It occurred to me that there may be some reading my frustrations and thinking "Well, I will not be adopting from Bulgaria! It takes too long!". The fact is, it does take a while, but not really much longer than a lot of international adoptions.
One reason ours took so long is because we had trouble finding a social worker who could do a homestudy for Bulgaria and that would do one for 2 unrelated children. So our homestudy that should have been completed in only 3-4 months ended up taking 6! Our homestudy was done in August. We traveled on trip one in only 5 months from that date of completion. God willing, trip 2 will not take longer than May to happen. So in 9 months from the date of our homestudy, there is a good chance the girls will be home.
Any extra wait/delay in an adoption journey is paramount to a huge disaster! Perfectly normal to feel this way! After all we are fighting to bring children home and into a Christian family! No amount of time is quick enough.... :)
Waiting is part of the adoption journey, delays are a common part of it, frustration and sometimes heartbreak are also included, but you know what? So is JOY beyond your greatest imaginings my friends. So are MIRACLES that you will ONLY see as you follow the PATHS GOD HAS SET BEFORE YOU! And so is the freedom to hear the laughter of a child to long in the dark, to long absent, to long without the love of a family, to long alone.... and now free, as the "ransom" has been paid! Which way will the scales tip for you? Are you brave enough to choose suffering now for greater joy in the end? For the assurance of seeing GOD like you have NOT seen Him before? For the chance to save the life of an innocent child?
It's worth it my friends! Embrace the frustrations, waits, heartaches, sufferings... and in the end GOD will BLESS you with HIS greatest gifts. A CHILD created intimately by HIM! WHAT a GIFT! :)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
It' not going to happen...
At least that's what I am feeling right now. I can't give up, but how does one wait forever? It's not fair to dislike our USCIS officer so intensely as I do right now. I am really glad I do not know who he is lest I do something I regret! He is just doing his job... But right now I am really sad, down, angry, and feeling hopeless. I am feeling like nothing I/ we do will ever be enough to bring them home.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Waiting
I am still so upset about USCIS. I just feel like I can't wait any longer. I have been singing the chorus to the following song off and on all day today. I am still singing it. My heart just wants to stop, every now and then I have to take a deep gasping breath... believe me when I say that "I" can not wait any more for my sweet girls to be home. I CAN'T, but HE can! So I keep singing...
____________________________________________________________________
As I wait, I also want to draw your attention to two special little girls who are in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. They are actually in the same one and can be adopted together for very little extra cost! They are younger than my Tavi by a year.
You have all seen on the videos how precious Tavi is. If not, click here. Tavi is 4 years old and completely blind. She had the odds stacked against her since her very premature birth. And look at my little angel now! UNKNOCKDOWNABLE! The thought of the joy she brings to the world, fading away in a dark mental institution still keeps me up at night! Praise God that will NOT be her fate!
SO I send out a plea for a mama and daddy to come and ransom these two little ones from a world of silence and darkness. There are so many things they will never know. What some are lucky enough to at least "see", they never will. Not unless someone steps forward and is willing to answer the call and rescue them! Be the light that brings them out of the darkness, be the light that brings the love of God into their lives. Be there for them.
They are both adorable and would be such blessings for a family willing to step out of their comfort zone, out of the "box", away from the dreams of the world and into the light of heaven! Look at these faces, and look to God and ask if you are to be the light in their world!
Now, in case you aren't familiar with Eastern Europe orphanages, children with special needs are transferred to mental institutions. These are not good places, and the children die within a few years of being sent there... some would say "If they're lucky." These are real little girls, with real feelings, with a right to hopes, and a right to dream! They have never gotten to dream, their world is just dark... no one has taught them that life has possibilities. If you are at all interested, you can find their waiting child listing HERE.
Come And Meet With Me
As I wait, you make me strong
As I long, you draw me to your arms
As I stand and sing your praise
You come, you come and you fill this place
Won't you come, Won't you come and fill this place
____________________________________________________________________
As I wait, I also want to draw your attention to two special little girls who are in an orphanage in Eastern Europe. They are actually in the same one and can be adopted together for very little extra cost! They are younger than my Tavi by a year.
You have all seen on the videos how precious Tavi is. If not, click here. Tavi is 4 years old and completely blind. She had the odds stacked against her since her very premature birth. And look at my little angel now! UNKNOCKDOWNABLE! The thought of the joy she brings to the world, fading away in a dark mental institution still keeps me up at night! Praise God that will NOT be her fate!
SO I send out a plea for a mama and daddy to come and ransom these two little ones from a world of silence and darkness. There are so many things they will never know. What some are lucky enough to at least "see", they never will. Not unless someone steps forward and is willing to answer the call and rescue them! Be the light that brings them out of the darkness, be the light that brings the love of God into their lives. Be there for them.
They are both adorable and would be such blessings for a family willing to step out of their comfort zone, out of the "box", away from the dreams of the world and into the light of heaven! Look at these faces, and look to God and ask if you are to be the light in their world!
This is Wendy. Girl, Born June 25, 2006
SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!
Wendy is a beautiful girl with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. She was born quite premature (not sure which gestational week, but it is listed as "4th stage"). She has CP and is completely blind, with congenital cataracts in both eyes, optic sub-atrophy, and microcephaly.
Despite all of these odds stacked against her, she is an orphanage favorite and is well loved. She will really blossom in a loving family, and learning to use her other senses will open up the world around her.
Wendy is already 3 1/2 now, and is facing the institution soon. She needs a family right away!
This is Michelle. Girl, Born September 8, 2006
SIGNIFICANT RISK, PLEASE ADOPT ME SOON!!
This precious little girl is mostly blind. She has obvious cataracts and strabismus. Her medical records indicate that she is blind with optic atrophy. She has tetraparesis (limb weakness), and this is caused by diagnosed CP. A family who visited with her recently tells us she is quite low functioning right now, but goodness, how she would blossom in al oving family who could really help her overcome her lack of vision!
Michelle will be transferred to a mental institution and will likely remain bedridden for life if she is not adopted. Hope someone will consider being her "forever family"!
Now, in case you aren't familiar with Eastern Europe orphanages, children with special needs are transferred to mental institutions. These are not good places, and the children die within a few years of being sent there... some would say "If they're lucky." These are real little girls, with real feelings, with a right to hopes, and a right to dream! They have never gotten to dream, their world is just dark... no one has taught them that life has possibilities. If you are at all interested, you can find their waiting child listing HERE.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
MORE EVIDENCE PLEASE.... ARGH!
[the above was said in a very snotty voice by me!]
No go... I had called USCIS yesterday, but didn't get him [our officer] so I left a voice mail. Called a little bit ago.. and "gasp" he isn't there again. So I hung up. But before that the secretary told me he requested more evidence, which will take at least 4-5 days to arrive. SO I called my agency worker, whom I love, and she is calling and emailing... trying to get a jumpstart on what it is they want. I was told birth certificates [which will not ever happen!], so who knows!
I have sent in exactly what other families adopting from Bulgaria have... but apparently there is not consistency in the workers desires or whims. I can not believe the one time I talked to him I told him how cool he was and I appreciated the time he took to talk with me! Just see if I ever say that again! I have half a mind to call his mother and tell her what a screwed up son she raised!
Having no recourse, I turned on some fast, loud worship music and sang along while washing my dishes. Great therapy, but I am still mad!
No go... I had called USCIS yesterday, but didn't get him [our officer] so I left a voice mail. Called a little bit ago.. and "gasp" he isn't there again. So I hung up. But before that the secretary told me he requested more evidence, which will take at least 4-5 days to arrive. SO I called my agency worker, whom I love, and she is calling and emailing... trying to get a jumpstart on what it is they want. I was told birth certificates [which will not ever happen!], so who knows!
I have sent in exactly what other families adopting from Bulgaria have... but apparently there is not consistency in the workers desires or whims. I can not believe the one time I talked to him I told him how cool he was and I appreciated the time he took to talk with me! Just see if I ever say that again! I have half a mind to call his mother and tell her what a screwed up son she raised!
Having no recourse, I turned on some fast, loud worship music and sang along while washing my dishes. Great therapy, but I am still mad!
Please Pray!
I am calling USCIS around 3 today! Please pray with me that our I800 has been approved!!!!! I will keep you updated!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The girls Visa photos...
For those who haven't seen them, they are just too cute!
Oh how I miss these little girls! I try hard to not think to deeply about how much I miss them, I think my heart might break if I do. I told myself that in March I will get their room ready. I can't wait to be able to set up a permanent place in my home for them!
A few things I know we will need are:
1. Another crib, as we just have one. We have decided to start them both out in a crib as that is what they are familiar with. We are hoping to borrow one, as we don't think we will need it very long.
2. A highchair. I think Tavi will be fine in the booster seat with a tray that we have, but I think Yana would be better able to explore and eat safely in a highchair.
3. A DRESSER! We dont' have enough closet space as is, and the room they will be in does not have a closet at all.
4. 2 baby gates, one of which can be fastened to the wall, and have a gate. This will block the basement stairs! The other will block the hall way to the kids rooms. Initially, until we know if they like to put little things in their mouths and such we won't leave that part of the house freely open to them. I am looking at my house and baby/toddler proofing it.
5. A double stroller.
6. 1 car seat. We have 2.
7. Bedding for the cribs.
8. Curtains for their room to block the light.
9. Clothes, though I think I have enough to start out until I know their sizes better ... except socks and pjs, we still need those.
10. A good supply of diapers or pullups.
11. Bottles for Yana.
12. A food masher/baby food maker for Yanas bottles.
13. A few big bibs.
14. Toddler toys. I would love one of those music discovery tables for Yana. And a push along walker for Yana as she learns to love to walk independantly. Muscial toys for Tavi, and toys with alot of cool textures!
That is what I feel I need to start out with... a few things we can get as they have been home a bit, but overall I need most of the above list. Money will be tight for a while, but I am hoping we can come up with a good budget and even things back out...
I am still praying for an April return date! It IS possible for God!
AND my I800 could be approved as soon as Wed, tomorrow, but may take until Friday.
Please God ... move mountains, which in this case is represented by mounds of paperwork, and bring these little ones home into their mamas arms! In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Oh how I miss these little girls! I try hard to not think to deeply about how much I miss them, I think my heart might break if I do. I told myself that in March I will get their room ready. I can't wait to be able to set up a permanent place in my home for them!
A few things I know we will need are:
1. Another crib, as we just have one. We have decided to start them both out in a crib as that is what they are familiar with. We are hoping to borrow one, as we don't think we will need it very long.
2. A highchair. I think Tavi will be fine in the booster seat with a tray that we have, but I think Yana would be better able to explore and eat safely in a highchair.
3. A DRESSER! We dont' have enough closet space as is, and the room they will be in does not have a closet at all.
4. 2 baby gates, one of which can be fastened to the wall, and have a gate. This will block the basement stairs! The other will block the hall way to the kids rooms. Initially, until we know if they like to put little things in their mouths and such we won't leave that part of the house freely open to them. I am looking at my house and baby/toddler proofing it.
5. A double stroller.
6. 1 car seat. We have 2.
7. Bedding for the cribs.
8. Curtains for their room to block the light.
9. Clothes, though I think I have enough to start out until I know their sizes better ... except socks and pjs, we still need those.
10. A good supply of diapers or pullups.
11. Bottles for Yana.
12. A food masher/baby food maker for Yanas bottles.
13. A few big bibs.
14. Toddler toys. I would love one of those music discovery tables for Yana. And a push along walker for Yana as she learns to love to walk independantly. Muscial toys for Tavi, and toys with alot of cool textures!
That is what I feel I need to start out with... a few things we can get as they have been home a bit, but overall I need most of the above list. Money will be tight for a while, but I am hoping we can come up with a good budget and even things back out...
I am still praying for an April return date! It IS possible for God!
AND my I800 could be approved as soon as Wed, tomorrow, but may take until Friday.
Please God ... move mountains, which in this case is represented by mounds of paperwork, and bring these little ones home into their mamas arms! In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Once your children, adopted from abroad, are home.....
Recommended Screening Tests and Evaluations
as written by Dr. Jane Aronson
for Pediatric Annals, Vol. 29, No 4, April 2000
The following article describes what screening tests and evaluations your child should have when you return home.
Once the child has arrived an initial visit to the doctor should ideally occur within 10-14 days, unless the child has an acute illness and then a sick visit is obviously imperative within 24 hours. Once the family knows their travel dates, they can schedule the adoption consultation appointment long in advance since the initial visit should take at least an hour or more.
There is consensus among adoption medicine specialists about the screening tests that should be performed on every child adopted from abroad initially. For a discussion of some of these screening test recommendations, consult the 2000 Redbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. The list in the Redbook should be viewed as just a guideline. The list below is a more comprehensive list recommended by most adoption medicine specialists in the U.S.
list updated August 1, 2002
* Antibody titers for children over one year of age who have a credible vaccine record from the country of origin:
- diphtheria antibodies
- tetanus antibodies
- polio neutralizing antibodies for type 1,2, 3
- chicken pox antibodies (varicella antibodies)
- measles, mumps, rubella (depends on the country and reliability of these vaccines)
* HIV-1,2 ELISA
* Hepatitis B serology (Hep B surface antibody, Hep B surface antigen, Hep B core antibody total)
* Hep C ELISA
* Hep A total with reflex to IgM in case of acute infection
* Syphilis serology (RPR, FTA-ABS)
* lead level (venous)
* Complete Blood count with differential and platelets
* Hemoglobin electrophoresis
* Thyroid screen
* TSH
* Free T4
* Total T4
* Rickets screen
* Alkaline phosphatase
* calcium
* phosphorus
* Liver Enzymes
* SGOT
* SGPT
* Kidney Function tests
* BUN, Creatinine
* Audiology evaluation for all children adopted from abroad (unknown birth history and possible prematurity)
* Vision screening by a board certified pediatric ophthalmologist for all children adopted from abroad (unknown birth history and possible prematurity)
* Dental visit with a pediatric dentist should be done by 18 months of age
* TB skin test on arrival and again 6 months from the time of arrival (If the BCG site is not healed wait until it is healed and if more than a few months is needed for healing, consider having a chest x-ray; then do the PPD (TB skin test) when the BCG scar is completely healed
* Consider repeating HIV, Hep B, C 6 months after arrival (lengthy incubation periods and exposure just at the time of departure)
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