Though it was confirmed by the Joint Council in the US and the Ministry of Health in Liberia several weeks ago that Liberian adoptions with court decrees before January 26, 2009 and special needs adoptions were going to be processed, I don’t believe any have been completed at this time. It’s my understanding that at least one agency paid $500 per adoption for new case histories, a requirement the MOH gave to process the adoptions to completion. However, I don’t believe any of these adoptions have gotten the necessary exit clearances for the children to leave Liberia yet. Other agencies, including Christian Adoption Services were told weeks ago that our cases would be processed soon, but no progress has been made. It is my understanding from our director in Liberia that the general opinion in Liberia is that adoptions will not be processed until President Sirleaf completely lifts the ban, which many believe will not happen until after the Children’s bill is passed.
The symposium to address the Children’s bill and work on revisions is set to begin tomorrow, November 13th, and continue through Saturday. Much work has been done to prepare for the symposium, and many Liberians who are involved in addressing the needs of children will be in attendance. Please pray for the event, especially that God would move in the hearts of the people of Liberia to ensure that their children are well cared for and that the symposium participants would humbly work together to enact wise laws.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Being Sure of What We Hope for and Certain of What We Do Not See
I’d appreciate some prayers for our family who seems to be hobbling along with health issues this year. I’ve hesitated to blog about it because we really have so much to be thankful for, and I sense a whiny baby spirit in myself these days that frustrates me. Still, I do believe there’s a spiritual component to all that is going on that is directly tied to our involvement in Liberia. In that respect, I know it is wise to ask for believers to pray with us that God would strengthen and protect us from the evil one.
We are generally a healthy family but in the past year we have had health concerns for everyone except Henry and Kayla. Just as a recap…
Angelyn’s appendix ruptured in August, and she was quite septic by the time it was diagnosed, so she spent 23 days in the hospital and still has daily dressing changes on her wound. Thankfully, she has almost healed, but she will probably need an additional small procedure sometime in the future to reduce the size of her scar.
Zane has been sick for about 10 months this year. He had mono the first six months, the flu with a high fever for a week in July, a chronic sinus infection for over two months, the swine flu, and now some unexplained problem that leaves him with a constant sore throat, headache and body aches. He just started on allergy shots, and we are scheduled to see an infectious disease doctor next week.
A year ago Dan and I had some virus that left us with ear problems and continual dizziness. After eight months, I finally recovered. Dan has continued to have the dizziness and was finally told by an ENT last week that he will likely have the balance problem forever.
Right before going on the trip to Liberia in March, doctors thought I might have an appendicitis and did a CT scan. Then, in June right before leaving for Liberia again, I discovered a lump and had to have a diagnostic mammogram. Thankfully, nothing much came of these issues (other than bills for the tests). I also had swine flu along with Zane and Henry a couple of weeks ago.
Throughout the year, I’ve definitely had moments of discouragement, but they’ve also been coupled with the strong reassurance that God is good and we’re all going to be victorious in Christ through this. However, recently, I’ve been feeling downright depressed. I think there are several factors involved. I tend to function pretty well in crisis mode, and I was living there a good part of the year with everything that’s gone on in Liberia and in our family. Now that I’m back to day-to-day living and life seems to still be hard without any end to the hard in sight, I feel like I’ve hit a wall. The reality of having four kids who are close in age is also staring me in the face. With 3-4 doctors appointments a week, homework to check times 4, and all of the activities that come with 4 kids who are very social, I feel like I can’t keep it all together. I know, what mom can, right?
One of the biggest concerns for me right now is figuring out how to help Zane feel better. It really doesn’t help that he has sensory integration issues and so every feeling is intensified for him. It’s the hardest thing as a mom to have your child plead with you every day to help him feel better and not be able to do it.
I’ve been reading through Hebrews this week and just asking God to give me the kind of faith that He encourages us to have. The kind of longterm, believing without seeing, not giving up when your hopes aren’t realized in this world, focusing on Jesus no matter what kind of faith. It’s really hard. I’m asking God to remind me how to live joyfully in what feels like a desert time, and I’m thankful that this too shall pass.
We are generally a healthy family but in the past year we have had health concerns for everyone except Henry and Kayla. Just as a recap…
Angelyn’s appendix ruptured in August, and she was quite septic by the time it was diagnosed, so she spent 23 days in the hospital and still has daily dressing changes on her wound. Thankfully, she has almost healed, but she will probably need an additional small procedure sometime in the future to reduce the size of her scar.
Zane has been sick for about 10 months this year. He had mono the first six months, the flu with a high fever for a week in July, a chronic sinus infection for over two months, the swine flu, and now some unexplained problem that leaves him with a constant sore throat, headache and body aches. He just started on allergy shots, and we are scheduled to see an infectious disease doctor next week.
A year ago Dan and I had some virus that left us with ear problems and continual dizziness. After eight months, I finally recovered. Dan has continued to have the dizziness and was finally told by an ENT last week that he will likely have the balance problem forever.
Right before going on the trip to Liberia in March, doctors thought I might have an appendicitis and did a CT scan. Then, in June right before leaving for Liberia again, I discovered a lump and had to have a diagnostic mammogram. Thankfully, nothing much came of these issues (other than bills for the tests). I also had swine flu along with Zane and Henry a couple of weeks ago.
Throughout the year, I’ve definitely had moments of discouragement, but they’ve also been coupled with the strong reassurance that God is good and we’re all going to be victorious in Christ through this. However, recently, I’ve been feeling downright depressed. I think there are several factors involved. I tend to function pretty well in crisis mode, and I was living there a good part of the year with everything that’s gone on in Liberia and in our family. Now that I’m back to day-to-day living and life seems to still be hard without any end to the hard in sight, I feel like I’ve hit a wall. The reality of having four kids who are close in age is also staring me in the face. With 3-4 doctors appointments a week, homework to check times 4, and all of the activities that come with 4 kids who are very social, I feel like I can’t keep it all together. I know, what mom can, right?
One of the biggest concerns for me right now is figuring out how to help Zane feel better. It really doesn’t help that he has sensory integration issues and so every feeling is intensified for him. It’s the hardest thing as a mom to have your child plead with you every day to help him feel better and not be able to do it.
I’ve been reading through Hebrews this week and just asking God to give me the kind of faith that He encourages us to have. The kind of longterm, believing without seeing, not giving up when your hopes aren’t realized in this world, focusing on Jesus no matter what kind of faith. It’s really hard. I’m asking God to remind me how to live joyfully in what feels like a desert time, and I’m thankful that this too shall pass.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Angelyn
Last week at school Angelyn gave her testimony of how God has worked in her life to change her from old to new as Ephesians 4:22-23 talks about. It was an interesting time in helpig her prepare. There are so many paradoxes in her life.
She loves to talk about her life and share her story, but she forgets and doesn't understand so many parts of it. It was strange to stop her many times and try to clarify pieces of her story as she prepared. We talk about her past a lot, but I guess it's hard at age 9 to understand it all or remember it.
Even though she loves to talk about her past and she loves to be the center of attention, she gets really nervous talking in front of groups. It was so interesting to listen to her rehearse it. It was like one long, monotone sentence. I kept trying to help her see that this is her life and she could talk about it with some feeling behind it, but she couldn't do it in practicing. Yet, when she actually spoke she ended up crying through a lot of it. I stood next to her to help her not be so nervous and let her know I'd finish if she needed me to, but she got it all out. I asked her later what made her cry. I was pretty sure it was not because she was connecting with the things that have happened in her life. She said it was because she was so nervous and when her teacher stood up to introduce her, her teacher got choked up, so that made her want to cry too.
I know it affected people to hear her speak and then see the slideshow of photos, but I don't think Angelyn connects with her story on an emotional level. I'm sure someday it will hit her that God has done amazing things in her life and her story is so unique, but right now she seems to barrel through it without much thought for how she feels about it. It's similar to the way she approaches life in general. The area of understanding or recognizing emotions is still one that seems to allude my Liberian kids. I'm not sure if this will ever change or not.
Regardless, I know her story brings a lot of emotions out in others. Here is the slideshow we shared after her testimony. Sorry for the stuttering music. Seems to be a limitation for Picassa.
She loves to talk about her life and share her story, but she forgets and doesn't understand so many parts of it. It was strange to stop her many times and try to clarify pieces of her story as she prepared. We talk about her past a lot, but I guess it's hard at age 9 to understand it all or remember it.
Even though she loves to talk about her past and she loves to be the center of attention, she gets really nervous talking in front of groups. It was so interesting to listen to her rehearse it. It was like one long, monotone sentence. I kept trying to help her see that this is her life and she could talk about it with some feeling behind it, but she couldn't do it in practicing. Yet, when she actually spoke she ended up crying through a lot of it. I stood next to her to help her not be so nervous and let her know I'd finish if she needed me to, but she got it all out. I asked her later what made her cry. I was pretty sure it was not because she was connecting with the things that have happened in her life. She said it was because she was so nervous and when her teacher stood up to introduce her, her teacher got choked up, so that made her want to cry too.
I know it affected people to hear her speak and then see the slideshow of photos, but I don't think Angelyn connects with her story on an emotional level. I'm sure someday it will hit her that God has done amazing things in her life and her story is so unique, but right now she seems to barrel through it without much thought for how she feels about it. It's similar to the way she approaches life in general. The area of understanding or recognizing emotions is still one that seems to allude my Liberian kids. I'm not sure if this will ever change or not.
Regardless, I know her story brings a lot of emotions out in others. Here is the slideshow we shared after her testimony. Sorry for the stuttering music. Seems to be a limitation for Picassa.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Arborbrook
Here are a couple of great opportunities coming up at the kids' school this month for anyone who is interested.
Open House at Arborbrook Christian Academy will be this Thursday, November 12th. Here's a note from the weekly newsletter:
Arborbrook will open its doors this Thursday, Nov. 12th to families from the community who are searching for a school for their children for the 2010/2011 school year. If you have friends who have been curious about Arborbrook, please tell them about this Open House. Arborbrook has only two Open House opportunities per year and spaces fill up quickly, so it is important that they attend this open house. The Open House will begin in the sanctuary at 8:45 am. Visitors will enjoy assembly with the Arborbrook student body, take tours, have an information meeting, hear from our student ambassadors, and sit in on a class if they would like to.
Visitors should RSVP to Lori Grem: lgrem.arborbrook@gmail.com
I've heard from a handful of friends that are checking out the open house. If you are at all interested in learning more about Arborbrook Christian Academy, you do need to attend this first open house. Openings at the school fill quickly, and people who don't make the first open house tend to be on a wait list if they decide they want to enroll their kids.
Open House at Arborbrook Christian Academy will be this Thursday, November 12th. Here's a note from the weekly newsletter:
Arborbrook will open its doors this Thursday, Nov. 12th to families from the community who are searching for a school for their children for the 2010/2011 school year. If you have friends who have been curious about Arborbrook, please tell them about this Open House. Arborbrook has only two Open House opportunities per year and spaces fill up quickly, so it is important that they attend this open house. The Open House will begin in the sanctuary at 8:45 am. Visitors will enjoy assembly with the Arborbrook student body, take tours, have an information meeting, hear from our student ambassadors, and sit in on a class if they would like to.
Visitors should RSVP to Lori Grem: lgrem.arborbrook@gmail.com
I've heard from a handful of friends that are checking out the open house. If you are at all interested in learning more about Arborbrook Christian Academy, you do need to attend this first open house. Openings at the school fill quickly, and people who don't make the first open house tend to be on a wait list if they decide they want to enroll their kids.
Also, if any of you ladies would be interested in joining me, Arborbrook is going to have a sampling feast for their First Family Cookbook on Thursday, November 19th at 12:30pm at the school. I'd love to catch up with you, and this would be a fun time to do it. The cookbooks will be on sale along with some ready made meals from the cookbooks, and they will have samples of the recipes there to try. I'm on the Spring fundraiser, so I don't have any responsibilities for the event, and I thought this would give me an opportunity to go and have fun. You can email me if you want to join me.
Thursday, November 19, 12:30PM Add to my Outlook Calendar
Phone:
704-534-0990
We would like to present Arborbrook's First Family Cookbook, An Abundant Feast. Come, bring a friend, and enjoy tasting some of the delicious recipes you'll find in the book. You can even buy casseroles and baked goods from the cookbook* to take home for your own family - just in time for the holidays! (prices range from $5-$20). There will be cookbooks to purchase for $15 each. Please say you'll come!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Symposium on the Children's Bill
An important working symposium on the Children's Bill will be held in Liberia in two weeks on November 13-14, and it's important that as many people as possible pray for the event.
I am extremely excited that it has been planned and will involve primarily Liberians who are concerned that the laws and policies of their country are shaped to protect the best interests of their children.
Here is part of the text from an invitation I received for the event:
Sponsored by: The Foundation for Human Rights (FOHRD)
The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) and
The Child Protection Alliance of Liberia (CPAL)
Co-Sponsored by: The Liberia Council of Churches, National Muslim Council of Liberia, Liberia Democratic Institute – (LDI), Female Lawyers Association of Liberia – (AFLL)
In Association with: Adoption Services Providers; Child Advocacy International; National Union of Liberian Orphanages and Children Welfare Institute; Children Assistance Program; Mano River Women Network for Peace; Liberian Girls Guide Association; Boy Scouts of Liberia; Liberia National Student Union; Varsity Christian Fellowship; Christian Health Association of Liberia; Young Men’s Christian Association; Young Women’s Christian Association.
The symposium is a two day interactive roundtable discussion intended to discuss and dialogue on the Liberian Children’s Bill. Principally, the symposium will aim at ensuring that the evolving Children’s Law serves the best interest of the Liberian child. The event will bring together, legislators, policymakers, child rights advocates, Supreme Court Justices, religious leaders, parents and children services providers mainly for the purpose of: a) critically reviewing the draft children bill; b) providing advice to legislators on the rethinking and rewording of specific aspects of the bill that may not be in the best interest of the Liberian child; and c) adopting concrete action programs that will facilitate the scrupulous implementation of the bill when it is passed into law.
Speakers at the symposium will share insights and experiences as well as address the most pressing challenges facing the Liberian Child. Following the deliberations, participants will convene in group sessions and work out recommendations and suggestions to strengthen the children’s Bill and educate and advice legislators on the thinking of a broad spectrum of the Liberian society regarding the draft bill.
I do know that many people who are influential in what happens to children in Liberia will be in attendance. A piece of the discussion will involve adoptions as it is part of the Children's Bill. The hope is that by the end of the symposium a much stronger version of the bill will be ready for Liberian legislators to vote on when they reconvene in January.
As with every attempt to improve care for Liberian children, there has been and will continue to be a lot of spiritual warfare going on surrounding the planning and carrying out of this event. If any of you would like to coordinate group pray efforts, it would be a great way to fight for the children.
I am extremely excited that it has been planned and will involve primarily Liberians who are concerned that the laws and policies of their country are shaped to protect the best interests of their children.
Here is part of the text from an invitation I received for the event:
Sponsored by: The Foundation for Human Rights (FOHRD)
The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) and
The Child Protection Alliance of Liberia (CPAL)
Co-Sponsored by: The Liberia Council of Churches, National Muslim Council of Liberia, Liberia Democratic Institute – (LDI), Female Lawyers Association of Liberia – (AFLL)
In Association with: Adoption Services Providers; Child Advocacy International; National Union of Liberian Orphanages and Children Welfare Institute; Children Assistance Program; Mano River Women Network for Peace; Liberian Girls Guide Association; Boy Scouts of Liberia; Liberia National Student Union; Varsity Christian Fellowship; Christian Health Association of Liberia; Young Men’s Christian Association; Young Women’s Christian Association.
The symposium is a two day interactive roundtable discussion intended to discuss and dialogue on the Liberian Children’s Bill. Principally, the symposium will aim at ensuring that the evolving Children’s Law serves the best interest of the Liberian child. The event will bring together, legislators, policymakers, child rights advocates, Supreme Court Justices, religious leaders, parents and children services providers mainly for the purpose of: a) critically reviewing the draft children bill; b) providing advice to legislators on the rethinking and rewording of specific aspects of the bill that may not be in the best interest of the Liberian child; and c) adopting concrete action programs that will facilitate the scrupulous implementation of the bill when it is passed into law.
Speakers at the symposium will share insights and experiences as well as address the most pressing challenges facing the Liberian Child. Following the deliberations, participants will convene in group sessions and work out recommendations and suggestions to strengthen the children’s Bill and educate and advice legislators on the thinking of a broad spectrum of the Liberian society regarding the draft bill.
I do know that many people who are influential in what happens to children in Liberia will be in attendance. A piece of the discussion will involve adoptions as it is part of the Children's Bill. The hope is that by the end of the symposium a much stronger version of the bill will be ready for Liberian legislators to vote on when they reconvene in January.
As with every attempt to improve care for Liberian children, there has been and will continue to be a lot of spiritual warfare going on surrounding the planning and carrying out of this event. If any of you would like to coordinate group pray efforts, it would be a great way to fight for the children.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Christian Adoption Services' Host-to-Adopt Program
Here is a note from CAS Executive Director Jim Woodward:
If you have a desire to help orphans find their forever families, but don’t feel the calling to adopt, this meeting may be for YOU ! Christian Adoption Services is holding a planning meeting for implementing a “Host-to-Adopt” Program in July 2010 for orphaned Filipino Children. The children who have been pre-selected for the program range from 7-14 years of age including two sets of two siblings who are legally cleared for adoption.
Join us on October 29th at 7 PM at the Country Inn and Suites, 2001 Mt. Harmony Church Rd. in Matthews, NC for an overview of the needs of orphans in the Philippines and the strategies that will help them have Christian families to call their own. Please register your intentions to attend by calling CAS at 704-847-0038 or sending an e-mail to cas@christianadopt.org
If you have a desire to help orphans find their forever families, but don’t feel the calling to adopt, this meeting may be for YOU ! Christian Adoption Services is holding a planning meeting for implementing a “Host-to-Adopt” Program in July 2010 for orphaned Filipino Children. The children who have been pre-selected for the program range from 7-14 years of age including two sets of two siblings who are legally cleared for adoption.
Join us on October 29th at 7 PM at the Country Inn and Suites, 2001 Mt. Harmony Church Rd. in Matthews, NC for an overview of the needs of orphans in the Philippines and the strategies that will help them have Christian families to call their own. Please register your intentions to attend by calling CAS at 704-847-0038 or sending an e-mail to cas@christianadopt.org
Friday, October 23, 2009
Update on Adoptions in Liberia
Praise God for good news!
The following adoptions are being processed by the MOH in Liberia at this time:
1. Adoptions that had court decrees before January 26, 2009.
2. Special needs adoptions.
3. Adoptions of Liberian children by Liberians.
At this time, all other adoptions are still on hold under the moratorium until the Children's bill has been enacted and adoption agencies receive accreditation by the Liberian government.
The following adoptions are being processed by the MOH in Liberia at this time:
1. Adoptions that had court decrees before January 26, 2009.
2. Special needs adoptions.
3. Adoptions of Liberian children by Liberians.
At this time, all other adoptions are still on hold under the moratorium until the Children's bill has been enacted and adoption agencies receive accreditation by the Liberian government.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Hungry for God's Word
I’ve been reading through the Bible this year. Not as fast as I would like, but then, I don’t do anything as fast as I would like these days and that’s okay. But as I’ve been reading, I’ve been struck time and time again by how rich God’s word is all by itself. I mean, I like to think I’ve always known that, but I have to admit, I usually have some form of Bible study book by my side as I study. Not so much this year, and I’ve been blown away by the things God has been teaching and reteaching me. It’s kind of like the quest for physical health. You can try a lot of fad diets and programs, but in the end, simply eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly are the best ways to stay in shape. It seems to me that my spiritual health is like that, too. If I am feasting on God’s word and exercising my faith by applying the truths I find in His word, I stay in shape spiritually. With this year being such a work out, I’m finding myself hungrier and hungrier for His word.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
No More Wound Vac
Written on Friday afternoon:
We just got back from a visit to Angelyn's surgeon, and he gave us the okay to stop using the wound vac. Woohoo! She is super thankful not to have to cart it around anymore, and I'm thankful that we won't have to call the wound vac company anymore to explain how an eight-year-old and a wound vac aren't super compatible and she can't help smashing it into walls and dropping it so could they please send us a replacement part or a whole knew device.
She still has a decent size hole in her stomach...about 3"x2" so we'll have to do daily dressing changes, but they'll only take about 5 minutes instead of an hour.
So now our main challenge will be to keep our wild and crazy girl semi-restrained. She has permission to run and kick a soccer ball around, but she cannot fall down or get any blows to the stomach or the wound will rupture. Since it isn't all her own tissue it sounded today like she might need to eventually have another procedure done to help strengthen the tissue before she can fully return to her active lifestyle. She was slightly bummed to find out she won't be able to practice her flip throw for soccer anytime soon, but the good news far out-weighed that minor drawback. Playing sports (or playing anything for that matter) that are non-contact will be tricky for Angelyn. She's an all-out-girl and self-restraint is not a concept she readily embraces.
It seems that God isn't done with the lessons we're supposed to learn from this adventure. I'm still dancing around with finding the balance myself between protecting and letting go, taking control and giving freedom. Angelyn and I can be pretty head strong, so it can take us awhile, especially when our goals conflict with each others on the surface. But we're learning. Little by little, we're learning.
We just got back from a visit to Angelyn's surgeon, and he gave us the okay to stop using the wound vac. Woohoo! She is super thankful not to have to cart it around anymore, and I'm thankful that we won't have to call the wound vac company anymore to explain how an eight-year-old and a wound vac aren't super compatible and she can't help smashing it into walls and dropping it so could they please send us a replacement part or a whole knew device.
She still has a decent size hole in her stomach...about 3"x2" so we'll have to do daily dressing changes, but they'll only take about 5 minutes instead of an hour.
So now our main challenge will be to keep our wild and crazy girl semi-restrained. She has permission to run and kick a soccer ball around, but she cannot fall down or get any blows to the stomach or the wound will rupture. Since it isn't all her own tissue it sounded today like she might need to eventually have another procedure done to help strengthen the tissue before she can fully return to her active lifestyle. She was slightly bummed to find out she won't be able to practice her flip throw for soccer anytime soon, but the good news far out-weighed that minor drawback. Playing sports (or playing anything for that matter) that are non-contact will be tricky for Angelyn. She's an all-out-girl and self-restraint is not a concept she readily embraces.
It seems that God isn't done with the lessons we're supposed to learn from this adventure. I'm still dancing around with finding the balance myself between protecting and letting go, taking control and giving freedom. Angelyn and I can be pretty head strong, so it can take us awhile, especially when our goals conflict with each others on the surface. But we're learning. Little by little, we're learning.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
News Interview on Liberian Adoptions
We had an interview with a local news station yesterday about the Liberian adoptions in our community.
News Channel 14 Interview
News Channel 14 Interview
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Liberian Adoptions on Oprah - "Fascinating Families"
I've had some folks ask if there is still a way to see the Oprah segment on Liberian Adoptions. I just found two clips on YouTube.com. You will need to watch both parts to catch the whole segment on the adoptions.
Oprah Part I
Oprah Part II
Here are some photos from the show taping:
Oprah Part I
Oprah Part II
Here are some photos from the show taping:
Monday, October 5, 2009
Update on Adoption Efforts
I just got off the phone with Rebecca Weichhand at CCAI. She acknowledged that they have run into similar problems with UNICEF in regard to adoptions in other countries. They have also found that it is difficult to make UNICEF's position on international adoptions known because UNICEF does not make their negative stance public information.
I have been emailing back and forth for a couple of months, so she has a lot of information already. Today, she took down some numbers on how many adoptions each agency has in progress.
The main piece of information that pertains to adoptive families is that she said it would be helpful if legislators contacted the CCAI when they are hearing from their constituents (you) because it is helpful for the CCAI to go to the State Department with specifics about legislators who are making inquiries.
So...you can do two things at this time:
1.Contact your legislators (again if you have already) and ask them to contact the CCAI in regards to Liberian adoptions. You can write your own letter or modify one I am posting below.
2.Contact the CCAI directly with details about your adoption, which agency you are working with, and how long you were matched with your child/ren before the moratorium. Make the request that they do whatever they can to help you bring your child/ren home. You can email this to info@ccainstitute.org and address it to Kathleen Strottman - Executive Director and Rebecca Weichhand - Director of Policy.
Rebecca Weichhand is going to talk with Kathleen Strottman and they will try to come up with a strategy to help. My request was that they assist us in getting children who have been matched with families home.
Sample Letter
As one of your constituents, I am writing to request that you contact Kathleen Strottman at the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute to encourage the CCAI to work with the State Department on behalf of American adoptive families and their Liberian children. These children who were matched for adoption before the current moratorium in Liberia must be allowed to finalize their adoptions and come home to their US families without further delay.
In January 2009 during her annual address to the legislature, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf put a halt to all adoption activity in Liberia citing concerns with two adoption agencies and corruption by Liberian officials who were asking for bribes from American families. However, eight months later, little action has been taken by the Liberian government to process adoptions again, and the same officials who were accused of corruption continue to sit on President Sirleaf’s Adoption Committee. Furthermore, to date, the two adoption agencies who were accused of abuses have been cleared, one by the Liberian court system and one by members of President Sirleaf's Adoption Committee. Meanwhile over 25 children who have court decrees of adoption, making them the children of American parents “as if they were born to them,” remain in institutions and foster care in Liberia. In addition, over 75 more children who were matched with American families before the moratorium also continue to wait as President Sirleaf’s unannounced halt left these children and US citizens without recourse.
Adoption service providers as well as adoptive families have been in contact with the US Embassy in Monrovia for advice and assistance as they have waited to bring children home. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and former Consular Alma Gurski provided little help in these matters. For six months, service providers were told that adoptions would resume as soon as new adoption laws were passed in Liberia. In the spring, the House of Representatives in Liberia did pass a Child Act that contained revised adoption laws. However, the legislation stalled in the Senate while President Sirleaf and her Adoption Committee decided to ratify the Hague. While ratification of the Hague is a worthy goal, it is a process that took fourteen years (1994-2008) for the US to accomplish. The Liberian children who were matched with US adoptive families before this moratorium cannot wait for a process that could take decades in a developing country.
Adoption service providers have continually warned the US and Liberian governments in meetings and through the Liberian media that the consequences of delaying action on this issue would be tragic for the American families and Liberian children involved. Eight months into this halt we have lost two children to death who desperately needed medical attention. The basic human rights that these children have to survive and be raised in a family, rights that are outlined by the Hague Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, are being violated. The United States cannot stand by and allow such violations when it enjoys a close partnership with Liberia.
In a recent speech by Secretary Clinton, she said:
“Whether in Latin America or Lebanon, Iran or Liberia, those who are inspired by democracy, who understand that democracy is about more than just elections – that it must also protect minority rights and press freedom, develop strong, competent and independent judiciaries, legislatures and executive agencies, and commit for democracy to deliver results – these are the people who will find that Americans are their friends, not adversaries. As President Obama made clear last week in Ghana, this Administration will stand for accountable and transparent governance, and support those who work to build democratic institutions wherever they live.”
As seen in the way the adoption issue has been handled, Liberia has not yet taken the necessary steps to become an accountable or transparent government. I encourage you to keep this in mind as a legislator who is responsible for voting on millions of dollars in aid to Liberia each year.
In addition, I would like your assistance in making sure that the children who were matched with families before the moratorium was announced on January 26, 2009 are allowed to come home to their families quickly. Remember that out of approximately 100 children who are part of this group, two have already died in the past eight months. It is dangerous enough to survive as a young child in Liberia. It is even more life threatening to be a child without a family to raise you in Liberia. That is why it is imperative that a resolution be reached quickly.
Thankful for your assistance,
Your Name
I have been emailing back and forth for a couple of months, so she has a lot of information already. Today, she took down some numbers on how many adoptions each agency has in progress.
The main piece of information that pertains to adoptive families is that she said it would be helpful if legislators contacted the CCAI when they are hearing from their constituents (you) because it is helpful for the CCAI to go to the State Department with specifics about legislators who are making inquiries.
So...you can do two things at this time:
1.Contact your legislators (again if you have already) and ask them to contact the CCAI in regards to Liberian adoptions. You can write your own letter or modify one I am posting below.
2.Contact the CCAI directly with details about your adoption, which agency you are working with, and how long you were matched with your child/ren before the moratorium. Make the request that they do whatever they can to help you bring your child/ren home. You can email this to info@ccainstitute.org and address it to Kathleen Strottman - Executive Director and Rebecca Weichhand - Director of Policy.
Rebecca Weichhand is going to talk with Kathleen Strottman and they will try to come up with a strategy to help. My request was that they assist us in getting children who have been matched with families home.
Sample Letter
As one of your constituents, I am writing to request that you contact Kathleen Strottman at the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute to encourage the CCAI to work with the State Department on behalf of American adoptive families and their Liberian children. These children who were matched for adoption before the current moratorium in Liberia must be allowed to finalize their adoptions and come home to their US families without further delay.
In January 2009 during her annual address to the legislature, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf put a halt to all adoption activity in Liberia citing concerns with two adoption agencies and corruption by Liberian officials who were asking for bribes from American families. However, eight months later, little action has been taken by the Liberian government to process adoptions again, and the same officials who were accused of corruption continue to sit on President Sirleaf’s Adoption Committee. Furthermore, to date, the two adoption agencies who were accused of abuses have been cleared, one by the Liberian court system and one by members of President Sirleaf's Adoption Committee. Meanwhile over 25 children who have court decrees of adoption, making them the children of American parents “as if they were born to them,” remain in institutions and foster care in Liberia. In addition, over 75 more children who were matched with American families before the moratorium also continue to wait as President Sirleaf’s unannounced halt left these children and US citizens without recourse.
Adoption service providers as well as adoptive families have been in contact with the US Embassy in Monrovia for advice and assistance as they have waited to bring children home. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and former Consular Alma Gurski provided little help in these matters. For six months, service providers were told that adoptions would resume as soon as new adoption laws were passed in Liberia. In the spring, the House of Representatives in Liberia did pass a Child Act that contained revised adoption laws. However, the legislation stalled in the Senate while President Sirleaf and her Adoption Committee decided to ratify the Hague. While ratification of the Hague is a worthy goal, it is a process that took fourteen years (1994-2008) for the US to accomplish. The Liberian children who were matched with US adoptive families before this moratorium cannot wait for a process that could take decades in a developing country.
Adoption service providers have continually warned the US and Liberian governments in meetings and through the Liberian media that the consequences of delaying action on this issue would be tragic for the American families and Liberian children involved. Eight months into this halt we have lost two children to death who desperately needed medical attention. The basic human rights that these children have to survive and be raised in a family, rights that are outlined by the Hague Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, are being violated. The United States cannot stand by and allow such violations when it enjoys a close partnership with Liberia.
In a recent speech by Secretary Clinton, she said:
“Whether in Latin America or Lebanon, Iran or Liberia, those who are inspired by democracy, who understand that democracy is about more than just elections – that it must also protect minority rights and press freedom, develop strong, competent and independent judiciaries, legislatures and executive agencies, and commit for democracy to deliver results – these are the people who will find that Americans are their friends, not adversaries. As President Obama made clear last week in Ghana, this Administration will stand for accountable and transparent governance, and support those who work to build democratic institutions wherever they live.”
As seen in the way the adoption issue has been handled, Liberia has not yet taken the necessary steps to become an accountable or transparent government. I encourage you to keep this in mind as a legislator who is responsible for voting on millions of dollars in aid to Liberia each year.
In addition, I would like your assistance in making sure that the children who were matched with families before the moratorium was announced on January 26, 2009 are allowed to come home to their families quickly. Remember that out of approximately 100 children who are part of this group, two have already died in the past eight months. It is dangerous enough to survive as a young child in Liberia. It is even more life threatening to be a child without a family to raise you in Liberia. That is why it is imperative that a resolution be reached quickly.
Thankful for your assistance,
Your Name
Friday, October 2, 2009
Adoptions in Liberia
Today on the Oprah show, the spotlight will shine on the hopeful future that can exist for children who are adopted internationally, specifically in this case for Liberian children.
However, this hopeful future cannot be realized for more Liberian children unless American citizens get involved. Right now, approximately 100 children wait to come home to families who have committed to loving and providing for them but cannot do so because of a moratorium on adoptions in Liberia that shows no signs of being lifted.
If you would like to help Liberian children whose parents have died or are unable to care for them, you can do two things.
First of all, you can sponsor a child through African Child Sponsorship. This child will then have food, clothing, shelter, and an education as s/he grows up learning about the love of Jesus and becomes a productive member of Liberian society.
Secondly, you can write your legislators to encourage them to inquire at the State Department and US Embassy in Liberia about a resolution to the moratorium on adoptions in Liberia.
Below is a sample letter that can be sent directly to your senators and representative in Congress. All you have to do is cut, paste, and fill in your name. Here is a link to easily get to an online form to submit the letter directly to your legislator's office: Contact your Legislators Feel free to edit the following letter as you see fit.
As one of your constituents, I am writing to request that you contact Ruth Lincoln at the State Department and Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the US Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia for answers about when Liberian children who were matched with adoptive families before the current moratorium will be allowed to finalize their adoptions and come home to their US families.
In January 2009 during her annual address to the legislature, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf put a halt to all adoption activity in Liberia citing concerns with two adoption agencies and corruption by Liberian officials who were asking for bribes from American families. However, eight months later, little action has been taken by the Liberian government to process adoptions again, and the same officials who were accused of corruption continue to sit on President Sirleaf’s Adoption Committee. Furthermore, to date, the two adoption agencies who were accused of abuses have been cleared, one by the Liberian court system and one by members of President Sirleaf's Adoption Committee. Meanwhile over 25 children who have court decrees of adoption, making them the children of American parents “as if they were born to them,” remain in institutions and foster care in Liberia. In addition, over 75 more children who were matched with American families before the moratorium also continue to wait as President Sirleaf’s unannounced halt left these children and US citizens without recourse.
Adoption service providers as well as adoptive families have been in contact with the US Embassy in Monrovia for advice and assistance as they have waited to bring children home. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and former Consular Alma Gurski provided little help in these matters. For six months, service providers were told that adoptions would resume as soon as new adoption laws were passed in Liberia. In the spring, the House of Representatives in Liberia did pass a Child Act that contained revised adoption laws. However, the legislation stalled in the Senate while President Sirleaf and her Adoption Committee decided to ratify the Hague. While ratification of the Hague is a worthy goal, it is a process that took fourteen years (1994-2008) for the US to accomplish. The Liberian children who were matched with US adoptive families before this moratorium cannot wait for a process that could take decades in a developing country.
Adoption service providers have continually warned the US and Liberian governments in meetings and through the Liberian media that the consequences of delaying action on this issue would be tragic for the American families and Liberian children involved. Eight months into this halt we have lost two children to death who desperately needed medical attention. This medical attention was blocked by the Liberian Ministry of Health in one of these cases. The basic human rights that these children have to survive and be raised in a family, rights that are outlined by the Hague Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, are being violated. The United States cannot stand by and allow such violations when it enjoys a close partnership with Liberia.
In a recent speech by Secretary Clinton, she said:
“Whether in Latin America or Lebanon, Iran or Liberia, those who are inspired by democracy, who understand that democracy is about more than just elections – that it must also protect minority rights and press freedom, develop strong, competent and independent judiciaries, legislatures and executive agencies, and commit for democracy to deliver results – these are the people who will find that Americans are their friends, not adversaries. As President Obama made clear last week in Ghana, this Administration will stand for accountable and transparent governance, and support those who work to build democratic institutions wherever they live.”
As seen in the way the adoption issue has been handled, Liberia has not yet taken the necessary steps to become an accountable or transparent government. I encourage you to keep this in mind as a legislator who is responsible for voting on millions of dollars in aid to Liberia each year.
In addition, I would like your assistance in making sure that the children who were matched with families before the moratorium was announced on January 26, 2009 are allowed to come home to their families quickly. Remember that out of approximately 100 children who are part of this group, two have already died in the past eight months. It is dangerous enough to survive as a young child in Liberia. It is even more life threatening to be a child without a family to raise you in Liberia. That is why it is imperative that a resolution be reached quickly.
Thankful for your assistance,
Your Name
Thank you for your efforts to make sure that children in need around the world have a voice.
However, this hopeful future cannot be realized for more Liberian children unless American citizens get involved. Right now, approximately 100 children wait to come home to families who have committed to loving and providing for them but cannot do so because of a moratorium on adoptions in Liberia that shows no signs of being lifted.
If you would like to help Liberian children whose parents have died or are unable to care for them, you can do two things.
First of all, you can sponsor a child through African Child Sponsorship. This child will then have food, clothing, shelter, and an education as s/he grows up learning about the love of Jesus and becomes a productive member of Liberian society.
Secondly, you can write your legislators to encourage them to inquire at the State Department and US Embassy in Liberia about a resolution to the moratorium on adoptions in Liberia.
Below is a sample letter that can be sent directly to your senators and representative in Congress. All you have to do is cut, paste, and fill in your name. Here is a link to easily get to an online form to submit the letter directly to your legislator's office: Contact your Legislators Feel free to edit the following letter as you see fit.
As one of your constituents, I am writing to request that you contact Ruth Lincoln at the State Department and Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the US Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia for answers about when Liberian children who were matched with adoptive families before the current moratorium will be allowed to finalize their adoptions and come home to their US families.
In January 2009 during her annual address to the legislature, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf put a halt to all adoption activity in Liberia citing concerns with two adoption agencies and corruption by Liberian officials who were asking for bribes from American families. However, eight months later, little action has been taken by the Liberian government to process adoptions again, and the same officials who were accused of corruption continue to sit on President Sirleaf’s Adoption Committee. Furthermore, to date, the two adoption agencies who were accused of abuses have been cleared, one by the Liberian court system and one by members of President Sirleaf's Adoption Committee. Meanwhile over 25 children who have court decrees of adoption, making them the children of American parents “as if they were born to them,” remain in institutions and foster care in Liberia. In addition, over 75 more children who were matched with American families before the moratorium also continue to wait as President Sirleaf’s unannounced halt left these children and US citizens without recourse.
Adoption service providers as well as adoptive families have been in contact with the US Embassy in Monrovia for advice and assistance as they have waited to bring children home. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and former Consular Alma Gurski provided little help in these matters. For six months, service providers were told that adoptions would resume as soon as new adoption laws were passed in Liberia. In the spring, the House of Representatives in Liberia did pass a Child Act that contained revised adoption laws. However, the legislation stalled in the Senate while President Sirleaf and her Adoption Committee decided to ratify the Hague. While ratification of the Hague is a worthy goal, it is a process that took fourteen years (1994-2008) for the US to accomplish. The Liberian children who were matched with US adoptive families before this moratorium cannot wait for a process that could take decades in a developing country.
Adoption service providers have continually warned the US and Liberian governments in meetings and through the Liberian media that the consequences of delaying action on this issue would be tragic for the American families and Liberian children involved. Eight months into this halt we have lost two children to death who desperately needed medical attention. This medical attention was blocked by the Liberian Ministry of Health in one of these cases. The basic human rights that these children have to survive and be raised in a family, rights that are outlined by the Hague Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, are being violated. The United States cannot stand by and allow such violations when it enjoys a close partnership with Liberia.
In a recent speech by Secretary Clinton, she said:
“Whether in Latin America or Lebanon, Iran or Liberia, those who are inspired by democracy, who understand that democracy is about more than just elections – that it must also protect minority rights and press freedom, develop strong, competent and independent judiciaries, legislatures and executive agencies, and commit for democracy to deliver results – these are the people who will find that Americans are their friends, not adversaries. As President Obama made clear last week in Ghana, this Administration will stand for accountable and transparent governance, and support those who work to build democratic institutions wherever they live.”
As seen in the way the adoption issue has been handled, Liberia has not yet taken the necessary steps to become an accountable or transparent government. I encourage you to keep this in mind as a legislator who is responsible for voting on millions of dollars in aid to Liberia each year.
In addition, I would like your assistance in making sure that the children who were matched with families before the moratorium was announced on January 26, 2009 are allowed to come home to their families quickly. Remember that out of approximately 100 children who are part of this group, two have already died in the past eight months. It is dangerous enough to survive as a young child in Liberia. It is even more life threatening to be a child without a family to raise you in Liberia. That is why it is imperative that a resolution be reached quickly.
Thankful for your assistance,
Your Name
Thank you for your efforts to make sure that children in need around the world have a voice.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Liberian Adoptions on Oprah Show Tomorrow
Sorry for the short notice, but I just found out the Oprah taping we did in the spring is going to be on tomorrow. The episode is entitled "Fascinating Families." Click on this Oprah link to see what's on Oprah for the week. You can click on the photo for 10/2 to see a short clip from this episode. You can also go to this local listings link to get more information about when it will be on in your area.
If you live in Charlotte, NC, it looks like it will be on at 4pm on channel 9 WSOC-TV. I believe it will re-air at 9 pm on WAXN-TV 64 as well.
We agreed not to share any of our photos until after it airs, so I'll post some at a later date.
If you want an update on what is happening with the ministry that cared for all of these children before they were adopted, please go to www.africanchildsponsorship.com.
If you live in Charlotte, NC, it looks like it will be on at 4pm on channel 9 WSOC-TV. I believe it will re-air at 9 pm on WAXN-TV 64 as well.
We agreed not to share any of our photos until after it airs, so I'll post some at a later date.
If you want an update on what is happening with the ministry that cared for all of these children before they were adopted, please go to www.africanchildsponsorship.com.
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