Expect the unexpected

That is the mantra of all pre-adoptive parents and their agencies, and once again, it has proven true. Aqtobe has sprung a new process on us -- the second major change in as many weeks. The net of it is everyone will be making at least two trips with a very long gap in between. Here is how it will work as we know it today:

-- Selection and 15 day bonding period, then return to US (approx 3 weeks with travel time)
-- Two weeks after the bonding period has ended, paperwork will be submitted for court processing
-- Within 1 to 3 weeks after that, the FIRST hearing will take place with the judge. The local coordinator will represent the prospective parents at the hearing.
-- Return to Kaz 30 days after the first hearing for Court
-- Standard 15 day appeal period
-- 2-3 weeks in Aqtobe and Almaty to process paperwork to bring child home

There is now a TWO MONTH period between bonding and court. And that isn't all. PAP's now have to have an HIV and syphilis blood test taken in Kaz on the first trip (bringing my own needles). And the local department of education is now required to witness at least part of the bonding sessions.

Yes, this really sucks. I'm incredibly disappointed and sad -- potentially 4 months between when I meet my son and when I can finally bring him home. I've been waiting for a younger child so I wouldn't miss some of the "baby" times and developmental firsts. Even if I'm fortunate enough to be shown a younger healthy child, add four months. Two of which I won't be with him. And all this additional time before court and the new requirement for a first hearing? Anything could happen. It is terrifying.

My heart really goes out to Frank and Regina right now, who arrived in Aqtobe 2 weeks ago, have met and fallen madly in love with their beautiful boy, Milo, only to have these new requirements dropped on them midstream. I, at least, have the advantage of advance notice. (Quick note for those following the Ruopoli's blog: when they first arrived they were told the process had changed to implement a 30-day wait for court, but they would leave Kaz after bonding with a court date. The first hearing and the other requirements were added within the last 4 days.)

Everyone says anything can change at any time. We are at the mercy of the Kaz government. I can't begin to fathom the reasoning behind this and I've decided there is very little point in even trying to figure it out. Just have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.