Today I received the official form in the mail from Dept of Homeland Security, stating that they had received my I-800 application and it is in process. The official Receipt Date is 12/19/11.
Also, today I got an email from a mom of a 12 year old girl that was adopted last May from my little guy's SWI. The mom showed Willem's pictures to her daughter to see if she remembered Willem. She did! Here's part of the email I received from her this morning.
"From what i understand, the older children did not have much if any contact with the babies. If the children were old enough to go out and play, they all interacted.
Kristen- kira did remember your little man. She got a big smile when she saw his picture. She did not help with him, but did see him on the playground a lot.
He loves to swing and slide, he played nice with the other kids, and did not cry a lot. He was moved from the a toddler room to another room..."
It made my day to receive that. :)
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Acceptance Confirmation
On 12/22 at 12:45 AM I received the following email from the USCIS lockbox in Texas. The lockbox is the location where USCIS quickly reviews your Form I-800 application to make sure everything is in order before they send the application to the National Benefits Center (NBC) for approval. They make sure there aren't any missing pages, unsigned sections of your application, or anything like that.
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2011 12:45 AM
Subject: USCIS Acceptance Confirmation
Dear Applicant/Petitioner:
Your USCIS application/petition has been received and routed to the National Benefit Center for processing. Within 7 - 10 days by standard mail you will receive your official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) with your Receipt Number SIM12xxx. If you have any questions please contact the Hague Unit at (877) xxx.
Your USCIS application/petition has been received and routed to the National Benefit Center for processing. Within 7 - 10 days by standard mail you will receive your official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) with your Receipt Number SIM12xxx. If you have any questions please contact the Hague Unit at (877) xxx.
The email tells me that they have sent it to the NBC, which means that my packet was in good order with nothing missing. So now I'll be waiting for a Notice of Receipt in the mail stating my receipt date and my case number. When I receive that I can email the USCIS to check on if there are any updates on my I-800 approval. Most people have been receiving their I-800 approvals in 2 weeks from the time it is received into the lockbox. With Christmas and New Year I'm sure mine will be longer. But, this is one small step forward.
Monday, December 19, 2011
What Exactly Is LOA? And Now What?
LOA stands for Letter of Acceptance. Most people still call it that, although it is actually now called LSC (Letter Seeking Confirmation). It is exactly that - a letter from China asking me if I accept this child's referral. I did, of course, accept his referral. And then it is sent back to China as fast as it can be sent back. I sent it off on Friday and it was supposed to arrive back at CHI on Monday, but there was no one to sign for it so they will receive it on Tuesday. Here is what it looks like.
This will probably be boring and not interesting to most to read, but I'm doing it partly just to get it more clear in my mind. And if you want, go ahead and read, else don't. I won't be offended if you don't. ;)
The next thing I had to do was file forms I-800 and I-864W with USCIS. Form I-800 is my application to the US for approval to adopt this specific child. Form I-864W is to prove to the USCIS that this person won't be a burden on the US welfare system and that there is someone to sponsor him until he's a citizen. But in our case it's a bit different, being as Willem will be an automatic US citizen as soon as he arrives. This is just to prove that he's an adopted child under 18 and doesn't need a sponsor. I had to wait for my LOA in order to do these steps. This 1" thick packet of paperwork also went out Friday and it arrived in Texas today, Monday.
After USCIS receives my packet they will email and let me know they've received it. Then in the mail I will receive a Notice of Receipt from the lockbox in Texas, stating that they've received my application and the date they received it. On here will also be my case number. I should receive this in about a week. They forward it on to the National Benefits Center (NBC) where all I-800 applications are reviewed and approved. It takes about 3 weeks for approval. I will receive an official I-800 approval letter in the mail.
As soon as I receive this I-800 approval in the mail I need to send a copy of this and form DS-230 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration) to my agency.
After the I-800 application is approved my officer will express mail my approval to the National Visa Center (NVC). It could take up to 7 days to arrive, but when NVC receives my approval they enter my information into their computer system.
Within 1-3 business days the NVC will cable (email) my file to the US Embassy in Guangzhou, China. This is approval of my visa petition. They then mail me a letter stating that my petition has been forwarded to the Embassy in China. I will have to send this NVC Letter to my agency, but I don't have to wait for the mail copy. I can email NVC and check the status of my cable and ask them for an email (.pdf) copy of my NVC letter, which I can forward on to my agency, speeding things up a bit.
After I've (1) received I-800 approval and (2) have been cabled and (3) gotten my NVC Letter it's time for my Article 5 letter to be issued by the US Embassy. This is a step I don't have to really DO anything about, but it is helpful to know what is going on. Once I've emailed my NVC Letter my to my agency, they will forward it to their in-China representative. The in-China rep will take the NVC letter to the US Embassy in Guangzhou along with my DS-230 application and my LOA. The consulate needs to review my new child's visa application (the DS-230), make sure it meets the qualifications for an immigrant visa, and then signs off that everything is in order for the adoption to be completed. This is called the Article 5 letter. I cannot obtain custody of my child until the Article 5 letter is issued! The consulate takes a standard two weeks to complete this process. Once it's picked up from the consulate, it will be delivered directly to the CCCWA for Travel Approval! I think you can figure out what that means!
See what date it was stamped? It gives this still very sad day, a new special meaning.
Another smile from heaven?
This will probably be boring and not interesting to most to read, but I'm doing it partly just to get it more clear in my mind. And if you want, go ahead and read, else don't. I won't be offended if you don't. ;)
The next thing I had to do was file forms I-800 and I-864W with USCIS. Form I-800 is my application to the US for approval to adopt this specific child. Form I-864W is to prove to the USCIS that this person won't be a burden on the US welfare system and that there is someone to sponsor him until he's a citizen. But in our case it's a bit different, being as Willem will be an automatic US citizen as soon as he arrives. This is just to prove that he's an adopted child under 18 and doesn't need a sponsor. I had to wait for my LOA in order to do these steps. This 1" thick packet of paperwork also went out Friday and it arrived in Texas today, Monday.
After USCIS receives my packet they will email and let me know they've received it. Then in the mail I will receive a Notice of Receipt from the lockbox in Texas, stating that they've received my application and the date they received it. On here will also be my case number. I should receive this in about a week. They forward it on to the National Benefits Center (NBC) where all I-800 applications are reviewed and approved. It takes about 3 weeks for approval. I will receive an official I-800 approval letter in the mail.
As soon as I receive this I-800 approval in the mail I need to send a copy of this and form DS-230 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration) to my agency.
After the I-800 application is approved my officer will express mail my approval to the National Visa Center (NVC). It could take up to 7 days to arrive, but when NVC receives my approval they enter my information into their computer system.
Within 1-3 business days the NVC will cable (email) my file to the US Embassy in Guangzhou, China. This is approval of my visa petition. They then mail me a letter stating that my petition has been forwarded to the Embassy in China. I will have to send this NVC Letter to my agency, but I don't have to wait for the mail copy. I can email NVC and check the status of my cable and ask them for an email (.pdf) copy of my NVC letter, which I can forward on to my agency, speeding things up a bit.
After I've (1) received I-800 approval and (2) have been cabled and (3) gotten my NVC Letter it's time for my Article 5 letter to be issued by the US Embassy. This is a step I don't have to really DO anything about, but it is helpful to know what is going on. Once I've emailed my NVC Letter my to my agency, they will forward it to their in-China representative. The in-China rep will take the NVC letter to the US Embassy in Guangzhou along with my DS-230 application and my LOA. The consulate needs to review my new child's visa application (the DS-230), make sure it meets the qualifications for an immigrant visa, and then signs off that everything is in order for the adoption to be completed. This is called the Article 5 letter. I cannot obtain custody of my child until the Article 5 letter is issued! The consulate takes a standard two weeks to complete this process. Once it's picked up from the consulate, it will be delivered directly to the CCCWA for Travel Approval! I think you can figure out what that means!
Friday, December 16, 2011
What's next?
I spent all evening filling out the paperwork that goes back to CHI and to USCIS.
And I got it done!
Two fat packages back in the mail tomorrow!
Hopefully I can update tomorrow what the rest of the wait might look like.
And we all know that just cuz I say this is what it might look like, it is just as sure that it won't look anything like that!
Oh, the joys of adoption.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Jewelry Fundraiser
Below are several items of jewelry I have available for sale directly from me. You can also see several other pieces I have available if you click right here. You can still order and receive your items for Christmas. They are beautiful!
You also can order directly from the Be a Voice website and have it shipped directly to you. If you want to do that you can shop and order online right here using 'Qiang' as the password (so that Tammy knows the order is for me). If you have questions you can leave a comment or you can email me at kkhillukka @ izoom. net.
Celtic Cross Design (Pin/Pendant) $10 each
This is so beautiful I kept one for myself! This meaningful piece is highly polished silver over lead-free pewter and can be worn as a pin or as a pendant. It measures 1 9/16” in length and 1 3/16” across. ( 10 9 available)
You also can order directly from the Be a Voice website and have it shipped directly to you. If you want to do that you can shop and order online right here using 'Qiang' as the password (so that Tammy knows the order is for me). If you have questions you can leave a comment or you can email me at kkhillukka @ izoom. net.
Celtic Cross Design (Pin/Pendant) $10 each
This is so beautiful I kept one for myself! This meaningful piece is highly polished silver over lead-free pewter and can be worn as a pin or as a pendant. It measures 1 9/16” in length and 1 3/16” across. (
Celtic Love Knot Bracelets $20
This is a piece that I received and didn't need from Be a Voice and instead of sending it back I thought maybe someone would be interested in purchasing it directly from me. This is a solid ounce and that is quite heavy. You can also order these directly from Be a Voice and they would come directly to you. They come in a nice black velvet drawstring bag and would make a wonderful Christmas present for yourself or for a loved one. (1 available from me)
'Believe' Pin $15
This is also a piece that I received in error from Be a Voice and instead of sending it back I thought maybe someone would be interested in purchasing it directly from me. You can also order these directly from Be a Voice and they would come directly to you. They come in a nice black velvet drawstring bag and would make a wonderful Christmas present for yourself or for a loved one. (1 available from me)
Thank you so much for looking and shopping with me! I truly appreciate it!
LOA Day!
What a wonderful day! It is with great JOY and humbleness after waiting 105 days, that I can announce, 'Today is LOA day!'
I can't believe that I finally received it. And wouldn't you know I missed the call when Heidi first called! I swear I carried my phone everywhere I went for 3 months waiting for that call.
Today we had a Christmas potluck at work and I was walking around the department looking for Christmas carol clues and left my phone at my desk! I saw 'missed call' first on my work phone and wondered who wanted what. I hit the button to see who had called and about fell over when I saw the area code! Heidi called back again pretty quick and I was shaking as she talked to me I was so excited. I'm sure I didn't hear a word she said after she told me, "Merry Christmas, we have a present for you!"
Then to top it off I won a free jeans day sticker today!
I'm coming precious boy, I'm coming!
I've posted this picture before, but I have to add a note to it this time. I showed this picture to one of the wonderful ladies at the agency I'm using and she said it looks 'heavenly'.
This is the first smile I've seen in all the pictures I've seen of Willem. And with his smile and the light shining on his face like that it does look heavenly. I didn't know right away, but I found out that this picture was taken on what would have been my mom's birthday. When I found that out it gave me a feeling that it is my angel Mom smiling down on me from heaven.
I can't believe that I finally received it. And wouldn't you know I missed the call when Heidi first called! I swear I carried my phone everywhere I went for 3 months waiting for that call.
Today we had a Christmas potluck at work and I was walking around the department looking for Christmas carol clues and left my phone at my desk! I saw 'missed call' first on my work phone and wondered who wanted what. I hit the button to see who had called and about fell over when I saw the area code! Heidi called back again pretty quick and I was shaking as she talked to me I was so excited. I'm sure I didn't hear a word she said after she told me, "Merry Christmas, we have a present for you!"
Then to top it off I won a free jeans day sticker today!
I'm coming precious boy, I'm coming!
I've posted this picture before, but I have to add a note to it this time. I showed this picture to one of the wonderful ladies at the agency I'm using and she said it looks 'heavenly'.
This is the first smile I've seen in all the pictures I've seen of Willem. And with his smile and the light shining on his face like that it does look heavenly. I didn't know right away, but I found out that this picture was taken on what would have been my mom's birthday. When I found that out it gave me a feeling that it is my angel Mom smiling down on me from heaven.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Happy Adoption Day!
I can't believe that it's been 6 years since our sweet and spicy little Bee became part of our family forever. Thank you God for gifting her to me and giving me the privilege and honor of being her mama.
I also want to thank another mother for allowing her the gift of life. What a gift you've given us all. We think of you often and wish you could see her and know how well she's doing and how loved she is. Thank you other mother!
I also want to thank another mother for allowing her the gift of life. What a gift you've given us all. We think of you often and wish you could see her and know how well she's doing and how loved she is. Thank you other mother!
Here's one scared and sad little girl.
And here she is 6 years later!
Happy Adoption Day my sweet cuddly little girl!
Friday, December 09, 2011
Day 100
Well, today is the dreaded Day 100. Even though I knew it was a possibility and even said it's a possibility, I really never thought I would be one of those over 100 days people. Really.
So of course I had to email my agency on Day 100 and just see if maybe they thought my dossier had been dropped under the desk or something. I got an email back from my wonderful contact. Oh, how I love her. She emailed me back, "Hang in there girl cuz we have been checking. The CC*WA was in training all last week and nothing moved. But a little bird told us last night that we'd get all 4 of the SC's (LOAs) that we've been squeaking about... Cross your fingers for a DHL truck to come our way next week."
YAHOO! So I have my fingers crossed. Could you cross your fingers too? And if you could remember us in prayer, cuz once we do receive this piece of paper it is still 3 months til travel. This is a hard wait!
...
Of course I ponder the why of this long wait. I've seen many people submit their dossier after me that are zipping up on travel already. And the long wait I had for my first US approval. Why? I don't know. Maybe there is no reason. I do believe tho that traveling when we will (now not earlier than March) rather than in December when we would have traveled if my paperwork would have flowed on the same timeline as others, we will save a lot of money in travel costs. It will be as if one and maybe close to two of us will be traveling for free. Maybe that's why?
So of course I had to email my agency on Day 100 and just see if maybe they thought my dossier had been dropped under the desk or something. I got an email back from my wonderful contact. Oh, how I love her. She emailed me back, "Hang in there girl cuz we have been checking. The CC*WA was in training all last week and nothing moved. But a little bird told us last night that we'd get all 4 of the SC's (LOAs) that we've been squeaking about... Cross your fingers for a DHL truck to come our way next week."
YAHOO! So I have my fingers crossed. Could you cross your fingers too? And if you could remember us in prayer, cuz once we do receive this piece of paper it is still 3 months til travel. This is a hard wait!
...
Of course I ponder the why of this long wait. I've seen many people submit their dossier after me that are zipping up on travel already. And the long wait I had for my first US approval. Why? I don't know. Maybe there is no reason. I do believe tho that traveling when we will (now not earlier than March) rather than in December when we would have traveled if my paperwork would have flowed on the same timeline as others, we will save a lot of money in travel costs. It will be as if one and maybe close to two of us will be traveling for free. Maybe that's why?
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Look Who's Smiling!
A wonderful lady emailed me and told me that she had a cake sent to her daughter at the orphanage for her birthday and they sent her pictures of the party. Well, our sweet Willem sat right next to her at the party and we got 5 pictures of him from her! Guess who's smiling tonight...and it's not just my sweet boy!
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