An invisible red thread connects those that are destined to meet,regardless of time,place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break.~Ancient Chinese Proverb

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Abbreviations galore!!!

So, since we have had a relatively boring week, I suddenly felt the need to blog about SOMETHING...anything. All of us have been sick with colds, stuck on the couch, not doing much of anything. The adoption is slowly trucking along. Our dossier documents are with the courier at the US Embassy and Chinese Embassy in DC getting their final seals from the Government. While we wait for them to be returned to our agency for their final review, I am twiddling my thumbs. So,for those who think that adoption is just filling out an application, paying some money and waiting,I thought I would share all of the things I have learned so far, in the world of adoption lingo....

HS............................Homestudy (4 visits with a Social Worker to learn ALL about you)
SW...........................Your Social Worker
DSS...........................Department of Social Services (who will approve your completed homestudy)
USCIS........................US Customs and Immigrations (don't mess with these folks!!)
I800A..........................The formal application asking the US Gov't to adopt a child from a foreign country
I797.............................The formal approval you get saying YES you can!!
SOS.............................Secretary of State ( you need their seal on every document)
DTA..............................Dossier to Agency (being reviewed before being sent to China)
DTC................................Dossier to China (you finally get introduced to China as a couple wanting to adopt)

Well, this is about as far as I have gotten in my education. There will be many abbreviations to follow, with the most important being TA-travel approval. That means, buy your tickets, book your hotels and get your butt on a plane!! Oh.....how I long to be there!...PATIENCE....PATIENCE...

For now, we wait to hear that our documents have all been sealed and are ready to go. We hope to get this news next week. Our agency will then keep our dossier for a week or so longer to put the finishing touches on it, then send it on a plane half way around the world.

In other news...we are gearing up for a BIG Birthday celebration. Our oldest is turning 7 tomorrow!! he is so excited! We've only been counting down for the last month! We have lots of family arriving for the celebration and a small party with his closest friends. We LOVE Birthdays around here----any reason to eat CAKE!!!

Blessings,
Angie