Unethical adoptions

If you know me or read my blog you know I've been looking into adopting again. Well, I just came upon a very disturbing story.

Here's the story

What is disturbing about this video (the video is at the top of the article) is the fact that some of these children are not truly orphans, but clearly have parents. That the parents seem to get duped into thinking that their child is going to America, but what isn't clear is if they actually realize they are giving their child up ... permanently. The whole thing makes my stomach turn.

Now, don't get me wrong. Personally, I think this is a glimpse into the situation. Do I think the way the media has portrayed the situation her is 100% accurate, well, there's no way for me to know. So, probably not. We get duped by them all the time. Do I think it is possible or that it does happen? Yes. So, I don't believe this is an all or nothing situation on any side. But regardless, if it is happening how they show it, then that is just shameful.

Clearly, I believe adoption is a viable family building option. But I guess I didn't want to believe this type of 'harvesting' of children actually happened. And in this type of situation, everyone gets hurt. Everyone. Why, when trying to take care of the people who need it most... our children... do some use this as a way to take advantage. There are millions (so it's reported) of orphans out there. Why, then, defile the system? GREED, pure and simple. And I hope those people get what they deserve.

I pray for all the families involved.

Peace.

Adoption Group

I'm so excited, I've gotten a couple of emails from folks today that were in my travel group when I met Lil M for the first time!!! I can't believe it's been over two years. A couple of the folks had other children soon after they came back, and that was awesome. I bet they are SO busy! LOL Anyway, I just wanted to post that I finally got to talk to a couple of the members of our travel group! Yeah!!

It was so good to hear they are all doing well. I am hoping we can do a reunion sometime in the near future. Let's see!!

Tonight, we went to get Lil M a couple of things from the store, with a gift card she had gotten. She got a new pink baby stroller, a cool magnetic ABC chalkboard/white board, and a shirt and sweater. She cracks me up. Tonight, she kept telling me that I was taking a shower (imaginary) and then drying my hair. She said the same about herself and Scott. Before that, she said her teddy bear was in trouble and put him in time out. The funny thing is, I don't really have to use time outs with Lil M, so much... I think she got that from daycare. LOL

We went to the Olive Garden for dinner and she ate a ton! I'm thankful she's a good eater. She had salad with croutons, some artichoke spinach dip and bread and then cheese ravioli. :) Oh, and some chocolate mousse pie dessert with Mommy and Scott. LOL. ;-) Ok, so, sometimes even *I* give in and give her treats! hehe.

Having a great day here... and yet, still remembering that it is 9/11. Peace and blessings to all.

Peace.

PS. I had a flu shot today at the Dr's office. Then, I had my Dr fill out the form for the foster/adoption agency. One more paper done. 3 more things still to go. I think. I'm going to double-check to see if Lil M actually has to have the Dr form or not, though.

So far spent

Things I've bought this month so far:

groceries - 20.83 at wallyworld - girl products, cat litter, new dog collar for Maggi, canned chicken (2)

dinner out - frisches - $13 and change
lunch today - subway - $5.30

So, i told myself I wasn't going to count eating out as part of my grocery challenge this month... but I'm going to keep track of it.

groceries 20.83
eating out 18.30
total so far - 39.13

Today is the 10th. I've got almost $80 if I don't count the eating out for the next 20 days. Hmmm. I'm going to write out a menu tonight for the next week or so. Let's see if I can do better. Although, methinks I'll end up eating out probably once a week for the next 3 weeks, 'cause that's pretty normal. And, the animals stuff is more costly than I might have been admitting to myself. I do have two dogs and a cat, and they have to have food... plus the cat litter.

Of course, this is just a personal challenge, and it doesn't mean anything in the grand scheme if I go over this limit. lol :)

Peace.

On the brain

I seriously have adoption on the brain again.

I wish so much that China, or even Vietnam, would open up to us singles again. :( But, I'm praying and praying about Kazakhstan.

That's all I've got today. Oh, and been going over the budget for the zillionth time. Oh yeah, it's that fun. ;-)

Peace.

Putting it out there

That last post was probably over the top. I just really never sat down and looked at that part of scripture like I should have. And now, I feel sort of guilty... for what? Guilty for putting it all out there and what if someone starts not liking me because of it?

Why????

Because that's who I am. I'm going to leave it out there, though, and try to allow myself that freedom. So, if you disagree with the previous post, I understand, but it is what I really see in those passages.

And if I want my daughter to be able to tell me things that she thinks is important, I need to allow myself the same freedom. Right? Right. :)

Peace.