This week, we had to inform a family that the bio mom changed her mind. This mom had been wanting "help" for adopting her son out to a family months before the birth. Sw's had talked to her and everything was going great. The family was ready and even sent stuff for baby.
After mom had baby, then she decided she wanted to take care of baby for one month. Weekly, two sw's would visit. Now that baby is almost one month old, she has decided to keep baby. Heartbroke, anger, and a bunch of other emotions run through my heart and mind (as well as sw's)...................we don't know why it happened, but God allowed it to happen.
I feel the family is taking it better than me! I was able to visit bio mom and I feel it will be best for baby to be adopted out. We have learned alot from this case, DON'T LET MOM'S TAKE BABY HOME after birth!!! I think we will look at each case individually, but still, not allow as much freedom in that area.
Please pray for that family as they mourn this loss. Please pray for us as we continue to work to get babies into home of loving Christian families.
We had something else happen, a family that is adopting brother's found out there is a younger sister! the sw asked the mom and the mom won't allow baby sister to be adopted overseas. Weird, i know..............a baby she gave birth too and abandoned in the hospital 6 months ago, she wants to have "visitation rights" even after child is adopted domestically. She was told she can see baby until she is 6 yrs old......................there are things I'll never know why they happen, but they do............. God is in control of it all................very hard to remember and keep at the forefront of our mind!!!
Thoughts and feelings as we minister to women in crisis here in Taitung. Our prayer is they see God when they need HIM most.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Well....
I got a call today.....I don't know if I shared here that a sw mentioned that Social services was wanting to contract with someone/organization to do adoptions. SW loves how we do things and asked how far along we are on things..........well.......not much further than before. Mainly cause no one will tell us the next step.
Well, I emailed and faxed someone, the legislature's wife, and emailed the man in charge of women and children department. The legislature's wife, Phoebe, is so cute. She speaks PERFECT English. She called today and said she got me an appointment next Wed with a few people in Social services.....news to me.... oh, they'll call you soon......I didn't mention that I am due with baby ANY DAY NOW. But at least we are one step in the right direction. I gave her a great thank you for doing that and she says, "you guys are helping the children of Taitung, I should be the one to thank you." WOW!! Now, let's hope we hear from Mr. Chen about this supposed appointment we have.
Please do keep the D family and the case in prayer. Things, well paperwork that should've or could've been done really wasn't and could cause a bump in the road. Mainly cause we are not power of attorney, kinda helping the power of attorney along. The POA goes to the USA in July, I will not be going anywhere with newborn in tow..............that is leaving it up to social workers..... and we all know how social workers are!!!LOL!!
HEY check out our 1/3 of the way there on the A/C for a nursery.......you all are great....... oh, Hearts and Hands are winning, but there were some other ideas for names as well.
Please do keep us all in your prayers.
Well, I emailed and faxed someone, the legislature's wife, and emailed the man in charge of women and children department. The legislature's wife, Phoebe, is so cute. She speaks PERFECT English. She called today and said she got me an appointment next Wed with a few people in Social services.....news to me.... oh, they'll call you soon......I didn't mention that I am due with baby ANY DAY NOW. But at least we are one step in the right direction. I gave her a great thank you for doing that and she says, "you guys are helping the children of Taitung, I should be the one to thank you." WOW!! Now, let's hope we hear from Mr. Chen about this supposed appointment we have.
Please do keep the D family and the case in prayer. Things, well paperwork that should've or could've been done really wasn't and could cause a bump in the road. Mainly cause we are not power of attorney, kinda helping the power of attorney along. The POA goes to the USA in July, I will not be going anywhere with newborn in tow..............that is leaving it up to social workers..... and we all know how social workers are!!!LOL!!
HEY check out our 1/3 of the way there on the A/C for a nursery.......you all are great....... oh, Hearts and Hands are winning, but there were some other ideas for names as well.
Please do keep us all in your prayers.
Friday, June 20, 2008
a poll.....
Ok, there is a poll for a new name for Adopt a Mom. Please let me know what you think.
To make this a great contest:-) (and like I have time, but hey)............ leave a comment that you posted and I will write the name and draw a winner out box. Make sense? Winner will get a Morning Light Ministries t-shirt......yup....we have them:-) I'll try to get a picture of them soon. The poll will close on the 27th.
To make this a great contest:-) (and like I have time, but hey)............ leave a comment that you posted and I will write the name and draw a winner out box. Make sense? Winner will get a Morning Light Ministries t-shirt......yup....we have them:-) I'll try to get a picture of them soon. The poll will close on the 27th.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
a case update!!
The D family is getting take their boys home in July!!!!
The sw just called and the final decree came down.............this has been almost 2 months, or a little over in waiting. This case has taken WAY too long. The main reason? there is a new judge in that area who has never done international adoptions before and so she was being overly cautious.
Now, we have paperwork. I was not the power of attorney, but the D family's friend. So this could get complicated. Paperwork looks overwhelming, but in reality it's not. Just if the gov't cooperates (which is probably the most difficult to deal with), it can go smoothly.
Pray that they will work together for getting the boys passport, so we can then get the physical, so then they can have their appointment at AIT. Plus, we need to pray that AIT can make the appointment.
Lots of little things at the end...........................but the boys, ages 6 and 4 are going to a home after being in a children's home (also their first international adoption) for almost 4 years now. So happy for the D family. Please do pray that this case can go smoothly. I am concerned the paperwork will be difficult to get.
The sw just called and the final decree came down.............this has been almost 2 months, or a little over in waiting. This case has taken WAY too long. The main reason? there is a new judge in that area who has never done international adoptions before and so she was being overly cautious.
Now, we have paperwork. I was not the power of attorney, but the D family's friend. So this could get complicated. Paperwork looks overwhelming, but in reality it's not. Just if the gov't cooperates (which is probably the most difficult to deal with), it can go smoothly.
Pray that they will work together for getting the boys passport, so we can then get the physical, so then they can have their appointment at AIT. Plus, we need to pray that AIT can make the appointment.
Lots of little things at the end...........................but the boys, ages 6 and 4 are going to a home after being in a children's home (also their first international adoption) for almost 4 years now. So happy for the D family. Please do pray that this case can go smoothly. I am concerned the paperwork will be difficult to get.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Some recent things....
Well, we have been brainstorming here. With this recent contact of Dr. Chen, and hopes of more contacts in the next few months, some issues have come up.
1. Fundraising. We are in DIRE need of getting a/c set up on our 3rd floor for when the time comes for a caretaker to move in. This will cost at least $1200US-$1500US. So, fundraising for this is necessary. This is probably our biggest need right now. Are you able to help? whether you are or have adopted through us, or have a burden for a ministry like ours, you can help. You can have a garage sale, or get your church, Sunday school or neighbors to have a garage sale. Then the funds can be donated to Morning Light. That is one way to get involved. There are many other ways, and I am sure you can think of some.
2. A member on our advisory committee discussed with us last night the idea of trying for 501 c3 position in the USA. This will be helpful to us and to others as well. This may even help in registering here in Taiwan. Please be in prayer with us about this issue. We are looking to God's leading in what HE would have us to do.
3. Still looking for caretaker/teacher/coworker. This will be so beneficial to our ministries here. If you know of a young lady who is interested and can get support on her own, please let us know.
Again, please keep praying with us and for us. As we work to get children into Christ centered, God fearing families, Satan is not going to be happy about it. So please give us extra cover.
1. Fundraising. We are in DIRE need of getting a/c set up on our 3rd floor for when the time comes for a caretaker to move in. This will cost at least $1200US-$1500US. So, fundraising for this is necessary. This is probably our biggest need right now. Are you able to help? whether you are or have adopted through us, or have a burden for a ministry like ours, you can help. You can have a garage sale, or get your church, Sunday school or neighbors to have a garage sale. Then the funds can be donated to Morning Light. That is one way to get involved. There are many other ways, and I am sure you can think of some.
2. A member on our advisory committee discussed with us last night the idea of trying for 501 c3 position in the USA. This will be helpful to us and to others as well. This may even help in registering here in Taiwan. Please be in prayer with us about this issue. We are looking to God's leading in what HE would have us to do.
3. Still looking for caretaker/teacher/coworker. This will be so beneficial to our ministries here. If you know of a young lady who is interested and can get support on her own, please let us know.
Again, please keep praying with us and for us. As we work to get children into Christ centered, God fearing families, Satan is not going to be happy about it. So please give us extra cover.
Dr. Chen
I just got off the phone with a Christian doctor south of us. He met a missionary lady we know, and asked her if she knew of anyone who helps with adopting children, preferrably Christian. Well, she told him of us.
Now, I don't like using the phone at all. BUT Dr. Chen speaks WONDERFUL English and when he heard me say "we only adopt to Christian families" he was so cute to say "Hallelujah". He was so happy to hear about this and feels we can work well together.
So, we are just praising God right now for how HE brings things together. Children are special to God and HE has plans..........................please do pray for us!!
On another note, the bio mom of E and I is signing papers the sw said. So their new family can start working on everything now. Praying for them to be home before Dec. 1st (my goal, hopefully it is God's goal!!!).................Also, the T family turned in some more paperwork and we are praying hard that this is the final paperwork needed for finalizing the adoption of A. It has been an unusual 1 yr + long adoption process. VERY VERY UNUSUAL!!...............also, waiting for the finalization papers on the boys for the D family. Those waits for that finalization paper are like the wait for those last few days of pregnancy (ask me how I know!!LOL!!)
Now, I don't like using the phone at all. BUT Dr. Chen speaks WONDERFUL English and when he heard me say "we only adopt to Christian families" he was so cute to say "Hallelujah". He was so happy to hear about this and feels we can work well together.
So, we are just praising God right now for how HE brings things together. Children are special to God and HE has plans..........................please do pray for us!!
On another note, the bio mom of E and I is signing papers the sw said. So their new family can start working on everything now. Praying for them to be home before Dec. 1st (my goal, hopefully it is God's goal!!!).................Also, the T family turned in some more paperwork and we are praying hard that this is the final paperwork needed for finalizing the adoption of A. It has been an unusual 1 yr + long adoption process. VERY VERY UNUSUAL!!...............also, waiting for the finalization papers on the boys for the D family. Those waits for that finalization paper are like the wait for those last few days of pregnancy (ask me how I know!!LOL!!)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Baby L
There's a new baby:-)
NO, not ours!! Baby L was born last Tuesday and went home with her new family on Monday (yesterday). This case was different as the bio parents are married. She could not go to an overseas family right away. According to USA immigration, this would not make her eligible as an orphan. The L family are missionaries in Taiwan and will be here for awhile. SO, as USA immigration rules, after completing adoption here, they raise Baby for 2 years and then she is considered "abandoned by her biological family" and eligible for USA citizenship and the such. Anyway, that's how it goes. We are so thankful to our Father in heaven for bringing this baby and the L family together.
AIN'T SHE CUTE!!!!
NO, not ours!! Baby L was born last Tuesday and went home with her new family on Monday (yesterday). This case was different as the bio parents are married. She could not go to an overseas family right away. According to USA immigration, this would not make her eligible as an orphan. The L family are missionaries in Taiwan and will be here for awhile. SO, as USA immigration rules, after completing adoption here, they raise Baby for 2 years and then she is considered "abandoned by her biological family" and eligible for USA citizenship and the such. Anyway, that's how it goes. We are so thankful to our Father in heaven for bringing this baby and the L family together.
AIN'T SHE CUTE!!!!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Friday's prayer requests....
Just some things that you all can be praying about:
- E and I waiting for bio mom to be contacted and sign the papers, then we can begin to get them to the H family.
- E has a hole in his heart that is not shrinking, please pray dr's know what's going on and he can get to the USA and see a dr fast
- Baby B is with bio mom who wants to take a month to decide about adoption or not. Please pray that mom makes the right decision (which social workers and ourselves all feel adoption is really best in this situation)
- Baby J is really sick, please pray the dr will not admit him to hospital as he doesn't have insurance and well, there is a financial need there for medical bills
- Baby J has a brother A who we are all concerned about. Please do pray that God will intervene in this child's life. God has so far and it is neat to see who has been picked to take care of him so far, pray that mom will see she can't take care of A.
- Mother C I was to meet with today needs prayer for wisdom. She approached social services about adoption, but didn't show up for the meeting (at her house). Pray we can see her next week or that things work out for the benefit of the baby
- Pray for us as we decide what to do about registration. It has it's pros and cons, and we don't want to be gov't run or controlled as we are a Christian nonprofit organization.
- Pray for adopt a mom program..............we have had a few interested, please pass the news around!
We are so thankful for all that God has done and will be doing with our work. Please do keep us in your prayers!!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
God keeps brining them
I am never sure how much I should share here as there are many families waiting to adopt that might get the "Is that mine?" idea. So please, be patient!!!
I got a phone call yesterday from our foster agency social worker (SW) asking if she could give my number to gov't sw about adoption......um.....YES!!!
So, this AM I get a phone call "can you come with me at 10:45am to visit a mom consider adoption?" yup....dh decided to drive as this place was in a village about 20-30min away by car. He didn't want his 37weeks+ preggo wife on a scooter going over mountain roads......gee.....why not!!!
Had a good talk with the social worker about things and our work. She was happy to hear of this. Anyway, we got there at one house, no signs of anyone there. So we go down the mountain to her house. A man, who I am not sure was sober, opened the door. No, she isn't here. She's over at such and such a village.
Great, she won't answer phones, took baby with her and all. SW said she knew about us coming though. Ah, the joys of this work.
Anyway, we'll try next week. Mom is 27yr old, not married. Bio father is in another county working. He sends her about $90US/month to live on....oh, she has a first grader as well...............never a dull moment.
So, please continue praying that we can visit this mom and talk with her about her options and what's best for the baby. It was her decision or opinion to give baby up for adoption, so pray that she goes through.
Thanks
I got a phone call yesterday from our foster agency social worker (SW) asking if she could give my number to gov't sw about adoption......um.....YES!!!
So, this AM I get a phone call "can you come with me at 10:45am to visit a mom consider adoption?" yup....dh decided to drive as this place was in a village about 20-30min away by car. He didn't want his 37weeks+ preggo wife on a scooter going over mountain roads......gee.....why not!!!
Had a good talk with the social worker about things and our work. She was happy to hear of this. Anyway, we got there at one house, no signs of anyone there. So we go down the mountain to her house. A man, who I am not sure was sober, opened the door. No, she isn't here. She's over at such and such a village.
Great, she won't answer phones, took baby with her and all. SW said she knew about us coming though. Ah, the joys of this work.
Anyway, we'll try next week. Mom is 27yr old, not married. Bio father is in another county working. He sends her about $90US/month to live on....oh, she has a first grader as well...............never a dull moment.
So, please continue praying that we can visit this mom and talk with her about her options and what's best for the baby. It was her decision or opinion to give baby up for adoption, so pray that she goes through.
Thanks
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
New program.....
We have decided to launch a new program. "Adopt a Mom" is mentioned to the left. Ok, not a spiffy name....but if you think of another cool and enticing name, let me know. We are praying that through these "scholarships", we can help these mom's who usually have no one around to help.
We have heard of mom's, once found out they are pregnant, the dad splits, the mom's parents are embarrassed and so she has to fend for herself. It is sad, but ever so prevalent in today's society. Only recently has Taiwan started any programs. In our county, there are NO CHRIST CENTERED programs for this. Can you help us start it? It doesn't have to be a one lump some of $300US. It can be monthly donations for "adopt a mom" or it can be a one time offering. We can put together a few sponsors for one mom. You can get updates if you wish. Allowing the mom to know she has support is half of the battle.
Please consider this program. Remember, she may or may not choose adoption, but entering in this program, she won't be choosing abortion!! She will get knowledge and skills and support to have her make wise choices. And we will incorporate the Bible and making wise choices now and the future. Write me if you are interested!!!***oh, it can be tax deductible too!!!** panshrmu@yahoo.com
We have heard of mom's, once found out they are pregnant, the dad splits, the mom's parents are embarrassed and so she has to fend for herself. It is sad, but ever so prevalent in today's society. Only recently has Taiwan started any programs. In our county, there are NO CHRIST CENTERED programs for this. Can you help us start it? It doesn't have to be a one lump some of $300US. It can be monthly donations for "adopt a mom" or it can be a one time offering. We can put together a few sponsors for one mom. You can get updates if you wish. Allowing the mom to know she has support is half of the battle.
Please consider this program. Remember, she may or may not choose adoption, but entering in this program, she won't be choosing abortion!! She will get knowledge and skills and support to have her make wise choices. And we will incorporate the Bible and making wise choices now and the future. Write me if you are interested!!!***oh, it can be tax deductible too!!!** panshrmu@yahoo.com
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Had a baby born!!
No, not mine:-)
A mom I had contact with via the internet.I have only seen her pix on her blog and had contact via instant message and email........never even heard her voice.
Anyway, because she is married (she is 20yr and her dh is 21yr old), this had to be a domestic one. USA immigration wouldn't consider the baby girl and orphan since parents are together. So, this baby was/is being adopted by a missionary family here in Taiwan. She must live with them for 2 years before being considered abandoned by her biological family. That's the USA immigration laws.
So, Baby girl was born June 2, 2008 at 6:27pm...........2,526grams (5.5lbsish) and 47cm (18.5in) long........very normal for Chinese babies. I sure hope I get some pictures:-)
A mom I had contact with via the internet.I have only seen her pix on her blog and had contact via instant message and email........never even heard her voice.
Anyway, because she is married (she is 20yr and her dh is 21yr old), this had to be a domestic one. USA immigration wouldn't consider the baby girl and orphan since parents are together. So, this baby was/is being adopted by a missionary family here in Taiwan. She must live with them for 2 years before being considered abandoned by her biological family. That's the USA immigration laws.
So, Baby girl was born June 2, 2008 at 6:27pm...........2,526grams (5.5lbsish) and 47cm (18.5in) long........very normal for Chinese babies. I sure hope I get some pictures:-)
Monday, June 2, 2008
**this is a post from a family adopting from Taiwan....I think it gives you a good example of stuff being done or not being done here......**
These are the number of adoptions from Taiwan by US citizens that have been completed in the past several years.
There are 32 orphanages in Taiwan, 4 of which have contracts with American adoption agencies
Right now, Taiwan is the 14th most densely populated country in the world. It was #2 in 1997.The size of Taiwan is 13,892 square miles, a little less than Delaware and Maryland combined, although it holds over 23 million people.Their population growth rate is .30%, which has slowed from .80% in 2000.
The population increase and density has slowed in recent years. Partly because of young women choosing careers and education and waiting until later in life to marry. Another part is due to efforts by the government to promote 1 or 2 child families. They have a slogan '1 is not too few; 2 is just right'. Also, young couples are seeing children as many Americans do (as expenses) and having only one or two, as they feel it is what they can 'afford'.
Taiwan is a small place with many people. Family size is decreasing. Many pregnancies are being terminated and many babies are being given up to orphanages. Orphanages are full. Child abuse rates are high. Foster homes are fewer than needed. Case workers are fewer than needed.
Taiwanese families in general do not adopt. It is an Asian cultural system tied to family blood lines. There is the fear of nonacceptance by other family members for the child is not blood and the fear that the child will turn 18 and look for its blood family. Fear.
Unwed mothers and single mothers are socially unaccepted. They are discriminated against. They are not hired for jobs, cannot find child care, cannot find an apartment to rent, and receive no support and ostracized from family. So most choose abortion. The option of placing the child up for adoption is only available if they can find an organization to take care of them until they give birth.There is a need for an unwed mothers and children's home in Taiwan. While there are a few in some parts of he island, there are none in some sections of island. In Taitung County, there is no unwed mothers home, no children's home.
The Pan's are trying to change that.They desire to see a home for unwed mothers so the women may choose life for their child, a home that will meet their physical need for shelter, food, clothing AND provide for their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs to empower and educate them for their future. A home that values the life of the mother AND the child.
These are the number of adoptions from Taiwan by US citizens that have been completed in the past several years.
2006 -187
2005 -138
2004 -107
2003 -104
2002 -48
Most adoptions from Taiwan are by Dutch families in the Netherlands (663 total from 1990 -2005).Most adoptions were infants from orphanages.There are 32 orphanages in Taiwan, 4 of which have contracts with American adoption agencies
Right now, Taiwan is the 14th most densely populated country in the world. It was #2 in 1997.The size of Taiwan is 13,892 square miles, a little less than Delaware and Maryland combined, although it holds over 23 million people.Their population growth rate is .30%, which has slowed from .80% in 2000.
The population increase and density has slowed in recent years. Partly because of young women choosing careers and education and waiting until later in life to marry. Another part is due to efforts by the government to promote 1 or 2 child families. They have a slogan '1 is not too few; 2 is just right'. Also, young couples are seeing children as many Americans do (as expenses) and having only one or two, as they feel it is what they can 'afford'.
Taiwan is a small place with many people. Family size is decreasing. Many pregnancies are being terminated and many babies are being given up to orphanages. Orphanages are full. Child abuse rates are high. Foster homes are fewer than needed. Case workers are fewer than needed.
Taiwanese families in general do not adopt. It is an Asian cultural system tied to family blood lines. There is the fear of nonacceptance by other family members for the child is not blood and the fear that the child will turn 18 and look for its blood family. Fear.
Unwed mothers and single mothers are socially unaccepted. They are discriminated against. They are not hired for jobs, cannot find child care, cannot find an apartment to rent, and receive no support and ostracized from family. So most choose abortion. The option of placing the child up for adoption is only available if they can find an organization to take care of them until they give birth.There is a need for an unwed mothers and children's home in Taiwan. While there are a few in some parts of he island, there are none in some sections of island. In Taitung County, there is no unwed mothers home, no children's home.
The Pan's are trying to change that.They desire to see a home for unwed mothers so the women may choose life for their child, a home that will meet their physical need for shelter, food, clothing AND provide for their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs to empower and educate them for their future. A home that values the life of the mother AND the child.
Baby J.......2months............pray we can get papers signed and start the process this month. Bio mom turns 20yrs old end of June. In Taiwan, if mom is not 20yr old, then she has to have her parents sign............problem is, bio mom never told her mom she had this baby!!! (check out Sarah and David blog link to the left)....
.
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Sunday, June 1, 2008
those ups and downs....
Can I just say I want to scream right now!!!
Today we were to see a baby boy, mom had already decided on adoption. She asked if she could breastfeed for one month, she goes back to jail in August anyway.
Mom had scares up her arm from cutting herself, and she had the alcoholic deep scratchy voice. By looking at her, the lifestyle she lives is quite obvious.
Well, social worker and I get there and mom is wishy washy. She kinda was feeling what if the family was bad, or how would she know how the child is doing. I answered all her questions and assured her that the adopting family was willing to send pictures to her so she can have peace about her decision.
After that she seemed ok. Well, the her 15yr old son steps in. He doesn't want baby brother given away. His attitude and smirks made me want to smack him one!! Mom said she is going to think about it.
So, I had to write the adopting family and explain current situation. That is so hard for me to do. I know that technically we should wait till all papers are signed for adoptions, but really, I am one that prefers to have things lined up. Meaning, I want to make sure I have a family and all things covered and questions answered. It is not my fault the mother is probably going through hormonal problems after delivering.
So, I ask that you all pray for this case. We really need God to work on this mom's heart, to open up her eyes and see what is going on and how this baby needs a stable home.
Today we were to see a baby boy, mom had already decided on adoption. She asked if she could breastfeed for one month, she goes back to jail in August anyway.
Mom had scares up her arm from cutting herself, and she had the alcoholic deep scratchy voice. By looking at her, the lifestyle she lives is quite obvious.
Well, social worker and I get there and mom is wishy washy. She kinda was feeling what if the family was bad, or how would she know how the child is doing. I answered all her questions and assured her that the adopting family was willing to send pictures to her so she can have peace about her decision.
After that she seemed ok. Well, the her 15yr old son steps in. He doesn't want baby brother given away. His attitude and smirks made me want to smack him one!! Mom said she is going to think about it.
So, I had to write the adopting family and explain current situation. That is so hard for me to do. I know that technically we should wait till all papers are signed for adoptions, but really, I am one that prefers to have things lined up. Meaning, I want to make sure I have a family and all things covered and questions answered. It is not my fault the mother is probably going through hormonal problems after delivering.
So, I ask that you all pray for this case. We really need God to work on this mom's heart, to open up her eyes and see what is going on and how this baby needs a stable home.
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