It has been a few weeks since our last post, but we have GREAT news to share. Our dossier is in the process of arriving in Ethiopia and we have received our wait number. That means we are OFFICIALLY on the waiting list. The best news is our number was much lower than we anticipated. We are praying this cuts down on our wait time for a referral. Come on #1!
We have also received news out of Ethiopia concerning the recent slow down in referrals and placements. Below is an excerpt from the information we received.
"Over the weekend two important meetings were held by Federal MOWCYA in Ethiopia, one with the Orphanages, and the other with all Adoption Agencies. We know that many of you have been praying for these meetings, and those involved in the adoption process in Ethiopia. The meeting Dove’s attorney attended was called by the Minister of Federal MOWCYA, for all adoption agencies and federal MOWCYA workers. The agenda of this meeting was to review and discuss the results of an investigation, which was ordered by the Minister, of about 142 orphanages across Ethiopia. MOWCYA experts investigated orphanages current status, needs, and dependency upon adoption agency support and international adoption. The reports from this investigation were presented to the Minister and the Adoption Agencies on Sunday, during a full day meeting. The results provided evidence and support that the need for international adoption in Ethiopia is prominent.
The Minister assured all at this meeting that her position is in favor of international adoption as a child's last means of support, and that adoption from Ethiopia has not, and will not stop. The Minister also indicated that the reason for this slow-down in referrals is to improve the integrity of the adoption process. The Minister is meeting in the Southern Region of Ethiopia next Friday, to see that Southern Ethiopia opens up again for adoption. These are all great indications of furthered support to the orphaned children in Ethiopia."
So as you can see we can expect a pick-up in referrals. We are already seeing this in action as (3) referrals were made just last week through our agency. That is more in one week then in the last few months. We know the the Lord has a plan for us and we are excited to follow His path us in His own time.
Please continue to pray for our family during this process. We are still continuing to fund raise, planning for a few payments at the time of referral. Our puzzle piece fundraiser has stalled out with about 190 pieces remaining. This is a large fundraiser for us, so it is critical for us to get all the pieces sold. The pieces are $10 per piece. If you would like to purchase a pieces, or two, or ten please see myself or Laurie. The goal is to have a name on the back of each puzzle piece so our Little Lion Man can see all the people the helped bring him home to his family.
