wait

So far, things have been moving so smoothly and effortlessly in our adoption journey. So much so that, so far, “waiting” seems like a foreign concept to me. We’ve been progressing through the process and hitting milestones in a manner that has seemed almost effortless; timely and productive. Because of this, over the past seven months, I’ve been instilled with a sense that we are in control. I fear that I am in for a very rude awaking during the next phase of the wait.

We did get some great news this week: our I-600 was approved in ten business days! This approval marks the last milestone from the U.S. government. Hooray! As far as the U.S. government is concerned, Leo is clear to get his Visa from the Embassy in Seoul and come home. I like to believe that my email to Senator Klobuchar had something to do with this quick approval…but I know for a fact it did not since I was finally contacted by her office via email this week requesting I fill out a Privacy Act Release form in order for them to contact the related federal agency on our behalf. Maybe I should just delete that email and pretend I never received it so I can continue believe my email made a difference. Yeah, I think that’s what I will do – it makes a better story. J

Unfortunately, this week we also learned that our agency has adjusted the expected wait time to travel based on recent trends with the Korean government. We should expect to wait 5 to 8 months from February 8^th…and since we are with Eastern, we should really expect to wait 7 to 8 months. That puts us in September or October. Well past Leo’s first birthday. How on earth are we going to stand waiting that long to bring Leo home?! Why on earth does the process take so long in Korea?

In the grand scheme of things I really do understand how fortunate we are. We only waited an unheard of month and a half to receive our referral. We could easily still be waiting. I feel like we don’t really have a “right” to complain about this part of the process. But, I also feel like we haven’t had much time to “practice waiting”. The blessing of being connected to our son so much earlier than expected has only given me a tiny bit more strength and patience to get through this long period of waiting. And that extra bit had better not expire too soon. I just want Leo home.

I try so hard to focus on positive things. He is in a loving environment being cared for by a woman I will never ever be able to properly thank. She is loving him, looking after him, and helping him grow and develop 24-hours a day. And while that is so wonderful and comforting…I fear that the longer she takes care of him, the harder it will be for him to leave her. How could it not be. How can it not be a sad day despite the fact that he is finally in our arms ready to come home with us...Leo will be leaving the woman who has taken care of him for over a year. It will be such a sad and happy day. But, somehow we will all handle it with grace. I have a feeling Leo will especially do so because he is already so strong and so courageous in my eyes. Leo has done it again…inspiring me and giving me more gifts than I ever could have dreamed of receiving through this process – more grace, strength, and courage to keep me going until the day we bring him home.

Until next time…I’ll keep my fingers crossed for five months, not seven or eight!