Uncertainty in International Adoption

So, we continue our paper chase, but received some uncertain news from our adoption agency yesterday. We know there are lots of ups'n'downs in int'l adoption, but so far we've only had "ups" and the note we got may be a "down." The note said, "The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion in Rwanda has implied that they would like to put a hold on accepting new dossiers at this time for the purpose of focusing on becoming part of the Hague Convention and to focus on the dossiers currently in their possession." This is still being confirmed and the actual dates for the "hold" have not been announced. 

We have not yet submitted our dossier, but had planned to get it to Rwanda before the end of the year. The dossier is basically the entire binder of paperwork about our family along with certifications from our gov't to their gov't that we are eligible for adopting from Rwanda. So, if this news is confirmed from Rwanda, the "downside" for us is that they may not accept our dossier when we're ready to submit it. The "upside" is that they may be integrating the Hague Convention safeguards which ensure that their adoptions take place in the best interest of the child with respect to his/her rights as recognized in international law.

With this news, although disappointing because it could slow down our process a bit, we are still optimistic and continue our "paper pregnancy." We'll keep you all posted and ask that you continue to pray for Rwandan adoptions since there are so many children just waiting to be taken to their new homes!

"But they they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)