Olympics Rumors
I’m getting all sorts of rumors about how things are going to work around the Olympics. Everything from “last referrals will be in March or April, then will stop until after the Olympics” to “TA’s won’t be given after May”, to “the only countries affected will be those with their exit procedures in Beijing or Shanghai”.
Just to be clear, I’ve still got all of these rumors at an R2. I don’t believe anyone knows anything for sure yet. The rumor that I guess I believe the most right now is the one that says the CCAA is still having meetings about how things are going to work and nothing has been decided for sure yet.
December 17th, 2007 at 8:55 am
The Olympics will surely have an effect on IA … I’ll say it again : 2008 will be a veeery long year for us late 2006 LIDers …
Ray.
December 17th, 2007 at 9:09 am
I’m afraid to say this, but I think 2008 is also going to be a very long year for us February 2006ers. We have literally no idea when we will receive a referral. I’m not complaining as we are getting closer each month, but the predictability factor at this point is all over the place. It will be interesting (and heart wrenching) too see how all this pans out.
December 17th, 2007 at 9:30 am
Just when you settle in for a long……… long haul, the dynamics may alter yet again, AND, the wait will grow yet even longer.
Boy did all of our fates change the moment they handed China the ‘08 Olymipics……… so many, many lives.
I’m pretty sure that it’s safe to think that with a 3/28/06 lid, our wait will be a minimum of another 16 months, at least, and that’s not factoring a standstill after May ‘08.
But, then again, it could drastically speed up after the Olympics…….. when do they end???? Aug. ‘08 to infinity, it feels like…….
Shelley
December 17th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Our agency said at the last meeting in November that only countries that have the embassy’s in Bejing will have delays or slow down, US should not be affected.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:07 am
Please….SURE your agency told you the Olympics would not have an effect on adoptions. (and the wait for a referral was under a year…yeah right) You can’t seriously believe that the Olympics are not going to slow down adoptions?! Do you really think that China will allow the world to watch as many children are adopted? This year will be a nightmare for all of us waiting and my heart breaks for the children who will wait and wait and wait….
December 17th, 2007 at 10:36 am
But since China does not refer according to countries, but LIDs, then it is my guess that we will ALL be affected (effected?). Anyway, how can they hault the referrals of people in another country, who have the same LIDs as those in the US?
December 17th, 2007 at 10:41 am
BUT, since China does not refer according to country, but according to LIDs, then I think we will all be affected (effected?). Anyway, why would they stop certain countries and go on with the others, then it would really mess up the LIDs.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:52 am
I don’t know what to say or think anymore about this long, long, LONG process. I knew quite a while ago that we (obviously) wouldn’t get our referral in 2008. That’s a no-brainer. Now factoring in the unknown of the Olympics makes it even harder to guesstimate when we’ll be getting a referral.
IF this rumour comes to fruition, then, dare I say it 2010 or 2011 might be ‘optimistic’. Isn’t that a lovely thought?
December 17th, 2007 at 10:59 am
I would think that if the Olympics was going to have an effect only on families from countries with exit procedures in Beijing or Shanghai, then they would likely give referrals to all families and only travel approvals for those from countries that do not have to have families travel to Beijing or Shanghai. With a late January 2006 LID, I really hope that the Olympics does not put a stand still on referrals and/or travel. We’ve all already waited for a long time and having an uncertain time break of months with no referrals or travel would be very disheartening for all.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:06 am
our agency sent us a letter and they wrote:
the CCAA told them that the Olympics will not affect the procedure. But it is not possible to travel during that time. they also wrote they asked their contactperson in Beijing to inform them about the meeting they were planning to have. The contact stated there will be no meeting anymore this year and there no news about they way the CCAA will wordk during the summer off 2008.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:08 am
asiswait ….I agree…I doubt referrals will be affected, but TAs lare likely to be delayed at least during the peak period of when the Olympics are held. I hate to say it, but I think TAs might be delayed for EVERYONE..because even though your embassy maybe outside of Beijing, airflights within the country are likely to be booked up…think of all the people who will travel within China just before and just after the Olympics…all those international visitors + domestic flights..tourism all over China is likely to be at an all time high…just my opinion..I sincerely hope that TAs will not be delayed..but I suspect they will.
December 17th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Come on now… it seems like absolutely everything affects (negatively) the China program, and now we are to believe something as HUGE as the Olympics won’t?!
I’d bet it will affect Everything: referrals, TA, LID …
December 17th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
well being in Canada, with our embassy in Beijing both our facilitator and agency said matching would continue for Canadians, but expect longer TA since they won’t have extra travel/space etc to finalize adoptions in Beijing, so it could add a month or 2 to TA’s around that time. So for what that is worth :(
December 17th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I tend to think that even if the CCAA stays the course through the Olympics there will be delays in travel, voluntarily, both by families and agencies, due to increases in travel costs. I think agencies that make the travel arrangements may choose to delay travel to make it more affordable for the group. As much as we all want to bring home our children ASAP, if travels costs skyrocket, there will be some hard choices to make. I personally believe (and this is just an opinion, not based on anything really) that travel costs WILL greatly increase before and during the Olympics, and at a minimum, it will affect whether or not we can afford to bring our other children along on the trip. I hope I am wrong because I would love to bring them.
December 17th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
My agency said that the only thing that will be impacted is travel. There will be no travel for a few months - a bit before and a bit after the olympics.
December 17th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
I know that at this point I am wishfully thinking, but I wonder what the chances are of the CCAA issuing out more referrals at this point to balance out the likely closure of the CCAA for around 4 months. I’m assuming that they would keep their IA numbers the same as last year (which was about 1,000 less than the previous year). I just don’t know how much more of this I can take!
LID 2/17/06
December 17th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
mcwannab~ your agency saying that “the only thing that will be impacted is travel” and then adding on that there will be NO travel for 2 mos is HUGE. Not to say that you are, or your agency is, making light of the impact of no travel for 2 mos –but can you imagine the gridlock for consulate appointments when they do start issueing TAs again after two months of no travel? Sounds like a nightmare to me and with a 2/06 lid, I think its a nightmare I’m going to find myself right in the middle of.
But then, maybe I’ll get “lucky” and referrals will continue at 1 week of lids per mo, if so, we won’t have to worry about it because we won’t get our referral until 9/08 (making it 31 mos for a 2/13/06 lid) and won’t be traveling until thanksgiving.
Today’s one of those I-feel-like-crying-but-it-won’t-do-any-good-so-whatever days.
December 17th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
what sort of effect has the olympics had in other countries as far as either adoptions or goverment work hours?
December 17th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
I think this is all speculation, and the rumor mill if flying!!!
I’m going shoppping and living my life!!
Happy Holidays!
December 17th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
ladeeesquire — with the number of referrals already down, it would seem to me that a two month back log for consulate appointments would be bringing them back to a former level. If they did that many before, they can do it again.
Hmmm. Think that could mark the start of a speed up post Olympics?
December 17th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
The consulate issue does not concern me. CCAA stopped everything for about 6 weeks during the SARS crisis. We went through that, and they picked right back up again. Also, blondiesmom makes a good point. With referrals down as much as they are right now, I doubt the back log will be an issue.
December 17th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I am hoping that the Olympics won’t hurt us much. I am just praying to only have to wait 2 years and not 3 like they are telling us. I will just keep myself busy and try to remain calm.
Kym LID 11-23-2007
December 17th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Would it be possible that the only reason we WAIT is for the Olympics to be over and done with in China? That is our straw of HOPE. However, I think it is weak… Common sense whispers to me that there are just too many dossiers in line right now.
I truly believe that there are just as many children who are waiting and waiting…..as most of us will continue to wait.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Ladeeesquire ~ I wasn’t trying to say that no travel for two months was a minor thing…. I just meant that only travel and not referrels will be impacted, according to my agency. I didn’t mean to emphasize the “ONLY” part, just that it would be that part. Any way you slice it, this is just added insult to injury for all of us waiting.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
asiwait:
Yes - it is “affected”.
Thanks for not saying “impacted” (as in teeth…)!! :-)
k
December 17th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
We were told by our agency that travel would not be affected UNLESS you were planning on going to Beijing. Otherwise different travel options would have to be made. Also, referrals should not be affected either.
Don’t shoot the messenger….just passing on what I was told.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Stupid question here…Is the CCAA in Bejing?
Didn’t China say that all unnecessary business and traffic in Bejing would close or stop a couple weeks prior to the start of the Olmypics so the “sky would be clear and the air smell fresh”?
If so that might affect how the CCAA works or the amount of work they are able to accomplish?
Or maybe since they are part of the government they would be considered essential and continue to operate as usual?
So many things have delayed this, so far, the pesimistic side of me tends to believe the former option rather than the later.
LID May 10, 2006
December 17th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
I will not underestimate the lengths to which the Chinese government will make everything PERFECT for the Olympics. I’ll bet for two or three weeks everything will stand still for the athletes and world press to see a perfect Modernized country. So…maybe they will compensate on either side of the event by squeezing more TAs in before and after? I don’t think referrals will speed up until after the Olympics IF THEN. My family is in this for the LONG haul now but that doesn’t stop us from being REALLY disoriented by all the delays.
LID late April, 2006
December 17th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
This is what I read, not what I know. There will be no
IA activity during the olympics. The reasons being focus is on the athletes and the presentation of China as a modern, thriving country. ALso, with the Olympics, like with other countries that have held the Olympics, there will be in depth reporting on the history, culture, food, education and arts. Reporters will be traveling all over China, and there is no way China wants anyone to think that they cannot take care of their elderly or children. My cousin’s ex h was from Romania, and before the demise of their Dictator, the world thought Romania was taking care of it’s mentally/physically challenged children, and he would have everyone believe that nobody in Romania suffered with the HIV virus. We all learned the horrible truth about the plight of the children. Any country would go to great lengths to show itself as the ‘best’. China will be no different.
Personally, I think everyone will be all too tied up in the
olympics to even concern themselves with IA.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
I don’t know what’s going on here, but I wrote a comment on here this morning and it’s not showing up. Weird.
While this ‘rumour’ won’t affect us in the sense that we are so far away from referral, the only thing it will do to us is make it further and further away.
Right now, I have to admit, the adoption doesn’t even feel ‘real’ right now. We seem to just be going through the motions and believing that one day, perhaps in 2010 or 2011, we might be close to a referral.
Though, honestly, the thought of 2010 or 2011 might be unrealistic with a September 2006 LID. Dare I say it that that may be optimistic? I’m not trying to be a ‘downer’, just trying to look at this realistically.
How ironic is it that my Anti-spam word is Beijing? Hmm.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
I don’t care if I walk on the Great Wall or see any sights. I would fly anywhere into China. Would that be an option for the CCAA? Of course, I won’t be going anywhere any time soon with an LID of 08/06.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
We waited during Sars. We were told we would have a 14 month wait when we logged in in 2003. During the summer of 03 Sars hit and travel was stopped for around 3 months. Referrals continued. We got our referral earlier than anticipated. We waited 10 months! Adopting babies. Once the travel restriction was lifted, it seemed as if all the families that where delayed went at the same time. When we where in china, at The White Swan, they ran out of cribs because there where so many families! Our baby slept in a blow up raft thing. Our consulate appointment was easily 100 families packed into a small room. I’ve only done this once but I bet it was unusual.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Just one more issue to increase the wait… I keep thinking and saying that things cannot get any worse but then more potential bad news comes out or we have another disappointing batch. Frankly, I am not sure how much more of this I can stand. Being one of the most positive and optimistic people that I know, I cannot imagine how others must be feeling. Our LID is only in mid-February and we still have no predictable expectation as to when our turn may come up. I think that has to be the most frustrating part of this for me. I can deal with any type of wait from which you could extrapolate some form of date range, but this constantly changing situation is simply madding. On top of that, we are not getting any younger. As much as I desire to be a good father (someday), this process is more about giving a loving home to a child that would otherwise not have one. In my opinion, that notion should supersede politics, the Olympics and any perceived international reputation issues.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
DadInTheWings,
Well, said!!!
I too could handle the wait IF there was a concrete explanation as to why the wait is so long. But not knowing, is maddening.
At this point I’d love to see the wait at least stabilize. Instead it increases.
Lisa
LID: 12.20.06
December 17th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
If the CCAA is waiting after the Olympic to move …. ahead… then what if…….. something happen while the olympic and China does not like it!!!!!!!!!! I know I am wait too negative. Don’t know why!!!!!!
December 17th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
I think the “not knowing” part, while frustrating, is what we all signed up for when we agreed to adopt children from a country that, for better or for worse, routinely and as a matter of policy carefully regulates the information available to its own citizens, let alone to foreigners. For an example that maybe we can all relate to, have you ever tried to surf the Internet in China? Let’s just say that in China the concept of the free flow of knowledge on the “information superhighway” is drastically different from and much more limited than that experienced in many other countries. Though it is my greatest wish to be “in the know” on what is happening (after all, I feel like I could deal with anything if I only knew what was coming) I don’t feel that I can reasonably expect the Chinese government to be completely honest and open with us. It just isn’t how their government works.
As to what lengths the Chinese government will go to make the Olympics a success, well, try this one on for size. The last time I was personally in China was about 10 years ago (admittedly, a long time ago), but while I was there, one thing I experienced was the penalty of jogging outdoors. At the risk of sharing too much information, exercising outside meant black snot. And I mean black. Blow your nose, and you saw black snot. Why? Because pollution is so pervasive in China — the air simply isn’t clean. You breathe in ALOT of junk.
Now my neighbor returned two months ago from living the last two years in Beijing. Her report is that in recognition of the air quality problems and the impact this might have on the athletes, the government is actually shooting chemicals into the atmosphere intended to “clean” the air. The way my friend described it, she pretty much chose to stay indoors on the days cleaning was publicized, because the result was nothing short of acid rain. And so I supposed my point is that I agree with Portlandval — the government will go to whatever lengths necessary to make the Olympics successful. If that requires changes to the IA program, then changes will be made.
December 17th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Dadinthewings-
Our LID is January 19 and I completely sympathize with your aging dilemma. For us it’s not just about us aging but also our biological children aging to the point that the last one might be entering her senior year by the time she has an adopted sibling.
At the very least I expect no travel until next summer, which means that we will have waited 2-1/2 years since LID and actually 2-3/4 years since submitting our dossier. This summer is when we expected to be bringing child #2 home, not #1.
Hanging in there with you,
Ruby
December 17th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
I realize that nobody REALLY knows how the Olympics will effect things, but for what it is worth… I have a girlfriend who is living in Beijing right now- studying Mandarin- while her Chinese daughter is attending a boarding school in Beijing. She just sent me a note stating that she was so amaze by how “all out” the Chinese Govt. was going for the Olympics and how they built this whole hanger- or wing or whatever of the airport soley to handle Olympic travelers. She said that she thought travel would be even better than it is now in light of all the preparations made. These are her words… living in Beijing at this very moment. Not that she speaks for the govt. but I found her note encouraging. So as for me- this rollercoaster is not worth visiting. There is no use borrowing trouble.
Kay
LID 2-16-06- hoping and praying to be there and back before the Olympics- but cautiously optimistic.
December 17th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Ok..off topic but…I got a family newsletter ..one of those Christmas ones…the family member was writing about everyone in the family and mentioned how they anticipate their new grandaughter next year! We are LID FEb 2007!!! I know I’ve mentioned more than once how bad stuff is but no one seems to believe me when I say it could be three more years! I’m sad…will this madness ever stop getting worse.
Sheryl
December 17th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
from people who I’ve talked to who travel in China almost monthly if not weekly is that they will not get the air clean and there will be some countries that will not allow their people to participate in the games, the Chinese know this but it’s all about pushing party papers. Lots of noise and a little so sorry when it happens then it will be like it never did. Face saved by ignoring, As to all of us waiting , it’s not about us as far as they’re concerned.
December 18th, 2007 at 11:29 am
TripleH- I’ll go OT with you. ;o) At least your family is acknowledging your adoption…Maybe they are just really excited for you and sending their wishful thoughts out into the universe. I just received MIL’s letter yesterday and in it she mentions SIL’s 8 week pregnancy but nothing about our impending arrival and we’re “only” 86 LIDS away from referral. I think our family is either sick of the whole thing, thinks it’s never going to happen, or that we have made the whole thing up at this point. Bah Humbug!
December 18th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Our agency doesn’t normally fly into Beijing so it really shouldn’t matter. Beijing and HongKong are not close together and should be fine. I hope so!
As far as referrals not coming those months, I’m not sure. That doesn’t make any sense either. As I recall, our agency said that it would not change anything.
December 18th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
i was in beijing in september. the construction for the olympics is on an awesome scale, citywide, and nearly complete. they were experimenting with every-other-day driving for license plates of differing numbers. they were seeding the clouds for rain. the air was, indeed, cleaner. do not underestimate the chinese government’s desire and ability to get things done - if they ban traffic for several weeks before the olympics and seed for rain, i am willing to bet that the air will meet standards. the old traditional neighborhoods are being systematically torn down. anyone expecting a third world capital in beijing will be very, very surprised.
December 18th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Sorry but ‘crotte ! y’en a marre ! fais chier ! ‘
encore et toujours des mauvaises nouvelles…
again and always some bad news…
When could we kiss our child ?????????? : perhaps NEVER !
Severine lid 24 january 2006
very, very tired …
December 18th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Since the Olympic venues are going to be throughout China and not just in Beijing, I also feel it is likely that travel will be suspended for several weeks before, during and after the Olympics. People will travel to China from all over the world, some coming early to visit places, some staying after. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the CCAA takes all this into account.
A possible scenario they would wish to avoid: Lets say a particular event is in Changsha, and you have media, athletes, visitors etc. all traveling there. Along comes a travel group of caucasians with their newly adopted children. Everyone looks, the media is curious, and before long it is story on the news and or Olympic coverage. I would think that the CCAA nor the Chinese government would want that kind of publicity.
Just my 2 humble yuan!
December 18th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Addendum/Correction to above: The groups meet at the Changsha airport, attention ensues and you have a media story. Also the last line should have read: “I would think neither the CCAA nor the Chinese government would want that kind of publicity”.
Sorry about that. Just typing too fast.
December 18th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
I can only recommemd to all that we assume that there will be a period of time with no TA’s around the Olympics Games and hope that is wrong.
December 18th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
last map of olympic events I saw had all the venues in and around Bejing. m
December 18th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Too bad they couldn’t use the Olympics to highlight what a good IA program they have especially with the fact that Jenny Bowen is going to run with the torch. Won’t that bring attention to their program? Wish it could all have a more positive spin and not interfere with adoptions or travel for those who were willing to pay the increased fees (like airfare) to go.
December 18th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Williowflower: Is Jenny Bowen the woman from Half the Sky? I wasn’t aware that she was chosen to carry the torch. That is so awesome!
December 18th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
I think just prior to the Olympics we will see the refferals and TAs triple the rate we have seen. Might need to clean house before the world comes visiting… So there everyone something new to think about…
December 18th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
L_D SAID “The groups meet at the Changsha airport, attention ensues and you have a media story. Also the last line should have read: “I would think neither the CCAA nor the Chinese government would want that kind of publicityâ€.
I have wondered about the “Half the Sky” gal caring the torch. That will open the door wide open for media attention to Chinese orphans.
I am supportive of her but, I can visualize the human interest stories that will accompany her effort.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Even if the events are mostly/all in or around Beijing, the availability of flights in and out of China will be an issue during the Olympics. It can be difficult at other times to find seats on flights to and from China - add all the Olympics travellers to that mix and it could be impossible to find tickets, especially on the short notice adoption travellers have to work with. Not all Olympic travellers will be flying directly into Beijing - some will be entering China through HongKong, Shanghai, etc.
December 18th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
momofnlc hits the nail on the head here…
December 18th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
10/31/06 through review. Why can’t referrals move as quickly as review? Soon they will be reviewed a year ahead of referrals!
LID the second time 07/06
December 18th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
They sure went through October 2006 quickly. Wonder if that means it is a really small month?
LID 9/12/2007 (FOREVER)
December 18th, 2007 at 11:56 pm
momofncl - They will add lots and lots of flights - I remember for Nagano and Seoul all the flights the airline my mother worked for added. I don’t think there was an int’l base FA that she knew that wasn’t working the flights over there and back! (OK, most of them, but you get my point!) Airlines know where the money can be made!
December 19th, 2007 at 9:03 am
Well 432 days later we are out of review…whoooo whoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! next step REFERRAL. I can only pray that the good Lord willing it wont be another 432 days, but I am not holding my breath on that….
But at least we having taken the last step to referral….
Happy Holidays to all in the adoption world…
Matt and Laura
LID 10/13/06 L I , NY
December 19th, 2007 at 11:06 am
So, how many of you all are going to the Olympics????
Those greedy airline companies will enjoy selling everyone a seat so their planes don’t have to fly empty. The prices might be higher during this time but I bet seats will be available, even if they have to rent planes from other airlines around the world to do it (if they can make a profit at it). They might add hundreds of extra flights around the clock to keep the yuan rolling in! I can imagine flying into Beijing at 3 am!
Drew
December 19th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
c’mon kids. china. big country. someone else here said it well: how hard was it to get a ticket to detroit or new york or los angeles when the olympics were in atlanta?
December 21st, 2007 at 1:42 pm
I’m curious: Why are people assuming CCAA will totally shut down between May 2008 through August 2008? Just because of the Olympics?
Has CCAA announced it would shut down during this period?
And, has anyone here lived in a city where the Olympics have gone on?
I ask this because: I HAVE.
I lived in the Atlanta area from 1991 through 1999. Was there during the 1996 Olympics.
Ye - ee - es, LOTS of people come into town for 3 weeks and jam up the hotels, the restaurants, the roads, the transportation channels. During the Olympics, getting a hotel room that wasn’t booked in advance of the Olympics was impossible. Getting a flight in or out of Atlanta that wasn’t booked in advance of the Olympics was impossible. Getting a reservation at Atlanta’s best restaurants was impossible. Getting a taxicab was impossible. MARTA (Atlanta’s tiny subway system and bus system) was overwhelmed. Etc., Etc.
But it was all temporary. And it truly didn’t disrupt daily local life THAT much. Local and State government didn’t shut down, and if they did, it was very, VERY briefly. Life continued as near-normal.
Beijing has MUCH larger infrastructure than ATL does. While it’s also a MUCH more heavily populated city (probably about 6 times as large as ATL), remember: It’s also a national capital. CCAA is a national/federal government level agency. I live just outside of Washington DC and actually work for the the headquarters of the US Dept of the Treasury. Unless CCAA is BUDGETED to be closed for 4 months, I find it hard to believe the civilian sector of China’s national government infrastructure in Beijing is going to simply shut down for 4 months and yet still pay their employees. Having lived in East Asia for a good part of my life, I have a really hard time imagining, from a cultural perspective, CCAA being willing to tell its employees “Stay home for 4 months, we’ll pay you anyway”. People throughout East Asia really don’t like to throw their Renminbi (Yuan), Yen, or Won away. I’d be surprised if CCAA review and matching processes actually shut down during that period. YES, the Olympics is a BIG event but even if it were here in DC, I have a hard time seeing our own federal government totally shut down for weeks on end. There are taxpayers to answer to.
This being said, the Olympics may have impact on CCAA employees being able to get to/from work as usual, and Beijingers are likely to try & get to see the games themselves, particularly government officials. So things may slow down somewhat, simply because more people are off work. Again, temporarily.
My experience of the Olympics in Atlanta was about 3 weeks of frenzied activity and huge population influx into the city.
AFTER the Olympics, things were quiet. REAL quiet.
My sense is that the Chinese national government finds the huge demand for its Children to be something of an embarrassment during a time when the world’s attention (and western media) are getting ready to focus its collective attention on China. They don’t want to look like the world’s baby factory. So, I sense they’ve deliberately slowed down the adoption process.
I also think that once they see the plunge in tourist income and currency coming into the country after the Olympics are done, the adoption process will likely (hopefully?) speed up again.
I hate the situation myself. Our dossier is only LID for about 2.5 months at this point. And I can’t tell you that with the exponentially expanding wait, we’re not starting to look to other programs. As much as I dreamed of a little Chinese girl to love (we’re childless and getting old fast), and as much as it hurts to contemplate letting go of a long-held dream, reality is starting to sink in.
I understand the pain you folks are going through. I feel it too. At least most of you are way ahead of us!!! I’d do about anything to be in the position of an ‘05 or ‘06 LID’der right now.
But, having lived through an Olympics, I think the Olympics may not have quite the impact I’m reading to be rumored here. I agree with the opinions expressed that the big impact will be on TA’s. Travel for a solid month to 6 weeks before the Olympics up until about a week afterward, into and out of China, as well as inside China, may be next to impossible. Temporarily.
If somebody here has heard or read something definitive that CCAA plans to shut down totally for a 3 to 4 month period, can I ask you to re-post that here? As a US federal employee and as somebody who lived through an Olympics, I have a really hard time seeing an Olympics having that kind of impact.
Thanks, all.
Dom
December 22nd, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Dear Dom,
Thank you for the very realistic overview as to what to expect when the Olympics come to town….I find it hard to believe as well that the CCAA would budget to have its employees “off” with pay…..and you have added another dimension to this whole process….My husband and I have a LID of March 17,06 as far off as that may seem we sometimes tend to forget the folks beyond our LID…once people get the prize of their referral they forget others in line…….there are still months..years of people behind us….So as for our wait we are on the horizon and I thank you for pointing this out…and we are greatful for this..thankyou for putting the reality back into the situation…
December 23rd, 2007 at 11:31 am
Dom, We are dealing with the Chinese goverment who does not wish IA to be reported on during the Olympics. Our agency has been informed that “workers” will not be working during the Olympics. That includes the CCAA. They want to clear up the air pollution and are afraid the athletes will not perform with the air quality so bad. And even if the Olympics were not being held in China I think this slow down in referrals is here to stay. The sheer numbers of dossiers is proof of that.