When I set this blog up last week, it seemed like we were at a standstill until we had our home study completed. That is not the case!
In addition to gathering our birth certificates - we need 3 each - our social worker has advised us to file our I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition before our home study is complete because the fees increase next week. First I was worried about submitting a document that did not have all the supporting material required, but I was reassured by some other adoptive parents that this is okay. Second, I spent the entire afternoon yesterday trying to figure out WHERE to send it! The USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has a customer "service" line but it is all recorded information . . . no person in sight. The website is as vague as possible - "this office processes some forms but not all, check the form." But, the form itself did not state exactly which office to file the paperwork. The office listings don't have phone numbers! I finally figured it out in a really roundabout way.
Now, I REALLY have a great deal of respect for those who have completed the process! It took me an entire afternoon to fill out and find out where to send a 2 page form.
Luca needs a passport and Scott needs to get his renewed. Scott took Luca to Walgreens to get his picture taken yesterday (see above) and, apparently, that was a challenge. Luca did not want to hold his head the way he was supposed to and the clerk did not know how to use the camera. I'm glad I missed that outing : ).
I enjoy looking at others' adoption blogs. It has become a hobby! It is so encouraging . . . it definitely gives me hope. A couple of list serves through Yahoo! groups have also been invaluable so far.
And, we loved reading and hearing from so many people. I can't tell how much your words of support mean to us. Thanks so much!
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