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Friday, May 30, 2008

Ethica Update


May 28, 2008
Notes from ASP Meeting at US Embassy Hanoi

The following informal notes were taken by Ethica’s representative at the quarterly ASP meeting. These notes are as accurate as we can provide within this type of forum (i.e. without written statements and with conversations vacillating from topic to topic).

I-600 processing: There have been more I-600s processed in 2008 than in 2007, representing a 10-15% increase. Since the Orphans First program started, the average processing time has been coming down and is now at 46 days. In January, with Christmas and the New Year (both Western and Tet) holidays, there were some rough spots and delays. In January, there were also a large number of petitions filed (112) which contributed to the slow down. Both the embassy and CIS offices have taken steps to increase staffing. On cases that went over the 60 days, there was usually some sort of issue that needed to be looked into.

Provincial Investigations: Most provinces have successfully cooperated with the investigations. To date, 309 cases have received pre-approvals, including recent ones in Thai Nguyen. In several provinces (Thai Nguyen, Quang Nam, and Hue) the problems have been worked out. In Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa, there are issues still being worked on and problems that have not yet been addressed. At Tu Du Hospital, the situation is very complicated with many people/agencies involved. The issues have to do with records, potential fraud, etc. They are working hard to resolve these issues but it will take time due to the complexity of the situation.

Contrary to some rumors, the files do not “sit on shelves” but are continually worked on to move the cases along. They are working with the most senior levels of government to resolve the issues. They are also working to streamline processes. There is now same day visa service. However, APs should not make return flights too close to the time they expect to receive the child’s visa as there are sometimes computer glitches. APs should not book flights home before the evening of the day following the visa interview. They are also working with the National Visa Center to go “paperless” to help with the current lag time between pre-approval CIS letter and embassy notification.

*As of Nov, 07, all I-600s had to be filed at HCMC office. I-600s should not be kept at local offices. That’s where they sit on the shelf. I-600s should be sent to HCMC. This issue is causing some of the delays.

There will be a DNA policy announcement tomorrow by the HQ office. Michael Valverde and his office will be setting up a conference call with ASPs in the next two weeks to answer questions.

There are 2 facilities authorized to conduct the DNA tests: IOM in HCMC and SOS in Hanoi. The results must be mailed directly to the US embassy in a sealed envelope by the facility.

DNA test required will be at the discretion of CIS. There have been about 10-12 cases thus far and the BPs complied; there have been no problems to date.

Fingerprints: There needs to be more diligence with regard to ensuring that APs have current FP records. The I-600 is not really approved until the immigrant visa process is completed and therefore the fingerprints need to be current at that time. ASPs and APs should pay attention to notes on pre-approval letters that may state that FPs need to be redone. If FPs are done at a service center in the U.S., CIS HCMC can be notified and verify new prints online.

The I-600 needs to have the original signature of the AP and the date. ASPs can assist with filling in the form but must state that they did so in the appropriate place on the form.

MOA Ending–and New Requirements by CIS:
As stated by Vietnam, dossiers must be in by July 1st and a match with a child made by Sept 1st.

However, the responsibility will be with APs to show that they have met all VN requirements. Therefore, two new forms will be required and added to the list of required documents:

1. DIA letter stating dossier has been approved
2. DIA letter stating commitment to adopt/assignment of child


The US has asked VN to provide a list by July 1st of the dossiers completed. They currently do not know the total. The US is hoping to receive more information soon. The ASPs need to let families know where they are in the process very specifically. The ASPs should send their own lists to CIS and copy the Embassy.

ASPs have to notify CIS of new referrals to be sure they are on the list. CIS can cross check with lists they hope to obtain from DIA. Especially in August will this be very important. It is important to file the I-600 ASAP, with the hope that the last ones will be filed before Oct 1st.

On Sept 1st – if case has not received referral, the case will be returned to the ASP. The letter from the Vietnam government also specified that licenses of the ASPs would terminate on Sept 1st but that they would be allowed to process the remaining approved cases.

Side note: The MOA required both countries to commit to renewing it by March 1st. On Feb 1st, the US notified the VN that they would be unable to renew the MOA in its current form and indicated their willingness to re-negotiate a new MOA. The USG also requested clarification on the processing of adoption cases if the MOA expires. Between Feb 1st and mid-April, the DIA discussed options within the Vietnamese government; it was an ongoing discussion and thus a coincidence that they sent a letter to the US indicating the July 1st and Sept 1st dates on the same date that the embassy released the report on irregularities.

MOA negotiations: In a new agreement, there would need to be a strengthened VN system, to address both regulatory issues on VN side and on the ASP side. It would be a time limited agreement, as a bridge to the Hague Convention. The focus of the US is twofold: to help current cases/families and protect the members of the adoption triad, and to develop a stable adoption and child services system in VN.

Discussions are going on, on multiple levels (with JCICS, Ethica, etc.) and there are a lot of good ideas and input for the revised MOA. Discussions with Vietnam are underway, but use of the term “negotiations” is premature, as the discussions are currently taking place on the lower rungs of the diplomatic ladder. The USG has asked for VN to name a more senior person to conduct negotiations but the Vietnamese have not yet done so. It is unclear at the moment what the timeframe will be.

Q&A session:
Is DNA search against VN law?

The VNese have been complying with DNA searches for 15 years in refugee cases (at IOM in HCMC). Also, they have been compliant in other immigration cases. It should not be a problem. Immigration is a benefit and the USG has the right to request such testing.


Names Involved in Fraud Going to be Released?

The USG cannot make public names of agencies or facilitators who have been linked to fraud to the general public. They will cooperate with law enforcement authorities, of course, and if someone is prosecuted then that’s a different story. But no list will be posted.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Shout Out! If you stop by, please say HI


Hey Hey...sort of getting blogged out, no movement on the referral front,and I am sure you have read about the current campaigns. FYI my letter to the Editor was published in our local paper! That's good news right? just in time for calling our Congressman and Senators. As I said we live in a very small but caring town, I like to feel like we all look out for each other.

You know I added this neat feature to my BLOG, it lists the country's flags of my visitors. NEAT! I truly made this site, first for us, then our child, and then family. But now, man, I am meeting some wonderful people, I have Five in the Hive, Joyfulplum, A Mothers Journey, My Thursday cheerleaders J&K (you know who) and visitors in the USA and now, look at the flags, I never realized...my newest thrill is to see if any new flags appear. LOVE IT ! Hello to England, Spain, Canada, Europe,Ireland (I'm 50% Irish),France,Italy,Malaysia, Russian Federation! BIG FAT LOVING HELLO from me!

oh yes. PSS, I have been buying those little ice cream cones. The Gram-cracker crust cones with nuts and chocolate they come 6 to a box, you know? So does this make sense, 2 for the kids and 4 for me? Heck I bought them. Really this is becoming a habit or maybe a new nesting side effect.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

How are things going on the campaing front?


I have truly been pushing everyone I know to sign the online petition and do the calling efforts in June. I just hope everyone is giving this their all out no holds bar! No regrets after the fact that we could of done more. If the officials can find a way to at least keep DTV families in process and renew the MOU in a reasonable time frame, many worries will go away. If you have been promoting the efforts GREAT, if you want to do more WONDERFUL...its the 4th quarter with 1 sec left! Other news....on a personal note, "HURRY UP THURSDAY UPDATE!" just like pulling off a band-aid, no matter what you do, it still hurts. Anyway enjoy the small glimmer of good news below. Catch ya tomorrow!


I don't know about the JCICS campaign but Ethica has received
excellent feedback from the Department of State and both Congressional
and Senate offices. We've pointed out that ethical adoptions can and
are happening. We only need to look at agencies that are working in
orphanages where there are equal numbers of domestic and international
adoptions, sometimes more domestic than international. That is only
one indicator of how some agencies have been able to promote family
permanency AND international adoption without contributing to the
unethical practices and trafficking that has been reported to the
Embassy and to Ethica. An update was posted here on the 10th:
http://www.ethicane t.org/item. php?recordid= vietnam&pagestyl e=default

Now that we have our politicians' attention and support, we're working
on new terms for the new MOU with JCICS and the Department of State.
In several weeks I will also be accompanying the JCICS delegation to
Vietnam and advocate for a timely resolution. I encourage you to
continue to promote this issue with your community. We've made some
great progress but we have a lot of work ahead of us.

Best,

--
Linh Song, MSW
Executive Director
Ethica, Inc.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Almost 5/30 did you email in your petition yet?


Please read below, I have placed a links list for your convience at the right side of this post. All people should respond to this plea, you don't have to be an adoptive parent.

*THE FIRST THING YOU DO By 5/30 IS EMAIL A MESSAGE STATING YOU SUPPORT "A CHILD'S RIGHT CAMPAIGN FOR VIETNAM" EMAIL ADDRESS IS advocate@jcics.org Then follow up with the calling efforts. Statement of talking points below.


b. Include the following in your calls and emails.

· “I/we urge the Senator/Congressperson to join the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Co-Chairs and sign their letter to Secretary Condoleezza Rice in support of the recommendations found in Joint Council’s A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam.”

· If they have not heard about the Campaign, ask them to contact the Congressional Coalition for Adoption Institute at 202-544-8500 or Joint Council on International Children’s Services at 703-535-8045.

Ideas to spread the word:

Request help from your co-workers, family, church members, chamber of commerece members, any local group. Write your request to letter to the editiors, print in church bullitens, passout flyers after functions, send a note to the local school asking for teacher support. * Call people that have influence, your town supervior, Senators, congressman, write letters, emails, phonecalls. Please don't have any regrets after the fact that you should of done more. We have a huge movement backing the orphans and families, but the support in numbers will make a difference.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Happy Memorial Day


Memorial Day is often celebrated with the purchase of the artificial Red Paper Poppy's. Many years ago the profits from the sales were used to help orphans of the war. Over time the profits are now used to support disabled Veterans and unemployed Veterans. This is a time to reflect on the sacrifice's that others have made to pave the way for the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Check out my Slide Show!

Every Where a chick chick....


Well we live in the country with only two cats, whats wrong with that picture? The kids are at the proper age to start caring for small animals, I have made an executive decision. Late last night I thought "we need some baby chicks" so I ran the idea by my husband when he was half asleep. I only wanted maybe 3, since each chick normally gives two eggs a week, however state law says minimum purchase must be 6. So we have six cute little chicks. They are called Americauna Araucauna and some are also R1Red, I can't tell them apart. One kind will lay Blue-Green eggs and the other Brown. The other issue is, they are too young to know if they are male or female. Only time will tell. They will be kept warm in the house for the time being, we love to hold and pet on them, (I am waiting to see what the kids will do when the chicks plop a #2 in their hands!) I have told them no matter what the chicks do "you are not to throw them to the ground" Our daughter has a real natural way with the handling, our son not so sure yet.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Don't let adopitons in Vietnam close for TWO years! Act now


Please read below, I have placed a links list for your convience at the right side of this post. All people should respond to this plea, you don't have to be an adoptive parent.
*THE FIRST THING YOU DO IS EMAIL A MESSAGE STATING YOU SUPPORT "A CHILD'S RIGHT CAMPAIGN FOR VIETNAM" EMAIL ADDRESS IS advocate@jcics.org Then follow up with the calling efforts. Statement of talking points below.


b. Include the following in your calls and emails.

· “I/we urge the Senator/Congressperson to join the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Co-Chairs and sign their letter to Secretary Condoleezza Rice in support of the recommendations found in Joint Council’s A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam.”

· If they have not heard about the Campaign, ask them to contact the Congressional Coalition for Adoption Institute at 202-544-8500 or Joint Council on International Children’s Services at 703-535-8045.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

What does Thursday mean to you?


Well, On Monday I start thinking about Thursday, then on Tuesday I think hurry up,,,almost Wednesday bring on Thursday, then I think where the heck is the update from our agency? I check every hour durning the day. Any news? Read the update, how does this effect me? Then I click off, force myself to get busy and get my mind off the disappointments. Sometimes I think hurry up and bring on Sept 1, come happiness or heartache, at least I will know were we stand. The spring weather has really made our days full, so the wait is a little more bearable, but still out of my control. We all have control issues and its an art to be patient to some degree, and believe me adoptive families have really been tested lately.

I seem to think that most people that read my site are Mom's waiting just like me. So today's photo should cheer you up some. He is called Mr. Thursday, I hope he makes your wait a little more bearable!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Waiting for a Reply....lets see


Ok, so I have spoken to Senator Michael Nozzolio in person and this was also a great photo op for him as my family was with me. When I get the picture I will post it. Follow up letter sent

Spoke with Dist Court Family Judge Paloma Capanna, in person with her and her aids for about 1/2 hour. She is also running for Senate. Follow up letter sent

Sent letter to Congressman James Welsh and Congressman Dan Maffei.

Sent letter to Senator Schumer, last week no reply yet.
" " Senator Bill Nelson
Senator Patrick Leahy
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator Pat Roberts
Senator John F Kerry
Senator Barack Obama
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
Senator Mel Martinez
If any of you are fired up enough after reading this you can find contacts and addressed at http://bringourchildrenhome.org/6701/index.html OK everyone, we are not going down without a fight right!

I will tell you, I know this is an election year, but it really felt like they were concerned, or that I am very naive.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Happy Apple Blossom Day!



We had a day full of fun, food, parades and dancing. The rain held off just the right amount. The parade was over 1 hr long, and very entertaining, we had Brass bands, Zoot music (remember Drag Net) they did great, apples bin racing. I even rubbed shoulders with several Politicians running for office and YES I did bend their ears over our troubles in Vietnam, many had NO CLUE. I was given several personal addresses and they urged me to mail more letters to these new contacts. Back to typing letters Sunday durning nap time and out in the mail first thing Monday am. I also finished planting 80% of the garden, just in time for the wonderful rain, better that then turning on the hose this time of year. All I have left is tomatoes and sweet red peppers YUM YUM!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

*Please Visit Site-- and give (posted above)



We just spent a few hours at our local spring celebration with the kids, It was very enjoyable, however as I walked around seeing families enjoying each other, I noticed half eaten food being thrown away...basically I saw waste. Then I thought of the images coming out of China and felt very very sad. See, we were raised finish what you are given "there are starving kids in this world", my smarta-- come back to my parents were "then lets mail it to them". Now I totally understand. I am very very sad for the suffering of the people of China and Myanmar. I am sorry to be such a downer and most people come here for Vietnam Adoption news, however my simple worries are not important. If I can help spread the news of need and suffering to help Children's Hope administer to the helpless then I will do this.

This is a quote from staff in China right now.

"Here, many babies born in the last several days have been starving with no milk from their moms and a shortage of formula."

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Our Childrens Hope Rep in China



The above is a link to Melody Zhang's CHI blog. She moved to China with her family a few years ago to help CHI and the orphans of China. She is one of the CHI founders that helped start CHI many years ago. Her Blog has a link to help with the current Earth Quake disaster in China, as many should know, the orphanages will be accepting numerous orphans because of this disaster. They will have many basic needs not met if we don't help in way of donations.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Hang in there.. take stock and give thanks..our worries are truly small.



We are still waiting on direction from Joint Council, they are gathering more information regarding a scheduled meeting, We may not get our directions until Tue or Wed. It will still happen, so please check back.

Please have a moment of prayer for The China Earthquake victims, the People of Myanmar, the Orphans,relief workers,Government Officials and families in a struggle to adopt a child. Also a special prayer for Brithmothers that will never know the child they bore due to their unselfish sacfacrice of adoption. Pray for all people that have had a positive effect in the life of a child.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Calling all able bodies


On Monday the entire adoption community,family members,people of support will be calling Government officials. We will urge them to continue the MOU agreement with USA and Vietnam, work together for the interest of the Children and families left in limbo, due to the lack of their leadership. Stress to them that applications/dossiers currently in Vietnam should be processed and matched with orphans waiting for families. This may be your last call to action durning this critical time. Please view my "BLOGS I follow" link to see our agency families waiting for travel approval and waiting for a child. They have been yearning to bring home these children for many many months. These are the families that you are fighting for! *I will post calling directions on Monday.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

News from Dear Friends in HCMC


These past
few months have been challenging. Many
of you probably received our email for
prayer regarding the break-in at our home.
Unfortunately, theft has been an ongoing
problem for us since the day we arrived.
Due to the last theft, it forced us to face a
staffing change that potentially could have
jeopardize the outreach center as well as all
of the team members on the field. Because
of all of your prayers and the grace of God,
this did not happen. We were able to
successfully transfer the license to a new
business partner without the Coffee House
having to close down at all. If you’ve ever
worked in an asian society, you know this is
a miracle in itself! Please continue with us
in prayer for full restoration for these
people!


OUTREACH CENTER We have
recently had two articles published about
the Coffee House. One in a local
newspaper, and another in a women’s
magazine. This has fueled a flood of new
people to the outreach center with many
new opportunities to evangelize. We are
expecting a team of 6 for 1 month and

another team of 4 for the following 4-5
weeks. Theses teams will be a great support
for the work that is happening here, but we
are still praying for people to answer the call
for full time ministry here in Vietnam.
Please be in prayer for these teams that God
will do something radicle in their lives while
they’re here with us.


HOUSE CHURCH Our House
Church is growing by leaps and bounds.
We have had four new salvation's, and many
more people eagerly searching. Please keep
praying for open hearts and open doors
here in Vietnam.

ORPHANAGE We had the
opportunity to take another trip to the
orphanage in Ben Hoa. They have recently
had a surge in newborn babies, and were in
need of cradles, diapers and formula. Our
House Church stepped up, and we delivered
all of these things, as well as rice, cooking
oil, fish sauce and snacks with contributions
from our congregation. The children were
so excited to see everyone. We were allowed
to teach them a few christian songs in
English and Vietnamese- it was great.

LANGUAGE & SCHOOL Molly
continues to take Vietnamese language
classes, and has adopted the “Slow and
steady wins the race” motto. Every
Vietnamese conversation is a language
victory, however small! Grant continues to
focus on his Global classes, and has taken
over full responsibility for running the
Coffee House while the other Wyatt’s are in
the States.

HAI PHONG Molly will be going to
Hai Phong in northern Vietnam at the end
of May to do a teaching with the Deaf
National AG Church. Please keep her in
your prayers, as this is a first for anyone on
our team!


LOGAN & GRAYSON The boys are
doing great. We just registered Logan for
Kindergarten in the fall and Grayson had
his 3rd birthday at the end of February. We
want to take this opportunity to thank all of
you for praying for us and supporting us as
we fulfill God’s call on our lives. We love
being here, and feel like we’re really making
a difference. God Bless-Grant, Molly,
Logan & Grayson Wyatt

For giving purposes contact AGWM c/o Grant Wyatt- Vietnam

Contact us if you are not currently receiving this

Assembles of God World Missions

newsletter by email and would like to do so at:

1445 N. Boonville Ave.

grantmolly@mac.com or 294260@ma.agmd.org

Springfield, MO 65802-1894

Our Acct. # is AG# 294260-5

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Not keeping it together


I am trying very hard to keep busy and active with the kids. The Internet chat rooms were stressing me out, I am no longer following LVC, still going through some withdrawals or anxiety of what information I may be missing. A good friend said, the chat rooms are just like the soap's you can take a break from them, go back and still not miss a thing. I panic and want to call my CHI rep, but I just spoke with her last Friday, I should not be a pest, they are extremely busy doing important work. I wrote a letter full of Vietnam Adoption info to my Senator, then chickened out after reading my ranting letter comming off as a crazy person and did not mail it. Still it felt a little better just getting it all out on paper. I will save that type of letter if I have serious issues with any "pre-travel" adoption issues. I did send two pre-made letters from the Ethica site, it still seems like they were sent into a black whole somewhere. I am trying hard to "suck it up" what will be will be, out of our control. I still hate this very much. It would be great to get a good nights sleep, stop the mind from racing of all the questions with no answers. I laid awake for 3 hours waiitng to sleep, I was so tired. We have to have a good summer, this can not rule what should be happy family times, so I will try harder.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

The Winner by a MILE..BROWN!!!!


Oh NOOOO.....where's a good bookie when you needed one? I had no action, we talked about Brown and 8 Bells the entire pre-show! Doho0 ! See never go against your intuition, but also, only bet money you can afford to loose. So I guess that was a win win. no loss, no gain, just EVEN.

4pm Post Time Kentucky Derby and ect...


First the ect.. I was born The Year of the Horse, same as our daughter and probably millions others. Anyway we both love horses and plan on TV time for the race today at 4pm. I hear that Big Brown is favorite, I normally pick the prettiest horse that looks like it will win at first, but slowly looses ground. I have no clue how to bet properly, "tri facta, order to place ect...I just enjoy it. I highly recommend attending a horse race, the excitement is explosive,hearing the announcers voice anddddddd there off! It's just something everyone should experience. I posted info about "Horse People" I guess it sounds like me.

2007 will have ended on a happy and social note for the Horse and he can look forward to more of the same for the Year of the Rat. However,2008 will be a hectic and demanding year overall for the Horse, which could make him feel unnerved and anxious. It is important for all Horses to remember this year that all challenges are learning experiences and his tenacity and inner strength will see him through all situations. Planning and thinking about the year ahead will prove extremely beneficial to the Horse, providing him with a sense of control and direction. It is also important to make a concerted effort to listen to and get along with work colleagues and friends as ultimately they will be may be able to smooth out any rough patches for the Horse in 2008. March and August are super times for travelling and exciting adventures.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Call to Action


Below is a link from Ethica, a group for ethical adoptions. Most people that want change really need direction on where to start. So here ya go....take a little time, get the letter, pick your contact and get erdone.

http://www.ethicanet.org/item.php?recordid=vietnam&pagestyle=default

We are still in a wait and see mode, what else can we do? We will take the lead of our agency and whatever they suggest we will do.