Well, as most Vietnam families are doing--I too am exploring other options. While it is hard for me to think about not going to Vietnam anytime soon to bring my child home--it is even harder to think I won't be a mom! So, my journey continues....
I pray each day that this is the path I am supposed to follow. I trust in the Lord and know that He knows my child. He knows my dreams. He knows all!
Hopefully I will have some good news to share soon! In the meantime, please continue to join me in prayer for all the orphans of the world, for all the waiting families, and for the officials in charge of bringing them together.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas everyone! What a wonderful day to celebrate our Lord! I am thankful for all that I have been given, all that I have experienced, and for all that I have.
2008 was a very emotional year with lots of waiting, lots of ups & downs, and lots of smiles & tears. I know it was my path and I chose to walk it....
Obviously, I hoped to have my baby home by Christmas this year but it wasn't meant to be. Not much going on in the Vietnam adoption world. Many families who recieved official approval before Sept. 1 are finally bringing thier children home-which is wonderful for them and thier families! I am happy for them.
Also, many families that I follow have chosen to switch to other countries. I am happy for them too...I hope they soon see their child's face. There are too many orphans in this world. Let's give them homes!
As for me, well... my paperwork is all still current and my USCIS paperwork was recently updated. Of course, it does seem pointless right now. I am all current for a country that is closed. That seems very wierd to me.
I just keep hoping that some miracle will happen and the US and Vietnam will come to some sort of agreement. However, no official talks have occured at this point (so I've heard). Joint Council has a new campaingn underway to encourage our senators to sign a new letter to be sent to Vietnam. Please log onto thier website and learn all about it. Every phone call, letter, etc helps since it brings awareness of the situation!! There are children in Vietnam who need homes, there are families here in USA loving those children-let's get us all matched up-PLEASE!
Right now, I am chosing to "wait" out Vietnam. I know it could be several years so I am looking into another option as well. If this other path works out, I will let everyone know--but for adoption....my heart belongs to Vietnam. I have really tried to explore other countries and cultures, but I am just not ready to commit to another country at this point. I fell in love with Vietnam and at this point, I can't imagine any other country. I know this may change later-God may direct me somewhere else, but for now--it's only Vietnam alive in my heart.
I hope Vietnam and US begin inter-country adoptions soon. If not soon, then I hope it begins eventually. Whenever that day comes, I'll be ready. Depending on when it is, what happens between now and then, and where I am in my life-I hope to eventually bring my Vietnamese princess home!
2008 was a very emotional year with lots of waiting, lots of ups & downs, and lots of smiles & tears. I know it was my path and I chose to walk it....
Obviously, I hoped to have my baby home by Christmas this year but it wasn't meant to be. Not much going on in the Vietnam adoption world. Many families who recieved official approval before Sept. 1 are finally bringing thier children home-which is wonderful for them and thier families! I am happy for them.
Also, many families that I follow have chosen to switch to other countries. I am happy for them too...I hope they soon see their child's face. There are too many orphans in this world. Let's give them homes!
As for me, well... my paperwork is all still current and my USCIS paperwork was recently updated. Of course, it does seem pointless right now. I am all current for a country that is closed. That seems very wierd to me.
I just keep hoping that some miracle will happen and the US and Vietnam will come to some sort of agreement. However, no official talks have occured at this point (so I've heard). Joint Council has a new campaingn underway to encourage our senators to sign a new letter to be sent to Vietnam. Please log onto thier website and learn all about it. Every phone call, letter, etc helps since it brings awareness of the situation!! There are children in Vietnam who need homes, there are families here in USA loving those children-let's get us all matched up-PLEASE!
Right now, I am chosing to "wait" out Vietnam. I know it could be several years so I am looking into another option as well. If this other path works out, I will let everyone know--but for adoption....my heart belongs to Vietnam. I have really tried to explore other countries and cultures, but I am just not ready to commit to another country at this point. I fell in love with Vietnam and at this point, I can't imagine any other country. I know this may change later-God may direct me somewhere else, but for now--it's only Vietnam alive in my heart.
I hope Vietnam and US begin inter-country adoptions soon. If not soon, then I hope it begins eventually. Whenever that day comes, I'll be ready. Depending on when it is, what happens between now and then, and where I am in my life-I hope to eventually bring my Vietnamese princess home!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Update (sort of..)
Well, Sept. 1 has come and gone and I don't really have anything new to report. Officially, our dossiers have not been returned from Vietnam....is this good news, is it bad news, is it no news? I honestly don't have an answer.
According to JCICS, Vietnam named someone to begin negiotiations on a new MOU. Will this happen anytime soon, will it "grandfather" dossiers that are currently still in Vietnam, will this person be pushing towards Hague Convention??? How long will that take? What happens in the meantime? I don't think anyone has any definite answers.
For me, I'm just waiting. It is hard. Actually, it is beyond hard--it is all-consuming! When I accepted the referral on March 7, I was told it would be around 4-6 months until I traveled to bring her home. Now, it has been those 6 months and I have nothing....no referral at all....and a country that has officially closed to US adoptions.
How can I accept that? I just keeping thinking that I was supposed to be home with my child by this time---or in Vietnam right now---or at the very least getting ready to travel to Vietnam. It is beyond my comprehension that I am here in the US in absolutely no better position than when I began this process almost 2 years ago.....something just doesn't feel right about any of that.
I know that God can move mountains and I know that He has a plan for me. I trust in Him to follow that path. I just wish I knew where it was leading me.........All I can do is have faith. I'm trying really hard. I believe in Him and I believe I will meet my child one day.
I have researched some other options but I am still not ready to close the door on Vietnam just yet. I just can't accept it yet. I refuse to believe it truely is over. I feel such a strong pull to that country---I really do believe my daughter is there somewhere.
On another note, that beautiful little baby turned 1 year old this week. I pray that she spent her first birthday in the loving arms of a family! I hope she didn't spend it alone in a crib in an orphanage.
Here's hoping and praying for some news soon!!
According to JCICS, Vietnam named someone to begin negiotiations on a new MOU. Will this happen anytime soon, will it "grandfather" dossiers that are currently still in Vietnam, will this person be pushing towards Hague Convention??? How long will that take? What happens in the meantime? I don't think anyone has any definite answers.
For me, I'm just waiting. It is hard. Actually, it is beyond hard--it is all-consuming! When I accepted the referral on March 7, I was told it would be around 4-6 months until I traveled to bring her home. Now, it has been those 6 months and I have nothing....no referral at all....and a country that has officially closed to US adoptions.
How can I accept that? I just keeping thinking that I was supposed to be home with my child by this time---or in Vietnam right now---or at the very least getting ready to travel to Vietnam. It is beyond my comprehension that I am here in the US in absolutely no better position than when I began this process almost 2 years ago.....something just doesn't feel right about any of that.
I know that God can move mountains and I know that He has a plan for me. I trust in Him to follow that path. I just wish I knew where it was leading me.........All I can do is have faith. I'm trying really hard. I believe in Him and I believe I will meet my child one day.
I have researched some other options but I am still not ready to close the door on Vietnam just yet. I just can't accept it yet. I refuse to believe it truely is over. I feel such a strong pull to that country---I really do believe my daughter is there somewhere.
On another note, that beautiful little baby turned 1 year old this week. I pray that she spent her first birthday in the loving arms of a family! I hope she didn't spend it alone in a crib in an orphanage.
Here's hoping and praying for some news soon!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Is it really over?
Well, I have been watching the clock tick down to this day. While it is a fun-filled Labor Day for most of America, for many of us in the Vietnam adoption world it is a sad, sad, day.
It looks as if my Vietnam adoption is over for now. It doesn't look good for any "grandfathering" of dossiers. I still have a lot of faith and pray that I am wrong though. According to the article below it is over for me and many other people.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jp1qmvyR1pqc_TliypfenNxy6wJQD92TTMR80
I haven't heard any "official" word from my agency....but it doesn't look so good. Is "no news good news". I hope so, but I am doubtful.
What do I do now? I'm not sure. I have thought about some of my other options but I haven't truely explored them in depth. I didn't want to give up on this adoption. I still don't want to. If US and Vietnam are truely not working together anymore, I pray a new agreement is reached in the future. I have completely fallen in love with the culture and the country. I have spent the last 2 years learning about it and dreaming of the day I will visit and bring home a child in need of a loving home. I will hopefully one day do just that. I guess my Vietnamese child just may be my second child instead of my first.
I don't know what God has planned for me..but I choose to follow his path. I know His timing is always perfect. I trust in Him. As sad as this day is for me, I can only cling to Him for comfort.
This adoption has definetly taught me a lot about faith, believing, and trust.
I am still learning...I feel angry, sad, disappointed, hurt, and so much more. I researched agencies, I waited, I accepted a beautiful special needs girl when others turned her down, I lost her, now it looks like it is over. I am jealous of all the families who chose other agencies, started after me and are home with their babies. I shouldn't feel that way, I know that. But, I am human....I have a heart and it is hurting. I'm angry, I want to blame someone! I know that is not right. I pray for these feelings to go away. I guess in time they might.
I will probably not blog for a while (it is just too hard). Please know that I appreciate all of you for supporting me during this process. Please continue to pray for the orphans and for US and Veitnam to quickly make the right decisions.
It looks as if my Vietnam adoption is over for now. It doesn't look good for any "grandfathering" of dossiers. I still have a lot of faith and pray that I am wrong though. According to the article below it is over for me and many other people.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jp1qmvyR1pqc_TliypfenNxy6wJQD92TTMR80
I haven't heard any "official" word from my agency....but it doesn't look so good. Is "no news good news". I hope so, but I am doubtful.
What do I do now? I'm not sure. I have thought about some of my other options but I haven't truely explored them in depth. I didn't want to give up on this adoption. I still don't want to. If US and Vietnam are truely not working together anymore, I pray a new agreement is reached in the future. I have completely fallen in love with the culture and the country. I have spent the last 2 years learning about it and dreaming of the day I will visit and bring home a child in need of a loving home. I will hopefully one day do just that. I guess my Vietnamese child just may be my second child instead of my first.
I don't know what God has planned for me..but I choose to follow his path. I know His timing is always perfect. I trust in Him. As sad as this day is for me, I can only cling to Him for comfort.
This adoption has definetly taught me a lot about faith, believing, and trust.
I am still learning...I feel angry, sad, disappointed, hurt, and so much more. I researched agencies, I waited, I accepted a beautiful special needs girl when others turned her down, I lost her, now it looks like it is over. I am jealous of all the families who chose other agencies, started after me and are home with their babies. I shouldn't feel that way, I know that. But, I am human....I have a heart and it is hurting. I'm angry, I want to blame someone! I know that is not right. I pray for these feelings to go away. I guess in time they might.
I will probably not blog for a while (it is just too hard). Please know that I appreciate all of you for supporting me during this process. Please continue to pray for the orphans and for US and Veitnam to quickly make the right decisions.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I refuse to give up....
Each passing day moves me closer to Sept. 1. Gosh, what a dreaded date that is! I really only have 2 slim chances of completing this adoption:
1. I receive another referral and by some miracle the referral is made "official" before Sept. 1
2. An agreement is reached to "grandfather" all of us logged in by July 1 to complete an adoption
Both seem pretty unlikely.....BUT, I refuse to give up hope or lose faith. God can move mountains! If this is meant to be, it will happen!! I have to believe that
The DIA in Vietnam recently stated their intentions to have 50% of the logged in dossiers (some 1,700 American dossiers total) receive "official" referrals by Sept. 1. You do the math--that is approximately 800 families!! While that would be great and I admire the DIA for being so optimistic--I just can't see where it will actually happen. Are the orphanges/provinces even still giving referrals to American families....it really seems to have slown down.
After losing my referral (exactly 1 month ago today) I was told I was "next on the list". That is great, but if the orphanges/provinces are reluctant to refer to American families, I might as well be "last" on the list.....
Oh, I'm getting negative again...that is what happens to me all day long-every day. One minute I am positive and full of hope and then the very next minute I am negative and full of worry and doubt.
Please God, let this happen! I can only trust in your plan for me....
On another note: I am updating my homestudy. Kind of weird, huh? My paperwork expires in November and it is time for me to resubmit my paperwork to USCIS for my 1 time free extension. So, I need my homestudy updated. It almost feels like a waste of time, but if I do happen to get a referral I don't want ANY reason for this not to happen! I want everything on my end up-to-date!! If anymore delays happen, I certainly don't want it to be something I could have fixed!!!
1. I receive another referral and by some miracle the referral is made "official" before Sept. 1
2. An agreement is reached to "grandfather" all of us logged in by July 1 to complete an adoption
Both seem pretty unlikely.....BUT, I refuse to give up hope or lose faith. God can move mountains! If this is meant to be, it will happen!! I have to believe that
The DIA in Vietnam recently stated their intentions to have 50% of the logged in dossiers (some 1,700 American dossiers total) receive "official" referrals by Sept. 1. You do the math--that is approximately 800 families!! While that would be great and I admire the DIA for being so optimistic--I just can't see where it will actually happen. Are the orphanges/provinces even still giving referrals to American families....it really seems to have slown down.
After losing my referral (exactly 1 month ago today) I was told I was "next on the list". That is great, but if the orphanges/provinces are reluctant to refer to American families, I might as well be "last" on the list.....
Oh, I'm getting negative again...that is what happens to me all day long-every day. One minute I am positive and full of hope and then the very next minute I am negative and full of worry and doubt.
Please God, let this happen! I can only trust in your plan for me....
On another note: I am updating my homestudy. Kind of weird, huh? My paperwork expires in November and it is time for me to resubmit my paperwork to USCIS for my 1 time free extension. So, I need my homestudy updated. It almost feels like a waste of time, but if I do happen to get a referral I don't want ANY reason for this not to happen! I want everything on my end up-to-date!! If anymore delays happen, I certainly don't want it to be something I could have fixed!!!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
How do you say thank you?
I cannot say thank you enough for all of the support I have gotten over the past 2 weeks. My family has been wonderful, my friends have been wonderful, and my blogging buddies have been wonderful. It is truely amazing how many people care! It really does mean so much to me.
Most importantly, it means so much to know how much God cares! I know that He knows my plan and He knows what is right for me. I trust in Him fully that I will be lead down the right path.
When I begin to worry and/or get angry, I feel His presence. I know that He is guiding me in the right direction.
I love you all so much....thanks for all your support!!
Most importantly, it means so much to know how much God cares! I know that He knows my plan and He knows what is right for me. I trust in Him fully that I will be lead down the right path.
When I begin to worry and/or get angry, I feel His presence. I know that He is guiding me in the right direction.
I love you all so much....thanks for all your support!!
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