I know...what's the point of starting a blog if you stop posting? It's been a while since I've even logged into our blog. I would love the excuse that life has been full of fun adventures that are keeping us so busy we can't seem to find the time to write a blog. Not the case. Even with all the home projects we're working on to keep us busy, we've still had plenty of time to write. There hasn't been a lot of updates to give...at least positive ones...which makes it difficult emotionally to even write about our adoption process.
Ethiopia has had many changes in the last few months regarding international adoption. But, they are back on track and running smoothly in country. Now, the prayers have switched to our government.
There is much debate in Congress regarding the 2011 Federal budget. Last week a temporary budget measure passed in the Senate to keep the Federal government operating. The vote extended government funding for an additional three weeks; the new budget deadline is Friday, April 8.
If Congress fails to reach an agreement or if President Barack Obama does not sign the federal budget bill by that time, it is possible that the Federal government could shut down essential services. A shut-down of the Federal government could potentially impact intercountry adoptions. The National Council for Adoption received notice from the State Department that in the event of such a government shutdown, all non-essential personnel at the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and National Benefits Center would be furloughed. Because this furlough would include those that work in U.S. embassy and consulate offices around the world, families in the process of adopting internationally and those completing adoptions in other countries could be impacted.
Please pray that Congress and President Obama understand the ramifications of cutting these federal positions overseas. Orphans around the world might never have a forever home. Millions of orphans are close to or in the process of aging out of the orphanage which means they will be put on the streets to survive...or die...alone. Families around the world are anxiously waiting to bring these children into their hearts and home. Children who are HIV+ or have special needs might never be united with their parents in America who are waiting with open arms to bring them home.
Pray for wisdom and open hearts for Congress and President Obama. Pray they can see the bigger picture. Pray they can find other ways to cut federal spending that will not separate children from their parents. And...please pray for our children and all the other children who are at the mercy of the US government.
