Thursday, April 21, 2011

Article 5

I got a wonderful email from Holt this morning informing me that our Article 5 has been picked up and is on its way to Beijing!  I seriously had no idea what Article 5 is...until two minutes ago when I looked it up so I wouldn't sound like an ignoramus on my own blog.  Here's the gist of it:
The U.S. Consulate reviews your new child's visa application, makes sure it meets the qualifications for an immigrant visa, and then signs off that everything is in order for the adoption to be completed. This is called the Article 5 letter. You cannot obtain custody of your child until the Article 5 letter is issued.  

So guess what?  Looks like everything is in order for this adoption to be completed!  We are now officially waiting for Travel Approval, which should arrive in 2-4 weeks.  Once it arrives and we have a Consulate Appointment scheduled for the end of our trip, we will leave within three to six weeks, hopefully three.  We're praying for sooner rather than later; you can join us in praying that way, if you're so inclined.

When I opened the email, which I wasn't really expecting until tomorrow, I laughed and grinned and may have clapped my hands...and then suddenly I was bawling.  Which confused my older daughter, who is yet unfamiliar with crying as a manifestation of happiness.  Once our dossier was sent to China, and especially once we signed the Letter of Intent for Jiushu, I calmed down.  Way down.  And I've just been clicking along here for a while now, doing the next thing, adoption and otherwise.  Eager, but not emotional.  Until today's email.  New dose of reality, to say the least.  We. Are. Going. To. China! 

6 comments:

Jennifer said...

I simply LOVE IT!

Unknown said...

congrats!!!! Doug

petiteblogger said...

Seriously the best email- right? :)

Let's get those TA's!

Robbie Louth said...

I am so excited for you guys!! We have to hang out one more time before ya'll leave for china.

JulieM said...

You are getting so close! Can't wait to follow you to China to your sweet boy! Praying for a fast TA!
Blessings
Julie

M. said...

AHHH!! Wow, I am so excited for you guys! Yeah, the emotions can be crazy. There's a lot to think about and do. So happy to hear you are soooo close!
TA=Totally Awesome!
Blessings,
Maureen