OK, my eyes practically bugged out of my head after reading about the newest batch of referrals on Joannah’s blog.
First, let me explain – I don’t follow the Rumor Queen, I have only visited the CCAA site once or twice and once joined a Yahoo group full of people expecting expedited referrals, but quickly forgot my password. I think my hesitation has always been to not get over excited about going earlier, since I felt the possibility was slim. Anyway, I had these two blogs to guide me as to where expedited referrals stood. Amber of American Family is currently in China and Johnny of So, It’s Come Down to This will be on his way shortly, so my sources have all but dried up.
What I read this morning, on Joannah’s blog, is that her agency received two referrals for expedited referrals (due to Chinese heritage) with a log in date of April 14, 2006. My LID is May 18, 2006.
I quickly called my agency and they summed it up like this. IF we are considered expedited, then there is a very good chance we will be included in either the early April or early May batch of referrals! Like, next month! OMG! Could I use any more exclamation points!
So, how does this play out? Well wouldn’t you know that our eagerly anticipated trip to the Caribbean takes place early April. It has been suggested to me that I contact the hotel and my travel agent to make sure that we will have access to telephone, fax and e-mail while staying there (which means dear old hubby will HAVE to bring his laptop with him). Does anyone know if cell phone service is good in Jamaica?
An early April referral means mid to late May travel (right when my parents will be in Hawaii on vacation). Originally, our plan was for all three of us (Joe, myself and our daughter Leah) to travel to China together. I then started thinking, with Leah being diagnosed and just now treated for Epilepsy, that it might not be a good idea to bring her. Which means one of us has to stay home and we haven’t made the final decision who that person would be (although we are leaning towards Joe staying home). If I end up traveling in May, Joe will have to take vacation time to stay at home with Leah, since my parents will be away. Ughh.
Or, if we receive a early May referral, then I would probably be traveling mid to late June (right in time for my birthday). My parents would be here to take care of Leah while Joe stays at work. OR, they could help me if he goes.
Alright, now I am starting to panic, because I MAY HAVE TO GO ALONE! If so, how can I possibly do it? My sister-in-law lives in Hong Kong and once made mention that if the timing is right she could meet us in China to help out. If it is just me going, to take care of a most likely sick little child who doesn’t even know who I am, then I have to now pray that she can go.
Of course, all these decision to be made and it’s all pending on IF we are expedited.
Forks & Chopsticks 
Heya. I did a bit of quick math/guessing and deduced that our agency received 3 expedited referrals. The database “chopped off” and I don’t know how deep into April the expedited 3 made it into the calendar.
I have opinions about travel and so forth, but I’ll chit-chat with you offline about that.
Sorry that my referral update has thrown your life a curve ball, but I guess it’s better to know that it might happen for you sooner rather than later, right? I have a feeling it will all work out! 😉
Wow, wow! Thanks for the tip-off to checking this blog. Just reading your entry reminded me of the unbelievable excitement of that time period waiting for referrals. There is no feeling like it except, of course, the feeling of meeting your child. Your entry also reminded me of our visit one year ago to St. John USVI – we were in the process of negotiating a home buy at that time and had to walk the beach late at night to get any cell phone reception to talk to our realtor!
Anyway, I am so excited for you!
I hope it does happen soon for you! The sooner the better.
Keep smilin!
OK, let me start off by saying that I totally get your way of thinking – thinking of all the scenarios and trying to work out a plan for each one. I too, am a planner and I LOATHE big things (and could this be any bigger?) with out a solid plan. However, I have a good support network of women who always seem to talk me down off the ledge. So let me share some of their wisdom….
First, I’ll start off by saying, enjoy this exciting time and don’t dwell too much on the what if(s). It’s good to have a sketchy idea of what may happen, but even with the best laid plans, life unravels the way is will. You can only have so much control. Whenever you start to get overwhelmed with the details, try to think of your baby’s face and be glad that you are having to work out the details of bringing her home.
I’m not a preacher (and I almost hate to post this and be mistaken for a thumper, but…), know that when your walking in the right direction, toward that baby, God will meet you half way – everything will miraculously fall into place (well, maybe with a little help).
I hope you hear something soon.
BTW, I’ll gladly take your place in Jamaica if you need to stay home to make plans. Ha! Ha!
Hey, everything sounds crazy. I am sorry to hear that Leah’s having some trouble. I hope everything calms a bit and you get the referral soon!
You’ll be able to work it out, how exciting though!
How exciting, nerve-wracking, and wonderful! You could be next! I am excited and nervous for you!!! You will get it all together!
We are hoping for EXCITING news over here!!!! Fingers crossed!!
Exciting news! I will be watching and waiting for news!
Thanks for visiting my blog! I don’t get to visit all my listed blogs all that often anymore, but I try to check out each one occasionally. I may join your book club sometime in the next few months!