[calikismet]

Hi -- I think that if you look back at the history of Russian adoptions, there have been many blips on the proverbial radar, and prob several of these temporary holds over the years that no one now remembers. I think that it is pretty common that foreign governments shift around and re-arrange their requirements and demands, and that seems to be what is happening. But I find it next to impossible that the entire system would just stop, permanently -- the Russian system is far too settled and predictable for that, and has been going on for far too many years. Do I think that changes are in the works? Yes.. we seemed to "sense" it when we were in Russia in October -- a lot more than we had felt it when we were in Russia in early 2003 for our son's adoption. But change is not always bad, and I think we all have to take a wait and see approach.

I know that NONE of this is easy to handle and I truly do pray for those in the waiting process that this current hold is another tiny blip that will quickly fade away as well.