So recently I updated our blog with a cool picture which essentially mimics the Blue Ridge mountains- which we see out our window every day. It was easy and didn't take much time, which I was very thankful for....unlike this whole adoption situation.
I have to admit, I am officially getting frustrated yet am still generally conflicted about the timetable for our referral (if it ever will come). Let me explain: Although I am glad the agency we work with has sorted out the bogus claims and situation with COA, I am increasingly annoyed that Poland and SMIA have been moving at a snail's pace lately. Supposedly this whole thing had no implications on the Poland side so I do NOT understand why there are families awaiting their second trips to get their children that are being kept on hold. I know the court dates are not SMIA's fault, but Poland has been so painstakingly slow that SMIA can't get these families squared away and hence, can't or won't advocate for others that are waiting to get a proper referral (ie one that fits what they requested).
And I know I shouldn't complain because this is absolutely and utterly unfair, but I have to vent: Our dossier is squeaky clean. I mean, freakishly clean. My husband is of Polish heritage (we even know where his family comes from!), we are both stable, educated professionals that are already established parents of a fantastic child, we are financially able to proceed with any adoption, and we are requesting an older aged child(ren) that most people aren't interested in and who are supposedly busting at the seams over there. So what is the hold up, I ask? We call and talk to the agency and are told "you just have to wait". Sorry, but that ain't cutting it lately. I am impatient to meet our child that God has chosen. Everyone says we have to wait for it to happen in "God's time", but these delays seem more secular that divine and I'm ready for some divine intervention to grease the wheels a bit.
At the same time, I am glad the whole travel thing didn't come down during October. I have had to be major peacemaker and deal broker on behalf of our elementary school PTO, of which I am president this year. I have had to calm nerves, provide encouragement, give direction (sometimes sternly), and act as intermediary for various stupid arguments between adults. Our school's major fundraiser is upcoming in early November and honestly, I'm not sure I could be absent during that time anyway. I've tried really hard to get everything in place and have secured so serious donations from national companies and Clemson University for our silent auction in the event we miraculously receive a good referral and travel, but I can't see that happening until after the event and definitely not until after the other families receive their second travel dates. Plus, the longer Case is in school the better for him. But we have reservations for Disneyworld in the spring that we thought we would be taking with 2 kids, and while it doesn't affect the room etc, there is no way we are losing that!
So here we sit- everything done right and looking great according to our agency yet no referral. I have to continually explain to my child that we are still patiently waiting and see the look him losing faith every day that it will happen. Plus, add in the possible anxiety, expense, and complete hassle of updating home studies and getting fingerprints redone should they expire after the new year and, well, I'm getting a bit ticked.
Wish this could be a happier post but that's where I am right now. Not looking for sympathy necessarily- just venting. I am praying that Kara and Tom, Heidi and David, Leigh and Greg, and Tracy and Scott all get their dates soon because they have been separated from their children WAY too long already and these families need to be reunited. So I call upon you, Almighty Father and Lord, and ask you to deliver these families and join them together at last. I also ask for the intercession of Holy Mary, Mother of God on behalf of all of us waiting for our children to come to us. Please help us and keep us strong during this trying time. Amen.
