Questions and worry

photo courtesy of : http://betheanswerforchildren.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/emergency-campaign-for-ethiopia/

The news has been released that Ethiopia is reducing their processing of foreign adoptions by 90%. There has been a growing concern over unethical adoptions and verify whether an child is truly an orphan. This news is frustrating, yet I had a feeling that something was going to happen soon on adoptions here. I do understand the need to regroup, so to speak. The organization that processes adoptions is completely overwhelmed and under staffed. However, slowing down the number of adoptions getting processed will leave children in orphanages for an extended period of time. Health & medical conditions can only worsen if this happens. Not to mention the emotional turmoil a child goes through being in an institution on survival mode vs. being in a loving family.

Whenever it is possible, I wish to see children stay with their birth families. I strongly support this. It is heartbreaking that a beautiful country has so many children that leave it. As happy as I was to have our son in our arms, I left that country sitting in my plane seat crying because of the loss between my son and his country. However, there are so many kids that have no option of staying with their families in Ethiopia. So very many. What is going to happen to them? Who is going to fight for them?

I suppose right now all I want is information. Information on what Ethiopia plans to do with all these children currently in orphanages waiting for their forever families. I want to know the game plan. I want to know how they are going to support these children. I don't want to disrespect their decision, I just want to...well, help. Make this situation make sense.

I have the utmost respect for my son's birth country. I just have a whole lot of worry and questions today on what this means for the children of Ethiopia.

If you are interested in signing a petition to ask the Ethiopian government to reconsider this move and to consider other options you can sign it here: http://betheanswerforchildren.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/emergency-campaign-for-ethiopia/