Second July Update From Our Agency

Below is the update we have received from our agency. The court system in Ethiopia closes for the "rainy season". Generally, it reopens in late September early October.

Things have been very busy in Ethiopia as our staff has worked very hard to get cases filed in court before it closes around August 8. Six adoptive families appeared for court hearings this week as well; all cases were approved and we are eager to talk with the families about their experiences when they return. So far the new process seems to have gone smoothly.

There has also been more progress on the paperwork needed for the children who have been in our care for up to a year following changes in paperwork requirements and the difficulty in getting new or additional documents. Some of these “caught in the middle” case have now been filed in court. We are so appreciative of all of your donations to help us with this difficult situation.

Referrals of babies have continued to be slow. Historically we have received an influx of babies during our fall and winter months. Progress is being made in developing programs in some other underserved areas of Ethiopia as well.

Linda reports however, that there have been 80 families accepting referrals this year so far, 15 families in July alone. Referrals during July include 3 infants, one with special needs, a 1 year old, a 2 year old, 4 children 3 years old including twins, 3 children four years old, 2 children 5 years old (both HIV+), 1 six year old, an 8 year old with special needs, and three sets of siblings—one w/children 8 and 13, another of four kids ages 10,7,4, and 3, and a sister and brother ages 7 and 1.