February 2008 -
The last several months in the Vietnam adoption world have been very discouraging, to say the least. When we first joined my agency in August, referrals and travel to Vietnam were happening at a very efficient and predictable rate. In October, the US govt. decided to process I600s stateside. THis abrupt change in policy slowed down the entire process with families waiting endlessly for I600 approvals. On Dec. 13 I found out that our dossier had been sent to Phu Tho. Our paperwork was redirected to Hanoi when our agency found out that the province was closed to US adoptions. Then in February 2008 came the worst news of all. Babies in orphanages in Northern Vietnam had become seriously ill with a strain of the Rhino virus. The youngest and most vulnerable babies developed pneumonia. Sadly, several babies have died including my friend Heather's baby. It was so heartbreaking for her to lose precious baby Linh. She will always be loved and remembered by Heather and her family.
March 8 2008 -
After several months of few referrals, visas denied, and no I600 approvals, our agency finally received a lot of good news this past week! Seven referrals were issued and several families will be traveling to Vietnam to bring home their babies!!!!!! It is wonderful to finally hear such great news!
And I'll close this post with a couple of pictures of my daughter dressed up for Wacky Friday at her school. It reminds me of the WaCkY ROLlEr CoAsTeR RiDE of this adoption journey.
