What's next?

I wish I could say that we are now waiting to travel, but that will still take a few more weeks until we can officially be waiting for that.  This next step(s) in the process is new to us, we did not have to do this with Xander.  We adopted Xander before the Hague Treaty was signed by both China and the US, and since that has happened much has changed...mostly more paperwork and more time involved.  Anyway, here is what will happen for the rest of wait for Lyla.

We have our LOA and we must sign it, fill out our I800 (and some supporting documents) and send it to our USCIS officer.  (Are you confused yet?)  The USCIS officer will make sure all the paperwork matches up and give it her approval, that approval (which tells China that the US approves us to adopt Lyla, who is a foreign born child) will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).  Once the NVC has it in their system they send it on to the US Consulate in China.  At that time they will issue an Article 5, which is what allows Lyla's visa to be issued.  The Article 5 must be picked up from the Consulate and delivered to the CCCWA (China's adoption headquarters).  And then , once that is received we wait for our Travel Approval, which is what says...

COME GET YOUR GIRL!!!!

Now, if that doesn't give you tired head nothing will, so here is the break down and the steps that we will be tracking:
1. I800 Application sent
2. I800 Approved
3. NVC Cable
4. Article 5 drop-off
5. Atricle 5 pick-up
6. Travel Approval

So, it doesn't really matter what each of those things means, just that we have to go in order.  It seems like a lot of stuff, but it typically takes about 10-14 weeks to complete.  We're crossing our fingers and praying real hard to travel in March, but April is more likely.  Watch the dates in the timeline on the right of the blog, I'll be keeping track there.

Oh, also, because we got our LOA our agency requests an update.  So hopefully, soon, we will get some new measurements and pictures of our big girl.  This mama has a closet to fill!

Three little letters

LOA!


Yes!  It finally came, on day 120!  WOW!   I'll give more details later, but that was the most important.  Seriously, we are so close!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, little Lyla!  We love you and can't wait to spend Christmas with you!

Needing to be honest

I promised myself that I would be transparent and honest when it comes to adoption and the journey it involves.  I want people to know the truth, even if it's ugly.  I want to be able to help someone make an educated, prayerful decision if they consider adopting.  So, this is one of those times when I put pride aside and put it all out there.

This wait for Lyla is excruciating.  I go through days where it's ok, and I can convince myself that it will happen, and we will bring her home...eventually.  Some days that is good enough, most days it is not.  When people ask me, "What's the latest on Lyla?"  My insides boil and I want to shout (not at them, of course) and say, "I HAVE NO IDEA!!!!"  I feel like I am on edge all the time, one word away from screaming or one thought away from a flood of tears.  Truth.

Just like all the other families adopting from China our paperwork was updated, authenticated and submitted to the CCCWA.  Just like all the other families our letter requesting to adopt Lyla was heartfelt, sincere and sent to the proper government office where it was matched with Lyla's file.  Just like all other families we got our "pre-approval" which states that China will allow us to adopt her, as soon as all other documentation is reviewed and approved.  Just like all other families we want our sweet girl home as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, unlike other families our paperwork got stuck in one department too long.

We are not the only family who has been plagued with this extra long wait for our LOA.  We have some friends (who are on their way to China on Dec 15th!!!!!!!!) who waited over 120 days for their LOA.  I have met others online who are currently waiting as long or longer than us.  It is still not the norm, but it is happening for some unknown reason.

I believe that God is in control.  I believe that He knows the perfect time for Lyla to join our family.  I believe that this wait is purposeful.  It doesn't make it easier.  Just being honest.

Slowly but...well, slowly

Today it was confirmed that the translated copy of our dossier made it back to the CCCWA.  Shew!  Now, before you get too excited, we still have no idea how long it is going to be until we get our LOA.  At least we know that our dossier is in the right place and it is making s-l-o-w progress.

My new prayer is that we get our LOA by Christmas.  Please join me in praying for that!