So much has been going on I hope I can tell it all without boring you.
Let's start with last week. Early in the week we found out that our psychologist had not provided the raw data to our placement agency as requested by the Philippines. This was frustrating but not a major issue as we are still waiting on our immigration approval. We also found out that the Philippines has been in contact with our placement agency in CA asking to see if we are still interested and will be sending the paper work anytime soon. This made things a little more urgent. Next we found out the psychologist was unwilling to release the raw data due to copyright laws and ethical concerns. On top of that she would not be able to write the explanatory letter until the following week because she was to busy. Disappointing to say the least.
Friday of last week we went to the top of the hill. We got the immigration approval. This was huge for us. It meant there was just one piece missing before we could submit to the Philippines. Every step of the way this becomes even more real. It may even be like being pregnant. The guy is often slow to come to the realization of what is happening. It isn't until the baby bump starts to show that he really realizes this is for real. I think that is how I am feeling right now.
A quick call to the psychologist that same day yielded an email response letting us know the letter had been written but wouldn't be mailed until Tuesday as she was out of town for the long weekend. Progress.
Tuesday morning came and the great anticipation of school starting. Both boys were over excited. Ever since backpack supply shopping on August 5 they ask daily "when is school starting?" Definitely a hilltop experience.
While we were taking the obligatory first day pictures, Jenn gets a call. She finds out her grandfather had passed away the night before. Talk about a pull of emotions.
Wednesday was another good day though. G received his passport in the mail. Since the boys don't get a lot of mail, I had let them open up the envelope. J had gotten his a couple weeks ago and G was disappointed he didn't have anything to open. So he was very excited that day. During the process of getting pictures taken and applying for the passports the boys had asked what they were for. We had told them they were papers that would let us go to another country. Specifically so that we could bring home our new brothers or sisters. When G got his passport, he immediately said "Now we can all go pick up our brothers or sisters." Both boys are ready to go now. This could be a long wait.
Wednesday we also were informed that the psychologist's letter was on its way to CA. It looks like by the start of next week our dossier will be headed to the Philippines.
This weekend we are torn though. Jenn is off to GA for the funeral of her grandfather. The boys and I are home and will have a party tomorrow to celebrate J's birthday.
