The following alert was posted on the the U.S. Department of State's Intercountry Adoption website today. You can view the site by clicking here.
Government of Ethiopia Plans Major Slow-Down in Adoption Processing
March 9, 2011
Citing the need to work on quality and focus on more important strategic issues, the Government of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Women, Children, and Youth Affairs (MOWCYA) will reduce to a maximum of five the number of adoption cases it processes per day, effective March 10, 2011. Under Ethiopian adoption procedures, MOWCYA approves every match between prospective adoptive parents and an Ethiopian child before that case can be forwarded for a court hearing. The U.S. Embassy is working with Ethiopian government officials and adoption agencies to learn more about this change in procedures. We will continue to share information as it becomes available.
Given MOWCYA's current caseload, the U.S. Embassy anticipates that this change could result in an overall decline in case processing of some 90 percent. If this change is implemented as proposed, we expect, that parents who have begun the process of adopting from Ethiopia but have not yet been matched with a child could experience significant delays. It is not clear if this change in procedures would have any significant impact on cases in which MOWCYA has already approved matches.
Prospective adoptive parents should remain in close contact with their adoption service provider to obtain updates on individual cases.
I initially learned about these changes last Saturday morning. At that time, it was just a news article. And though there was a lot of chatter about it among different adoption groups, it seemed to be unconfirmed information.
Still...I was heartbroken.
I cried. I asked God all sorts of questions. And briefly...I doubted. So I asked God to once again give me clear confirmation that this is His plan for our family. He is so good, so patient with me. He answered my prayer and sent His confirmation through the words of another adoptive mother. This is what she wrote to me in an email...
"Remember that God called you to this adoption when He wanted the timing to begin, and He knew all along about this announcement and He sees into the future and knows what He has planned for you. Just remember His heart is for the orphans and He will not let His plans be undone by the enemy...But regardless of when you come home with your child, the timing has been ordained perfectly by Him. It's tough I know, but it's the same timeline God knew when He called you, this isn't a surprise to Him."
If you read my posts from last Friday and yesterday, you know that God has continued to provide that confirmation through His incredible provision.
I have no doubt that this is God's will for our family and that in His perfect timing we will bring our fourth child home from Ethiopia.
In the meantime, will you join us as we pray for the nearly 5 million orphans in Ethiopia...including our precious daughter?
Pray for the Ethiopian government as they work to improve the process within their country.
Pray that this situation be resolved quickly.
Pray for the orphanages and transition homes as they care for the orphans.
Pray for the many, many needs of the orphans.
Pray that the enemy would be silenced as he attempts to frustrate, confuse and hurt adoptive families and children with this information.
Thank you, sweet friends and family! Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. We are so blessed to walk this journey with you by our side!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you.
Isaiah 26:3
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
3 comments:
Hey sweet Carrie-
I am so sorry to hear about the delays you have recieved from Ethiopia. I know this is difficult and can remember having those same feelings you shared when we started getting multiple delays from China. Be encouraged today sweet friend as God has chosen your family not only to endure this season of waiting, but a far greater blessing in the near future of bringing your child home. I know your heart is heavy and you have already taken this child in your heart to love as your own so waiting is tough. God will protect her and you will see her soon! Know I am praying for you constantly and for God to give peace and calm to your heart as you wait. Love you! Ginger
thank you for your post. Needed to hear those words this morning.
Praying fervently for you and for this country and the precious orphans that so desperately need homes full of love. Hold on to His promises and evidence that He has called you to this. He has proven that you are walking the journey He called you to - he continually answers your prayers. So, we will just continue to pray and know He will answer these too! Love you guys!
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