The Wayfarer: Ethiopian Adoption Resources

Survey on Intercountry Adoption USCIS

2012-02-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

SURVEY ON INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION The U.S. Citizenship and Nationalization Service (USCIS) today launched a survey to receive feedback on the experiences of adoptive families when interacting with U.S. government officials during the intercountry adoption process. This represents a great opportunity to help improve the current process. All questions should be answered based on a family's

Movies and real life: How To Train A Dragon

2012-02-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

So, some of us just watch movies, others of us watch them for links to our own lives and those we care for. Well, we are watching How To Train A Dragon. That is a great movie. If you have adopted kids who have had a difficult transition, or have kids who for one reason or another need some special care.... well, you could relate to this movie. We could call it how to civilize the child or how to

CCOPARC Conference Deadline February 15, 2012!

2012-01-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

This looks like a good conference. This year it is on strengthening family attachments and relationships. Check it out fast, the deadline is fast approaching! Feb 15! COPARC’s Annual Spotlight ConferenceApril 28, 2012 - Thornton, Colorado CALL FOR PAPERS & EXHIBIT TABLE REGISTRATION Professionals and parents, we welcome your proposal submission! Proposals for a 90 minute

PTSD

2012-01-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? Adopted kids have all experienced trauma of one sort or another. The possibilities are many. Death of parent, siblings; moving caregivers due to death or parent's inability to care for the child; abandonment/relinquishment; abduction; orphanage life (the possibililities here are endless); neglect; abuse (of many kinds); adoption (loosing ALL and having

Beyond Consequences

2012-01-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Beyond Consequences? Well here is your opportunity to learn more. Attend one of the Beyond Consequences seminars and start new parenting this year. It could be a turning point for you and your kids. Here is what you will gain from this event: Learn how to connect with even the most difficult and resistant child. Defeat negative

Pray For the Horn

2012-01-27T14:59:00.001-07:00

One Million People to Pray for 100 Million People God is uniting a worldwide network of 1 million believers who will pray and fast for the advancement of His Kingdom among the peoples of the Horn of Africa during the month of

His little Feet children's choir

2012-01-26T14:23:00.003-07:00

http://www.hislittlefeet.org/Tour_Schedule_January_2012.html His Little Feet's Children's Choir travels the United States, being the voice for orphaned and vulneralbe children worldwide. The purpose of the tour is to bring the awareness of the millions of children around the world in need of care, as well as facilitate opportunities for Americans to respond to the needs of children through

teach your kids how to be "safe kids"

2012-01-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.parentingsafekids.com/ I want to make known a great resource for parents and kids and teachers. Parenting Safe Kids . com is a great resources site. We all want to keep our kids safe. Some of our kids have experienced prior abuse, which statistically sets them up for further abuse. This is not ok with us as parents. I want to encourage you to take a look at this site and see what

therapist in Colorado Springs

2012-01-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

I have recently found out about a therapist in the Colorado Springs area who works with adoptive families. I have not used this therapist but have great reports about the counselor from an adoptive family who is really getting a lot of help here and speaks very highly of this therapist and practice. Gene DeLoux MA LPC DeLoux@gmail.com 719-264-0054 5875 Lehman Drive, Sui9te 103 Individual,

Subconscious Memory and annual acting out

2012-01-21T21:14:00.001-07:00

If you watch your child closely regarding the cycle of the year, you will likely notice that your child has certain mood swings that are associated with certain months, maybe a particular week or set of days or even a certain day. Whether you mention it or not your child has a subconscious memory of some very significant things. Abandonment, arrival at the orphanage, they day you came to get them

Trauma workshop in Colorado Springs. Looks very helpful.

2012-01-11T17:34:00.002-07:00

Early Registration Open Now! CPCAN is excited to announce our 2012 Event Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month Featuring Dr. Bruce Perry Thursday April 19, 2012 8:30am - 4:15pm Colorado Springs, Colorado (Specific location TBA) Early Registration $40 if payment received by March 9 (Regular $50) The Impact of Trauma on Child Development

True change for Ethiopian adoptions?

2011-12-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent article discussing the actions or lack of action on the part of the USCIS in ensuring ethical adoptions in Ethiopia. It is a good read. While I disagree that they are doing nothing, I can certainly see how the more "animated" objectors would think so. Things take time, diplomacy, etc. I would do it differently, but I am not on the inside, I don't really know what they are or are

Taxes 2011

2011-12-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here is an informative site on adoption tax credit for 2011. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=236883,00.html

Article about ethics and Ethiopia

2011-12-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is a good article, well worth your time to read it and let it sink in. I think that most of us went into adopting from Ethiopia hoping that it would maintain the ethics we believed it had. Sadly to say they were lacking then and are being exposed as lacking now. We are feel that from the checking we have done that all was ethical for us and our sons. We know others who have a different story

Newly home families

2011-12-21T17:32:00.001-07:00

Interesting article and video on some kids newly home from Ethiopia. The first family has not been home long enough to see any issues, but they WILL. The second family is having some realistic issues and dealing with them. See it here. http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/videonetwork/1331782443001/Adoptive-families-celebrate-holidays

Empowered to Connect: Christmas stinks somtimes

2011-12-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

New Empowered To Connect Resource: Why Christmas Stinks Sometimes Why Christmas Stinks Sometimes Posted: 20 Dec 2011 08:54 AM PST It was the third day in a row, or maybe the fourth. I don’t exactly recall. I do, however, vividly remember coming home from work and being met by my normally patient and long-suffering wife declaring in an overly frustrated tone “Here,

The Christmas Break Regression

2011-12-19T21:04:00.003-07:00

Oh the Holiday Regression! Some of you know what I am talking about. Some of our precious kids just do not do so well with holidays, vacations, school breaks, company, alterations to the predictable and comfortable schedule. Do you have one..... or more? Loads of us do, you are not alone. Here are some gifts you could give your child in this unpredictable time: Give your child a written

hacked! sorry!!!

2011-12-10T21:33:00.001-07:00

Thanks to a kind reader I was notified that my blog had been hacked!!! I send my deepest apologies to those of you who were exposed to the hacker's inappropriate posts. All has been corrected and I hope that will not happen again. Please notify me if it does! Again, I am very sorry that any of you were exposed to that. Sincerely, Jill

Adoption Nutrition

2011-12-09T14:20:00.001-07:00

Children from Ethiopia have unique nutritional needs that may impact them long after they come home. AdoptionNutrition.org is an important resource for adoptive and foster parents of Ethiopian children of any age. Topics include: Ethiopia-specific nutrition information and recipes like Injera and Timatim Firfir Critical lab tests for identifying common deficiencies specific to

Ethiopian Christmas in Denver

2011-12-09T10:35:00.001-07:00

For those on the Front Range in COLORADO (of if you want to travel here for this wonderful event!) Ethiopian Christmas Location: Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Denver 15150 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014 Date: Jan. 7, 2012 Time: 1:00 P.M -7:00 P.M The event will include food, coffee ceremony, hair braiding, games, music, story telling, gifts and prizes. All are welcome-- including those who

Rahel, Ethiopian doll

2011-12-08T10:05:00.001-07:00

I understand that you can now purchase Rahel at Walmart 29.97and Costco 19.97!!!! I have her listed on this blog as available at Target. This is a great doll and she is ETHIOPIAN. Very cool. Good Christmas present for doll lovers in your life. Below is the photo from the Costco site. She is slightly different looking, not sure if it is the photograph or if they are re-marketing her for Costco

Give a Gift with meaning and purpose this Christmas

2011-11-30T22:16:00.001-07:00

SIM Christmas Gift Catalogues Christmas is quickly approaching, a season when we work hard to find just the right gifts for our family and friends. That's why we are delighted to share with you our SIM gift catalogues that have become a favorite of our partners. Each contains more gifts than we have ever offered before, allowing you to give with lasting significance. Check out our

World AIDS Day

2011-11-30T22:14:00.001-07:00

WORLD AIDS DAY 2011 WORLD AIDS DAY IS DECEMBER 1! Rally your friends, neighbors and colleagues to "Ditch Your Ride" for a day to remind the rest of your community that AIDS is still an issue. Here's how: INVITE YOUR PEOPLE.

USCIS annual update on International Adoption

2011-11-17T13:59:00.001-07:00

The USCIS has released it's annual report on inter-country adoption. Read it here.

USCIS update: Not clearly approvable defined

2011-11-17T13:35:00.001-07:00

"Not Clearly Approvable" Defined Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates have limited, delegated authority from the United States Citizen and Immigration Service to approve Form I-600 petitions that are found to be clearly approvable. Clearly approvable means that the petition and supporting documentation clearly establish that the child is an orphan as defined by U.S.

Ethiopia: USCIS Update on Processing of “Not Clearly Approvable” Cases Referred by Embassy Addis Ababa

2011-11-17T13:34:00.001-07:00

Take a look at this report. It may give you some additional information and clarity on the issue of embassy approvals. I know this has been a frustrating facet for many parents. http://www.ethicanet.org/uscis-update-on-processing-of-not-clearly-approvable-cases-referred-by-embassy-addis-ababa#.TsVv7rUIC2k.email ---

USCIS procedure for processing adoption cases

2011-11-17T13:32:00.001-07:00

Ethiopia November 16, 2011 Notice: Procedure for Processing Adoption Cases This notice provides supplemental information to the adoption notice of October 7, 2011, adding additional details on the process applicable to orphan petitions filed with a U.S. Embassy Consular Section overseas. While the description has been tailored to answer inquiries specific to Ethiopia, the

Interview with adult adoptee Hannah Poole

2011-11-06T20:24:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to the recent interview by CNN of Hannah Poole. She was adopted from Eritrea. Good listen! http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2011/10/03/african-voices-hannah-pool-1.cnn

FW: November Webinar

2011-11-05T13:54:00.001-06:00