We need prayer....

Hey friends,

Below is an update from JCICS....please join us in praying for all of the kids and the adoption system in Guatemala (and around the world)! I am trying to not get too excited, but it is pushing me to pray even harder!!

People keep asking me how I am feeling....honestly, I'm not sure. Chris and I are moving forward....trusting the Lord! We have hit road blocks....and people that really don't understand adoption and the true battle that we are in to save their precious lives. It is amazing how opposition comes when and where you least expect it. Be praying for both of us to have strength to persevere.....to look only to Jesus. He ALONE knows our hearts! What comfort that brings to our souls.

Today, I am praising God for sweet little Maggie and the Oatsvalls!! Pray that she makes it smoothly home to the U.S. from China. AND PRAISE GOD FOR ELLIOT GETTING OUT OF PGN!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO HOLD THE LITTLE MAYAN KING...We love you Scott and Amelia! Also, be praying for our friends Mike and Suzanne...they are meeting their new little man today. Pray for things to go smoothly...and I am keeping their kiddos....they are the best! How fun.....we are praying and thanking God for a Chinese adoption, a Guatemalan adoption and a domestic adoption!! LOVE IT!

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:31

Love you all,
Lindsey



November 7, 2007

Joint Council has continued to advocate for a rational and child centric transition to the Hague Convention in Guatemala. During our recent presentation at the Adoption Ethics & Accountability Conference in Washington, D.C., Joint Council called for the completion of adoptions in-process, the implementation of the Conventions core elements, an effective implementation date of April 2008 and funding for capacity building. We have continued to work with our colleagues in Guatemala along with members of the Guatemalan Congress in developing a functional child welfare system.

We can now report that members of the Guatemalan Congress, including numerous party chiefs, have submitted a new legislative proposal which;
- Includes a strong ‘grandfather’ clause,
- Designates April 30, 2008 as the effective implementation date of the Convention,
- Allocates $5 million Quetzales ($650,000 USD) for the creation of the Central Authority
- Allocates a percentage of the total government budget for child welfare services
- Creates a new government entity to act as the Central Authority in Guatemala,
- Provides for private non-profit accredited entities to provide services to children,
- Allows single potential adoptive parents to apply for adoption,
- Creates a functional process by which children can find a permanent, safe and loving family.

The new legislation is scheduled to be introduced to Congress early next week. In line with our mission of advocating for the right of each child to a permanent family, Joint Council will continue to work with our colleagues in Guatemala towards a positive and child centric implementation of the Convention.