Starting over...

I tried really hard to title this post something different. 

I have been debating it all day. I wanted my fingers to type something like: "A fresh start" or "Unwavering" or even "Explosive trust and quiet resolve". That's a good one.

But they typed the truth- straight up. 

We are starting over. 

Ghana officially suspended their international adoption program on May 13. Smart people doubt that the suspension will be lifted...ever, i guess. I wish I could eloquently list all their reasons but to be honest I just dont know what they are. Some imply that it is to push internal reform and promote domestic adoption. Maybe. But then I ask, what about all the children who are sitting in orphanages today, waiting, while 'they' debate reform? Arent they concerned about what happens in the in between time?

I am upset. Angry actually. Once again, children are the pawns in a political game. 

I am sad. Is mourning too strong of a word? I feel like I have lost something, something that I was quite attached to: an idea, a picture in a my head, the child ive bought clothes for. A friend said that what I am feeling may be similar to what someone dealing with  a miscarriage may experience. Humans just attach to other humans, sometimes rather quickly, sometimes before they even meet each other. It's a fact.

So, where do we go from here? After talking through all of our options and really trying to figure out what God is doing here (and wishing we actually knew) we have decided to be added to the waiting list for Ethiopia. We will leave our dossier (that really big stack of paperwork) in Ghana in case things change and we will begin compiling a new dossier for Ethiopia.

We really never thought we would go there, for lots of reasons. We have felt so drawn to the west side of Africa. We know nothing about Ethiopia.

The facts are still the same though. It is a poor, war-torn, disease-ravaged country. There are many, many orphans. Because programs in Ethiopia have been "popular" there is a long waiting list (we are somewhere in the 50's I believe) but we are told there are few who are willing to consider an "older child" (over the age of 3) or a child with special needs (like HIV) or even sibling sets. So, that is exactly what we are open to. Maybe things will move quickly! Maybe they wont. 

Here's to the first step!!

~

 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you"- John 14:18

~

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you"

 - James 1:27

A little somthin' about being stuck

Wow, its been a while... I find myself repeatedly saying "Ill write a blog post as soon as _______ (fill in the blank) happens because it will make for a great read". Then several weeks go by and something weird happens...i dont write ANYTHING. Not because things arent happening and changing or because I am not thinking things, my brain rarely stops (melatonin has become my friend!).

Chad and I recently went to see the film "Stuck".

Powerful.

Heartbreaking.

Enraging.

Emotionally draining.

Just a few words that describe the experience. If you havent seen it, PLEASE do. Its more than a movie, its a bright light shining on a very hidden social justice issue. The film is finishing up its international tour on the East coast this week and finally arriving in DC on Thursday to present 30,000 signatures (hopefully! (you signed it right?)) to congress followed by countless meetings with legislators and representatives wrapped up with a march on Capital Hill.

This movement is about changing the way the world does international adoption. As Chad and I have been in this journey we have learned SO much about what is happening (and not!) behind the scenes. The corruption, politics and red tape makes me physically sick because I know its at the cost of innocent children. 1 of which dies every 30 seconds from preventable causes. Ugh.

Over the last several weeks we have been getting bits of information here and there about the new Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection in Ghana and her persuasion and impact on the processing of international adoptions.  We heard from one source that she advised a cease in adoption petitions being signed until major reform can take place and as a result many regional social welfare directors have halted all pending cases. Apparently she is a determined lady because word has it that she has already fired some of her staff for insubordination.  To be clear though, no laws have changed making international adoption illegal and furthermore, she doesn't have the legal authority to do so.

Now to be clear, I dont think that international adoption should be the only option for a child and reform IS needed. Badly! There should be many options available for each orphan and whichever one gets them out of an institution and into a safe, loving family the quickest should be pursued. But seriously...halting everything to reform the system literally means that many waiting children will have NO HOPE for a family. Every day that goes by, every year older a child turns, their chances of being adopted plummet. Its just the truth. The hard truth.

So here is where we beg for your help!

1. Continue to pray for orphans all over the world, for them to be safe and comforted and provided for. Pray for softened hearts for our leaders all over the world. What a heavy weight of power they hold.

2. Sign the petition. Join Chad and I in demanding change. We cannot be idle now. We will not be quiet.

3. Get involved. There are so many ways. One place to start is to watch the film (you can borrow it from us!). Then tell a friend about it. And make sure you both sign the petition! :)