Keeping Distracted

We’ve had a busy few weeks, but that is good because it distracts me from the wait. Last weekend we went down to Salem to visit with Keith’s family. His sister and our nephew came to town, so we wanted to get the two little ones together.

Koen (left in all pics) and his cousin (21 mo)

I’m slowly starting to collect some baby girl clothes. My mother-in-law bought some things for Liv too. It’s fun, and feels like more of a reality.

I’m getting asked “what’s new with the adoption?” often, and wish I had more to say. We applied for another grant, but that is about it. Our agency’s Vietnam program coordinator is in Vietnam right now, and you can follow her blog she’s writing while there if you’d like at Amy's Trip to Vietnam.

More exciting though, is that several bloggers I’ve been following in are Vietnam getting their children right now! Two are from our agency and the third is linked on the left (From Cancer to Sara). It has been fun to follow their journey with so many ups and downs. The adoption laws in Vietnam just changed regarding a form you file once in Vietnam to get the government’s approval that the child is indeed an orphan so you can take them out of the country. In the past you haven’t been able to file this form until you are in Vietnam, but now they are requiring it be filed soon after you get the referral. This way, once they agree that the child is an orphan (which they have 60 days to do), you will be approved for travel. I’m not sure if this means travel wait times will decrease or not, but it is supposed to shorten the time required in country. It is also supposed to decrease corruption in the adoption system. The law takes effect in early November, so it disrupted those who are traveling now. There was a little uncertainty in how it would work, so families were being rushed to travel a week or so ahead of time to still be under the old law. It should all be figured out soon though.

Our agency’s blog noted that 15 families traveled to Vietnam in October to get their children. That is a lot! Most of those probably weren’t on the waiting list anymore and had already gotten their referrals when we got on the waiting list, but that’s still a good sign.

No new news on Baby Sinh. Keep praying! Thanks and God bless.