We received a notice from our adoption agency today that everyone in our group received their Travel Approval. Everyone that is, except us. Apparently we are the only ones in our group who had to reapply under the new system (since some of our paperwork expired while we were moving back to the U.S. in 2007). This new system still has some "bugs" in it. Obviously we are bummed about this. However we are not distraught.
First, we do know that everything we have applied for has come through, and in a rather timely fashion. However, our paperwork is still at the U.S. Consulate in China. Once it is approved there, it goes to the CCAA. That usually takes 3-4 weeks to get our TA. So, unless a major miracle occurs in the next 7 days, we probably won't travel until October. And that still may be a long shot, depending on how long it sits in both places.
More importantly, we see God's hand in this. We don't know why we didn't get our TA today, but we know from previous past experiences dealing with overseas paperwork, God has this all under control. He has something He wants us to see and learn. And so, despite our eagerness to get our TA, our plane tickets, and our daughter Kate, we will trust in God's sovereignty in this process.
Pray for a miracle for the paperwork if we are to travel in September, and patience if we are to travel later.
Good luck for a speedier TA. I will be praying for you. I remember the wait for ours and it was NOT fun.
Posted by: Jill | August 22, 2009 at 11:23 PM