Each time we move forward, it seems the next steps are two back.

With our adoption decree in hand (figuratively speaking),
I decided it was time for an update from Mr. Attorney.

Knowing that the next phase involved authentication and legalization of the decree
before entering MOI and attaining our son's passport,
I inquired about our status.
Are we ready to enter MOI?
Are we waiting on authentication of the decree with submission to the National Archives?

We recently heard of two families who passed through MOI and had passports in hand
in 3-4 weeks.
I felt compelled to share this information with him.

He informed me that we are in the midst of the legalization process,
and in his words,
our work will then be done.

Excuse me, WHA...????
Yeah, I don't think so.

Our original contract,
which I have in writing (thank you),
is for delivery of passport.

I know it;
He knows it.
There is no doubt in my mind.

The passport apparently costs $400-600 US . . .
hmmmm, is this why he has forgotten?
Perhaps the large fee we paid up front,
which was originally 1/2 of the total for adopting 2 children
but turned into the total when 1 adoption was not possible,
is gone.

So the reality of what comes after passport is now upon me.

How do I manage this road independently, with no representation?

Thank goodness for Facebook.
It is reassuring to hear from others who have walked this path,
independently, with success.

After the passport is issued and is in hand,
all paperwork is submitted to USCIS in PAP,
where it is reviewed (1-3 weeks?) and final I-600 approval is granted.
Then, we wait for notice of a visa appointment (2-4 weeks after approval).
Dimitry must have a visa medical exam from an embassy physician ($??)
and then we travel to attain the visa ($230) and the IBESR exit letter.

Am I going to need to travel more than one more time to do these steps myself?
Will Sister be able to submit the dossier with passport and get his medical exam?

Should I be planning another garage sale?
Maybe I should look into overtime . . .

I cannot wait to bring my boy home.
I will be so happy to be done with this attorney-client relationship,
official forms and documents,
travel documents and visas . . .

This roller coaster ride has been tiring.
I certainly can appreciate the difference between an agency led,
developed country's adoption procedures
as opposed to what we have experienced.
It is so sad that there are so many orphans in need of families to love on them
in the more difficult countries to navigate.

God must have some wonderful plans for these children
for Satan to work so hard to keep them where they are.