We were slugging on with our wait when suddenly something incredible happened. On Friday September 27 we got an email with updates and photos of our son. Our agent stated that we might get EP approval within 3-6 weeks. Like all things in adoption it’s slightly discouraging yet optimistic at the same time.
Twenty minutes later I’m doing the morning routine of breakfast and taking care of the dog. My husband yells something indecipherable from upstairs. I walk upstairs and inform him of what I thought I heard. But then he pulls up another email. Our agent replied minutes later stating that she missed a fax that Eastern sent saying that we had EP Approval since September 26. I literally held onto my hubby in disbelief and was sobbing with delight.
Anyone involved with adoption knows the ups and downs. There is only a vague timeline and guesstimates as to what will happen next. Even though it’s Korea there are still disappointments and disruptions. Additionally, if a family needs to submit extra paperwork, they could be moved into the next group of placements. That will take even longer since there was recently an immigration office closure in Seoul. I just feel so grateful that we got EP Approval and a court date should be coming soon.
Outsiders can only comment on the lengthiness of this process, but they have no idea what we’ve been through. We are actually moving along relatively fast for international adoption. I’m focusing on all the positives. We were matched with an adorable healthy baby. We get to travel to South Korea and experience the amazing culture. We are already happy and are fortunate to have so much in our lives. Being able to live this experience is just another blessing from God. It will be hard when our baby arrives, but we are enjoying the extraordinary rush of emotions in the present moment. We are preparing for more to come.
Adopting After Infertility 