LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!

Just got a phone call from our agency - their accreditation paperwork has been submitted. According to the MoE's website, they will answer all applications in 90 days. So, looks as though we should know about accreditation and get travel dates at the end of April. As always, a big disclaimer, nothing in Russian adoptions goes as planned....

Please pray for a smooth process and that the MoE accepts our agency's paperwork! (and, as long as your praying, throw one in there that it all happens earlier than April)!

Secret Blogger Pals

I am so excited about being involved in the new round of Secret Blog Pals! I have lurked in the blog world for a while now, finding solace, laughter, a common bond with people I've never met. I'm happy to come out of lurking and be a part of this incredible community! On the right side of the page I've added a blog roll of the SBPs - I'm excited to follow all of your journeys!

An old Chinese proverb...

My parents were at a Chinese restaurant, and on impulse, my stepmom picked up an extra fortune cookie....for Baby T. At the end of the meal, they opened the cookie and here is what was inside:

Stop Searching. Happiness will come to you.

A lump came to my throat as my stepmom told me the story. What a great thought for our adoption and this crazy process. That little piece of paper will go in the lifebook.....and I think I'll buy a lottery ticket with the numbers on the back, just in case!

Still waiting....

....for our agency to turn in their accreditation paperwork. They are dotting the i's and crossing the t's as we speak. The Russian Christmas holiday is coming up, and most government offices shut down during that time. After they open back up, the agency's paperwork will be turned in and then we can start counting down for approval! I know that the 90 day guideline promised by the MoE is not a guarantee, but hopefully they will be able to get an answer to agencies within that timeframe. None of my timelines have been accurate thus far, but here is my best guess anyway:

Jan 15 - Agency paperwork turned in
April 1 - Agency receives accreditation
April 10 - we meet our boy!
April 15 - our anniversary!
April 30 - back for court
May 10 - home with the newest member of the family.

Hopefully I'm way off....and we have him home much earlier. We've told our agency we can be ready to go in a matter of hours, so as soon as they have the license, we will be packing!