giving me a migraine. TB test, quarantine, waiting for TA, oh yeah...AND I'm bringing a child home who has special needs. Did I mention I'm a little stressed?

I am outta here! I have some stuff to do today, thank goodness. I think I'm going to print out some packing lists later and start inventorying what I still need to get.

I heard I need a thermos because kids don't drink anything cold. So how do they drink juice? Anyone who has BTDT is welcome to comment! I need all the help I can get!

Have a blessed day!--Jolene

On to CCAA, next stop TA!

I found out today that our paperwork has been sent on to Beijing for Travel Approval! If we get it by next Monday, we'll leave the 15th. Slim chance, but it could happen!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers. Tyson will be home soon!

To take her, or not to take her...that is the question!

It's only 9:25, and the LOAs and TAs are already rolling in on the RQ forum! I love these days, they are so exciting. Those letters mean that families are being made! Yay! We know ours is not one of them, as we have not had word of Article 5 being signed, so we are assuming our paperwork is on someone desk or shelf. Still.

So the big question here is this: Do we take Kacie to China? Here's why there's no right answer to this question:

Taking her means that we could all be in quarantine. If anyone three rows in front or behind us has flu symptoms or a fever, we will be in a qurantine hotel for up to 7 days. Maybe she'd finish that math book or actually do some reading? Not a bad thing. OK, I know I shouldn't make light of the situation, but really, what can you do? 7 days in a hotel for us would not be a bad thing. We all have electronic toys to play with. The bad part is if one of us actually gets H1N1 (Like Lola's family). But if Kacie ended up with H1N1, there is no guarentee we could go to the hospital with her, although we'd fight like hell and hopefully the embassy could argue that she's only 8 and needs her parents. That's the worst case scenario. But it also means that we are all together to get Tyson, as a family and that she is there to meet her brother, and her brother can begin to get to know her too. That's been the game plan all along.

If we don't take her, she will miss out on the opportunity of a life time. She will be without her mom and dad for 2-3 weeks. Oh, I know my family and friends would take good care of her, that I don't worry about. But we would miss her intensely and immensely and she would miss us. And chances are that we'd get there and be fine.

So, we have decided to continue to pray and asses the situation carefully. We are praying that when that coveted TA arrives, that the decision will be crystal clear, one way or another. So for now, we lean on God to direct our path. I often think about Proverbs 3: 5-6, but it has never been more true than now for our family.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your path."

Lola's story has a happy ending. They are all out of quarantine and they have their new daughter Rory! All is well. And we will be fine too, no matter what direction God takes us.

Happy Birthday Kacie!

Kacie's 8th birthday was last Friday, but we had her party last night--a sleep over party! Yes, I am insane. And very tired. But the girls were fantastic!

And in case you didn't notice, my children will have birthdays 3 days apart in June: 19th & 22!

PICTURES of TYSON!

I couldn't believe my eyes last night. The orphanage sent pics of Tyson's birthday! I was floored at how much he had changed, but his eyes are exactly the same. His nose look fantastic! Then I got a little worried because he is so serious in all his pictures. But many adoptive parents have said they went through the same thing. We try to read too much into the pictures, and a birthday party is chaos with a lot of stuff going on. It can be overwhelming. So here are a few pictures! Look at all that hair, and notice the nanny (I think from half the sky, that's what her shirt says!) holding his arm down. I'll bet he wanted to get into the cake! Also, Ann from redthread told me it is normal for them to change clothes during pictures, so some pics he's in white, others he's in orange.

Praise reports and decisions to make

I have praise reports!

My friend waitingforcaileb got her LOA on Monday after waiting 7 months! I was at school cleaning my classroom when I got her email. I was so excited for her! Praise God!

Shirlee has her daughter Q! Praise God! Her sister did an update on her blog. It sounds like things are going as planned.

Lola Granola has a date/time her family will be released from quarantine: Saturday at 5:30 am, which will be around 2:30 Friday for us. They were upgraded to a better room and it seems that no one else has fallen ill. Continue to pray for her husband.

So, now we have a decision to make: do we take Kacie to China? I think it's easy for people outside of our family to say "NO!" But if you know us, you know that we are tight. Three Muskateers. I think Kacie's birth and the fact that she has been our only child in our home for 8 years also has something to do with it. We are all watching Lola's family carefully. She is blogging about once a day from her cell phone. Statistically, the chances of the worst case scenario happening is slim--very slim. If the embassy can assure US Citizens that children will not be taken from their parents, then yes, she will go. If not, we will be praying about it. A LOT! This is not how we planned this, but God will show us what to do. That we know!

Tyson is Two Today!

At least I am so incredibly busy today that I won't have time to dwell on how sad I am that I'm not spending today with Tyson. Ann at RedThread was sending him a cake and photo album of us, which mean by now he knows about us and knows we're coming. Wow!

I have to finish officially cleaning out my classroom. Then I have a class from 4-8 tonight and 8-2:30 tomorrow. Then busy with Kacie Wed/Thurs. Somewhere in there I have to clean my house because it is filthy!

So after Thursday, I will be on the mission of packing for China. I don't want this to be last minute. I have the gifts I need, I picked up the antibiotics, ordered cleft bottles, ordered an Ergo carrier, I have chosen my car seat that I will buy, I need to finish Tyson's room... But really, I think I'm in a good place!

I am thinking of Lola Granola and her family who is in quarantine in China. I am also thinking of Shirlee who is in China now and is getting her daughter. Blogger is down, so she can't update. I am also thinking of "waitingforcaileb" who is over 200 days waiting for LOA. It's ridiculous, but she is staying strong! Praying for you all!

Pray for "Lola" and her family

I am not sure of her name, but she is known as Lola Granola in the adoption community. Her family was quarantined in Beijing after they had already been there a few days because a person behind them on the plane had the H1N1 flu. They had a great attitude about it, and they felt fine and did their swabs to be tested. The just go the results back, and her husband tested positive, and some of the others aren't feeling well either. Three adults, three children, and the Chinese officials may separate the children from their parents. They are off to the hospital and will not have internet access. We are all very worried about them. Please pray for this family. It's a worst case scenario.

Cable to NVC TODAY!

I called NVC today and was totally surprised to find out that our file had been cabled (send electronically) to Guangzhou TODAY! It was a great feeling and a great way to end the day.

Today my Bear turned 8. Bear is my daughter, who has asked to be called Bear online from here on, so that's what we'll do. I was telling her how people gave their kids different names online, and her nickname has been Kacie-Bear since she was born and looked like a little teddy bear under the incubator and lights in the neo-natal intensive care unit.

And not to be forgotten, today was the last day of school! It will be a busy summer as I prepare for first grade before leaving for China. I still hope for a a departure by the end of the July to go to China. One family was quarantined today due to a passenger on their plane having the flu. I have no other info than that, but I know that 3 adults and 3 kids are quarantined until Wednesday to see if they develop flu symptoms. How awful!

Info not cabled yet!

Update: I was approved 8 days ago for I-800. I just called NVC, and my paperwork has not been cabled to Guangzhou YET!

Can just one step be within a reasonable time frame for me? Just one? Why does paperwork sit on people's desks when a child's life and health is at stake? WHY!!!

Paperwork arrived at NVC!

I called this morning, and our paperwork arrived at NVC on Monday, June 15th! So then I asked when it would be sent electronically to Guangzhou, and the reply was, "Hopefully in a couple of weeks." WHAT???

Wait a minute, the RQ chart that we share our stats on says that it only take 6-8 days from approval to cable (filing paperwork electronically), so it should get cabled on Thursday of this week, according to averages. So I said that I knew that others only took a week, and she said I could call back next week and see. But I also know my agency will be checking daily too in Guangzhou. So, I will call on Friday to find out the status of this.

Once the paperwork goes to the US Consulate in Guangzhou, we know we are getting close!

Birthday Care Package for Tyson

I always hoped I wouldn't have to do it, but I had to. I sent Tyson a birthday package. He will get a cake on his birthday, June 22, and he will be 2. We sent a 6 page photo album with pictures of Dan, Kacie, myself, our house, backyard swingset, and his bedroom. Hopefully this will help him transition by recognizing us in China and recognizing where he will live. I was hoping to get some info, but Ann didn't have any. That's OK though, I know our orphanage isn't easy to get info from.

This is getting so real! How do you love and miss someone so much, and you've never met him/her? It's easy, when you're an expecting mom. No matter what form it takes, adding a child to your family is an exciting time.

I800 approval confirmed and Level 6 of H1N1

I emailed my I800 officer just to make sure the approval did happen after hearing of some mishaps of a few people on RQ. I got a nice email back that said yes, we are approved! So the big crazy pile of papers is getting ready to be sent to the National Visa Center.

Well, the WHO moved H1N1 to Level 6 today. That just means that the virus is now in more countries, not that it's more severe. It'll be interesting to see how the world reacts. I think (hope) that China just continues its current practice and doesn't make things worse in terms of quarrentining travelers.

I800 will be approved today!

I called our officer at NBC Hague to check the status of our I800 since we didn't have a notice of receipt yet (it'll probably come today). Our file was on her desk and she said she is approving it today! One step closer. She said it should be at NVC early next week--I'm calling Monday! On the RQ charts, it looks like a bout a week turn around before they "cable" it (I had to learn that term--it means they scan it and send it electronically) to the US consulate in Guangzhou.

Keep praying! I'm a few days past the average on this step, but not bad. I'd say late July/early August is realistic for travel. Hopefully this TB thing will be worked out by then AND the swine flu scare will be over too. But I'd go today if I could get Tyson home.

My beautiful girl

She's going to be 8 in less than 2 weeks. Where did the time go? I'd do anything for this girl, as crazy as she is! She's ours! 8 years ago she was born 5 weeks early with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, sepsis, jaundice, not holding her body temp, etc... But she was just as beautiful then as she is now, and now she is healthy (and mouthy) and beautiful! I think I let her get away with a bit much because of how much love her and how so close we were to losing her. Where does the time go?

Thanks--I'm calling tomorrow

Thanks to everyone who responded to my vent! Ugh, no notice again on the I800. Why am I always last? Why????

Well, no use in complaining. I'm calling in the morning. It will motivate me to wake up by 6:00 am to call. Hopefully it's approved and I can relax.

Jolene

If I can't vent here, where can I?

I have needed to vent this, and since this is my blog, this is where I'm venting. If you don't like it, stop reading. I have massive anxiety that I am trying to give over to the Lord. It's not that I don't trust Him, of course I do, but I am merely flesh. Though I choose to walk in the spirit, the flesh returns.

Today is day 12 since sending the I-800. Not a peep from USCIS/NBC or whoever it is. Nothing. And I want to call them, badly, but I don't know if I should.

People on RQ with similar dates as mine are getting TAs. I knew it would happen, as I watched them get their LOAs while I waited and waited. But now, it hurts. You see, I should be with them. I should have had my LOA in April, and I should be close to TA and getting ready to travel. No, I should have TRAVELED in April, but USCIS took their sweet 104 days of time on my I-800A. So instead of being close to picking up my son, Tyson sits in the orphanage, probably starving due to his cleft, and I sit and cry. I wonder...does he even know about us? And if he does know about us, will he forgive us for taking this long? Does he even know what it feels like for his belly to be full of food? Or to have a hug and kiss before bed? Or that he has a Jie Jie (big sister) waiting to play with him, and she cries because her brother is so far away. And most importantly, does he know the love of Jesus, and that God is going to care for him and love him all of his life? No, he knows none of it.

So the mayor of New Orleans has been quarrentined in Shanghai because he was sitting near a passenger with flu symptoms, maybe H1N1, and so I wonder...Will we even get into China? And now with the new TB requirement, will I get out with my son? Will my daughter be OK to travel with us?

On a positive note, I picked up all prescriptions today, and I have the gifts arranged. I began to clean my classroom. I am excited to teach first grade next year.

That's my vent. I wish I was getting ready to travel now. This totally sucks, and I hate that word, but it does. I want my son home.

Sleepless Saturday June 6

I am off to school to get some packing done, along with grading 1 million papers. I will NOT miss this part of sixth grade next year!

My agency really had no news about the new TB requirement in China, except to say that there should be some discussion on it next week. It amazes me how God puts one obstacle after another in front of me, and yet I come through each one stronger than before. Throughout this process I have learned to love and seek God in all that I do. I could be a total basket case right now, but God is bringing me through it all. God told me years ago I would teach 1st grade again. When this opportunity came to move to first grade, I didn't jump at, I just said I'd do it if needed. I let God place me where he wanted me. In that, there is comfort. But people ask, "Are you excited to move to first grade?" Well, it's hard to be excited about it when there is an adoption that will be taking place shortly! For that, I am excited!

We saw Night at the Museum/Smithsonian last night at an IMAX. A spendy little outing, yes, but we don't get a lot of family time, so we had a great evening, and Dan had never been to an IMAX, so it was pretty fun.

With that, enjoy your weekend! There are light showers right now...I am so glad we did our yard sale last Saturday--sunburn and all!

The Checklist!I

Money--yes! Bank of America came through in many ways.

Prescriptions for Tyson--yes! They will be ready for pick up tomorrow.

Gifts--most of them. Still need a director gift and some more candy for provincial offices.

It feels good to have a handle on the little things.

Now there's the TB fiasco. Our own governement--the CDC-- has a new law as of July 1st. All children 2 and over must be tested for TB. If they have it, they have to stay in China for who knows how long! Ugh! That is the shortened version. My agency should have more info tomorrow, and I'll explain more then. In the meantime, please pray for me that my nerves will be calm until then.

The new wait for TA

We were told Monday that our paperwork has arrived in China and it is being taken to consulate where it is waiting for it's friend, the I-800 from the US! Then together they become an Article 5.

My garage sale was a success on Saturday! I made almost enough to make my car insurance payment that I totally spaced off (we pay 3x a year). God provides!

The school year is winding down, and I am starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. If I haven't said it already, I am moving from teaching sixth grade to first grade next year. Wow....crazy timing for that, but I think it will be good too.

The weather here is hot and sticky...we don't do hot and sticky very well in the Northwest. So we need to go water our plants! Yeah, that's about as exciting as it gets around here.

Oh, I shopped for Tyson! Diapers, little swimmers, bibs, pajamas....wow, this is happening!

Travel Approval--How it works

Many people have asked what we are waiting for now, and it's the TA, or Travel Approval. Here's how it works--the short version.

Yesterday we signed our Letter of Seeking Confirmation (LOA/LOC). We made copies of it. The original goes back to CCAA in Beijing to confirm that yes, we do want to adopt Chang Li Chen. The photocopy goes to the National Benefits Center somewhere in the midwest (Chicago I think...) along with a form called the I-800. There are also forms called DS-230 and I-864W, along with medical info for Tyson. This is all to get Tyson's visa. Once the NBC approves it, the approval is sent to the US Consulate in Guangzhou, where it is signed, and then it is known as the article 5. Then the article 5 is sent to the CCAA in Beijing where it is matched up with the LOC that we signed, and then we get Travel Approval!

Piece of cake, right?

God is always on time and always provides!

We found out that one of the fees for our trip is $250 more than anticipated. I have assumed there would be a lot of these, and I didn't exactly budget for it, but I just more or less trust that God will provide where we may fall short.

So I looked at Dan yesterday and said, "Well, there's $250 I didn't plan for, but I think we'll be OK." He looked at me and said, "What about that stimulus money?"

On Saturday we got a letter that said that Veterans with disability (Dan has a back disability from Desert Storm) get .....are you ready for this.....$250 as part of Obama's new stimulus package! The money is supposed to come sometime before July 11th.

So is God's timing perfect? Yes! and Does He provide? Yes again!

The secrets of the LOA no one told me about...

I got the call about my LOA yesterday at 1:30. My heart thumped in my chest--I could actually feel it! I was ready for bad news...it was all I seemed to get. So when I heard the words "It came", I was elated! But here's what I didn't know: The secrets of the LOA.

No one warned me that I wouldn't be able to focus or concentrate on my teaching for 1.5 hours. Thank goodness for wonderful students! I took the following day off to get paperwork done and mailed, so I had to make sub plans. What should have taken 45 minutes took 2 hours. My concentration level was zero! And of course my wonderful colleagues offered their congratulations too. I wasn't prepared for the great joy it would bring. Glory to God! No one told me that I would be on the highest of highs for another 8 hours, wanting to shop and get everything ready! Well, a few people told me this: I only slept 3 hours.

Then what goes up, must come down. While still totally elated, I managed to throw up this morning from nerves I'm sure. Then I got a migraine. I was so sick I couldn't even shop today! I am still nautious, head still pounding, and just plain exhausted. But I'm still happy! But no energy whatsoever.

Here's a secret someone DID tell me, and I'm passing it on to you if you are an I-800 Hague family: DO YOUR PAPERWORK NOW! I had all of mine done, all I had to do was some touch ups, and mail it off. I can't imagine getting my LOA, then having all that paperwork to do. It would have zapped me. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's your visas, I-800, DS 230, and I-864W. I think that covers it.

So anyway, we are really crossing our fingers for a speedy TA (Travel Approval) so we can travel in July. Whoooo Hoooooo! So much to do! So exciting! and I'm sooooooo tired.

AT LAST!!! LOC came today!

It came! Finally, I think it's day 125, or maybe 126? I don't even know anymore...I'll wait for someone else to count it for me!

We will sign the Letter of Confirmation tomorrow for "TYSON LI CHEN POWELL".

Looking back at holidays and our journey

I had no idea how many holidays were in the US and China. Here is our journey and the correlating holidays:

Mar. 2008: Good Friday/Easter weekend, decision to adopt!
Oct. 2008: trying to get update on Tyson, China's Harvest Holiday
Dec. 2008: received I800A approval, trying to get authenticated, Christmas and snow!
Jan. 2009: waiting for LID, Chinese New Year
May 2009: wanting info on where LOA is, Chinese Holiday (similar to our Labor Day)
SWINE FLU
May 2009: HOPING for LOA, Memorial Day

It has seemed like at every turn, there has been a holiday. I'm not complaining, I just think it's interesting. I'm sure there are more, but that's all off the top of my head.

No news today, hopefully tomorrow!

LOA update

We just spent a few nights out at my parent's house. It was a good get-a-way and distraction.

The LOA didn't come Friday--obviously, or I would have been screaming it out through my computer. The agency called me at about 2:10 on Friday, and I could hear it in her voice. I said it before she did that it didn't arrive. I handled it surprisingly well, in my opinion. In fact, God is really doing a work in my heart like never before. I am challenged in ways I didn't think possible.

The plan is that tonight the agency will call CCAA to see where it is. I am hoping to hear something tomorrow or Tuesday about where the LOA is. Most likely they will not tell us it is in the mail, but we need to make sure it is in the right place and on it's way.

Please remember our fallen heroes, our veterans, and their families this Memorial Day weekend.

Timing

Well wouldn't you know it...the one day that I did not expect LOC, and guess what? China started mailing again on Tuesday. My problem was resolved Wednesday. Hopefully they were able to mail it Wednesday and I'll see it tomorrow. Otherwise, another LONG weekend!

Going shopping...nothing like retail therapy.

I may know why my LOA is later than the rest

Even if LOAs do start arriving tomorrow, mine will not be there. We found out a few days ago that my payment was lost at CCAA back in January when my dossier was submitted. My agency has all the documentation that proves that we paid, so as of China's workday on Wednesday, they agreed to forward it on to the next department....who knows what that means or where it is. Yet we were told April 30th is was being processed.

So, IF IF IF it was mailed on Wednesday, we may see it Friday. I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY doubt that. But, my agency is on top of this, and they said they will call again on Sunday night (China's Monday workday) and find out where the LOA is. Even if it was mailed on Wed DHL, we may not see it until Monday anyway. And then of course, there's the variable of whether or not China is even mailing LOAs. I do think they have to come soon.

I have totally given all of this to the Lord. He is in control. I really mean that, like no other time in my life. Right now I am working on my relationship with God, and as long as that is my focus, everything else will work out. Please continue to pray for Tyson and Kacie. They both need it more than I do!

Timeline on the side bar

I have posted our adoption Timeline on the side bar of my blog. The timeline was hiding under blog entries, back when I was figuring all this out. I think it will help people to see how long this really can take and where we are.

A beautiful weekend!

We couldn't have asked for better weather this weekend. Yesterday after school I decided to call Kacie's friend and her mom to take a walk at a nearby park and campground. There is a paved walking trail about a mile long, and it is fully wheelchair accessible, thus the paved trail. There is a very small play area, so after the walk the kiddos enjoyed the swings, money bars, slides, etc... while the other mom and I chit chatted--what I do best! I thought Kacie and Tyson having 6 years between was a lot, but her kids have 10 years in between! It's sort of fun to talk to her and see what we have to look forward to!

So then Kacie had her friend sleep over, and of course, they should call them "non" sleep overs, because they don't sleep! Kacie had a softball game at 1:00, and she looked like a zombie. Did I mention it was like 80 degrees? For here at this time of year, that is HOT considering it was in the 50s three days ago. Tomorrow we have church, game at 3:30, then small group for church. Should be a fun day!

As for the adoption...huh? What adoption? BECAUSE THAT'S HOW IT FEELS! I've waited almost 4 months for LOC. August travel is our best case scenario at this point. Gotta love this swine flu! But, CCAA could just decide to send LOCs, so there is still hope. On RQ, we haven't seen a good sized batch of LOAs in a month. A few have trickled in (wish mine would be one of them since I know it's ready!). God has been talking to me through this, and I know it's a test of faith. It's not my time, it's His, and it's part of the bigger picture.

The hardest part at the moment is Kacie and her feelings. She actually cried the other day. She doesn't believe this adoption is going to happen. It's not like she can see a growing belly or anything tangible. We keep telling her it's getting closer, and then we get the rug ripped out from under us. She is a confused little girl, very mad at China right now. She wants her little brother! It breaks my heart.

So, we are going to enjoy the beautiful weekend that God has given us. I hope you are enjoying yours!

How long will this go on?

So my life has been on hold for this adoption now since September. I have loved this little boy from half a world away for almost 8 months. If I had learned I was pregnant in September, I'd be having a baby by now!

With Swine Flu now in mainland China, it is really looking like things really are going to slow down. There were some Travel Approvals on Friday, so I figured for sure we'd see LOA on Monday. Nope.... I knew they wouldn't come today, we hardly ever see a first round of LOAs on a Tuesday on RQ. "We" are all the waiting parents who gather at a site called China Adopt Talk to compare wait times and offer undying support to each other. It's very cool, and I've met some really amazing people.

Back on track...so yeah, we saw NO LOAs. And, other agencies are reporting that referrals and mailings have stopped. WHY!? Well, I know that China doesn't want a repeat of SARS. The CDC says H1N1 is not to be an issue. I can understand not visiting orphanages. I would even skip the trip to Beijing. I just want to get my son home and get my life going.

I cannot plan for next year. I thought I'd have LOA by now, and I could tell the school district I'd be traveling this summer, and I'd take time off Sept/Oct/and maybe Nov too. I really wanted to travel in the summer to not take sick leave, and it was looking like it would work out so well. This is the part where I yell, "Why God?" I know I know, His timing is perfect, everything happens for a reason, yes, I know. But with a HUGE grade change as a possibility, this just complicates things even more. I was becoming OK with a July travel. Now it's looking like August at best. I seriously thought I had this all worked out...God is laughing at me.

I am just sad for my little boy and time we are losing with him and he is losing with us. The bonding that would have taken place over the summer would have been amazing. Please keep Tyson in your prayers. Thanks!

Silent Saturday

I returned home from camp with my sixth graders, and still no LOC. I packed my phone around for three days, and even drove my car out to the camp hoping I'd need to drive back. Nothing. In fact, other than a few on Monday, there were no LOA/LOC sightings. Oh, I HOPE for early next week, but I say that every week.

Camp was a blast! If you've been to camp, do you remember, "This is a repeat after me song!" Oh yeah, it's STILL ringing and resonating around in my head! The kids were fantastic, no major injuries, no discipline issues, just lots and lots of 11 and 12 year old fun. The kids go through field studies on plants, animals, water, and soil. We do fundraisers all year long to go. We have an amazing parent group this year who spear headed a ton of fundraisers. Usually the kids have to pay a little bit, but this year we raised enough so no child had to pay.

Kacie went to an event called Young Authors this morning. This has been around our area since I was in elementary school. It's for kids who want to participate. Students write a book at home, then they go to an event where they listen to an author, do a writing session, and then a session where they share their book. Then the books travel to different schools and kids from different places read them. Unfortunately with budget cuts, this program may be cut next year. Bummer because we already had next year's book planned: "Kacie's trip to China!" In my district, the budget cuts are horrible this year and are expected to be worse next year. I am thankful to have my job!

Let's hope I get a belated Mother's Day gift next week in the form of an LOC!

Going away, just for a few days

I am off to Sixth Grade Camp tomorrow! It's a good time with my students, and although it's a pain to be gone for 2 days, it's so great to see the kids so excited. Dan took Thursday off to be with Kacie, and my good friend will take care of her tomorrow until Dan gets home. Then Friday I'll be home before she gets out of school. It will all work out.

So I am driving out to camp, which is an hour away, with the hopes that I'll have to drive home on Thursday to sign an LOC! Wishful thinking, I know. But a girl can dream... If China mailed it on Monday, it could be here tomorrow! If it comes on Thursday, my agency has to overnight it to me, so I can take care of it on Friday.

Well, I still have to pack for camp! Have a great week, and I'm hoping for lots of good news when I get back! I'll have email access, but not sure about web access.

The game plan and my choices

After the events of yesterday, here's my game plan:

1. I am taking Kacie to her friend's house for the night.
2. I am taking my husband out to dinner.
3. I am going to enjoy my Saturday with my family--Kacie has a game if it doesn't rain.
4. We are going to see "Walking With Dinosaurs" on Sunday in Seattle.

I am choosing NOT to count days for LOC anymore. I'm sure I will in my head, but today is 100, and with China not sending LOCs (according to my agency...I know others are saying otherwise),
why even bother counting? I am choosing NOT to expect LOC next week. I am choosing to be happy. I cannot control the CCAA like I think I can. I cannot control when I travel.

I continue to trust God. He knows how this will unfold.

Have a wonderful weekend! I am choosing to!

I should be happy...Day 99.

I should be shouting it from the rooftops, but instead, I'm horrified to even say it.

My LOA/LOC is ready to be issued. I should be happy, elated, screaming! I should be jumping around like a crazy person. Instead, I want to crawl in a hole and cry. My agency contacted CCAA last night to find out about all of the rumors that CCAA is closing due to Swine Flu, so they asked about my LOA too. I have been so afraid it was in the wrong department. I was told today that yes, it is being processed and will be issued when CCAA is again sending out approvals.

Did you read that? My agency said that CCAA is not sending out LOCs/LOAs, TAs, or anything else at this time. And tomorrow is a holiday in China. Basically, China is strongly recommending that no one travel at this time. That I understand, but I don't understand why they are stopping all regular paperwork. That is ridiculous! So instead of it being sent out this week and getting it next week, I am guessing that I am looking at a MINIMUM of 2 more weeks until I get LOC. That means Mid may, which means August travel! UGH!!!

My poor little boy...I am so sorry...

Day 97 and losing it!

If LOC doesn't come, I may go crazy from lack of sleep. When I finally do fall asleep, I have the weirdest dreams and I wake up on and off. Then morning comes, and I can't get up from being so tired. Stress headaches are happening a lot. Please Please Please God, let LOC come today!

Sleepless Saturday Day 94

Kacie had a sleepover, so they are sacked out in the living room. I woke up with yet another migraine, so the coffee is on as we speak. Busy days around here. I had to get more passport photos of Kacie for her visa because I have no idea where the orignals are. Not a big deal, just more running around for us. She had a game again last night and got 2 hits! They only play 2 innings, and everyone bats. They use a pitching machine, and they get 5 strikes. On her last at bat, she had 4 strikes, and I was so nervous, then she hit the ball and it rolled out to the grass! She also got to be pitcher AND catcher last night. I told her that's the most action she'll see all year--LOL! Other than 1st base, those are the busiest places to be on the field.

So after the game I asked her if she was nervous when she didn't have a hit after 4 strikes. She said, "No, I just prayed to God in my head that I'd hit the ball!" Dan and I were very proud of her for that. It is nice to hear her say she is praying on her own, even if it is just to hit a ball! We know she prays a lot. We have another game at 5:00 tonight, but it's looking gray outside...we shall see if the rain sprinkles or pours!

Here in the NW there are many words for rain: drizzle, sprinkle, light rain, heavy rain...it's 6:45 am, and I can't think of any more, but you get the idea. I grew up in a temperate rainforest. You don't just say, "It's raining." That has too many meanings! Sometimes you just say, "It has rained three inches today," and that is enough said!

Well, have a great day everyone! Good bless, and if you didn't read the blog below, you should! Tyson is growing!

Edited: 5 hours later, Kacie and her friend went outside as precipitation fell from the sky. I said, "Kacie, it's raining! Get a jacket with a hood on!" Kacie's response: "Mom, it's not raining, it's only sprinkling!" See???? There is a continuum of words for rain here!

A Tyson Update! Day 91

I got a measurement update on Tyson, and he is growing! I'm not sure if I've ever blogged the entire story of our decision to adopt, and maybe I will, and maybe I won't, but for now, believe me when I say I am THRILLED that I can plot his measurements on a CDC growth chart (US) between the 3rd and 5th %iles!!! I haven't been able to say that, so this is just incredible.

He is 22 months old exactly today!
Height: 31.5 inches (80cm)
Weight: 23 pounds (10.5 kg)
Head Cir: 18.1 inches (46 cm)

Also, he likes to drink milk and sweet juice, and likes to eat anything sweet, and his favorite toys are ones that he can push or pull. He will fit in with us nicely!

I sent him a care package through redthreadchina.org. The lady's name is Ann, and she is so sweet! Above is the care package I sent, and you gotta love the cars shirt and toys to go with his bedroom theme!

I did not blog yesterday about being at day 90, but I have to say, I am at peace that we do not have LOA/LOC. Now I can say that it should happen any day, and my agency is starting to get me ready for travel with paperwork, so it's an exciting time!

Thank you for all of your support and prayers. God is fulfilling his promise of taking good care of our little guy until we can get there and bring him home.

Kacie's first game of the year

I almost forgot! It's baseball season, and Kacie has moved up to pitching machine. Being a late June birthday, we kept her in T-ball an extra year last year. They get 5 strikes, which is nice, but boy an inning is looooooong! She was up twice yesterday and had two hits! I am so thankful for baseball season, it keeps my busy to forget this wait for a few moments of the day. She plays for the "Angels", and what little Angels they are! She is still in swimming twice a week too.

New I-800A arrived!

We are 88 days into waiting for LOA. But the real news is that the new and improved (and should have read that way to begin with) I-800A arrived in the mail yesterday. Not a big deal, but just a relief that it's in my hands. Tomorrow I'll fax it to the agency.

Today is a beautiful day, and we are all going to church together, then coming home to a big yard work day. Usually we've done our big spring kick off yard day by now, but we still had freezing weather last week, and snow keeps coming off and on. I am very rookie by any standards when it comes to flowers, but I learn a little more each year.

Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for reading! Keep the prayers for Tyson coming. Thank you.

PS: Thank you for ALL of the comments! I appreciate the support and I read each one and value them all!

Day 84....no news

I saw LOTS of LOAs today on RQ, and I wish so much I could join the fun! It is heartbreaking that Tyson will be at his orphanage only that much longer. I know God has a plan.

Praying is hard. I have to allow God's will to be done, so I just pray that God is covering and nourishing my baby! This morning I felt like I was screaming in my prayers, crying out to God to help me through this. I know that I am being molded in this process and my heart is being prepared.

I am much better this week than I was two weeks ago when LOAs came. It's still hard, but I'm OK. Hopefully the new I-800A approval will be here in the mail tomorrow! Any news is good!

Getting a NEW I-800A approval!

Wow, nothing in this adoption has gone this fast. Evidently the good people at USCIS are issuing us a new I-800A approval with special needs category and 0-3 years with no fee since they did have the home study update but didn't use it when giving our first approval. Thank you to all who have prayed for this situation. The new I-800A approval happened today, and we should get it in the mail at the end of the week.

Now, I can back to the business of waiting for that LOC. Day 82 today!

Day 80 and a lot of memories

Top: Here is a picture of Tyson's room, and now most of what is in the other two pictures is now filling his room and a corner of my living room. UGH! Yes, we went with a small (and cheap!) toddler bed, thinking that as soon as he's tall enough, he can have Kacie's twin bed and we will buy Kacie a double bed. I remember when Kacie went to her big girl bed, and I was so afraid she'd fall out, even at 2.5 years old.

Pics 2 and 3: Here is what my house looked like after bringing in all the stuff from the garage.

Today we had no plans AND Dan and I were both home (that happens twice a year!) We decided to clean out some shelves the rafters in the garage of Kacie's baby stuff--clothes, blankets, chairs of all kinds, you name it. I sorted it to see what we can keep for Tyson and what will go into a garage sale that Dan's mom is going to coordinate to help us earn spending $$ for China. To say it was an emotional day is an understatement: I cried twice and even a little as I type. Certain outfits, certain toys, so many memories. Kacie will be 8 in June. For those who don't know, she was a premie. she was only 5 weeks early, but she did have respiratory distress and was in the NICU at Tacoma General for 3 weeks. She stopped breathing once. So yes, lots of memories and emotions. I can't look at her walker and not think about how she had chicken pox at 11 months old, and it was the best two days I ever stayed home with her. She didn't know anything was wrong, so she was happy and cruisin' in her walker to children's music all day long in just a diaper.

Although the spring cleaning had to happen because of the adoption, today was really about Kacie. The Lord has blessed us with a beautiful, caring daughter. There is nothing I wouldn't do for her. And now we wait for her brother to join us and complete our family.

Happy Easter Everyone!

More on the I-800A

My agency is awesome. I lead a very busy crazy life (like we all do) and I read about agencies who basically make the clients do everything. Well, my agency emailed USCIS, and they are pulling my file and will review it early next week to see why the I-800A approval was wrong. It's one less thing to worry about...well, I'm worried of course, but it's nice to have someone going to bat for me, and if they will fix it, I may not have to pay the $340! Nice!

As a side note, last year on Good Friday was the first day I met with my agency and we offically decided to adopt. Good Friday was on March 21st last year, but never the less, it brings back those memories of how excited we were to add to our family through adoption.

To be continued next week! Meanwhile, it's day 79 today waiting for LOC/LOA. My agency just says that LOCs take 4-5 months if matched before LID. Of course I hope they are wrong!

The REVENGE of the I-800A!

If you are Hague family or in the adoption community, you know this isn't good. Really...it's an annoyance that can be fixed, but still, very annoying. Long story short.

We started out nsn but quickly switched to sn. We did a hs update and sent it to NBC in November. When we got the I-800A approval, it approved us for healthy 0-18 months! WRONG! But, our agency didn't think it would be a problem since we would file I-800 after LOC. So we went ahead and got our LID. China just wants an approval. But the US wants it exact.

So fast foward to a few weeks ago when I was working on the I-800 just to get it ready for when LOC came, I started getting that "something isn't right" feeling. Maybe it was God tapping me on the shoulder. So I emailed my agency, and guess what? It is a problem.

So, the agency said I had to file Supplement A of I-800A and pay another $340 to US Dept of Homeland Security. However, I know that it was the fault of USCIS/NBC, and we have documentation to show that they had the homestudy update and didn't look at it. Over the phone I was even told that they actually put it with another family's file with teh same last name, but when I called the put it with mine! So hopefully, NBC will make things right without filing supplement A and $340.... and in the meantime today is Day 78, but my agency still feels we are very far from LOC. I guess I have this issue to distract me a bit.

To be continued...

Day 73, spring break, beeps, and other info.

After such a depressing start to the week (happy for others of course!), my husband and I decided to get away for a night on Thursday to celebrate our anniversary. Today is our 11 year anniversary, but he had to work, so we settled for celebrating early. I came home to see more LOAs, and not one is mine. I did finish the paperwork so that when LOC does come, it can be mailed off immediately. That is one piece of advice I've been given several times, so that feels good to have done. Thanks for the advice! So it has been an uneventful spring break, but I've worked on Tyson's room, and hopefully we'll get LOC soon to fill that room with a little guy! In the meantime, I'm trying not to get my hopes up for anything this month, but it's hard.

All of the beeping: I am also excited to have a new cell phone! It takes beautiful pictures, so hopefully I can post more often with pictures. I did not get the web browser , but I did get the email option. I can't believe the difference a nice phone makes, but so many beeps! We also got a home security system installed on Tuesday. Ugh! I'll grow to like it...especially when Dan works nights. But if you don't turn off the chime, you hear, "beep beep beep, front door open" everytime you open a door, and with 4 doors and as much as we go in and out, it's annoying. I did figure out how to turn it off.

Thanks for the comments, it really helps get through the wait. It's sad that Tyson has to spend so much more time in the orphanage, when we are ready now! Hindsight is 20/20, and there are so many things I'd do differently. But, I would keep my agency! They are the best. They are Faith International Adoptions from Tacoma, WA. It is a small agency, which could be the reason for the longer wait, but I'd rather have an agency with personal attention than a large one that doesn't know my name. And who knows if there's any truth to that either regarding wait times for LOA/LOC. If anyone would like information on my journey or my experience with my agency, feel free to leave a comment, and I will get you my email. I am happy to help, and it makes this wait feel like it's for a purpose!

As for my faith, I know this is all happening for a reason. I've been reading I Samuel, and earlier in the week I was really identifying with how the people of Israel wanted a King like the other nations and took their eyes off of God. I feel like I did that earlier in the week, and yesterday. I must stop comparing my situation to others and remember to keep my eyes on the Lord, for He is in control.

Have a great week everyone!

Nevermind, not today...

So I just learned that I shouldn't expect LOC for at least another 1.5-2.5 months. Not sure why my wait is so different from everyone elses, but it is what it is. I probably won't post for awhile...I need a mental break from all of this.

Could today be the day?

OK, my prediction might be for nothing...maybe. I'm not getting my hopes up too much, but on the RQ charts, people with LOIs/LIDs like mine are getting their LOAs/LOCs both yesterday and today! Since we are west coast, we will wait til the end of the day and see.

Please pray for some news to get us one step closer to our Tyson! Thank you!

Day 67 and a prediction

Day 67, and it's a beautiful one! Last night we experienced "Monsters vs. Aliens" at I-MAX in 3-D. It was awesome, but I only mention it because there was SNOW on the road! Now today, we have clear blue skies and milder temps.

I won't lie, it's been a rough weekend in terms of the wait. No new info, and with the LOAs of last week, I am doubting we'll see much over the next few weeks. So, I'm going out on a limb...no, more like a giant branch, and I'll make a prediction: LOA/LOC will arrive on Tuesday, April 21st. Why that day you ask? Well, ironically that will be exactly day 90. Also, 21 seems to be the lucky number for us. March 21, 2008 we officially decided and began the process. January 21, 2009 is our Log in Date. So, if I'm predicting, I might as well be realistic AND make it meaningful at the same time. Now of course, I hope I am wrong and it comes sooner, but no later!

The nicest moms ever!

Today was amazing, and someday these moms will read this and be reminded of how truly amazing and wonderful they are!

I teach sixth grade, and in my school sixth grade is still in the elementary. So I have 29 sixth graders, basically all day everyday. I teach all day, then run princess Kacie to swimming, baseball, or whatever activity she is in. We do homework, I clean up after my dogs, I try to find SOMETHING clean to wear the following day. Wearing make up has become the exception, not the rule. My husband and I try to figure out dinner somewhere in there. There is something every Saturday, and Sundays are for church and correcting papers. Cleaning happens somewhere in there too. So yes, I am the typical, average working mom. Time to myself? Yeah, like that's going to happen.

But...these very nice moms actually did something that I didn't think was possible. They CREATED TIME! Yes, they did! I reached out via email about a month ago and said, "I really want my class to have a party, but with report cards, conferences, family life, adoption, etc... I just don't have time to plan it. Would someone be willing to do this for the kids? They deserve it." So the last thing I heard was, "Don't worry, we'll handle it." So it was planned for the afternoon before spring break as a make up of our Christmas party that was canceled due to snow.

So after lunch I brought the kids up to the room, and there were the moms, all ready to go. So I was thinking I'd jump in a little and play some games, eat some ice cream, etc... Oh no, I was TOLD that I would be leaving for the day. One of the moms is also a substitute teacher and they would handle it. So I said, "Great!" and I started packing my papers up from the morning's reading test to go correct in the staff room. Then I was TOLD again, "No, you are LEAVING. Get your purse." It took me quite awhile to really get this. Long story short, my parents arranged for me to have a pedicure, manicure, and coffee from St*rbucks and to just have a relaxing afternoon. I am still in shock. It was amazing, and I still can't believe it. So while these nice moms handled my 29, I sat and relaxed. It was incredible! They created TIME for ME! It was the best gift ever, and I am truly grateful.

So if you are one of those moms who someday get to read this, THANK YOU for giving me such a great day, and thank you to my principal for helping make it happen. Wow...just wow...

21 months old and Day 60

I just realized that today Tyson is 1 year, 9 months old. We found him in September and had hoped to be traveling in April or May. Now we'll be lucky to travel by the end of June.

We could be 2/3 of the way to LOC. As I am now telling people, we could get LOC any day in the next two months. Let's hope sooner than later!

Stay at home Saturday--Day 59

Since I'm home, here's the Saturday report. Absolutely nothing new on the adoption front. No LOAs/LOCs/LOSCs last week to hear or speak of. Please be praying for those who have been waiting longer than us. Tomorrow is day 60 for us, the average is 90 from what I can gather.

My little monkey aka Kacie has had a fever since Tuesday. Wednesday was the worst of it spiking at 103, and she seems to have a stomach bug with it. She finally ate something yesterday, and had a bowl of cereal today. Now, I have this little monkey who climbs counters, slides across the kitchen floor, talks non-stop, and has a temp of right around 99.5 to 101. 5. She has a bundle of energy all the time, and so this home-bound stuff isn't boding well with her. Tylenol brings it down, so I'm not overly concerned, but after missing so much school last week, I'd really like her to be well enough for church tomorrow and school on Monday. We shall see!

The Green Nails

Before I take the color off, I can't imagine not sharing this look with the world! This is soooooo not me or my personality...but I don't know...maybe it should be? It sure has been a fun conversation piece. Sorry the picture is blurred, but you get the idea.

For such a time as this, we are chosen

Lately I've pouted about this wait time, "If we had been 6 months earlier (before Hague) or 6 months later (after everyone figured out how to deal with Hague) things would be clearer." I've asked, "Why God? Why does this wait have to be so long? Why me, and most importantly, why MY SON?" And today I feel the Lord's answer...

For such a time as this, my child, you were chosen, and your son who is also mine, was chosen. The timing is perfect for you.

So then the Lord opened my eyes to realize that it isn't just me! It's all of us parents who are waiting, whether it's in the nsn or sn line. Our own births were ordained by God in His time, and we were chosen to adopt our children at this time. I like to think that God chose us to adopt at this time because he knew that it would require parents with either a lot of patience or those of us who need to learn to wait with patience; or for whatever reason. I am not alone, and I was chosen!

I don't understand this, as I read more about how the time in an orphanage impacts our children in so many negative ways. Back in December God told me that He has this under control. I'm here and ready, but God says, "Not yet."

And so it goes, more waiting...and I continue to learn what it truly means to "Let go and let God." All I know is that the pain I feel is nothing compared to what God went through having His son die for us. So yes, I will wait, knowing the Lord's timing is perfect, for such a time as this.

Sleepless Saturday

I jumped up at 6am for a meeting, arrived home after 2. Now I am doing report cards--a great rainy Saturday in the Northwest! I actually love the rain with a good cup of coffee. There is something calming about it...maybe because I grew up in a temperate rain forest where we averaged 150 inches of rain per year!

We are at Day 52 of waiting for LOC. It is getting worse everyday, knowing Tyson is in an orphanage, and it is out of our control. I did figure out how to get his finding ad, so I'm working on that now. I am also working on filling out the I-800, I-864W, and the DS 230. Those in the adoption world who fall under Hague know what a pain those are! I am just trying to be ready for the moment we get "the call" that LOC is here. That will most likely not be until the end of April, but hey, I may as well be ready, right?

I still have green nails...they grew on me, and it makes me wonder what I'll do next! It's kind of a random thing to do while I wait. So, thanks for reading this, and hopefully next week I'll have something more exciting to post.

DAY 45 and still waiting...

This is hopefully the 1/2 way point between our LID and LOC. I have to keep telling myself that everyday gets us closer to Tyson. In the meantime, I have the I-800 and DS-230 to fill out so that when the LOC comes, those forms are ready to go! We are still hoping for LOC in Mid-April, but now there's new paperwork between LOC and TA, so now we're probably looking at July travel. OUCH! That hurts. That also means we'll be sending a care package for Tyson's birthday, June 22nd. We had hoped to celebrate it with him in China.

I am somewhat ill today. I have a cold and a sore throat, and just don't feel that great. I did get my nails done on Thursday and had them painted BRIGHT GREEN! They are obnoxious, and I think they are crazy, so the plan is to get new color on Monday. But, my sixth graders think they are pretty sweet, one student thinks they look like monster nails. So if the kids like them, I might keep the color a little longer. But conferences are coming up, so I will have to change that color before then. I mean, we are talking 1980's neon green here! The color was supposed to honor St. Patrick's Day, but I think it's an 80's tribute. Maybe I should post a pic? It's not my most professional move, but it's been fun.

Oh, tonight I am going to a dinner, a very special dinner. A former sixth grade student of mine who is now a Senior went on a mission trip to Africa last summer. Her senior project is to raise as much money as possible to sponsor a 5 year old girls for as long as possible. It is $45 a month to sponsor this child. What an amazing project for a senior in high school to take on!

Please keep Tyson's health and growth in your prayers. When we get him, we want a happy and healthy two year old!

I saw this on another blog, and it made me feel so much better. I know that God is doing great work in our lives as we wait for Tyson. I love the perspective of this:

A child sat on Jesus' lap in the splendor of heaven.
The child asked, "Is it time?"Jesus parted the clouds, looked and said,"No, not yet child."
The child asked "When will it be time?"Jesus replied, "When lessons are learned,hardships endured, and loneliness lived,then it will be time."
Time passed. The child asked, "Is it time?"Jesus parted the clouds, looked and said,"No, not yet child."
The child asked, "When will it be time?"Jesus replied, "When maturity is reached,self-worth affirmed and spirits strengthened, then it will be time."
Time passed. The child asked, "Is it time?"Jesus parted the clouds, looked and said,
"Their love is strong and their hearts are open.Yes, now it is time-Your parents are ready."~author unknown

1/3 of the way to LOC?

We are at day 31 of waiting today. Lots of people are waiting over 100 days now, which is so very sad for all these kids waiting to be united with their forever families. We continue to trust God and have faith that our Tyson is doing well and is healthy. This waiting is really getting to me.

Today is the first Saturday in months that we have had no plans. We are out doing yard work, and of course that just means finding more projects to do. We have lived here for almost 5 years, and every year we do another project. The goal is to make the lot as maintenance-free as possible. So why is that so much work?

Kacie just finished Basketball, so now it's just swimming lessons twice a week. I just spent 2 day in Portland at a technology conference, and WOW! I didn't know what I didn't know! I have decided that Kacie needs a Mac. I am currently looking at used and refurbished macs for her. She did a podcast at school and was so excited about it. There is no reason she couldn't do it at home too. When we travel to China, I'm hoping she will do some of the updates on our blog.

That's it for now. I need to get back outside before the light is gone! Come on spring and LOC!

We have a log in date!

Our LID is 1/21/09. A little later than I had hoped, but I'll take it! That means we have officially been waiting for our LOC for 14 days. Unfortunately 5 of those were Chinese New Year, but still, it's 14.

The word in the rumor mill is that the CCAA has added yet ANOTHER step due to the Hague requirements. Ughhh! When will this ever end! I had assumed a June travel. Now, July might be more the reality. I guess the good news would be that I wouldn't have to use any sick leave this year, and it could all be taken next year.

I have to step back and remember that God has this all in His hands. It's in His time, not mine. It will all work out.

PS: I forgot to add this: Our LID is so cool because it is exactly 10 months from the date that I first went to talk to our agency and the day we officially decided to adopt!

So what exactly are we waiting for?--Waiting 101

"Why do you have to wait so long?" I get this question a lot. This week was especially hard because with Chinese New Year, everything in China stops, as this is a major holiday with tons of tradition. This year is the year of the Ox. CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs) is closed for the week, so no paperwork is processed for 5 days. So here is what we are waiting for, and what some of the adoption abbreviations mean. This is only based on what I have learned from reading other blogs.

DTC: Dossier to China. This is the date that your dossier (paperwork that has been notarized, certified by the state, and authenticated by the Chinese Consulate in SF, CA). Ours is Jan. 5, 2009.

LID: Log In Date. We are currently waiting to learn what ours is. This is when your dossier is officially logged in to China's system, and the wait officially begins. Just because we don't know yet does not mean we are not logged in. It is common to not know for awhile. This date is usually 1-2 weeks after DTC.

LOA/LOC/LOSC: Depending your agency or website you are reading, these all mean the same thing. This is the official Letter of Confirmation, or the big "YES" from China. So not only are we waiting to find out what our LID is, at the same time, we are waiting on this piece of paper. From reading other's blogs, i know that this takes about 3 months on average from the LID. Keep in mind that I will have 5 extra days due to Chinese New Year, so we are hoping to get this in mid April. Then there is more paperwork, and you send that back to China and then wait for TA.

TA: I'm not sure of the the exact meaning, but basically it is the permission to travel and make your travel plans. This comes on average 5 weeks after LOA. When you get this, you have the green light! I have seen people travel in 2-5 weeks from TA. The agency sets the Consulate Appointment (CA) and when you have that, you travel about 2 weeks before.

And this is why we HOPE to travel in June! We shall see though. I'd go tomorrow if I could!

Have a great weekend. We are off to another basketball game for Kacie (she made her first basket in a game last week!).

Another Referral Picture--but no new info.

Changzhou will not send me new pictures. It makes me crazy! I still do not know my Log-In Date in China. Many people who sent their Dossiers at the same time do have their log ins, so I have to trust God and my agency that mine is logged in. It would be nice to know.

So here's another picture of our boy, Tyson. We believe this picture was taken at about the same time as the other one, making him about 11 months old. Kacie loves this picture for some reason. She always asks to see it. When I get my approval in China, hopefully in April, I will write more about his name. It will just feel like the right time. You just have to ignore the pink vest...it's so common for boys to be in pink in the orphanages. Dan can guarantee you that Tyson will not be in pink once home!

Chinese New Year Care Package

I kept this package rather simple. I really wanted him to get a new outfit (hope it fits!) and a toy. I love the shirt on the panda bear. The candy is for the nannies, and the camera is in hopes that they will take pictures. I may not have pictures now, but I hope to later! I wrote a very brief letter thanking them for caring for him.

We have not heard if we are logged in yet, and we may not know for awhile. The good news is that people who mailed their dossier at the same time of us already have log in dates (LID), so I am assuming mine is logged in too. I can't start the official counting days until I know my LID.

Please continue praying for Tyson Li Chen and that our paper work will get through quickly. He is very tiny and underweight, but we know he is growing!

Dossier is off to China!

We were told today our dossier is being sent to China! Yay!!! Hang on Tyson, we're making this happen as quick as we can!

Funny story: We bought a new truck last week (O8 Toyota Tundra), as we will be a family of 4, and actually Kacie is now outgrowing the back of our older truck (97 Ford F150) that has a cab. We took the new truck to basketball last Saturday, and she picked up a snack at the grocery store on the way home. Since it's a new truck, there's a "no eating in the truck" rule in effect. She asked, "Mom, can I eat my snack?" and of course explained no she couldn't. Here's her response: "Well, does Tyson get to eat in the truck?" Can you believe that?

Good bye 2008!

Good-bye to this year. The year that we decided to pursue adoption and had no idea the wild ride we'd be on. The year we learned that we would have a little boy someday. The year that God opened our hearts to children with special needs and showed us the beauty of all children and all people.

Although there have been a lot of tears this year over the daughter we'd never have, biological or adoptive, there have been tears of joy over of our new son. I know God has really been opening my eyes to people with all types of special needs, and I am learning to see the beauty in all people. This is spilling over into my teaching career, my dealings with the public, and the way I view life in general. We are all created to be unique and beautiful in our own way.

In 2009, I am looking forward to so many things. My little Kacie will be 8 in June--how did that happen? We hope to get our Tyson in June too, sooner God willing, but in His perfect time. I also plan to stop working as a National Board Facilitator so that I can focus more on my family and my school. Have I mentioned that I love my school? Well, I love my school. God blessed me with a great place to work. Working as a National Board Certification Facilitator has been a great opportunity, but I want to make more of a difference in my school building rather than on a district/state level. Time is one thing I don't have, so when something else goes on the plate, something else comes off!

With that, keep Tyson in your prayers! Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Package Received on Christmas Eve

I just returned from a nice Christmas Eve with Dan's family. They really are very loving people, and we talked about how this would be my last "sit down" Christmas for awhile! Tyson will be A 2 year old next year running wild, I'm sure.

I came home to an email from red thread, and Tyson has received his package. I hope they take pictures so I can pick up the camera when we get him and have 18 month photos. I wish I could get photos now! But, I'll take knowing he got the package. I hope he knows that there is a family waiting to love him and give him a great home. Merry Christmas everyone!

Referral Picture! Meet Tyson

Here's the picture we fell in love with! We think he's about 11 months in this photo, as it is post lip surgery. His DOB is 6/22/07. We think he's adorable and we can't wait to get him home!

Snowed in 12/23

I am snowed in, again. My neighbor couldn't even get her van from her driveway to our road without really spinning her wheels. I was so worried, as it is a BIG van, and I surely couldn't push it by myself. Am I done Christmas shopping? That's a big NEGATIVE! We have Kacie's gifts. Nephews are done. Others, not so much. This kind of weather just doesn't hit our area like this for weeks at a time....it just doesn't! This is so bizarre. At least there is no school this week, and we only have 2 days to make up from last week. Hopefully I'll be in China and not have to worry about it in June. I know several of you are praying for us, and for that we are eternally grateful. As I prayed the other day, God revealed clearly to me that He will be caring for Tyson while we wait for him. It was so reassuring! Please help us cover Tyson, his orphanage, and caretakers all in prayers. Thank you!

Picture of the package

Snow day and update!

Snow day! We missed school Monday and today (Friday). We had late starts Tuesday and Thursday. We might get a day or two of this weather once in a while, but this cold for this long is very rare, and we are just not equipped to fully deal with this much snow and cold weather where we live. It's not worth the cities and counties having snow plows for the 2x in a lifetime they would get used. I hope to get some pics up soon.

As for Tyson, he has grown a little more, not a lot more, but a little. I'm worried about him not getting enough to eat, he is soooooo tiny! He is now 18 months. He is in the 3rd percentile for height and below the chart for height. The orphanage will not release any pictures to Ann at Red Thread (she is so nice by the way and I highly recommend her; Adele at Blessedkids is good too, but my orphanage wouldn't give her anything at all; Ann got measurements). We know he has 7 teeth. He's just tiny, all the way around. But, if there's one thing that 's not a shortage in my house, it's food! He'll gain weight like crazy between getting home and surgery. This process is way too long.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Finally ordered the Care Package!

Finally! Did you know that when you use paypal for the first time, you have to wait for a 4 digit code on your cc statement before you can use it? Or maybe it was just me, but I couldn't order it until I had the code. So finally today the code showed up, and I made the order! I am using redthread, and it's a lady named Ann who puts together the package and sends it from inside China. I doubt our little guy will get it before Christmas, but at least he will get it. Since this is the first of many packages, I sent: a book, a stuffed animal, a disposable camera that we will get when we get to China, a blanket, and then tea and cookies for the staff. I am so happy he will get some stuff. I plan to do another package next month for Chinese New Year, and I will include a family picture for him so he recognizes us when we get there.

We faxed the I-800A approval yesterday, and I had to drive in compact snow and ice to do it. School was cancelled, which was plan A for faxing, and I wasn't driving into town to fax it, so I asked my wonderful friend if I could use her fax machine, and she of course said yes! (It's amazing...not one person has turned us down for help in our journey to adopt little Tyson. Everyone has been incredible!) So I was driving to her house down one of the little side roads in our neighborhood, and as I turned a corner to go up a hill, I made it half way up the hill, and my tires spun and spun, yet we went no where! So I safely backed my car to the side of the road and Kacie and I walked to our friends' house, paperwork in hand as we stepped carefully to not slip and fall. Oh the stories we'll have to tell Tyson!

I-800A Approval

Yes yes yes!!! 12/8/08 officially. Still a few hurdles, but we are hopefully traveling in June!
Jolene

Still no news

I am so sad today. What was supposed to be "in the next few days" has now been a week without an I-800A approval. My little boy is in an institution, and I can't do anything about it, and no one seems to care. My dossier will not be in China before the end of December without a miracle. I know it's in God's perfect timing, but I don't understand why my little Tyson has to stay in an orphanage so long when all we want is to get him home and help him thrive and live a good life. I just don't get it.

We've been assigned an officer!

One step closer...I called NBC this morning (National Benefits Center of USCIS) and our I800A paper work is now on someone's desk! Yay! We have an officer assigned to our case. I'm praying that we'll hear something by Friday.

Package

I am waiting to see if my agency was able to get more information about little Tyson. As soon as I get that information, no matter what, I will be sending him a Christmas package. For those who don't know, there are these ladies with who usually have US and Chinese connections, and they do care packages, letters, and phone calls to orphanages. You order the care package, then they are mailed within China. It saves so much on postage. You can order snacks/tea for the orphanage workers, and then send things to your child. For now, Tyson will get a blanket, a stuffed animal, and a book. The orphanage nannies are getting snacks and tea, and I am also writing a letter with a return envelope, hoping some of my questions will be answered. Then in January we'll send him another package for Chinese New Year. I am planning to send about 1 package every month to month and a half. They are not cheap, but if you were in an orphanage waiting for your parents, wouldn't you want some presents and to know you are loved? We cannot wait for Tyson to be home with us. I can't wait to show you all his cute picture. You will agree, he is beautiful, and I know he's going to just fit in with us great. I am hoping to see him pester his big sister A LOT! It will be joy to my eyes and ears. God is so good!

Frustrated!

The National Benefits Center has now had my I-800A form for three months. THREE MONTHS! It hasn't even made it off of the shelf. We had to do some extra paperwork, so that was sent 1-2 weeks ago. I called Tuesday to see if it made it....NOPE! I'm calling Monday. They also said my paperwork probably wouldn't be reviewed until AFTER Thanksgiving. No, that is not OK. This whole process is hurry up and wait. It's not like they are going to read my homestudy and approve it all at once. Oh no. It can't be that easy. I'm sure I will get a letter or phone call saying they still need x, y, and z information. I am frustrated beyond words!

Pray for us

To anyone who reads this: please cover our family in prayer. We need it. Things are getting better, but your prayers really help. Thank you!

New info!

I don't think anyone is reading this...yet...but I'm still posting knowing that someday I'll be glad I did and that it will help someone out there.

We got our update. Long story short, from what I can see, he's still small but growing! He has his own little growth curve going. He's 16 months now, and he is walking when holding onto things. In China, for kids in orphanages, walking happens between 15-18 months, so he's right on target. We also know he is playing with his peers his age, which is great news. God is putting all reservations to rest. We know it will not be an easy road, but it will be worth it. God has matched us with this little boy. We know he will need speech therapy, surgeries, etc... We will be using sign language to communicate because remember, he has to learn English too!

Next week we will talk to an international adoption doctor to see what her take is on the updated information. Hopefully it will be positive and we can get this ball (and this house!) rolling!

Pumpkin Patch 2008

In 2003 we started the family tradition of going to the pumpkin patch to get our fall pumpkins. We ride out in a covered wagon pulled by a tractor, and we go out and find the perfect pumpkin for each of us. Kacie's rule is that she has to get a pumpkin that she can carry! Each year her pumpkins are a little bigger. Then we go back to the main area and wash our pumpkins, and then Kacie likes to go through the hay maze.

Hopefully next year we'll have a new little one in the family to continue our tradition with! I mentioned that to Kacie, and she just smiled!

The Longest Week

Well, I've been keeping it in for too long...I'm going crazy!

What started out as a journey for a "healthy" baby girl from China has taken a turn. If you've read my date list, you know that we have changed to adopting a boy with special needs. We currently are reviewing a file for a little boy right now! If he does turn out to be our son, we will share more info as we can. We had to wait longer because it was a holiday in China last week. Talk about the longest week ever!

It is amazing when you "Let go" and "Let God" direct your path. God's timing is perfect, and we know everything will work out. God will not give us what we can't handle, but at the same time, the road will not be an easy one. God has a plan, and we are letting it unfold as we take this giant leap of faith.

The more we think about having a boy, the more excited we are! At first Kacie was a little disappointed, as she had always assumed she would have a baby sister. But now, she is so happy to have a brother. It is so hard to not get ahead of ourselves, but with every passing day, we just know that all will work out.

I wish I could share more, but at this time, that's all I'm comfortable posting publicly until we know if we will be accepting this referral.

More Dates

April 08: Decided to look into special needs adoptions.

May 08: Found out we needed clearances from when Dan was in the Military. Huh? What?

Summer 08....waited for clearances and just became numb to the whole process, thinking it would never happen. Had a girls weekend in Tahoe/Sacramento; Family trip to Disneyland; Flew to Anchorage AK and drove back with my sister. I stayed busy!

Mid Aug. 08: Call from Home Study social worker. We may be at the end of this clearance stuff!

Mid Aug. 08: Home Study Complete! The ball is officially rolling again.

Aug. 27 08: I-8o0A received at NBC/USCIS (paperwork for immigration, requesting to bring our child into the US based on our citizenship)

Sept 6 08: Sent final pictures and paperwork

Sept 11 08: Officially decided to adopt a child with special needs, and it will most likely be a boy!

Sept 18th: Fingerprint appointment at Dept. Homeland Security; possible referral?