Democratic Republic of Congo Adoption "Movement"

I have such mixed feelings about the recent news in adoption in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At first I was so excited, thrilled, and giddy! Then after the initial excitement wore off and I searched deeper for better sources on the activity, I was feeling kind of blah with a hint of hope. Now after this final wave of information from our Department of State I feel as though some movement is better than nothing. I still hope and pray that this will launch quick progress even though it appears from the Department of State’s statement that nothing has really changed for our family.

Thanks to Jenny Lotz's  blog I found out about the first wave of news. I sometimes wonder if I would ever find out anything if I didn’t follow her blog, so thank you Jenny for being so up to date. First, I read her blog and thought wow 27 Italian families and 6 Belgium families united this is excellent news. Somewhere else I had heard about 15 United States families united as well, but I felt like the sources were not really the best websites. This one appeared legit Six adopted Congolese children arrive in Belgium. This one appeared kind of vague and not to legit to me Finally in Italy adopted children in the Congo (05/26/2014). I searched and searched online and couldn’t find much else out.

Then I found this through our adoption agency on Facebook Adopted Congolese Children Finally Joining Their Families. I felt this was pretty legit since it not only came from my agency, but I have also heard of Children Deserve Families before. Oh yes, this is where I heard of the 15 children “From what I have been told, there are only 15 families on the list to get exit letters.” on the bottom of the page. If felt pretty vague though and not really incredibly informative.

Finally the Department of State released this statement. Alert: Democratic Republic of the Congo to issue Some Exit Permits; Others Must Wait for New Laws. The title of the announcement in itself put a pretty big damper on my feelings of excitement. Then as I continued to read my hopes continued to diminish. Especially with this paragraph:

The DGM cautioned that all other children adopted by foreigners will not be issued exit permits until a new law reforming intercountry adoptions enters into force, even if their cases met the DGM’s previous exception criteria (as outlined in the Department of State’s October 23, 2013 Adoption Alert). This new law has not yet been drafted and Congolese authorities are not able to commit to a particular timeframe in which they expect to develop and implement any new law(s).

I am still in continual prayer for our son’s safe and speedy arrival into our family. We are still waiting on Final Judgment in the DRC Courts for our adoption case. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and thoughts. Thank you!

Lifesong for Orphans- Child Sponsorship

 "If our effort to love only affects ONE person...it is worth it!" -Ivan Zhykhariev, Ukraine Graduate

Child Sponsorship. It's easy to underestimate the impact sponsorship has on a child. Not only are basic needs (such as food, clothing, shelter) met, but also a sense of belonging is given that money can't buy. Sponsorship speaks "YOU MATTER TO ME." to a child who is longing for love from a family, security and hope for a future.

Giving FAMILY to Evelyn {HONDURAS}

Testimonies like Evelyn's reminds us of the work God is doing to change lives in Honduras. Children who lose their earthly father, learn about their heavenly Father. Children who lose their family can say they have a new family. Children with little hope are taught that they can change their nation!

Currently, Evelyn has not been chosen by a sponsor to help support her Christian education and hopeful future. By sponsoring a child like Evelyn, you can be a part of changing a life, letting a child know they matter by bringing joy and purpose to their lives.

Will you help us find Evelyn a sponsor?

 Learn more about Child Sponsorship at www.lifesongchildsponsorship.org.

Testimony: More than Money {LIBERIA}

Listen in as Carla Cornell, Liberia Child Sponsor shares on sponsorship...

"Meeting Thomas, Sharine and Prince was something we had been picturing for months and to finally feel those arms around us was a priceless, God-given moment. It was then we realized that sponsoring a child can be so much more than just sending money.

It can be an opportunity to open our hearts and share the love we so often take for granted with a child who needs it desperately. A child who may never have the same blessings and opportunities that most of us enjoy but with our help, they can have hope and they can know Jesus loves them and has not forgotten them. And we can be blessed beyond measure to be a tiny part of God's plan for them."

Read her full testimony>>

#31kids31days

This month, Help us find 31 sponsors in 31 days! Each day, we feature a child that does not yet have a sponsor. Will you join us in advocating on their behalf?

Meet a few of our kids waiting for sponsorship....

Yididiya, 11 years old, Ethiopia

Momo, 8 years old, Liberia

Samuel, 12 years old, Zambia

Antonina, 12 years old, Ukraine

See all featured kids for the #31kids31days Campaign at lifesongfororphans.org/31kids31days