Well, our agency wasn't kidding when they said "expect the unexpected." You see, the process of international adoption is much like a roller coaster ride. For us so far, that roller coaster ride hasn't been so bad in all honesty. Sure, we've experienced a myriad of emotions, and the wait times have varied somewhat...but in keeping with the Disney themes that I sometimes like to reference, I'd say the ride has been a bit like Thunder Mountain...exhilarating, but not scary-- just enough to keep us on our toes. That is, until we received an email last Wednesday. That's when the Thunder catapulted into Space. Yep, we were suddenly an unwilling guest on what felt like Space Mountain...completely in the dark, hitting an unexpected turn at much greater speeds.As of April 9th, the Ethiopian government is requiring all adoptive parents to travel to Africa twice. This will add about $5,000 to an already expensive travel bill, not to mention cause potential problems for our time off from work.
Prior to this decision, a representative from our adoption agency (our Power of Attorney) was able to represent us on our court date (i.e., the day the Ethiopian government deems our baby legally a Nix). Now, the government is requiring both adoptive parents to be present the day of court. We are told the first trip will last approximately 5 days. During this trip, we will get to meet and spend time with our baby, only to leave him/her to fly home less than 5 days later. (Honestly, I have not brought myself to fully think about this moment when I have to leave my baby behind...I think I am still in denial). The second trip could happen about 3-6 weeks later, at which point our Embassy interview will take place and we will stay in Ethiopia approximately 7 days.
Upon hearing this news, we were initially shocked, then angry, then confused, then sad, then frightened...I think you get the point. However, after several days of thinking and praying, we have an overwhelming peace and are trying to focus on the positive: we will get to see our baby earlier, possibly an entire 2 months earlier than we would have otherwise! It will be so incredible to love on our baby that much sooner, while experiencing more time in Africa--soaking in his/her culture.
And on a broader note, we believe this is happening so Ethiopian adoptions will become more transparent. As a result of greed and corrupt adoption agencies (thankfully, not ours!), we have heard that some families are being referred a baby, only to find a different baby when they arrive in Ethiopia several months later. Also, there are some reports of babies being illegitimately up for adoption. In other words, children who are not truly orphans being "recruited" and taken from their families to be adopted. Thus, several policies are changing in response to safeguard the process--traveling twice being one of them. If these policy changes can save just one child from instances such as this, then I'm all for it.
We ask that you pray for all of the orphans in this country, and that these policies will be implemented with efficacy as well as efficiency. Please pray for our Gladney in-country staff as well as the Ethiopian government. We have utmost confidence in our agency and appreciate their transparency and assistance thus far. We are truly blessed to have such a reputable agency who has the children at their best interest.
As for us, we will be okay. I have a feeling after this ride is over, my reflections will be much like my thoughts each time I've stepped out of my rocket-shaped vehicle at Space Mountain ...a little scary, a thrilling experience, and well worth the wait.
