Lost a dear friend today

We just received a letter today from the adoption agency that we used for both Nora and Trent. They, Harrah's Adoption International Mission, are closing down. Unfortunately there have been fewer US adoptions of Chinese children because of increased international regulations and the wait has increased to over three years. Of course the international economic downturn has not helped matters either. Even though they were a smaller agency (maybe because they were) we were extremely happy with the way they helped us. Yes, it was their job, but we never felt like customers. We felt like friends. Perhaps this is because it was started by a couple who adopted three daughters from China themselves. It feels like we are loosing a good friend.

We are extremely grateful now that we decided to switch to a waiting child last year and adopt Trent. It was at about our two year mark in the process. With an average three year waiting time, if we would have stuck with a standard adoption we would be eagerly awaiting a referal just about now. I can't imagine parents who are in that situation right now. Please remember them in your prayers. Fortunately current clients of Harrah's will be transferred to another agency and keep their place in line. Still though there will probably be lots of paperwork and might be a small delay. We still have a one year post-placement social worker visit for Trent and will have to do a little work with the new agency. It is a little easier knowing that he is already part of our family.

Trent is doing well, but still not quite yet walking. He does ok with us holding onto both his hands. We are trying to get him to walk with only one hand holding. On the visit this week, his doctor indicated that his upper legs were still somewhat weak as Trent was walking too stiff legged yet. We need to work on those muscles. Also, still no talking but he seems more noisy. I think it is just of matter of having that breakthrough momment. One of these days he will just decide to walk and talk.