Sunday, October 25, 2009

You might be adopting from China if ...

  1. you know that I-600 & I 171 aren't highways ...
  2. you've been expecting a baby for over 3 years ...
  3. you understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world ...
  4. you've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S. ...
  5. you know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Macy's or dishes ...
  6. your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4) ...
  7. you never know how many days next month will have ...
  8. you know that babies come in batches ...
  9. you've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime ...
  10. you look twice when you see a lady bug ...
  11. you're more interested in what will happen in April 2006 than April 2010 ...
  12. you know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 5 day months ...
  13. your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years ...
  14. you know who the Rumor Queen is ... AND ... you don't know who she is ...
  15. you know that forecast don't have anything to do with the weather ...
  16. you've waited so long, they re-checked your fingerprints to see if they changed ...
  17. when you speak of "that time of month: you're talking about CCAA updates and referrals ...

18. You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all you heart. I found the above "you might" list on the following 3 blogs... not sure if any are the author: http://www.journeytogracie.blogspot.com/ http://www.findinglilygrace.blogspot.com/ and http://www.youaremyflower.blogspot.com/ Based on what I have read or learned in classes here is my list of you might be anticipating travel to china for adoption if...

  1. you try not imagine the season you will travel
  2. you are hoping for exit row seating but not expecting it
  3. you expect to be stared at
  4. you expect scary traffic, pollution and squatty potties
  5. you expect chairs not tall enough for you (or 6'6" spouse) to sit straight legged
  6. you expect to be tired but will need to remember not to drink the water
  7. you plan on packing hallway appropriate sleepwear
  8. you anticipate making friends with travelmates experiencing same/similar milestone
  9. you anticipate exploring one of the wonders of the world even though this is not a tour trip
  10. you appreciate your type A tendencies are greatly diminshed
  11. after 3 long years, you now believe packing light for the trip over may not only be possible but preferable
  12. you hope to visit your childs orphanage and her finding spot but not banking on either
  13. you know you really need to kick up your exercise routine NOW
  14. you pray your baby and travel group babies will sail through the medical check
  15. you try not to engage in "magical thinking" re: referrals ... but
  16. you know the red stamp is all powerful

2 comments:

Kim said...

Wow... found two China adoption blogs in one day. Here is a list from us (we adopted from China about 8 years ago...)

1. if you buy three sizes of baby clothes, just in case.
2. you pack your suitcase, then change it when the seasons change.. in China
3. you work out on a stairmaster obsessively so you don't pass out on "The Wall"
4. you watch "Big Bird in CHina" as a means to learn a new language
5. You cry when watching the above movie as you dream and wait and hope and wait and dream...
6. You notice ANYTHING with ladybugs on it.
7. You wear a red thread bracelet... with a ladybug bead on it.
8. you talk incessantly about all things China, travel and adoption related
9. your current reading list includeds at least 4 books about/from China
10. your friends all begin to understand the adoption process, numbers, codes, etc.

I'll be praying. I remember our own journey. Blessings, Kim
p.s. found your link on Kara's blog.. she's a friend from church.

Donna said...

I read this and laughed. Then I cried. It's funny but painfully sad all at the same time.

.....sigh. I hope with all my heart that this comically insane "pregnancy" finally ends and all my friend bring their baby home asap!

Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!