Update as we know it - 3/16/11 & PRAYER requests

Below is the update as we know it - so lets continue to keep the faith.  There will need to be changes and we have all known there were some unethical agencies over there.  I'm still thankful AAI is not one of them but they will still probably need to help do the right things.

On another note - please pray for the following:
 - little Gabriel as he prepares for brain surgery on Monday!  His family is hoping to get to Chicago to see an expert this week and possibly avoid the surgery or postpone it.
 - a co-worker - I just know their spouse was recently diagnosed with cancer and praying for peace, comfort and some good news
 - for friends that are struggling in their personal lives and afraid to let others in.  On a good note -sometimes someone loves you enough to LET US IN and we know it will be alright.
Thanks
Gail


Families~
We know you have been waiting, as we were, to hear about what took place at the meeting today. Unfortunately, there are still many unknowns, but this it what we have been told:
-The chairman of the agency network committee had a phone call with the minister of the adoption unit at MOWA prior to the meeting. We do not know when this phone call took place. The meeting was with all the agency reps, not with MOWA. Apparently, the minister had too big of a workload to meet; this is why the phone call took place.
-The minister (of MOWA adoption unit) told the chairman (of agencies) that there is evidence of wrong doing by agencies. If agencies work hard at correcting this a reversal may be considered.
-The agency reps came up with a "code of conduct" and have a specific committee put in place to hold agencies accountable. 
-The agency reps decided to have the network committee write up an appeal asking the minister to reverse the decision urgently.
-the minister ordered the MOWA adoption workers to clear the back log of court cases within 10 days. This applies to anyone who has a court case scheduled and might even apply to any case that has been submitted to court, waiting for court date. 
-the time line is not known for any of this

Although we were really hoping for a concrete positive decision to be made or announced today, we do feel that it is a positive sign that the minister seems to know the importance of clearing up the current backlog of court cases. We also feel it is a positive sign that the minister appears to be open to changing this new process of 5 letters, provided agencies follow through on what they have been told to do. 

We have a conference call with all agencies later today and are hoping to get an idea about what other agencies are feeling right now. If we have any new information after that call, we will be sure to post it. 

Stay tuned,

Joint Council POST - good news

below is another email today from AAI- man they are just on top of it all - very blessed. I know there are a ton of awesome agencies - AAI is one of them - so just know if you trust your agency - you have a good one. Some get more information out - its probably staff size and such -

gail

_ethiopia_adoption@yahoogroups.com

Dear Families~

Joint Council posted the following annoucement today. This is something that we have heard rumors about as well, but have not yet been able to confirm:

"Ethiopia – Update 3/14/11

Various blogs and listservs are reporting that the Ethiopian Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs has announced a revised plan which includes the processing of 20 adoption cases per day. While Joint Council has also been provided with this information, it is our understanding that no decision has been made or announcement published by the Government of Ethiopia.

We believe that it is premature to speculate on the intentions of the Ministry but rather seek to continue to partner with the Government of Ethiopia and use this opportunity to increase child and family protections while continuing intercountry adoption. Joint Council fully supports the government's efforts to increase the capacity for regulatory oversight of service providers, strengthen the review of each adoption case and expand social services to Ethiopian children and families."

Rumor I hope is a fact

So our wonderful agency is keeping us informed - a meeting they thought was going to happen today is now on Wednesday - I will take it.

Anyhow another few people have "heard" that they are increasing adoptions to 20/day instead of the 5  - still not the 40-50 that had been happening - but its a start.  I'll take that as well.  Just so many kids wanting a good loving home.

thanks to all that have signed the online petition - its important to get that out there - the agency running it is reputable and one of the best adoption organizations in the world.  They monitor and help - they do not adopt themselves.

Gail

birthday's - gotta love 'em and hate 'em

Yep - happy birthday to me (and my sister in law and mother in law (she's in heaven now) - so I'm trying to be happy.  Its hard - my mom always made a big deal out of it- with the little things.  the scavenger hunt for a few presents in the morning, family dinner - whatever we wanted (typically for me banquet fried chicken and mashed potatoes - yummy) - anyhow - if you ever want to see the sad story go back in blog history to 2004- starts then!  I miss her SO MUCH - and my dearest husband misses his mom today - so it sucks.

All to have the unknown of our future child. I finally met a facebook friend today - Rachel and her family she's been through this with Guatemala - so that was nice.  As she put it I'm probably numb - yep that's it.

so to top it all off our van that was in the shop yesterday $$$ - hit a nice pot hole - not hard to do in Detroit suburbs - I hit the same one earlier in the day - but one flat and possibly two bent rims- great!  more $$$ - ha like we have it - gotta love fate or life - whatever you want to call it - it sucks sometimes.  And guess what - they are brand new tires too!  - just loving the joke there -

so hopefully tomorrow brings us much needed good luck - we have our small group an that's good - and just  a meeting that NEEDS to turn positive.

so here I am  alone typing this missing family - my dad's moved away and my brother had stuff going on I just wish My family was one larger - one more little one  I thought I'd have that wish next year - but now I have to wonder.  I"ll be a new mom at 42 - Lord help me.

ok - yeah depressing but I think it is this way in adoption with holidays- always hoping the next one you have your child - I just don't know if that will be the case - but I did get some good books - can't wait to start reading them.

Have a good night all - thanks for reading my thoughts - and remember - turn those clocks a head.
Gail

US Dept of State meeting notes

Ok - not sure if this is good or bad news - but below are the meeting notes from a meeting today with the US DOS and ET govt - a delay of 1 year!  That's if you ALREADY have a child referred and court date - this could mean a few years for us - not sure what will happen.

But they confirmed that the staff was fired.  Hopefully with all the countries helping, they can come up with a solution to move things along! 

Please continue to pray for the kids, govt AND all the people affected by the earth quake and tsunami today.

Gail

ETHIOPIA UPDATE 3/11/11

Following are our notes from the Department of State Office of Children’s Issues conference call regarding Ethiopian adoptions conducted earlier today. These notes do not represent nor are they in any way attributable to the Department of State or US Citizenship and Immigration Services. We are providing the notes with respect to those who could not participate in the conference.

We extend our thanks to the Department of State for conducting the conference call and to US Citizenship and Immigration Services for their participation and contributions.

_______________________________________________________________

The Department of State is Actively Involved

The Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs announced a reduction in the processing of intercountry adoption cases from 50 per day to 5 per day, effective March 10, 2011.

The Department of State is actively involved in discussions with the Government of Ethiopia, other governments and stakeholders.

A coalition of countries is preparing a proposal to assist the Ministry increase its capacity.

Embassy suggested that children with special need’s cases should not be delayed.

The US Embassy officials have a scheduled meeting with the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs for Monday, March 14, 2011.

There are areas of concern related to intercountry adoption, however the reduction is disproportionate.

Adoption Cases

Currently there are no implementation guidelines for in-process cases.

For adoption cases registered with the Ethiopian court, the best estimate is a one-year delay.

The staff change at the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs has been confirmed as taking effect the week of March 13, 2011. The impact this will have on adoption cases is not known.

It is estimated that between 800-1,000 adoption cases are currently on the docket of Ethiopian courts.

ANNOYED

Ok -
First I realize posting here is part of my therapy to get through all the craziness.  I know I have a lot to learn and MUST learn how to deal with the "nay" sayers and those that don't believe in trans-racial adoption.

so that said - I posted the link on Facebook last night to sign the petition to help the kids in Ethiopia. Many of my friends signed it, and then shared the post to get more!  Awesome right.  so I see someone's post - to Help the kids in the USA first.  I'm still sick and NOT feeling well - so I just jumped on that.  Yeah we tried - it didn't work out.  Probably didn't help that God put ET on my heart I can't help that.  But really - the US system is messed up - how many stories have I alone seen lately of adoptive parents MURDERING their kids.  A story yesterday about how some parents never reported their adopted kids missing - last seen in 2001-2005!  Something crazy -  they haven't been seen in 10 years!  and NO ONE knew it!  Oh my gosh - where were the social workers.  We are getting examined left and right - why weren't these people?  Seriously.  Then the case in Florida and the woman here in Metro Detroit that killed or tried to kill their adopted kids (the lady here killed herself in the process of taking them all out - she didn't succeed with the kids - thank God).

so really - I had to post that this guy not judge people until they know the story AND that we should help ALL of God's kids - here and there.  Yes -  maybe when I have some free time I can fight for the kids here.  I don't think this guy is taking any steps to help any of the kids - but can judge someone else -

so yeah - I need to find a way to educate.  Hopefully I'll get some books I asked for as a birthday present this week - and I'll begin reading them.

But for now - I can post here - not really quietly - but I know this idiot won't even try to look or learn our story -and that is fine.

Hoping for some more news on ET and MOWA today - last I heard the rumors the head of MOWA may have been fired over all the antics of late - now I don't want anyone to loose their job - I hope the person was trying to send a message they need staff and funding but I also hope this means they go back to more letters or whatever per day.

Enjoy your Friday all - its my off day and I'm up early running around - gotta love it!  Getting my frustrations out here - and off to start my day.  Thanks for reading - and listening - sorry if you don't like it - but I know others deal with this as well.

God bless and lets continue to pray for the kids in ET but also ALL over the world and the people in Japan that are dealing with the major earth quake and everything else that brought today - pretty scary times.

Gail

Today's UPdate

below is the email communication from AAI today - I have to say they are awesome in all of this!  I know everyone is getting info from their agencies -and all pretty much about the same - but I really liked this - even though I've seen it on the groups - this communication is amazing. so a GREAT job to the AAI ET team - Sally,Laura and others
GAil

Dear Families~

Most, if not all of you, are aware of the recent events that have taken place in Ethiopia, regarding international adoption. We have been posting all confirmed information on the yahoo group website, but wanted to make sure every client was aware of what has taken place in the last 10 days, by sending this to your personal email accounts. Please see below for copies of the posts on yahoo. 

If you are not an active member of the yahoo group, we highly recommend that you do sign up and check your emails in order to have the most current information. I attached a copy of the instructions on how to sign up for yahoo, in case you need this.

Thank you,

~Sally, Laura, & Mary 

Posted March 1:

Dear Families~

Many of you may have heard about MOWA's recent announcement that they will only

be completing 5 letters of consent per day. (as compared to up to 40 per day

right now) There have been many pieces of information posted and shared online

such as:

-The reason for this is that MOWA is short staffed. What they are attempting to

do is get approval for hiring more staff.

-This will go into effect on March 7.

-This has already gone into effect.

-MOWA has not said when this will go into effect

-The adoption agencies are scheduling a meeting with MOWA to discuss this.

....the list could go on and on....The only thing that we are able to confirm at

this point is that MOWA did indeed say that they will only be writing 5 letters

of consent each day and that there are plans for adoption agencies and MOWA to

hold a meeting to discuss this. Please stay tuned for updates as we get them.

Thank you,

Sally, Mary, & Laura

Posted March 4:

 Re: [aai_ethiopia_adoption] Re: MOWA's announcement

Hi Sue & everyone else who is wondering about this~

I'm sorry for not being more specific. In order for the court process

to go through and have the adoption finalized, there are three things

that must take place. Birth parent testimony is approved, adoptive

parents testimony is approved, and MOWA submits letter of consent.

(they typically do not submit until the day of court) When these

three requirements are met, the adoption is finalized. So, to answer

your question, this is not something needed in order to have a

referral, to be assigned a court date, or for an embassy appointment.

This could greatly affect the time between referral and court

approval. We are still waiting for additional information as to

whether or not this will really happen and if so, when...

~Sally

On Mar 3, 2011, at 11:24 AM, Sue Dood wrote:

> Thanks for the information. At our "mom's meeting" Tuesday night we

> talked about this and none of us understood what part of the

> process this decision affects, are the letters of consent for the

> kids to be referred to AAI, or to be assigned a court date, or is

> it for an embassy date? Since none of us knew for sure, I'm

> guessing there may be others who are wondering what part of the

> process is affected?

> Thanks,

> Sue

Posted March 7 

 Re: MOWA's announcement

Families~

Many of you have read the VOA (Voice of America)article regarding MOWA's

announcement to significantly decrease the number of letters of consent they

will write each day. There are many rumors surfacing online and elsewhere

regarding this, however, we do not have any further confirmed information at

this time. When we do have factual information to we will be sure to share it

with all of you.

Thank you for your patience as we wait to see what, if anything, evolves from

this.

Sally, Laura, & Mary

Posted March 8:

Dear Families~

As you know, there have been so many rumors regarding MOWA's announcement of
reducing the number of letters of consent that they will write and submit to
court. If this does indeed go into effect, it will be devastating to the
children of Ethiopia. The Joint Council on International Children's Services
(JCICS) is asking all of us to step into our roles as advocates and to
participate in this cause.

Below is a link to a post from JCICS outlining what you can do:
blog<http://betheanswerforchildren.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/emergency-campaign-f\
or-ethiopia/

Please continue to pray about this as well,
~Sally, Laura, & Mary

Posted March 10:

Dear Families~
Many of may have heard and/or saw that the Department of State posted an alert
on their website yesterday regarding this announcement. They announced a few
days ago that they would be doing this, therefore, it was somewhat expected.

You may read it by using this link:
http://adoption.state.gov/news/ethiopia_alert.html
or read it below:
Government of Ethiopia Plans Major Slow-Down in Adoption Processing
March 9, 2011
Citing the need to work on quality and focus on more important strategic issues,
the Government of Ethiopia's Ministry of Women, Children, and Youth Affairs
(MOWCYA) will reduce to a maximum of five the number of adoption cases it
processes per day, effective March 10, 2011. Under Ethiopian adoption
procedures, MOWCYA approves every match between prospective adoptive parents and
an Ethiopian child before that case can be forwarded for a court hearing. The
U.S. Embassy is working with Ethiopian government officials and adoption
agencies to learn more about this change in procedures. We will continue to
share information as it becomes available.

Given MOWCYA's current caseload, the U.S. Embassy anticipates that this change
could result in an overall decline in case processing of some 90 percent. If
this change is implemented as proposed, we expect, that parents who have begun
the process of adopting from Ethiopia but have not yet been matched with a child
could experience significant delays. It is not clear if this change in
procedures would have any significant impact on cases in which MOWCYA has
already approved matches.

Prospective adoptive parents should remain in close contact with their adoption
service provider to obtain updates on individual cases.

The Embassy's Adoptions Unit can be reached at consadoptionaddis@state.gov.

Please continue to monitor http://adoption.state.gov/ for updated information as
it becomes available.

Other information we have learned in the last 24 hours:
-They did officially start the "5 letters per day" process today.
-There was a meeting scheduled between the network of adoption agencies'
committee and MOWA today to discuss this further. Unfortunately, the meeting did
not take place. It is expected to take place sometime between now and Monday.
-There is an unconfirmed report that the head of the adoption department at MOWA
was let go. We are unsure if the new head will change this new "5 letters per
day" process or not.
-JCICS (Joint Council on International Children's Services) sent an email to
agencies yesterday afternoon. An excerpt from the email said "In only 24-hours,
over 11,000 concerned indiviudals have joined our Emergency Campaign for
Ethiopian Children by signing our petition. We extend our thanks to all of our
members who have supported this initiative by signing the petion and
distributing the campaign information.

Today, we have continued our communication with the Ethiopian Governmet and
respectfully brought the outpouring of concern to them. We believe that there
may have been postive developments and will provide further updates as
information is confirmed."

-NCFA (National Council For Adoption)- emailed a statement to agencies
yesterday:
NCFA Issues Statement Regarding Ethiopia Adoptions
At the end of February 2011, the Ethiopian Ministry of Women, Children and Youth
Affairs (MOWA) issued an unexpected directive indicating a dramatic reduction in
the number of intercountry adoption cases to be processed by the Ministry. This
directive is scheduled to go into effect by Wednesday, March 10, 2011.

In 2010, more than 2,500 Ethiopian children were adopted by American families.
Should MOWA implement the recent directive as indicated, the number of adoptions
from Ethiopia could fall as much as 90%, although the full impact of MOWA's
decision is unknown and cannot be predicted at this time.

This ruling follows a year of significant progress in improving and increasing
transparency in the Ethiopian adoption process. Following several safeguards
enacted last year, NCFA's confidence in the Ethiopian adoption system has grown
significantly. Additional protective measures may still be necessary, however,
to increase global confidence in the process. MOWA's recent decision appears to
have surprised many Ethiopian government officials, as well as the Central
Adoption Authorities in the U.S., Italy, and Spain. Many within the adoption
community, including the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Service (USCIS), members of Congress, child welfare officials in
many countries, and the National Council For Adoption (NCFA), have criticized
the MOWA directive as unfair, unnecessary, and harmful to children in Ethiopian
orphanages who await permanent families.

NCFA is grateful for the swift action taken by the U.S. Department of State, led
by Special Advisor Ambassador Susan Jacobs, to communicate with Ethiopian
adoption officials in an effort to reach a favorable resolution that will serve
the best interests of abandoned and orphaned children in Ethiopia.

"We are encouraged by the advocacy taking place behind the scenes and hopeful
that these collective efforts will bring clarity and an immediate adjustment to
this unjust and unnecessary ruling, which has the potential to negatively impact
so many vulnerable children," said NCFA president and CEO Chuck Johnson.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that personnel changes within MOWA have resulted
from the rogue handling of this decision, and because of this, NCFA is hopeful
that new leadership will offer opportunities for better communication and a
swift resolution to this looming crisis. NCFA respectfully calls on MOWA to
amend its recent harmful directive and ensure that subsequent reforms reflect a
comprehensive child welfare policy that retains the option of intercountry
adoption for Ethiopian orphans while ensuring policies and procedures that serve
the best interests of children.


As you can see, there is a lot taking place right now and, although, MOWA did
indeed start the "5 letters per day" today, it is uncertain whether or not this
will continue longer term. Please continue to watch for updates from us. Also,
if you have not already done so, please sign the petition (JCISC website) and
pass it on to everyone you know.

We understand how difficult it must be to take all this information in and
figure out what this means for you specifically. While there is a lot of
uncertainty right now, we will continue to keep you informed as we learn more
information.
~Sally, Mary, & Laura

Ethiopia Program Team

Adoption Associates, Inc.

good article about MOWA changes

I said I was going to stay away - but its so hard - this article is really good - and its GREAT to know that so many people, ET and US and other countries think the stuff taking effect this week are wrong and how the ET adoption process has improved greatly.

so on another note   - I"m finding my posts slightly helpful for my well being.  so thanks for following -

who knows - I'll probably post more - if not - its off to bed - my netty pot experience has given me an ear infection - so not fun!

gail

More prayers for little Gabe

Below is the post from Www.caringbridge.org about bravelittlegabe - our friends son that's to have brain surgery in a few weeks.  Please read the recent post - you can find him at the link above - they need prayers as well.
Thanks
Gail


I haven’t written because I still don’t know exactly what we’re doing. Literally an hour after sending my previous caringbridge I received a call from a world known Chiari specialist in Chicago. I’ve had some reservations about the surgery and sent him a quick e-mail asking some questions. He responded immediately and validated some of my concerns. He invited us to Chicago to get a true opinion from him in regards to whether or not we should move forward with surgery, his thoughts about the progression in the brain disease and to have his hematologist review Gabriel’s entire history to possibly have an idea of the unknown blood condition . So, this has thrown us through a whirlwind. Although the last possible thing we feel like doing is making this trip and arranging it… we both feel strongly that it must be done before the brain surgery.

The surgery is still scheduled for March 21st. We may have to move it back a week and maybe two. Over the last two weeks we have seen some progression in head and leg pain. We believe some of the nerves in his right leg have started to become damaged. We do not want this to worsen so we are 95% sure we will move forward with surgery unless the Chicago expert has a good enough reason not to recommend surgery. So, surgery is still on but the date and place are up in the air at this time. As soon as I get a Chicago date and a surgery date I will let you know.

Gabriel is having his #31 transfusion tomorrow. Pray that God covers him with peace and strength. Pray for a good ferritin (iron) level. Pray his nausea subsides (from medication) and the head and leg pain do not worsen. He will be starting his day at the clinic and then will be on the inpatient floor for the majority of the day.

Will keep you posted…

Rebekah

Please sign this petition - and pray on 3/9/11

Follow this link to sign a petition to help protect the adoptions in ET.  Also  - WEdnesday many are trying to set this day aside to pray and fast for the children in ET and their government to make the right choices.  Please join us in that.

Thanks
Gail and Craig

Not so strong -

Yeah - thanks for all the emails or comments.  I'm glad my posts are inspirational - it helps to know that.  but really all - I'm not the strong - but as Craig has been trying to teach more for almost 13 years  - Fake it till you make it!  I have no choice but to fake it at this time.

Our agency did send the link to the Voa posting or article today - they say there are lot of rumors out there and won't really be able to update us until they have the facts.  I really respect that and I know they said they were trying to get the truth a while ago.  so I have to believe that.  I just continue to pray that they don't shut this program down.  Not sure what we'd do then.

anyhow - to all the other families out there - we can just support each other - I know I'm getting that - lets just hope we all make it.

so I'll continue to fake  being a happy mommy for Nate tonight and read a bedtime story and go up stairs to our room and either fall asleep to HGTV or go cry like I really want.  doesn't really help I'm alrady down this week anyhow - turning a year older doesn't make me happier - just realize I still don't have my dream - 2 kids and that white picket fence!  I remember that was a topic Craig brought up when we first started talking - what I wanted out of life and by when - its not for a lack of trying  - all those fertility drugs were another route we tried.

so good night all - I"ll go pray

OH - a lot of peple are taking Wednesday to fast and pray for everything inEthiopia - please do that if you can!

gail

Forcing hope

Yep - just trying to FORCE HOPE into my mind and stay positive.  Friday I saw some posts on the yahoo groups - and man ok - some are so negative - I've changed my status on those.  Anyhow AAI warned us a week or so ago that some court dates may slow down.  There were some changes.  Well an article was published or something - I wish I had the strength and emotional state to go back and read or reference it - but honestly I can't. I'm trying not to get tears in my eyes and just can't do that right now.  Its too depressing.

Anyhow - MOWA or the courts in ET are slowing things down to 5 hearings a day.  I may be getting the details wrong - but they think this will reduce adoptions of children from ET by 90% - Wow- that's the hard part.  All these kids, homeless, orphans, living in places that can barely feed them.  NOT for trying, I believe most agencies do everything for the kids they can, they just don't have the finances or means - like many people there.

So it was hard.  Craig is awesome and helping me to stay focused.  Yesterday I attended our Bishop's day conference for church and it helped.  I prayed and continued more prayers in silent at church this morning.  Our agency, and luckily I saw more posts today from other agencies - they all feel that the court can do more, but MOWA is slowing things down.  NOT because they have to - yes they need to slow it down a little to really do more full inspections on the adoptions, but because they want to see if the gov't can give them more help.  If I remember correctly they only have a handful of employees.  I want to say under 10- more like 5-8 people.  I'm sure I'm wrong on these numbers - so no one quote me here - but I just remember that.  So I am clinging to this fact and glad that other agencies think this too.  A LOT are sending representatives there to have meetings with MOWA in the coming weeks.  These are the agencies that are good and ethical - they care about these children and want to help them.

So yeah - I'm clinging and forcing hope right now.  AT the Bishop's day, this church Hope UMC had a bookstore.  I bought my own little African Angel figurine - its so beautiful.  A bookmark with this beautiful angel overlooking an African Village.  I hope to scan this picture and share - I'm going to hold onto these.  I know God put us on this path or led us here - who knows.  But I have to believe our future kids all have a guardian angel overlooking them.

Anyone else out there - and I know my dear friends I"m meeting out there - you feel the same way.  We must continue to lean on each other and hold each other up.  hang in there.  I"m having a good moment right now - I may have a bad one tomorrow.  But we'll all get our kids home - we'll get our referrals and we'll meet as well!  You know who you are - We WILL meet with our 4 kids having a blast one day.  That is another hope to cling to.

Happy Sunday evening all -
God Bless - and remember lets keep hope and faith (that's all I can do right now)
Love
Gail

Place in "line" - I broke down and asked

So last night I was reading peoples responses to the blog and finding others out there and started to freak out as to "where are we on the waiting list".  I was thinking like 25-40 somewhere.  So I emailed the ET team at AAI - and I have to say - they are so nice and don't ever make me feel bad for asking what I feel are "stupid" questions.  So this email really perked me up today - we are #20 but the people before us all want different things . Granted 18 want a child 0-2 years old.  We are open to a 3 year old.  and many want girls or two kids.  So we COULD - move faster if something fits our needs - 1 child - 0-3 / either gender - if that happens.  At least I don't have to worry - we won't be in the 12 referrals that are coming.  I figured that - but its good to know -we aren't ready.


And as Craig reminded me - its all in God's hands -he has our child picked out and they may not be ready yet -it happens in the right time.  I know I've read amazing stories on many other blogs - yeah I'm a crazy follower of many blogs - and most are strangers.  But its nice to read their lives and learn things.


So I'm continuing to keep the faith.  Its  not easy - I"m not very patient at waiting.  Its also a time that gets me thinking about my mom and man how much it would help if she were only here to talk to!  she'd keep me grounded and remind me of all of this.  she'd make life so much easier -but she's not.  Oh well - lucky for me I have an amazing husband and wonderful friends.  Thanks Shannon for helping the last few weeks - its been great - wish we lived closer - but we'll meet.


And everyone else - you know who you are - Sarah and Jen - you hear me every day - Jill too!  So thanks.  And I love meeting more of you out there - comments are always welcome.  Always look me up on Facebook or email at gmbackus@hotmail.co.


So read the email below - I took it as VERY encouraging - and also excited I"m meeting and may be talking to some of the people higher up on the list - and they will share their stories and help me as time gets closer.


Enjoy the weekend I'm sure I'll possibly post - I go through spells.
God Bless
Gail


Good Morning Gail~

You are #20 on the list. Of the 19 families "ahead" of you there are several in that age range, however, 9 are specifically waiting for a female, and 1 is waiting for an older child. The other 9 are waiting for a variation such as 2 children, male and female, 0-2 years or 1 child, male or female, 0-2 years. Feel free to ask information like this any time.

Have a good weekend,

~Sally

thanks for the support

to all those great people that posted to my post last night - I really appreciate it.  I would love to hear more from you - please feel free to email me at gmbackus@hotmail.com.

I'm glad to know I"m not the only one that has issues with the negative comments - but still happy to hear others are following their hearts as well - be it ET, Ghana or Kazakhstan (I"m sure I spelt that wrong) - or any other country, state or even city!  God brings us to this place and he'll bring us all home with additions to our families.

I feel blessed to get to know you all
Gail

Yahoo group - some frustrations

So I"ll post it here - easier then some of the yahoo groups -but I guess that's why I tend to not read them as much.  I know a lot of people are reading this blog - and that's really cool - thanks. But I just saw an email chain how all these people are no longer adopting from ET due to ethical reasons. And that's fine - but I feel like if we don't switch we're being judged as "bad" - well I don't care.  God brought my heart here - and I just am not ready to change.  I honestly believe that the ET and US governments are doing all they can to do things ethically.  Yes - we will always have bad seeds out there with adoptions all over - heck even in the US>

Just read some news stories - here in Michigan a local mom killed her self - but with the intent of taking all 4of her adopted kids with her this weekend.  Drugging them up and trying to put them all in a van, running in a closed garage - she died of carbon monoxide poisoning - God bless the kids survived.  And that father in FL that murdered his adopted daughter and tried to kill her twin brother. Seriously - our system is not so ethical - its messed up in different ways - all in the words of "keeping families together" - or not really looking at it.  but I know the people in the systems are trying - the are short handed and funding is low.

So please - follow your hearts everyone - you can adopt domestically or from any country internationally - its up to you and your family - but there are issues everywhere. But honestly the kids are innocent bystanders - they are the ones that no matter what should have a loving home and family to take care of them.  No matter where they are at.  So to my friends adopting domestically - that's awesome - keep pressing forward and the same for all of us looking at ET or any other country - its what is best for us.

Now if only I felt strong enough to publish this in the yahoo groups - but I"m not. But maybe just one will see this blog out there.  So everyone can follow their hearts - we are sure doing that.
Gail