Oct 5, 2007

If enough people shout, their voices are bound to be heard.

So anyone reading this knows of our current plight with the adoption. We sent out emails, posted on forums, I even posted it up on some of the skateboard sites that i frequent. I cannot believe the overall response that we've gotten from this, friends, family, even people we don't know are signing the petitions and sending faxes and emails to there senators, congressmen, and unicef, all to bring Fern home where she belongs, and to make sure that all these other children aren't the victims of grown men playing political games.

I can't really express how much this means to us, don't ever let it be said that there is no good in this world, when you think you're down and out, people will come to your aid. I can only hope and pray that all the other couples out there in this same situation are getting this kind of support.

Thank you all so much for what you are doing. We cannot thank you all enough.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fern is adorable!

My cousin Cathy A Camann provides us with your blog link. We to have a son in process, so I know exactly how worried you are. I saw this on a forum this morning and thought you should read. I think this is hopeful news!

There are two separate updates this morning from JCICS on adoptions in Guatemala.

Guatemala – Transition Cases
Joint Council is pleased to confirm that the Hague Permanent Bureau has now joined with Joint Council, the U.S. Department of State and others in agreeing that transition cases should be allowed to proceed to completion without interruption. It is our understanding that the HPB has now conveyed their revised position to both the Berger administration and Guatemalan Congress.

Guatemala – 3217 Process
Based on a number of postings and questions regarding the passage of 3217, Joint Council again confirms the passage of bill 3217 by the Guatemalan Congress on October 3 2007.

Legislative Process
It is our understanding that the majority of bills passed by Congress require two (2) initial readings into the Congressional record followed by a third reading, review and vote. In the case of 3217, the third and final reading was separated into a third reading and vote on October 3 2007 and a final review and vote on or after November 4 2007.

Amendments
At the time of the final review, each article and amendment separately will be reviewed/voted upon. In the event that more than 35% of the articles are amended, the bill would normally be sent back to the committee for review and approval. However, the committee has already approved over 60 amendments to 3217. Given that all amendments have been “pre-approved” by the committee, the number of amendments added will not impact the status of the bill or the ability of Congress to vote. The only exception to this would be if the amendments that are not pre-approved by the committee, exceed 35% of the total number of articles in 3217.

Joint Council is in the process of obtaining translated versions of 3217 and proposed amendments. Upon our receipt, we will provide an assessment of 3217 and the proposed amendments. Please know that this is not a speedy process and may take a number of days to complete. Joint Council will attempt to post our assessment as soon as is possible.

Carolyn Camann-Zowaski, waiting for Owen

Kate said...

any updates on this situation?