Merry Christmas everyone!!!
We would like to share some updated photos with everyone. We have had a very blessed Christmas season; as we hope you all have. As far as adoption news. We do not have anything new to tell. We will let everyone know as soon as we hear something.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Well, here we go. There is a lot of back and forth news so I'll try to make everything as clear as possible.
About a month ago there was a problem with the American Embassy in Vietnam and one of the orphanages we work with. They felt like the Americans at the Embassy thought they could do what ever they wanted without going through the proper channels so they quit giving American referrals. They did start up again and we thought everything was ok. Then we got our license to work in the third province, wonderful. We just got word from Vietnam that we are only allowed to get referrals of children who come to the orphanage after our license became valid. There have been children to come to the orphanage since then, but the way it works is that the children, for obvious and very valid reasons are not available for adoption until Dec. For those of you not in the adoption world; the children have to go through health screenings, work has to be done to make sure these children are truely orphans- those types of things.
Now, we received word a couple of days ago that the orphanage director from the province that said he would not work with the US is now saying this again. Relations with the third province are going very well and we should start getting referrals soon, well in about 2 weeks. The first province is still working with the US and things are going fine.
We still expect our referral to come before the end of the year and that is fine. We know that our adoption is in God's hands and he will take care of us. You might remember that in the last blog I mentioned that requirements for the I600 had changed, but that we didn't know when it would go into affect. Well, it has gone into affect. It doesn't change anything for us as far as more or less paperwork, but it does affect our travel time.
With the new regulations the I600 is now filed at the time we accept our referral. That means at the time that we say "Yes, we accept this child." Before; we would have filed the paperwork when we got to Vietnam. They take about 2 days to go over the paperwork, declare her/him an orphaned child, we go to court and so on. Now, we send in the I600 the US gov. then spends 60 days per child to perform this investigation and then we travel, go to court and so on.
So, it is obvious that we will now be in Italy for Christmas. Before we hoped to be in Vietnam around Christmas. Hopfully we will be in Vietnam around Jan. or Feb. We are not going to try to guess at a date because Los Ninos at this time, of course cannot guess at when the referrals we will come in consistantly.
Blessings,
Meg
About a month ago there was a problem with the American Embassy in Vietnam and one of the orphanages we work with. They felt like the Americans at the Embassy thought they could do what ever they wanted without going through the proper channels so they quit giving American referrals. They did start up again and we thought everything was ok. Then we got our license to work in the third province, wonderful. We just got word from Vietnam that we are only allowed to get referrals of children who come to the orphanage after our license became valid. There have been children to come to the orphanage since then, but the way it works is that the children, for obvious and very valid reasons are not available for adoption until Dec. For those of you not in the adoption world; the children have to go through health screenings, work has to be done to make sure these children are truely orphans- those types of things.
Now, we received word a couple of days ago that the orphanage director from the province that said he would not work with the US is now saying this again. Relations with the third province are going very well and we should start getting referrals soon, well in about 2 weeks. The first province is still working with the US and things are going fine.
We still expect our referral to come before the end of the year and that is fine. We know that our adoption is in God's hands and he will take care of us. You might remember that in the last blog I mentioned that requirements for the I600 had changed, but that we didn't know when it would go into affect. Well, it has gone into affect. It doesn't change anything for us as far as more or less paperwork, but it does affect our travel time.
With the new regulations the I600 is now filed at the time we accept our referral. That means at the time that we say "Yes, we accept this child." Before; we would have filed the paperwork when we got to Vietnam. They take about 2 days to go over the paperwork, declare her/him an orphaned child, we go to court and so on. Now, we send in the I600 the US gov. then spends 60 days per child to perform this investigation and then we travel, go to court and so on.
So, it is obvious that we will now be in Italy for Christmas. Before we hoped to be in Vietnam around Christmas. Hopfully we will be in Vietnam around Jan. or Feb. We are not going to try to guess at a date because Los Ninos at this time, of course cannot guess at when the referrals we will come in consistantly.
Blessings,
Meg
Monday, November 5, 2007
Good News
I just received an email from the Italian Embassy in Hanoi that they will issue us a Shengen Visa for our little girl after all. I received word today that I will call my contact there and meet with her and she will let me know what to bring with me to the Consular's office. Thankfully the lady that I have been in contact with is the same lady that we will meet with when we get there so that there is no confusion. This means we will have a couple of months to come to Italy with her so that we can adjust to being a family and rest, then come to the US. This, of course also means no trip around the world for the two of us and that Mike and Willow will more likely be able to come to the US when we come to finish the paperwork.
SO>>>God is good all of the time, all of the time God is good......You know the song.
Blessings,
Meg
Meg
Friday, October 19, 2007
Thank You Debbie
We would like to say thank you to Debbie with Adopt Abroad. She is the social worker who worked so diligently with us (and many others here in Italy) through our home study process. Debbie has been a great source of information, personable and truly showed each family how much she cares about us and our growing families.
As some of us have had to change agencies, programs, and regulations; Debbie has been nothing but patient and compassionate towards us.
So, thank you Debbie, and may God bless you and your family-
Mike, Meg and Willow
As some of us have had to change agencies, programs, and regulations; Debbie has been nothing but patient and compassionate towards us.
So, thank you Debbie, and may God bless you and your family-
Mike, Meg and Willow
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Tips on Saving Money - You Can Do It
Some of you have asked us how we are doing it...saving up that mcuh money for the adoption.
Here goes...First of all we must have faith in God that he will provide and boy has he.
1.) Don't run the AC. If I can do that anyone can-Meg
2.) Make lists and only make one trip in the car to do everything that you can in one day.
3.) Make a menu and only buy what is on your menu plus a little extra just incase someone pops in.
4.) Hang your clothes to dry-even when it's cold they will dry under a fan or in front of a heater
5.) Carry cash and when it's gone, it's gone-it's amazing what you don't remember swiping on that debit card.
6.) Printer ink is expensive so if you have a child that needs to print out reports; put it on a disk and send it to school with them for the teacher to print out or go to the computer lab at the school (thanks Lynsey)
7.) Also if you have many docs. to print- go to your local library many of them will let you print up to so many pages free of charge.
8.) Check how you can save on phone bills using the internet instead of calling from a land line.
9.) Turn off your cable
10.) Stop eating out- this is a biggie
11.) COOK breakfast-cooking instead of eating all of the fast breakfast foods will go much farther and you will be surprised at how much you will save.
12.) Walk, walk, walk- we are very fortunate to live in an area where many shops ect. are close to one another so we are able to park in a central location and walk. At over $3.00 gallon for gas it is very important to save where ever possible- check tire pressure, tune up your car- all of these things will help to better your milage.
When you get to feeling like you can't do anything - Purchase yourself, your spouse, your sister whom ever needs the card; a card they are inexpensive and bring joy for longer than you would think.
That's all I can think of right off the top of my head. If I remember any more that just are too good not to post I'll add it.
Here goes...First of all we must have faith in God that he will provide and boy has he.
1.) Don't run the AC. If I can do that anyone can-Meg
2.) Make lists and only make one trip in the car to do everything that you can in one day.
3.) Make a menu and only buy what is on your menu plus a little extra just incase someone pops in.
4.) Hang your clothes to dry-even when it's cold they will dry under a fan or in front of a heater
5.) Carry cash and when it's gone, it's gone-it's amazing what you don't remember swiping on that debit card.
6.) Printer ink is expensive so if you have a child that needs to print out reports; put it on a disk and send it to school with them for the teacher to print out or go to the computer lab at the school (thanks Lynsey)
7.) Also if you have many docs. to print- go to your local library many of them will let you print up to so many pages free of charge.
8.) Check how you can save on phone bills using the internet instead of calling from a land line.
9.) Turn off your cable
10.) Stop eating out- this is a biggie
11.) COOK breakfast-cooking instead of eating all of the fast breakfast foods will go much farther and you will be surprised at how much you will save.
12.) Walk, walk, walk- we are very fortunate to live in an area where many shops ect. are close to one another so we are able to park in a central location and walk. At over $3.00 gallon for gas it is very important to save where ever possible- check tire pressure, tune up your car- all of these things will help to better your milage.
When you get to feeling like you can't do anything - Purchase yourself, your spouse, your sister whom ever needs the card; a card they are inexpensive and bring joy for longer than you would think.
That's all I can think of right off the top of my head. If I remember any more that just are too good not to post I'll add it.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Our log in date
This past weekend was so much fun!! Willow had joined the cheer clinic at the Naples High School and the children were able to cheer in the football game, and perform a dance routine during half time. They were so cute!! She is really enjoying this. Then Sunday was the first time for this school year that the children's praise and worship team was able to lead the congregation in praise and worship. They did a new contemporary version of Agnus Dei. So many people came to me afterwards telling how much the children worshiping God touched them. Praise God!!!!
Monday, yesterday I was also able to pick up a french horn from the high school for Willow to borrow. She really had her heart set on percussion, but that was not available for the elementary school students. As soon as she spotted the french horn, that was it, she knew that was the horn she wanted to play. Of course I was thrilled. We had her try them all and she did, but that was it. And guess what? She was wonderful! This is a blessing for me as well. I now can play on it when she is not, he he... God is blessing our family in so many ways and we are so thankful. Thank all of you for keeping us in your prayers.
Well, it is official. Our log in date with the IAD (International Adoption Department) in Vietnam is Oct. 1, 2007! This is different from the Sept. 11 date. The Sept. date was when our dossier was delivered to Vietnam and it went into the translation dept. From IAD they will approve the paperwork they have received, pass on a reccomendation to the orphanage for adoption in the province with whom we will be working and they will pass on a referral to our agency.
Monday, yesterday I was also able to pick up a french horn from the high school for Willow to borrow. She really had her heart set on percussion, but that was not available for the elementary school students. As soon as she spotted the french horn, that was it, she knew that was the horn she wanted to play. Of course I was thrilled. We had her try them all and she did, but that was it. And guess what? She was wonderful! This is a blessing for me as well. I now can play on it when she is not, he he... God is blessing our family in so many ways and we are so thankful. Thank all of you for keeping us in your prayers.
Well, it is official. Our log in date with the IAD (International Adoption Department) in Vietnam is Oct. 1, 2007! This is different from the Sept. 11 date. The Sept. date was when our dossier was delivered to Vietnam and it went into the translation dept. From IAD they will approve the paperwork they have received, pass on a reccomendation to the orphanage for adoption in the province with whom we will be working and they will pass on a referral to our agency.
Friday, September 28, 2007
The 28 of Sept.
Here I am sitting at the computer waiting (tick, tock, tick) :)
Our case worker was expecting to hear something from our representative in Vietnam the last week in Sept. I have already emailed him to ask if there is any news. I let him know that I will call him tomorrow if I don't hear from him sooner. I'll keep you all posted.
Thank you for your prayers.
Blessings,
Meg
Our case worker was expecting to hear something from our representative in Vietnam the last week in Sept. I have already emailed him to ask if there is any news. I let him know that I will call him tomorrow if I don't hear from him sooner. I'll keep you all posted.
Thank you for your prayers.
Blessings,
Meg
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Today as I ran into many people on base I was pleasantly surprised. Of course there was a moment of silence for remembrance of 9-11. But, that was not a reason for those I spoke with to be down. It sure didn't keep down the ladies at the PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) fall kick off this morning. There is reason for us to celebrate!! Jesus is alive and well and we can celebrate our victory in Him.
One more reason for our family to celebrate today, September 11, 2007; our adoption dossier has been delivered in Hanoi, Vietnam. This is a huge step in our adoption process. Thank you all for your prayers and we will keep you posted on future events.
One more reason for our family to celebrate today, September 11, 2007; our adoption dossier has been delivered in Hanoi, Vietnam. This is a huge step in our adoption process. Thank you all for your prayers and we will keep you posted on future events.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Yipee!!
Hey everyone, we have great news!! I talked to our caseworker with Tues. night and he received our completed dossier, reviewed it and everything is in order. It was sent Fedex to Vietnam that day. We are getting so close.
It was so cute. Someone came up to me the other day at church and asked "Are you expecting?" I smiled and said, "Yeap, I'm about, oh, this far along. Can you tell?" Holding out my hands at about where you would be if you were 5-6 months along. She looked very puzzled and I immediately told her that we are adopting. We both laughed and of course she was very excited for us and went on to tell me about how she loved the Vietnamese people and spent some time in missions there. Every where we turn God is putting people in our lives that, either have adopted or are adopting and have worked in or volunteered in Vietnam. We have been so blessed.
Love to all of you,
Meg
It was so cute. Someone came up to me the other day at church and asked "Are you expecting?" I smiled and said, "Yeap, I'm about, oh, this far along. Can you tell?" Holding out my hands at about where you would be if you were 5-6 months along. She looked very puzzled and I immediately told her that we are adopting. We both laughed and of course she was very excited for us and went on to tell me about how she loved the Vietnamese people and spent some time in missions there. Every where we turn God is putting people in our lives that, either have adopted or are adopting and have worked in or volunteered in Vietnam. We have been so blessed.
Love to all of you,
Meg
Monday, August 27, 2007
What A Day
Today is not only the first day of school for Willow's fifth grade year, but Mike and I are also celebrating 13 years of marriage! God has truly blessed our lives and we are so thankfull for all of the ways that he has blessed us.
We sent off our dossier package Friday afternoon. At this point we wait to get the referral and date of travel. The exchange has a wonderful sale and so Willow and I went shopping and bought a few things for Christmas for the new baby. No, we do not know who she is or how old she will be, but there are things that can be bought for any age range. We had so much fun. Get this. God answers prayers in misterious ways. We received a check from Navy housing in Virginia Friday also. This was a check that we should have received a year ago for our deposit. It was dated March 2007 and we just received it. God knows when to send what you need-huh!?
Blessings,
Meg
We sent off our dossier package Friday afternoon. At this point we wait to get the referral and date of travel. The exchange has a wonderful sale and so Willow and I went shopping and bought a few things for Christmas for the new baby. No, we do not know who she is or how old she will be, but there are things that can be bought for any age range. We had so much fun. Get this. God answers prayers in misterious ways. We received a check from Navy housing in Virginia Friday also. This was a check that we should have received a year ago for our deposit. It was dated March 2007 and we just received it. God knows when to send what you need-huh!?
Blessings,
Meg
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