A friend of mine writes:
"I'm sorry to say that it didn't go well in Ghana". This was the e-mail I received on Thursday evening, with a request to call my social worker the next day to talk more about the adoption. The program, as well as my personal adoption experience, is at an important and devastating crossroads. I know the program in Ghana means so much to Lois (the agency director), but with all of the roadblocks she's had in getting it started, the worst is still ahead.
Lois will be going to Ghana in August to work on the program some more, but at this point there are no babies available, as the orphanage director has changed her mind again. Even if Lois is able to smooth out the process, we will not be able to work with the orphanage that has all the infants.
As for my adoption, straight ahead (continuing with Ghana) is a dead end. To turn to one side (quitting the adoption altogether) is another dead end. My only other option with Life's Vision International is a program that has not even started yet, but should be up and going by the end of this month. That is domestic adoption of African American babies. The agency's Haiti program coordinator has done domestic adoptions for 12 years and is very familiar with African American adoptions and there are so many in Texas (apparently) that go unadopted. Lois will update my home study for no charge, and I would not have to file another I-600A because that is for international adoptions. The overall costs would be lower, and the time frame probably would be quicker.
The cons that I see in this are: first, I'm not sure that at this current time I have the stamina to start another "pilot" program, but going with another agency would set me back quite a bit financially. That just isn't an option. Second, while I know there is a great need even here in the U.S.A., I find my heart still attached to international adoption more than ever. It breaks my heart that there just has not been the cooperation in Ghana to put a program in place for the good of the children.
For these reasons, I have requested of my social worker to put my file on hold until the end of the year. (Unless there is a drastic miracle next month when Lois is in Ghana.) During this time, I ask that you continue to pray for this process and for the decision I will need to make.
Thank you for the love and support you all have provided throughout this long process, I know things will work out to God's will and timing, and I pray I have the strength to accept that when the time comes.