Like many African countries, Burkina courts close for the month of August. Ethiopia and Uganda also close, though they follow slightly different schedules. That means that Ruth and our attorney are trying their best to push through as many cases as possible over the next few weeks. Any adoptions that have not been finalized by the end of July will be taken up again in September. Remember that families must wait at least one month from the time that a decree is written until travel.

In order to cause the least disruption to the rhythm of our placements while granting Ruth some much needed and deserved R and R, she is planning to travel home in September for several weeks. Ruth's staff, namely Ernest and Adiara, will continue translating homestudies and dossiers while gathering and processing whatever is able to be done during this court hiatus. At this time, we can be as confident as possible that at least two more families will reach home before the closure, while two others are running in a very tight race. Believe me, all that can be done on Ruth and her staff's part is being done to move these cases ahead as expeditiously as possible.

Two new families began the adoption process in Burkina this month. That is very exciting news for them, for their children, for Ruth, and for AAI. The "Burkina Family" is growing and thriving.

Three families completed or nearly completed their dossiers this month and we're hopeful that two families will be traveling next month to meet their beautiful children!

It appears that lovely Claire, the preteen with albinism, has a family. Actually more than one family stepped forward to become her parents. Social Action is now making their final determination with regard to her placement. Thanks to all of you who sent your positive energy and prayers in the direction of this beautiful child. Daniel, the youngest of the boys with a hearing impairment, also found a family this month.

Charlemagne, one of many waiting children.

Dieudonne, the little three year old with sickle cell anemia (on AAI's Waiting Child page), has had several inquiries, but we have not received a homestudy or other confirming documents from any families. Harouna, the little guy in the blue Bumbo Seat may have a family but there have been no serious inquiries about his "buddy," Gelles, next to him in the "waiting child queue." Several families have inquired about Mariam and Madina, the little girls who reside with Ruth in Yako. Rosalie, a precious little girl with severe CP is still on the list, as you can see. Charlemagne, who was featured in the AAI general newsletter is also hearing impaired. I'm surprised this beautiful, talented, and well mannered boy is still waiting, but....

Clearly, not all families are in a financial, emotional, and spiritual "place" to become parents of children with very special needs. Some of these children will need ongoing care and support throughout their lives. If, however, you know someone who may be interested in this kind of commitment, please let them know about these children who need families.

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all of you, on behalf of Ruth, her staff in Burkina, the AAI staff here in Port Angeles, and myself for being such a patient, gracious, and kind group of families. No kidding, you folks make it worth coming to work in the morning, despite the occasional disappointments, frustrations, and setbacks. I've been working in adoptions for over thirty years and I cannot recall a more sensitive, even-tempered, and pleasantly-spirited lot. Thank you for your love, patience, and commitment!

Sincerely,

Gay Knutson, Burkina Faso Coordinator

gay@adoptionadvocates.org