Change of Plans...

Wow, where do I begin? We have been on a bit of a roller coaster of emotions over the past few weeks, feeling a little bit "off" concerning our agency and their transparency through this process. To not get too personal out of respect for our agency, I am going to be a bit vague. We sensed some issues on their end regarding referrals, orphanages they are approved through, etc...and after looking a little further into it, realized my hunch was indeed correct.  Our agency has ALL referrals on hold as of now. I would not have known this if I had not checked in. I quickly began researching other agencies, speaking to different program directors, etc. and realized that Ethiopian adoptions, although very strict, are still progressing. My immediate concern when switching agencies is starting all over, and having to start at the beginning of another wait list. I spoke with John and we both decided that we are open to any country in Africa and not to be closed minded to a new plan. So, after discussing and thinking and researching and praying and everything in between...we decided to make the switch to a new agency.

This agency handles within Ethiopia, DR Congo, and Uganda. I was very interested in Uganda and Haiti in the beginning of this entire process. Haiti was out, due to the fact we had not been married for 10 years. Uganda was as well, as you had to live there for 3 years after the adoption of your child....until recently! The Ugandan courts are now granting guardianship to adoptive parents if it is in the best interest of the child and our agency has successfully completed many adoptions this past year and was granted guardianship every time without any problems, then the full adoption takes place once you return to the states. So, we decided to change countries to Uganda, and God willing, this will be where our future child is from! Even better news, since this is a new program for them (just over a year old), since we are "paper ready", we will most likely not be waitlisted (there are 14 in the middle of the paper chase for Uganda...) and he thinks there is no reason we wouldn't have our referral of our child by this July (maybe before) and have traveled to Uganda and back home with our child for good by this Christmas! Sidenote: No one has any control over timing...this is just an estimate...anything can happen that is beyond the scope of our agency's control but this is very promising nonetheless!

I truly think everything happens for a reason, and this entire process is not in my hands, so if we are not willing to roll with the punches and trust God's Will in all of this, it will make you a little bonkers to say the least! We feel very confident about our decision, and just ask for your prayers and support as we navigate through this change and anticipate our sweet child sooner than we imagined!

For everyone who has donated money, clothing, diapers, formula, etc...no worries, the children who need it will still be receiving, just in Uganda rather than Ethiopia! Again, thank you for your support, this process is so much easier knowing we have so many people who already love this baby! I will keep you updated all along the way!! xo

Amy