password - NOT set up

FYI - sorry all I couldn't get it to work so you can STILL read the blog - if I change it - I"ll get people's emails.  I'll probably need to get email addresses - but don't post them here yet - I may just leave it totally public -

have a great night - ha lots of posts this week.
Gail

#9- yes single digits PLUS updates!

OK - yes we are now officially #9 on the wait list!  Its just purely amazing!  We saw the May stat's from our agency AAI today.  They are amazing.  And the funny thing is only ONE family in front of us will take a boy in the same age range - all others want girls or an older boy!  So we could potentially move up that list VERY fast. I'll have to copy the email below.

Anyhow - sorry for the confusion about the password - I couldn't get it to work.  I need to figure out how to invite people - but like having the followers.  So for now - oh well - we're still live and open as usual.  I'm very glad people are liking our posts and following our story.  I know that I love keeping up with people and I feel like I know families already.

So on another note of the Backus life is worrying about Nate's school, summer camp -you name it.  Anyhow we are moving to a new school for summer camp.  Its a HARD choice but needed for our family.  And possibly may need to switch schools in the fall - Nate is NOT really up for any of this as he LOVES his buddies at St. Paul - and honestly so do we - Craig and I really like the parents.  But today I took him when I went to register him for summer camp at another local school/church and he was able to get out of school early and go meet the teachers - 1st and 2nd grade (he'll be in 2nd next year) and even played recess with the 1st graders.  INSTANTLY making friends with 3 boys - granted one we know as its our neighbor buddy!  So that was great.  I"m just very excited.  He's ready to start summer camp at his new location in about 2 weeks.  Of course that first week I'm on travel for work - but luckily we have wonderful friends that are able to help pick him up.  Anyhow I just feel so much more comfortable.  I still pray God leads us to the right path of life in general and know where to place him this fall.

But for the moment - I'm excited to be in single digits for our referral!  I had thought we were around 10 or 11 - but not this low!  Just happy so many familiest found their forever kids.  And pray they get to meet them soon and bring them home even sooner!  I'm so happy baby A found his forever family too!  And just amazed at how God talked to me via my dreams and A's mom IS the mom from my dreams - she looks just like her!  Its just MEANT for him to be with them.  Maybe someone is dreaming of us with our future little guy.  And yes - its about 90% we'll get a little boy as most people want girls and they have so many boys - hence we'll move up faster.  yes - babbling with joy.

Gail

Email copied from an AAI Group -
Dear Families~

I'm happy to report that there was a lot of referral activity during the month of May, therefore, the wait list has changed quite a bit. The numbers are still low in regards to finalized adoptions and children brought home, but, as I said last month, this is a direct result of the slowdown of referrals a few months ago. Here are the numbers:

# of dossiers sent to Ethiopia - 4
# of referrals - 9 
# of adoptions finalized - 1
# of children brought home - 0

Referrals - The 9 children referred were 4 infant boys, 1 infant girl, 2 18 mth old boys, 2 3 yr old boys. We still have partial information on at least six children and expect this number to increase. Most of these children are infants and most are boys...our wait list is getting very "pink". Alemu is well aware of the families waiting for older children and females. 

Current Situation in Ethiopia - I feel like a broken record when I tell you that we do not have any concrete updates regarding MOWYCA's long term plan on how many cases they will be processing each day, but this remains accurate. They are currently processing five new cases per day in addition to clearing the backlog of court cases. We have been told that this will continue at least through September.

Court Hearings and Closure - We do not know the exact dates of the closure coming up but it will probably be from about August 8-September 30. We are really hoping that all the families that have accepted referrals will have their court date prior to this closure. Please understand that just because a court hearing might take place prior to the closure does not mean that the adoption will be finalized prior to the closure. If a family attends court and their testimony is approved, the adoption will be finalized, pending the letter of consent from MOWYCA. This letter might be at court the day of the hearing, but might not be there for several weeks (or even months) after court. We should get a better feel for this in the next few months. Referrals will continue to be given during the court closure, however, a court case will not be able to be opened. Families are also able to travel for their embassy appointment during the court closure. 

Summer Hours - Beginning next week Monday, June 6, our office will be open from 8-5, Monday-Thursday and 8-12 on Friday. These hours will continue until after Labor Day. 

 

Okay, now for the part you really want to see.....

Waiting Families~
2, male & female, 0-5yrs
1, female, 0-12mths
1, female, 0-12mths
1 or 2, female, 0-2yrs
1, female, 2-4yrs
1, female, 0-12mths
1, female, 0-2yrs
1, male, 4-5yrs
1, male or female, 0-3yrs
1, female, 2-4yrs
1, female, 0-2yrs
2, male, 1-4yrs
1 or 2, female, 0-2yrs
2, male or female, 0-24mths
2, male or female, 0-7yrs

Please note that a family may change their preferences in regards to age and gender at any time, therefore, anything on this list could change on any given day.

Please let us know if you have questions on this information or anything else. 

I think summer has finally arrived here in Michigan and it is gorgeous outside! We hope you enjoy the change of seasons,

~Sally, Mary, & Laura

passwords

Ok - can't get it set up to invite the followers - so we'll work on it - but shouldn't be able to view if you search for us - so that's good.

going password protected

All - for the time being we're gonna need to protect this blog and make it password protected -
the password will be Backus and log in Backus - if it changes I'll let you know.

thanks for understanding -
Gail

Baby A

Oh blessed news - baby A we had to turn down a few weeks ago -he's been found a home!  and with another sibling from ET as well!  I'm pretty sure its him the family described this beautiful picture even the sheets!  I'm so happy for him - I want to see this family and see what they look like.  I want to KNOW this is the woman from my dreams!  I KNOW it is - he's a lucky little boy to have this mom!

Update on referrals

Well it appears more referrals are coming out - two families accepted referrals for two kids each this week!  So very exciting.  I'm so happy for them.  Just a few weeks ago a lot of little girls were referred as well.  People are still getting court dates and traveling - its very exciting.  One family said at the beginning of May they were #10 on the list - amazing.  I don't think it was numerical - its just where they fall and the kids fall on either lists - but if we were #15 earlier this month - or even moving up - that's great news!  We may be under #10 soon - Not bad for being #20 when we started?  Soon - I'll see what happens for stats early in June!

so please continue to pray for all the kids in ET - they need prayers and care.  A lot of kids with special needs require some good homes.   I know we're not the home for them but I wish we could be - I feel bad, but know these kids need more care and love and mostly time!  but maybe someday - our lives are changing and we'll get there.

this is a long process so we'll all make it through

Love
Gail

Moving on up the list

Well we are still moving on up the waiting list.  I"m not exactly sure where we're at now - but we started out at 20 and I think we're about 14 or so now.  There have been some referrals lately so that's always good to hear.

Anyhow - Mother's day was last Sunday - so of course it was a sad day - I had a wonderful day - don't get me wrong - an awesome day - but just sad knowing our little one isn't even known yet.  And so many of us are all just waiting.  And then even if we have a referral - we're not going to see them for a very long time.

But overall  life is going well - some positive news on the personal side of life that hopefully we can share soon - non-adoption related - but its alright.

This past week would have been my mom's 65th birthday - and I miss her horrible.  I wish she were here to share all of this with us.  yes I know she's in heaven but its still hard.  I"m thankful for my new adoption friends out there for helping to keep me grounded.

So with all that said just still waiting I know our little one will be known soon enough.

Hope everyone is hanging in there and got through Mother's day.
Gail

a sad day - saying no to a referral

well I think I posted a week or so ago about a little boy that was emailed to our agency - anyhow that referral came up for Craig and I!  Anyhow - I hate to report that after MUCH prayer and conversation, and research talking to some doctors and other people - we have decided this little boy isn't meant for our family.  as much as I tried all weekend to picture this beautiful little guy in my arms, in our family -I couldn't.  but in my dreams I saw him with his mom - it wasn't me!  I can picture this woman very clearly - and I bless her for taking little "A" - he's beautiful and looks so sweet - he deserves her as his forever mother!  I just hope she finds him soon!

anyhow - it was NOT an easy choice - but there were things involved that we just needed to say no and think about Nate and the future of both kids - way into their adult lives.

after going through all this - its difficult to say no to a child!  I never thought this was going to be easy - but never this hard - I knew I'd fall for any child by looking at their picture.

anyhow I appreciate the agency for allowing us to consider "A" and to see his beautiful face - I know they will find him HIS family!  and they will all be happy.

we continue to wait for our referral -we're still probably #15 or 16 on the waiting list - and that's fine.

thanks for the prayers.
gail

New book about adoptions

go to this site - you can win a book and other prizes. this family adopted two beautiful kids from ET  but this could help others as well.  Its more about their story than anythng else.

Referrals are coming in again!!! Moving on up that list!

YES  - the referrals are coming through again!  Yeah - I was told we are #15 on the list. They've referred 3 kids this week, anticipate 1-2 more next week and then 12 are getting paper work ready!  PLUS they announced an 8 month old little baby with some potential health issues was available - I did say we'd look at him, but just in my heart felt he wasn't for us and it sounds like a few other families are interested that are farther up the list - so that will be a referral!  YES _ they are coming in and we are moving on up that list!

Its only a matter of time. Its taking a LOT longer for the agency and their people to do the research and get all the documentation the ET and US govt's are looking for.  But honestly -its probably for the best. Because if all the paper work is there, the court dates and appointments usually go a lot faster and without any issues.  So I'll take it- they are just really trying to document that these kids ARE orphans and available to be adopted - and that's fine.  I want our child for real - not some other crazy methods.

So yes - this was good news for me today.  My friend was told by her agency last week some time between July and November for a referral - I can see that.  And I can live with that.  I'm still praying we will be in country at the same time and can meet over there - it will be a blessing.

Thanks everyone.
Gail

Ethiopian Heritage Camp - in VA

Here is the location and the website for the Ethiopian Heritage Camp - its located in Virginia!  What a GREAT thing - I can't wait to go there someday.  Hopefully in a few years - we'll have a child home and maybe have a referral this year, child home next  and camp - in a few?  Just a great dream and event for the whole family someday.  and with the age difference - maybe a great parent and child special trip someday.


enjoy everyone.


exact address is 
Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center
712 massanetta Springs Rd
Harrisonburg, VA

One of the place we have this information is at the following link:
http://www.heritageandculturecamp.org/ethiopian.php


Also - this is a time to be thankful for everything Jesus did for us here on Earth - and today being Good Friday AND Earth Day - its pretty cool to the environmental engineer in me - bringing it all full circle.  He died for us - and gave us this earth to take care of and be good followers.  I hope I can do him justice and just pray I continue to grow in my faith and strength.  This is sure a process - I had hoped in August that our paper work would be done before the holidays 2010 and a referral by now with hopes to travel this summer.  That's not in the cards now - but I do believe God's working very strong in our lives and taking care of us - he's bringing people into our lives to keep us going.


I'm so thankful for that.
God bless you all
Gail

Update on Ashton & Adoption news

All - thank you for prayers for Ashton and Gabe - the family is VERY appreciative and we believe (well Rebekah and I) that the prayers were key in Ashton waking up with no real issues last night - and he seemed fine t his morning I think.  Anyhow - she's asked that everyone continue - they feel they are getting hit by stuff on all sides - trying to break their faith.  Their faith has brought them this far.  I read some devotionals today and basically the devil attacks when we are close to answers!  So as bad as things are for them I have to find the positive that they are close to their answers on Gabe's unknown diseases and once they know that he can have the brain stuff fixed - hopefully he can continue to have minimum symptoms and not have emergency brain surgery.

So I just want all of us to pray for this family to continue to hang onto God's promises and their faith that they will  make it through.

Thanks everyone.  As I know more about both boys - I'll post.

Some adoption news - we are #18 - but that doesn't mean too much - from my count there are 8 families that want a child - either gender (basically boys are easier to get) or a male in the same age range as us.  Ok a few more want one of each - I didn't count them.  Now hopefully some referrals will come out soon.

We need prayers on this as well.
God Bless the Lord today
Gail

Prayers - urgent for GAbe's brother Ashton

All - I've posted before about Gabe - our friends son - he's 3 and has his share of health issues -the unknown blood disorder first and now his brain malformation.  HIs brother Ashton is the perfect match for a bone marrow match.

so Ashton went to the dentist - and besides messing the work up - the quack dentist was too busy and didn't do things right - even his nurse agreed this was wrong.  so in a nut shell Ashton was given an overdose of sedatives and nitrous oxides!  The work was 3 hour late -

the nurse and Ashton's parents (well I think the nurse- maybe I"m assuming) - decided he needed to go to the ER - the ER docs figured out that Ashton was given an OD of drugs today!  He's still not awake.  His mom knows I sent prayer requests out and I know people all over the world see this -so if you do please pray!

I believe the devil is trying to break this families faith - with all the issues with little Gabe and now this - it horrible.  You can look gabe up on caringbridge.org - search for bravebabygabe - you can see the horrible process there!  and then see the strength and faith this family has!

thanks for the prayers- they need this - we need Ashton to wake up and go back to school - he's Nate's best buddy!  I can't imagine

thanks
God bless
Gail

signs from above????

Ok - I've been trying to get some signs on what path we should take with all that's going on in ET- I'm still not giving up - but it was so nice to just see so many multiracial families this weekends.  Some very beautiful children and parents - from all over the world and just happy as can be!  I just want to ask them all about their journey- but I know that's probably totally weird.

And today was just beautiful - again didn't get much done around home we really needed to - we're bums - but enjoyed the surprising 80+degree weather here in metro-Detroit in early April - its not going to last and the showers are coming back tonight and tomorrow - and longer - but it was nice.  Church - I worked in the nursery and totally got my baby fix with this beautiful Austin!  Lunch with great friends, and then off to see HOP with my boys only to come home and go for a walk and take in some local playgrounds!  Just loved it -

so enjoy all - staying positive with life and moving forward.
gail

Clarifications

For a few that have asked me off "blog-land" - we do not fall into the catagory of "expedited cases" per the post earlier this week from the USCIS and DOS stuff.  So I figured I would just ask and clarify with our agency -

Unfortunately I was right in my thinking.  They are pushing cases of families that have already accepted a referral and been submitted to the courts and system to be processed.  So since we do not have a referral at all yet - we're most likely going to be hit with delays.  However, the US government agencies are really trying to help ET and help with training and other things to help them hire more people to get back up to speed.  Everyone seems very positive about this so its possibly a small set back but hope to get it going again in the future.

Also - I saw some post on one of my yahoo groups that even with 5/day - people aren't too worried they figured they will get a court date by later this summer.  So that's positive outlooks.

continue to keep all of us waiting families in your prayers - but mostly the kids.  Just having to slow things down for them and keep them in the orphanages seems hard.  We ask that people pray that God just looks over them and takes care of them.

Happy Friday night all
Gail