It’s been a minute since we’ve done an adoption update, but wanted to send one out there.
As with the other updates, we don’t really know a lot. We’d like to thank everyone that advocated on our behalf to their State Representatives and Senators to sign the “Dear Colleague” letter that went to the Ambassador from China. The letter did receive the amount of signatures it needed and was passed on to the Ambassador. We also participated in a collective photo book that was made and sent to him as well. We had a full page in the book with our story, our photo and a photo of our daughter. We don’t know what impact these things will have, but we pray that they will move someone to start issuing some adoption travel approvals and visas.
I’m surprised by how many people think we get to communicate with our daughter, so I thought I’d address it here. We don’t really – we can’t send her anything either, like clothes or toys. You’re allowed to request an update on your matched child every 6 months. So we got an update in February shortly after being matched (2 photos and 3 videos), and another update in August that was two videos. We write her a letter every month but we don’t know if she receives them. In each letter we request to her caretakers to help her write back (they’re allowed if they want or have time) but so far we’ve not had a letter back. We did get to send her a birthday video when she turned 6, and were told that they bought her a cake and a balloon from from us, but again, who really knows?
The theme of the year seems to be, “you’re not in control”. I find myself working daily to keep it from making me feel upset or frustrated, and instead to find the lesson in what’s happening throughout this process. I’m 1,000% for sure that God wants me to learn that I’m not in control – message received. Loud and clear.
On a positive note, I’m about to be an Aunt again! I’m getting a second nephew this time around and can’t wait to meet the little guy. New baby smell and snuggles make everything a little sweeter.
Thanks for always thinking of us and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Stacey