Sooo...
I was getting concerned as my tracking number isn't showing up in the Fed Ex system yet and I had expected my dossier to be in country by now. So I checked with CAFAC who said it actually goes to Alberta Children's Services first
Turns out this is an Alberta process. Not sure if all other provinces have an additional step, but Manitoba doesn't (thanks to Ramona for helping me understand that).
So, HERE, when your dossier leaves CAFAC for Ethiopia, ACS will process it AND THEN send it out (possibly in a package with other dossiers) via Fed Ex to Africa. And apparently it can take 2 weeks to 2 MONTHS to be sent out (depending on their backlog)!!!!
Imagine my surprise and dismay at this little nugget of information. Here I was thinking the darn thing would be in Africa by now....
Per CAFAC: "First it is sent to Alberta Children's Services to be processed. They then forward the original documentation on to the country. The tracking # you are issued is the number that that package will get sent in.
"Each province is different and has their own regulations and standards to meet. However, please be assured that this has no bearing or affect on the status of your file. Your information is known by our representative in Ethiopia and they are likely looking forward to receiving your file."
So, I wait some more.
BUT I am STILL OFFICIALLY WAITING, YA'LL!!
Despite this unfortunate bit of news, I am increasingly optimistic about an early referral.
My gut is telling me I will be getting my referral in around 8 months or less (instead of the currently estimated 10-14mths) and picking Myfanwy up and bringing her back home with me by October 2008-ish (instead of December 2008-ish). I've had that feeling for a long time and (believe it or not) events have occurred to reinforce that belief.
I am confident enough to blog about my optimism. Call it Manifestation, if you wish. I do.
So, despite a bit of pissy news, I'm feelin' good. I hope you are too.
selam
