I can't take the silence any longer!

Okay. I just can't take it any longer. The Mister said he was going to blog. And now. It's been. Almost. 10. days. Seriously! I know, I am sure no one is sitting here waiting for an update ... but I have been ;)

Since the last update, I've had multiple emails with at least 5 {new & 'old'} adoption buddies, mamas & confidantes. And boy have I needed it. It's like I would hear from them at just the right moment. Hmmmm ... I wonder if that was intentional.

I keep bumping into these random writings, thoughts & musings on things coming in their own time and letting go, trusting because things happen when you need it and words about puzzle pieces fitting together. I'm hoping that's the foreshadowing I've never dreamed of! ;)

We are currently "about number 44" on the wait list. And our CW has been so encouraging about that (it is wonderful to have her support - I hope everyone has a CW that they feel connected too & they feel is 'on their team' - I can't imagine it any other way). I'm going to say we'll have more news in about 2-3 weeks. I'm not going to say "exciting" news, because I don't know that ... but ... we'll at least have another update.

We've made additional passport photo copies. (Don't ask. But there had to be multiples of multiples.) Check. Check. AND I have a friend of a friend who received a referral this week! And another in-town family just got their new numbers (they are with a different agency) & have saddled on up to #5! *rubbing elbows* ;)

I was also reminded of something I wanted to share from another blog (Jason & Emmy - who are using our agency ((WACAP)) and are slightly ahead of us on the wait list - so who knows, we might meet in travel!):

WACAPs Values for Adoption Process

Ethics in adoption are an issue that we take extremely seriously. We:

1. Believe that adoption is a last resort and that children should remain in their birth families if possible.

2. Only work with orphanages who work directly with the Ethiopian government for the approval of children in need.

3. Only work with orphanages who have proven records of attempts at family preservation (keeping the child with their family through sponsorship, medical aid and other support).

4. Do not pay staff or partners salaries, fees or bonuses on a “per child” basis.

5. Provide a good deal of humanitarian aid that focuses on ways to prevent the overwhelming need for adoption (sponsorship, kinship programs, apprenticeship programs, medical aid).

Usually things around here have been fairly light & fun, but as changes continue in Ethiopia, I felt like these core values were important to share, more for those who may be considering adoption or wondering 'how do you choose an agency to work with'. Well, this is a good place to start.

Okay ... back to your regularly scheduled programming & the blogger who usually runs things around this place ;) shhhhh don't tell him I cut in line!