Adoption Update & Fundraiser

I apologize that I have not posted in a few months. The process has been sooo slooow and it is depressing to only have a post that says, "no news." Plus, I have just not been motivated to write.

Today's update brings some news we thought we'd share. The process is moving forward and families are traveling, but not at the rate anyone would like. Currently, our agency's cases are being process from March 2, 2012 (keep in mind we are August 2012). The new process is moving, but very slowly. Cases are getting scrutinized closely so there are not any errors or problems by the time your cases reaches the Courts. Sometimes there are additional questions and documents requested of the adopting families. The birthmother is also contacted  twice before the adoption is finalized.  The first time the Ministry contacts the birthmother because the new law requires that all birthmothers wait 7 days after the birth of their child before relinquishing their child for an adoption plan........for the children currently matched with international families, this "seven-day rule" was not in effect and not applied to these cases.  For this reason, all the birthmothers are being contacted.  Once the Court receives our case the birthmother will be contacted again. All of this communication takes time with certified letters being sent out and we have to wait if the birthmother cannot be intermediately found.  The Court allows for multiple opportunities to connect with the birthmother. All of this just adds more time onto our process. I understand why they want to reconnect with the birthmothers, but I wish that the process was more efficient and effective.

So, that's where we stand for now. Just waiting for our number to be called and for our case to start the final process that will allow us to make our first trip. The first trip we meet and speak with a judge. Our agency has given us a list of all sorts of questions the judge may ask; many of which can be found in our home study. It stinks we have to make a trip just for a 15 minute court interview. The second trip has been taking 4.5 weeks or longer to happen for families. Families who have been staying in Korea after their court interview have been bringing their kids home faster than families who are going home. However, I don't see that happening for us. A month spent in Korea is less time we get with Bennett once he is home.

I guess we need to look at the added time to our adoption as a blessing. It has allowed us to get things accomplished around the house (painting, repairs, etc.). It has also allowed a little more time to get money saved. However, it seems like as soon as we save a little, more money is required of our adoption.

We are blessed to be hosting a fundraiser through Compelled Designs. We are selling beautiful, handcrafted necklaces (similar to what you see below). Necklaces are $24 each. For those of you who do not live near us, we can ship necklaces to you for a flat $6.00 (regardless of how many necklaces you order). Please share this with your friends. We will receive 50% of all sales.  You can pay via PayPal. If you have questions, please email me sunhwa02@gmail.com. I will post pictures on Facebook of all the necklaces we have received to sell. If you aren't friends with me, feel free to email me and I can send you photos.