LID

China adoption is full of initials. We actually live by them...

What exactly do they all mean?

Let's see...

LOI - Letter of intent. When doing a special needs adoption, a family must write a letter to the Chinese government indicating their desire to adopt a certain child and how they intend to raise this child.
Our LOI was dated 12-29-06

PA- Pre - approval - This is the letter families get back from the government stating they have been accepted to adopt this certain child. Our PA was dated 2-15-07

DTC - Dossier to China - After all of the paperwork is completed, of which I won't bore you with the details, the dossier is sent to China. This is a date that is very important in the Chinese adoption. We have a DTC date of March 6th.

LID - Oh the coveted Log in Date. The date the Chinese put your paperwork into their system. The date from which you can start counting down to travel...usually families will know about their LID within a week to 10 days. It has been a very long 62 days since we were DTC and still no LID. VERY UNUSUAL! It has been very difficult also.

LOA - After much anticipation the Letter of Acceptance comes from China. This is a letter sent that asks "Are you sure this is the child you are wanting?" Usually comes about 100-120 days from LID.

TA - Travel Approval - This is the final word from China telling you when you can come to China. It is usually about 2-3 weeks before travel.

So the question is - WHEN WILL WE TRAVEL? Who knows, only God does!!! But I wish He would let us in on the secret. :)