More Family to Come!

Tim and I received a letter yesterday from the facilitator for our Chinese adoption, US Asian Affairs (USAA). First home, and first to get the mail, I saw that envelope and was suddenly scared. So I sorted the mail, fed the cats, put out the trash, checked the answering machine, sat down to my desk, and stared at the envelope. My little list of online buddies showed Tim was available on instant messenger, so I IM'd him, and told him about the envelope. He said go ahead and open it, read the letter -- so I gulped, and did: We got our group number! We have been assigned to US Asian Affairs Group No. 127!

The letter reads, "As of today, the estimated waiting time for placement of your child from DTC (Document to China) to your referral is approximately 12-18 months." I promptly burst into tears.

To get the group number makes it feel that we are now truly in the process. To be told that the wait will be a year to a year and a half makes it feel like one of Dante's circles of Hell -- or maybe just endlessly traversing the spiral. We have already been on this journey to build a family for over six years. But friends tell us this is the road to the child who is meant for us.

So, whoever gets to organize the next Brown Family reunion, be ready for one more mouth to feed! Hey, anyone up for a trip to China in 2007 or 2008?

By the way, the symbol on the bib means “love.” And suddenly I am reminded of one of my favorite pictures of Rick: he was just a baby, eating spaghetti with red sauce, and, naturally, there was food everywhere. What a mess, but he’s still with us. Now that’s love!

Linda