Two Weeks and Counting

When someone starts the process of International Adoption, their Adoption Agency tells them that there is no guarantee on a time frame. Things might happen quickly (probably not) or it could take months or even years to be matched with a child. Considering I have been in this process for over 16 months and have had my paperwork in Russia for over a year, one would think that I would be accustomed to the wait. However, now that I have been given a travel departure date, time has basically stopped moving. I feel like everyday just drags by. I am so ready to go to Russia and meet Megan. I could literally be packed and on my way to Atlanta in less than an hour, if I got a call for a change in departure dates. However, I don't see that happening, so I will have to continue to wait patiently for November 22nd. After all this waiting, it is really hard to believe that my wait time is down to two weeks.
Since my wait time has been so long, all of my Dossier documents have expired, including my INS fingerprints. I will be travelling to Atlanta this week to have them redone. For anyone that hasn't been to an INS office, it is an unique experience. Think of security at the airport and multiple it by two, then add a bunch of people that speak multiple different languages and you are close to the scene. There are lots of officials sending you to different "stations" and lots of different lines. However, even though there are lots of people and lines, they do manage to get you out quickly.
I heard from my new friends the Israels' this week. They are from Florida and will be heading back to Moscow on November 19th for their court date. I can't wait to see their little girl and hear all about the court process. I know that in the next couple of months it will be me getting ready to go back to Moscow. However, I know it will not be before Christmas. I am preparing myself and I am realistic enough to know that I probably won't be having my court date until near the MLK holiday. That means I probably won't be home with Megan until the first of February. However, great things can happen!!! Maybe I will be surprised and get to go before the end of the year. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.