We received an update from our agency this week with good and mediocre news. The good news is that they received 5 referrals last month - 4 of them girls. That moves us up several places on the waiting list - so we are probably somewhere between 15 and 18th. I'll call next month to get the exact number. The less positive news is that the wait is now 14-15 months for a girl. We passed the 9 month mark on the 1st. If Vietnam stays open, we could receive a referral by Christmas. That would be such an answer to prayer, but I can't let myself dream too much.
Our director returned from his trip to meet with Vietnamese officials. The update stated: "The meetings went well and all parties seemed to be interested in finding a solution so that a new agreement can be reached by September 1, 2008. All parties are working hard towards this goal. ...... we believe that there is still a possibility for a new agreement to be in place by September 1st, if not sometime shortly there after." I will cling to that possibility. Keep praying!
We learned from our agency that in order for files received prior to July 1, 2008 to be grandfathered in (those without referrals by 9/1 to still be completed), there must be an interim agreement signed between the two countries permitting this process. Rather than a simple request by the Department of State, a signed agreement will be needed, as required by the provincial Ministry of Justice offices in Vietnam. No decision has been made, as an interim agreement is still being negotiated. Praise the Lord that there is still a possibility and negotiations are in progress!
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