[specialk4b]

So why is it so quiet? Let me guess.

Only three days of referrals this month. How depressing. My heart just goes out to those who are waiting and wondering when/if this will happen.

So, go ahead and vent here (remembering Adoption.com's rules about family friendly language). I will be the first to say this totally bites lizard butt.

[jessibird]

I am trying to picture that SpecialK! I do feel for all the waiting families!!
Hugs,

[MissyAmomChina]

Hi,

I believe this is a dark time in the IA scene as a whole. Between the news of Vietnam and the pace of China, I know of a lot of people really suffering. Frankly, I fear there are lot of folks going through some form of grief and depression. I know in my circle of APs in real life and online, there are a lot of people hurting. My heart aches for all involved.

[Trace7]

Originally Posted by MissyAmomChina

Hi,

I believe this is a dark time in the IA scene as a whole. Between the news of Vietnam and the pace of China, I know of a lot of people really suffering. Frankly, I fear there are lot of folks going through some form of grief and depression. I know in my circle of APs in real life and online, there are a lot of people hurting. My heart aches for all involved.

I agree. It sucks and I feel so badly for everyone affected by this.

[Karen in MT]

Well, our dossier has been in China nearly 22 months. Our total wait even longer. It certainly takes a toll. I don't know how on earth people can continue to enjoy the gift exchanges, etc. (although I'm happy for them) I still frequent the adoption sites, but I no longer shop and plan the way I had in the past. I do expect things to pick-up but I don't count on my feelings. You start this process, with the belief that there are many children in the world that are waiting for parents and the cry is urgent. Then you hear all of the various stories that leave you wondering just what to believe. I do believe that we will continue to wait and maybe much longer than anyone else has yet. So happy for those that are done waiting and get to have their dreams come true!!!
-Karen LID 7-14-06

[KarenInCa]

I think part of the problem is that it used to be we would all cheer as all the referrals came in. Being 30 day referrals caused at least 5 people to show their referrals, and you knew you were just a few months behind. Now, the forum is very lucky to get one person saying that they have a referral picture to show....and the wait grows. Our hearts are still with our child -who might not even be born yet, but everything seems so far away.
Thanks for posting this thread, Karen. We started the wait when it was 16 months wait, and were told that it was expected to go to 24 month wait....now, one year later we are expecting at least a total of 3 yr wait. It's not so hard on me because we have our first daughter to keep us busy, but the wait time has been a reality check for our 3 yr old daughter, who's also waiting for her baby sister.

[Lissa]

There are other reasons too why people don't post anymore. But I hear ya on the whole referral slow down. I was devestated when we were unable to go back due to health and weight. My heart goes out to all those unable to adopt from China and all those who wait.
Lissa

[amyfk]

Although we are finished with our process, things started to really slowdown across the IA board soon after we came home with our child. We were lucky that we didnt face the challenges families(especially childless ones) face today.
I feel badly for the families who have been affected by all of the problems with the IA programs and I also feel badly for all of the kids who now may not find homes and may grow up in orphanages. Somehow I still have to believe that there are many orphans around the world who need a loving home. I just dont get all of this political stuff, because there must be countries where there is a need to adopt the children.
Amy K, NJ

[jessibird]

I heard someone not too long ago comment that any new countries like Ethiopia, are such hot spots when they come on the radar that so many families go to that country and that then in turn causes a slow down-plus with other countries closing...lots of prayers for the kiddos!