Last night our agency director called to inform us of some changes in our travel options to Congo for the adoption. She prefaced the conversation reminding me how they informed us in the beginning that things ALWAYS change with adoptions. One month it could be this and then the next month it's completely different. Those who know me, know I do not like change. It sort of freaks me out! Luckily though, these changes were good changes!
We now have three travel options to go get our little guy. The first one is to just stay home and have him escorted back to the United States. Honestly, one's first, selfish thought would be of course. Save us a little money since Trevor gets paid by the hour so we would lose 2 weeks worth of pay if we traveled there. Plus the thought of traveling 16 hours with a little one is quiet scary. But then one comes to their senses and realizes that it would be a complete disservice to us and our baby. We truly want to be able to go see the country he was born in and spent a few years in. We want to experience his culture that will be a part of who he is for the rest of his life. So we knew option 1 was not for us.
Option 2. This is the option that discouraged us from adopting from Ethiopia (well and the rumor that adoptions had been reduced by 90% as of March). As soon as we got our referral (a picture of our little guy and us saying yes he's OURS), we would travel to Congo and begin the adoption paperwork. We would stay 4-5 days and bond and love and play with him. We would then leave him there and fly back home. There is a mandatory 40 day waiting period and then about 2-3 weeks of paperwork wait time. So about 2-3 months after leaving Kohen, we would then either A. travel back to get him (only 1 parent has to go this time but Trevor said as if he would send me on my own to Congo) or B. have him escorted back to the United States. This is a little more expensive believe it or not. The pros of this is once we touch US soil, he will automatically be a U.S. citizen.
Option 3. Stick to the original plans. Accept the referral and wait about 3-4 months for paperwork to go through. Once we receive our court date, we would then travel to Congo and spend about 2 weeks there. On day 2 we would be able to bring Kohen to the hotel and be his parents! We would never have to leave him after holding and loving on him! It's also looking like we will more than likely be traveling during the summer time. It works out great because Trevor's mom is off during the summer and can help whenever and where ever we need her. My mom can help anytime as well. The pros: Only pack and travel, as well as tell our kiddos goodbye just once. The downside is once we returned to the United States, we would have to re-adopt him with a local attorney, spend an additional $1500 and fill out loads more paperwork.
We are truly confused. We spent time last night praying. We ask that you pray too. We need clarity and wisdom to make the right decision...for our family and for our plus 1!!
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