Last night we got an email from our adoption agency that there has been a new government ruling that changes the procedures for Ethiopian adoptions. The new requirements state that the adoptive parents have to be present, in country, for the court process, which is finalization of the adoption. This was previously done before you traveled to Ethiopia. There have been several cases where parents have shown up and decided against the children and the court process can not be reversed, which has left the government in a tough situation. Somehow these children have to be declared as orphans again and go back through the legal process again. With all that being said, what that means for us personally is two trips. One trip go to court and have the children declared as ours. Then another trip which will be about 4 to 6 weeks later to obtain visas for the children.
Not only is this emotionally draining, it adds about $4,000 to $5,000 to the cost we were not expecting. You have to think about what to do with Madie and Max for 2 weeks instead of one. Chris taking 2 weeks off work instead of 1. Leaving your two new children behind in a orphanage for 4 weeks and adding to their confusion. These are all reasons that this new ruling disturbs me. However, the biggest thing that burdens my heart and makes me so sad is the fact that this will discourage some people from adopting from Ethiopia. I can not help but think of the children who will remain orphans because of the inconvenience this creates. My prayer is that God continues to be BIG and does not let people see this as a road block but as a advantage. I pray that people will see the advantage of being able to see their children before finalization. This will make agencies be more forthcoming and honest with their referrals.
Please pray for us as we process this new information and for other families who are going through the same thing. Also, pray for us as we wait. 6 sibling groups have been referred since February. This means that we are 6 steps closer to our two sweet children. We can not wait until we can just see their precious faces.
To our two waiting angels, just know, we will be there soon. We will hurdle this road block and continue to run until you are in our arms. Even if that does means two trips.
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1 comment:
I know that frustration with things changing while in process, because Guatemala did it several times while we were in process, adding new steps and adding time. I didn't see how that would benefit her, staying in an orphanage longer. Once she was home, I could see God's perfect picture and His timing.
We visited Kate during process (our choice, not mandatory) and it was the hardest thing, but the most wonderful thing. I was able to take quite a bit away from the experience....more time in country to share with her, time with her nannies and daily life, time for me to truly know what life is like for millions of others, life in a 3rd world country. Saying goodbye for another 6 months was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through, but it made me truly rely on the Lord. To trust in his goodness and to know He is in control. I loved meeting her and then coming back and truly praying her home. When I waited the last half, I KNEW my daughter...how she smelled, felt, her likes, her dislikes.
Yes, vacation time was hard to arrange. Making arrangements for our other 2 kids was hard too, but looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. God knew what was best...for Joel and I and for Kate.
Praying for you and your family with this new change, that all will fall into place as smoothly as possible. May you trust in His wisdom at this difficult time. Excited about your new family members!
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