I wanted to give you guys more of an update, from what I understand, from what other adoptive parents have experienced, and what our agency is telling us though they really don't give a lot of the 'details'. When I was hoping for a travel call a few weeks ago, and since we had our US Government approval, don't worry I wasn't completely delirious...MOST FAMILIES with our agency have had Travel Notices within 2 to 8 days of their visa being sent to Korea.Going by 'most famlies' than, we would have travelled. As with anything "Karen" nothing is ever NORMAL though! :) A lot of times with our agency in Korea, they are working on their end of the paperwork while people are waiting for US Approval here. Since this is a 'sibling adoption', and we have been working from both ends, they just haven't had enough time to get their paperwork completed. We were so desperately hoping and praying that all her clearances would be done over there, and that a couple of days after May 31st....(when our visa approval was sent over to Korea) we would have gotten the call like a lot of families do from this agency to Travel. However, since it took our two agencies, being Spence Chapin NY, and Welcome House here in PA some time to collaborate our home study, and update all our financial tax information, our official paperwork acceptance didn't get sent over to Korea until about Aprill 11th. So though we had 'verbally' accepted her, the agency in Korea couldn't do much more until all of our paperwork got over there. So though there are some families travelling now that had US approval after us, they had their offiicial accpetance paperwork into Korea before we did. So it does actually make some sense. No one pieced this out ahead of time for me.....though that would have been wonderful to know...it's just the way the process is. The EP, or exit passport is what I have mentioned here before that is what we are probably waiting on. I have been told nothing else to the contrary, so hopefully there is nothing 'wrong' it's just waiting on the Korean government. These are the passports that are 'gold' right now, since Korea has cut severaly back on giving them out. Again, the good news is that we have been told by our agency we will travel, and Hanna will get an exit passport unlike other families with acceptance paperwork that went in after ours. Once each agency reaches their quotas for exit passport that's it for the year, regardless of when they reach that quota. Unfortunately for many families, they are going to be hitting their quotas very soon. The agencies seem to apply for these Exit Passports in 'batches'. An adoptive friend of mine just got back from Korea and her little guy, who was with our agency, had a date on his passport of April 29th. She said they normally run 4 to 6 weeks per 'batch' so we should be very close, assuming we were put in with the April batch. The adoption boards are brimming with families waiting on these Exit Passports. The good news is that with our agency, once Hanna has this we should get that call. So hopefully that makes things a litle 'clearer than mud' right! There are just so many unknowns, and things you can't control. In all, looking at our timeline, from when we had even heard about her, and comparing this to most international adoption time frames we should be celebrating. We do, but our hearts also ache to hold her, because in our hearts she is our little girl, and we know she's getting older and changing so much each and every day. Our agency in New York is at the hands of the agency in Korea, who is at the hands of the Korean Government, which I'm sure is like any government agency here. You can't push the Korean government either, for they would take any criticism, as disrespectful. In America, you speak your mind, and get your opinion across, or your frustration....you call your senator to deal with something.....not so in Korea, it's about being patient, quiet and respectful! ( I laugh typing that, since they are three things I don't do very well at, especially if you haven't respected me!!) However, after going through this twice as tough as it is, and with all the 'uncertainties', I know. I have to constantly remind myself, when we get her...the timing will be perfect. As I've said before...it's lining up our hearts with our expectations on a continual basis. Since our agency in Korea is small,they are quick with things that they can control. However, they don't give a lot of specific information along the way. The fact that our Korean Coordinator in NY is confident we are on the brink of that travel notice is good news. A friend of mine at church, that has a baby a little younger than Hanna was reminding me that God may very well be answering our prayers by not allowing us to travel, because right now Hanna needs a little more time, for that security with who she knows. Her little guy has been going through a huge attachment phase the last few months, where she hasn't been able to leave him with anyone or anywhere, including her husband.....BUT, He is starting to come out of it and be confident a bit at a time away from Mum. We talked to the girls yesterday about how in our minds we think the very best thing for Hanna is to have her with us....but really that's a selfish mindset. She is comfortable now, she's secure, and if another couple of weeks is needed to give her more confidence and be prepared for this major change that will take place in her life......I HAVE to submit that my will, and my desires might not be the best for Hanna. Isn't that what parenting is about anyway....giving up what we want at times for the best of our children! OUCH!! My heart is all over the map, but I'm trusting God's heart, that He's hearing our prayers, He knows our hearts desires, and He's answering them according to what will be perfect for her! Thank you so much for everyone following this journey with us. I have to admit that after not hearing any news today, I wanted to curl up in a ball, and just not get out until that phone rings. My heart hurts, it aches, there's no doubt about it.....that's why Mark picked so many strawberries...'to distract himself' from the pit in his stomach and the ache in his heart to hold his baby girl! We have so much to be thankful for. We have 5 amazing blessings and one soon to be with us for always, and this wait will be but a distant memory. We do cherish your prayers though. The one good thing about the weekend is we know we don't have to be 'on call'. We have the pleasure of being invited to a wonderful wedding tonight along with the reception as a family. Mark will be happy....he gets a good meal, and gets to share it with those he loves most. I'm looking forward to enjoying the vows, watching my girls eyes as they see a beautiful princess get to walk towards her prince charming and talk to them about the hopes and dreams of their special day. I hope and pray you all have a wonderful weeekend. Enjoy each other. Cherish those family times and make some precious memories!
Love to all....
The Weigner family
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