We had a talk with our agency today. They're really great people. And while we don't know anything new per se... the situation *may* not be as bad as some of the reports are making it out to be.
While I'm probably the worst person to attempt to articulate the situation, I will give it a try. Basically, last week the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children's, and Youth Affairs announced their intention to reduce intercountry adoptions by 90% beginning March 10, 2011. The reasons for this announcement are varied. The response by many organizations has been varied, as well.
Right now it appears that some of the Ministry have been terminated (potentially based on the announcement they made to reduce adoptions by 90%). Different organizations have diverse opinions on what will actually happen with the process from here. 90% could be a worst-case-scenario. Some say that historically Ethiopia has always done what is in "the best interest of the children/orphans", and this that decision does not appear to be in their best interest. We are hearing that Ethiopia is working on the situation and that we may hear more about this 90% number in the next week.
You'll note that I'm using very non-specific language (maybe, potentially, varied, diverse, etc.). The fact is - we're all in a place of un-knowing about the future of adoption in Ethiopia, and in our lives. Much like Nepal, Ethiopia is a very different world and culture than we're used to in the US. They make decisions and work through processes in very different timeframes and with different priorities.
The unknowing is a different flavor this time around. With Nepal, there were weeks/months of no communication whatsoever. With Ethiopia, we seem to be getting a bit more information. With Nepal, we had a strong feeling the US was preparing to shut down the country and, combined with the political unrest in the region, the situation was absolutely hellish. While we hear of potential/desired shutdown of Ethiopia, it doesn't have the same feeling as Nepal. And the political climate of Ethiopia certainly is different than that of Nepal. So there's unknowing for sure, again. But a different kind. But then again, if it felt the same, it wouldn't be unknowing, it would be knowing, wouldn't it?
Here's what I DO know: without a doubt, things will slow down. It's a matter of how much, and what happens from there.
4 comments:
I don't know if my comment here will help but I also have reason to believe it isn't quite as bad as it sounds. Have heard that better news may be coming soonish.
The only thing I can say is "We're here!" and so are our prayers and thoughts.
I am trying to get ahold of a woman that we befriended in Ethiopia...She works with Toukoul orphanage where our son is from, maybe she knows somthing? I can tell you that they DO what is in the best intrust of the kids....because they love them...all of them. Lets pray they at least finish out the dossier's there are already there....
Keeping all fingers and toes crossed that next week brings better news! You guys deserve a break. I am pretty sure you don't want Larry as yours... xoxo
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