[kateydid]

Any news is welcome.

[jhlane4]

We were told today that Viet Nam is scheduled to open next week. This information came directly from a "reliable source", that is a offical in Viet Nam. Our agency is proceeding with things as if it really will open up! We can hope!!!! Hope this helps.

[jedatu]

I always feel like the bad guy and that I am the official board "party pooper".

It is very unlikely that Vietnam will "open" next week. It is entirely possible that VN will respond to the latest draft of the protocol and it is possible it could be signed next week(I wouldn't hold my breath). Once VN and the US sign an agreement, agencies will have to be licensed which most agencies aniticipate taking at least 2 months. Rumor is that not all agencies will be licensed.

I just hate to see people getting excited and then let down. Don't count on anything until you hear something official from DOS. You can call the DOS and get updates and they can explain where we stand with VN.

I have been waiting since January 2003. I hope by fall we will all have good news. I can't count how many time in the last 17 months I have heard "a reliable source in VN said next week(or next month etc.)".

Keri

[Carter's mom]

I feel like a party pooper too, and hope I am wrong.
But I would be shocked if Vietnam reopened this week.

I spoke with the chief US negotiator on the Vietnam adoption protocol issue about 1 1/2 weeks ago. They hadn't recieved an official response from Vietnam yet. BAsed on past timelines they were expecting a response in May. In the meeting in March Vietnam gave assurances that they would respond in writing with specifics outlined. The US was trying to decide what their next step would be.

Now I suppose it is entirely possible that the GOV has sent their response and that an agreement is reached but then schedules would need to be coordinated for the official signing. Once that is done then agencies can apply to be licensed. They also need to set up offices in Vietnam. As Jedatu said Vietnam has a timeline of no more than two months to license these agencies. Then things can get rolling. However the DOS has also said that the other countries who have now restarted adoptions with Vietnam are complaining about unresolved issues with the new MOJ adoption department, and that things need to be straightened out there too.

I feel after rereading this message that I should sign it Eeyore but I am just trying to relate what I know...
Sorry its not more positive.

Perhaps jhlane you can give us more specifics about your source and the reasons they are saying it will reopen. I too have heard more than my share of rumors from reliable sources since entering into the Vietnam adoption world in Jan of 2002. If I had believed them I wouldn't have come home with our son in Sept. '02

[jhlane4]

Our so called "reliable source" was supposedly an offical in VN. Thats what our agency said anyway.
But obviously wasn't so reliable huh?? I guess we just wanted to believe it so badly.
How do you handle the ups and downs of this thing?

[Carter's mom]

Hey jhlane4,
I really wish I was wrong and that your source was right. I know what it is like to really want to believe it.
My husband and I were talking about the adoption of our son and the waiting to adopt our second. At the time it didn't feel like it but this wait makes his adoption seem like a cake walk. No matter what, every adoption is a rollercoaster. There are ups and down throughout the process. We set ourselves a deadline for when we would stop waiting and adopt from another country. See if you can do that and try to move on with that deadline in the back of your head. If nothing else you and your husband will get to know each other and yourselves better than ever.

Sorry that the week came and went without a resolution. Who is your agency by the way?
Good luck,

[jhlane4]

Thank you for your kind words, it's nice to know we are not alone.
We are working with Loving Adoptions Worldwide. Do you know anything about them? We were told we had to go through them if we want this particular child. Is that right? Thanks again!

[Carter's mom]

Hi again,
I have heard of this agency...we need to talk. I will pm you