Recently it was confirmed by our agency that delays on our estimated wait may be in our future.
It was explained to us that in a recent news story, a reporter in Colombia interviewed families who accused ICBF (the agency in Colombia that oversees adoptions) of taking their kids away from them and putting them up for international adoption. While ICBF will not comment on individual cases due to confidentiality reasons, we have been informed that all investigations in these accusations show that ICBF did not remove any children from families in an in-ethical manner (children were likely removed from their homes without their parents consent due to neglect, for example). Other accusations against adoption houses were also made, however all of the adoption houses that Bethany works with have been investigated and have passed all inspections.
Due to the spotlight that ICBF has been under however, they are not taking any chances. They are being extra cautious by having multiple people review paperwork and asking for more clarifications or updated documents that normal. This slows everyone down. We don't know how much this would affect our overall wait time, but have to be thankful that ICBF is being cautious. We want to make sure that every child who is put up for adoption, and who is adopted, is done so for the right reasons. We are meant to be the last resort, and as odd as it sounds: we want it to be that way (ask me to elaborate more some time if that does not make sense). We aren't adopting internationally in order to steal someone else's child, we aren't adopting because it is "easy" and we have tens of thousands of dollars to throw at anyone who will give us a child. We have good intentions, and want our children to know that while the world is not perfect, we tried to do it right!
It is comforting to know that God didn't have to change His plan because of this "news". These "delays" did not alter His plan. He knows the time, and part of having faith and trusting in Him means that we will follow him through the ups and the downs! Yes, waiting hurts- in fact, I think that sometimes my heart literally aches, and sometimes I have pimples that I want to give names such as "unknown wait time" or "finances".
But what hurts the most about waiting (other than our own desires to hold this child in our arms)? Knowing that there are children, and right now one in particular, that does not have a mommy to rock them to sleep, or a daddy to read with them, parents to wipe away the tears and give that firm foundation that they will always be there and will always love them...
The overall story: things may take longer than expected, they might not. And we are ok with it.
It was explained to us that in a recent news story, a reporter in Colombia interviewed families who accused ICBF (the agency in Colombia that oversees adoptions) of taking their kids away from them and putting them up for international adoption. While ICBF will not comment on individual cases due to confidentiality reasons, we have been informed that all investigations in these accusations show that ICBF did not remove any children from families in an in-ethical manner (children were likely removed from their homes without their parents consent due to neglect, for example). Other accusations against adoption houses were also made, however all of the adoption houses that Bethany works with have been investigated and have passed all inspections.
Due to the spotlight that ICBF has been under however, they are not taking any chances. They are being extra cautious by having multiple people review paperwork and asking for more clarifications or updated documents that normal. This slows everyone down. We don't know how much this would affect our overall wait time, but have to be thankful that ICBF is being cautious. We want to make sure that every child who is put up for adoption, and who is adopted, is done so for the right reasons. We are meant to be the last resort, and as odd as it sounds: we want it to be that way (ask me to elaborate more some time if that does not make sense). We aren't adopting internationally in order to steal someone else's child, we aren't adopting because it is "easy" and we have tens of thousands of dollars to throw at anyone who will give us a child. We have good intentions, and want our children to know that while the world is not perfect, we tried to do it right!
It is comforting to know that God didn't have to change His plan because of this "news". These "delays" did not alter His plan. He knows the time, and part of having faith and trusting in Him means that we will follow him through the ups and the downs! Yes, waiting hurts- in fact, I think that sometimes my heart literally aches, and sometimes I have pimples that I want to give names such as "unknown wait time" or "finances".
But what hurts the most about waiting (other than our own desires to hold this child in our arms)? Knowing that there are children, and right now one in particular, that does not have a mommy to rock them to sleep, or a daddy to read with them, parents to wipe away the tears and give that firm foundation that they will always be there and will always love them...
The overall story: things may take longer than expected, they might not. And we are ok with it.
that last part echoes with me! all those sweet children...and maybe MY child...having to wait to be held and loved and kept forever. trusting God is taking care of our babies!
ReplyDeleteHope this doesn't make your wait be any longer... try to be strong! I know it's hard, but your child is out there!
ReplyDelete//Petronella