I received word from my coordinator a couple of days ago that my dossier is now at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Astana, Kazakhstan. It will leave there and head to the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Astana and then on to the region where I will be going. While in Astana, my agency will be looking for a region that is a good match. I expressed a preference for a boy under 18 months, any ethnicity, healthy as possible in my paperwork. I'm traveling blind, which means I will not receive information about a specific child before I leave. This seems to be the preferred method of the country. Dare I even say it; everything still seems to be on track. I'm still hoping to travel in Sept/Oct.
While I'm in the waiting stage, I have been making endless lists of everything I still need to do. I thought I might have some down time; boy was I wrong! I have started working on getting the nursery together. It is so much more fun than paperchasing! I'm also looking for an international adoption doctor to do a medical assessment for me while I'm in-country and a pediatrician for when I come back. I've called numerous daycares and started compiling the travel tips I have come across on the message boards. The list goes on and on and on....
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Dossier at Consulate
Well, I got some good news last night. My dossier has been translated and was sent yesterday to the Kaz Consulate in New York. My agency coordinator says it takes about 2-4 weeks for them to approve it and then it is sent to Kaz. It has to go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Kazakhstan, which takes another 2 or so months. I will then be issued a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to travel. I'm still on track to travel maybe late Sept or Oct, most likely the latter. Of course, these are only estimates. Unfortunately, delays happen all too often when adopting. Fingers crossed!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Faith Matters....Just the Beginning
I am embarking on a crazy journey of international adoption. I have always believed that faith matters, but I think I will rely on it more than ever going forward.
About a year ago, I began seriously considering adopting a child. I am now in my late 30's and have been divorced for 11 years. My ex-husband and I did not have children. And I do not see a husband on the horizon as of now (although I am always optimistic God will put him in my life; eventually, assuming that is His plan, and assuming I am paying close enough attention to recognize this person. Anyway, I digress!) Over the last few years, several people close to me have commented to me that I should consider having a child on my own, either through in-vitro fertilization or adoption. But, an off-hand conversation while visiting Atlanta last summer would push this possibility to the forefront of my mind. A friend of a friend started talking about her 5 year old twin niece and nephew who had been adopted by her single sister as infants. God bless her sister for being able to handle twin infants on her own!! I was absolutely amazed. This conversation made me wonder if adoption was something I could seriously consider.
So, I began researching, and reseaching, and researching. I've read countless books, internet sites, blogs, and message boards. And most importantly, I prayed, prayed, and prayed. In January, I took the leap of faith! I have now completed my paperwork (aka dossier) and it is currently being translated as we speak. I have chosen the country of Kazakhstan (hence the name of this blog). It is a Central Asian country that borders both Russia and China. The orphanages have a great reputation for taking good care of the children. It is a country of diverse culture. I'll share more about the country as my journey continues.
I am very excited about this decision (and completely terrified; depending on the day) and I look forward to sharing my thoughts, my ups and downs with my friends and family. Currently, my estimated travel is Sept/Oct and I will try to post daily to this journal when I travel. But I will post as things happen beforehand as well. I hope everyone enjoys sharing this journey with me. I appreciate your prayers!
Fasten your seatbelts....I think I'm in for a wild ride!!
About a year ago, I began seriously considering adopting a child. I am now in my late 30's and have been divorced for 11 years. My ex-husband and I did not have children. And I do not see a husband on the horizon as of now (although I am always optimistic God will put him in my life; eventually, assuming that is His plan, and assuming I am paying close enough attention to recognize this person. Anyway, I digress!) Over the last few years, several people close to me have commented to me that I should consider having a child on my own, either through in-vitro fertilization or adoption. But, an off-hand conversation while visiting Atlanta last summer would push this possibility to the forefront of my mind. A friend of a friend started talking about her 5 year old twin niece and nephew who had been adopted by her single sister as infants. God bless her sister for being able to handle twin infants on her own!! I was absolutely amazed. This conversation made me wonder if adoption was something I could seriously consider.
So, I began researching, and reseaching, and researching. I've read countless books, internet sites, blogs, and message boards. And most importantly, I prayed, prayed, and prayed. In January, I took the leap of faith! I have now completed my paperwork (aka dossier) and it is currently being translated as we speak. I have chosen the country of Kazakhstan (hence the name of this blog). It is a Central Asian country that borders both Russia and China. The orphanages have a great reputation for taking good care of the children. It is a country of diverse culture. I'll share more about the country as my journey continues.
I am very excited about this decision (and completely terrified; depending on the day) and I look forward to sharing my thoughts, my ups and downs with my friends and family. Currently, my estimated travel is Sept/Oct and I will try to post daily to this journal when I travel. But I will post as things happen beforehand as well. I hope everyone enjoys sharing this journey with me. I appreciate your prayers!
Fasten your seatbelts....I think I'm in for a wild ride!!
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