The Decision

Hello All,

We have made a decision between continuing with the Bulgarian adoption program or switching to the program from Kyrgyzstan. After many heartfelt conversations between Lizzie and I, our families, and our social worker we have decided to switch to the program in Kyrgyzstan. We made the decision for many reasons, but one of these is the possibility of receiving an infant. Lizzie and I both have a strong desire to experience the joys of raising a child from infancy. The decision was hard because we had ourselves prepared for the process in Bulgaria, but we are excited for the new possibilities to be found in Kyrgyzstan.

On another note, Lizzie and I met with our social worker this morning for what Lizzie and I thought was the first home study interview. To our surprise, this was in reality our final interview. We did not realize that the various other requirements we had completed were a part of the home study process. This means that by the end of July we should have a final copy of our home study report and can submit our documentation to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. While we wait to hear from USCIS, we will work on our international dossier folder for the Kyrgyzstan foreign ministry office.

We are both excited with our decision and the pleasant surprise we received today.

Peace be with all of you,
Eric

Oh the possibilities

Late last week Lizzie and I received some interesting news from our social worker. In what seems like our daily email conversations with Emilee (social worker) she asked Lizzie and I if we would be interested in being a pilot family for their new program in Kyrgyzstan. This was quite a shock to both of us considering we have focused on learning as much as possible about Bulgaria over the past several months, including purchasing each other gifts on Etsy from the country. This possible change brings with it various difficulties and definitely joys. The obvious change is the location of the country. As many of you know, I am a West Wing fan and converted Lizzie as well, and my immediate response was to recall the episode where Sam mistakes Kyrgyzstan for Kazakhstan. While I found this to be an amusing correlation, I was woefully ignorant about the location of what is officially called the Kyrgyz Republic. As I imagine most of you do not know its global location, so I have provided a map.

I am also including the link for the country from wikipedia (against my better judgement as a teacher and scholar).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstan

Other changes include the type of children available to Lizzie and I as well as the possible timeframe for completing the adoption and bring our child home. First of all, most countries that participate in international adoption generally have available children from about the age of 2-3 or older with physical and mental special needs. Whereas, with the program in the Kyrgyz Republic has infants who are relatively healthy, keeping in mind the mental and physical issues of institutionalization. The timeframe is significantly different as well. The Bulgaria program can take 2-3 years while in the Kyrgyzstan program we are looking at 12-24 months from the adoption application (we submitted our adoption application at the beginning of February) to our final trip to adopt our future child. This is a lot of information for one post, so as Lizzie and I learn more, and more importantly, make a decision, we will keep all of you informed through this blog.

Peace,
Eric

The Joys of Moving

Eric and I are about to move yet again. We have, sadly, become used to this ritual  of packing and unpacking, and we find ourselves going through the motions. Yet, this time, we are finding some new joys and excitement in this chaotic time. This time we are having fun painting kiddo's room and preparing a place that we know we will share with our child. It is hard to share the joy we have in our hearts. The expectation and anticipation is building, and we find ourselves imagining what could be, what will be. A house full of love, laughter, toys, and boo boos. We know it will not all be easy or sunshine and daffodils, but preparing our home, our hearts, and our lives is filling us with a joy and hope in and for life that we have not known til now.  It is wonderful to share it with you all. :)