Home again

Our flights home were on time and smooth. Although I do have to point out there was a HUGE difference between the KLM leg from Almaty to Amsterdam and the Northwest leg from Amsterdam to Detroit. Granted, it was a smaller plane, but the KLM flight was so much more comfortable and pleasant. If you want details, ask me, otherwise, enough said : )

Back home again and into the old routine. Sort of comforting to get back in the swing of things, but still more travel to plan and paperwork to prepare. I got the word from my Kaz. facilitator (on the ride to the airport!) that my court date is set for January 15 and I need to be there before the 14th to go over things and prepare.

We'll have to leave on the 10th to get there in time, as KLM doesn't fly from Amsterdam to Almaty on Sundays (the 11th, which would've been better). January 10 is only 12 days from today - Yikes!

However, the timing does clarify one thing for me regarding 2 trips vs. 3: there is not enough time at home to get things done to prepare for J's arrival, and not enough time at work to prepare for me being gone on leave. So ... It will have to be 3 shorter trips, rather than a 2nd long one. More fun on the plane, yay.

Hopefully, I'll be allowed to visit J on this next trip. It's specifically for the court date, which usually consists of the judge, a prosecutor, and other court personnel; the Baby House director, a member of the Education department, my facilitator, a translator and me. (I think that's all). Upon a favorable ruling (could be that day, or take several days), a 15-day appeals period begins, and paperwork is begun that will be filed in Astana, the capital. Total stay is about a week, plus travel time. The third trip is a bit shorter and involves receiving custody of J, visiting the American Embassy doctor, finalizing paperwork and travel documents for J. Then home. I can't wait for that last part!

Paka paka (bye bye)

We're scheduled to fly out early tomorrow morning. Keep fingers crossed for good traveling. Bye for now. We wish all our friends and family a very Merry Christmas!

Kelly and Marilyn

Countdown ... 1 (Christmas Day)

Grammy, Mom and baby J had a good time on our last visit to Baby House No. 2 - for this trip. We played all our usual games, smiled, drooled and watched the other family across the room. An extra special day, because we don't know when we'll be together again.

I can't express how hard it was to leave her there, but I know she's well cared for and treated with affection : ) Here is a poem (or song lyrics?) I found on an adoption site. When I find out who to attribute it to, I'll add that to the post.


Kisses in the Wind
I hold you in my heart and in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, that's how it seems.
I know you wonder where we are. It's been so long.
Just remember, child, that God will keep you strong.

Now go outside, feel the breeze and let it touch your skin.
Soon you'll have a family, I promise you again.
Miles away we wait for you, but it's coming to an end.
But for tonight, just as always, I'll blow you kisses in the wind.
Kisses in the wind, kisses in the wind, kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hands until we get to you.
I promise you that we will see you soon.
May He wrap you in His arms and hold you tight,
and let the Angels bring our kisses every night.

Now go outside, feel the breeze and let it touch your skin.
Soon you'll have a family, I promise you again.
Miles away we wait for you, but it's coming to an end.
But for tonight, just as always, I'll blow you kisses in the wind.
Kisses in the wind, kisses in the wind, kisses in the wind.

Countdown ... 2 (Christmas Eve)

Today's visit to J was an absolute joy : ) The other family from the US was with us again today, and they and their 6-year-old provided lots of distraction for Ms. J. She had lots of tummy time (which they don't normally get), even turning to me once and spontaneously smiling at me when I greeted her. (yes, I got it on video : )

We had a nice surprise at the hotel this afternoon. They found out that we celebrate Christmas and had been greeting us with "Merry Christmas" all day. About mid afternoon, two members of the staff brought up a Christmas card (with a nice note in English), along with a plate full of fruit, champagne and two glasses. So very nice!

I suspect that Zhaniya was behind their knowledge of our big holiday, as she also arranged a very nice Christmas Eve. dinner at the hotel of several traditional Kazak dishes. MMMMM. Very yummy. Zhaniya and Anara, along with the other US family, plus Mom and I had a leisurely celebration. Very nice for us, being so far from home. What a very thoughtful thing to do!

Mom got another great "present" today. She has permission to visit the Baby House again tomorrow as it's our last day. So much fun, for all 3 of us to get another special day together : )

Countdown ... 3

Fun day today at the Baby House. We shared the 2nd floor room with the new family. Their daughter, 14 months old, was a bit uncertain and cried much of the time. J and I played our own games, but looked on in sympathy occasionally. Got some chuckles and baby babble, plus a lot of smiles today. Moments I'll remember : )

Back "home" and off to the last hike to the grocery with Mom. Mostly needed water (can't wait to get home to drink unlimited water ... right from my own tap!) and some yogurt and fruit to tide us over until we leave.

Sad to think of leaving J behind, but we're so much closer to our future together. I would've had a hard time making this trip without the support of my mom and dad, who've shown me how far a parent is really willing to go to make their child happy. The best Christmas present I could ever receive!

* photo at top of Maigul, main caregiver at Baby House No. 2; and a pensive shot of Ms. J from today

Day 11

Day 11 was Monday. I started out early, joining another (new) family working with the same facilitators, but with a different adoption agency. They brought with them their 6-year-old daughter and we all squeezed together in the van. They were on their first day: city council building, meeting baby for the first time. Kind of fun to look back to my first day with J. : )

J and I had fun in the first floor visiting room. Not our favorite room as it's not as sunny and the pink walker toy is upstairs. Shorter visit because we came later, but important in that it's our last official visitation day. I did get the word that I'll be able to visit her all week, though, right up until we leave. Yay.

Picked up Mom and we all went to the American Bar & Grille (Am Bar), which is sort of a diner-like restaurant with English menus and wait staff with pretty good English. We had burgers and fries, but they have a bunch of down home choices. Light dinner at "home" and watched an entire soccer match. Yes, I know.

In case you wonder ... television-wise: we've watched soccer, skating, table tennis match, a well-dubbed Russian version of "Meet the Fockers," (yeah, I know) and a badly dubbed episode of "Friends." Beats CNN and BBC, once they start repeating : )

later.

aaargh

For anyone who has been trying to reach us via email or who's a regular on the blog ... we're having trouble keeping a continuous internet connection. I may not be able to reconnect and update the blog, but be assured I will when we get home : )

I am not able to get to my regular email account, as of this moment, so if you're one of the few with my yahoo address and are desperate to hear back, try that.

Otherwise, all is well here, baby J is still great and we're still under less snow than Michigan!

Kelly & Marilyn

Day 10

Grammy and I went to see J today. She was in a pretty good mood. We enjoyed our time, as she played with a musical toy and chewed on her keys. It was hard for Grammy to leave, knowing she won't see her again for awhile, but we'll be patient and wait for next trip.

We had fun and took some video of J rockin' out to her tunes ; ) She was her usual captivating self, chuckling and babbling a bit. I do think we heard her say "mama" today. Could be "mamamamama," but close enough and caught on tape.

The weather the last two days has been below freezing. Roads and trees are icy, but the driving is okay. Staying in for more meals, because of the slippery paths.

Our best to everyone back at home; all our family and friends who have been so supportive. We love and miss you all : )

Day 9

So, you might wonder at the decrease in quantity of really cute pix of J. That's because the little sweetheart has been a bit cranky the last few times I've visited. Tired, chewing on everything and wanting to be held ... doesn't lead to Mom taking great photos. Just know that there have been chuckles and playfulness and wide-eyed-wonder ... just for my eyes only, sorry : ) Tomorrow Grammy gets her second visit (and we'll try to show you some more of J's antics.)

How do Grammy and Mom pass the time waiting for the daily visits? There's only so much wandering the locale and eating pizza that two foreign gals can stomach. Well, there's also Scrabble (Grammy 75, Mom 1) and blackjack (Mom 10, Grammy 3), reading, crosswords and sudoku. Except for leaving J behind, I think we'll be happy to go home next week. Fingers crossed that all goes well on that journey. Got an email from Gramps ... he's home safe after 2 days of travel. It's a relief, but we miss him : )

Day 8

Today J and I joined two other families in the playroom for visitation. One from Italy, and the Spanish family I met previously. It was much livelier to have a 3 groups talking and playing at once, and fun for J in that way. Anara told me that all 3 kids were from the same “group” at the Baby House, and so know each other. J certainly couldn't take her eyes off the other two, who, being 12 and 14 months old, were much more mobile and active. Of course it meant less focus on each other for J and me, but it still was a nice visit. Not many pictures. Some video, which I'll have to figure out how to post when I get home.

Last night we got a dusting of snow, which melted in the street but remains on the ground. Colder than when we first arrived, but nothing like at home, I'm sure : )

Day 7

J and I celebrated the Kazakhstan independence day in the Baby House with piano playing, book reading and playing with toys. All in all, much like any other day. As we're counting down the days until the "bonding" visits are completed, I can't imagine going back home ... to wait another month or more before I can see her again.

I'm including a few photos in honor of her many faces.

Mom, Dad and I found a new place to eat tonight. Good pizza and wine, and not too far from where we're staying. That's good, since Mom and I will need somewhere fun to go after Dad leaves tomorrow. Bon Appetit!

oooooh ... scary baby!

Day 6

More fun at the Baby House today. We played with all the "big" toys ... Mama's way of seeing what happens when there's nothing small enough to put in J's mouth. Not much, except a bit less contented of a baby girl. Still had fun and a good visit.

Today was Mom and Dad's 52nd wedding anniversary. Who would've guessed back on Dec. 15, 1956 that they'd be halfway around the world in 2008? So fun to be here with them for their day. Zhaniya and Anara gave them a beautiful bouquet of flowers. So sweet and nice of them!

Enjoy the pix.

Day 5 photos

Guest columnists ...

The Long-Awaited visit
Apa and Ata (Kaz. for Grandmother and Grandfather) are only permitted to visit the Baby House on Saturdays and so we had to be very patient for 5 days. Saturday arrived bright and sunny and off we went!

Upon arrival at the BH, they brought in dear little Josie. What a doll! Petite and cute as a button, she looked us over and then happily accepted us.

For over an hour, Josie was entertained by 3 gaga adults - and then it was time to go - much too soon. Hugs and kisses and then a group picture and she was whisked off. We're in love with her already and thrilled to have another grandchild. Can't wait until next Saturday!

Grammy and Gramps

more photos

Here are a couple of pix from Days 3 and 4 ... not a lot of variation. Just the same adorable cute girl and her mama. Tomorrow Grammy and Gramps get to visit the Baby House with me, so that should be fun and maybe some cute shots to post ; )

Day 4

JMI and I had a great day today, playing and talking and zooming around in the walker toy. Too bad those things are considered "unsafe" (kids can zoom down staircases), because she really loves it and I'd get her one at home ...

We were all alone in the playroom for visitation, and enjoyed having the space all to ourselves. JMI is so sweet, just like any 7 month old, I guess, who is still all about the simple things: a warm, comfy lap to sit in, stuff to chew on and cool toys to play with. Of course, I'm only there for a short time each day, missing all the difficult parts of the day. Plenty of time for that when she comes home : )

She definitely shows interest in the books I bring to read to her. Current favorite is "Moo, Baa, La La La" by Sandra Boynton.

"The cow says moo. The sheep say baaa. Three singing pigs say La La La. No, No, you say. That's not right. Pigs say OINK all day and night ... "

As you can see, I kind of like it, too : ) She's oh-so cute when I read it to her; she really zooms in on the animal pix and grunts a little and pats each page. I do the "cats and kittens say, MEOW" with an actual meow. As we know, I'm really good at that, being a cat mom already. She really perks up and stares at me intently. Maybe meow will be her first word, who knows?

I talked with Zhaniya today about JMI's future official name, and it seems that I won't be able to add Irina to the official Kaz. papers. The forms only allow for 2 names and a last name. So, I'll have to add the Irina informally or something. Anybody know ... do Episcopalians get to add a baptism name? But, I'll still keep calling her JMI on the blog for now, just to keep it simple.

I hear it's really cold and snowy back home, but here we are hovering around 35-42 F each day, and no precipitation at all (unless you count fog and smog, which they have in abundance this time of year). They say this warm weather is unusual, but it's okay with us. Zhaniya and Anara took us up into the mountains today. Beautiful and clear there, where we stood overlooking a 10,500 square metre speed skating ice rink, Medeu, at the site of the 7th Asian Winter Games, which is much like an Olympics for this area of the world. Very cool.

***The Government of Kazakhstan plans to allocate US$726 million in the 2008 budget for construction and renovation of the sports facilities for the games, including the Medeo skating rink and the Shymbulak skating area to the south east of the city.[2] Timur Dosymbetov is the Director General of the 2011 Asian Games Executive Body. The games are considered good experience in hosting for the city of Almaty, and will likely be a strong point in their planned bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics.[3] (wikipedia.com)

K, M & G

Day 3

Thanks so much for all the comments on the blog and your email messages. It's so nice to know how many people are interested in our journey! We've had issues keeping a consistent internet connection, and since that's how we access the blog and email ... new posts and email reponses are a bit slow to come.

JMI is doing great. Yesterday was a cranky visit, but today's was more fun. Playing with toys and interacting and a little smiling (yay!) and it was over way too fast, of course. Another family, from Spain, was sharing the playroom. Their son is 14 months old and walking quite well. Really cute, too, but can't hold a candle to JMI. (who could?) I liked meeting them, but we were each focused on our own "thing," so didn't talk much. Just between us, they were a bit distracting, since JMI was fascinated by little Pablo Renat, and I was jealous (haha)

Got the word that Grammy and Gramps will be allowed to visit JMI on Saturdays. Yay, again. It's been terrible for them to see me off every day not knowing if they will see her in person. Hopefully, we'll get some better pictures and maybe a little video while they're there.

It's hard to get pix of a little one (as you probably know) who can't stay sitting up by herself and is sitting in your lap most of the time. I got some terrible/hilarious video of her in a little walker toy. Most of the footage was of the floor or my own nose, unfortunately : ) Anyone who knows me well knows that it's tough for me not to get the good shot!

We're having fun trying some new restaurants. Very yummy, and no horsemeat yet, to Mom's relief.

More tomorrow. Pix to come.

I will post more photos tomorrow. Be patient. Her cuteness doesn't fade!

So sorry

I just realized that I forgot to turn on the "anonymous" option in the comment area under each post. So sorry! I turned it on today, so if you held off on making comments because you didn't want to set up an account ... now you're all set.

Some cute pix

The rainbow came out one day at the Amsterdam airport. Seemed like a sign, somehow! The shot of my mom and dad reading the blog was just too perfect to pass up : )
The shots of JMI and myself are from Day 2 visitation. Cute hat, huh? I think they keep it on so she stays warm enough. LOL.

Day 2

Today was my second day visiting baby JMI. (I can't keep typing out her full name Josina Margaret Irina ... that's way too long for such a tiny peanut of a baby, and she's technically Irina until after the court date and appeals period ... so JMI).

We meet from 10:30 to noon each day ... cushioned on each side by a harrowing car ride across town Kazakh style (think 10,000 New York cabbies combined with the Indy 500) ... today JMI was a bit cranky. Teething, maybe, but also a little unsettled by being left alone in a room with a virtual stranger. Well, time will fix the teeth and the acceptance. We did rather well together, but she was only happy being held in my arms or on my lap. That was okay with me. More chances to give kisses : )

We went to Panfilov Park afterward with Zhaniya and Anara. An impressive area with a memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers of the Panfilov Division who were credited with helping save Moscow from being overrun by the Germans in 1941. Also home to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a rococo style building, built in 1904. At one time an officers club and then a museum, it was restored to all its glory as a place to worship in 1991. Ate pizza at an Italian restaurant, bought some food and bottled water to take back with us.

Photos to follow ... No award winners, since we had a cranky day and I found it hard to justify photos when hugs worked so much better. But a couple of cute shots, anyway.

All in all, a great day!

Meet (Josina Margaret) Irina

Welcome!

We arrived on time Monday morning and were picked up at the airport by Zhaniya, my facilitator and her daughter, Anara, the translator. Very nice people, who spent most of yesterday helping us find a nice place to stay (Alma Hotel) and taking us on a short walking tour and to a grocery. We have a refrigerator in our room, which we've stocked with breakfast and beverages (lots of bottled water!) We've also been to a couple of nice restaurants and had tasty, but not too adventurous meals!

But that's not what you really want to know, is it?
 
This morning I had my meeting with the City Council/Education director, who approved me to continue on to the Baby House. After picking up a woman from Washington DC, who is on her final trip to bring her daughter home, we went on to the Baby House, where she was having her goodbye party and I was to meet my baby.

So ... welcome little (Josina Margaret) Irina to the family. She was born April 29, 2008 and is an adorable baby with brown eyes, dark hair and a little button of a nose. We met for about 15 minutes and she was very sweet, interested in me and all the toys ... and put everything in her mouth like any 7 month old! She's of Korean descent (go figure) and has lived at the BH since she was 2 weeks old.

Tomorrow I start my daily visits (1.5 hours a day) for 13 more days (not including Sundays). I'll post a photo on the blog as soon as we get them downloaded. She has that delightful, big-round-eyed stunned look in each one (much like myself, I suspect). Cute.

Once the visitations are complete, we file papers for a court date. On the next trip I go to court and hope for a positive ruling. Fingers crossed ... little (Josie Margaret) Irina will finally be a member of the family then. : )

More later. Hope everyone is well.

Kelly
Grammy & Gramps

Waiting ...

hello from Amsterdam
Long story short ... we're still at the Amsterdam airport. Our second day here waiting for our flight to Almaty. The first was cancelled yesterday (after 10 hours of waiting in the KLM lounge) then we were being routed through Moscow later in the evening. That flight also was cancelled, so we spent the night and are "freshly" awaiting the same 6 pm flight out tonight. Better rested due to our stay in the airport hotel and a nice breakfast.

Keep the fingers crossed and the prayers going out!

Kelly, Marilyn and George : )

On our way ...

Today's the day! Our flight leaves Detroit at 9:15 pm, arriving in Amsterdam nearly 8 hours later. Then a 7 hour layover in Amsterdam, before making the final leg of the journey to Almaty. (about 6.5 hours). That's a lot of traveling for this homebody!

But what is awaiting me at the other end is priceless ... The anticipation and the gift I will receive is far better than any Christmas morning in my memory (that includes 1969, the year I got the stuffed dog AND the lifelike baby doll).

The endless rounds of updated paperwork and documents to be notarized and apostilled is done - for now. The overnighting of our travel visa application, the scramble for unsullied cash to take for exchange and the rush to buy baby clothes, toys and caregiver gifts is over. The suitcase is packed (42 pounds, under the limit if you trust my scale ... ) and I am as ready as I'll ever be.

Are you ever ready?

As is often the case, best laid plans ... the idea was for me to go to the Baby House on Monday, December 8, but Monday is a Kazakhstan holiday. (Kurban Ait - Feast of Sacrifice) So I'll be meeting the little sweetheart on Tuesday, instead. More time to recover from jetlag and get our bearings : )

I don't even know where to start thanking all the people in my life who supported me in this journey and who continue to send their best wishes. You are all truly wonderful, fabulous people. Yes, fabulous : )

My next post will be from Almaty, Kazahkstan, where tomorrow's weather should be mostly sunny and 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Gotta think that's better than snow and 19 ...

Kazakhstan bound!

I got the call yesterday afternoon that the Letter of Invitation had arrived! It confirms that we'll be traveling to Kazakhstan to meet my future daughter, leaving the weekend of December 6 (most likely, to get there before the 8th). My mom and dad will make the trip with me and we'll most likely be there over Christmas.

It was so hard to be here at work, instead of at home or with family and friends, since I wanted to laugh, cry, dance - all at once. Except for the ongoing dilemma of how to get my mom a travel visa with more than 30 days for the second trip ... the world is a happy place. Now, to rush around updating the last documents and figuring out how to pack light (LOL!)

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe and successful trip.

omg, this is so exciting!

Marginally relaxing

What’s new this month?
It’s possible I’ll get the Letter of Invitation as early as next week, although they say it still looks like the earliest we would travel would be sometime during the week of December 8th. How’s that for good news?

This means I’ll continue to update some documents (doctor, employer, immigration fingerprints, FBI fingerprints … all are close to expiring. That also means another round of notarizations and apostillings (okay, it's not a word, but if I have my way Websters will acknowledge it by 2010). Plus, travel visa applications and passport style photos to be taken. Still, a far cry from the preparation needed for the full dossier.

What about when I get there? As is normal in Kazakhstan adoptions, you go in blind. No referral, no photo, no medical information. When you meet your child, you have a day or so to make a decision and possibly fax medical reports to an adoption doctor here in the States.

I’m in a quandary over whether to take the international fees with me in cash or to try to take travelers checks and get them cashed. Most agencies recommend the cash option, but that’s a scary proposition. Hmmm. Checking into the options, there.

My agency’s contact from Kaz. has hooked me up with a family that just returned from their first trip. What a nice family. The mom emailed back to me with her impressions and suggestions – wow, was that helpful! I admit to being a bit stressed and worried over all the little details. I may call her tonight for a chat. Did I say nice family?

My boss also gave me a great contact person … his father-in-law, who travels all over Asia for his job and very nicely offered to talk with me also and says he has friends and contacts in Kaz. if I need them. That sound you hear is me, marginally relaxing.

Almaty, maybe

Talked with my agency consultant today. She says my documents came out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presumably on to Ministry of Education next. Our “connection” in country thinks the most likely region is Almaty.

I was a little uncertain about going to the big city … I had a picture of myself slowly whiling away the peaceful and boring hours in a smaller town. My parents, who will be traveling with me, are thrilled, though. Somewhere to shop, to eat, to tour while we’re waiting. (Okay, I’ll live with the smog and the big city … )

... as one wise blogger put it, “Keep your eye on the prize.” And that’s what she’ll be – a prize and a treasure. Someone I’ve waited for for a very long time.

The only drawback? They’re talking about maybe three trips. THREE!!! I freaked out for a bit over that, but apparently it can be made in two. Our only issue is whether my mom, who’s going with me on the second trip, also, will be able to get a visa that extends more than 30 days.

Closer, closer ...

After arranging a courier service to pick up and mail it forward to Kaz., my dossier has been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana, Kazakhstan. Closer, closer, closer …

So I was home today with my mom, who was visiting to keep me company after I had a little minor surgery. I got a phone call from a man with an accent. A little hard to understand until it sunk in … HE WAS FROM THE KAZAKHSTAN EMBASSY and he informed me that my dossier had cleared the consulate. (WAY earlier than expected!)

More dancing to a joyful tune! (Literally, this time, with my mom as dancing partner). It actually cleared yesterday, but they emailed it to my work email and I wasn’t there. This was so much better, though, to share it with my mom.

I’m approved. It’s all so real now.

Oh, happy day

Oh, happy day! The dossier is on its way to the Embassy. This is probably the first feeling of undiluted joy I’ve felt since I began the process, nearly two years ago. Dancing to a happy tune in my head: )

Something happening ...

The dossier is back from translation. Now I feel like something is FINALLY happening. I still need to work on a cover letter and then arrange to Fed Ex it to the consulate in DC.

This is progress

I haven’t written in a while, which I should have, if only to document the painstaking and painfully detailed steps involved in producing a Kazakhstan dossier. But the good news is that I sent it off today to be translated into Russian. Pray for its safe arrival and good reception!

I’m so totally excited by this “milestone.” I guess that’s what you’d call it. There hasn’t been much to celebrate lately, and this is PROGRESS.

Fingers crossed ...

Well, I talked with my agency consultant about the pros and cons of moving forward and completing my dossier. The main drawback is that the documents are dated, and some may expire before the dossier gets approved or before I complete the trip.

On the assumption that taking any action is better than sitting on my hands and worrying, I told her that I’d like to forge ahead. I’m a little nervous about that, but I feel much better with an “action plan.”

So, fingers crossed : )

Spoke too soon ...

Although the intent to allow Kaz. adoptions to continue has been verbalized, the D.C. consul is still holding up processing. My consultant at the agency is trying to find a way to work around it. Apparently there's a consulate in NY also, but they're worried about a sudden influx of dossiers ...

My poor mom (grandma to 5 and future grammy to Kazbaby) is feeling the strain almost as much as I am. She's planning on going with me for the whole trip, which is huge and very appreciated. (She needs to stop mentioning my advancing age every time there's a delay, though.)

So, still waiting. Good thing I'm a patient person.

Good news!

I heard from my agency today that the Joint Council met with Kazakhstan Ambassador to the United States Erlan Idrissov and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Michelle Bond.

The good news is that the temporary suspension of dossier processing has been lifted. I am so happy! Just waiting to hear from my adoption consultant whether she expects any changes in the process before proceeding. They are saying to expect delays.

Click here for the whole statement.

Onward and upward (fingers crossed!)

The saga continues

Sorry for the lack of posts in the last month. The world of intercounty adoption can be uncertain, as I’ve found out yet again. And I find it hard to write when I’m feeling down.

Several weeks ago, word oozed out that there was a problem with adoption processing at the embassy. I was advised to hold off on my remaining paperwork until the situation was worked out. (This suggestion is intended to keep the paperwork as current as possible, datewise).

Still waiting.

Just this week a statement was released from the Joint Council for International Children’s Services (JCICS) stating that adoptions from Kazakhstan are “temporarily suspended.” Check here for the official statement.

This is very scary news, considering that this was about where I was last year with the process in Guatemala. I feel a depressing sense of deja vu. It’s like I’m standing outside of the gate, and no one will allow me in.

My adoption consultant, who’s in touch with “people in the know” assures me it’s nothing the same as Guat. and has advised me to hang in there. Apparently, it’s an issue with the Consul at the embassy here, not an issue for the Kaz. government (who are proceeding with cases and are supporting the process in country). Hopefully, this will be worked out soon.

Sigh.


*** JCICS is a “membership association of licensed non-profits, international adoptions agencies, child advocacy groups, parent support groups and medical clinics. ... whose mission is to advocate on behalf of children and to promote the highest standards of ethical practice in intercountry adoption. So they KNOW.

The back story ...

There’s not much new to post. Got my immigration approval (actually a change of country, since I had prior approval last fall). Ordered apostilled (not certified!!!) birth certificates and started my doctor on the med. forms (always a slow process). I continue to produce and fill out the many forms required by Kaz. law and I'm pursuing FBI fingerprinting and clearance.

It’s a strange feeling, living in two parallel worlds. One where I do all the normal things (work, grocery shopping, cleaning, paying bills, talking with family and friends) and one where I’m in a perpetual, uncertain, paperwork-filled limbo. It’s a little disturbing and often leaves me feeling a bit out of sync.

Anyway, I’ll post more progress as it comes to me : )

A little of my personal backstory, while I wait ...
Why adoption? For my first 30 years, I just assumed I'd have kids of my own, complete with hubby, house, 2 dogs and cool job. (sweet youthful dreams). Instead, I have the house, a cool job, five fantastic nieces and nephews to spoil and two adorable felines. Not a bad haul, so far. But, though the ticking of my biological clock has slowed to a near halt, I still harbor dreams of having my own family.

I explored adoption at a local informational seminar over fifteen years ago, well before I had any real intention of following through on this plan. My friend Mary, bless her heart, coerced me into keeping her company while she explored the possibilities for her own family. We split up to cover more ground, she to international adoption topics and I to domestic. We learned that choices for single women are fewer than for married couples. (And if you’re a single man, good luck.)

I began to think about international adoption as the most likely path to my future family. As the years passed, I avidly read magazine articles and books about international adoption and single parenthood. I engaged in a constant and low-level debate with myself. Can I do it? Should I? What will my family think? Finally, I gave myself a deadline.

So, here I am. Hoping to find Baby J in Kazakhstan, a country of great beauty and diverse culture.