This week we have more documents to update. My agency doesn't want to submit the dossiers as is to the Embassy. The agency license is going to expire in April (these are issued yearly). We have to wait for updated licenses to arrive to insert into everyone's dossier. In addition, due to the delay some of my documents are getting old so I need to submit updated FBI fingerprints, marriage license, and my social worker license. I'm going to drive to Raleigh again on Wednesday to have these documents apostilled and retranslated.
My agency hopes to have all of our dossiers resubmitted to the Embassy the week of April 14th. After all these delays I'm so anxious to just at least get our dossier in line. However, the agency believes this will give us the best chance of not having our dossier rejected... so I'm trusting them.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wow...
After much soul searching, prayer and general franticness... Chris and I have decided to stay with Kazakhstan. We originally wanted to adopt a child as young as possible and that still remains a huge desire for us. We are willing to weather the ups and downs and Kazakhstan right now... knowing that the Lord is in control and will be our baby to us in His timing.
You'll notice I've deleted the posts on Russia. I don't want to look back or second guess our decision. That's why. This will not be an easy road... Kazakhstan is still in the process of reviewing dossiers and is predicting delays. No one knows for how long. Prayer is welcome. Thanks friends.
You'll notice I've deleted the posts on Russia. I don't want to look back or second guess our decision. That's why. This will not be an easy road... Kazakhstan is still in the process of reviewing dossiers and is predicting delays. No one knows for how long. Prayer is welcome. Thanks friends.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
surprised...
Well, I have to admit... I've been really shocked by this whole experience... It's nothing like I expected. Everyone says adoption is unpredictable, but somehow, in the excitement of it all, I think adoptive parents misguide themselves into hoping their story will be different.
Every night I wake up in the middle of the night worried about the adoption. When I'm away from my computer I wonder if there is a devastating or an amazing email of news waiting for me. When I turn on the news I pray that the US isn't doing anything that would hurt the adoption or anger the foreign country. I'm starting to literally, worry myself sick...My whole world has changed and the baby isn't even here yet. I refuse to allow myself to decorate the baby room any further or buy any more baby things. I don't want them sitting there for a year unused if our adoption is delayed.
This is by far the absolute hardest thing I have ever done and we haven't even made the first trip yet... or dossier isn't even in country and I'm already spazzing. And I have great people supporting me.
If you are a PAP (potential adoptive parent)... you probably know EXACTLY how I feel. Worried if you'll have the money for the trip, worried you'll never get a referral, worried when you finally get home you'll loose the referral, worried you'll never be invited back for your referral... it's endless...
The Lord is in control. The Lord is in control. My GOD the God of the entire universe is in control - NOT ME!:)He knows when our baby will take its first breath... he knows when we will hold our little one for the first time... and that is it. I tell myself that every day.
For those of you thinking about adoption... in the process of adoption... or supporting those adopting... Keep up the good work. I am confident it will all be worth it in the end for each of us. Please be faithful in praying for each other and for Chris and I.
Every night I wake up in the middle of the night worried about the adoption. When I'm away from my computer I wonder if there is a devastating or an amazing email of news waiting for me. When I turn on the news I pray that the US isn't doing anything that would hurt the adoption or anger the foreign country. I'm starting to literally, worry myself sick...My whole world has changed and the baby isn't even here yet. I refuse to allow myself to decorate the baby room any further or buy any more baby things. I don't want them sitting there for a year unused if our adoption is delayed.
This is by far the absolute hardest thing I have ever done and we haven't even made the first trip yet... or dossier isn't even in country and I'm already spazzing. And I have great people supporting me.
If you are a PAP (potential adoptive parent)... you probably know EXACTLY how I feel. Worried if you'll have the money for the trip, worried you'll never get a referral, worried when you finally get home you'll loose the referral, worried you'll never be invited back for your referral... it's endless...
The Lord is in control. The Lord is in control. My GOD the God of the entire universe is in control - NOT ME!:)He knows when our baby will take its first breath... he knows when we will hold our little one for the first time... and that is it. I tell myself that every day.
For those of you thinking about adoption... in the process of adoption... or supporting those adopting... Keep up the good work. I am confident it will all be worth it in the end for each of us. Please be faithful in praying for each other and for Chris and I.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Russia???
The DOS issued this stmt today:
March 19: "The Department of State has been informed that the Embassy of Kazakhstan is conducting a review of current procedures regarding intercounty adoptions. The Embassy will not process new adoption dossiers until that review is completed. We have offered to assist the Embassy with its efforts to ensure that adoptions from Kazakhstan to the United States are conducted in a transparent, serious and honest process. It is not known at this time how long this review will require."
On a radio show today about the status of Kazak adoptions my email question was the first answered... funny, though... I'm not sure I'll take the advice. Folks are staying stick with Kazakhstan that they'll come out of this...
At this point, I want predictability and don't think I can handle much more of an emotionally rollercoaster. My agency operates w/i 20 regions in Russia and is saying referrals are coming fast. The dossier is a beast to redo.. and I'll have to resubmit my USCIS govt form but my gut tells me it'll be quicker than waiting it out in Kazakhstan...
Apparently the Kazak govt wants to slow down adoptions permenantly...even if they don't want to forever halt the program... and I'm just worried about things...
We've got a call with the agency about Russia tomorrow... we'll see how things go.
March 19: "The Department of State has been informed that the Embassy of Kazakhstan is conducting a review of current procedures regarding intercounty adoptions. The Embassy will not process new adoption dossiers until that review is completed. We have offered to assist the Embassy with its efforts to ensure that adoptions from Kazakhstan to the United States are conducted in a transparent, serious and honest process. It is not known at this time how long this review will require."
On a radio show today about the status of Kazak adoptions my email question was the first answered... funny, though... I'm not sure I'll take the advice. Folks are staying stick with Kazakhstan that they'll come out of this...
At this point, I want predictability and don't think I can handle much more of an emotionally rollercoaster. My agency operates w/i 20 regions in Russia and is saying referrals are coming fast. The dossier is a beast to redo.. and I'll have to resubmit my USCIS govt form but my gut tells me it'll be quicker than waiting it out in Kazakhstan...
Apparently the Kazak govt wants to slow down adoptions permenantly...even if they don't want to forever halt the program... and I'm just worried about things...
We've got a call with the agency about Russia tomorrow... we'll see how things go.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Prayer Request
Chris and I have a few things we'd like to ask everyone to pray for:
First, pray for the children in the Kazak orphanages. Pray that this slow down in the US causes more Kazak citizens to adopt and that they can find homes - even if they aren't in the US to waiting parents.
Secondly, please pray for Chris and I. This news has been very discouraging . We were REALLY excited about the potential of traveling to Kazakhstan in a few months. Now, the wait is indefinate. We are considering switching countries. This means more money financially and doesn't carry any guarantees either so it's a tough choice. If we switch countries we should be able to have a dossier in Russia within 4 months if we rush.
Thanks for your support. I know there is a reason for all of this and that God is in control. It still makes us sad.
First, pray for the children in the Kazak orphanages. Pray that this slow down in the US causes more Kazak citizens to adopt and that they can find homes - even if they aren't in the US to waiting parents.
Secondly, please pray for Chris and I. This news has been very discouraging . We were REALLY excited about the potential of traveling to Kazakhstan in a few months. Now, the wait is indefinate. We are considering switching countries. This means more money financially and doesn't carry any guarantees either so it's a tough choice. If we switch countries we should be able to have a dossier in Russia within 4 months if we rush.
Thanks for your support. I know there is a reason for all of this and that God is in control. It still makes us sad.
bad news...
Country Status
Kazakhstan is currently CLOSED to adoptions by US citizens.
March 17, 2008 -
Joint Council confirms the suspension of dossier processing by the Kazakhstan Embassy and Consulates pending the finalization of a review of adoption cases by the Kazakhstan government. The following represents our understanding of the suspension.
The suspension of dossier processing by the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate is effective immediately. Dossiers which have been processed and forwarded to Almaty will be permitted to continue through to finalization. Dossiers which have not yet been processed by the Embassy/Consulate will not be forwarded to Almaty and will remain at the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate pending the completion of the review noted above.
The Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate will not accept new dossiers pending the completion of the review noted above. Joint Council hopes to meet with Kazakhstan officials soon and will continue to provide updates and information.
Kazakhstan is currently CLOSED to adoptions by US citizens.
March 17, 2008 -
Joint Council confirms the suspension of dossier processing by the Kazakhstan Embassy and Consulates pending the finalization of a review of adoption cases by the Kazakhstan government. The following represents our understanding of the suspension.
The suspension of dossier processing by the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate is effective immediately. Dossiers which have been processed and forwarded to Almaty will be permitted to continue through to finalization. Dossiers which have not yet been processed by the Embassy/Consulate will not be forwarded to Almaty and will remain at the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate pending the completion of the review noted above.
The Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate will not accept new dossiers pending the completion of the review noted above. Joint Council hopes to meet with Kazakhstan officials soon and will continue to provide updates and information.
Friday, March 14, 2008
No News...
I called and emailed my agency today but didnt hear anything. Finally, I called the department of state - children services division and talked to someone that said they'd been having meetings with Kazakhstan all week and should have an 'official' update as to the adoption changes and requirements in Kazakhstan by next week.
I'm so anxious to hear anything. I think not knowing is worse than bad news almost.
I'm so anxious to hear anything. I think not knowing is worse than bad news almost.
Exactly where I am...
Waitby Russell Kelfer
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? You say wait?" my indignant reply.
Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply.
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know Me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? You say wait?" my indignant reply.
Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply.
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know Me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
crazy
People from other adoption agency's who used my translator have been telling me their entire dossier was rejected and effective immediately all translations must go through one approved translator.
So crazy - one translator for all translations... My agency is having a representative go their tomorrow and will provide updates then. I am afraid the rumors are true. Many people have emailed me and told me their dossiers have been kicked out of the Embassy.
I believe it will truly be a miracle if mine gets through tomorrow. Please pray. We have some hard decisions to make if we are rejected.
Sheila
So crazy - one translator for all translations... My agency is having a representative go their tomorrow and will provide updates then. I am afraid the rumors are true. Many people have emailed me and told me their dossiers have been kicked out of the Embassy.
I believe it will truly be a miracle if mine gets through tomorrow. Please pray. We have some hard decisions to make if we are rejected.
Sheila
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Rollercoaster
What a rollercoaster adoption is... I just read the Embassy is rejecting all dossiers with ANY documents older than 120 days. My FBI clearance is dated Oct. 29th so I'm screwed if that is true.
I'm so anxious. It's crazy how many things can go wrong. I guess I'll just have to wait to hear from the Embassy. I really hope I don't have to redo anything.
I'm so anxious. It's crazy how many things can go wrong. I guess I'll just have to wait to hear from the Embassy. I really hope I don't have to redo anything.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
There goes Lucky.........
At the dog track in Daytona, before every race a remote control rabbit 'Lucky' is released. The grey hounds race out of their stalls in a mad dash for the rabbit as the announcer shouts over the loud speaker as the race begins...'THERE GOES LUCKY'!
I couldn't help but hear those words as I packed up the last of my papers today... my race has officially begun!
I mailed my dossier off to the Kazakhstan Embassy today. If all my paperwork is correct and my adoption is final before my paperwork expires I won't have to do any more paperwork!!!!!!!!!!!!! So exciting! The dossier is officially out of my hands and has started on the race to Kazakhstan and eventually, the region where our baby will be. All in all, it was 174 pages. I started the adoption process October 8th and it's taken exactly 5 months to complete our paperwork so I'm really pumped to have it completed. I was so nervous reviewing my papers for a final time. Luckily mom was there to make sure I didn't rush and I actually checked everything thoroughly before sending on. Similar to proofing a paper you've spend a month typing... after a while it all starts to look the same.
Next week my agency is going to the Kazakhstan Embassy to try to get some of my papers processed. After I receive approval from the Embassy my dossier is sent to Kazakhstan!
Good day to celebrate in the Carlberg house. It's in the Lords hands now. I feel free already.
I couldn't help but hear those words as I packed up the last of my papers today... my race has officially begun!
I mailed my dossier off to the Kazakhstan Embassy today. If all my paperwork is correct and my adoption is final before my paperwork expires I won't have to do any more paperwork!!!!!!!!!!!!! So exciting! The dossier is officially out of my hands and has started on the race to Kazakhstan and eventually, the region where our baby will be. All in all, it was 174 pages. I started the adoption process October 8th and it's taken exactly 5 months to complete our paperwork so I'm really pumped to have it completed. I was so nervous reviewing my papers for a final time. Luckily mom was there to make sure I didn't rush and I actually checked everything thoroughly before sending on. Similar to proofing a paper you've spend a month typing... after a while it all starts to look the same.
Next week my agency is going to the Kazakhstan Embassy to try to get some of my papers processed. After I receive approval from the Embassy my dossier is sent to Kazakhstan!
Good day to celebrate in the Carlberg house. It's in the Lords hands now. I feel free already.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Adoption in 2008
http://www.rainbowkids.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=549
I keep talking about all the changes, etc. going on in International Adoption. Here's a good article about what's really going on.
I keep talking about all the changes, etc. going on in International Adoption. Here's a good article about what's really going on.
Back on the saddle again
This has been an interesting week. First I found out that my dossier translation was on hold. WHAT ON HOLD I thought... I've been working for five months to get to this point! I think that God most certainly had a hand in picking my case manager. See...she's adorable, I haven't met her but she reminds me of my beloved 'Grammy' and I just can't seem to get mad at her regardless of what she tells me. Perhaps it's the broken Russian English accent... who knows. I'm remarkably nice and patient with her in the midst of frustrating matters... for me, that's amazing.
Anyway, the good news is my translation is off hold and I should be receiving it by the end of the week. My agency is trying to push a bunch of dossiers through the Embassy in one big stack at once next week. I'm crossing my fingers that goes well. If not, it could mean significant delays before we even get to Kazakhstan.
Last night I couldn't sleep again. Adoption is not easy on the nerves of someone who likes to have control and plan her life out perfectly... I know it's a good lesson for me but lessons don't have to be enjoyable to be good:)
Anyway, the good news is my translation is off hold and I should be receiving it by the end of the week. My agency is trying to push a bunch of dossiers through the Embassy in one big stack at once next week. I'm crossing my fingers that goes well. If not, it could mean significant delays before we even get to Kazakhstan.
Last night I couldn't sleep again. Adoption is not easy on the nerves of someone who likes to have control and plan her life out perfectly... I know it's a good lesson for me but lessons don't have to be enjoyable to be good:)
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