Call to Action

My wife asked me over the weekend to do some research on a notice that the USDOS put out last week. It turns out that Guatemala adoptions are in jeopardy. Not just the "beginners" but adoptions that are currently in process as well. You can read the notice by clicking here and another one by clicking here. Listed are several reasons why people considering adopting from Guatemala should not do so.

So what does this mean for us?

We the people (*cough* "My Family...") who are currently in the process of adopting expect our government to do whatever it takes to protect and preserve our rights as adopting families reflected in the Hauge Convention. This is the same Hauge Convention that our Government has been trying to implement for some 15 years now. The USDOS's notice is aggravating because it goes against the convention that they have been trying to implement. Not to mention that it affects thousands of American families. This is an area that we the United States of America should shine and lead by example. Instead... we seem to be contradicting ourselves and leaving thousands of its citizens out in the cold in the process...

So... As it is ALL adoptions that aren't completed by the first of the year will be put to a screeching halt until further notice. The Guatemala and United States system on foreign adoptions is in a desperate need of an overhaul. I agree that a change is needed. However, I can't believe that our government will expect me to give up my baby girl. We have spent tons of time & money, put our lives on hold, have been separated from my spouse for over 14 months, watch my baby girl grow up by way of webcam, and both Sharon and I have at different points been separated from our oldest daughter for this adoption. Our sacrifice thus far has been huge and at times almost unbearable; however, I for one refuse to make the ultimate sacrifice because our government has its head in the sand.

"Why is DOS ignoring the clear requirements of the Convention? Why is DOS failing to protect the interests of Americans who have undertaken a process in good faith? Why is DOS failing its mandate under the [Hauge] Convention to ensure that adoptions proceed expeditiously and according to the terms of existing law? Why is DOS supporting passage of a law which will hinder adoptions and place children in jeopardy?" My sentiments exactly.... Why?

I want to encourage everyone to write/call their congress-person. Heck, write/call Vice President Dick Cheney- he is very pro-adoption. Write all "Voice Strong" people who have done foreign adoptions.... Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Glenn Beck, etc... Sample letters concerning this issue can be found by clicking here.

You can find your US Senators and Representatives at www.congress.org/congressorg/home/
You can write to DOS at: Main address:
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Main Switchboard:
202-647-4000

You can write / call the Vice President:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
vice.president@whitehouse.gov
Main Switchboard:
202-456-1414

Thank you....