Almost four years ago I submitted my application and FEES to my agency. At the time, the agency had a great reputation so I felt good going with them. Little did I know that the "good reputation" was with the previous owners and now there was new ownership of the agency. With the previous owners there was a China coordinator that knew what she was doing. A few months into the process, the all knowing China coordinator decided to split from the agency and the new owners of the agency decided to take over. Sadly, this agency has been a nightmare for me and tons of others who are using them
I have always tried to maintain a positive spin on this blog and have decided not to address the specifics concerning my frustrations with said agency. Single words I would use to sum up my frustrations, CLUELESS is one of them. Today, more words are needed.
I am so close to meeting my Tate that I can feel her in my heart. I am so ready to paper meet my gal. I want to know who she is, where she is hanging, and how old. SO close to getting this information, I can feel her sweet breath on my cheek. Unlike other agencies that are contacting their people to verify correct information when the referrals are in hand, I called my agency to make sure all was in order for me. Correct phone number and email address. This is when I found out that the agency owner, THE ONE to receive the referrals and pass on to me and others, is out of town until April 3. Answering the phone is someone who is doing exactly that "answering the phone". No information other than "the owners are out of town and will be back on April 3". I asked if there was a back up plan when referrals come out, she said "I understand your frustration"... HOLY crap, a little high school psychology thrown into this. No back up plan. I guess after almost 3 years and one month, I can wait until the owners who have my fees already get back from a vacation.
Bitter? YES. Frustrated? YES. Will I sit back and take this without reaction? NO.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
33 comments:
OMG! I would also be freaking crazy at this point. Hang in there...you are next! Crap, I get anxiety just reading this.
Hang tight, go get some Sangria/Vodka/whatever gets you thru it :)
You have got to be kidding!!! NO WAY
Someday you have to share the agency so we can make informed decisions, OK??
Ridiculous!
It's interesting that right now all of the calls going to the agency that I work for (not the one we're adopting through)are being forwarded to my cell phone while our director is in Haiti. I'm the one saying, 'She'll be back on April 1st-I'll be sure to give her your message..."
Here's an idea: It is my understanding that the referral packets arrive with a cover page that is already translated into English. This would have Tate's name, birthdate, Province, Orphanage, etc. This is what our agency uses to make the calls. THEN, they get to work translating the medicals, etc. and send those out in the mail later.
If I were you, I'd BEG the human answering machine to phone you when the packet arrives and OPEN THE DARN THING AND READ IT TO YOU!!! If she seems to hesitate or seems to need permission from the director to do so, I'm sure she has a contact # or email for the director in case of emergency. And this constitutes one in my 'professional' opinion.
Good luck! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
That is ridiculous!!! I hope that if referrals arrive before they return that SOMEONE will have the good sense to know that people are desperate to see thier childs face and will make the calls.
That is not okay Lisa! Watch out cuz I'm hearing some mama bear in you!!! Thinking good thoughts and sending lots of prayers.
My heart is breaking. How could they make you wait even one moment to get Tate's info? I can't believe that there wasn't a phone call explaining anything or even an email and of course a back up plan! I am so upset for you, Tate and your entire family (and friends) who are all sitting here waiting for that first glimpse of Tate. People, where are you? Get back to work, this is no time for a vacation!!!!!
That is so uncalled for. I can't believe that they would do that to you or ANYONE waiting. Do they not realize that your life is danging on their return!
((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))
I am so sorry. That's just a terrible way to run a business like that.
Oh my, are you kidding?? Good luck in dealing with them and keep positive because oh so soon you'll have Tate in your arms.
Feeling your pain. Hope you make it through okay. Gosh...why does it have to be this way???
I am so sorry!
The sad part is that it happens alot it seems. I don't get it either.
Hope you see her face soon!
Ugh. I'm so sorry!
What a pain!! Hang in there, you are sooo close!
Wow.
Oh, hunt down those owners on vacation and beat them. Seriously pummel them. What are they thinking?!?!?!? Post their names so nobody ever has to go through this. You've been too kind to them!
No one should have to go thru this when you are this close! Sending only happy thoughts your way. Jenn has the right idea. Best wishes...
Oh no!!! WHat are they thinking?? Hope something changes and that you don't have to wait until the 3rd for your referral!
Lisa, I'm sorry. This is so wrong. They should make sure someone got those referrals, but their lack of consideration for the parents was one of the reasons I left. I was the "all-knowing China coordinator" for the agency. And when I couldn't stand working for them any more, I quit with the agreement that I would still be the hand-holder until every one was through. However, I was forced out of that after a few months by the owners, who would not give me any information on referrals, etc. I would never have left every one hanging if I had a choice--I just didn't. They wanted the fees they charge for coordinating (which they don't actually DO, because they are clueless) But I still am glad I signed you up, despite all that, because single spots were hard to come by, and I really felt that you were the one to get that spot. I'm just sorry it had to end up this way. Can you imagine how hard it was to actually WORK with them?? You have no idea! Teri
I'm so sorry, Lisa. I can't believe they don't have a back up plan in place. It's just WRONG!
((Hugs))
Check our blog for some good news for you....
Alyzabeth's Mommy
Oh no.... that's just not right.
Dear Lord!
You are in my thoughts.
That is just completely unacceptable!
Sounds like my agency. No compassion. Write them a letter now before you are all ooey-gooey that you have Tate's pic and are too busy to really vent!!! Grrrrrrrr.
Some agencies have no clue that this is a major life event.
Holy Crap!! No Way!!! I'm so sorry this is happening. Can't you report them to some government commission that oversees the adoption agencies (JCIS????) If so, you need to do that. And, this may be just me but..., I would publish the name of your agency and all that has happened to you. Not to be spiteful but to let all other prospective adoptive parents out there know that this agency SUCKS!! Chin up girl...we are all pulling for you that you will see your sweet Tate's face next week!!
Cheers,
Kim
Proud Mama to Alina Jean...the kutest kid in Kazazkhstan!!!
Oh Lisa... I am speechless. Honestly. This is beyond comprehension.
That is horrible. I am so angry for you and we have never even met face to face. I will be praying that you can see Tate's face as soon as it is here!
Lisa, I hope this works out for you. This is an awful situation. I hope it will work out for you as it did for us. When referrals were due to be out for us our agency was CLOSED for Christmas holidays. Thankfully, one person did go in and call us. By the time she called I had already decided that we were not going to hear. I hope this same kind of thing happens for you. But do know that once you see her, the wait will disappear and then the real wait begins... time until travel. And you are so close!! I can't wait to see your little Tate!
Hugs!!! Wanda
WTH???? Nope! Absolutely unacceptable! There has to be somebody you can call about this.
She's a comin' Lisa!! Tate's a comin! =)
That's amazing...in the worst POSSIBLE way! I can't believe that...just try to keep breathing. You are (finally) so close.
I would be ready to break down the door and have that phone girl learn a few things like how to give out a referral. Come on now that is absolutle rediculous to leave right when referrals are coming out. What are they thinking. Hang in there. I'm praying for you.
That is THE most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. I would be absoluting freaking LIVID. LIVID! I'm mad for you!! You've waited all this freaking time, and at the last minute they bail on you?! WHAT THE F? ugh!
I send you a hug. I don't know what else to say.
I want to tell you to focus on the positive. But this is infuriating.
Personally, I would take action too.
Post a Comment