Week before rumours?

Only one rumour last week, and none so far... We've been through this cycle so often (30 some times already), but the anticipation is still something to contend with!

Nope, Nope, it's 8 Days, Not 10!

Children's Bridge tells us we have had 8 days of referrals, not 10. To January 20th 2006 LIDs. Sounds worse than it is: January 21 and 22 were on a weekend, so very few LIDs on those 2 days. I figure we'll see about 5 days of referrals next month, so that is in keeping with what I'd expected in the mid-term

To make this news better, I thought I'd add a photo of Vanessah, our beloved and very affectionate feline, sitting under the mouse ("rat") Joanne gave us to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Poor cat (just wait 'til you have to live with a kid pulling your tail!)

We got another email from the Bridge yesterday. Neat to hear from them, after so few 'personal' contacts. Guess that means we're getting closer... Here it is (with my two cents in CAPS):

Sent: 10-Jun-2008 12:23 PMTo: Lebeau, Sue

Subject: Referrals Update

Hi Richard and Suzanne, (YEAH, THEY CALL ME SUZANNE, BUT DON'T YOU DARE TRY IT!!! UGH!)

The CCAA just updated their website to say that they have matched up to and including January 20, 2006 which is great news! I know all families are wondering when they will receive a referral. As Group 255 has 20 days in between your LID and the last matching date (22 days for our families in other provinces), I think it is safer to estimate a referral in September, and travel in November. A referral in August is still a possibility for the Ontario families, but it is unlikely that the CCAA can match 20 days in two months.

I would like to remind families that even if you have completed the Sponsorship Application for Immigration, you can still apply for the new Citizenship route. The Citizenship Route is easier for families as it eliminates the need to apply for Permanent Residence once you are home. Once you receive a referral it is too late to apply for Citizenship, so if this is something you want to do please do it now and forward us your new numbers. I can provide the link to access the CIC website and paperwork. (WE'VE DONE THIS, ADDING TO OUR PILE OF PAPERWORK AND RUNNING AROUND). As always, if your family circumstances have changed please advise us now. This would include an illness, pregnancy, separation, changed address or phone numbers, concurrent adoption or if you have given birth while waiting. If you have applied to adopt domestically or through CAS you may want to withdraw your application, as you do not want to be proposed two children at the same time.

I think this is all for now. I would like to thank our Ontario families for your timely completion of the Homestudy Updates (MORE PAPERWORK AND HOOPS SUCCESSFULLY VANQUISHED). We have new approvals or pending approvals for every family! If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, Jenna Ryan Children's Bridge

And there you have it, hot off the press! Cheers!

Referrals!

Looks like referrals for LIDs from January 13th to 22nd 2006 are in! 10 days worth - yay! Still on track for a September referral, barring unforeseen circumstances (ha!). If everything continues as it has, I think we'll narrowly miss an August referral. But who really knows, right?!

Had a blast camping with Josee and Tracey and their gangs. The kids all seemed to have fun, and all are sure cute! Got lots of useful info from Tracey and Keewadin with regards to travelling to China, as they've supported some friends through this, and definitely did their homework. Blackflies galore though! We'll have to make sure we bring our screen tent next summer, when we hopefully will have our own little one to protect.

All in all, an exciting week of anticipation and relaxation (maybe too much so, as had too much time to think and anxiously await our referral). It's so hard waiting!

Here's to a great summer, one we really should appreciate, as after all, we won't be the masters of our time for many summers from here on in!