We have been having a lot of anxiety lately. It is a different kind of anxiety than when we were waiting. More like just worrying that something is going to go wrong and we won't be able to go get Grace. I am sure it is normal to feel this way, but it will probably continue until we are home with Grace.
Last week we were really anxious about the care package we sent to Grace. We mailed it last Monday and we were able to track it to China. Then last week I read on one of the boards that you are supposed to put $0 for the value on the customs form or it won't get delivered. We gave an estimated value of the contents. Then on Friday we saw on the package tracking that delivery of the package was attempted but not accepted. So we spent last weekend worrying about that. Fortunately on Monday the tracking said the package was delivered so that makes us feel a little better. We realize that Grace may still not get the package but we would hate for her not to get it because we screwed up.
This week's anxiety is regarding changes in the Visa process. We mailed our Visa application through a courier last week. We heard as of this Monday the consulates are requiring itineraries and hotel bookings with your applications, we weren't aware of this. I assume this is because China wants to make sure people are coming for tourism and not to protest the Olympics. We don't have any of our reservations yet as our agency doesn't book it until we get our travel approvals. We haven't heard anything from the courier yet about needing additional info so maybe they got it in there before the requirement. I am pretty sure they will make exceptions for people traveling for adoptions but it is just something else to worry about.
Just gotta keep telling ourselves 5 more weeks.....
8 comments:
I had so much anxiety and worry too. It seems like everything could go wrong and that getting your little baby will hinge on that one thing. I think I held my breath until we got home. Now we are holding our breath for a different type of worry. I hope the five weeks fly by for you!!!!
Oh Great.
I hadn't heard about needing booked travel/hotel arrangements.
I have now joined you in the anxiety room.
Congratulations from another CAWLI family on your referral! Such a beautiful girl and great referral story! We have one daughter from Hubei and one from Jiangxi. We did have issues in 2005 with some of our CAWLI families not getting the cameras & questionnaires back because they put a value on the package. The SWI just did not have the $$ to pay for any custom fees (which is required if a value is put). I would suggest you email Lillian, Meg and Sherry and ask if they can confirm for certain that your SWI did actually accept the package (I wouldn't rely only on the tracking as two of the families who did not receive the camera/info sheet back but put a value had thought there would be no problems because they also had tracking confirmations). Sherry or Lillian can CALL the SWI and ask. They may even have an email address! You could also just have Sherry write up a new label, get another copy of the questions and just send a 2nd package with at least the cameras and questionnarie and don't worry about sending anything else. You still have plenty of time to get the package to China and have the Foster Mom take pictures. Our experiences from both adoptions were that pictures in the camera were taken probably in the week or two before we came and when the Foster Mother's had to come to the SWI. But at least that way you would have a major worry lifted.
Just keep taking deep breaths. If you are using Travel Lite in NYC they were fantastic to deal with (both times) and very fast and efficient if you have to wait to fax travel details to them. These weeks will soon fly by and you WILL have your daughter in your arms shortly. If you have any questions about Nanchang, please feel free to email.
Barbara (chinadream602@aol.com)
Steve and Jen,
Glad we're angst-ing over the same darn things! I called the travel agency on Monday before I sent them our passports to see how long it would take because David needs to do some international travel week after next. He already had to can one trip out of the country with an important customer of his company (and he's the Marketing VP, so that's bad) because of the no-passport issue. She assured me that she could get it back to us by the time we need it. No mention of needing reservations or itineraries. Zippo. None. So we'll see.
As for the care package, I'm waiting to see what happens with that one. I don't care about the "stuff," but I would be bummed if the camera and the photo album got lost. Que sera, right?
Julie
I'm sure everything will be just fine. But get used to this worrying about everything feeling. Wait til the little one starts walking!!! :)
If it makes you feel any better about the Visa situation, our check for the application cleared on the Wednesday after we sent it, the Wednesday after referral. I am hoping that is a good sign as far as the new requirements go. I didn't even realize there was anything going on until my mother called me in a panic this afternoon. Guess I should maybe check it out.
Our agency took care of our visa's etc., so we didn't have to stress about that. But try and relaxe all the fun is about to begin...
Have a wonderful weekend
Wendy
I'm sure if I were in your shoes I'd be anxious as well...but I'm also pretty sure it will all work out. So hang in there!!! When doubt creeps in, maybe you could give your agency a call and receive some reassurance...virtual hug, you'll be holding your daughter soon and the long wait and all the anxious thoughts will melt into a distant memory.
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