Four years, one month, fourteen days and still counting. I'm not sure four years qualifies as a "wait." Is that like waiting for pigs to fly?
The adoption community defines "wait" as the time between the day my paperwork landed on Chinese officials' desks (April 29, 2006) and the day my child is placed in my arms (?????? ??, 2010).
My definition? I have no idea, but it gives new meaning to a "slow boat to China."
Why did I wait? Let's quickly dispel a couple myths. It would have been nice to have read this in the fine print of my application. "All potentional parents may apply without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law." We aren't in Kansas anymore.
The China program has always had some level of restrictions (including some mentioned above), and while they may be hard to understand, I believe they should be respected. Fortunately, I began the process when age, marital status, weight, medical history, physical disability or deformity were not among the restrictions. They are now.
The "wait" has a lot to do with Chinese culture, one-child .... wait... no really, wait .... the wait has a lot to do with poor project management!!!!
My workmates are grinning right now. There is an end result that requires resources, proven processes, strategic shortcuts :) and is completed in a finite period of time. It's called deadlines, people!
You can read and debate the theories of the Chinese adoption process "wait" times. As far as I'm concerned, they need my publication production manual from work.
Okay...that was funny. I could just hear and see you saying all of this. I will never complain about having to wait for another thing in my life...LOL!!
ReplyDeleteHey girl, I'm so thrilled that you finally started this blog! In just a couple of weeks, we are "finally" going to see a face to your little girl that you and we have been dreaming about for so long. I'm so blessed that I have been able to share this journey with such a great friend. Remember when I told you about a guy who shared with me how all these puzzle pieces have to fit together before we meet our daughters, well I believe our friendship is part of that puzzle. We would NEVER have met if it weren't for our adoption journey's. Unfortunately, it took longer than we had planned or liked, but it's all in God's timing and He seems to know what He is doing. I'm so thrilled to be able to see you grow into a mom that I know you will be great at! Rachel is so excited to be a "big sister" too! Just know how much we love you and that we are here for you no matter what. I pray that I don't fail you as a friend.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a great journey and friendship.
Love,
Sherry