Well, it's kinda like an extended vacation...

Things seem to have slowed down a bit in Nepal with adoptions for now (see below post). It's kinda like if in the US we had weeks of parties on end, and were too busy celebrating our prosperity, happiness and faith to work. Things would probably slow down. But alas, we don't... unless somehow I've just been too busy working to notice said extended celebration.
So, we wait. Maybe our little one is being born during this celebration? Who knows! Could happen.
Namaste.

I'm in!

Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in Nepal, celebrated by all. Dashain falls in late September to mid-October, after the monsoon season. It is 15 days long and ends on the day of the full moon. There is feasting, fasting, rituals and rejoicing. Dashain goes by many different names (Dasara, Bada Dashain, Vijaya Dashain, Durga Puja) all of which mean the same thing: a day of victory of the Gods over the wicked demons.

Thousands animal sacrifices take place to honor the Goddess Durga who is worshipped as the divine mother Goddess. (Before you judge - remember that most of us eat meat nearly every day, and it has to get to our plates somehow...) Apparently homes are thoroughly cleaned and beautifully decorated as an invitation to the mother Goddess so that she might visit and bless the home with good fortune.

There are many more details and rituals around Dashain, but I do not want to write too much as I haven't experienced Dashain myself, so I feel ill-equipped. (My limited information comes from reading and talking with people who have been....)

I can tell you that I adore nothing more than a really clean house. I’m all about honoring the mother Goddess. I also quite like meat, and local and fresh is best. I'd love to have 15 days off work to celebrate spirituality. So, as far as I'm concerned, Darshain is just my type of festival. Count me in.

Namaste

It was just a matter of time...

It sounds like about 180 files have been matched, pairing adoptive parents with orphans - and the notices (referrals) are on the way out to the families around the world. We're hearing news of many families who are recieving these referrals, and they are of course just thrilled to pieces. We're also hearing news from the families who are actually in Nepal meeting their children - and it is absolutely heartwarming! While there was a brief slowdown in matching over the summer, it appears things are moving for the time being. It's so fun to witness everyone's joy over learning about their children.

What does this mean for us? We don't know. We're really happy with our agency, although they are very cautious on giving us much information until it is 100% certain(probably for very good reason). So, we don't know anything about our personal situation in terms of timing. (I think the question of "when" is something no one can answer at this point...) It is what it is. Things will likely slow down again for the festival season coming up in Nepal - more on that next time. We'll continue to wait, our time will come.

In the meantime - we celebrate the families who are meeting their children! What a beautiful thing.

Namaste

PS - I've decided not to take the blog down for now.

To blog...or not to blog?

Prospective adoptive parents have been warned many times that the Nepalese officals are viewing all of the adoption blogs. I got (even more) confirmation this week when one of the parents who is actually in Nepal actually saw their blog on a computer screen when they walked into one of the ministry offices.

We are so excited to adopt from Nepal, and have nothing but the utmost respect for the Nepalese people, culture and religions. And, I love writing posts and investigating things about Nepal for writing posts. But will something I say be interpreted incorrectly? Could my musings be used against us?

So - to blog, or not to blog?

Namaste

8 / 8 on 9 / 9

Today, on 9/9 , it's been 8 months and 8 days since we officially started the adoption process. Just thought that was kinda fun. Yes, maybe a stretch for a blog post. Give me a day or two, I'll come up with something more creative to write about!

Namaste.

Two Fewer Orphans...

We've been reading the blogs of two families who are in Nepal and who have met, and are in the process of bringing their children home!

I check their blogs eagerly a few times a day to hear how their travels are going, learn how they're getting along with their new children, and to see any photos they have posted. I'm borderline obsessed.

While we have NO idea when we'll finally travel - and still suspect it will be quite a while - it's heart-warming to read these stories and see the pictures. Somehow it makes it all seem more real to us. These children are absolutely beautiful. And I hope they all find families, very soon.

Namaste.

Dhanybhad!

The Himalayan Times is reporting that a Minster of Women and Children has been appointed. (This has not been confirmed or communicated by our agency.) It's my understanding that the Minister of Women and Children is the position that approvals the matches which pair orphans with prospective adoptive families. This is great news, as it could mean that the adoption process, which has slowed over the last few months, could speed up again!

This, on top of the news that the first prospective adoptive parents are traveling to Nepal this week, makes for a great week of happenings for those of us who are adopting from Nepal. Some of the families are likely already in Nepal - or just about to arrive. God Speed!

Namaste.