A Glimmer of Hope

Since my travel meeting on November 17th, I've accepted the fact that I won't travel until January to adopt Libby Doodle Doo. Since then, I told folks at work that I'll be around throughout December. I confirmed travel plans with my family (who is watching Little Zo Peep when I travel) and with my sister who is accompanying me -- so they could schedule their holidays.

Then on Wednesday people with some other agencies started posting information that they have received their permissions to travel to China (TA's) much faster than expected and will probably have their travel move forward by a few weeks.

Dare I hope? Dare I dream?

Another family with my agency confirmed that our agency applied for our travel authorizations about a week later than the agencies that have just received a reply back from China.

If China processes my agency's requests as quickly as they did the other agencies, we may have TA's as soon as next Wednesday. If that happens, it may be possible to have all 25 agency families travel in December (current plan was -- at best -- 1/2 the families would travel in December; my half will travel in January).

Dare I hope? Dare I dream?

I'm trying to reach the agency today to see if my thinking is even possible. Perhaps, there are extenuating circumstances that will make December travel impossible for my agency. Until I find out for sure, I'm guarding my heart that I may still have a chance to hold my Libby Doodle Doo by year's end.

Dare I hope? Dare I dream?

(Update -- agency is closed until Monday - so no word until then. People from other agencies are posting that they confirmed their consulate appts today & that they will travel on Dec 6th (they received their referral 1 day before I did. My current projected travel is a month later - around Jan. 6th. I am simultaneously happy for them and sad for me. I'm having a little pity party today)