The orphanage is full...

Not of children who need families to adopt them. But of children who have families waiting for them to come home.

Adoption is relatively new in Liberia and the way the government processes adoptions is continually changing. One disadvantage of adoption from Liberia is the instability of the government and the amount of time it takes for adoptions to be processed.

We just learned that there have been more changes and here is a portion of what Donna, on staff with AOH stateside, wrote, "Both our orphanages are full to the brim. Thus we do not have room to bring in one more child until we have some kids home with their new families."

What this means is:

1. Children and families are waiting to unite sometimes longer than a year while adoptions are being processed in Liberia. This is time when the united family could be bonding and the kids could be receiving better medical care.

2. We are very confident that kids in the orphanage receive the best care possible considering their limitations. As sad as it is that these kids are not receiving care from their dad and momma, they are well fed, have "school" and get the medical attention that is available. With the orphanage full of kids who are just waiting to go home, there is no room for other kids to come in, get these needs met, and also have the opportunity to be adopted.

3. As a result, this also means a longer wait for a referral for Bryan and I.

Please pray that future changes in the way adoptions are being processed in Liberia will make the process move along more steadily rather than slow it down. Pray that the orphanages will become a short stay for the kids as they unite with their new families quickly.