Well the other family and I heard from the agency today - they have sent an agency rep that is in country (any agency must have offices and staff in ET - so that's great in my mind) - anyhow one of the employees (one of the ones we always hear bout - think this person is the head one) - went to the southern region with another family today - and went to the government offices to fight for our boys - to see what can happen to return the referral back on I guess. No word on the outcome - but it sounds like this is the ONLY 3 cases and the only agency that had referrals that were already in the court systems cancelled or voided.
so please continue to pray -
I also have made contact with another family that used to live really close to where we live - and only a few miles away! They just brought their son home in the last few weeks - amazing! Hope to get to know them -
anyhow - its been a week of just lots of bad news for this family - we need prayers for strength and continued faith! For us to just trust God and know our child is out there and that K and all the other kids are taken care of
Today K would be 11 months - granted we picked his birthday- but 11 months old. Happy birthday my dear boy - whether I end up being your mommy for ever or not - I love you no matter what you are a beautiful baby and will always have a part of my heart!
Love wanna be mommy
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
New term - adoption miscarriage
All
thank you for the prayers, thoughts, you name it - I can't express how much it helps. As two friends have told me today - this is a lot like a miscarriage - I've decided its an adoption miscarriage - just crazy. I am mourning a child I"ve never met - but so in love with.
anyhow - below is a post from our agency today - they explain it better than I ever could -
Gail
Dear Families~
We have been informed that the government in Southern Ethiopia shut down 15 orphanages in the Awassa area in the last week. Obviously, many agencies, including us, have been affected by this. One of the orphanages is the Awassa location of EnatAlem. We have worked with this location for quite a while and have received many referrals from there. It is difficult to hear that they have been closed. Another orphanage that was shut down was EVADO. This is an orphanage we have also worked with for a long time, although, over the last 6 months or so, our trust level with the director has deteriorated significantly and we did not plan to continue working with this orphanage anyway.
The effects of the closings are:
1- The children in these orphanages have been moved to a different orphanage. It is so difficult knowing that after they all have already had to make adjustments, at least one time, to the orphanage, they now need to make new adjustments to a new orphanage. We are unsure if these children will be adoptable and if so, how much time it will take to proceed with their adoptions.
2-We have three families that accepted referrals in the last 3-4 weeks from Awassa EnatAlem. The government required these children be brought back to Awassa and, from the information we have now, they will not be able to proceed with the adoptions. This has been really difficult news for them to hear and, even more so, to understand. That being said, these families responded with graciousness.
3-We will not have a way to ensure that birth families will be able to access post adoption reports of children that have been adopted through these orphanages. The procedure is to send four reports to Ethiopia (for government, AAI-ET office, orphanage, & birth parent). When the reports arrive at our office in Ethiopia, one is submitted to the government office, one is filed, and the other two are sent to the orphanage. The birth parent then has the opportunity to come to the orphanage to get his/her copy of the report. If the orphanage is closed, we do not have a place to send them. In theory, birth parents could still obtain a report if they had a way to get to Addis to get one, however, it is not realistic to think they would have the means to do this.
Right now we have very little facts and lots of questions about the "whys" and the "whats" of these shutdowns. We will continue to posts any new information we learn.
One question many of you might have is "What orphanages are we currently working with?" We continue to work with a good amount of orphanages and are excited this. I plan to post a list later today to inform you of the specific names & locations of our current orphanages.
Please keep the children and families affected by these shutdowns in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks,
thank you for the prayers, thoughts, you name it - I can't express how much it helps. As two friends have told me today - this is a lot like a miscarriage - I've decided its an adoption miscarriage - just crazy. I am mourning a child I"ve never met - but so in love with.
anyhow - below is a post from our agency today - they explain it better than I ever could -
Gail
Dear Families~
We have been informed that the government in Southern Ethiopia shut down 15 orphanages in the Awassa area in the last week. Obviously, many agencies, including us, have been affected by this. One of the orphanages is the Awassa location of EnatAlem. We have worked with this location for quite a while and have received many referrals from there. It is difficult to hear that they have been closed. Another orphanage that was shut down was EVADO. This is an orphanage we have also worked with for a long time, although, over the last 6 months or so, our trust level with the director has deteriorated significantly and we did not plan to continue working with this orphanage anyway.
The effects of the closings are:
1- The children in these orphanages have been moved to a different orphanage. It is so difficult knowing that after they all have already had to make adjustments, at least one time, to the orphanage, they now need to make new adjustments to a new orphanage. We are unsure if these children will be adoptable and if so, how much time it will take to proceed with their adoptions.
2-We have three families that accepted referrals in the last 3-4 weeks from Awassa EnatAlem. The government required these children be brought back to Awassa and, from the information we have now, they will not be able to proceed with the adoptions. This has been really difficult news for them to hear and, even more so, to understand. That being said, these families responded with graciousness.
3-We will not have a way to ensure that birth families will be able to access post adoption reports of children that have been adopted through these orphanages. The procedure is to send four reports to Ethiopia (for government, AAI-ET office, orphanage, & birth parent). When the reports arrive at our office in Ethiopia, one is submitted to the government office, one is filed, and the other two are sent to the orphanage. The birth parent then has the opportunity to come to the orphanage to get his/her copy of the report. If the orphanage is closed, we do not have a place to send them. In theory, birth parents could still obtain a report if they had a way to get to Addis to get one, however, it is not realistic to think they would have the means to do this.
Right now we have very little facts and lots of questions about the "whys" and the "whats" of these shutdowns. We will continue to posts any new information we learn.
One question many of you might have is "What orphanages are we currently working with?" We continue to work with a good amount of orphanages and are excited this. I plan to post a list later today to inform you of the specific names & locations of our current orphanages.
Please keep the children and families affected by these shutdowns in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks,
Monday, July 18, 2011
Loss of our referral - please pray
Hi all - well sad news today - the ET gov't is shutting down MORE orphanages 15 in the last few days. Well one is from the south where our little guy was originally (he's not now - he's in Enet Alem in Addis Ababa). Anyhow - the original one is being shut down and the gov't wants him back! He's being returned and his referral to us has basically been voided from what we were told today.
Honestly - I don't know that I heard everything - so Sally if you read this - sorry - just in shock and trying as hard as I could NOT to totally break down on the call - didn't succeed to well - but I tried. The agency has never seen this before - but it seems like a lot of things have never been seen.
so as we stand now - we are BACK on the wait list - I keep hearing from LOTS Of others people that there "is possible hope' - but they went to court and the judge said no - so we'll see.
right now other families that got the same call today - we are trying to have people pray - pray long, hard - pray for our boys! Pray for the kids - they are being torn from the caregivers they know and love - and being moved again! Pray that they are taken care of - they are in a great place now - and its all the unknowns. Or little guy will be 11 months old this week - so please pray he's taken care of.
Pray for strength for our family.
anyhow - from what we can tell - they shut down the agencies due to corruption - either by the directors or in some cases the local government officials! some of the rumors are they just want to make a big statement and shut a bunch down in the region! so not really that they are all bad - and in lots of cases I've heard the orphanages were really nice places and took great care of the kids - so its one or two people that have set these kids back AGAIN! Now I do want an ethical adoption - I agree that paying someone to take their child or stealing them is wrong - but in many cases - they are all on the up and up. so just pray -
I guess I'll up date our ticker to reflect today's set back.
at least now our shots will all be effective if and when we get to travel - clearly not anytime soon!
anyhow - keep little K and the other kids in your prayers - 3 boys total from our agency - they need loving homes!
Thanks
Gail
Honestly - I don't know that I heard everything - so Sally if you read this - sorry - just in shock and trying as hard as I could NOT to totally break down on the call - didn't succeed to well - but I tried. The agency has never seen this before - but it seems like a lot of things have never been seen.
so as we stand now - we are BACK on the wait list - I keep hearing from LOTS Of others people that there "is possible hope' - but they went to court and the judge said no - so we'll see.
right now other families that got the same call today - we are trying to have people pray - pray long, hard - pray for our boys! Pray for the kids - they are being torn from the caregivers they know and love - and being moved again! Pray that they are taken care of - they are in a great place now - and its all the unknowns. Or little guy will be 11 months old this week - so please pray he's taken care of.
Pray for strength for our family.
anyhow - from what we can tell - they shut down the agencies due to corruption - either by the directors or in some cases the local government officials! some of the rumors are they just want to make a big statement and shut a bunch down in the region! so not really that they are all bad - and in lots of cases I've heard the orphanages were really nice places and took great care of the kids - so its one or two people that have set these kids back AGAIN! Now I do want an ethical adoption - I agree that paying someone to take their child or stealing them is wrong - but in many cases - they are all on the up and up. so just pray -
I guess I'll up date our ticker to reflect today's set back.
at least now our shots will all be effective if and when we get to travel - clearly not anytime soon!
anyhow - keep little K and the other kids in your prayers - 3 boys total from our agency - they need loving homes!
Thanks
Gail
Saturday, July 16, 2011
useful info for all ET adoption and travel - another blog
Just a good blog I found - it looks like its pretty public - so hopefully they don't mind - if they do - sorry and let me know - but the buttons are available to share - so who knows.
but for those traveling - I glanced VERY Quickly at the travel list and other items for travel -
just looks like TONS of useful info.
Good luck
but for those traveling - I glanced VERY Quickly at the travel list and other items for travel -
just looks like TONS of useful info.
Good luck
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
15 letters / day????
Well I don't know 100% sure yet - but I saw some yahoo group posts that it may be true - but again - NOT confirmed - but I hear that MOWA is now up to 15 letters/day!!!! Yeah - moving on up - much better than the 5! and maybe during shut down - they can get caught up!
still no word on any court dates - but people that got referrals in early June are getting calls this week - so we'll see. Maybe we'll get a known date before closure - still assuming it will be AFTER rainy season closure - so we'll see.
anyhow - some random thoughts - blogs are pretty cool - its awesome to pose a question and have people help with answers - I love it! so thanks for the responses last night on what to do for shots - found a clinic and the lady calling me was so nice! She called me yesterday and was helpful most were - but it was good. all the prices are all over the board - but it seemed to work out almost even between the two places that take adults AND kids. and we can do this without bringing Nate this Friday - yeah!
well at the moment I'm fighting a migraine - my vision is fuzzy - ha and I"m trying to type and can't see half of what I am typing - so hopefully its not too bad - I think its probably better than normal - go figure.
so just getting crazy nervous about everything - -
figured out finances officially today - took the leap - probably part of the migraine - but everything will work out - I have to have faith!
thanks for all the prayers and support.
have a good evening -
gail
PS - I posted my immunization stuff on some yahoo group sand saw tongs of replies too - now I have to try and see to read them - ha
still no word on any court dates - but people that got referrals in early June are getting calls this week - so we'll see. Maybe we'll get a known date before closure - still assuming it will be AFTER rainy season closure - so we'll see.
anyhow - some random thoughts - blogs are pretty cool - its awesome to pose a question and have people help with answers - I love it! so thanks for the responses last night on what to do for shots - found a clinic and the lady calling me was so nice! She called me yesterday and was helpful most were - but it was good. all the prices are all over the board - but it seemed to work out almost even between the two places that take adults AND kids. and we can do this without bringing Nate this Friday - yeah!
well at the moment I'm fighting a migraine - my vision is fuzzy - ha and I"m trying to type and can't see half of what I am typing - so hopefully its not too bad - I think its probably better than normal - go figure.
so just getting crazy nervous about everything - -
figured out finances officially today - took the leap - probably part of the migraine - but everything will work out - I have to have faith!
thanks for all the prayers and support.
have a good evening -
gail
PS - I posted my immunization stuff on some yahoo group sand saw tongs of replies too - now I have to try and see to read them - ha
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Immunizations to travel - HELP
Ok - we need help or advice -
we must have a few immunizations before we travel - I"m getting conflicting information from all sorts of places - anyone out there know anything - PLEASE comment here and we can touch base or email me a gmbackus@Hotmail.com
anyhow - trip 1 - we will travel south so I know yellow fever (need the yellow card) and probably typhoid. but then there is malaria pills, Hep A, Hep B, tetnus and a few other things I know Nate gets as routine - we may need boosters.
the health department doesn't have these things - some but not the big ones and the costs vary from $50 - $155 for a yellow fever shot -its insane! Just insane! we need to actually take out a loan to get our shots covered - yes crazy - but what can we do. Oh well.
so any one have advice - we want to be protected - but not sure we "need" everything - but also don't want to get sick traveling either or getting our kids sick.
Nate's lucky - honestly don't think he will need anything - he's all caught up and he won't travels south!
Crazy.
thanks
Gail
we must have a few immunizations before we travel - I"m getting conflicting information from all sorts of places - anyone out there know anything - PLEASE comment here and we can touch base or email me a gmbackus@Hotmail.com
anyhow - trip 1 - we will travel south so I know yellow fever (need the yellow card) and probably typhoid. but then there is malaria pills, Hep A, Hep B, tetnus and a few other things I know Nate gets as routine - we may need boosters.
the health department doesn't have these things - some but not the big ones and the costs vary from $50 - $155 for a yellow fever shot -its insane! Just insane! we need to actually take out a loan to get our shots covered - yes crazy - but what can we do. Oh well.
so any one have advice - we want to be protected - but not sure we "need" everything - but also don't want to get sick traveling either or getting our kids sick.
Nate's lucky - honestly don't think he will need anything - he's all caught up and he won't travels south!
Crazy.
thanks
Gail
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Happy Birthday to Nate - my big 7 year old
Wow - he's actually 7 today - I can't believe it - technically not till about 6:28 pm tonight - but still. try explaining THAT to a 7 year old - ha! we actually had to open his first present last night and opened half of them this morning - yeah mom's a stealth shopper -lots of little things he wanted -all wrapped separately makes it look like a huge stash! but since he's a great kid - he loves it all.
so later today - we're headed to Flp City - a gymnastics place - mostly to play in the "foam pits" - gonna be a blast. I was hopiong to jump in too -b ut somehow hurt my knee yesterday while at work - well not work related for any safety people - I won't become a recordable injury - just started acting up at work. Oh well.
so I just am so thrilled - and we were talking this morning that Curt will be here for his next bday we hope - and we will miss Curt's 1st bday next month - so we'll have to give him a big "2nd bday" party with all the family next year! can't wait.
anyhow - I"m lucky and blessed to have such a great boy here and one on the way - Nate's an awesome kid - smart, funny and just a good kid! and Truly a "gift from God" is what his name means -
Lots of errands to do to get ready today - but it will be worth it - hopefully I can get pictures to post late -
and just a side note of adoption whoes' - man its just frustrating how different agencies have totally different wait times. I'm really tired of it all - I want my friend to get her referral NOW - not in a few months. so I'll continue to pray that they get their call - its just so weird how agencies do things very differently. all are good in their different ways - but still just keep praying for my friends.
enjoy this gorgeous day -
Gail
so later today - we're headed to Flp City - a gymnastics place - mostly to play in the "foam pits" - gonna be a blast. I was hopiong to jump in too -b ut somehow hurt my knee yesterday while at work - well not work related for any safety people - I won't become a recordable injury - just started acting up at work. Oh well.
so I just am so thrilled - and we were talking this morning that Curt will be here for his next bday we hope - and we will miss Curt's 1st bday next month - so we'll have to give him a big "2nd bday" party with all the family next year! can't wait.
anyhow - I"m lucky and blessed to have such a great boy here and one on the way - Nate's an awesome kid - smart, funny and just a good kid! and Truly a "gift from God" is what his name means -
Lots of errands to do to get ready today - but it will be worth it - hopefully I can get pictures to post late -
and just a side note of adoption whoes' - man its just frustrating how different agencies have totally different wait times. I'm really tired of it all - I want my friend to get her referral NOW - not in a few months. so I'll continue to pray that they get their call - its just so weird how agencies do things very differently. all are good in their different ways - but still just keep praying for my friends.
enjoy this gorgeous day -
Gail
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Test
Testing........
I noticed that the blog wasn't feeding through to Facebook, so I made a change and wanted to see if it would work.
Craig
I noticed that the blog wasn't feeding through to Facebook, so I made a change and wanted to see if it would work.
Craig
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Fresh Air Children - they need your assistance
All
Craig and I were contacted by Fresh Air Children- its an organization that allows kids from a city to go stay in the country to get fresh air and see what life is all about out there in the country. Personally - growing up in the country - well sorta- I think its an awesome idea. The program is looking for host families to host kids for 2 weeks this summer and give them an opportunity to get out of the city and get some fresh air.
Please check out the website linked above - or http://freshairfundhost.org
If anyone else can figure out how to post their banners and such - that would be great. I'm going to try and get that on here as well.
Gail
Craig and I were contacted by Fresh Air Children- its an organization that allows kids from a city to go stay in the country to get fresh air and see what life is all about out there in the country. Personally - growing up in the country - well sorta- I think its an awesome idea. The program is looking for host families to host kids for 2 weeks this summer and give them an opportunity to get out of the city and get some fresh air.
Please check out the website linked above - or http://freshairfundhost.org
If anyone else can figure out how to post their banners and such - that would be great. I'm going to try and get that on here as well.
Gail
Sunday, July 03, 2011
what's in a name
wow - why is it so hard to choose a name for our little guy. Not sure why its so hard - we had names picked out if we had gotten pg on our own - but things change. we had some names - I guess everyone had their own likes - so our mission this weekend was to pick a name.
as we discussed it over and over this weekend - it kept changing.
I think we have one - its not 100% for me but its growing on me - we'll just have to wait and see . I just feel its very important for our little guy - we love his name and plan to keep it for his middle name - so we want to honor that and make sure its something he can have for life. at least Craig and I agree on a few things - that are just important in the naming for the two of us. we'll see. we want something classic or not too common - so we'll see.
It helped that we were at a nice tourist place this weekend - Frankenmuth, MI -so all these "name" or personalized stuff. we found a few - Nate is a rare name - don't think we've ever saw that in one of these places - occasionally we have found Nathaniel - so we get it - looking to see if we can find something like that. we like a "long" name for the full name and something short for the every day name.
Oh well - we'll get it - we've at least got pictures and I know we'll find his name - Craig really likes Curtis - and we'll call him Curt - Nate likes it too - I do as well too - just trying to look at his picture and see if he looks like a Curt - he does look like a Curtis!
I know - stressing over the little things - but its something he will need to live with forever! but we did find some nice Christmas ornaments from or celebrating Africa - looked for the Ethiopian flag - didnt' find it -but we'll find one.
Oh - and for those in the Detroit area - if you go to the Blue Nile restaurant in Ferndale, MI tomorrow - all proceeds go to the military - Blue NIle is an Ethiopian restaurant in the metro area.
happy 4th of July
Gail
as we discussed it over and over this weekend - it kept changing.
I think we have one - its not 100% for me but its growing on me - we'll just have to wait and see . I just feel its very important for our little guy - we love his name and plan to keep it for his middle name - so we want to honor that and make sure its something he can have for life. at least Craig and I agree on a few things - that are just important in the naming for the two of us. we'll see. we want something classic or not too common - so we'll see.
It helped that we were at a nice tourist place this weekend - Frankenmuth, MI -so all these "name" or personalized stuff. we found a few - Nate is a rare name - don't think we've ever saw that in one of these places - occasionally we have found Nathaniel - so we get it - looking to see if we can find something like that. we like a "long" name for the full name and something short for the every day name.
Oh well - we'll get it - we've at least got pictures and I know we'll find his name - Craig really likes Curtis - and we'll call him Curt - Nate likes it too - I do as well too - just trying to look at his picture and see if he looks like a Curt - he does look like a Curtis!
I know - stressing over the little things - but its something he will need to live with forever! but we did find some nice Christmas ornaments from or celebrating Africa - looked for the Ethiopian flag - didnt' find it -but we'll find one.
Oh - and for those in the Detroit area - if you go to the Blue Nile restaurant in Ferndale, MI tomorrow - all proceeds go to the military - Blue NIle is an Ethiopian restaurant in the metro area.
happy 4th of July
Gail
Friday, July 01, 2011
June Updates from AAIi
June Updates - amazing. So I know us and one other person announced their acceptance of a referral - not sure who the other families are - but would love to talk to them or meet them. Especially with the little boy. close too Karesso's age! Love it.
anyhow - Its a new month - they still think per this post its possible we travel in August - not sure if that will work out - we shall see. Guess we should get a dr appointment and then get our immunizations. Its a lot longer for the 2nd trip - but guess the US Embassy is doing more research too - which is good. Still praying we bring him home THIS year - may not be if we travel in October - so we will see.
Keep the prayers going for all of these families and kids -especially the children waiting for their forever homes. And their families that are so heroic to give them up so that they can live and have a fruitful life.
Gail
Post from AAI
Dear Families~
We hope your summer is off to a good start. Michigan can be pretty brutal during the winter months, to the point where I question the reasoning for living here......but summer really makes up for it! We have had some "perfect" summer days....sunny, low 80's, with a bit of humidity...aah....
We continue to have a great amount of activity...more referrals, lots of court dates scheduled, and lots of families planning travel.
# of dossiers sent to Ethiopia - 3
# of referrals -5
# of adoptions finalized - 2
# of children brought home - 1
Referrals - The 5 children referred were 2 infant boys, 1 infant girl, 1 2 yr old girl, and 1 7 yr. old boy
Families Traveling~ We have one family in Ethiopia right now and eight more leaving sometime in the next two weeks! All of these families are traveling for their first trip and will be meeting their children for the first time! Please pray for safe travel and wonderful experiences for them while in Ethiopia.
Current Situation in Ethiopia - There is no new news to report since the last update I posted a couple weeks ago. This is a recap: The courts are opposed to MOWYCA only completing 5 cases per day, MOWYCA announced they have increase the number to 10 per day intend to increase this number to 15 over the next few months.
Letters of consent from MOWYCA- So far, we have only had two court hearings since the original announcement made by MOWYCA. The letters for these two cases were submitted two weeks after the court hearing took place. It is expected that the families will bring their children home late July or early August. If things go as planned, the time between their two trips will be 8-10 weeks.
Court Closure - We still do not know the exact dates of the closure coming up but expect it to be from the second week of August through September. We are currently waiting to hear court dates for four families and are hopeful that the dates will be prior to the 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.
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.
Wait List-
2, male & female, 0-5yrs
1, female, 0-12mths
1 or 2, female, 0-2yrs
1, female, 2-4yrs
1, female, 0-12mths
1, female, 1-3yrs
1, male, 4-5yrs
1, female, 2-4yrs
1, female, 0-2yrs
2, male, 1-4yrs
1 or 2, female, 0-2yrs
2, male or female, 0-24mths
1, female, 0-2.5 yrs
1, male, 0-18mths
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.
Happy 4th of July!
anyhow - Its a new month - they still think per this post its possible we travel in August - not sure if that will work out - we shall see. Guess we should get a dr appointment and then get our immunizations. Its a lot longer for the 2nd trip - but guess the US Embassy is doing more research too - which is good. Still praying we bring him home THIS year - may not be if we travel in October - so we will see.
Keep the prayers going for all of these families and kids -especially the children waiting for their forever homes. And their families that are so heroic to give them up so that they can live and have a fruitful life.
Gail
Post from AAI
Dear Families~
We hope your summer is off to a good start. Michigan can be pretty brutal during the winter months, to the point where I question the reasoning for living here......but summer really makes up for it! We have had some "perfect" summer days....sunny, low 80's, with a bit of humidity...aah....
We continue to have a great amount of activity...more referrals, lots of court dates scheduled, and lots of families planning travel.
# of dossiers sent to Ethiopia - 3
# of referrals -5
# of adoptions finalized - 2
# of children brought home - 1
Referrals - The 5 children referred were 2 infant boys, 1 infant girl, 1 2 yr old girl, and 1 7 yr. old boy
Families Traveling~ We have one family in Ethiopia right now and eight more leaving sometime in the next two weeks! All of these families are traveling for their first trip and will be meeting their children for the first time! Please pray for safe travel and wonderful experiences for them while in Ethiopia.
Current Situation in Ethiopia - There is no new news to report since the last update I posted a couple weeks ago. This is a recap: The courts are opposed to MOWYCA only completing 5 cases per day, MOWYCA announced they have increase the number to 10 per day intend to increase this number to 15 over the next few months.
Letters of consent from MOWYCA- So far, we have only had two court hearings since the original announcement made by MOWYCA. The letters for these two cases were submitted two weeks after the court hearing took place. It is expected that the families will bring their children home late July or early August. If things go as planned, the time between their two trips will be 8-10 weeks.
Court Closure - We still do not know the exact dates of the closure coming up but expect it to be from the second week of August through September. We are currently waiting to hear court dates for four families and are hopeful that the dates will be prior to the 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.
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.
Wait List-
2, male & female, 0-5yrs
1, female, 0-12mths
1 or 2, female, 0-2yrs
1, female, 2-4yrs
1, female, 0-12mths
1, female, 1-3yrs
1, male, 4-5yrs
1, female, 2-4yrs
1, female, 0-2yrs
2, male, 1-4yrs
1 or 2, female, 0-2yrs
2, male or female, 0-24mths
1, female, 0-2.5 yrs
1, male, 0-18mths
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.
Happy 4th of July!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
One week ago
Yep - just been one week since I saw Karesso's beautiful little face - man I can't wait to hold him and kiss those chubby little cheeks! God has really blessed us in this last week - he's brought me to some of the families that actually took those pictures! They've held him and talked to him - and more are traveling this week - some leave tomorrow to meet their kids - all at the same place. so it will be amazing to get more pictures.
Just amazing how things work out - I know other things are stalled but I have to put all my trust and faith in God to know he'll take care of us.
at least one big step we figured out this week - without the help of anyone else (NO COMMENTS) - we figured it out - may not be the best - but its our only option. Yes I'm cryptic -but need to be.
anyhow its hard to try and just be patient. we did hear that our stuff was submitted this week to courts - yeah! but it probably won't get us any court dates until after the rainy season. so hopefully we can travel in October and bring our little guy home this winter! Maybe he'll be our christmas present? that would be amazing.
I can't wait. now its the planning,decorating and getting everything ready for his arrival.
God bless you all - lets enjoy and celebrate our 4th of July and that we have the freedom's that we have here.
God bless
Gail
Just amazing how things work out - I know other things are stalled but I have to put all my trust and faith in God to know he'll take care of us.
at least one big step we figured out this week - without the help of anyone else (NO COMMENTS) - we figured it out - may not be the best - but its our only option. Yes I'm cryptic -but need to be.
anyhow its hard to try and just be patient. we did hear that our stuff was submitted this week to courts - yeah! but it probably won't get us any court dates until after the rainy season. so hopefully we can travel in October and bring our little guy home this winter! Maybe he'll be our christmas present? that would be amazing.
I can't wait. now its the planning,decorating and getting everything ready for his arrival.
God bless you all - lets enjoy and celebrate our 4th of July and that we have the freedom's that we have here.
God bless
Gail
Sunday, June 26, 2011
THE Call - yes THE CALL
Ok - I just can't contain myself any longer! THE CALL came at about 4:30 pm on Thursday - June 23, 2011. I didn't have my personal phone with me and missed a call earlier - oops. Just busy at work preparing for a big audit next week. anyhow I was in shock and just really out of it - taking as many notes from the conversation with Sally - our wonderful AAI Ethiopian Team Leader (not sure what to call her - but she's special). She told me about a beautiful little boy named Karesso he's 10 months old and very healthy! I also was texting Craig in all this time - and awaiting the emails with the details - but mostly those pictures.
Well that did it - me not fall in love instantly after seeing those chubby little cheeks and those eyes - wow those eyes! Just perfect. So we thought about it on Thursday - debating on doing the international adoption doctor review (decided they'd tell us what we read already - so opted not to) - tried talking to Nate's pediatrician - and didn't get a call back. So this morning - the three of us had a very quick family meeting - YES - Karesso will be ours.
The call came at one of the most needed weeks. This past week was the 7th anniversary of my mom's passing. So Its typically a very painful week. Lots of sad memories mixed in with the beautiful ones. My coworker Nancy told me that she felt my mom was working very close to God this week in bringing us this news on THAT day - helping us to let go of the pain and focus on the good in life and her life in happiness. And I have to agree -
Yesterday I was driving to my dad's to pick up Nate after him being there for a week. I was listening to Sirus XM - the Message station and just became so overwhelmed with the joy and timing of it all - God sure does have a plan - the timing of it all - was amazing.
On top of it all - on Friday my brother proposed to his beautiful girlfriend - so we're also adding another person to our family! That on top of our referral - has topped this week as so special - we have so many happy things. Mom helped to give me a baby and brought my brother his true love together this week! Thanks mom - we miss you tons - but again realize you are still watching over us and helping to take care of us from heaven!
So unfortunately we can not post pictures of Karesso right now. We're still discussing names - we probably going to give him a new first name and keep Karesso as his middle name. Nate wants all sorts of Star Wars names - trying to keep away from Anikin at the moment - or Skywalker. Those are just a few of his ideas. He also l likes Alex and Craig likes Kristopher/Christopher - but our soon to be nephew is going to be named that - so we'll see.
Lots to think about -a LOT of challenges - not sure how we will make it all work - guess we'll be playing the lucky Lotto or something and just pray for another miracle to pull it all together - but we just keep saying god will help us make it work.
we were expecting 2 totally different calls last week - maybe one of those will come through and make it a HOME RUN! as they say - sometimes things come in 3's!
thanks for letting me share the good news from the Backus / Wilcox family on this Sunday morning - I just couldn't wait any longer.
For those of you waiting - hang in there - your time IS coming! I believe that. I still pray we get to travel at the same time as my new friends down in Memphis - I believe God brought us together for a reason in this process - we will make. I never in my wildest dreams thought this referral would come this past week or this soon - especially after all the changes in March - but it looks like positive things are happening over there in ET - and we're blessed to have seen our little boy - and now need to really baby proof the house again!
Love you all
Gail
Well that did it - me not fall in love instantly after seeing those chubby little cheeks and those eyes - wow those eyes! Just perfect. So we thought about it on Thursday - debating on doing the international adoption doctor review (decided they'd tell us what we read already - so opted not to) - tried talking to Nate's pediatrician - and didn't get a call back. So this morning - the three of us had a very quick family meeting - YES - Karesso will be ours.
The call came at one of the most needed weeks. This past week was the 7th anniversary of my mom's passing. So Its typically a very painful week. Lots of sad memories mixed in with the beautiful ones. My coworker Nancy told me that she felt my mom was working very close to God this week in bringing us this news on THAT day - helping us to let go of the pain and focus on the good in life and her life in happiness. And I have to agree -
Yesterday I was driving to my dad's to pick up Nate after him being there for a week. I was listening to Sirus XM - the Message station and just became so overwhelmed with the joy and timing of it all - God sure does have a plan - the timing of it all - was amazing.
On top of it all - on Friday my brother proposed to his beautiful girlfriend - so we're also adding another person to our family! That on top of our referral - has topped this week as so special - we have so many happy things. Mom helped to give me a baby and brought my brother his true love together this week! Thanks mom - we miss you tons - but again realize you are still watching over us and helping to take care of us from heaven!
So unfortunately we can not post pictures of Karesso right now. We're still discussing names - we probably going to give him a new first name and keep Karesso as his middle name. Nate wants all sorts of Star Wars names - trying to keep away from Anikin at the moment - or Skywalker. Those are just a few of his ideas. He also l likes Alex and Craig likes Kristopher/Christopher - but our soon to be nephew is going to be named that - so we'll see.
Lots to think about -a LOT of challenges - not sure how we will make it all work - guess we'll be playing the lucky Lotto or something and just pray for another miracle to pull it all together - but we just keep saying god will help us make it work.
we were expecting 2 totally different calls last week - maybe one of those will come through and make it a HOME RUN! as they say - sometimes things come in 3's!
thanks for letting me share the good news from the Backus / Wilcox family on this Sunday morning - I just couldn't wait any longer.
For those of you waiting - hang in there - your time IS coming! I believe that. I still pray we get to travel at the same time as my new friends down in Memphis - I believe God brought us together for a reason in this process - we will make. I never in my wildest dreams thought this referral would come this past week or this soon - especially after all the changes in March - but it looks like positive things are happening over there in ET - and we're blessed to have seen our little boy - and now need to really baby proof the house again!
Love you all
Gail
Monday, June 20, 2011
confirmation from AAI - leads to this emotional post
Update from AAI - sounds like good news and confirmed MOWA letters - MOWA = MOWYCA (new name)
Positive thinking and positive thoughts - just have to hang on to any little tidbit today - its an emotional day for me - 7 years ago on Monday - my mom was pronounced basically brain dead and we had to decide to take her off the machines or not. we waited for her sisters to come say good bye -but ultimately we did the other stuff the next day - Tuesday. granted the "dates' aren't the same - but the day's are. I can vividly remember those moments - you can go back and read it all - we started this blog originally to keep family and friends informed of her fight with Leukemia! - she ultimately lost that battle - as one doctor told us - her genetics were just too strong - and they wouldn't let the chemo in to fight and help cure her. still it sucks! I remember starting to have contractions that day and as gross as it is - lost my plug that week - Nate luckily held out for 17 days - he was still about 2 weeks early - but at least not a month early! I have to remind myself that mom held him first - in heaven before he was born. she hand picked him just for us - she realized we needed a beautiful little boy - Nate was best for me and my "boys" as I called them for many years - Craig, nate, dad and Marcus (and even Ron - Craig's dad) - it was me and my boys! that my little Jane wasn't what was needed -
She's up above watching out - but man - I miss her today and want to talk to her - I want to ask for her advice. I NEED her support - support on this adoption that NO ONE else is really able to give. Their understanding, their love NO MATTER WHAT - her trust that we know we are making the best choice for OUR family - Only a mom can sometimes give all that - I have my friends - and for 2 of you - sorry for the emails a few minutes ago - but I just am having a rough one -
so anyhow - tears wiped away - there is good news from AAI - I'm very thankful they are the agency we picked - they are very helpful in keeping us updated - they've confirmed the additional letter that are being processed. I must focus on that today - and just taking a nap! Focus on what we have right now - a beautiful little boy that's about to turn 7 in about 18 days I guess officially by date! Plan that party - and love my awesome husband and await good news that I just know is coming in the next few weeks - and await that phone call from Sally and her team and the ultimate email - hopefully that comes in the next few months! but good news is coming - a little birdy told me - so I can't say anything yet - but I KNOW we'll have some good news- and then a referral hopefully soon after!>
sorry for the extra emotions - feel free to read the history here - you will find out about 3 beautiful parents that we lost and my grandma too -
Gail
AAI Email -
Dear Families~
We are happy to report we received word that MOWYCA (Ministry of Woman's Youth and Children's Affairs) decided to increase the number of new cases they will approve to ten per day. (as opposed to the five that they were doing) They also stated that they plan to increase this number to 15 per day, over the next few months. It is our understanding that this is in addition to the backlog cases they continue to work on.
Other pieces of information that we have been told:
-The courts are opposed to a dramatic decrease in cases approved and recently demanded that MOWYCA review more than five cases per day.
-The courts are scheduling approximately 20 hearings per day.
-MOWYCA plans to approve 4 cases per agency, per month. This would be okay for some of the smaller agencies but would result in a dramatic decrease for some of the larger agencies. (AAI is considered average to small.) There has NOT been an official announcement about this.
We have been very busy getting families ready for travel. There are eight families scheduled for court between July 5 & July 21 and we are waiting to hear court dates of three additional families right now. We also have one family scheduled for their embassy appointment next week.
We are excited about this move in the right direction and hope to hear more positive news soon.
We will keep you posted on any new information we learn,
~Sally, Mary, & Laura
Positive thinking and positive thoughts - just have to hang on to any little tidbit today - its an emotional day for me - 7 years ago on Monday - my mom was pronounced basically brain dead and we had to decide to take her off the machines or not. we waited for her sisters to come say good bye -but ultimately we did the other stuff the next day - Tuesday. granted the "dates' aren't the same - but the day's are. I can vividly remember those moments - you can go back and read it all - we started this blog originally to keep family and friends informed of her fight with Leukemia! - she ultimately lost that battle - as one doctor told us - her genetics were just too strong - and they wouldn't let the chemo in to fight and help cure her. still it sucks! I remember starting to have contractions that day and as gross as it is - lost my plug that week - Nate luckily held out for 17 days - he was still about 2 weeks early - but at least not a month early! I have to remind myself that mom held him first - in heaven before he was born. she hand picked him just for us - she realized we needed a beautiful little boy - Nate was best for me and my "boys" as I called them for many years - Craig, nate, dad and Marcus (and even Ron - Craig's dad) - it was me and my boys! that my little Jane wasn't what was needed -
She's up above watching out - but man - I miss her today and want to talk to her - I want to ask for her advice. I NEED her support - support on this adoption that NO ONE else is really able to give. Their understanding, their love NO MATTER WHAT - her trust that we know we are making the best choice for OUR family - Only a mom can sometimes give all that - I have my friends - and for 2 of you - sorry for the emails a few minutes ago - but I just am having a rough one -
so anyhow - tears wiped away - there is good news from AAI - I'm very thankful they are the agency we picked - they are very helpful in keeping us updated - they've confirmed the additional letter that are being processed. I must focus on that today - and just taking a nap! Focus on what we have right now - a beautiful little boy that's about to turn 7 in about 18 days I guess officially by date! Plan that party - and love my awesome husband and await good news that I just know is coming in the next few weeks - and await that phone call from Sally and her team and the ultimate email - hopefully that comes in the next few months! but good news is coming - a little birdy told me - so I can't say anything yet - but I KNOW we'll have some good news- and then a referral hopefully soon after!>
sorry for the extra emotions - feel free to read the history here - you will find out about 3 beautiful parents that we lost and my grandma too -
Gail
AAI Email -
Dear Families~
We are happy to report we received word that MOWYCA (Ministry of Woman's Youth and Children's Affairs) decided to increase the number of new cases they will approve to ten per day. (as opposed to the five that they were doing) They also stated that they plan to increase this number to 15 per day, over the next few months. It is our understanding that this is in addition to the backlog cases they continue to work on.
Other pieces of information that we have been told:
-The courts are opposed to a dramatic decrease in cases approved and recently demanded that MOWYCA review more than five cases per day.
-The courts are scheduling approximately 20 hearings per day.
-MOWYCA plans to approve 4 cases per agency, per month. This would be okay for some of the smaller agencies but would result in a dramatic decrease for some of the larger agencies. (AAI is considered average to small.) There has NOT been an official announcement about this.
We have been very busy getting families ready for travel. There are eight families scheduled for court between July 5 & July 21 and we are waiting to hear court dates of three additional families right now. We also have one family scheduled for their embassy appointment next week.
We are excited about this move in the right direction and hope to hear more positive news soon.
We will keep you posted on any new information we learn,
~Sally, Mary, & Laura
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
good news on processing in country- updated
NOT a fact I've verified yet - but I did see a posting today that said that MOWA is increasing letters per day by 5 - so from 5 to 10 letters starting in June! YEAH - this is a 50% increase - however they decreased 90% in March - but any increase we WILL take!
YEAH - gotta love progress. Hopefully over time they will get back up to more than that - which will be good.
Ok - back to work - on travel and a late night -
Gail
UPDATED - after further review - it appears that after a period of time they will move up to 15 letters/day and continue doing so because their training programs and other procedures and fixes are working!!!! THIS IS AWESOME- bless the lord.
gail
YEAH - gotta love progress. Hopefully over time they will get back up to more than that - which will be good.
Ok - back to work - on travel and a late night -
Gail
UPDATED - after further review - it appears that after a period of time they will move up to 15 letters/day and continue doing so because their training programs and other procedures and fixes are working!!!! THIS IS AWESOME- bless the lord.
gail
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