Spring Update

When we last posted in November, the CCAA was referring families whose log-in dates were mid-Devember 2005. They have continued to "match" only one week of log-in dates each month, so in the past four months we have crept all the way (!) to matching families with log-ins of mid- January 2006. Our log-in date is March 14, 2006 -- about 55 days still ahead of us. (So, at 8 days referred per month, that's about another 7 months of waiting from now.) For the time being, our dossier continues to sit here, waiting its turn (see pictures). Those are shots of the CCAA's "matching room"!

Sentiment continues to build that the Olympics are behind this slow pace and that, once August is over, things will return to normal (more like 15-30 days of log-in dates referred per month, probably closer to 12-15). Basically, on any given day in Guangzhou or perhaps Beijing, there can be 100-200 families leaving with their new daughters (and sometimes sons). China would really rather not have reporters pick up on that and shift the focus to international adoption during their Olympic "coming out party."

To quote a Spanish expert:

"To put the situation into perspective, we have attempted to shed a little light on this dark situation by speaking with people that are linked to the world of international adoption, primarily in China. From the tone of what they have said, we are convinced that this great decrease in the number of referrals is completely related to and is because of the imminent celebration of the Olympic Games in Beijing. Sources we consulted have assured us that once the Olympic Games are over, the assignment process will speed up significantly, while always taking into account the high number of applications registered with the CCAA and the decrease of the children available for international adoption."

Good news: Our agency's Travel Group 51 should be "referred" next month, then we continue to hope hope hope for ours sometime between October and December this year! Tyler is working hard on his "like-a-bike" skills now that spring is finally here. Will post a picture of him riding his trainer bike soon!

Sarah and Marc