We witness a miracle each time a child enters a life
But those who must make their journey home across time and miles,
Growing in the hearts of those waiting to love them,
Are carried on the wings of destiny
And placed among us by God's own hands.

Friday, July 15, 2011

My Decision

After this weeks developments, I have come to a decision.  Or perhaps my heart has come to a decision. 

We were supposed to be submitted to embassy last Wednesday; we were not.
We were supposed to be submitted to embassy this Wednesday; we were not.

To not go into a lot of confusing details, we found out yesterday that the agency has been trying to obtain more documents and search for yet another person before they submit us to embassy.  In our agencies defense, they are just trying to dot their "i's" and cross their "t's" so that we do not have issues with the embassy; so that we can clear embassy the first time around.  We however, have had enough delays and are out of patience.  With correspondence received today, they think they have a solution and said we would be submitted "for sure" next Wednesday.  If so, we should know within three to five days of submission if we have cleared and can schedule the visa appointment; or if they want further documentation and subsequently more delay.

I have decided that if we do not clear embassy by the first few days of August, I will be booking tickets to travel to Ethiopia the third week of August.  I will stay as long as needed to bring our son home.  I will be able to "assist" the agency while there to finish our case, but more importantly, be able to start the bonding process.  Since reaching this decision I have felt so much more at peace.  My mood has also changed dramatically from tearful and depressed to confident and joyful.  It is a decision supported by everyone I have talked to and that helps tremendously.

Of course we are hoping that we clear embassy without delay and it does not come to this.  If it does however, at least I know when I will get to see and hold our son and it is so good to not carry around that uncertainty we have been living with for over two years now.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Shocking Statistics

Estimated population in Ethiopia:  almost 91 million

Population      0-14 years:   46.3%
                    15-64 years:  51%
                    65 and over:  2.7%

Median Age:  16.8 years

Life Expectancy Average:  56.19 years

Fertitlity Rate:  6.02 children/woman

Infant Mortality Rate:  77.12/1,000 live births

Estimated number of orphans:  4.3 million