We need your help ... NOW!

As most of you know, there are many hoops to jump through when you decide to adopt a child. Even more so, when you try to adopt internationally. Throw new rules and governmental bureaucracy into that process midstream, and you have a real mess.

We are now what is called a "transition" family. The process to adopt has taken so long that our I-171H may expire before we can complete the adoption. Up until now, all we would have had to do was refile an I-600A form with an updated homestudy - but things have changed with the Hague Convention rules. Although we should be "grandfathered" in, there is some question as to whether or not we can request another extension of the I-600A or if we have to file the new I-800A, which is a bit more complicated and taking 6 months for approval (and many are being denied).

It's even worse for other families who have just found out that their adoption agencies are not Hague-accredited (ours is - yea, New Life!). Those folks may actually have to start all over with a new agency, which essentially means they lose their place in line. Some may have already been waiting more than 2 years! They would also have to file under China's new restrictions, which came into effect in 2007 - we would no longer qualify on the basis of age. It's a complicated mess, but if you want to read more you can check out the JCICS's position at http://www.jcics.org/I600APosition.htm.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! TAKE A MOMENT NOW TO SIGN THIS PETITION - Adoption for All: The Fairness for Families Petition
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/adoption-for-all.html

You will be helping not only adoptive parents but the waiting children as well. If you find you have the time and inclination to do more, try these 5 suggestions (http://www.jcics.org/5WaystoHelp.htm). BTW - in case we haven't told you lately, we are so grateful for (and appreciative of) all the love and support our family and friends have given us since we began our adoption journey over 5 years ago. We never could have imagined the rewards it would bring and I thank God everyday not only for Elizabeth, but for all of you who made it possible for us to become a family. You're the best!