New Policy Has Been Passed

In an efforts to decrease adoption internationally in Korea, the government is working to increase adoption with-in the country. They have been actively doing so by decreasing the amount a children being allowed to be adopted outside the country each year. They are now going to allow singles, and older couples to adopt within the country. I have mixed feelings about this, considering that many children are given up for adoption because the mother is unwed. The social pressures are so strong on these women that they are forced by their family to either abort their pregnancy or to give their baby up for adoption.

The other major policy change that will become effective on January 1, 2007 is that the babies will not be able to be considered for international adoption until they are 6 months old. The Korean government believes that this will help increase in country adoption, but again we have a huge problem with this as well. Last year over 2000 "healthy" babies were adopted from Korea internationally. That is not taking into count the other 1700+ babies that had correctable and non-correctable medical, physical or developmental delays, that were adopted by international families.

Our thoughts are is that Korea is not going to have over 5000 families/singles applying in 2007 to adopt in country so they can eliminate the number of children being adopted out of country. We understand their reasons, and we are happy that they are making great strides in educating their people on adoption. But you're not going to erase many centuries of prejudice and tradition just by giving Korean families some extra 'won' (Korean currency) to raise an adopted child. To us we feel they are not putting these babies first. Why should these children have to wait 6 months longer to find a family when there are already over 5000 families applying to adopt these babies in the US, Canada, Europe and in Australia. Not saying that none of these babies should be adopted within Korea, but don't make these babies wait any longer than they need to while Korea is still recruiting and educating their own people.

Our agency Holt, as well as other agencies are currently trying to get this wait time reduced, and to exempt those who do have special needs from this new waiting period. The agencies are really advocating on what is in the best interest of these children, and hoping that the Korean government will ease on some of the measures they will put in to action in 2007.

What our agency is trying to understand is if these new rules will apply to those children who will be born in 2006 and who are admitted to Holt's care in 2006, but will not have all the legal paperwork done until 2007 for them to travel to their new homes. Holt believes the new rules will not apply to these children, so therefore they feel that the families (like us) who awaiting referrals for the end part of 2006 through Jan. 2007, will receive their referrals in the usual time frame, because the babies will be in their care prior to the new policy changes. So at this point Holt feels confident that our process will unlikely be effected by these new rules.

Again there are no guarantees, but we are going to have faith in what we've been told, and just trust in God that He is in control. My wonderful friend Francey told me on Sunday she is praying that we'll have peace in whatever is put in front of us. Truly we do feel that peace, and we feel your prayers. We never knew how much this process would stretch our faith and teach us on how to truly wait on the Lord.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:11-13

First Day Of The Second Grade

Today was Micah's first day of the second grade! Boy has time flown bye. We remember when he was a baby we couldn't wait until he could walk, talk, throw a ball, all those huge milestones. Now everything feels like it is moving in fast forward mode. It's funny that when our kids are small we want them to do everything sooner, faster. Then the day comes (for us it was today) that you wish they would stop growing up so quickly. Micah is a wonderful child, and so far we think we've done a pretty good job raising him. We are very blessed to have him as our son.

Possible Delay In Our Process

Be still, and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! -Psalm 46:9-11 (NKJV)

We received some disheartening news from our agency yesterday, concerning the timeline of our adoption. Currently in Korea there are many new regulation changes to be voted on by their parliament concerning overseas adoptions. If some of the regulations are put into law, the new changes will take affect Jan. 07. This is an article taken from a Korean source was sent to all families in process to give us better understanding of what changes may take place, and how those changes could effect our wait time.



By Park chunk-a
Staff Reporter

To activate domestic adoption, the government has decided to allow single households to adopt a child from next year. The number of single households has been on a steady increase, accounting for percent of the total households in Korea last year Janis Ok-Jo, a ministry official, ``We have secured billion won in budgets for adoption-related projects next year.''

Also, the government will grant monthly allowance of 100,000 won to a household who adopts a child until he or she turns 18. It will also grant 2 million won in administrative fee, which is needed for adopting a child.

To raise people's awareness that adoption is another form of birth, the government will also allow two weeks of ``adoption leave'' from next year. Public officials will be allowed to benefit from the system first.

In addition, to reduce the number of overseas adoption through increase of domestic adoption, the government will pursue ``domestic adoption-first'' system, aimed at trying to match children eligible for adoption to Korean parents first for five months. Only after the five months, children can be subject to overseas adoption. According to the ministry, cases of domestic adoption is as much as 20 percent lower than overseas adoption.

``While adoption is considered as a way to carry out spirit of noblesse oblige or giving help to society abroad, Koreans tend to choose adoption for getting pure joy of rearing children,''' said Cho Min-hye, an official at the Mission to Promote Adoption in Korea.

For overseas adoptees, the government will expand granting scholarships for Korean language education in universities as well as organizations and providing various services for them including housing and tourism when they visit Korea.

To enhance people's positive view on domestic adoption, the government will also mention good aspects of adoption in school curriculum.

``We find it urgent to reduce Koreans' prejudice against adoption. Other than incentive policies, we will launch various publicity activities to establish adoption-friendly atmosphere,'' said Janis.

The biggest factor that can delay our process is if the government puts into action the "5 month rule" that would start in 2007. Considering that we are on target to receive a referral of a child in Nov/Dec of this year, and under the current law the babies are available to be matched with families as soon as the birth mother signs her rights away. So most infants are matched with families at the age of 1-2 months old (under the current law).

Say if we were matched with a baby and he/she is 2 months old in Dec. 06, and the new law is put into effect for 2007, what the agency is saying is that the government could try and match that same child with a family who lives in Korea, so we could have a huge upset if this were to occur. To try and avoid such occurrences the agency will not give out referrals in Nov/Dec IF these measures are voted into policy.

No policy has been voted into law yet, so our agency says they are going to do business as usual, until they know exactly what changes will take place. They are just giving us a heads up on the matter so we're not shocked by any changes that may take place. So again we just need to wait and see what happens.

Please pray that we will be content with whatever happens, and for us not to become discouraged. We are saddened by the news, but at the same time it's not like we're not going to be able to adopt. It might be that we'll have to wait 3-5 months longer for our referral than expected. Yeah, it sucks. But really what can we do? Nothing, but pray and know that God is in control of this adoption, not us, not policy changes, not the agency, but only HIM!

Kind of a funny after thought but when I was searching for adoption resource books, I stumbled across a book titled, "Adoption Is Not For Sissies". At first I thought the title would detour families from pursuing adoption, but now I know there is much truth in that phrase.

ONE BABY-STEP CLOSER!!!

We received our acceptance from the USCIS, on our 1600A form (orphan petition)that we filed way back in March. Praise God we were able to be put on the referral list before receiving this approval. So far we've been waiting for our referral for 2 months, 1 week and 3 days. But who's counting? =) So far the wait hasn't been to bad. While Maggie was in town she went baby furniture shopping with me. I found a crib I like, but we have not purchased it yet. As far as nursery theme/decor we've seen a couple we like, but won't make any decision until we know if we're getting a boy or a girl.

So far we've chosen a boy name, but have not agreed on a girl name. If it is a boy his name will be Timothy Steven. Our top 4 girl names are Allyson, Amanda, Naomi and Tessa. The middle name will be Darline, after my best friend. I know it is spelled "wrong", but that's how her mom spelled her name and that will be the way we will spell it too!

Vacationing In Branson, MO

When we found out Maggie was coming to visit from Sweden during the 4th of July holiday, we decided that we should go on a vacation to celebrate our nations independence!!! What better place to celebrate than BRANSON, MO! There is so much to do in Branson, and it's just an "All American City"! It was nice to be in such a family friendly environment. We stayed at the Horizon Marriott Vacation Resort through our timeshare. The resort was gorgeous, and our condo was furnished in Americana decor. We all felt at home and comfortable at this resort! It had an awesome swimming pool, that Micah swam in EVERYDAY!

We went to Silver Dollar City, which to us was one of the best theme parks we've ever been to, next to Disneyland. The park had many rides, with several of them being water rides! Leaving us all wet from head to toe! Micah was tall enough to go on all the rides but one, the WILD FIRE. Soowan and I went on it, and I'll have to say you really feel the pit of your stomach in your throat when the roller coaster drops at the first turn! I just don't handle thrill rides like I use to, that's for sure!

We saw one show, The Lumberjack Competition. It was a dinner and show and both were real good. I was a lucky volunteer in the show, and I had to race my opponent by rolling a log across the stage. I won a point for my team!!! We never knew I was such a good log roller! =) My prize was a free round of golf at one of the local Mini Golf courses in town.

One of the afternoons my mom, Maggie and I drove out to Carthage, MO to see the Precious Moments Chapel. It was about a 2 hour drive from Branson, but well worth the gas. It's hard to describe in words the beauty of the chapel there. The stain glass windows were wondrous works of art! We spent over an hour in the gift shop, trying to decide on what figurines to purchase. We all bought a little something to bring home. I bought a Christmas Ornament that can only be purchased at the Chapel site. Apparently they have chapel exclusive and they are a collector's delight! We also saw the water fountain show that was just as breathtaking as the chapel!

While in Carthage we also saw a Civil War battle site at an old Court House in town. Apparently this was the site of the first battle of the Civil War in Missouri. The court house was saved, and it's still a working court house to this day. The county has down such a fantastic job preserving such a beautiful piece of architecture.

We also visited President Truman's birthplace. It is in a small town about 30 miles north from Carthage, MO. It was a humble little two bedroom farmhouse where he was born. Many of the furnishings inside were the original items owned by the family.

While us ladies were out and about, Soowan and Micah went golfing and swam! They went golfing twice at a course nearby called Thousand Hills Golf Course. There is a reason it has that name! The course literally had about a thousand hills, with a few lakes and rivers!

We thoroughly enjoyed this vacation, especially since this is the first vacation my mom, sister and I have taken together in over 15 years! Maggie returns home to Sweden this coming Wednesday, but we'll all have fond memories of the time we shared this summer in Branson!!!

Micah's First Golf Tournament

Micah played in his first golf tournament on Wednesday, June 28 2006. He played a 9 hole course at the Glenn Eagles Country Club nearby in Plano, TX. We found out about the tournament from one of Micah's friends Conner who played in it last year. It's through USKIDS Golf, an organization supporting youth golf. The course was fairly challenging for his first tournament, but Micah never became discouraged. He did not place, but played a strong game for his skill level.

Micah took up golf this past fall when we went to Sedona, AZ. We bought him his first set of clubs for his 7th birthday, and has taken some lessons this past Spring. Soowan and Micah enjoy golfing. I'm happy they have a sport they can both learn together.

FATHER"S DAY

We had a fun time on Sunday celebrating Father's Day!!! In the morning we went to church and Micah was chosen to sing at two of the three services. Micah along with 50 other kids sang their little hearts out, sharing all that they had learned at VBS from this week!!! The kids did such an awesome job!!!

We then headed back home, ate lunch and Soowan opened his gifts. Micah got him some golf balls, a golf shirt, new swim trunks and a tie holder. He did such a great job shopping for his Dad! Then Micah took Soowan out to play some golf at a little 9 hole course nearby! Later on in the day we picked up my Mom from work and went out to dinner at BJ's Pizza.

Just think, prayfully by next Father's Day our new addition will be with us!!! My mom reminded us of this while we were out to eat, and we almost started to cry at the restaurant! This whole experience is so overwhelming, it's just amazing!!!

Checking In

Micah and I returned from our 12 day visit to California last Monday. We were sad to leave but we were also excited to get back home to see Soowan. Micah and I were able to visit with many family and friends while in California, just some visits were way too short. Two of the highlights of our trip was going to Disneyland and spending an entire day at the beach!!! The other days were spent jumping from house to house, or restaurant to restaurant visiting with loved ones.

Now that we are back home we are enjoying our swimming pool, and busy with VBS (Vacation Bible School). Next week Maggie will be flying in from Sweden and staying with us for 3 weeks. Micah is very excited to have his Aunt Maggie coming for a long visit! While she's in town we are planning to visit downtown and go to the museums and the Fort Worth Zoo. We are also going to drive up to Branson, MO and stay there for a week!!! We've never been there before so if any of you have please let us know which shows are worth seeing!!!

As far as the adoption we are waiting for our referral. We've been on the waiting list for a little over a month now, but we are not expected to hear from Holt International until the fall. So until then we're just enjoying our summer and keeping busy with just the normal day to day blessings life brings!!!