Good News Out of Ethiopia Today!

In response to the last couple of weeks, today the Minister in charge of MOWCYA stated that neither they or the Ethiopian Government plan to shut down adoptions within Ethiopia. She encouraged our agency and others alike to continue their work as normal.


Here is actual release sent by our agency:
http://adoptedbydesign.typepad.com/blog/2014/01/positive-news-from-ethiopia.html


Change and reform is still needed and will continue to be. For we know that whenever there is opportunity to do good there is also opportunity to abuse or corrupt.  Please be in continued prayer for Ethiopia's leadership and wisdom as adoptions continue.

Urgent Ethiopian News

*Update: Due to Ethiopian Christmas(Celebrated January 7th) and a Muslim holiday, official news will most likely not be released until Thursday January 16th or later.* 


We have been here before.  Waiting.  Hoping. Unsure of the future.  Overcome with raw emotion.  The recognition that so little, truly, is in our control.  The genuine recognition we need to trust Him. 

Here is a little background:  Over the weekend of Dec. 27-29^th a multi day meeting was held by the Ethiopian House of Representatives along with MOWCYA (Ministry of Women, Children, and Youth Affairs) officials.  In the meeting, a 36+ page research paper was presented.  Amongst many issues presented, over half of the content of the paper related directly to adoption in Ethiopia.  Breakout groups made up of parliament officials, NGOs, adoption agency representatives, teachers, court officials and public attendees gathered to discuss the paper and to discuss change.   In closing, the speaker of the House stated that there are conflicts of interest leading to corruption.  It was noted the many Parliament officials strongly lobbied for the closure of international adoption.  At the end of the meeting, they determined that a strategic plan would be provided after 10 business days.

What brought this about?  There is and has been a lot of change in Ethiopia related to adoption over the last couple of years.  Some of this most recent call to action may be politically driven; re-elections are coming up later this year.  There also have been many negative articles written in main stream media related to adoption.

What does our agency say? At this time our agency, AWAA, does not anticipate complete closure of the entire country to international adoption although they recognize that it may be a reality.  They do believe that this will lead to continue adoption reform.  We are so thankful they have been open, and honest.  They are currently in the process of translating the research paper and plan to email it to all families when it is complete.  They have also held a conference call to keep us informed.  Our in country director was actually present in the meetings listed above.

What do we think?  We desire for orphan justice.  We desire a system that puts the child at priority, not money in the pockets of stakeholders or orphanage authorities.  We want a system that provides permanency for a child, in the home of a family, whether domestic or international. 

How are we handling this news?  Like the introduction mentioned we have felt like we have been in this situation before.  In a pregnancy, “spotting” brings you to this place.  Spotting many times causes a pregnant women to question – is there a problem?  Emotions can run high.  You have hopes and dreams for the child you carry but you have no control of the outcome.  Like many of you know, we lost and delivered our second son Bode during the 16^th week of our pregnancy.   During the pregnancy we had two separate times, in our hearts, we had these emotional moments that brought us to question.  The first time our fears were calmed and we were told by a doctor- "Everything looks ok!"  but the second time she silently shook her head.  That is the only thing we feel like we can compare this to.  Right now we are waiting.  We don’t know what the future holds for our “Boaz”.  If we will be told, "don't worry, everything seems to be on track" or if we will be told, "I'm sorry."  We only know that the Lord has brought us here and we are to wait.

What can you do?  Pray!

• Pray for Ethiopian government officials to be convicted of the need for children to grow up in a family.
• Pray for advocates to speak up on behalf of orphans and vulnerable children.
• Pray to end corruption, deceit, and inappropriate work in adoption.
• Pray for all the waiting families as we anxiously await the news.
• Pray for wisdom and guidance of our agency to respond wisely whatever the outcome.

 

All of this news came to us while we were enjoying our family vacation in Florida.  We struggled to keep composure and enjoy the moment where the Lord had brought us.  We desire to be used by the Lord and be flexible to his calling.  He has prepared us.  We are thankful that the Lord is also showing us the bigger picture of his love for the vulnerable and orphan children of the world.  I (J) was actually reading the book Orphan Justice by Johnny Carr when we received the news.  May we “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8b)  We now wait until January 13th, the anticipated date for the release of more information.