SHIP SOME LOVE.

International adoption has changed in the past few years, some Countries have closed their doors to waiting parents, news of unethical or illegal practices (which for China is more an issue for domestic rather than international adoption) has more and more potential parents rethinking their options. And then there's that little problem of economics. When we traveled to China to adopt Clara in 2004, it seemed every Westerner on Shamian Island carried an adorable, dark haired child in their arms. Which meant every one of those parents also made a substantial mandatory donation to their child's orphanage.

When we traveled in 2008 to bring Lu home, we could see the changes all around us, the shops that once catered to adoptive parents were closing, the breakfast area at the White Swan hotel held mostly business people, not the throngs of new parents we had seen in the past. The length of time it takes to adopt from China has increased dramatically, factor that with the cost of adoption in our current economy and a grim picture emerges. Donations made by traveling parents are far and few between. This is effecting the children who are still waiting for their parents. They need formula, clothing, toys and basic necessities that we take for granted. They also need fully staffed, expert, ethical adoption agencies who advocate on their behalf.

Many adoptive parents send care packages to their child's orphanage and we will be too. Whether you're a part of the adoption community or not, think about celebrating your holidays by giving to one of the following organizations.

http://www.halfthesky.org/
http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/
http://www.internationalchildwelfare.com/index.html
http://www.childrenshomeadopt.org/Help_Children_in_China.html


My Dad with a few friends in Yuangjiang, China