It's been two weeks since I requested the updated information and still no response!  I am getting a bit nervous, knowing that Holt will have to return the file in ten days.  I got the following email today from the Family Service Coordinator at Holt:

"We are still waiting the update information from China, but the child's designation expires on Nov. 25^th.  If you like to hold this child while we wait for the updates, please email the required photos/form/LOI by Nov. 19^th, so that we can upload your application."

It sounds as if I can go ahead and submit my LOI (Letter of Intent), pending the review of the updated information.  This is good news!  So, what exactly is a LOI?  This is really the first official step....it is a letter written by me to the China Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption (CCWAA) expressing my intent to adopt a particular child from China.  Oh my....am I really going to do this???