Things aren't always what they seem

Monday - I went to the mailbox as I usually do. One can imagine my surprise when I see our prepaid return envelope from the Chinese Consulate. I thought...already...WOW it has not even been a full week. Then I opened it.

Apparently, because we have switched Secretary of States recently. Yep the entire US was awarded our (not my favorite) Governor; Janet Napolitano. So that meant the Old SEC of State becomes the new Governor. That means a new Sec. of State was sworn into office very recently.

Here is the note I received from the consulate.

Dear Mr Bublitz

We are very sorry to inform you that because until now we haven't got the signature sample of the new secretary of state, Ken Bennett, we cannot handle the authentication of the document he/she issued. We have to return your application.

Sincerely
Visa Section

I am not sure what it means or what I am supposed to do next but I guess I will find out...UGHHH!

email at 5:30am "CONGRATULATIONS you have been accepted"

Our social worker (for Arizona adoption) presented us to the entire Christian Family Care Agency staff yesterday. She sent an email late last night letting us know that we are in their match book as of today!

The entire process has really been a breeze. CFCA has been a joy to work with. Our biggest challenge was to write- THE LETTER - the introductory letter to birth parents. This is what our birth parent (or parents) will eventually read - then they'll meet us - then they'll pick us and we will be parents.

I will spare you most of the details but here's how it starts...

Dear Birth Parent(s),

This is a BIG opportunity. It is A BLESSING TO US that you are reading this letter. We want to tell you a little bit about ourselves, our family and life together, but first want you to know something. We want you to know that regardless of the decision you make we love you and want nothing but the best for you and your child. We understand that you may be going through a difficult time right now. We want you to know that GOD CREATED YOU. HE KNOWS EVERY BIT ABOUT YOU AND HE LOVES YOU. HE IS ALWAYS THERE WITH YOU and HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU. We hope that these words comfort and encourage you and that you find that they are true no matter what situation you find yourself in.

Then there are lots of pictures of us, then the close...

Thank you for making one of the hardest decisions in your life. We know that adoption would not be possible if not for you; the birth parents. Thank you for loving your child so much that you did the most unselfish thing you could do. Thank You for giving your child a chance to live! They will always know and understand that your selfless decision is evidence of your love for them. We look forward to the opportunity to meet and build a relationship with you.

With Love Dave and Sheri

We are very excited now that our letter is live!

Valentine Surprise!

After a wonderful breakfast with my Shmoopie on Saturday we returned home only to find our mailbox full of good news. First we received 10 of our documents back from the Chinese Consulate, but even better news was a little form from Homeland Security saying that we are approved! Yep the I-797C form was waiting in our mailbox on Valentines Day...can't think of a better gift!

So yesterday we took it to get notorized. Today, I will take both our HS and our I-797C to the State for certification. These are the last 2 documents that need to be notorized, certified or authenticated! Wait I think I am going to say that again...These are the last 2 documents that need to be notorized, certified or authenticated!!! Yipee

Dave and I made copies of everything for our Dossier on Sunday. Sooooo once these 2 papers are received back from the Chinese Consulate (usually taking about 2 weeks) We can send our Dossier off to China!

The paper journey has almost ended - what am I going to do with all my free time you ask...

More to come tomorrow.

God is good

Dinner tonight at Pro's Ranch Market and class at CFCA

God is good

Dinner tonight at Pro's Ranch Market and class at CFCA. Ranch Market is in a neighborhood that most of our friends don't go, class will be 2 1/2 hours with total strangers. To us tonight is as exciting as Christmas morning when we were kids. We know that God is in control and He has us just where he wants us. Thank you God.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my MOM's Birthday...she is 71 young!

Isn't she beautiful - This is my parents wedding day picture. It was the day our family started over 46 years ago. As I begin to think about parenting - I look back at my childhood as my greatest reference. What scarifies and selfless acts my parents made so that my brother and I could have everything we ever wanted and more.

I often wonder - what traits we receive from our parents are genetic vs inherent. I believe that I have received an abundance of wonderful gifts from my mom...some I have not perfected quit yet.

My mom is so creative.
My mom is kind and so caring towards others.
My mom is thoughtful and will do anything for anyone.

I feel truly joyful and wonderfully blessed to have her as my mom.

Love you Mommy!
Update on China. We received in the mail our notorized copies of our HS as well as the certification form from the courts. I express mailed both to the USCIS(Homeland Security Office) today. A couple more steps until we are DTC!