Sorry I have been absent for awhile. After much thought, prayer and tears, we have made a big decision to change countries. We will now be adopting from RUSSIA!! It is so hard to walk away from Uzbekistan, but I think it is the best decision for our family. It makes me wonder why God led us to Uzbek first, we never even considered Russia at the beginning of this process. But, if I remember right, a year ago Russia was going through the whole re accreditation process. So, it wasn't a great time to start an adoption in Russia. And really, the earliest we could have started a Russian adoption with our agency was the beginning of March. That is when the agency they use got re accredited. So, maybe that is how God led us to our agency, AAC, if we hadn't been drawn to Uzbek, we probably wouldn't have come across AAC. And, I can't imagine being with any other agency. V has been amazing handling the ups and downs the country of Uzbekistan has brought. She is a great woman and I trust her completely! Until I wrote that all out, I hadn't really realized how it is pretty easy to see how God had us in His hands the whole time, even though it was emotionally exhausting a lot of the time. I guess the moral of the story is, just because there are bumps in the road it doesn't mean that God has left you to figure it all out on your own. You still might be right where He wants you even though it got a little bumpy! Plus, I wouldn't have met my Uzbek blog pals and I can't imagine not having their support during this process! You guys are the best!
So then, what is the plan with Russia? Well, guess what? More paperwork! Surprise! I get the privilege of putting together my second dossier. I can't tell you how unenthusiastic I am about that, but I am slowly starting to get the motivation again. It is my hope to have our home study updated and sent into immigration for our change in country by June 1st. I know I can easily have my part of the dossier done by July 1. (Shouldn't it be easier the second time?) So, I am planning on sending our dossier over to Russia at the beginning of July or whenever we get our new 171. I have been told that in the region we will be adopting from, you usually receive your referral in about a month!! Yes, a month!! But, of course, no one does any work the months of July and August, so I won't be expecting to get ours until Sept. Which, if the paperwork takes longer than expected, at least I won't feel like I am losing time. With giving ourselves a bit of padding, we should have our daughter home by Feb 2009! It would be incredible to have her home by my sister's wedding on New Year's Eve, but I am not going to get my hopes up.
I have so much to learn about Russia and the adoption process in this new country!
8 comments:
I am so glad you wrote about it! sorry I didn't get a chance to call you back... I will call tomorrow - tonight is packed- Dr, swim, small group.... Praying for you!
Ok New Years Eve - You will be in Phx and I will be in Mo-town :(! Do you think you will still have to fly through london?
Dossier number 2 is much easier, you know what you need to do and who to contact the second time around. I don't know much about the Russian adoption program so I am excited to share in your journey. What a wonderful feeling to know there is a plan for us and even though it is hard to see now someday you will be able to see the big picture and know why. Congratulations!! I am very excited for you it sounds like a very fun twist in the road :)
Great news for you! do you mind sharing why you chose to change?
Nichole, putting a dossier together the second time seems somehow much easier - believe me.
I am very happy for you and Russia is a great country.
Nichole, I'm sure it was a difficult decision to switch countries, but in your heart of hearts you know what is best for yourself and your family. Who knows, maybe a few years from now when Uzbekistan has their adoption program running smoothly you'll reexamine the country for a son :) Best wishes in bring your child home. Keep in touch and keep us all informed. I've enjoyed watching and learning from such a classy lady as you. God Bless.
Hope you don't feel like you have to change your blog name just because of this change. :) *grin*
sfravel - We had been waiting for a referral since July 2007 and my current daughter is only getting older, so we needed a program that would move quicker. Are you adopting from Uzbek? Feel free to email me if you have questions about my experience.
nichole_illinois@yahoo.com
Rachel - I have been thinking about if I should change the name of my blog. But, I am still hoping to be lucky enough to gain a daughter of Uzbek or similar heritage. So, maybe I am still on an Uzbek Journey!
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