We're Still Here

Yep. That's right. We're still here. It is now 21 months. Here's the latest.

In Spetember we were informed that AFTH had decided not to renew their contract with Paul and Sandy. This news hit us like a ton of bricks. Sandy and Paul were the reason that AFTH had such a successful Vietnam program. There's not enough time to go into the why's and where for's, but it delayed things...yet again.

We continue to get reassurances from AFTH, but see no progress. Each day ticks by and the news is filled with stories about how the US and Vietnam may not renegotiate an agreement which could bring an end to adoptions by September 1. And then several other adoptions have been tied up in immigration battles. You look around every corner and you have to think, that there is no chance that this adoption will ever happen.

But we have faith. It has been shaken, we have questioned, but in the end we have kept our faith in the Lord. We continue to seek Him each and every day with our prayers (Lilli too) and know that God has not lead us down an empty rabbit hole. It will happen. Thank you God. It will happen.

Keep praying. AFTH says we should hear by the end of February. Thank you God. It will happen,

Progress...I guess?

AFTH has finally announced a new in country facilitator for their Vietnam program. AFTH has been working to organize the paperwork, set up the new office and help families that just traveled.

Things are looking promising and it shouldn't be too much longer. (we pray)

Next week they will be working on re-establishing relationships with
orphanages, and looking into getting some new referrals. AFTH would
like to have a few referrals pending at the time the new license is
issued, which should be a few more weeks.

Well...

We're still here...we still do not know anything...we're praying hard for something by the end of the month. Help us pray.

We did learn that the USCIS is increasing their fees. And since we have been waiting for so long, our fingerprints run out in September. So we are making an effort to get them re-done in July (next week.) Saving us almost $30 each.

Here is what else is happening;

1) I-600/600A Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative from $545 to $670
2) N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship from $255 to $460
3) Biometric Services (fingerprints) from $50 to $80

Ah the fun of bureaucracy and red tape.

Chips A-Hoy

Well here it is June 19, and we're still waiting. So the three of us took a few days for a little get away. Back to the Lancaster Country Inn and Suites were we stayed a couple months ago. Very nice hotel and convenient.

Sunday night we "believed" and didn't grow up, as we saw Peter Pan at Dutch Apple. Then we took a leisurely drive through Lancaster County down to the Herr's Factory in Nottingham on Monday. We got to see pretzels, chips, popcorn and cheese puffs being made and packaged. It was a great educational experience. And Lilli had a great time dancing with Chipper the mascot. We have also been doing some swimming. Lilli is getting better every day.

So with Peter Pans pirates, lots of swimming, and a chip factory tour, there is only one thing left to say.

Chips-A-Hoy

The Truth Be Told

It doesn't make our wait any more palitable, but the truth always helps calm the anxiety. My prayers are with Ms. Jolie and Pax and the rest of the family.

Read this wonderful article that does a complete coverage of the adoption, instead of the drive-by sensationalism that many of us witnessed.

http://www.rainbowkids.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=471