Adoption roller coaster

Again I "knew" this would be a roller coaster, but things are so different once you experience them yourself. We went to our agency again today thinking we just needed to have one document notarized, ended up needing three done. Don't care at this point, just want to write the check to get us closer to Caleb. We also made the decision to take our documents up to Sacramento, "buying" us about a week of time and the peace of mind of delivering it and bringing it back yourself. Even if you overnight them they could sit on a desk below others for several days. So Rod and Austin will go and have a nice father/son day in the car. Naomi and I will continue to bake for our bake sale.
It was good to talk to our social worker some more. We should be logged in to China within 6-8 weeks and will get matched as soon as that happens. The person in charge of the China program with our agency is very anxious to match us as we are the only family requesting a boy right now.
Here is a poem that really spoke to me the other day. I certainly don't want to/can't compare myself to those who have gone through infertility, but this is a new journey for us. The poem is from the book "Toddler Adoption: The Weaver's Craft". The poem is called "Song of the Waiting Mother" by Christine Futia
I'm pregnant, but my tummy isn't growing,
And no one ever calls me "Little Mom."
The public simply isn't overflowing
With questions that I'd handle with aplomb.

There are no special clothes to mark my waiting.
Nobody stops and smiles as I pass by.
The absence of a due-date is frustrating
And looking at the nursery makes me cry.

When I'm overdue no one will worry.
The phone won't ring and ring as friends check in.
I can't induce my labor in a hurry,
My new life as a parent to begin.

Adoption is a worrisome endeavor,
And waiting all alone is not much fun.
To be "with child" a year seems like forever.
Dear God, we're ready! Please send us our son!

Delays and Disappointments

I "knew" delays and disappoints were all just part of this adoption process. But it is hard when you actually have to go through it. It was so exciting to get our fingerprints done "early". WE thought for sure we would have our immigration approval letter before we went on our trip to Sacramento, but then July 5th was a holiday. The letter came (of course) 2 hours after we left. Come to find out our social worker had gotten sick for a couple days and was delayed in sending out the info. that they had forgotten in the first place. I guess I need to pray for her health!
Its hard when I work so hard to do everything right and get everything done, and then to have delays. But I know that God is constantly trying to remind me that He is in control and His time is perfect.
I took our paperwork in today thinking it could be Fedexed today but then one more thing has to be notarized, so now we have to go back in on Wed., another delay. It was feeling like we were so close and now it feels a little far again. I was also thinking/hoping we would get matched by Aug., but the social worker said today before Thanksgiving and not to expect to travel until after the new year. :( Disappointment. But again God is the author of all this, He is above paperwork and time and everything in between.
I finished the book "Silent Tears" last week. Eye-opening and heart-wrenching, but glad I read it. I am praying Ps. 71 for Caleb today.