When we left the military I thought we would no longer be peppering our conversation with acronyms. Terms like TDY, PCS, BX, BAH etc were not longer part of our daily speech.
But the adoption world, we found, has it's own set of acronyms. Each country is a little bit different, but for China there are several important ones.
PA: Preapproval. This is when China gives the initial ok to let you adopt the child. You can send them a package at this point and post pictures of their sweet faces. Very exciting!
DTC: Date to China. This is the date that your paperwork goes to China.
LID: Log in Date. This is the date that China logs your paperwork into their system. (As an interesting side note, our LID for Moriah was August 28, 2006. In case you're counting, that was just over five years ago. If we had not switched over to the SN (special needs) side, we would still be waiting for a referral of a child. Can you imagine??? So glad we switched.)
LOA: Letter of Acceptance. This indicates that your paper work has been reviewed in China and the next steps of the process are underway.
CA: consulate appointment. This is the date that you will appear with your child in Guanzhou at the consulate to swear that you have told the truth in all of your documents. Travel dates are determined by this all important date.
TA: travel approval!! This means that you can buy your tickets and make your plans because you're GOING TO CHINA!
We heard from our agency today that we should be DTC tomorrow! Indeed, our dossier is complete, reviewed and almost on its way! Next up LID, LOA, CA, TA...perhaps a few more in there that I forgot, but that's the highlights. Getting just a little closer every day.
I sent a package to each boy this week. We put a few toys, a shirt, a little stuffed animal and some candy and pictures of us in there for each boy. We also had our Chinese-speaking friend from the Chinese restaurant translate a letter from us for each of them. A couple of days after I mailed the boxes, one was returned to us because I failed to sign the customs form. I took it back to the post-office with customs form signed and it is now on its way. The postage is more expensive than the contents of the box, but the love that we put inside is priceless. So I hope they get them soon and know that we are coming as soon as we can.
God has been so faithful to us through this process. He gives grace for each day. We are so thankful.
But the adoption world, we found, has it's own set of acronyms. Each country is a little bit different, but for China there are several important ones.
PA: Preapproval. This is when China gives the initial ok to let you adopt the child. You can send them a package at this point and post pictures of their sweet faces. Very exciting!
DTC: Date to China. This is the date that your paperwork goes to China.
LID: Log in Date. This is the date that China logs your paperwork into their system. (As an interesting side note, our LID for Moriah was August 28, 2006. In case you're counting, that was just over five years ago. If we had not switched over to the SN (special needs) side, we would still be waiting for a referral of a child. Can you imagine??? So glad we switched.)
LOA: Letter of Acceptance. This indicates that your paper work has been reviewed in China and the next steps of the process are underway.
CA: consulate appointment. This is the date that you will appear with your child in Guanzhou at the consulate to swear that you have told the truth in all of your documents. Travel dates are determined by this all important date.
TA: travel approval!! This means that you can buy your tickets and make your plans because you're GOING TO CHINA!
We heard from our agency today that we should be DTC tomorrow! Indeed, our dossier is complete, reviewed and almost on its way! Next up LID, LOA, CA, TA...perhaps a few more in there that I forgot, but that's the highlights. Getting just a little closer every day.
I sent a package to each boy this week. We put a few toys, a shirt, a little stuffed animal and some candy and pictures of us in there for each boy. We also had our Chinese-speaking friend from the Chinese restaurant translate a letter from us for each of them. A couple of days after I mailed the boxes, one was returned to us because I failed to sign the customs form. I took it back to the post-office with customs form signed and it is now on its way. The postage is more expensive than the contents of the box, but the love that we put inside is priceless. So I hope they get them soon and know that we are coming as soon as we can.
God has been so faithful to us through this process. He gives grace for each day. We are so thankful.
Hi Amy! I jus stopped by to catch up more fully with all your news. I got goosebumps several times reading the amazing ways that God orchetrated your decisiomnmaking to adopt these two litle guys, and the fact that there is a familial not far from you with one of their friends already home! How cool is that?? Where is Swallows' Nest? We are very close together in the process..we were DTC last week. How very cool would it be if we could travel at the same time?? which agency do you use? We are with CCAI. Isabel is in Luoyang. We are working on our homesetudy update since we've moved...hoping it doesn't make immigration approval take forever... So excited for you! I am happy to share any and al of our VEPTR knowledge and experiences with you...it has definitely been a learning curve (no pun intended!). We are so grateful for the excellent care and amazing knowledge and skill that has all been brought to bear for our Lilly. Simply amazing. I look forward to following your journey as ours unfolds as well!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that you sent a package! You re ring ,it is what's inside that counts and the fact that these boys will know that their forever family is doiong everything they can to get them HOME!
ReplyDeleteI can SO relate to the acronyms!! :) I'll never forget that when Nick first was attending WEst Point, he mailed me the "Army Desk Reference of Abbreviations" I used it frequently to decipher his letters. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm SO happy and excited for you and your boys that are coming soon!