Countdown & Packing

The countdown is underway.  We're SLOWLY getting everything gathered up.  Shopped yesterday in an attempt to stock up on 3-4 weeks of groceries so Tasha and the kiddos don't starve.  Tash will have to replish the basics, but they should be good to go.  Sam's Club is starting to become my new best friend. 

We got Jack's stuff and orphanage donations packed up yesterday.  Finished laundry today so John and I can figure out what we want to take.  Then, today, I spent the day paying bills for the month of March - getting ahead is such a challenge!  I think my brain might be approaching overload.  :)

Visited Barnes and Noble today to get dad a couple of magazines for the trip.  Checked out a guide book on Hong Kong.  Reconfirmed my desire to go to The Peak.  Hope the weather cooperates. 

Guess I should log out and go see to some dinner.  Then I need to continue to pack! 

Travel Approval

We received our travel approval today.  I was on the phone w/ Victoria's orthodontist office when the email popped up.  I squealed from my desk as soon as I hung up the phone.  I was unable to contain my excitement while at work!  Jenny gave us the choice of 3 departure dates, and John and I opted for the first available - March 1st.  We should know in the next few days if she's able to secure a consulate appt time that fits with the March 1st travel time.

I'm excited yet nervous because there's SOOOOO much to do before we leave.  Got to get my mind around all of the things that need to be done! 

January 2012

January has been a busy month so far.  Lots of paperwork still going on.  I think we received 6 or 7 emails related to travel paperwork, amenities, travel visas, etc...  We got Jack's room painted last weekend.  Dad needs to hang up the curtain rod and paint the legs on the bed.  Then I think it's almost ready.  We have 3 busy weekends in a row now - two cheer weekends and a poms weekend.  Dad and Carter are busy with hockey everry weekend too.  Addie started her first dance class last week.  She's very excited to be in pre-ballet. 

Photo Card

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Letter Seeking Confirmation (LSC)

We received our LSC from FedEx today and got our package back out to USCIS.  The LSC is our official referral document. 
A few more steps to go (not sure why they say it's only a few - seems like we still have forever!).

• The USCIS needs to review and approve our I-800 application and then we'll get a letter from the "Bureau of Cosular Affairs".  This can take approximate 2-3 weeks. 
• We'll then send our paperwork package to Great Wall for shipment to the US Consulate in Guangzhou. 
• The US Consulate will then sign an Article 5. 
• Once the CCCWA has our signed LSC back from us and the Article 5 from the US Consulate, we will get issued travel approval and travel dates will be made. 

Approximately 3-4 more months.  Really hoping it's sooner, but doubt it is.  Traveling to southern China at the end of February would be GREAT!   Keeping my fingers and toes all crossed!!

Important "Jack" Dates

Since I don't do a very good job of journaling except when we're traveling, I figure I should post some important dates now before I forget.   It makes using these pages later for the journal sections of our scrapbooks so much easier!!

April 1, 2011 - Our first contact with GWCA about a child we saw on their Waiting Child Program.  Application submitted to GWCA.
April 6, 2011 - Shen Bao Heng's file sent to CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) for review and discussion.
April 14, 2011 - Answers to the questions we submitted to the orphanage answered and we learned his English name is Jack. 
April 19, 2011 - The first video of Jack received.
May 16, 2011 - LOI submitted for Jack
May 20, 2011 - Pre-Approval (PA) received
September 8, 2011 - I-797 approval received from US government
September 15, 2011 - Certified papers sent to GWCA for submittion to China
September 16, 2011 - Dossier submitted to China
September 19, 2011 - Official Log-In Date with China
September 28, 2011 - Care package delivered to Jack

Next step - waiting to receive our LSC (Letter Seeking Confirmation) from China so we can start the next round of paperwork.

Introducing Jack (Shen Bao Heng)

We received permission today to update our blog with pictures of Jack.  He's 9 years old (will be 10 in November) and lives with a foster family in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.  We learned about Jack in April and decided to pursue another adoption.  Carter is extremely excited to be having a brother who will virtually be a twin.  How could you not be drawn to this wonderful young man? 

Jack's home: 
Shenzhen (IPA: [ʂə́ntʂə̂n]) is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones (SEZs). It currently also holds sub-provincial administrative status, with powers slightly less than a province.