Moving right along....good news from the INS!

We've been assembling some of the stuff for our second set of paperwork, and got two big envelopes in the mail yesterday that were VERY encouraging.

First, we got a pack of a few more apostilled documents back from Tallahassee (which we sent last week - some additional forms our agency wanted from us). We've learned that they have a fairly quick turnaround time by mail (thanks, Jennifer!), so it was much more convenient to send our few documents than to drive to Tallahassee again. We'll probably only drive there once more, when we are carrying particularly important stuff before our second trip.

Second, we got our adoption approval from the INS!! It was just two weeks from fingerprinting to approval - seems like some kind of record! It is a delight to check one more thing off the list. Especially if you're me. I've been known to add things to lists that I have already accomplished, just so I can check them off right from the start. But seriously, there are so many possible ways in which things can be delayed, it is extremely encouraging every time something goes smoothly.

I should also let you all know, in case you are watching the news really closely, that the recent threats to Russian adoption accreditation do not apply to us. There was recently a statement issued by the Russian Deputy Prosecutor General threatening to revoke the accreditation of 12 adoption agencies in Russia. Ours is NOT on the list. (Even if it were, there are often threats being made and it's not clear whether they will go anywhere).

***Please pray for the adoptive parents working with the threatened agencies, that they will not panic, and for a positive resolution to the whole situation.

***Praise God for some new online friends I have made who are adopting through the same agency, and from the same region, as us. I have been following their journeys as they go ahead of us - for example, some people who made their first trip in early February are now on their way home from their second trip with two new kids in tow! Another couple finished their first trip in early March and has been given a court date in mid-May for their second trip. Finally, another couple is on their way out for their first trip in a week. They turned in their dossier about a month before we did....so it is really encouraging and exciting to see things moving along!

I had anticipated writing some reflections, but you'll have to settle for this one: I do not really enjoy grading papers, but I have 35 papers (5-7 pages) to read, written on topics such as Sports Economics, Immigration and Higher Education. I love teaching....but I don't love grading.

That is my reflection.

We'll keep you updated :)

Sarah