Ethiopia Adoption Alert Update

We waited all day today for an update from Gladney, the Joint Council on International Child Services, and/or the U.S. Department of State concerning the situation with Ethiopian adoptions. Late this afternoon we received news that there were discussions between the U.S. Department of State Office of Children's Issues, the Joint Council, USCIS, and many adoption agencies (including Gladney) regarding Ethiopian intercountry adoptions and the latest proposed changes. From what we have gathered, there was no true progress made towards reversing or bettering the adoption process in Ethiopia, but we did find out that on Monday there are talks planned with the Ethiopian courts and MOWA. Hopefully, there will be some resolution soon. We also learned that the head of MOWA has been terminated for unknown reasons...we don't know if this is good or bad, but time will tell. Unfortunately and frustratingly, we further were informed that those Ethiopian orphans who have been referred to international families can expect to wait in institutions/orphanages for up to another year before they will be united with their forever families due to the current changes that are being implemented. We really need to pray for these children and their families to feel peace in a devastating time and to not give up hope for their future as a family.

If you'd like to stay updated on the Ethiopian Adoption Alert:

http://www.jointcouncil.org/

http://www.adoptions.state.gov/

A few of our friends and family have asked if we are going to continue in our Ethiopian adoption...the answer is YES! We still truly believe that God has two of our children in Ethiopia, and we will not give up on them or God's calling on our family to Ethiopia. Is the waiting hard? Absolutely! Did we know going into the adoption process that it would require sacrifice of our timing, plans, money, emotions, and more? Of course. Is is worth it? We have to believe that it will be!

Thank you to all who have called and emailed us to tell us that you are praying for our family and all other children and families involved in Ethiopian adoptions. Your prayers and words of encouragement have meant so much to us...we feel so loved...and so reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness. Please add our family along with Ethiopian adoptions in general to your prayer requests lists on Sunday-we covet your prayers and believe that the Lord hears our cries to Him!