MFA, MOE, Oh Where Can We Be?

We got an update from our agency today. We have been wondering what was going on since our dossier went to Kazakhstan at the first of January. Our agency let us know today that our file is at the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). This is the first of three stages that our file will travel through. After it comes out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it will go to the MOE (Ministry of Education). The final stage is that it goes back to the MFA for final approval. I know what everyone is thinking (because I am thinking it to) what happens to the file at these places? I can not honestly say that I know. All that I know is that are file is moving and we are getting closer to becoming a family of four (five if you count Greta, the cat).

We will be getting updates every two weeks from here out. We will keep you posted.

-Cynthia-

Thoughts From The Big Sis!

I am very excited about being a big sister! At the same time I wonder what he/she will look like, or what their personality might be. When my friends ask me about the adoption I tell them where we are going (Karaganda,Kazakhstan).Unfortunately, I can't tell them the exact day and time (I wish I could),but what I can tell them is that we are hoping to leave around March or April.I am looking forward to being a big sis!!


-Madalyn-

Questions Answered

A couple of days ago, I received a message from a new friend that is in the process of adopting from Kazakhstan also.  She said in her message,"We need to know the Wright's story". So....I will try to answer some of those questions.

1.) Are you requesting a boy or a girl ? What age ?

We would really love to adopt a boy. Based on what we have been told and read, there are more boys available to adopt than girls....but when it comes down to it, we would be just as thrilled to come home with a beautiful little girl. As for his/her age, we are hoping to adopt a child six months old to two years old. Now... that being said, if the child we adopt has a brother or a sister we refuse to split them up. We have been approved for two children.

2.) How did you come to Kazakhstan with so many other countries out there ?

About a year and a half ago when we first began exploring adoption possibilities, we were really leaning towards adopting from Guatemala. We have some dear friends that were in the process of adopting from Guatemala during that time. This was right about the time when  all of the uncertainty with Guatemalan adoptions began. Adoptions from that country came to a screeching halt. We were afraid that if we went forward adopting from there we might end up losing our money, never getting our child home and ending up broken hearted as a result. At that point we decided to explore other countries. It so happened that Cynthia works with a lady who had very recently adopted from Karaganda, Kazakhstan. We became very interested when we learned of her experience and how well the orphan children of that country are cared for.  In March of 2008 we traveled to Wilmington, North Carolina and attended an adoption seminar given by our agency. When we came home from this trip we prayed and sought guidance in our decision. As a result we felt led to adopt from Kazakhstan and to go with this agency. It was at this point we  made a personal commitment begin the process. 

We hope this tells a little more of the Wright's story. If any of you have any questions to ask us please feel free to ask :-)

We also want to suggest checking out the Gobble family's adoption blog.  We have recently met them on Facebook and we are both at about the same point in our journeys.

http://gobblefamilyadoption.blogspot.com

-Brian & Cynthia-

Inflation Hits Karaganda !

Yesterday we received a letter from our agency. When I got it out of the mailbox, I was so excited! I was thinking and hoping this was some real news.... perhaps our "Letter Of Invitation". I thought this was awfully fast ! I rushed into the house to open it.... this is what I found....

It seems that inflation has made it to Karaganda. The letter stated that there has been an inflation increase of 15% in the Karaganda region. It also gave the extra dollar amount that we will need to carry with us while in country to cover expenses. 

Oh well, at least it is news. Maybe the next thing we hear will be something like our dossier has made some sort of progress.

-Brian-