Russian Word of the Day

  • present = padarak

Saturday, March 21, 2009

A note to PAPs

(Part 2)
Those of us caught up in the wild world of international adoption know that PAP stands for Perspective Adoptive Parents. Although I am almost able to shed that first unwanted "P," I have been a PAP for over a year now. In that time I have scowered hundreds of adoption blogs. They have ranged from the sappy angels-and-puppy sort to downright raucus narratives of people far cooler that I could ever hope to be. One thing was the same, however, in every blog I purused... the feeling of being an outsider, some sort of strange voyar peeping into the windows of other people's lives. I was desperate for images of the streets I might walk down, the shops I might see, and of course the children that might be mine, so I looked... but I never felt welcomed.
So for my adoption journey, I want all of those PAPs lurking in the wings to know that they are very welcome here. Perhaps I am being presumptuious in thinking that anyone might be checking in on us, but if you are out there... I'm glad you've stopped by. My story will be yours, someday. I have checked and double checked my apostilles. I have wished that strangers would ask me how many children I have. I have searched the internet for answers to questions that can't be answered (like: where is my baby!). In short, I have been where you are. I get it.
So, if you are out there, feel free to join in. If you have questions that I might be able to answer, leave a comment. I promise I will write back. If you are heading to Kokshetau any time soon and need more specifics (that's you, Karen in Andover, Maine), leave me your e-mail address and I'll get in touch with you off the public loop.
Somehow, I found my way to the other side of the world and to the baby that has already captured a piece of my heart. If you are hoping to get here someday too, let me know. I'd love to hear your story.
Paka,
Becca

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, Have enjoyed following your blog so much. I am a grandparent that will be travelling (hopefully soon) to that area with our daughter, husband and small son. So we have been very anxious to get every little 'piece' of information we can find to prepare for this long anticipated journey to find this little grandbaby that has tugged at my heart for so long. Your little guy is absolutely so handsome! I'm thinking he is going to be a 'real charmer'! I am so happy for you! Hope the weather is warming up some so you can enjoy being out more as a family. Will continue to follow your posts as you go through the whole looooooong process!
A Grandma from Nebraska

Karen said...

Hi Becca,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out to me. You certainly know how I'm feeling. If you have time, it would be very helpful to connect with you outside the blog. I appreciate it!

Thanks so much!
Karen
kbrown@mobilesoftware.com

Channing said...

Bec,

You're neat.

Love,
Chan

The Gobble's (Lanetta) said...

what a great post... and a great idea... most people feel that way... it's a weird feeling isn't it....
I would love to connect with you.. I just found your blog tonight... but, I also read LOTS and have had to make myself stop on several occasions... (it's becomes overwhelming...) but, I had to post a comment when I read this... Great post.. and your baby is adorable!!! so sweet...
A PAP from OK...
Lanetta
gobblefamilyadoption.blogspot.com
lanettagobble@yahoo.com

NE Grandma said...

Hi, Your blog is really making me anxious to get to the BH and meet our new grandchild! I'm the Grandma from Nebraska that left a comment on March 22. Wondering if, perhaps, the grandma that is traveling with you would be interested in answering some question? If so, please e-mail me at gcdexter@nctc.net. Hope all continues to go well for you.
NE Grandma