This morning, I received an e-mail from the head of our adoption agency (Asian Children Services) and adoption facilitator.  I want to share it here on my blog, in the hopes that each of YOU will take the time to sign this petition:

Dear Friends and family ,

We are near a crisis in our adoption work in Viet Nam. A parent group has started this petition which is based on following law and regulations. Please look at it,sign if you agree and pass it on.

We know what a wonderful blessing it is to have your family touched by adoption so in support of those who wait please check it out!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/AmericansforVietnamOrphans/

As the adoptive parent of 2 children from Vietnam, I know exactly how much waiting, wishing, worrying, and wondering can go into an adoption.  That's typical.  What's not typical, however, is the way the United States government chooses to handle these issues.  Those of you who are faithful readers of my blog know that, even after having adopted our two children, we are still facing many "issues" with the U.S.

Not long after our first adoption, Vietnam closed its doors to adoptions to the U.S.  Why?  Because the U.S.  pressured the Vietnamese for a very long time~ wanting them to make their adoption laws more "across the board" (country-wide rules, rather than each province having their own).  Vietnam did that, but then the United States didn't sign the agreement and it sat for years while families who had been referred to waiting children waited and prayed.  Three long and agonizing years later, the U.S. finally signed and Vietnam was again working with the U.S. agencies doing adoptions.

Now, just a few years later, we're seeing more of the same on the part of the U.S.  The U.S.is not cooperating with the Vietnamese, in that they are not following the laws that the Vietnamese have in place for regulations on investigations (making sure babies truly are abandoned and not stolen or given up against parents' will).  This is just very distressing.

Please take a minute of your time, click on the above link, and read the petition.  The more people who sign this, the better chance we have of the government noticing and making some changes.  Parents are waiting for babies and can't go for them because of these things.  (Please note: after you sign the petition, a screen will pop up asking for a monetary donation.  You can just "x" out of this screen~ your signature on the petition has already been accepted and you will be notifed via e-mail).

Thanks for your help! 

Share Your Thoughts

Mar. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

Heidi, There is a similar problem happening in Haiti in US Immigrations. Once kids got their passports from Haiti, they were ready in 3-6 weeks. Now the US Consul in Haiti has almost stopped issuing visas. They are asking that parts of the adoption that were legally done under Haitian law be redone. And, kids are waiting and waiting... again.

I wonder how close UNICEF is in these problems ~

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Mar. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by tlpgina

A friend of mine was waiting for a little girl, from India I think and just found out that door is closing. I can't imagine... I don't know much about it myself, but this waiting and "red" tape type stuff seems awful.
Gina

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Mar. 18, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by dangela1

Just stopping by to say, "hi". We haven't 'talked' in a long time - hope you are well
Ange

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Mar. 18, 2008 - Signing

Posted by ClagettsFLStyle

Wow. It's amazing to see Christians stepping up and adopting or at least trying to help the 'orphans' that we are called to do. The enemy I'm sure is at work here. Will be praying for all of this.

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Mar. 18, 2008 - Vietnam adoptions

Posted by Janice

Heidi I am on my way to sign the petition. It breaks my heart to know things are not stable yet again with adoptions. We have several friends who are awaiting referrals and so scared not knowing what is happening for sure. I pray things are worked out before they close the doors again and make the babies and families wait yet again. So unfair!!!

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