I was looking back at what I posted a year ago at this time. It seems that I was (again) sending a round of documents to Russia to be presented to the Judge.
We had been told if we were able to get these last few documents, the Judge would accept our case and offer a court date to bring Anya home. I remember thinking "ya right, I'll believe that when I see it".
I can't believe THIS WEEK a year ago was the LAST TIME I jumped through crazy, unbelievable document hoops for the courts in Irkutsk.
Showing posts with label Documents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Documents. Show all posts
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Step #1 done, Step #2 done, Step #3 in process
Yep, you heard it here first. The blue dog jumped over the red moon. Errrr, I mean, the passport is in process. Getting a passport her feels like some kind of James Bond 007 mission - which is why I accidentally (hee hee) started talking about this in code.
Seriously, DO NOT ever complain about the way passports are done in the U.S.!
We went to the passport office. In this little waiting room area, there were about 200 people jammed in there like sardines. All staring at us like something that just walked in from off of the moon. Anyway - we walked through the crowd, to this door in the back of the room - and walked right in...which got some interesting looks from the crowd. We waited about 2 minutes before the woman at the back desk motioned for us to come over and sit down. She took a STACK of documents from Andrew, and inspected each one very carefully. She was asking questions - I got nervous. She then wanted to see our passports, but never even glanced at mine. She inspected Marty's as if it wasn't real. She looked at his immigration paperwork, Visa, and his registration card. There was something about the registration she didn't like. She took it out of his passport and left the room.
(insert sound of freaking out here)
This is when I started to pray. Just about went to my knees!
Marty asked Andrew what the deal was, and she wanted to make sure it was authentic (huh? it has the oh coveted stamp on it!). She returned to the room, apparently with the power-that-be's approval. She then wanted to see the original adoption decree and original birth certificate (although she had perfectly good copies in her stand of papers).
All of this is very typical of getting anything done here - so really, nothing was out of the ordinary.
We asked about obtainng a regular passport rather than a biometric one. In order to do that, we would need to approach the chief of that passport office. The chief only works on Friday and Tuesday (from something like 11 - 3). There was no guarantee he would grant our request, and if he did grant it, we would have to resubmit all of the documents and still wait the 2 weeks to get the passport issued.
In other words, things are NOT like they are at home. At home, if you have an emergency, you can pay to have your passport expidited. Not here. I wonder what happens when someone has to leave the country for an emergency...they probably die waiting for thier passport to be delivered from the official government courier.
We were told that we can start checking to see if the passport came in on the 22nd. That is in a week and 1/2. There is no phone number to call (like the USCIS!), you have to show up...and when you show up, you wait to see if the box of passports was delivered that day. That is what all those people were doing out in the lobby area. Waiting on the mail to arrive (basically).
So we wait, and pray.
Ya know that book "Eat, Sleep and Pray"? I should write a book called "Pray, wait and Pray"
Seriously, DO NOT ever complain about the way passports are done in the U.S.!
We went to the passport office. In this little waiting room area, there were about 200 people jammed in there like sardines. All staring at us like something that just walked in from off of the moon. Anyway - we walked through the crowd, to this door in the back of the room - and walked right in...which got some interesting looks from the crowd. We waited about 2 minutes before the woman at the back desk motioned for us to come over and sit down. She took a STACK of documents from Andrew, and inspected each one very carefully. She was asking questions - I got nervous. She then wanted to see our passports, but never even glanced at mine. She inspected Marty's as if it wasn't real. She looked at his immigration paperwork, Visa, and his registration card. There was something about the registration she didn't like. She took it out of his passport and left the room.
(insert sound of freaking out here)
This is when I started to pray. Just about went to my knees!
Marty asked Andrew what the deal was, and she wanted to make sure it was authentic (huh? it has the oh coveted stamp on it!). She returned to the room, apparently with the power-that-be's approval. She then wanted to see the original adoption decree and original birth certificate (although she had perfectly good copies in her stand of papers).
All of this is very typical of getting anything done here - so really, nothing was out of the ordinary.
We asked about obtainng a regular passport rather than a biometric one. In order to do that, we would need to approach the chief of that passport office. The chief only works on Friday and Tuesday (from something like 11 - 3). There was no guarantee he would grant our request, and if he did grant it, we would have to resubmit all of the documents and still wait the 2 weeks to get the passport issued.
In other words, things are NOT like they are at home. At home, if you have an emergency, you can pay to have your passport expidited. Not here. I wonder what happens when someone has to leave the country for an emergency...they probably die waiting for thier passport to be delivered from the official government courier.
We were told that we can start checking to see if the passport came in on the 22nd. That is in a week and 1/2. There is no phone number to call (like the USCIS!), you have to show up...and when you show up, you wait to see if the box of passports was delivered that day. That is what all those people were doing out in the lobby area. Waiting on the mail to arrive (basically).
So we wait, and pray.
Ya know that book "Eat, Sleep and Pray"? I should write a book called "Pray, wait and Pray"
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
God's Plan is ALWAYS better than mine
So, where do I even start?!
I mean - nothing is ever easy. I know that - especially with adoptions, and this adoption in particular. I KNOW THIS, I embrace it - I have LIVED it for over 5 years.
But the past 24 hours might take the cake.
Yesterday night at about 8p
m, I got online to complete the shipping label for the DHL package that was to be shipped to Irkutsk today. Today I planned to go to Indianapolis to the State House and get everything done that needed to be done - and get the documents in the mail. January 11th is the deadline the Judge in Russia has given us on these last few documents - which means I wanted to get everything there by the 5-6th.
Well, DHL.com wasn't playing nicely with others. Wouldn't let me log in. So I call the 800#, and when the lady answers, I decide to ask her about transit times with the holiday weekend instead of helping me with the log in issue. Why? It was God.
She proceeds to tell me that the delivery date for something mailed to Irkutsk today would be January 13th...JANUARY 13TH! (did I mention that everything was being presented to the count on the 11th?)
Hence starts freak out #1.
I quickly find out that my only option with DHL is to ship through a TSA Authorized business shipper, and even if I find one of those - there is no guarantee because of customs. TO get it through customs, I would have to hire a Broker...and no one could tell me how to hire a broker.
The nice DHL woman also suggested we hire a courier - that would ONLY cost about $3,000 - $4,000.
So I call FedEx. Basically, they told me the same story, but they were giving me a delivery date of January 18th (it's getting worse)
Thus begins freak out #2
I seriously went crazy at this point. I don't cry. I am not a very emotional person. The Fed Ex lady obviously could tell by the tone in my voice that I was desperate. She told me about a service called "Next Flight" - this is only open to authorized shippers who hold a Fed Ex account. After figuring out all of the requirements, and getting everyone involved all over Twitter and Facebook - we found a Plan A, B and C. This wasn't a cheap option, but it was workable.
Then God stepped in and took control.
I should have known that He would have a better plan. An easier plan. A perfect plan.
Our friends that live in Irkutsk told us that they knew of a man that lives in Maine who was flying to Irkutsk on Monday...this Monday! This means he would be arriving in Irkutsk the morning of the 6th. THE 6th! All I would have to do would be to overnight the documents to him in Maine!
I called him - he is VERY VERY nice, and will put the documents in his carry-on baggage to make sure nothing happens to them. Did I mention he is a VERY VERY nice man?
From where I sit, the Jackson's and Mr. Keef were little pieces of Heaven to me.
So - shipping situation handled. Off to Indianapolis.
I go to the State Police Department. I've done this criminal check thing about a million times in the past. I know the drill. You go to the office, you pay $10 and get what you need.
Well, they changed the drill...apparently sometime between when I called last week and when I walked in the doors this afternoon. The secretary told me the check would take 2 weeks, and would have to be mailed to me.
Insert freak out #3 here
It's a long story, but let's just say it got done - I cried in public, had a stranger offer me a Kleenex, and it cost me $30, but it's done...and there is an Indiana State Police Officer who got a nice lunch today.
FREAK OUTS OVER
Thank God.
I am ever so grateful for several things:
I mean - nothing is ever easy. I know that - especially with adoptions, and this adoption in particular. I KNOW THIS, I embrace it - I have LIVED it for over 5 years.
But the past 24 hours might take the cake.
Yesterday night at about 8p
m, I got online to complete the shipping label for the DHL package that was to be shipped to Irkutsk today. Today I planned to go to Indianapolis to the State House and get everything done that needed to be done - and get the documents in the mail. January 11th is the deadline the Judge in Russia has given us on these last few documents - which means I wanted to get everything there by the 5-6th.Well, DHL.com wasn't playing nicely with others. Wouldn't let me log in. So I call the 800#, and when the lady answers, I decide to ask her about transit times with the holiday weekend instead of helping me with the log in issue. Why? It was God.
She proceeds to tell me that the delivery date for something mailed to Irkutsk today would be January 13th...JANUARY 13TH! (did I mention that everything was being presented to the count on the 11th?)
Hence starts freak out #1.
I quickly find out that my only option with DHL is to ship through a TSA Authorized business shipper, and even if I find one of those - there is no guarantee because of customs. TO get it through customs, I would have to hire a Broker...and no one could tell me how to hire a broker.
The nice DHL woman also suggested we hire a courier - that would ONLY cost about $3,000 - $4,000.
So I call FedEx. Basically, they told me the same story, but they were giving me a delivery date of January 18th (it's getting worse)
Thus begins freak out #2
I seriously went crazy at this point. I don't cry. I am not a very emotional person. The Fed Ex lady obviously could tell by the tone in my voice that I was desperate. She told me about a service called "Next Flight" - this is only open to authorized shippers who hold a Fed Ex account. After figuring out all of the requirements, and getting everyone involved all over Twitter and Facebook - we found a Plan A, B and C. This wasn't a cheap option, but it was workable.
Then God stepped in and took control.
I should have known that He would have a better plan. An easier plan. A perfect plan.
Our friends that live in Irkutsk told us that they knew of a man that lives in Maine who was flying to Irkutsk on Monday...this Monday! This means he would be arriving in Irkutsk the morning of the 6th. THE 6th! All I would have to do would be to overnight the documents to him in Maine!
I called him - he is VERY VERY nice, and will put the documents in his carry-on baggage to make sure nothing happens to them. Did I mention he is a VERY VERY nice man?
From where I sit, the Jackson's and Mr. Keef were little pieces of Heaven to me.
So - shipping situation handled. Off to Indianapolis.
I go to the State Police Department. I've done this criminal check thing about a million times in the past. I know the drill. You go to the office, you pay $10 and get what you need.Well, they changed the drill...apparently sometime between when I called last week and when I walked in the doors this afternoon. The secretary told me the check would take 2 weeks, and would have to be mailed to me.
Insert freak out #3 here
It's a long story, but let's just say it got done - I cried in public, had a stranger offer me a Kleenex, and it cost me $30, but it's done...and there is an Indiana State Police Officer who got a nice lunch today.
FREAK OUTS OVER
Thank God.
I am ever so grateful for several things:
- Good friends who read my random Tweets and Facebook updates, and are always so willing to jump in the middle of my drama to help
- For Mr. Keef - praying safe travels for him
- For one of my dearest friends, Stacy - who I always bomb in on when I am in Indianapolis. She is a little dose of reality for me...and tonight was no exception
- Blessed with crazy random connections to get stuff done...thanks to Jackie Walorski for helping us this round (and yes, this is a political plug - VOTE FOR HER!)
- For the goodness and perfect plan of God!
So the next time I freak out, will someone please remind me that God has it under control?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
the docs are in the mail...again
Quick update...
THE DOCUMENTS ARE IN THE MAIL
Not going to bore you with all the drama that came with actually getting in the car to get to Indianapolis, to get the documents to the Secretary of State's office to get them in the mail. But I will tell you that my Mom and I celebrated with a great dinner at PF Chang's!
Documents should be delivered tomorrow (Friday), hope to know more next week. Stay tuned!
THE DOCUMENTS ARE IN THE MAIL
Not going to bore you with all the drama that came with actually getting in the car to get to Indianapolis, to get the documents to the Secretary of State's office to get them in the mail. But I will tell you that my Mom and I celebrated with a great dinner at PF Chang's!
Documents should be delivered tomorrow (Friday), hope to know more next week. Stay tuned!
Friday, October 09, 2009
Heading to Supreme Court
Just got off the phone with Alex Irkutsk. He is our coordinator. He got a call from the court this afternoon. He was told that our file was not accepted, however he was not given a reason. And yes - according to Russian law, a reason MUST be given.
The court also said that a legal statement was written on September 30th, however Alex was not notified of this until today (Oct 9). This in and of itself is against Russian Law. He was also told that the statement would not be ready to be picked up until Monday.
So we're done. We're hiring a shark lawyer in Russia to appeal the Judge and take our case above her head. According to Alex, he feel s that this judge is asking for things that don't exist, and she doesn't understand...therefore isn't accepting our case. Which is not a reason to not grant a court date.
Alex also feels that the Judge is bias against us (gee, do ya think), so the appeal will include a request to have another judge hear our case.
Know we are not the only family in this current situation. There is one other family who is the same boat with us. It's good to not be alone!
Right now we need prayers. Prayers bigger than I can even verbalize.
The court also said that a legal statement was written on September 30th, however Alex was not notified of this until today (Oct 9). This in and of itself is against Russian Law. He was also told that the statement would not be ready to be picked up until Monday.
So we're done. We're hiring a shark lawyer in Russia to appeal the Judge and take our case above her head. According to Alex, he feel s that this judge is asking for things that don't exist, and she doesn't understand...therefore isn't accepting our case. Which is not a reason to not grant a court date.
Alex also feels that the Judge is bias against us (gee, do ya think), so the appeal will include a request to have another judge hear our case.
Know we are not the only family in this current situation. There is one other family who is the same boat with us. It's good to not be alone!
Right now we need prayers. Prayers bigger than I can even verbalize.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
now that I've calmed down...
Last Monday, we got another legal statement from the Judge in Russia...yes, ANOTHER statement. I 've lost track of how many this is, maybe 6 or 7? It is still beyond me what in the world there could be to say about our documents...that hasn't already been said.
But apparently there is plenty to say - 10 pages worth!
When I heard there was 10 pages, I didn't take it well. I actually ignored it, and pretended like it wasn't happening for a few days.
Now that I've calmed down, have had a chance to think about what is really being asked - it is manageable. Most of the 10 pages are things that need to happen with our coordinator in Russia. There are 15 things we need to take care of...and of course, we have about 5 days to take care of it.
Some of these things are crazy. In our homestudy etc., there is a description of our home. The description states our house has X number of rooms. So the Judge wants a photo of every single room. Pictures of the bathrooms, my messy office. FINE! I'll do it!
The Judge says that she can't read the documents because of the way some of the things were apostilled...apparently the staple covered a word or two. FINE! I will redo that for the billionth time.
The Judge also made a comment that some of the notaries signed the documents saying "signed and sworn before me"...the Judge's comment was 'who is me'. Are you kidding? FINE! I will redo those too.
Our marriage licence from Florida is a certified copy. As I am sure you all know, certified copies have someones signature. The Judge want some kind of verification of the person's authority to certify this license. Now mind you, none of the other things that are certified copies seem to be requiring this, just the one thing that is from Florida. FINE! I will figure it out.
There are some issues with our homestudy agency, and wording in what they have provided. FINE! I will kiss up to the agency who is so sick and tired of dealing with us and this mess. I will drive to Indianapolis, incur another $300 to have documents changed, I will try to obtain certified copies of the agencies license going back to 2005. FINE!
Basically, from here, this is what will happen:
But apparently there is plenty to say - 10 pages worth!
When I heard there was 10 pages, I didn't take it well. I actually ignored it, and pretended like it wasn't happening for a few days.
Now that I've calmed down, have had a chance to think about what is really being asked - it is manageable. Most of the 10 pages are things that need to happen with our coordinator in Russia. There are 15 things we need to take care of...and of course, we have about 5 days to take care of it.
Some of these things are crazy. In our homestudy etc., there is a description of our home. The description states our house has X number of rooms. So the Judge wants a photo of every single room. Pictures of the bathrooms, my messy office. FINE! I'll do it!
The Judge says that she can't read the documents because of the way some of the things were apostilled...apparently the staple covered a word or two. FINE! I will redo that for the billionth time.
The Judge also made a comment that some of the notaries signed the documents saying "signed and sworn before me"...the Judge's comment was 'who is me'. Are you kidding? FINE! I will redo those too.
Our marriage licence from Florida is a certified copy. As I am sure you all know, certified copies have someones signature. The Judge want some kind of verification of the person's authority to certify this license. Now mind you, none of the other things that are certified copies seem to be requiring this, just the one thing that is from Florida. FINE! I will figure it out.
There are some issues with our homestudy agency, and wording in what they have provided. FINE! I will kiss up to the agency who is so sick and tired of dealing with us and this mess. I will drive to Indianapolis, incur another $300 to have documents changed, I will try to obtain certified copies of the agencies license going back to 2005. FINE!
Basically, from here, this is what will happen:
- We give all of the requirements to the Judge before Sep. 21 deadline.
- If the judge rejects papers saying we did not meet her requirements, then we appeal immediately
Ya - I guess I am still irritated about this document thing...but I'll do it.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
big step forward
Well, not sure what to make of this.
Last week, we got a note from our coordinator in Irkutsk that said we need to take things to the next level. Basically, this means filing a complaint against the judge, and taking our case to the Supreme Court. At one time, the thought of having to do this would almost cripple me with fear...now, it seemed to empower me.
The problem was in the Judge accepting documents. She wasn't doing it...for us, or anyone else. In the past, all of our documents were being mailed (I posted about this a while ago). Now, the Judge was saying she wasn't going to accept things that are mailed -that we had to make an appointment specifically to deliver documents -thing is, she was taking any appointments. This is all clearly against Russian law - this gave us a firm solid grievance against her.
My plan was to call our Russian coordinator tonight, and talk through the game plan. Then I got an email that simply said:
I just wanted to tell you that I had made one more attempt to submit your documents to the court. The file is in the court now.
Maybe the Judge was notified if she didn't accept the documents, that we were taking things above her head - of course, she doesn't want to look foolish or incompetent to her superiors...maybe this is why she accepted our stuff. Whatever the reason - I don't care. We're not in this to make friends and keep the peace, we're in this to get Anya home.
We will call sometime this week to get more details. But for now - this is great news, and a BIG step forward. I believe that our prayers are bring heard, and God's hand continues to move in this situation.
I'll keep you updated with any more info!
Last week, we got a note from our coordinator in Irkutsk that said we need to take things to the next level. Basically, this means filing a complaint against the judge, and taking our case to the Supreme Court. At one time, the thought of having to do this would almost cripple me with fear...now, it seemed to empower me.
The problem was in the Judge accepting documents. She wasn't doing it...for us, or anyone else. In the past, all of our documents were being mailed (I posted about this a while ago). Now, the Judge was saying she wasn't going to accept things that are mailed -that we had to make an appointment specifically to deliver documents -thing is, she was taking any appointments. This is all clearly against Russian law - this gave us a firm solid grievance against her.
My plan was to call our Russian coordinator tonight, and talk through the game plan. Then I got an email that simply said:
I just wanted to tell you that I had made one more attempt to submit your documents to the court. The file is in the court now.
Maybe the Judge was notified if she didn't accept the documents, that we were taking things above her head - of course, she doesn't want to look foolish or incompetent to her superiors...maybe this is why she accepted our stuff. Whatever the reason - I don't care. We're not in this to make friends and keep the peace, we're in this to get Anya home.
We will call sometime this week to get more details. But for now - this is great news, and a BIG step forward. I believe that our prayers are bring heard, and God's hand continues to move in this situation.
I'll keep you updated with any more info!
Friday, May 29, 2009
news :(
I don't even know how to post this. We got the legal statement today, and spoke with our coordinator - it seems like the new Judge is using our case as an education. She doesn't know anything about adoptions, therefore is asking a lot of questions about things that are a duh.
Her statement was 8 pages long.
Why is it my job to act as the University level education on adoptions for this Judge?
Most of the things are things we've provided in the past.
She still doesn't understand about the deed / land thing and our home ownership. I don't know how to get her to understand this. Apparently in other countries (as in every other country) there is a purchase agreement for a home - that turns into a certificate of ownership. We don't have that here...and she doesn't get it.
And the changes need to be back in Russia by June 16th.
Which means we have to get them done and in the mail before the 11th or 12th. That means I have 8 days to figure it all out (weekends don't count). It all hurts my stomach.
Oh ya, and our coordinator is going on a 2 week vacation starting on the 21st. The deadline for our changes to go back to the court is the 22nd...our coordinator will translate for us and have one of his representatives deliver our things back to the court. This makes me nervous. Who will be around to check on a statement in that 2 weeks? If a statement is released, but no one picks it up = basically, we lose time. We've lost a week in the process this go-around because of translation...this most recent statement was given on May 22.
And our coordinator suggested we send a personal letter to the Judge. A plea of sorts.
I am rambling. I have a headache. My stomach is starting to hurt. I want to stop whining about this. I am going to bed.
Her statement was 8 pages long.
Why is it my job to act as the University level education on adoptions for this Judge?
Most of the things are things we've provided in the past.
She still doesn't understand about the deed / land thing and our home ownership. I don't know how to get her to understand this. Apparently in other countries (as in every other country) there is a purchase agreement for a home - that turns into a certificate of ownership. We don't have that here...and she doesn't get it.
And the changes need to be back in Russia by June 16th.
Which means we have to get them done and in the mail before the 11th or 12th. That means I have 8 days to figure it all out (weekends don't count). It all hurts my stomach.
Oh ya, and our coordinator is going on a 2 week vacation starting on the 21st. The deadline for our changes to go back to the court is the 22nd...our coordinator will translate for us and have one of his representatives deliver our things back to the court. This makes me nervous. Who will be around to check on a statement in that 2 weeks? If a statement is released, but no one picks it up = basically, we lose time. We've lost a week in the process this go-around because of translation...this most recent statement was given on May 22.
And our coordinator suggested we send a personal letter to the Judge. A plea of sorts.
I am rambling. I have a headache. My stomach is starting to hurt. I want to stop whining about this. I am going to bed.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
the non-news news
Well, I fully hoped that I would have some kind of grand update to post tonight. But I don't. Today has been a series of "are you kidding me" events.
We got a note from our coordinator, that simply said:
My first thought was why did he say "at least the documents are not rejected" - was that a concern? What the heck? But then I tried to focus on "discuss the issues", maybe that means there aren't many things to "do". This paperwork redo thing is UNBELIEVABLE!
So - from that email, I had a plan. I was going to call the orphanage and talk to the Director to see if she had heard anything from the Adoption Center. Generally, when the child's documents are called for, that call goes to the Adoption Center, and they work together with the director at the orphanage. Typically, this is the 2-month point to a court date. My plan was a good one...
I lined up our interpreter to make the call for us.
First attempt - the line was busy.
Second attempt - she got a message that said there were troubles on the line.
WHAT?!
Thank goodness for Facebook! As I am posting all my frustrations with calling Russia, I get a message from Tami - our friend who lives in Irkutsk. Found out the phones there have been out for 2 days, and that the land-lines typically go out when it rains. NICE!
Step 2 in my grand plan was to call our coordinator. So, we did. He wasn't ready for our call, and I think we surprised him. He asked that we call back in 12 hours - this will give him time to translate the statement from the Judge and email it to me.
...so the news is that there is still no news.
We got a note from our coordinator, that simply said:
I just got another legal statement ( at least the documents are not rejected), I will put it all in writing for you. Then I think we can talk on the phone to discuss these issues
My first thought was why did he say "at least the documents are not rejected" - was that a concern? What the heck? But then I tried to focus on "discuss the issues", maybe that means there aren't many things to "do". This paperwork redo thing is UNBELIEVABLE!
So - from that email, I had a plan. I was going to call the orphanage and talk to the Director to see if she had heard anything from the Adoption Center. Generally, when the child's documents are called for, that call goes to the Adoption Center, and they work together with the director at the orphanage. Typically, this is the 2-month point to a court date. My plan was a good one...
I lined up our interpreter to make the call for us.
First attempt - the line was busy.
Second attempt - she got a message that said there were troubles on the line.
WHAT?!
Thank goodness for Facebook! As I am posting all my frustrations with calling Russia, I get a message from Tami - our friend who lives in Irkutsk. Found out the phones there have been out for 2 days, and that the land-lines typically go out when it rains. NICE!
Step 2 in my grand plan was to call our coordinator. So, we did. He wasn't ready for our call, and I think we surprised him. He asked that we call back in 12 hours - this will give him time to translate the statement from the Judge and email it to me.
...so the news is that there is still no news.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Seriously, can't ONE STINKING THING be easy or as expected?
Seriously, can't ONE STINKING THING be easy or as expected?
Heck no!
2 weeks ago, as you know, we submitted the documents that were requested by Judge #1 (Stepanova). She initially reviewed our case and accepted it in March - this review was done with her replacement, Judge #2 - a man. All we know about this guy is that he is younger, a father, friendly and more pro-international adoption than other Judge's have been. We also learned that this new man judge takes his own sweet time in responding to things.
After we meet the judge's deadline - the Judge then has 14 days to respond. The 14 days was up yesterday...or maybe the end of the week if weekends don't count toward that 14 days (who knows!?). I know that our documents were delivered back to Judge #2 - the guy.
Since that time, there has been some talk about another Judge (Judge #3). So, I asked about the name of the Judge, and was told this Judge is Popova AA (no one knows what the "A" and "A" stand for), but in fact, this is a woman.
Why am I concerned?
Because this is the 3rd Judge our case has been in front of in 30-45 days. Each has a different opinion, take and set of unwritten rules and requirements...apparently we are being asked to meet the requirements and expectations of all 3 stinking judges.
I am not thrilled.
But, that is all my conjecture. I don't know WHO has our case. Judge #1, #2 the guy or this new #3. I've asked, but don't have answers yet.
So - I reiterate. Seriously, can't ONE STINKING THING be easy or as expected?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Guess it's time for an update
I guess I should post an update...it's been a while.
Long story short...we're waiting again. Waiting for the Judge's statement.
We got the Russian certification of our apostilles from the Russian Consulate. Impressive! I think this should be step #1 in the process...so pre adoptive parents can see what a "notary" looks like in Russia. Seeing this explains why ours looks unofficial and fake.
It is bound by a ribbon, and there are grommets that go through each page of the document that is being certified. There is also a stamp that is on both the certification statement and the actual document (so you can't 'fake' that).
I hate this waiting...but it is the story of our lives. I am a little concerned that with this recent wait, it will put off a court date until July - which means we would need to be in Irkutsk in August. August is a vacation month for most Russian people, and I know that the Judge always takes a vacation in August...with any vacation comes crazy shutdowns and waits...I am not so excited about footing the bill for any unnecessary weeks in Russia. But, it is what it is!
I am conflicted about June. From a business perspective, June is a month when I am fairly busy at the first of the month. My dilemma is...do I book things like I normally do? I was holding off booking anything the end of May, but I threw out that idea this week, and booked some events for late May. At this point, there is no way we're going to get a court date that would require us to leave in 6 weeks...and we need money, so I need to work. Ahhh yes, the double edge sword all PAPs face! Put your life of hold, or continue with life as (sorta) usual.
Long story short...we're waiting again. Waiting for the Judge's statement.
We got the Russian certification of our apostilles from the Russian Consulate. Impressive! I think this should be step #1 in the process...so pre adoptive parents can see what a "notary" looks like in Russia. Seeing this explains why ours looks unofficial and fake.
It is bound by a ribbon, and there are grommets that go through each page of the document that is being certified. There is also a stamp that is on both the certification statement and the actual document (so you can't 'fake' that).
I hate this waiting...but it is the story of our lives. I am a little concerned that with this recent wait, it will put off a court date until July - which means we would need to be in Irkutsk in August. August is a vacation month for most Russian people, and I know that the Judge always takes a vacation in August...with any vacation comes crazy shutdowns and waits...I am not so excited about footing the bill for any unnecessary weeks in Russia. But, it is what it is!
I am conflicted about June. From a business perspective, June is a month when I am fairly busy at the first of the month. My dilemma is...do I book things like I normally do? I was holding off booking anything the end of May, but I threw out that idea this week, and booked some events for late May. At this point, there is no way we're going to get a court date that would require us to leave in 6 weeks...and we need money, so I need to work. Ahhh yes, the double edge sword all PAPs face! Put your life of hold, or continue with life as (sorta) usual.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
small update
We got everything done that was requested of the Judge - it goes in the mail on Monday...and I was able to send the package DHL which is 3 days guaranteed!
My Mom spent Friday in Indianapolis running from the Secretary of State's office to the State Health Department to the Department of Child Services...I don't know what I would have done without my Mom this week! I was so busy with work, trying to get to Indianapolis to get this done would have pushed me over the edge for sure - so, THANKS MOM!
We're heading to Chicago tomorrow to meet the Ninmann's plane from Russia. I am so excited to see Debbie and Brian, and meet Nathan! Stay tuned for photos and video!
My Mom spent Friday in Indianapolis running from the Secretary of State's office to the State Health Department to the Department of Child Services...I don't know what I would have done without my Mom this week! I was so busy with work, trying to get to Indianapolis to get this done would have pushed me over the edge for sure - so, THANKS MOM!
We're heading to Chicago tomorrow to meet the Ninmann's plane from Russia. I am so excited to see Debbie and Brian, and meet Nathan! Stay tuned for photos and video!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The New Russian passport system
There has been much discussion and thought on the new biometric passport process in Russia. Basically what this means for those of us in the adoption world is that what did take about a week now takes up to 4 weeks (generally, looks like 3).
I did some research, and found the following - attn: all Irkutsk PAPs! Read up!
http://www.russianadoptionhelp.com/content/blog/2009/03/russian-biometric-passports.html
http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fms.gov.ru%2Fdocuments%2Fpassport%2Findex.php&lp=ru_en&btnTrUrl=Translate
I did some research, and found the following - attn: all Irkutsk PAPs! Read up!
http://www.russianadoptionhelp.com/content/blog/2009/03/russian-biometric-passports.html
http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fms.gov.ru%2Fdocuments%2Fpassport%2Findex.php&lp=ru_en&btnTrUrl=Translate
Friday, March 13, 2009
NEED HELP!
Hi Friends, we just got the legal statement from the Judge - UNBELIEVABLE! I don't know how to answer most of this, and to be honest, I am so mad and upset right now, I am sitting here crying and shaking.
Basically, I have less than a week to get this done...after everything is done, it needs to go to Indy to be apostilled (add about 3 days), then ship to Irkutsk (which can take anywhere from 1-week to 2-weeks), and at least 5-6 days for translation (that is a generous time for translation)...right there is 3 weeks - UGH!
Since the blog is private now - I can post the entire statement. I am doing this so that you all can help me. I can't think clearly on this...some of you are Real Estate experts (LORI!!) and might be able to help. Note my comments in blue.
Legal statement
petition for adoption
- you need to add information that Anna was offered to Russian citizens for adoption but she was not chosen. (no big deal)
- You need to add your employment, positions and income (salary) for each of you.
apostiles for the state of Indiana:
the judge wrote that the apostiles of state of Indiana looked like it was a copy (no real stamp, no real signature).
Then she writes that the sentence that starting with May 1, 2003 all apostiles from the Indiana Secretary of State will have an electronically printed seal does not substitute a real apostile.
The judge suggested that we provide a copy of the Hague Convention that says that electronic apostiles can also be used by counties. ( articles 13, 14, 16, 18, 23 and 24) – conclusions and recommendations adopted by the special commission – the practical operation of the Hague apostile, evidence and service convention (28 October to 4 November 2003). Also I guess in 2003 the state of Indiana adopted an act regulating the use of electronically printed seal on the states’ apostiles. I think we will need a copy of the act.
Please note that copies of the act or Hague convention should be certified by a notary only.
Apostiles of California
The judge writes that the size of California apostiles (all NL documents) is not correct. We will give her a copy of the Hague Convention (article 13). Also for the Ninmans we applied to the Russian Consulate ( or Embassy) and they put a sticker on California apostile which said that the apostile was correct and it was issued in accordance with the Hague Convention. (already asked our California agency to help with this)
Marty’s passport photo was not of good quality for the judge. Make a new copy, so that Marty’s face was very clear. (this was the clearest copy imaginable, actually Jeanna at church made the copy, it was clearer than mine!)
Marty’s and Katherine’s employment letters (MasterMediaProductions) should be signed by the head (president or director )of the company. The position of Barry Hall – partner – has not satisfied the judge. So get new letters and get it signed by a president. (thing is, Marty is the president...so he can sign his own employment letter. In the past, since we are self employed, we had to get a letter from the corporate CPA attesting to the fact we are self employed....hummm...Barry was the corporate CPA)
the letter from the real estate agency – Rockwell which speaks about sq.m and price does not say who the discussed house belongs to. Add your full names to that document.
a letter from Elkhart County Assessor, sighed by Doug Thornton – this letter does not state timing of the house’s purchase, the basic reason of owning (will, inheritance, purchase and etc) and how it is divided between you both (equally, if not – give details).
the judge does not accept the quit claim deed ( she probably does not understand this, frankly speaking I do not understand it either) – she asks for a legal document that shows your full ownership of the house. She says that this document ( quit claim deed) does not say what you own exactly, it does not say that it is a living house, it does not say how it is divided between you both (equally?), it does not say what your ownership right is based on. It does not say when Marty obtained this right for the 1st time. (not sure what to do about this - help!)
For example, the French and Isreali families provide a 30 page Purchase Agreement which states all facts and details of the deal, including price, descriptions of the parties, all conditions, descriptions of the house and etc. (no can do, Marty built this house, he didn't purchase it from anyone)
If it is not the case we may need some sort of clear explanation from Elkhart City Recorder concerning quit claim deeds. Please take into account that in Continental Law (most of Europe) all these documents are very precise and detailed. This is what the court is expecting. May be the Elkhart City Recorder can again confirm what you own, how you obtained that right, your parts in this house, your property should be called a living house.
new police letters with your full names
we need a new letter from the Elkhart Superior Court, composed in the same way it was done previously, in August 6, 2007 (signed by David Bonfiglio) (it was detailed and it addressed all aspects that the judge was asking). The new letter that you have just provided is not really good.
medical reports… the judge wrote that the medical reports do not have the official (heraldic) stamp of the hospital. There’s indeed one official stamp of the South Bend Clinic at the last page of each report, it was imprinted in the paper, I did not see it myself but later I did find it. (of course, there is no such thing as an official hospital stamp in the United States, and the medical lic board isn't going to call something an official stamp that isn't required by all clinics.)
Coordinator comments: make new medical reports, even with the same dates. Use just one apostile for each report as it is rather difficult to use the medical report with several apostiles attached. The organization of each report is brilliant, as you have enough space for each specialist and all stamps are clear to read. Now, leave more space again for the official stamp, as you will need to ask for this stamp to be put for each specialist (in the head doctor space). I think may be you can use one page for one specialist, so you will have 8 pages, 8 official stamps.
Then, I suggest ask the Indiana health board to write a separate letter saying that that particular stamp is an official (heraldic) stamp for that Hospital.
11. Children’s Bureau (no idea on this...need to send off to INdy)
The judge writes that the explanation letter concerning Children’s Bureau ( of January 20, 2009) is not signed by the head of Indiana Department of Child Services.
What I suggest is – try to get the similar letter with more focus on the function to do home studies for adoptive families. I guess it would be impossible to get it signed by the head of the department. In this case we will need a letter showing the delegation of authority (from the head of the department) to sign the documents to the people who signed that explanation letter.
The judge also asked for a copy of the law that would state that the Indiana Department of Child Services is entitled to issue licenses to child placing (adoption) agencies and that Indiana Department of Child Services may write some sort of explanation letters explaining the competence of the adoption agencies and type of work they can do. The license itself is very short and it does not really state what functions Children’s Bureau has, and the judge wants to make sure that Indiana Department of Child Services does not exceed its authority by explaining what Children’s Bureau can do. Try to get only relevant pages of the law, we won’t able to do translations on time if has many pages.
Concerning Nightlight Christian Adoptions …
The judge would like to see a confirmation that California based agency ( NL) may approve a family living in another State (state of Indiana, in your case).
or California based child placing agency may approve a home study done by an agency located in another state. In your case the judge would like to make sure that all commitments signed by NL in regard to you and Children’s Bureau were correct and legal.
we need a new commitment to provide post placement reports from you – the one you sent is good but you need to add a sentence to it – that you will give a possibility to Children’s Bureau to monitor the living conditions and upbringing of Anna (her full name).
we a need a new Embassy letter (with your full and correct names).
the judge requested to see Indiana Adoption Law. (we did prepare this, but apparently it was not presented to the Judge...no one else has had to do this, they only had to submit the relevant parts of the law)
I did not give the judge the copies of the law which were attached to the attorney’s explanation as I thought there were confusing with all details in it. So the judge asked for a “full” Indiana Adoption Law. I do not think we will have an ability to translate tens of pages of the law, so may be you can again provide these copies. The copies need to be certified by a notary. Also we may need copies of the law where the specific requirements for adoptive parents are outlined. For example, you need to be an Indiana resident, aged 18 or older, married for at least 1 year and etc… to be approved as prospective adoptive parent.
Also the judge asked for a US Federal Adoption Law. I am not sure that there’s one. May be we can give INS regulations? (there is no such thing, I did ask our California agency about this, if I need something else from the INS, I am going to lose my mind!)
Please note that if your names are mentioned in any new documents - they need to be full, as in the passports. (they say Katherine Friend or Katherine A Friend, not Katherine Ann Friend - are you freaking kidding me??? As if she doesn't know that is ME!)
Basically, I have less than a week to get this done...after everything is done, it needs to go to Indy to be apostilled (add about 3 days), then ship to Irkutsk (which can take anywhere from 1-week to 2-weeks), and at least 5-6 days for translation (that is a generous time for translation)...right there is 3 weeks - UGH!
Since the blog is private now - I can post the entire statement. I am doing this so that you all can help me. I can't think clearly on this...some of you are Real Estate experts (LORI!!) and might be able to help. Note my comments in blue.
Legal statement
petition for adoption
- you need to add information that Anna was offered to Russian citizens for adoption but she was not chosen. (no big deal)
- You need to add your employment, positions and income (salary) for each of you.
apostiles for the state of Indiana:
the judge wrote that the apostiles of state of Indiana looked like it was a copy (no real stamp, no real signature).
Then she writes that the sentence that starting with May 1, 2003 all apostiles from the Indiana Secretary of State will have an electronically printed seal does not substitute a real apostile.
The judge suggested that we provide a copy of the Hague Convention that says that electronic apostiles can also be used by counties. ( articles 13, 14, 16, 18, 23 and 24) – conclusions and recommendations adopted by the special commission – the practical operation of the Hague apostile, evidence and service convention (28 October to 4 November 2003). Also I guess in 2003 the state of Indiana adopted an act regulating the use of electronically printed seal on the states’ apostiles. I think we will need a copy of the act.
Please note that copies of the act or Hague convention should be certified by a notary only.
Apostiles of California
The judge writes that the size of California apostiles (all NL documents) is not correct. We will give her a copy of the Hague Convention (article 13). Also for the Ninmans we applied to the Russian Consulate ( or Embassy) and they put a sticker on California apostile which said that the apostile was correct and it was issued in accordance with the Hague Convention. (already asked our California agency to help with this)
Marty’s passport photo was not of good quality for the judge. Make a new copy, so that Marty’s face was very clear. (this was the clearest copy imaginable, actually Jeanna at church made the copy, it was clearer than mine!)
Marty’s and Katherine’s employment letters (MasterMediaProductions) should be signed by the head (president or director )of the company. The position of Barry Hall – partner – has not satisfied the judge. So get new letters and get it signed by a president. (thing is, Marty is the president...so he can sign his own employment letter. In the past, since we are self employed, we had to get a letter from the corporate CPA attesting to the fact we are self employed....hummm...Barry was the corporate CPA)
the letter from the real estate agency – Rockwell which speaks about sq.m and price does not say who the discussed house belongs to. Add your full names to that document.
a letter from Elkhart County Assessor, sighed by Doug Thornton – this letter does not state timing of the house’s purchase, the basic reason of owning (will, inheritance, purchase and etc) and how it is divided between you both (equally, if not – give details).
the judge does not accept the quit claim deed ( she probably does not understand this, frankly speaking I do not understand it either) – she asks for a legal document that shows your full ownership of the house. She says that this document ( quit claim deed) does not say what you own exactly, it does not say that it is a living house, it does not say how it is divided between you both (equally?), it does not say what your ownership right is based on. It does not say when Marty obtained this right for the 1st time. (not sure what to do about this - help!)
For example, the French and Isreali families provide a 30 page Purchase Agreement which states all facts and details of the deal, including price, descriptions of the parties, all conditions, descriptions of the house and etc. (no can do, Marty built this house, he didn't purchase it from anyone)
If it is not the case we may need some sort of clear explanation from Elkhart City Recorder concerning quit claim deeds. Please take into account that in Continental Law (most of Europe) all these documents are very precise and detailed. This is what the court is expecting. May be the Elkhart City Recorder can again confirm what you own, how you obtained that right, your parts in this house, your property should be called a living house.
new police letters with your full names
we need a new letter from the Elkhart Superior Court, composed in the same way it was done previously, in August 6, 2007 (signed by David Bonfiglio) (it was detailed and it addressed all aspects that the judge was asking). The new letter that you have just provided is not really good.
medical reports… the judge wrote that the medical reports do not have the official (heraldic) stamp of the hospital. There’s indeed one official stamp of the South Bend Clinic at the last page of each report, it was imprinted in the paper, I did not see it myself but later I did find it. (of course, there is no such thing as an official hospital stamp in the United States, and the medical lic board isn't going to call something an official stamp that isn't required by all clinics.)
Coordinator comments: make new medical reports, even with the same dates. Use just one apostile for each report as it is rather difficult to use the medical report with several apostiles attached. The organization of each report is brilliant, as you have enough space for each specialist and all stamps are clear to read. Now, leave more space again for the official stamp, as you will need to ask for this stamp to be put for each specialist (in the head doctor space). I think may be you can use one page for one specialist, so you will have 8 pages, 8 official stamps.
Then, I suggest ask the Indiana health board to write a separate letter saying that that particular stamp is an official (heraldic) stamp for that Hospital.
11. Children’s Bureau (no idea on this...need to send off to INdy)
The judge writes that the explanation letter concerning Children’s Bureau ( of January 20, 2009) is not signed by the head of Indiana Department of Child Services.
What I suggest is – try to get the similar letter with more focus on the function to do home studies for adoptive families. I guess it would be impossible to get it signed by the head of the department. In this case we will need a letter showing the delegation of authority (from the head of the department) to sign the documents to the people who signed that explanation letter.
The judge also asked for a copy of the law that would state that the Indiana Department of Child Services is entitled to issue licenses to child placing (adoption) agencies and that Indiana Department of Child Services may write some sort of explanation letters explaining the competence of the adoption agencies and type of work they can do. The license itself is very short and it does not really state what functions Children’s Bureau has, and the judge wants to make sure that Indiana Department of Child Services does not exceed its authority by explaining what Children’s Bureau can do. Try to get only relevant pages of the law, we won’t able to do translations on time if has many pages.
Concerning Nightlight Christian Adoptions …
The judge would like to see a confirmation that California based agency ( NL) may approve a family living in another State (state of Indiana, in your case).
or California based child placing agency may approve a home study done by an agency located in another state. In your case the judge would like to make sure that all commitments signed by NL in regard to you and Children’s Bureau were correct and legal.
we need a new commitment to provide post placement reports from you – the one you sent is good but you need to add a sentence to it – that you will give a possibility to Children’s Bureau to monitor the living conditions and upbringing of Anna (her full name).
we a need a new Embassy letter (with your full and correct names).
the judge requested to see Indiana Adoption Law. (we did prepare this, but apparently it was not presented to the Judge...no one else has had to do this, they only had to submit the relevant parts of the law)
I did not give the judge the copies of the law which were attached to the attorney’s explanation as I thought there were confusing with all details in it. So the judge asked for a “full” Indiana Adoption Law. I do not think we will have an ability to translate tens of pages of the law, so may be you can again provide these copies. The copies need to be certified by a notary. Also we may need copies of the law where the specific requirements for adoptive parents are outlined. For example, you need to be an Indiana resident, aged 18 or older, married for at least 1 year and etc… to be approved as prospective adoptive parent.
Also the judge asked for a US Federal Adoption Law. I am not sure that there’s one. May be we can give INS regulations? (there is no such thing, I did ask our California agency about this, if I need something else from the INS, I am going to lose my mind!)
Please note that if your names are mentioned in any new documents - they need to be full, as in the passports. (they say Katherine Friend or Katherine A Friend, not Katherine Ann Friend - are you freaking kidding me??? As if she doesn't know that is ME!)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Update
I have just a minute but want to post a quick update.
Documents were presented to the Judge today. The meeting was over 2 hours long. Both the new judge and the old judge were there. Old J. had a log to say about our documents...not we wait for 2-3 days until we get the legal statement. This is a legal document that will tell us what she is requesting in terms of additional information / documentation. The hope is that at that time, she will also call for Anya's documents to be prepared (that is a good sign, and that is a HUGE milestone when that happens)...so - keep praying!
More details later - need to run to church!
Documents were presented to the Judge today. The meeting was over 2 hours long. Both the new judge and the old judge were there. Old J. had a log to say about our documents...not we wait for 2-3 days until we get the legal statement. This is a legal document that will tell us what she is requesting in terms of additional information / documentation. The hope is that at that time, she will also call for Anya's documents to be prepared (that is a good sign, and that is a HUGE milestone when that happens)...so - keep praying!
More details later - need to run to church!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
I171-H HAS BEEN APPROVED!
I can't believe it. at 4:35 today, I got a note from the Chicago field office of the USCIS that simply said "Your I-171h was approved and forward to Russia."
I think they approved us just to shut me up. I don't really care - whatever the reason, it is DONE DONE!
Although the timing isn't what we needed, our hope is that our friends in Moscow at the Embassy are able to fax something to our coordinator in Irkutsk for the appointment today. I am sure a faxed copy of a current letter, with confirmation of the letter being sent is better than a copy of an old approval from 2007.
Thank you all SO MUCH for your prayers. I'm not sure what time our dossier is being presented to the Judge, but I am sure our friends (the Ninmann's) who are still in Irkutsk will hear news before we well...and I am more than confident that Debbie will email me when she knows ANYTHING.
Today is also the day the Ninmann's should be hearing if their son's Passport is in - this means they might be able to book flights home today! YAY!!!!
With that, the blog goes private tonight. Stay tuned for the last chapter of the story!
I think they approved us just to shut me up. I don't really care - whatever the reason, it is DONE DONE!
Although the timing isn't what we needed, our hope is that our friends in Moscow at the Embassy are able to fax something to our coordinator in Irkutsk for the appointment today. I am sure a faxed copy of a current letter, with confirmation of the letter being sent is better than a copy of an old approval from 2007.
Thank you all SO MUCH for your prayers. I'm not sure what time our dossier is being presented to the Judge, but I am sure our friends (the Ninmann's) who are still in Irkutsk will hear news before we well...and I am more than confident that Debbie will email me when she knows ANYTHING.
Today is also the day the Ninmann's should be hearing if their son's Passport is in - this means they might be able to book flights home today! YAY!!!!
With that, the blog goes private tonight. Stay tuned for the last chapter of the story!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Proof they don't know which way is up
Well, I have spent the morning on the phone and sending emails to everyone in their brother who might be able to help. The Embassy made a call to Chicago to "set them straight" this morning - this is great news!
Talked to Donnelly's (our Congressman) office - they are going to make an inquiry for us this a.m. This will be the second inquiry from a Congressman (the other came from Congressman Souder's office).
Then I got an email from the CIS (Citizen and Immigration Services) in Chicago that said "Your file will not be review with no the home study and as of this morning your home study has no arrive to this office." I am resisting commenting on the brutal hack job of the English language in this note...so I will just say ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
We've sent 3 complete original homestudies...before I go completely crazy, get in a car and drive to Chicago, I am waiting to hear from our homestudy agency with some details on when they sent the most current version on the HS. I've sent one to them 3 times (and have a signature as proof that it was delivered)...
Here is the kicker...here is what I got from the SAME PERSON 3 days ago, I'm NOT kidding:
The home study was received the last week of February was reviewed.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Are these Labor Pains?
We're still working with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services office in Chicago to get our I600A approved. I am seeing an amazing side of our government in action.
No phone number.
No one to talk to.
No fax number.
Only an email that is checked one time a day.
Today the USCIS came up with something else that needed to be included in our homestudy. The shocking thing, is that we submitted (almost identical) documents this time, as we did in 2005 for approval...and never had a problem in the past.
Today the USCIS came up with something else that needed to be included in our homestudy. The shocking thing, is that we submitted (almost identical) documents this time, as we did in 2005 for approval...and never had a problem in the past.
We're working with 2 Congressman's offices, the Embassy in Moscow, Catholic Charities, and both of our agencies to get this done.
We could use your prayers on this - it is a bureaucratic frustration to the n-th degree!
We need for the USCIS to approve our petition first thing in the morning on Friday (tomorrow) to allow enough time to get word to the Embassy in Moscow - so they can produce the letter we need to get to Irkutsk - the letter needs to be in Irkutsk before Wednesday (which is Tuesday, our time).
NO PRESSURE! ...but such is my life in the past few months. This is my every day - and people wonder why I am a little touchy, a little on edge, seem a little stressed. Mystery solved!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Cool or complete geek?
Today I talked to 3 different adoption agencies, 2 Congressman offices, emailed USCIS 3 times, faxed a note to the CIS, and communicated with the Embassy in Moscow. Does that make me the coolest kid on the block, or the geekiest?
I found out that yes, the competent employees at the Chicago USCIS are requiring us to complete the checklist for the Hague countries. Basically, when you adopt internationally, you need approval to do so from the USCIS. there are 2 forms - the one you use depends on which country you are adopting from. One is for Hague countries, and the other is for non-Hague countries.
Seems simple, right?
Well, Russia is not a Hague country. But the USCIS is making us adhere to the Hague country requirements. According to the agency the most-in-the know: "Most CIS offices are totally uninformed about the difference between Hague and non-Hague countries, and are wanting all h/s to be in the Hague format."
Nice.
What does this mean? Our social worker had to pull a rabbit out of a hat and redo our home study today. She worked with another person at another agency who is an expert in Hague country requirements...between the 2 of them, they figured it out and faxed it off to USCIS.
In the mean time, I am going to make some kind of formal complaint via our Congressman about this. We as tax payers, pay these people's salaries - we pay for them to know what they are doing! I shouldn't have to fight a battle to prove that Russia isn't a Hague country for cryin' out loud!
Our Congressman's office has been great. Our contact there called me today and said "Kathy, I've been thinking about this all last night and all day today, something about it doesn't sit right in my spirit. We need to stay involved until the end".
And yes, I still do have hair...however I have picked off all of my nice fingernails.
I found out that yes, the competent employees at the Chicago USCIS are requiring us to complete the checklist for the Hague countries. Basically, when you adopt internationally, you need approval to do so from the USCIS. there are 2 forms - the one you use depends on which country you are adopting from. One is for Hague countries, and the other is for non-Hague countries.
Seems simple, right?
Well, Russia is not a Hague country. But the USCIS is making us adhere to the Hague country requirements. According to the agency the most-in-the know: "Most CIS offices are totally uninformed about the difference between Hague and non-Hague countries, and are wanting all h/s to be in the Hague format."
Nice.
What does this mean? Our social worker had to pull a rabbit out of a hat and redo our home study today. She worked with another person at another agency who is an expert in Hague country requirements...between the 2 of them, they figured it out and faxed it off to USCIS.
In the mean time, I am going to make some kind of formal complaint via our Congressman about this. We as tax payers, pay these people's salaries - we pay for them to know what they are doing! I shouldn't have to fight a battle to prove that Russia isn't a Hague country for cryin' out loud!
Our Congressman's office has been great. Our contact there called me today and said "Kathy, I've been thinking about this all last night and all day today, something about it doesn't sit right in my spirit. We need to stay involved until the end".
And yes, I still do have hair...however I have picked off all of my nice fingernails.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
it's always something, isn't it?
I am not kidding, I just get done worrying about one thing, then something else pops up!
Now, it's the INS approval from the USCIS...
We've been approved for the past 4+ years. The approval expired, so we had to completely redo the whole thing. We resubmitted everything that is required - and they ask for more. We supplied that - I asked to day what the status was, and here is what I got:
"The home study received the last week of February was reviewed. A Request for Evidence has been issued due to missing elements on the home study. Please patiently await the Request for Evidence Form in the mail."
So I replied back with:
"Thank you for the reply. We are in a serious time crunch as our documents will do to the Judge in Russia on March 11th (which is the 10th our time). Is it possible for you to please tell me what is missing or what you need clarification on? We don't have the luxury to wait on the mail. Without this approval, the Embassy will not be able to issue a mandatory letter for our file. Without that letter, we will not be able to obtain a court date. What can be done?"
I got this:
"call your agency"
So, I did - and they have not received anything from the USCIS.
Nice.
So I call our Congressman's office. Nice lady tells me that 'something doesn't sound right', and she suggests I call this "adoption expert" in Ft. Wayne at Catholic Charities. So I did. Had to leave a message, and haven't heard back.
Are you KIDDING ME?!
I talked to our social worker - she is floored, and has no idea what in the world they might want. She thinks maybe they think it is necessary for us to apply for an I800 (which you need in some countries, but not in Russia), or maybe they think we need another form (that you need if you are in Illinois, but Indiana residents do not need this).
And of course, there is no phone number where you can call these job-lovers at the Chicago USCIS. The only way to contact them is via email - and they only respond to email one time a day.
Need second bottle of Maalox! Please send other antacids!
Now, it's the INS approval from the USCIS...
We've been approved for the past 4+ years. The approval expired, so we had to completely redo the whole thing. We resubmitted everything that is required - and they ask for more. We supplied that - I asked to day what the status was, and here is what I got:
"The home study received the last week of February was reviewed. A Request for Evidence has been issued due to missing elements on the home study. Please patiently await the Request for Evidence Form in the mail."
So I replied back with:
"Thank you for the reply. We are in a serious time crunch as our documents will do to the Judge in Russia on March 11th (which is the 10th our time). Is it possible for you to please tell me what is missing or what you need clarification on? We don't have the luxury to wait on the mail. Without this approval, the Embassy will not be able to issue a mandatory letter for our file. Without that letter, we will not be able to obtain a court date. What can be done?"
I got this:
"call your agency"
So, I did - and they have not received anything from the USCIS.
Nice.
So I call our Congressman's office. Nice lady tells me that 'something doesn't sound right', and she suggests I call this "adoption expert" in Ft. Wayne at Catholic Charities. So I did. Had to leave a message, and haven't heard back.
Are you KIDDING ME?!
I talked to our social worker - she is floored, and has no idea what in the world they might want. She thinks maybe they think it is necessary for us to apply for an I800 (which you need in some countries, but not in Russia), or maybe they think we need another form (that you need if you are in Illinois, but Indiana residents do not need this).
And of course, there is no phone number where you can call these job-lovers at the Chicago USCIS. The only way to contact them is via email - and they only respond to email one time a day.
Need second bottle of Maalox! Please send other antacids!
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