I just got off the phone with Senator Byrd's office. They got my email from last week and were following up on my concerns. I spoke with a guy named Joe King. They wanted to know if we were still in process (Sen Byrd has been trying to help the cases of some WV families still in process) and what my concerns were at this time. I told him my many concerns. I didn't even cry (out loud) while I explained to Joe King the heartbreak the adoptive parents have been going through, the injustice of these children not finding homes, the insult of the US DOS's apathy, and the horrible question of who will care for these orphans if US adoptions are abruptly stopped on January 1st.
He was very nice and said that Sen Byrd has actually gotten many calls and letters regarding this issue. Because I had sent an email, rather than a regular letter, he asked me to FAX it to them. They need a signature to go with the letter (something about the Privacy Act) before they can act on it. Sen Byrd's fax number is 202-228-4467. If you have called or emailed your Senators and such, I encourage you to also send a fax. If they need signatures, we can give them signatures.
For those of you who have not contacted your Congressman and Representatives yet, PLEASE consider doing so. It doesn't take long.
WHY should you do this? The short version is that Guatemala is implementing the Hague treaty as of Jan 1, 2008. The US will implement it later that year. In theory, the Hague is an agreement between countries that do international adoptions that will help ensure ethical and legal practices. This would be good. The reality is that while countries try to become compliant with these guidelines it is often rocky. Sadly, many countries have closed to international adoptions due to this. With Guatemala planning to implement in January, they say that the families that are currently in process will not be permitted to continue with their adoptions after that time. These families have approval from the US government to adopt a child from Guatemala and they entered into a good faith agreement with officials in Guatemala to adopt a child. They have been matched with a child, dreamed of his future, fixed up his room, maybe visited that child a time or two . Many families are actually living in Guatemala with their referred children waiting for the official business to be complete so they can bring their children home. Yet the Guatemalan gov't says that as of Jan1, those cases still waiting will not be completed. The US Department of State has issued a statement saying that pending cases may be disrupted and the DOS does not indicate that they intend to do anything to step up and assist the US families that will be stuck in this debacle.
IF this had occurred last year, we would have been affected. Our adoption was finalized January 2nd. We would have missed the deadline, and possibly life with Eliana, by 2 days.I wasn't planning on writing this whole thing out. Most of my imaginary blog friends have been covering this, so I wasn't going to go into the details for the same people to read again (in the 'preaching to the choir' sort of vein). BUT, getting a response from Senator Byrd's office is heartening.
WHAT can we do? Call write or FAX your senators, representatives, and president. I decided to post this to urge/ beg/ request that my friends and family (MANY of whom read this blog) contact your gov't officials to demand help for these families. I know you're not as familiar with the legalities and specifics as we adoptive parents are. I'll make it easy for you.
1. Go to this website to find your Senators and Representatives contact info:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/
FAX them, Call them, send them letters expressing your concern over the current state of
adoptions in Guatemala. See below for talking points.
2. Email Gerry Fuller. Reportedly he's the one handling this situation at the DOS. His email is
fullergw@state.gov
3. Go here to sign this petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/foafoa1/petition.html
4. Contact the DOS:
DOS phone numbers -- (202) 736-9090 or (202) 647-4000
What should you say?
Say that you are very concerned about the state of American adoptions currently pending in Guatemala.
Say that the US government needs to support its citizens who entered into a good faith agreement with officials in Guatemala to adopt a child.
Say that for the DOS to stand by and watch these families lose the child they have dreamed of and thousands of dollars as well the chance for a loving family for these children is appalling.
Say that when Guatemala implements the Hague treaty there is no plan in place for the care of these orphans whose future adoptive parents are currently paying for their care. If these adoptions are halted there will be no one to care for these children. Thousands of children.
Say that you expect that, as the greatest country in the world, surely the United States will stand behind its citizens and work with the Guatemalan government to allow pending cases to be completed and to support quick reform to the adoption process that will allow orphaned children a chance at a family.
Friends and family: Please help. Pass the word. Do your part. There is still time to get info to our government and to make a difference.
Who doesn't love a baby hugging on a skeleton?
See the sad look on Eliana's face? That's because Abby is leaving today for 4 months in Cambodia! She is volunteering with an organization that helps with sustainable projects such as education, microloans, agricultural assistance, etc. We are so excited to follow her journey as she takes on this great mission and we are a little sad because we will miss her for all of that time!
