I waited until the last day of the month, hoping I could tell you we had been matched with our little one, but that's not the case. We're still waiting. I have no doubt in my mind that the wait will be worth it, but it's not easy. That being said, there have been some recent changes made in China that make me super thankful our dossier has already been reviewed and we're "safe". There is a blog post that explains the changes better
here, but basically, China is not issuing waivers for their requirements of prospective adoption parents. This barely affects us, as our reason for not meeting the requirement was temporary (I was pregnant so I was over the BMI limit) and resolved (definitely not pregnant still). I don't even think we had an official waiver. It makes sense as to why they are tightening the reigns (see the link), but I'm glad we're in the clear on it. It sounds like if your dossier has already been reviewed, then you're exempt from the newly enforced rules. I do feel for the families whom this does greatly affect and they are definitely in my prayers. At this point, if someone told me we could no longer adopt, it would be devastating. The other big change is that orphanage partnerships by agencies are not being renewed and agencies are not able to visit the orphanages at this time. It's unclear as to when/if they will be renewed, but it sounds like this is to create a bit more regulation in this area, which is understandable. Partnerships give agencies exclusivity to children's files in that orphanage in exchange for agencies making visits with Western medical teams and making the orphanage a better place to live for the kids. It seems like this is mutually beneficial, so maybe it's just on hold until the CCCWA (China Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption) figures out how they want to manage this in a more organized fashion. We do know that all of the agencies are having to establish themselves as non-government organizations in China, which would allow China to have more control over it, I would imagine. Current partnerships are still allowed to exist until they expire, so hopefully these changes really won't affect our process. We think a lot about our girl, pray she is well and happy, and look forward to knowing who she is! When we do match we won't be able to share that with everyone immediately, but we definitely will as soon as we are allowed to!
On December 4th, our pastor and family friend, Pat Cronin, passed away unexpectedly. Pastor Pat had written recommendation letters for our adoption and would ask how things were going regularly. I am thankful that he had such a hand in the process as we work to bring our girl home, writing the most recent recommendation during our home study update in November, but it does make me sad that he won't get to meet her. He loved children and I know he would have loved her!
The boys are doing well! We had a great Christmas and it was extra fun this year because Graham seemed to understand everything better. It was fun making the season magical for him and sharing with him about the birth of Jesus. Charlie is so sweet and snuggly and really just an easy baby! He is starting to "goo" some and is working really hard on cutting his first teeth! It's hard to believe he is already five months old. Though the waiting for Ellie is difficult, it is made much easier when I think about it as the longer we wait to be matched, the older Charlie will be when we have to leave him at home for two weeks. We considered taking them with us to China, but the drive to Florida in November sealed the deal on that one. Charlie Harris is staying home! Graham has always been a great traveller, but not so much for Charlie. As Tom said, Graham is a picky eater here, what do you think he would eat in China?! I think it will be less stressful for all of us for them to stay here, but we will miss them like crazy!!
Hopefully the next time I update it will be to share that we have been matched!
Please pray:
-For our family, church family, and Pat's family as we all grieve and figure out what happens next
-That our Ellie is well and happy
-That we will be matched with her soon!
-We have begun working to prepare Graham for a sister, so pray that goes a whole lot better than preparing him for a brother!
I ordered this ornament as a part of someone's adoption fundraiser.
I look forward to holding her in my arms next Christmas!
Graham has just recently started playing some with Charlie.
It's super sweet and of course, Charlie loves it!
