China Program :: Waiting For Your Referral

Mother Nature has a keen sense; she understands that to successfully enter parenthood we need time to prepare for what lies ahead.  No matter how we become parents, there comes a point in time when parents experience the feeling that they no longer have control. It is a reality we must face, it is the first of many lessons we learn. Your will discover that neither you nor New Life have any control over the wait time between your dossier being logged in and you receiving your referral. This block of time is just exactly the same as parents having no control over the development of the child in the womb. Again, it is a phenomenon all parents face and ultimately move through!

As a waiting parent you will be excited and nervous all at the same time. Knowing that the greatest event in your life is about to happen, but not knowing when it will is truly unnerving. There are helpful things you can do to ease the waiting period, some are:

• Most important be and think positive! Yes, that sounds a bit understated and naïve – but time and time again we have heard parents say that was the very best and most effective cure for the waiting jitters.
• Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings about waiting and adventure ahead.
• Read parenting books and magazines, go to the library and bookstores to look at recent children books (or some favorites from your childhood).
• Most parent share that enrolling in a regular exercise class was a terrific stress reliever.
  * Join a parenting group or book group that gets together often.
• Do a few household projects that have been left undone, to give you a sense of accomplishment.
• Pick up a new hobby or take an adult enrichment class.
• Take a vacation or get away for a few escape weekends.
• Come up with inexpensive ways to indulge yourself (soaking in the tub Saturday mornings, going out to the movies mid-week, etc), knowing that when your baby is home those activities will be less frequent.
• Keep your life on an even routine, try not to make any major life changes.
• Surround yourself with family, good friends and others who are sensitive to your feelings and who can offer you affirming, positive support.

Before too long the wait is over!

You will receive a call from New Life, and we will let you know your referral has arrived! Together we will talk about all that must happen in the upcoming weeks. It is an awesome call to make, for you it will be the most extraordinary call of a life-time!

What is a referral?
Your referral is a picture(s) and medical information about the child CCAA has selected for you – your child. You will receive more medical information if your child is older. For example, if the child is 12 months old or older, there typically will be at least medical reports provided in the original Chinese format. No worry, New Life will also give you a translated version of the medical information.

You may take this medical information to your family doctor, if you would like to discuss your child’s medical background. After you receive your referral you must sign a letter that states you accept the child. Your signed letter will be returned to CCAA, reviewed and you will receive an official letter from CCAA, through New Life, inviting you to come to China to be united with your child.

Before too long you will be flying half way around the world to meet the child you have waited for in your heart.