I guess I am not who I say I am....

As if I don't have enough drama in my life right now, apparently I am not even capable of knowing who I am. According to the Citizens and Immigration Services department of Homeland Security, I am not Karyn MaidenName MarriedLastName. Even though my marriage certificate says so, I am not her.

After a rough start to the day, Albee and I travelled to Charleston, SC for our SECOND fingerprint appointment. The first appointment was November 28, 2005 and went off without a hitch. I was Karyn MaidenName MarriedLastName back then. This time however, I was not. I am Karen Lee MarriedLastName according to the adoption offices at the CIS Charleston. They take what is on your birth certificate and add your new married name to the end of it and drop your maiden name. It doesn't seem to matter what your legal and binding marriage certificate says.

You all know that every single "i" has been dotted and every last "t" has been crossed when it comes to this endless adoption paperwork mess I have been swamped with since February 2005! This absolutely floored me as you can imagine. I maintained my composure for about 4 minutes after which I pretty much melted down. We were taken back to the man behind the curtain who proceeded to explain legal documents and government policy to us. As US citizens attempting to adopt internationally, we do not have any say when it comes to choosing a married name nearly 13 years ago. Whatever this man decided was the law, and even though proof of prior approval for foreign adoption was presented to him, it did not matter. I wonder how the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Passport Agency, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles (ok, well maybe not them) all think I am Karyn MaidenName MarriedLastName? The Wizard asked if he could escort us out!

Words can not describe my despair at this point. On top of this, China has slowed the referral time frame to a near standstill. This month, only 2 days worth of families received their referrals. At this rate, it will literally be 2010 before we get Chelsee.

I pray for hope to appear in my heart, for a peace to come over me but for now, I am despondent. Off to court to legally ($$$) have my name changed!