A Great Adoption Video

We mentioned in our 1st post on this blog that God had opened our hearts to international adoption after attending an Orphan Sunday Event at our church.  I recently came across one of the videos that was shown during an international/domestic adoption session at that event.  God used this video to open our eyes and hearts to international adoption and ultimately an Ethiopian adoption.



(2011) Adoption Associates 'Owen' from Chad Kremer on Vimeo.

Just to keep everyone up to date...we have not heard any updates from Ethiopia in the last few weeks.  We continue to pray for the orphans and those making decisions in Ethiopia. 

The Roller Coaster

The last few weeks have been pretty tough.  We have tried to remain upbeat remembering that God has this, but that is tough to say the least.  The constant roller coaster of excitement and then defeat over the past five years has made it difficult to get back up and fight sometimes after receiving disappointing news.  But just as these negative thoughts started to dominate our minds again we were once again reminded that God already has a child picked out for us – we will eventually hold that child even if it takes a little longer than first expected. 

Over the weekend and again today we received a bit of good news!  While nothing is official yet, it appears as though MOWA has replaced their staff in Ethiopia and are now processing more than 5 cases per day (reports have confirmed they approved 20 cases one day late last week)!  This is still a substantial reduction from the 50 that were previously being processed and we have no idea if 20 cases a day will be long term. 

Maybe this change was needed and now adoptions will be safer and will be more ethical.  Perhaps this was a good thing and now we will be safer when we go.  Maybe even the new employees of MOWA will be the spark that is needed to overhaul the entire system in Ethiopia.

We are continually mindful of Ethiopia – our minds still race with questions and concerns.  All we can do is continue to pray for our child, the birth parents, MOWA, the country of Ethiopia, caretakers at the orphanages, and Bethany in Ethiopia and here.

James 1:2-6

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Children of God

Another great song and video from Third Day about adoption and God's adoption of each one of us...

Reality

Thank you all for you prayers this week.  Unfortunately we received word today that the proposed changes became reality as the Ethiopian courts only processed 5 adoptions today (down from a normal day of 50 cases).  We feel a bit paralyzed by this and don't know exactly what to think or do.  We continue to pray that this wouldn't be long term in nature. A 90% drop in the adoption rate would mean that children would remain in orphanages much longer and wait times would significantly increase for families. A number of organizations (including representation from Bethany) are trying to meet with the decision makers this weekend.  We pray for a positive outcome for the sake of those kids and for those of us who desire to provide a permanent home for them.


Here is what Bethany sent us today:


Since we talked yesterday, the Dept. of State posted an alert regarding MOWA:  http://adoption.state.gov/news/ethiopia_alert.html.  In it, they indicate that starting today, MOWA will only review five cases per day.   

This morning we spoke with the Bethany team in Ethiopia.  Sisay, Bethany's adoption coordinator in Ethiopia, went to the court (even though we did not have any cases today) and to MOWA to see if MOWA decided to, in fact, only review five cases per day.  He indicated that only five recommendations were submitted to court by MOWA today.  Also, it stated on the door at MOWA that their new policy was to review only five cases per day.   

Adoptive and birth parents will still be expected to attend their court dates as scheduled, and according to current information, will need to wait until MOWA writes their approval letter to be approved by the court.   

The Minister of MOWA has indicated that he will meet with the Network (a consortium of adoption agency representatives, of which Bethany is a part) this weekend to further discuss the issue.  If this meeting takes place, we hope to have additional news on Monday.   

It is important to note that this "policy" is still under negotitation and discussion within the government.  While it may be in practice at this time, we do not know it's future, as many within the government appear not to agree with the policy. 

Changes?

We just wanted to provide a quick update as we received an email yesterday from our case worker regarding some potential changes.  Nothing has been confirmed yet, but there is speculation that the Ethiopian government is considering a drastic reduction in the pace in which they approve adoptions.  This could extend our wait time significantly so we ask for your prayers.

Please pray for those making decisions there - that they would find a balance between the right amount of regulation and the interest of the over 5 million orphans.  Pray for us as well as this feels like quite a blow.  Hopefully we will be able to post a positive update soon!