ARE WE THERE YET?

HOW MUCH LONGER?
I've included a list of all the steps we must complete to bring Kalvis home, along with a list of what we have already accomplished. It is featured in the right hand margin. We are 2 weeks 2 days into our I600, which is rumored to take 4-8 weeks. The steps after the I600 should take about a month, I'm guessing. So 2-6 weeks for I600 and a month after that for travel call (?)
Everyone has been asking and that's about the best answer I can muster.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TRAVEL CALL?
We should have an idea it's coming, provided we are alerted to when Kalvis' Visa has been issued. Once we are informed of the Visa, we will expect the travel call ANY day. It could be the same day we find out about the Visa. It could be a week later (can you say torture?).
When that much anticipated Travel Call comes, we can book our flights a minimum of 3 days later. We'll immediately inform our agency of our travel plans, and in 24 hours we will have our itinerary. This itinerary will include the date and time we will meet our son (ooh, I just got butterflies and teary eyes typing this). We will arrive at the agency and Kalvis' foster mother will bring him to the agency. We will finally meet. Kalvis will go home with his foster mother. A few days later we will meet again. This time Kalvis will leave with us. We will most likely be in Korea for 5 days.
So no, we aren't there yet. So close and yet still so far!

LETTERS TO KALVIS

I remember when our daughter was in the NICU. People came from out of nowhere to support us. Of course friends and family were there for us, but then word began to spread. Suddenly we were hearing from people we hadn't heard from in YEARS! Some friends, some complete strangers. This one told that one, who told someone else and suddenly prayer chains spread across the country. I believe my mom's Chinese friend even told his family in China. It was heartwarming, and awe inspiring. My sister's class cheered with every gained ounce. Everyone cheered with her homecoming.
Here we are almost 4 years later. Friends, family, acquaintances, strangers.... all supporting us again. Cheering us on. Praying for us. Waiting with us to celebrate another homecoming. We are blessed beyond words. The wait is bearable when you know you aren't waiting alone.

I received an e-mail from a childhood friend. She found a poem and thought of our family.

KISSES IN THE WIND (The Waiting Child's Lullabye)

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

--- © Pamela Durkota, written for Josh

IT'S TOMORROW IN KOREA

It's been awhile.... We've been busy. We've had vacation and I've also been busy as my photography jobs are picking up.
Upon returning home we received our son's Emmigration Permit, and his legals which FINALLY allow us to submit our I600... Translation: We're still working on bringing Kalvis home, but at least we are a few steps closer. Our I600 will take 4-8 weeks. The I600 is our BIG step. There will be a few small steps after the I600, but basically he'll be coming home somewhat soon. So September? October? It's anyone's guess, but we're hoping September.
My sister's friend (Hi Linette, if you are reading), is an adult adoptee from our agency. She recently traveled to Korea and was able to visit the agency. Sadly, she was unable to meet our son, though she tried. Had she met him, she planned to call us while holding him in her arms (it breaks my heart yet again, as I type this missed opportunity). She was able to meet other babies though. She sent me pictures and I was able to forward some along to waiting families I have recognized through our message boards. She sent me other pictures. Pictures of the agency and baby bottles lined up, babies hanging out in their bumbos, and being held. It's weird what comforts a mommy who is waiting half a world away from their son... is that what his bottle looks like? Was he once in this room? As the homecoming gets closer, the wait gets harder.
It gives me hope to say tomorrow we are one day closer. And it's already tomorrow in Korea....