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Very, Very Bad News.

This will be a very short post, but I feel like I owe everyone an update. There are a tremendous amount of thoughts and opinions swirling through my brain, but mostly I’m just feeling heartbroken.

Our home study agency emailed us about two weeks ago to let us know that our international agency had approved the final draft of our home study. We were ecstatic….finally – progress! The home study was on their desk ready to be picked up and shipped out.  Then, we received news from our international agency of some (more) changes from Russia regarding the adoption process. These changes would add several months to our time frame before we would be able to send our paperwork to Russia. We were fairly bummed, but sort of used to the delays by now.

Then, the very, very bad news.  I’m sure many of you may have read about it online.  In retaliation to a bill that President Obama signed regarding Russian human rights violators, Russia added an amendment to an existing piece of legislation.  This amendment would ban American parents from adopting Russian orphans.  There are many politics, reasons, thoughts, strategies, etc. behind all of this.  But, ya know what, I’m just gonna come right out and say it: It SUCKS that these poor children are stuck in the middle of this political BS. I’m not going to get all political, if you’re interested in hearing and reading all about it, Google is your friend. I’ve been following This Blog, which has a lot of good information.  She explains Russia’s side of things very well.  Sadly, I can see Russia’s point in all of this, even if it feels like they’re going about it the wrong way.  There are changes that need to be made on Russia’s side of the adoption fence, but there are also many changes that need to be made on the US’s side as well.  Until both countries are ready to put the interest of the children first and work together, no progress is going to be made.  Sadly, the children are the ones who will be suffering in the meantime.

I guess this is my opinion in a nutshell:  Yes, I believe the Russian-American adoption system needs a big overhaul.  Changes need to be made on both sides.  From what I’m hearing, Russia may just shut down adoptions for a year or two until they can get a new system in place.  While that may be a good thing overall, it is absolutely heartbreaking for my family.  Mason has asked me several times lately when we get to bring Baby Sister home.  I’m hoping that we don’t have to sit down and explain to this precious 4 year old that we won’t be able to bring Baby Sister home, at least not the Baby Sister that we have fallen in love with.  Even though she never was ours, I was really hoping that someday she would be.

So, here’s where things stand: This bill has passed all three readings in the Russian Duma (parliament).  Today, it went in front of the Russian Federation Council who passed it by a unanimous vote.  The bill’s next step is to go in front of Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin.  He can decide whether to sign the bill or veto it.  From what I’m hearing, things don’t sound very good, so I don’t have much hope.

In the meantime, Chris and I are holding off on any decision making until we hear the outcome of this bill.  Either way things go, we have some big decisions ahead of us.  Eventually, we may be at a point where we’re open for suggestions and/or ideas. For now, we’re just not there yet, and I’m asking our family and friends to please respect our feelings on this.

Thanks for all your understanding. Please keep praying over us and the whole situation, including orphans across the globe in need of a family.  I truly believe God has one of them in mind for my family…someday.  All I can do is trust in the knowledge that He will bring us together in His own time.

Love to all,
Brandi

2 Responses to “Very, Very Bad News.”

  1. Hilary says:

    I am sooo sorry to read this. We’ll be praying for you guys and if you need anything, please let us know. :(

  2. Stacia says:

    Im so sorry for this huge disappointment Chris and Brandie. We will be praying for you and trusting God has a good plan for your family in regards to adoption. My heart breaks for you guys. Love you all so much!