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When The Rumors Sound Grim... (Adoption Update)

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We've been hearing rumors from others in the Ethiopian adoption circle. The grumblings sound grim and make our hearts ache at the news.

It's being reported that tomorrow, March 10th, Ethiopia will be cutting the adoptions being processed in the courts by 90%. Yes, you read that correctly, 90%. The number of adoptions being processed each day will drop from around 50 to 5 . Five!!! (It makes me tear up just typing this!)

While the reasoning behind this is to make sure that children are not being trafficked, it breaks the hearts of many who are already in the adoption process with reputable adoption agencies. Because, ultimately, it's the children it hurts the most. Orphans who will sit in an orphanage for even longer than they already should. All because of some people who care more about the change clinking around in their pocket, than the ethical responsibility to children. It's a problem in adoptions, no matter the country.

The fact of the matter is, the longer the process takes the older the children get...and sadly, risk never being adopted because they're older. It's a sad truth about adoption...one that even I am guilty of contributing to with my desire to adopt a child younger than Jonah. Ouch.

I'm so grateful for our adoption agency! While I feel I shouldn't share specific information I received in an email today, I know they are doing everything they possibly can to advocate for the changes not to happen. I'm praying that some of the things proposed in the email update are true and that quite possibly, the people who have put the cutbacks into place, really have no authority at all. But because it's another country, I have no idea how their government works or how decisions are made. So I wait and pray until I hear another update....

Will you join us in prayer for Ethiopia?

  • Pray for the Ethiopian government that they will find a way to protect children from trafficking without sacrificing adoptions completely.
  • Pray for the children waiting for families. There are over 5 million in Ethiopia...163 million orphans worldwide.
  • Pray for the families in the adoption process for Ethiopia. The worries, the fears, the anger of waiting longer...

Know this, we have a surprising peace about this. Our God is sovereign. He reigns above good and evil. What we might see as another roadblock in our journey to adopt, He sees as aligning us with the child He has chosen for us.

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Mandy

Thursday 10th of March 2011

My heart aches with you, Sara! I'm trying to stay up-to-date on my end as well... please keep us posted as you hear news! Praying so hard!

Sara

Friday 11th of March 2011

I'll try to post as I hear things!

Katie @ Imperfect People

Thursday 10th of March 2011

Oh no! Yes we will be praying for ethopia. God is totally in control right now. I just listned to a sermon on worry (something i need to hear everyday) He has been control of your past and he is in control of your future. His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven....Hope that helps. So glad you have peace!

Sara

Thursday 10th of March 2011

Thank you Katie! We are resting in His promises. We are so early in the process still, that things could change before it really has a direct effect on us, but our heart aches for the children.

Patty Patterson

Thursday 10th of March 2011

Praying!

Sara

Thursday 10th of March 2011

Thank you Patty!

Dawn

Thursday 10th of March 2011

i'll be praying that the cut won't actually happen-so hard to understand-children who need a home, parents who would love to give them a home and make them part of their family.....you'd think they'd be happy that there are so many parents who want to welcome children into their lives

Sara

Thursday 10th of March 2011

Thank you Dawn! While their intentions are good, the process doesn't make sense. We are resting in God's promises for our family!

Candice

Thursday 10th of March 2011

I have heard the same rumors too. I am sorry. I know the disappointment you must be feeling. I am so grateful that God has seen fit to bless you with two other little ones to focus on during this waiting. :)