Got That Elusive Signature!

We got the signature from the Minister of Justice of Bulgaria on our second stage dossier, seven weeks after the US Embassy approved our Article 5.

 This is was a very hard wait for different reasons.  It was an unknown wait; some have waited for 8 weeks in the past, some have only waited 2 weeks.  When we saw the overturn of their parliament in February, we tried to rush our dossier to the hands of the outgoing Minister.  We weren't successful.  So we held our breath to see what kind of person would be appointed to the Minister's position.  Would he be supportive of adoption, would he 'like' Americans, would he have the time to sign while settling in to a new role? The recent adoption ban in Russia was rolling around in our minds, although the two countries are unrelated.  Dragomir Yordanov was appointed caretaker Minister of Justice on March 12th.  It was comforting to us that his resume included studying at University of Kentucky, at Williamsburg, Virginia, at The National Judicial College of the USA, Reno, Nevada, and the Judicial Education Center in Arizona.  There was even a rumor circulating that he was an adoptive father.  So our concerns for many of the questions were quelled by receiving a picture of his background.  Prayers began for his schedule and workload to offer the time for him to sign.  We were assured by our social worker and Bulgarian attorney that everything was normal, and to remain patient.  Our wait was long, but not unheard of, and we are grateful for Mr. Yordanov and his staff for the signature that keeps our adoption moving.  With the upcoming early election on May 12th for a new parliament, it is unclear if Mr. Yordanov will remain in his position as Minister of Justice.

So, we now are waiting to receive a court date for legalizing our adoption.  Our attorney will represent us and we will not need to travel for court.  If all goes well with court, we will have an immediate decision and 'Gemma' will become legally our second daughter.  Within 4-6 weeks of our court date, we will travel to pick her up and bring her home!