The Adoption Process: More Delays

Well, we're a bit disheartened by the latest news about adoptions in Haiti. You can read about it below, but the basic point is that the government has stopped processing adoptions while they do an investigation into a particular orphanage. Needless to say, this is frustrating for us and for the many other families waiting to finalize the adoption of their Haitian children. At the same time, we recognize how essential it is for the Haitian government to effectively monitor the orphanages operating in Haiti - because there are a bunch that are not above board.

Anyway, we're feel incredibly blessed that we have been with Gabriela since she was a "ti zwazo" (little bird) at 18 days old. That's more than a year ago now!!! Seeing her after a week away in San Diego was great, and we can't believe that we made it so long. We thought it would be a fun little break, but it was a lot harder than we thought! Gabou has that kind of effect on people I guess!! So, we continue on.

Please pray for the adoption situation in Haiti to be straightened out, for those abusing the privilege of caring for children in orphanges to see a better way, for those in the government here to get their act together and make the process a little more realistic, and for all those families waiting for kids - to have patience.

Peace and Love,

Matt, Esther and Gabriela.


** from http://ibesr-updates.blogspot.com/ **
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Don't Shoot the Messenger

I've debated for about a week on whether or not to post this because I know what an uproar it is going to cause. But! Being I'm continuing to receive emails, and now the lists are questioning things as well, the time has come.

I will tell it to you straight-up, but always keep in mind that things change daily.

Both IBESR and Parquet are supposedly ‘on hold’ from releasing the files or from getting final signatures until the investigation is done and/or until Mr Gassant in Parquet changes his mind and decides to cooperate. The latter could be longer than the investigation. But the good news for others is they are still accepting files – just not letting them go. MOI does not seem to be affected by the other offices being on hold - however, this could change. I am unclear at this point as to whose decision it is/was to release or not to release files from the two offices.

The reason is that awful story that was everywhere about the corrupt orphanage. Either UNICEF is investigating adoptions, or IBESR decided to hold their own investigation into adoptions based on UNICEFs recommendations.

It appears that once one of the bottlenecks in the Haitian adoption process gets unwrinkled, another one always has to pop-up to take its place.

Sorry I don’t have better news… However! If anyone knows how to speak French, maybe you can call Mdm. Beaudin’s office and get the scoop from the source. Mdm Beaudin oversees ALL of the adoption process through out Haiti – not just IBESR.

As usual, I will post more when I learn more.

posted by Kodak McClain | 6:18 PM

Gabri Goes Goodbye

Well, Gabriela is becoming an independent young lady and her new thing is walking to the gate, opening it, and walking out the door. She also loves to wave "goodbye." It's quite cute. This is all good practice, since today, for the first time since July 20, 2006, she is without at least one of us. Yes, we left her for a week with her nanny back in Dezam. We're heading out of the country for a few days and since she doesn't have papers yet, she can't travel. Sooooooooo . . . we left her this morning with a mixture of trepidation, worry, excitement for the freedom and eager anticipation for when we see her again on Sunday. We'll let you know how it goes!

Matt and Esther

Today I was baptized.

Today I was baptized in front of my family, friends, and community
at Legliz St.François de Dezam.





Last week, Pè Makenzie said I had to have a Catholic "Maren" (Godmother) and Catholic "Paren" (Godfather) to be baptized so now I have two marens: Guylene & Gerda, and at least one paren: Jean Remy.

Today I was baptized with water, oil, and light.

I liked all three but the oil was a new feeling and I was so fascinated that I sat still for 30 seconds while Pè Makenzie made the cross on my forehead with oil.

Today I was baptized.

"Jodia, yo te ba m mak BONDYE."
Today I received the mark of God.
I don't know yet where God will lead me.

love Gabriela, God is my strength


Then my guests ate peach kuchen (with papaya for peaches : ) and passion fruit-lime juice. .





. and I took a nap.

(Thanks Josh and Kurt for taking pics and Brian for washing plates & forks and Marylynn for cutting papaya etc. and in general just being wonderful "tontons" and "matants" and Gerda and Jean Remy for being Paren and Maren and explaining the ceremony to my folks. G)