I am not sure how short I can make this, but I'll try ;). CARA is the organization that oversees adoptions in India. I have posted about them in the past, talking about how they were revamping the system and how, because of that, they weren't processing new applications until January. That was part of our paperwork delay. They did start taking them again like they said, and I was SO hopeful that meant our adoption could move through quickly. Wrong. We are STILL waiting on our NOC (no objection certificate) and can't even go to court to make her ours until we get it. Even once we get to court, that process could still take 3 to 6 months, then there is the wait for her passport, which is a whole 'nother story. Some passports have been taking over 3 months to come in. Sigh.
So what is the hold up this time? I'm not completely sure, but we think it has to do with a database they are working on. The plan is for them to get all the available kiddos (or maybe those with special needs, I can't remember) up and going on this site/database that would be used to help match families. This sounds great, but unfortunately, for us, it's not. There is a good chance that children, like Ramya, that have already been matched and have pre-approved families will go up on the site as well. WACAP is watching the site very, very closely so that they can get kids taken down that already have matches. They aren't sure if CARA will comply, but they want to try their best. In the meantime, they are processing NOC's verrrrrrrrrrrrrry slowly, all while not using time appropriately by listing kids that already have matches (insert a picture of me banging my head against the wall right here). I know they are trying to do their best to help all of the children that need families, but for those of us matched and waiting, it just seems... wrong.
I called Jessica, our adoption coordinator at WACAP, and talked with her about the situation. She's hopeful that we will have an answer by the end of June, but has no grounds for that guess; it's just a guess. The end of June is still 3 weeks away, though, and feels like an eternity!! I did ask her if she thought there was a chance they would deny our NOC and she said she didn't think that would happen. Based on our ages, number of kiddos, experience, etc..., she feels we fall right into exactly what India wants to see from families. She did say, however, that a family that was preapproved, like ours, and had their NOC denied and now they are trying to fight it, which is delaying their adoption. Please pray that doesn't happen to us!
Right now I'm not sure what to hope for, but I am praying we have our little girl home by Christmas. I am trying to have a good attitude about all of this, and I'm not doing so great. Every time I walk in the closet and see all of those adorable little dresses sitting there that I bought for her to wear, it just makes me sad. I want to see her home, wearing them. I want to hold her and kiss her and love on her. At a very minimum, I want her to know we are here waiting and longing for her. I do understand, though, that this time to her feels very differently than it does to us. I also understand God has a purpose in all of this. I know that one day I will look back and this will all make sense. I just hope that day comes soon :).
So what can you do? Pray. Pray that God will protect her physically, psychologically, emotionally, etc... while she is in the orphanage and for her health. Pray that we can bring her home by Christmas and that we receive our NOC quickly, with no glitches. Pray for strength and peace for us as we wait. So, basically, PRAY! I know God is listening!
Thank you for walking our journey with us, and for always being there for us. We are so thankful for our "village".
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
AHHHHH! Your posts drive me crazy just reading what you guys are going through. Here is a nice, loving family for a little girl who has special needs and wants her NOW and they're holding it up because of a website?! Argh. I think about your family a lot, and you're certainly in my prayers for a speedy arrival of your new daughter.
ReplyDeleteHi, We have been waiting on NOC for a quite awhile also, after being being matched with a beautiful little girl which was approved & accepted by our government CARA denied our NOC. We are currently hoping to get that decision changed.
ReplyDeleteWe are very upset & worried, so know how you feel.
I pray your daughter comes to you soon, I truly know how hard it is, hang in there!