Lucky Number 13

I have always thought 13 was a lucky number for me. Today I became convinced. I got a phone call today. Not THE CALL, but still a great call. Margie left a voicemail, letting me know she was sending a referral release waiver. She asked the facilitator if this meant my referral was definite. GT told her yes, it is a go. I actually got the email before I got the voice mail. Here is the email:

Hi Kelli,

I have good news for you. GT has asked me to send you our referral release waiver is preparation for your pending referral! As to when to expect it- I still don’t know that yet- I think next week would be the earliest.

Please sign the attached referral release waiver and fax it ASAP to the office so you are all set should your referral come in!

Margie

Here is the letter that came with this waiver:

Dear Prospective Adoptive Parents,

Congratulations on your pending official referral. We are excited to be able to refer you a child. At this time in the Vietnam adoption world there is much competition for referrals and much stress and disappointment to the many families that have had dossiers logged in at the DIA for quite some time that may or may not receive referrals from their agency. Taking this into consideration we deem it necessary to require our prospective parents receiving pending referrals, to agree to keep any communication or exchange of information about their referral off of the internet until after the international adoption has been completed and parents and adopted child have returned to the United States. You may of course share your good news with your immediate family and close friends via telephone or other communication (marked private and confidential). We ask for your cooperation with this as we wish to ensure the safety of your referral.

Please sign the attached waiver, granting your consent to comply with this restriction.

I can’t believe this is happening. It is so surreal. I started shaking, felt a little disbelief. I printed off the waiver and ran down to the office at school to fax it. Of course the first time I sent it I sent it upside down so it went through blank! I had to have Nancy, our director of guidance help me! I then went and called my mom and dad. I then called a few other people, swearing them to secrecy as this waiver says I can’t share any referral information until I am back home with my son in the United States. My son. My son. I can’t believe how real this is starting to feel. This may be the first weekend in at least 6 months that isn’t filled with dread. I am feeling excitement. The same excitement I felt when I decided to adopt. This journey has been filled with so many ups and downs. Finally, I am on the way up again! Oh my goodness, I am going to be a MOM!!!