After Some Thought

After some thought, we will have to re-do 99% of our paperwork, but at least this time we know what we are supposed to do.

The change of requirements for obtaining a submission date is where we got caught. When we began this adventure, an entire dossier was needed to obtain a submission date. Just as we have our dossier about 95% completed, the "rules" changed and all you need to obtain a submission date is a home study.

Our advice to those just now beginning the process - obtain your homestudy first. In our state, we had to have the medical form completed for the homestudy, but that was all. You can complete your homestudy, submit for translation/submission date and then, when you obtain your submission date, you can complete other paperwork while waiting to travel.

Since our submission date is Nov. 23, we will begin to get our paperwork updated in Sept. or Oct. as we know that it can easily be done here in about one month. That way, we will be assured that our paperwork will still be valid when we travel - hopefully in Jan or Feb 2010.

This new process should help to expedite the process for others. We got caught in the change and it slowed us down. BUT - we know that God has a reason for all things and we know that He has a plan for us. He has a child for us and it will happen in His timing, not ours.

Thanks to everyone for your continued prayers.

Love,
R & T

Dossier Submission Date

Just read an email from our facilitator, Valentina and our submission date is Nov. 23, 2009. After the submission, the SDA (Ukraine Gov't. Adoption Office) has 20 days to approve or deny. I am not sure if this is 20 days or 20 working days. I will check with Cathy and update when I do find out.

I know that the SDA closes during the holidays, so we are probably facing travelling in January 2010. This is a little disappointing because we will have to go through Christmas again without our child and we will have to re-do a good amount of paperwork. I will check all of the paperwork next week to see what will have to be re-done and re-aposstilled.

Advice to those adopting from Ukraine: be prepared to have some paperwork done 2-4 times, and be careful when you remove money from any retirement accounts if you are counting on your adoption tax credit to cover the taxes owed on the money removed from those accounts.

At least we have a submission date and more time to save extra money for the trip!