Wow. I didn't realize how long Sam has been waiting for us. Yesterday on our Dillon forum there was a discussion on length of time from referral to travel. I hadn't sat down and counted--at the time of our referral, the estimated waiting time was 3-6 months...we anticipated January travel, then we found out February didn't "count", then we found out our paperwork had sat on the USCIS's desk for several months due to a "communication problem" with unclaimed responsibility. Last week I got an auto-reply to another pleading email I sent to the head of the US consulate in HoChiMinh City (who grants the holy grail we're awaiting, the I600 preapproval telling us we can GO). The auto-reply informed me that she would be out of the office from May 5-27...and well...here we are.
Certainly not what we anticipated when we felt the calling to pursue adoption. I guess that can be said about many of life's adventures...not what was "anticipated". There can be blessings that can be difficult to see in those unanticipated events. It is difficult to see God's intent in these long delays, but we can only hang on for the ride. Why? Because he's our Sam. From the day of our referral in September, he became our son, and when your son is a long way away, you keep trying to get him home.
Perhaps day 233 is near the end of our wait. We hope it is. But when it comes down to it, what number do you reach that you give up? Sam is counting on us not to reach that number, so we won't.
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9 comments:
Beautifully said, Shelley.
Prayers for peace and hope and strength...oh yeah, and for the blessed travel permission!
We think about you guys every day, and pray that you will be traveling VERY soon.
You never give up. I waited 1 1/2 years before we traveled for our boys. They were 4 weeks at referral & 18 mnths when they came home. You never give up.
Hope it's soon!
Heather M.
Hang in there! It has to be soon! We are praying for you!
You guys and Sam are in our prayers. Hope you are traveling soon!!
Amy
He is YOUR Sam and he waits for you, just as you wait for him. Absolutely!
I'm sorry it has taken SO LONG, but it is gonna happen and I can't wait to see your family together!
Hey Shelley,
Thought I'd say hi. We are waiting to travel to Can Tho. We got a referral in December. I can't believe your process; I am so sorry! They've actually emailed you a few times? Are the staff people working on this despite the coordinator's vacation?? I hope you're there soon!! How old is Sam?
Jennifer
I am so very heartbroken that you, your family and Sam have been waiting so long. I am looking forward to the day when you are all together and this is just a crazy, unbelievable story to tell. I hope your good news comes soon.
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