As most of you know in mid-April we were given two pieces of bad news concerning our adoption of Maria and Suzanna. First we were told that all the information on both girls was found to be wrong and ACFI was bringing in Suzanna's father from Sinow, Africa (a 3 day trip) to give consent for the adoption. Second, we were told that ACFI in the states would no longer be able to process our adoption and we were given to an agency in Oregon called PLAN Loving Adoptions Now. If we want to bring Maria and Suzanna home we have no choice but to go through this agency.
After two months of constant calling and emailing we finally found out that Suzanna's father had come in and given his consent to the adoption. During these months we were told various pieces of news concerning the progress of the adoption, most of which were conflicting and/or suspicious. While bringing these facts to PLAN's attention (first part of July) we were told that Suzanna's mother had come in to give consent and while she was there she told ACFI that Suzanna's father had abandoned her while she was pregnant and she had no idea where the father was!!!!!!!! Yes, you read that right! Of course we immediately asked who the man was that came in to give consent for Suzanna's adoption!
We have since then requested answers for several questions before we feel comfortable proceeding. The two main questions that must be answered are about Suzanna's father and why our case has been in Africa for over 10 months now and they are just getting consents when this is the first step in the adoption process. In the last few days in speaking with PLAN we are being told we may not get these answers.
We have definitely been deceived by ACFI and others right from the beginning of this adoption process. PLAN has said they don't like the word "deceived" but blame it on culture. We have a difficult time accepting this. We have our family to protect--including Maria and Suzanna.
Just when you think things couldn't possibly get worse they do! A new Consular for the American Embassy in Liberia took over in July. She has made it very clear that her mission is to SLOW down adoptions from Liberia. She is allowing VISA's to be granted only one day a week with extreme rules attached that are making things very difficult and slow--her mission.
We are now hearing from two families that have just recently returned from Liberia that ACFI is monitoring all letters coming from the children and are not allowing the older children to write for the younger ones. We have heard nothing from our girls since February. We have also been told by these families that the children are not getting enough to eat and are getting much thinner.
Dear family, we desperately need your prayers. Please pray for God's wisdom and discernment. Pray that His light will show us the truth in this terrible darkness. Pray for His continued protection of us and Maria and Suzanna. We are working with a corrupt organization (ACFI) and are not sure how much we can trust PLAN. We do know we can trust God and His sovereignty; He is in control! Pray that God will soften the American Consular's heart towards adoption. We are heartbroken, weary, and discouraged. Please pray James 1: 2-4 and 1 Peter 5: 10-11 for our family.
Thank you again for your continued love and prayers. We love you!
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