Paper Chasing/Trail

During the adoption research phase, we looked into domestic and international adoption. International adoption fit our family needs and so we began to gather information on the steps we would need to take in order to adopt. We knew friends who were adopting their daughter from China through CCAI, an agency based in Colorado. CCAI is founded by Joshua Zhong and his wife Lily Nie. We liked everything we heard about the agency. CCAI has a website located at http://www.chinesechildren.org/Default.htm. I can't count how many times we have read and explored the information on their site. I have only good things to say about CCAI and recommend them with the highest regard.

We made the call that would change our lives in 2003 and CCAI sent us an application packet which we sent back to them on November 7. The adoption process through CCAI has approximately 6 decisive factors: (1) submitting the application, (2) compiling the dossier documents, (3) waiting for the match, (4) waiting for travel arrangements, (5) traveling to China (6) and post placement/adoption validation. Each factor has its own set of sub-levels which must be accomplished before progressing to the next phase. Paper work is one reason why the process takes so very long. First we have to compile the legal documents (dossier), get them notarized, certified, and authenticated; then the documents are reviewed by CCAI and eventually sent to the CCAA in China. It is then reviewed by the CCAA who makes the final decision. We sent our dossier to CCAI November 1, 2004. It was sent to the CCAA in China on December 20, 2004, and the CCAA gave us a LID (log in date) of December 24, 2004. It is the LID date that is important to every Chinese adoption. Once we had our LID then the real wait began. It takes approximately 6 to 8 months to get the referral/match (our daughter’s photo and medical information). That’s where we are at tonight as I write: We expect the referral any day now. I know the whole process sounds daunting; but CCAI walks you through every step of the process, and the end result is our beautiful daughter who is waiting for her mommy, daddy and brother to come get her and bring her home.