Bring on 2013...Bring on a Travel Call

So I was rereading my post from last New Year's Eve and we sure have come a long way from pulling together a first care package for a child we didn't even have yet. I do recall it was a therapeutic step to finally go out shopping as well as prepare our pictures and such for accepting a referral. And then the wait continued...funny to read how at that time I thought we'd have a referral by March. Surprise! Who knew you'd be waiting until May to receive your son's picture. What a great day that was indeed and soooooo worth the wait, agony, and frustration. 

Though there is still a chunk of waiting to be done in 2013, I'm sure to also include more agony and frustration, it almost seems more bearable to know that we are at least entering into the same calendar year that we will be traveling to bring our little guy home.  I know there is no magic switch that will be flipped on January 1 or that things will ever get any faster than last year's slow as molasses timelines, but I just have to keep repeating to myself...

http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-fly-to-seoul-2013

During the last 7 months, which is part of the 2nd of a 3 part wait, I have thoroughly enjoyed writing letters to Benjamin's Foster Mother and little notes to him to stuff in our care packages.  These packages along with monthly updates from his agency are a big contributor to my sanity during this wait for travel. Many of you ask me why we must wait to pick him up and then proceed to say how awful it is that the kiddos must wait to be united with their families and do they not understand the importance of a child's development at this age. Well I totally agree and mirror your sentiments, but it is what it is and when governments are involved there is no telling what will and can happen (look at Russia closing down Jan 1....horrible they are not honoring referrals that are in process!). 

I am just thankful at this point that the Korean program is still running, and look forward to them figuring out this whole new family court step that must be built into what seems the never ending process. The light at the end of this tunnel is that Benjamin will be in our arms in 2013 and this will all be ancient history!

The first picture we ever saw of our sweet little boy
will forever be burned on my brain.