And the wait goes on

I'm still new to blogging. I still don't really understand how it works, to be honest (though I certainly read my share of blogs) and still feel shy and precarious as I adjust to this new world.

For instance, can I put a paragraph break here? We shall see.

We've now passed our expected two-year wait by two weeks. To put that in context, we started the process three years ago. When we finished the paperwork and home study and an extra three months required of us by the home study social worker, our dossier went to Ethiopia in December 2008. We were expecting a nine month wait. That number swiftly climbed to one year and then, when we hit the one year mark, was pushed out another year.

So here we are. Still waiting. I couldn't say this is the most painful thing I've had to endure in my life. My father died young and I've been diagnosed with some scary health stuff...the same thing anyone of my age has likely endure. But this adoption is certainly up there.

The social worker has no expectation for when we might receive the call. We have to be near the top of the list. Our agency is referring people (matching with children) those who have been waiting since December 2008. But still we wait.

Due to changes in the program, the wait for our first court date is also protracted, now six months, down from about three months. We will travel to Ethiopia and appear before the court, who ideally will say the child is now legally ours. Then we wait a few months (or more) for an embassy appointment.

I don't think I can do this anymore, frankly. It's been three years like this. Meanwhile, Alvin turned five in November. He was two when we started this process. I don't think I can do this anymore.