Where Have I Been?

I know I have been MIA for quite a while. The reason is because the adoption homefront is not looking so rosy. To make a long story short, there is an agreement between the US and Vietnam that is due to expire on September 1st. Without this agreement, Vietnam law will not allow adoptions to take place with the US. The US wants some issues worked out prior to signing the agreement. It appears that the US stand is that they will not sign the current agreement, either this one needs to be modified or a new agreement created. There is alot going on in the adoption community that is working towards keeping the agreement intact, but I am not very hopeful it is going to happen.

My dossier has been ready, just waiting to be authenticated, but I have been sitting on it because I want to see what is going to happen between the US and Vietnam. Emotionally and financially, I have decided I can't risk sending my dossier over there. Financially, it would not only cause me to lose money, it would mean I wouldn't have the money to fund an adoption and so it would cost me my dream of a second child.

While I have been MIA, I have been spending hours on the internet researching countries and special needs children. I have poured over websites with waiting children and had it narrowed down to three countries: India, Kazakhstan, and Ethiopia. I ruled out Kazakhstan because you have to travel for two trips, the first one lasting ~4 weeks and the second lasting ~1 week. Also in my research there have been some problems with the processing of adoptions in Kazakhstan and so I ruled out that country.

I am a little tired of having my options limited because I am single. I am a happier person for it, better to be single and absolutely thrilled to be a mommy then in an unhappy relationship, which in turn affects your baby. I really don't feel like I am ever going to marry. At this point, I don't have the desire. I am so happy to be a mom and feel blessed that God has chosen me to be a mom. That is my heart's desire and I am blessed to be able to be a mother.

So, India and Ethiopia are my top choice. They both allow singles to adopt. Up until late last week, I was all ready to start paperwork for Ethiopia, but now I'm not sure!

Sorry for the disjointed posting, but this has been a rollercoaster ride! It was so much easier with Regan's adoption! I know what is meant to be will be and I'll keep you posted as to what transpires!