Almost on Hold

Well, this week we received the paper work to fill out in order to have Penny offically put on hold for us. We need to send that back in this coming week. We also received a CD rom with old video footage of her. One was of her doing a Thai dance. Another showed her running around smiling and giggling outside. Sometimes she was leading other younger children around. Perhaps an indicator that she'll want to be an older sister someday? The bummer was that the sound was completely garbled. But, it was still fun looking at the pictures of our bright, smiley future daughter. I hope she'll keep smiling even if she comes to America. I'm sure it'll be a very big shock for her. I asked the Thailand coordinator at WACAP (Andrea) if Penny knows anything about us wanting to adopt her. She said they still haven't told her any specifics. But, they did give her the gift from us (without our names on it). And she said that typically when a child at an orphanage receives a gift from overseas like that they get the hint that there is a family interested in adopting them. So, she's probably beginning to suspect something. But, they won't tell her more until the time comes closer for us to go get her. We sent off all of our dossier materials for Thailand. It should pass through several hands in the U.S. First it'll go to Olympia, Washington (since WACAP is located in Washington state). Next it will make it's way to Washington D.C. to visit with Homeland Security. After that, back to WACAP and then finally on to Thailand. (Perhaps by July?!...we think.) And then we wait probably anywhere between 3-6 months until we hear from Thailand. They will give us a scheduled day to meet with government officials in Bangkok to make our petition to adopt Penny. That travel date will probably be anywhere from 1-3 months after they send us the invitation. So, we're guessing that the earliest possible time we could be travelling to Thailand would be around Christmas. The latest would possibly be next summer. Not quite like getting a nine month due date. But, in the end, if it's God's will I'm sure that we will have our child. One of the things we plan to do as we wait is to begin to learn Thai.

Photo of Udon Thani street

This week we're looking forward to receiving the recent video footage they took of Penny when Andrea recently visited Thailand a couple of weeks ago. Andrea told me that she can't describe in words what a bright smile Penny has when you meet her in person. She said that she just sparkles. I can't wait until we travel there, ourselves and see that sparkly smile.