Waiting on the Ministry

Today our home study was sent to the Ministry for approval.  Honestly, I didn't think it was ever going to happen; first that the home study would be completed and then that it would be mailed for approval but miracles happen and it was done today. So, now we wait to see how that goes. I've not heard of too many people being rejected but I suppose it could happen and I'd have to be prepared for that. Would it be over for us then? I suppose there are appeals that could be done but I won't think about it now. I rejoice that this huge part of adoption is complete. Next is the dossier, another huge step, lot's of paperwork and even more patience is involved. I have most of it together already but documents need to be certified and passport photos taken. I mean, we have passports but the photos for China's files. I have to remember to smile. In the meantime, life goes on. We're in middle of colds right now. It's that time of year I have to pull out the winter coats and have them ready because here we usually go from summer right to winter, not much of in between. Today got pretty cold and snow flurries are called for. I can't wait for Halloween with my grandson; it should be fun and for that child that waits I hope one day she will have some Halloween fun too.

 



This Year

This year is sure moving along. Summer is over and fall is here, soon even old man winter will be knocking at our door. Not looking forward to that, that's for sure. Here I thought we'd be done with our home study this time last year but we are just post home study now. I sent in the signed agency contract and am waiting for the home study to be sent over to the agency. It is so on the line of six months after which point we may need an update visit with the social worker. I hope the Ministry overlooks that a little bit. I was told to fill out the citizenship application and send it in now as it could take up to three months for approval. Really? Three months to process some paperwork. So I filled it out, certified some documents and sent that in. There is a few other things I could do but not much really until our home study is approved by the Ministry then after that some heavy duty funds will be going out. I can't even imagine how some people can do this more than once, I mean this costs some money but how, I ask you, how can you put a price on a child's life? Of course, you can't. I just wish it didn't cost so much to help a child.