April 17 2008

They have taken our family’s documents to the Department of Education in Sakhalin in an effort to register them and for the children to be officially referred. Given the uniqueness of our family’s situation (it is rare that younger families are seeking to adopt older children, and it is not typical for adoptive applicants to be deaf themselves), the Department of Education wanted to discuss our specific case with a judge, to be sure that a judge would be supportive of the adoption, prior to officially registering the documents and referring the children. Though this consultation between the Department of Education and the courts is a bit unusual, It is seen as a very positive step for our family. It will provide more assurance of the Department of Education and courts’ support of our adoption application. Now because of the change of address alot of our paper work is going to have to be quickly updated. Our Social worker will be doing a brief visit during the day of move in. Shes pushing hard to get things quickly wrapped up, they are expecting a referal at anytime. If only we could have one more iron in the fire. If nothing else we are getting a taste of the hectic life to come. Everyone has been extremely accommodating. Wacap (the adoption agency) has been great to work with. Larry has been very busy dealing with the housing issues. The sale of our old home has been very smooth, the finding and purchasing of the new not so much. Im sure it will be some good stories to laugh at after it's all over.