Sad News from Ethiopia
I received my monthly update from my agency today. I remain #7 on the girls' list and #4 on the sibling list. I predicted I'd be #6, having noted one little girl was placed since the last update, but the following sad news came through the wire (from my agency's case manager) just moments before the update:
Many of you remember seeing baby L. when we were in the process of trying to find her a home. Well, we were able to place her with an incredible family who were excited have her as a part of their family. Unfortunately, after we placed her we realized just how crucial it was to bring her to the US for medical care. Our staff worked very diligently to have her case processed but unfortunately, just weeks before the family could travel, L. passed away because of her severe condition.
We would ask that you keep this family and our staff in your prayers as this of course was a huge loss to both. Now, she is with the Lord and knows no pain or suffering which we can find comfort in.
This family is being placed at the top of the wait list and that is a wonderful thing. I wish them all the support I can offer; hopefully they will have a referral soon for their family. I will most definitely keep them in my thoughts and prayers and hope you will do the same.
With that, everything else remains about the same. I had a wonderful lunch on Sunday with two previous 4th graders (who are now college seniors) who I had not spoken with in twelve years. They "googled" me. I was so touched they wanted to meet me for lunch. We had a great time talking about the events in 4th grade--I couldn't believe how much they recalled from so long ago. I feel so fortunate to share my life with these children, and even better, to see them grow into thoughtful, kind and intelligent adults. It is truly a blessing. Patrick and Phil--you made my year!
And, finally, my (at one time "little") cousin and her 20 month old son came for a sleepover last weekend. We had such fun playing and eating and catching up. What fun to see her so naturally loving on her baby boy. She looked so happy and content in motherhood. I'm attaching a photo I took of the two of them at the park. Thanks, Mon, for the visit--I LOVED it! And I can't wait until I bring home my little one and you come over to help out. I will not forget that offer--it is too good to be true!
So...what's next?
Below is an overview of an Ethiopian adoption process from the time my agency receives adoptive parents' completed dossier and home study.
Agency Sends Dossier for Authentication and Translation Check!
Agency will forward adoptive parents’ dossier to the U.S. State Department and the Ethiopian Embassy for authentication. Once processed, the agency will forward the dossier to our staff in Ethiopia where it is translated
Referral Process Check!
Once the dossier is in Ethiopia, adoptive parents can wait six to eight months for a referral of a child. Once referred, the agency will send the adoptive parents referral photos, medical information and the child’s background information, including any known family history. Upon acceptance of referral, the agency's foreign staff will submit adoptive parents’ dossier, with the referred child’s documentation to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA).
Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA) Reviews Documentation Check!
MOWA is the branch of the Ethiopian government that reviews all documentation submitted by the adoptive parents and on behalf of the referred child recommends the adoption to be finalized to the Federal Court of Addis Ababa.
Federal Court Date November 11, 2008 Check!
Once MOWA recommends the adoption to be finalized, a court appointment is scheduled. At this appointment, the judge can either finalize the adoption or ask for further documentation and set another court date. Once the adoption is finalized, the court decree, new birth certificate and passport are issued, and the adoptive parents can travel.
Travel December 6, 2008 - December 11, 2008
Adoptive parents should be ready to travel within two to four months after accepting a referral. One parent is required to travel and the in-country stay in Ethiopia is five to seven days. During this time, adoptive parents will complete the U.S. Embassy Immigration appointment for the adopted child, which is necessary to bring the child to the United States. The agency's in-country staff will accompany each family throughout their entire stay in Ethiopia.
Post-Adoption- Until the child turns 18 years old In Process
In Ethiopia, an adoption is finalized before entrance into the United States. Upon arrival, post-adoption reports are due at three, six, and 12 months on the anniversary of the U.S. Embassy appointment date. After the first year, family authored self reports are due every year until the child reaches 18 years of age.
3 comments:
enjoy your message!
I'm praying for that little baby who passed...how incredibly sad. I'm also sorry you're in a holding pattern, Melissa. Soon, my friend, you will be a mommy, and a wonderful one at that.
Love you! Pamela
Melissa, are you as excited about the movement as I am? It is nice to be moving down again. #5 is getting pretty darn close!
Amy
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