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!