Thursday, May 13, 2010
Happy Momma's Day
When I was home today on my lunch, I ran outside to check the mail. In the mail was an package from Arsin Akyl Scheel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Inside the package was a small gift. It was a frame with one of the recent pictures we received of A. It had a caption at the bottom that said 'Happy Mother's Day, Momma'. There was also a card that says: My favorite place in all the world is next to you. It also had a long letter that said he was sorry his gift was late, he had to sneak out after lights out to mail it. He said everything is good, but he really wants to come home. Then he made a list of all the things he wants to do once home! He said I was the best momma in the world and his caregiver says he can come home very soon.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Pack 'em up and move 'em out
Well, the time has come for us to Pack 'em up and move 'em out. We closed on our house in Rice Lake last week Friday ... huge relief! Tonight Ryan will be making the four hour drive here, and tomorrow morning we'll pick up the 24 foot truck and load her up! The last few months have been trying to say the least. It's hard when your family lives four hours apart and your trying to take care of EVERYTHING! I will continue to stay in the house until May 21st ... I'll just be camping out with a blow up mattress, camping chair, and a few suitcases. We've decided at this point that I will finish out the school year in Rice Lake. That means that I will have to live with my friend Becky, who has so graciously offered her home to me! Good thing her youngest son has bunk beds! :)
Friday, April 30, 2010
D.O.S. Kyrgyzstan Adoption Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues
___________________________________________________________
April 28, 2010
Following the recent unrest in Kyrgyzstan, the Department of State (the Department) has expressed its support for the provisional government’s efforts to resolve peacefully Kyrgyzstan’s political problems and renew Kyrgyzstan’s path to democracy, economic prosperity, and respect for human rights. On April 20, the Department posted a Travel Warning for Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz government stopped processing all intercountry adoptions in October 2008 due to reports of corruption and fraud in the adoption process. The Department is working to determine the provisional government’s stance on intercountry adoption, especially the pending cases of American families.
At present, the Kyrgyz government is not processing any adoption cases, including at least 65 adoptions by American families that were in progress when the halt was announced. Despite the unrest, we understand that the Kyrgyz criminal investigation of alleged corruption in the adoption process is ongoing. The allegations are serious: the Kyrgyz press has reported that two local adoption coordinators who worked with U.S. adoption agencies were arrested and released on bail. The Department urges the provisional government to complete urgently its criminal investigation and resolve the pending cases so that eligible children can be placed in permanent homes. We remind the Kyrgyz government that many of the children have serious health problems and that American families, despite the children’s medical conditions, distance, and a two-year wait to complete their cases, remain committed to these children.
The Department has repeated this message to Kyrgyz officials in Washington and through U.S. Embassy Bishkek. In addition, we have raised the visibility of this issue, and addressed questions and concerns expressed by Kyrgyz officials and shared by some Kyrgyz citizens, through outreach programs. The Department has sponsored the visit of a U.S. adoption expert to Kyrgyzstan and an adoption-themed study tour to the United States for three senior Kyrgyz officials. Finally, we have encouraged Kyrgyzstan to strengthen safeguards in the adoption process and eventually accede to the Hague Adoption Convention.
On March 19, the Kyrgyz Parliament passed a bill that would amend certain Family Code provisions on adoption. It was not signed by the president. If enacted, the government must still approve additional regulations in order for adoptions to resume. The draft regulations, which the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Migration recently posted on its Web site, address the eligibility of children for domestic and intercountry adoption (including relinquishment and abandonment determinations); the eligibility of adoptive parents; and application, court, and post-adoption reporting requirements. Regardless, the possible effect of the new law and regulations is unclear: neither expressly addresses the pending cases. We are working to determine the provisional government’s position on the bill and draft regulations and how these measures would impact the pending adoptions.
The Department will continue to urge the Kyrgyz government to resolve the pending cases and act in the best interests of children involved in the intercountry adoption process.
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues
___________________________________________________________
April 28, 2010
Following the recent unrest in Kyrgyzstan, the Department of State (the Department) has expressed its support for the provisional government’s efforts to resolve peacefully Kyrgyzstan’s political problems and renew Kyrgyzstan’s path to democracy, economic prosperity, and respect for human rights. On April 20, the Department posted a Travel Warning for Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz government stopped processing all intercountry adoptions in October 2008 due to reports of corruption and fraud in the adoption process. The Department is working to determine the provisional government’s stance on intercountry adoption, especially the pending cases of American families.
At present, the Kyrgyz government is not processing any adoption cases, including at least 65 adoptions by American families that were in progress when the halt was announced. Despite the unrest, we understand that the Kyrgyz criminal investigation of alleged corruption in the adoption process is ongoing. The allegations are serious: the Kyrgyz press has reported that two local adoption coordinators who worked with U.S. adoption agencies were arrested and released on bail. The Department urges the provisional government to complete urgently its criminal investigation and resolve the pending cases so that eligible children can be placed in permanent homes. We remind the Kyrgyz government that many of the children have serious health problems and that American families, despite the children’s medical conditions, distance, and a two-year wait to complete their cases, remain committed to these children.
The Department has repeated this message to Kyrgyz officials in Washington and through U.S. Embassy Bishkek. In addition, we have raised the visibility of this issue, and addressed questions and concerns expressed by Kyrgyz officials and shared by some Kyrgyz citizens, through outreach programs. The Department has sponsored the visit of a U.S. adoption expert to Kyrgyzstan and an adoption-themed study tour to the United States for three senior Kyrgyz officials. Finally, we have encouraged Kyrgyzstan to strengthen safeguards in the adoption process and eventually accede to the Hague Adoption Convention.
On March 19, the Kyrgyz Parliament passed a bill that would amend certain Family Code provisions on adoption. It was not signed by the president. If enacted, the government must still approve additional regulations in order for adoptions to resume. The draft regulations, which the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Migration recently posted on its Web site, address the eligibility of children for domestic and intercountry adoption (including relinquishment and abandonment determinations); the eligibility of adoptive parents; and application, court, and post-adoption reporting requirements. Regardless, the possible effect of the new law and regulations is unclear: neither expressly addresses the pending cases. We are working to determine the provisional government’s position on the bill and draft regulations and how these measures would impact the pending adoptions.
The Department will continue to urge the Kyrgyz government to resolve the pending cases and act in the best interests of children involved in the intercountry adoption process.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Happy 2nd Birthday!
Today is A's 2nd birthday and I couldn't be more devastated that he had to spend yet another year at the BBH. Today I will be celebrating with a huge piece of DQ ice cream cake!Momma loves you! I hope someone there remembered it was your special day and gave you a big hug!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Orphan Grain Train
The weather was so nice earlier this week that I actually went and cleaned out the garage. I still had a lot of stuff left over from the garage sale this summer so I went through the boxes and re-packed all the men's, women's and children's clothing so that I could send to Chelsey in Kansas to add to the container being shipped to Kyrgyzstan in April. This container will be shipping via Orphan Grain Train. Hopefully those seven boxes help whoever is in need!!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
In the news
YouTube video about our adoption and the stalled cases.
One of our waiting mamas is in her local news!
We've had several articles posted on EurasiaNet:
9.10.09 - KYRGYZSTAN: ADOPTION REFORM LEAVES KYRGYZ ORPHANS, AMERICAN FAMILIES, IN LIMBO
9.23.09 - KYRGYZSTAN: US AND KYRGYZ LEGISLATORS SEEK WAY TO END ADOPTION DELAY
10.7.09 - KYRGYZSTAN: PRIME MINISTER CHUDINOV PLEDGES ACTION ON STALLED ADOPTIONS
12.14.09 - KYRGYZSTAN: ADOPTIVE FAMILIES LOSING HOPE AS KYRGYZ CHILDREN REMAIN STUCK IN CENTRAL ASIA
One of our waiting mamas is in her local news!
We've had several articles posted on EurasiaNet:
9.10.09 - KYRGYZSTAN: ADOPTION REFORM LEAVES KYRGYZ ORPHANS, AMERICAN FAMILIES, IN LIMBO
9.23.09 - KYRGYZSTAN: US AND KYRGYZ LEGISLATORS SEEK WAY TO END ADOPTION DELAY
10.7.09 - KYRGYZSTAN: PRIME MINISTER CHUDINOV PLEDGES ACTION ON STALLED ADOPTIONS
12.14.09 - KYRGYZSTAN: ADOPTIVE FAMILIES LOSING HOPE AS KYRGYZ CHILDREN REMAIN STUCK IN CENTRAL ASIA
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Re-locating
I realize that I am long overdue for a post! Unfortunately I just haven't had it in me :(
To catch you up to speed on the adoption front ... On February 5th, Tom DiFilipo, President of Joint Council on International Children's Services led a small delegation of three waiting parents to meet with Kyrgyzstan government officials, NGO's and media to advocate for the processing of the 65 pending US and Canadian adoptions. The timing for this trip is especially important because Parliament is due to discuss the IA situation the week of February 15th. We are hoping that the meetings will help them to open their minds and hearts. Please continue to pray! We have also learned that President Bakiev is now aware of the situation and involved, which is huge. The three mama bears are headed over with a letter addressed to him and to the new Prime Minister, requesting the speedy processing of the pending cases. This letter has been signed by the waiting families, Joint Council, and National Council For Adoption. Two cover letters will accompany it, one signed by US Senators and one signed by US Representatives. Suzanne, Lisa, and Teresa - you are in our thoughts and prayers this week. May you have the strength to move the mountains that need moving!!
We know as of a couple of days ago that the 3 lovely ladies in Bishkek were granted access to the baby houses, and more specifically to the BBH. We are anxiously awaiting new pictures and some updates on A. We haven't gotten any updated information in a long time, to be honest I think actually before my trip last March even. We did, however, receive pictures in December ...
In other news, Ryan has been offered and accepted a job on the east side of the state as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac. He has already moved and started the new job as of January 1st. I'm still residing in Rice Lake, and will remain here until our house sells. Unfortunately, it's a pretty shitty market to be selling houses. The good thing is that I am still working so I can at least maintain my income as long as I am here. I really do enjoy my job, so that isn't so bad. It just really sucks to be so far away. I'm also usually pretty independent, but with all health/physical issues I've had in the past year it's been pretty hard with all the limitations: I shouldn't shovel; I shouldn't be carrying loads of laundry; I can't move boxes, furniture, etc.; I shouldn't be vacuuming (apparently the back and forth motion is bad for your spine) and the dang thing is fricken heavy, so I have a hard time carrying it up and down the stairs. Other than that things are going pretty good living single!
I'm still in Physical Therapy and should be wrapping it up in the next couple of weeks. I took some time off in October because my hip was getting really sore. On my "off-time" I fell down the outside back steps when we had a crazy ice rain in October! I had to get a new MRI for my back and it turns out that I have an annular tear on my lower spine (L5, S1). I have since started back PT where they have been working on my back and hip simultaneously. I'm continuing to keep myself busy here. I'm still running the after school program in my classroom. I'm also working all the home basketball games at the High School. I've started selling stuff on eBay again, hoping to get rid of the old stuff, and to help lighten the load for the move. I also found a fantastic fundraiser that will help us personally and an orphanage in Africa! We'll use the money for our travelling funds to pick A up. It's gourmet roasted coffee, and it's actually pretty awesome!
To catch you up to speed on the adoption front ... On February 5th, Tom DiFilipo, President of Joint Council on International Children's Services led a small delegation of three waiting parents to meet with Kyrgyzstan government officials, NGO's and media to advocate for the processing of the 65 pending US and Canadian adoptions. The timing for this trip is especially important because Parliament is due to discuss the IA situation the week of February 15th. We are hoping that the meetings will help them to open their minds and hearts. Please continue to pray! We have also learned that President Bakiev is now aware of the situation and involved, which is huge. The three mama bears are headed over with a letter addressed to him and to the new Prime Minister, requesting the speedy processing of the pending cases. This letter has been signed by the waiting families, Joint Council, and National Council For Adoption. Two cover letters will accompany it, one signed by US Senators and one signed by US Representatives. Suzanne, Lisa, and Teresa - you are in our thoughts and prayers this week. May you have the strength to move the mountains that need moving!!
We know as of a couple of days ago that the 3 lovely ladies in Bishkek were granted access to the baby houses, and more specifically to the BBH. We are anxiously awaiting new pictures and some updates on A. We haven't gotten any updated information in a long time, to be honest I think actually before my trip last March even. We did, however, receive pictures in December ...
In other news, Ryan has been offered and accepted a job on the east side of the state as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac. He has already moved and started the new job as of January 1st. I'm still residing in Rice Lake, and will remain here until our house sells. Unfortunately, it's a pretty shitty market to be selling houses. The good thing is that I am still working so I can at least maintain my income as long as I am here. I really do enjoy my job, so that isn't so bad. It just really sucks to be so far away. I'm also usually pretty independent, but with all health/physical issues I've had in the past year it's been pretty hard with all the limitations: I shouldn't shovel; I shouldn't be carrying loads of laundry; I can't move boxes, furniture, etc.; I shouldn't be vacuuming (apparently the back and forth motion is bad for your spine) and the dang thing is fricken heavy, so I have a hard time carrying it up and down the stairs. Other than that things are going pretty good living single!
I'm still in Physical Therapy and should be wrapping it up in the next couple of weeks. I took some time off in October because my hip was getting really sore. On my "off-time" I fell down the outside back steps when we had a crazy ice rain in October! I had to get a new MRI for my back and it turns out that I have an annular tear on my lower spine (L5, S1). I have since started back PT where they have been working on my back and hip simultaneously. I'm continuing to keep myself busy here. I'm still running the after school program in my classroom. I'm also working all the home basketball games at the High School. I've started selling stuff on eBay again, hoping to get rid of the old stuff, and to help lighten the load for the move. I also found a fantastic fundraiser that will help us personally and an orphanage in Africa! We'll use the money for our travelling funds to pick A up. It's gourmet roasted coffee, and it's actually pretty awesome!
Monday, October 12, 2009
...and we continue to wait...
The wait continues and, in fact, looms larger. At this point, I don't have the energy or strength to go into details of the conference call with our State Department. It was hopeful from the standpoint that there is lots of advocating for the children happening at very high levels. However, there is absolutely no sense that anything will happen anytime soon. In fact, we are still 100% stuck!
I've been trying really hard over that last year and a half to manage my expecations. With this call though, I let myself hope that they might have given us some indication of a time line, a task, OR something that we could do to move this process along. I'm still absolutely certain that this will eventually work out. Good news is that the officials on the call seemed to agree as well.
Until then...
I've been trying really hard over that last year and a half to manage my expecations. With this call though, I let myself hope that they might have given us some indication of a time line, a task, OR something that we could do to move this process along. I'm still absolutely certain that this will eventually work out. Good news is that the officials on the call seemed to agree as well.
Until then...
Monday, September 21, 2009
18 Months
Our little man turned 18 months today and I'm a sad mamma. I have to say though that I'm feeling more optimistic than I have in quite some time. I feel good about things to come, and I can't wait to get A home with us so we can love on him! Happy Birthday and a half baby boy!!!
Love mom and dad.
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