Updated List numbers

I don't seem to be able to update on the right where I had the current list numbers so... We are currently number 10 on the baby boy list with 6 on hold... and number 23 on the baby girl list with 10 on hold ahead of us! There was just a large bunch of referrals that went out so it may be awhile before the movement starts on the list again but we are hopeful that our little one will be referred to us in the next couple of months! We cannot wait for the first meeting with him or her even if it is just through paperwork.

Waiting ...patiently?

I was sad to realize I hadn't put anything on this blog for four months.. yikes. There has been a lot going on with Ethiopian adoption and the last few months have been a whirlwind of excitement and frustration, rumors and wondering and the basic human uncomfortable feeling of being 'out of control' in a situation. The Ethiopian government has begun to look closer at the adoption process that has been spinning a bit out of control as it seems. There were reports of unethical adoptions and behavior by some agencies and the 'stop and take a look' response has triggered some changes. This historically has been a response to a country getting popular in international adoption and not really doing a good job of putting rules and regulations (enforcable rules and regulations) on agencies and not having the resources to get that done. Luckily, Ethiopia has taken this on NOW before it gets so out of hand that the program must close in best interest of kids. There are many ethical agencies out there and many fabulous, loving homes who truly do want what is best for the children over there.. the many, many children both adoptable and those who will not be adopted. As we know, international adoption (and adoption in general) is never the first option we want for a child. We all want them to have biological families who have the means to love, take care of and provide for their children. But in Ethiopia and around the world unfortunately this is not always the case. International Adoption can be a wonderful solution for SOME orphans. Our family will be so blessed to have a third child come home. In all honesty, we don't know exactly how all the changes will impact us. Our top priority has always been to do what is best for the children so that is where my focus lies as I hear about the moves being made to hopefully assure more ethical adoptions. The wonderful news is that on the whole Ethiopian agencies want the same thing.. they have not shut down the international adoption out of Ethiopia. That being said- there are some slow downs. There will be more thorough investigations of every orphan (thank goodness!) and there are more regulations from the Embassy as well (aka more paperwork) but all in the name of getting these kids what they need most- a loving, wonderful family to come home to. We wait with excitement as our agency visits Ethiopia and supports our staff over there, takes on more orphanages and shares knowledge of what is going on when they can. So much prep work for us to go to be 'ready' for our sweet little angel to come home. Will see what is around the corner in the process and just keep riding this crazy wave.

Website for information on Ethiopian adoption...

Many of you have questions about how this whole process works and what the time lines are for all the paperwork etc. I have read the book entitled, The Complete Guide to International Adoption written by Dawn Davenport. This is a very thorough read on the entire process. It is, however, outdated on specific information for Ethiopia but is a more general overview of international adoption- good stuff.

If you don't have the time (or the motivation) to read the whole book... the state department website below is a good one to follow.. plus it has information specific to Ethiopia adoptions and updates on the country's adoption procedures. Follow the link below to get there:

http://adoption.state.gov/country/ethiopia.html

Dossier authenticated!

Just got notice yesterday that our Dossier has been authenticated in Washington DC and sent to Ethiopia!! It will be translated there and then processed so that it will be all set to go upon a referral. No movement on the list this week.. ugh... I have a new obsession. :) Ha!

Before I start rambling.. current numbers are: 33 on infant boy and 55 on infant girl. Okay- I know I have talked to a lot of people about all the books, movies etc.. that I am reading as I delve into Ethiopia. I wanted to share them with you so you can join in!
The first book that EVERYONE must read before our child comes home is, There is no me Without You. It is written by Melissa Fay Greene and is an extraordinary story about an extraordinary woman and gives a small glimse into some of the issues facing Ethiopian orphans. Check it out for sure.



The next book I read was, Beneath the Lion's Gaze by Maaza Mengiste. It is a historical FICTION that takes place around the time of the revolution, the end of Haile Sellassie and the start of the ruling of the DERG in the early/mid 70s. Fascinating and hard to read- disturbing as most political upheaval books are.

Next up, a biography on the life of Dr. Rick Hodes entitled, This is a Soul: The Mission of Rick Hodes. It is written by Marilyn Berger. Amazing! This man is truly altruistic in all he does and lives in Addis Ababa (and has for many years) helping and healing those who are without others to turn to.

Last, Aaron and I watched a DVD Nova special entitled, Walk to Beautiful. It is about a fistula (obstetric complication from no childcare in complicated births) hospital also in Addis Ababa. It is hard to watch but also uplifting in the hospital and its doctors and the hope for further healthcare and focus on the issue on an international level. We do not have this problem in the USA anymore thanks to healthcare for pre and postnatal conditions. It is a major issue in Africa that leaves many women with nowhere to turn, shunned from their communities. I got it at the library (where I get all my books. :)) and it is sometimes aired on PBS.


So, that's what I've been up to. Many more on the list both about Ethiopia and International Adoption. We just completed our second training as well.

Keep those referrals coming and that list moving!

Yes! We are on the list!

Okay, I am totally new to the whole blogging phenomenon so.. bear with me. Today was a BIG day in our countdown to our third child. I completed the Dossier in just over 6 weeks and turned the final stuff in today.. I then watched as we got put on the infamous list. We are currently number 37 on the infant boy list and number 58 on the infant girl list. There is no way to predict how long that means but we still feel that we are on the year to 18 month wait for a boy and longer of course for a girl. We are excited and I am glad to be through much of the paperwork. I will update soon on the things we've been doing in our education of Ethiopia, its culture and rich history. So, here's to hoping that the list starts to move!!