On Monday, we learned that our court dossier was accepted and that everything was complete. Unfortunately, we also learned that little M's court dossier package was still in need of something that the coordinator there was now trying to round up for the judge. We've been told it's something not commonly requested by the judge but the US coordinator couldn't tell us what it was exactly. This puts us a little on edge... at least until we learn what that document entails. After Monday's call, we feel like we're sooooo close, just still waiting for a court date.
Then yesterday, we learned that the Department of Education in Primorsky Krai (Vladivostok) just had to undergo a review by the Ministry of Education. The MOE is based in Moscow and they are the governing organization federation-wide for all of Russia. Apparently all went well during the review, but one change was made to policies and procedures which affects every family from now forward attempting to adopt in Vladivostok, Russia.
All families adopting from this region are now required to fill out an Anketa (registration) form. For us, at this stage of the game, it's like a doctor telling a couple that they need to have another first date once they're already pregnant. Seriously? The most frustrating part of this is that every single tidbit of information requested on the Anketa is something that's already been provided, at least in triplicate at this point. And the kicker is that yes, once again, we've got to get them (one for Jose and one for myself) notarized and then sent off to Tallahassee for more apostilles (that's like a notary of the notary stamp). More running around, more document fees, more fedex charges, just to give them information they already have. Bureaucracy at it's best.
Okay. I'm done venting now. Just can't wait for little M to come home with us.
So, everyone in process has to do this? Will it be a new registration form that's used for families now at the beginning of the process too? Sorry, you have to deal with this right now. I know you're SO ready to get back and bring M home. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteNos ha gustado mucho tu blog, Sherry. Nosotros compartimos al 100% vuestra ilusión así como vuestra impaciencia. Hay que tener mucha calma pues la burocraccia es un mal terrible y dificilmente soportable. En especial, en situaciones tan personales y emotivas tanto para M como para vostros tres. Para todos un montón de besos. Marivi y Toño
ReplyDeleteSherry, Jose and Evan...your open arms and love is all M will see...the challenges you are jumping through, although difficult will allow your final trip to bring him home so much sweeter! Sending our love!
ReplyDeleteThe Schrader Family
Yes, we just had to complete this new paper work before leaving for Vladivostok. It was easy, what was not was the time it took to get it all wrapped up.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on embarking on this journey. It is fabulous and most of all the support from other families makes it even better. This is our second time around. We brought our Alexei home 2009 and now will hopefully be bringing our daughter home this year. We just got back 2 days ago from the Vlad Inn.
So many wonderful times. Good luck on everything! Will be thinking of you.