A couple of news items today

I heard from our home study agency that our certified copies of the home study have AT LAST gone out in the mail.  Hurray! 

Also heard from Agency X that Ella's new parents have their contract and initial paperwork in, and are pursuing their dossier.  It looks really good that things will work out for her this time.  God bless little Ella and her new parents.  May they travel to her quickly. 

We got an update on Abigail!

Our agency allows us to request an update twice while we wait.  They suggested we submit once now and once shortly before we travel.  We're allowed ten questions for each update.  It is hard deciding what little tidbits of information need to be gathered when we only get ten questions!  We stewed about it for several weeks actually.

We've already set up a second bed in Tikvah's room, but I've been really wondering what colors to use for the bedding and all.  I've also been wondering what types of clothing to purchase, and what toys to gather.  We really want her to feel at home when she gets here, so our questions were geared towards finding answers to help us make her comfortable.

What would YOU ask if you had ten questions?  Here were ours and the answers we received today.  We would have liked perhaps a bit MORE information, but we got some brief answers, anyway!

1. We would like to decorate her room.  Can you tell us her favorite color?
The child's most favorite color is blue.

2. Does she have a favorite toy or type of thing to play?
most favorite toy is white rabbit  

3. Does she have a favorite children's character (Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, etc.)?  
her most favorite character is the Snow Princess  

4. Is there a particular food that is her favorite?   
most favorite foods are fish, meat, grape, and banana  

5. Is there a particular food that she really dislikes?  (received no answer to this one) 

6. Does she have a favorite song?   
most favorite song is "Little Star"  

7.  Does she enjoy being read to, and if so does she have a favorite book?  
most favorite story is "Little White Rabbit's Story"  

8. What types of things is she learning at school?  At school she learns singing, musical instrument, handcrafting, drawing and listens to stories.  She likes listening to "Little White Rabbit's Story."

9.  We understand that she doesn't speak very much. How does she communicate her needs such as when she needs a drink or has to use the restroom?  
She usually expresses her needs by words. 

10.  We have two cats and a rabbit.  Has she ever been exposed to small animals, and if so did she like them?   
She is not afraid of cats and rabbits. 

And then I got an answer to a question I didn't ask:  People she is closest to are her foster mother and big sister, and her teachers.      

Abigail's files claim she is in the orphanage, that she has been there all her life, actually.  I'm wondering if this answer is supposed to be in OUR letter or if it was an error.  I'm hoping our caseworker can find out.  

It is nice to know a little more about the things Abigail likes.  I'm on a mission now to find the favorite story and song!  If anyone has ideas for fitting BLUE in to the Princess Room, I'm open to ideas!

Perhaps the best part of the update was SIX new photos!  We are not allowed to post any photos online, but if you stop by I'll be very happy to show them to you!  She has grown up so much since the last photos we got of her. Its really hard to have a little girl growing up half way around the world.  As far as I know the certified copy of our homestudy has still not arrived at our placement agency.  We'd appreciate your prayers for a speedy processing!

 

Home Study is APPROVED at Last!

We worked like crazy and our homestudy was finished in a little under six weeks.  It was a long two weeks - to the day (that absolutely seemed like more) before our placement agency was finished requesting more information and approved the study.  Now what?

Because Abigail is "Special Focus" with a specific agency, that was the one we needed to work with for placement.  Since the placement agency is in Washington state,  a local agency completed the home study phase of the adoption.  Next week this local agency will send the notarized copies of our now approved home study to the placement agency in Washington.  At that point our file will be assigned to the China program and we'll receive a new case manager from that program.  It is his/her job to send our home study and I-800A (one of the first USCIS immigrations forms necessary for the adoption) and begin processing our dossier. 

According to China Adoption Online:

What Happens Next?

• Approximately 7-10 days after sending your USCIS Form I-800A and all supporting documents to the address listed above, you will receive a Notice of Receipt from the lockbox in Texas. This letter will simply state that your application was received! It will list the date it arrived at the lockbox as well as your case number. You do not need to do anything with this. File it for your records.
• After that, your application will be forward to the National Benefits Center (NBC) where all I-800A application are reviewed and approved!!
• Several weeks after that, you will receive your biometric (fingerprint) appointments from USCIS, one for each member of your household over age 18. These letters will tell you where to go for your fingerprints, what time to be there, and what to bring with you.
• Once you've been fingerprinted at your local USCIS office, an officer will be assigned to your case. He or she will review your homestudy and your fingerprints, and if all are acceptable will then issue approval to you!!!
• If there are pieces missing in your home study, your officer will mail a Request for More Evidence (RFE) to you. The letter will state what needs to be added to your homestudy in order for you to be approved. Notify your social worker of this immediately, and he/she should quickly update your homestudy according to the requirements and then send a copy to you for forwarding back to USCIS.
• Once your Form I-800A approval has been received by you in the mail, then you can notarize, state certify, and authenticate it for your dossier.

So.... we aren't close to traveling by any stretch of the imagination, but we have reached another milestone step.  Waiting is hard.

Ella

There was much excitement in our house yesterday when we got the official "yes" from our agency saying that we would be allowed to adopt two children - specifically Abigail and Ella, as the agency had hashed out their special needs, ages, etc. and agreed to their match.  Our caseworker requested that we contact the agency that Ella is assigned to, to inquire about a possible early release of her file to them.

Unable to reach Ella's assigned caseworker, I left a message.  Here we are about a day and a half later, and I've at last received my call back.  It was not at all the message we expected to hear.

There is another family who is actively pursuing Ella.  They are serious enough to have had her medical records reviewed by a specialist.  The agency is expecting their contract and other paperwork in soon.  It must be received by the end of the month to meet pre-approval deadlines with China. 

The other family has another daughter who has the same special needs as Ella.  Thus they have dealt with her issues, and already have medical specialists lined up.  This sounds pretty good to us!

We have always maintained that the most important thing to us concerning Ella was for her to have a family.  We are open to the idea that it may indeed not be us.  The other agency has promised to contact us at the end of the month if the other family doesn't follow through.  We are ready to lock the file if they back out.

Why did we have to jump through the extra hoops to be approved for two children, when one is likely no longer in need of us?  I confess I don't have a clue.  I do totally believe that things happen for a purpose and that God ALWAYS has a plan.  That plan may become obvious as time moves on, or we may never know.

We would appreciate your continued prayers for Ella and for her new family.  This paperwork is a BEAR and we would like to think that they will move through it quickly.  We would also appreciate your prayers for our Abigail that we can get this thing back on track now and moving forward.  Our home study has been sidetracked for a couple of weeks while the agency debated the issue. Thank you for all of your kind words, prayers and support as we've trudged through this thing.  Your support has meant a lot to us.

The Apparent Project

International Adoption is uber expensive, and we have various fundraisers going on in an effort to see it come to completion.  Selling candy bars or T-shirts is fine, but we have been given the opportunity to really MAKE A DIFFERENCE to many children through this fundraiser.  Keep reading to see why I'm so excited!

The Apparent Project is a faith-based ministry whose passion is to keep families together in Haiti.  It was already an impoverished country, even before the earthquakes.  Since that time many, many children have had to be relinquished to orphanages, in most cases not because their parents are dead, but because their parents can't afford to take care of them.  The Apparent Project trains the parents in a skill, and teaches them to make a living.  They use discarded materials such as cereal and cracker boxes to create beautiful "upcycled" pieces of jewelry. I have these in front of me right now, and they are really gorgeous!

From their website:  "Our name reflects our passion: We want to see Haitian families stay together. Skill development and employment addresses the needs of families before they are at the point of desperation, driven to give their children to an orphanage because of extreme poverty. After all, the vast majority of Haiti's "orphans" have not been orphaned by parental deaths earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, but are children of living parents who gave them up simply because they knew that an orphanage could feed  their child."

 

"Every Apparent Project Artisan is unique, with their own amazing story, but they all share this in common- they come from extreme poverty. They each carry the hope that this little job of rolling paper beads and making jewelry will help them put food on the table from week to week and maybe allow them to save enough to rent a house. Most of the artisans are currently living in post-earthquake tent cities. Many of them hope to send their children to school to give them a shot at breaking the cycle of poverty."

We have partnered with The Apparent Project in this fundraiser.  Half of the proceeds will go towards bringing Abigail home, and the other half to these artisans who want so desperately to keep their family together.  Its a win-win situation, and so much more worthwhile than a candy bar! Each bracelet comes with a photo and the story of the person who made it.  You can also read the stories of several of these artisans on our fundraising page.

 I know that you will enjoy owning one of these beautiful creations.  There is a link on the upper right of the page that goes directly to the bracelets or you can find them here http://fundraising.lanzadoption.com/  Thank you on behalf of our daughter Abigail, and the also the children in Haiti for your support of this fundraiser.

*** In addition to the fundraiser, I would like to send some supplies to The Apparent Project.  They are in need of flattened cereal boxes - lots of them!  If you are local (or see me from time to time) I would love to collect boxes from you to send to them.  If you are out of the area, but are excited about what they are doing, you can read about how to send your own shipment of boxes here: http://thefranklinupdate.blogspot.com/2011/02/cereal-boxes-shipping-details.html?m=1

Conflict in China

News of riots in China spread quickly through the China adoption forum that I frequent.  We are all a little nervous when something out of the ordinary happens in China. 

This from the Atlanta-Journal-Constitution:  "Sporadic protests in China over the past week became larger and at times violent and spread to at least two dozen cities over the weekend. Protesters torched a Panasonic factory and Toyota dealership in the eastern port of Qingdao, looted a Heiwado Co. department store in the southern city of Changsha and ransacked Japanese supermarkets in several cities. Though larger numbers of police imposed more order on demonstrations Sunday, they fired tear gas to subdue rowdy protesters in the southern city of Shenzhen. In nearby Guangzhou city, protesters broke into a hotel that was next to the Japanese Consulate and damaged a Japanese restaurant inside."

Shenzhen is the city where Abigail's orphanage is, and the hotel they are talking about is the Garden Hotel where lots of adoptive parents stay.  In fact, someone from the forum reported in from there.  Its a scary place right now. 

 Associated Press photo taken in Shenzhen

From Yahoo News "Security forces wearing helmets and carrying shields fired tear gas into crowds of people in Shenzhen city in southern Guangdong province. Some protesters picked up smoking tear gas canisters and hurled them back in the direction of the security forces. Protesters also overturned a police vehicle and smashed its window. No one was reported injured.

Over 10,000 people marched in the provincial capital, Guangzhou, the state-run Xinhua News Agency said. Its Guangzhou office reported a small number of protesters broke into a hotel next to the Japanese Consulate and smashed windows and a Japanese restaurant, and that police detained several people for damaging property. Police in Guangzhou were asking the public to use their camera phones to record people smashing property and offer the evidence to police, Xinhua said."

Guangzhou is where ALL of the adoptive parents have to go through towards the end of their trip since that is where the American Consulate is.  There were riots in Shanghai also, which is where Jack lives.  But the reports of those aren't as severe.

All the ruckus seems to be over control of some East China Sea islands, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.  Both claim ownership, but of course, that isn't going to work!

According to USA Today "The demonstrations came before the anniversary Tuesday of the 1931 Mukden Incident which often triggers anti-Japanese sentiment. The incident was used as a pretext by Japan to invade northern China, and activists have called for more demonstrations Tuesday."

I am thinking since the vandalism and violence seem to be against Japanese businesses within the country, they aren't likely to attack an orphanage, so I'm not super concerned about Abigail's immediate safety.  What does concern me is what this might all potentially mean to the thousands of orphaned children in China who are counting primarily on the western world to help them.  I've read speculations of the US and its responsibility towards their political ally in this situation.  I'm praying this doesn't shut down the adoptions and leave these children stranded.  

However you feel about the political situation, please remember to pray for the innocents there, especially the children and their adoptive parents - that this conflict won't cause danger to them or to the placement of their children.

Chinese Cultural Event

Jack brought us a lovely piece of art from China when he was in the country last month.  It features "faces" from the Peking Opera.  "Peking Opera" is generally the Western generic term not only for Beijing Opera but other traditional opera styles as well.

We had the opportunity last night to attend a Peking Opera performance at Miami University.  We started the evening with a Chinese buffet - yum!  We've heard that we're going to be expected to eat with chop sticks in China, so we've been practicing with them.  The performance followed dinner.

The costumes and make-up are very elaborate, but there isn't much in the way of sets and props.  The acting isn't intended to be naturalistic, as through facial expressions, as much as through long-established gestures and body movements, which can vary from the way a foot is raised or a step taken to the flip of a sleeve, to a full body cartwheel.  We observed LOTS of the sleeve movements.  I've read that these movements are difficult to learn and take many years of study.  In fact, we were told that in order to perform with the Peking Opera you must start training at the age of ten.  They told Tikvah she should begin right away!

There were acrobatics and even the tossing of (imitation) weapons.  Though we didn't understand the language, we were able to follow the story line - with the help of some explanation from the head of the dramatics department!

I'm thinking if it was the first time this group performed in the USA, we as the audience may have left much to be desired.  According to the book China A-Z,  audience members (in nonimperial performances) are not expected to remain quiet or even in place.  Often they may come and go and even shout out their approval at an especially skilled performance by rising to their feet and calling out, "Hao! Hao!" which is similar to "Bravo!" and literally means "Good!"  As the evening went on, we got a little better at applauding at times other than when we thought the performance was "done." 

We really weren't sure what to expect, but we had a great time!

I bumped into another mom at the performance who had been in the same gardening class as we were over the summer.  "Just so happens" she is the adoptive mom of two Chinese children, both of whom have the ear condition that "Ella" has.  What a wealth of information was there!  She invited us to an adoption support meeting that is tonight.  With the week I've had, I'm thinking a support group is exactly what I need.  I'm likely driving my friends who aren't on this particular journey, totally nuts.  Thank you all for putting up with me!

Prayer warriors, I need you!

I feel like our placement agency is just LOOKING for a reason to say "no" about Ella.  We still don't have an answer, but they have kicked back our home study now (which we thought was totally done) and are insisting on a whole new section about our adult children who no longer live with us. They want all their contact info and a statement from each stating how they feel about the adoption.   Anyone ever heard of such a thing?

 I feel bad for our kids because they didn't sign up for the intrusion in their lives.  They aren't the ones adopting!  I feel bad for Abigail (who is being held up now, likely because of Ella) and I feel bad for us and this continued stress.  Can I stop this merry-go-round and get off for a day?   I am really discouraged tonight.  Prayer warriors, I need you!

The Committee Met

For those who know me well, you know this adoption is a  s--t--r--e--t--c--h  in nearly every way possible.  While I have no doubt that the Lord has the building of my character in mind, and this is all likely good for me, right now it doesn't FEEL so good, and it is overall just not a pleasant experience tonight.

I'm referring specifically to the presence of hurricane Isaac in my stomach.  The committee met at our placement agency on Tuesday to determine if they would allow us to adopt two little girls.  Our case manager isn't saying anything other than:

1.  Their director of social services is waiting on a call back from our social worker

and

2. They want me to talk with another family who adopted two unrelated children through them last year.

So.... I sent out a HELP to our local people who plan to call them tomorrow.  (This is where I really hate that the west coast people don't get into the office until noon our time.)

And, I reminded our caseworker that I have already spoken with the family,  and have stayed in touch with them via email.  But, since she brought it up, maybe I'll call them again.  This lady in Virginia, of all people, likely knows how crazy I'm feeling this evening.

It is very difficult on a Mama's heart to have other people planning what happens to our little girls!  Still, I know we serve a sovereign God and He will bring His plan to pass.  Do keep praying that the "right" decisions are made this week.

Fundraising

International adoption is crazy expensive!  We are dependent on God to provide the funds needed to bring Abigail (and possibly Ella!) home.  He has called us to do this, and we are confident He will provide the means to do so.

We have a few fundraisers going towards that end.  The Puzzle Fundraiser made its debut a week ago.  We are putting the puzzle together as the pieces are sponsored.  We were excited this evening to see the Great Wall of China starting to show in our puzzle.  Take a look!

Another fundraiser that we have been involved with is selling candy bars and chips at our local home school co-op lunch time.

And today we launched our T-shirt Fundraiser with Adoption Bug.  My two  favorite designs are seen below:

If you'd like to contribute to bringing Abigail home, want to show your support for orphans, or hey, would just like a new T-shirt this fall, we invite you to see these as well as a few others in our little T-shirt store found at http://www.adoptionbug.com/adoptingabigail/

Most of all, we continue to need your prayers.  Big decisions are being made next week about our little girls!  We truly want God's will to be done concerning them.

Agency is working on it!

Our home study is in review at our placement agency.  They have received our additional documents for Ella, and the committee is scheduled to meet next week to consider our request to adopt two.  Stay tuned!

More paperwork - this time Ella's

We received a draft of our home study last night.  Aside from a few typos, it is finished.  A draft also went to our placement agency so they could request additional clarification, if needed, before the document is notarized, certified and hard copies mailed.

Today I need to begin some additional paperwork, this time for Ella.  True, her files won't be released for another 30 days, but our placement agency has to have a committee meeting to decide if they will allow us to even pursue her once her file is released.  In order to do that they have to look at our home study, her medical files, and some other documents that they have requested of us.  The "other documents" are what I get to work on today.  Everything needs to be in place by this time next month if we will be allowed to "lock" her file.

Please pray today that I would have clarity of thought as I work on these papers. Some of the questions are difficult to answer.  Thanks!

Update on Ella - again

Third update today, that is a record.  This is another prayer request.  If you have followed my blog you know that there were two little girls that STUCK with us.  We have been told for two months that there is no way Ella's file can/will be transferred to our agency.  We have continued to pray that Ella's family finds her. 

Today I received word from agency X that if they aren't able to find her a home by October 6, her file will go back on the shared list.  This would make her file available to any agency to "lock in."

Our agency hasn't been very supportive about placing two unrelated children at the same time.  However, they have done it in the past, and it is allowed by Chinese authorities if one child is "Special Focus."  Our home study recommends the placement of two special needs children, and our social worker was very supportive of the idea.

I'm especially grateful that I'm not the one in charge of the whole scheme of things.  We didn't really start out intending to LOOK for two children, nor did we particularly set out to look for one that is a preschooler.  I have questioned for two months why this little girl will not leave my head and my heart. 

October 6 is only a month away.  Will you pray with us for God's will in this?  If God means for US to be Ella's family, we will rejoice!  If God sends her another family, we will rejoice with her for that.  But, Ella needs a family.  Please pray with us that her wait ends soon.

Iowa is IN!

I've heard that God answers prayer before we even know what to ask... Yeah, I think that may have happened today.  Just got word from our caseworker that Iowa clearance is HERE.  I don't have a clue how it was managed, it sounded like it would be the end of the week at the earliest, but we are good to go!  So thankful!  Thank you to all of our friends who have been praying!

Please pray!

Our home study report is written up and ready to go (triggering the sending of other important documents) EXCEPT for clearance from Iowa - where Ethan went to college. We really need for this clearance to arrive so they can fill in the date and get this thing out to the people who need it. We'd appreciate your prayers!

Our intentional God

I found a reminder in my devotional this morning:

Our God is an intentional God, brimming over with purpose, infusing meaning into everything around us. He has sprinkled earth with calling cards of His presence and purpose...   Taken from Pearls of Great Price.  Copyright © 2006 by Joni Eareckson Tada

This causes me to ponder again, "What about Ella?"  (see my posts from late June/early July).  Her photos are still on our refrigerator reminding me several times each day to pray that her family finds her.  Our home study recommends the placement of two special needs children, and we would gladly and joyfully welcome her home along with Abigail Dawn.  Thus far the agency to which she is assigned says they cannot transfer her file to our agency.

I don't know what God's purpose is in causing "Ella" to stick in our heads and in our hearts.  All I know is she is a little girl who needs a family.  Please pray for Ella as you think of her this week.