dossier update II - b.e. packet

We are officially in the 'waiting' stage. It feels more like the 'black hole' stage sometimes. Stages - some compare it to trimesters - but I prefer not to because adoption and giving birth are different processes. I really like this adoption process - black hole and all. I do wish that something exciting would happen right now though. During the 'paperchase' of preparing our dossier, getting the mail could even turn out to be an exciting event as you hoped to get one of your 'important documents' from some government agency. We do have one more 'important' package to get in the mail - so interest in the mail remains good. We are waiting for "The Brown Envelope". I love that - no cool name for this package - just the plain brown envelope. . . but it is a very important plain brown envelope!
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The Brown Envelope (B.E.) Packet or Consular Packet

The American Consulate in Guangzhou issues the “Brown Envelope Packet” to adoptive families after they have received your visa 37. The visa 37 is your case information; it is sent by your Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS) office and it notifies the Consulate of your pre-approval to adopt from China.

The Brown Envelope Packet is sent to families once the American Consulate in Guangzhou receives your case information from your CIS office. If you have changed your address, or if your local CIS office neglected to send your case information to the American Consulate in Guangzhou, you will not receive a B.E. Packet. If you have not received the Brown Envelope Packet approximately eight months after receiving your I-171H we can email the American Consulate to request confirmation of receipt of your case information. Some families receive their Brown Envelope Packet within months of receiving their I-171H while others wait much longer for this information.

If you have not yet received the Brown Envelope Packet you can view or download the forms contained in the packet by using the links provided below:
1. Form I-600 (Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative)
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/I-600.pdf
2. Form I-604 (Request for and Report on Overseas Orphan Investigation), the overseas orphan investigation form is not available on a website, but it is included in the consular packet we send to adoptive parents; a PDF version is also available on request.
3. DS-230 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration)
http://foia.state.gov/forms/Visa/ds0230.pdf
4. DS-2053 (Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant)
http://foia.state.gov/forms/Visa/ds2053.pdf;
DS-3024 (Chest X-Ray and Classification Worksheet),
http://www.ait.org.tw/en/visa/iv/docs/DS3024.pdf
DS-3026 (Medical History and Physical Examination Worksheet)
http://www.ait.org.tw/en/visa/iv/docs/DS3026.pdf
DS-3025 (Vaccination Documentation Worksheet)
http://www.ait.org.tw/en/visa/iv/docs/DS3025.pdf
CDC appointed clinics have them all.
5. Medical Examination Instructions For Orphans Adopted by American Citizens
6. Requirements for Immigrant Visa Application Photos
7. Affidavit Concerning Exemption From Immigrant Vaccination Requirements For A Foreign
Adopted Child
8. Welcome letter to Adoptive families
9. Map of U.S. Consular Section Location and Surrounding Area

**If you have received your packet, feel free to open it up and check things out. DO NOT complete these forms at this time. These documents are to be completed at your Consulate appointment in Guangzhou, China.

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Congratulations to Han Xiaopeng today:
Han Xiaopeng became the first Chinese man to win a gold medal at any Winter Olympics, becoming the youngest aerials king in Games history at 22 to produce the most magical moment in freestyle skiing.