Rumination

When I started thinking about adopting a child, my first choice was international adoption. Then, when I started thinking about countries, Guatemala was the first choice. They have young, healthy babies that are raised in foster homes, not orphanages. It made sense. I could get a baby, less than 9 months old, healthy and only have to travel 2 hours by plane. The in-country stay is only 3-5 days. It all made practical sense.

But....something didn't sit right with this decision. I can't explain it. And, I didn't realize it until something inside my head came alive and said, 'heritage.' Immediately I thought of Eastern Europe. Then, once that ruminated in my head for a few days, it started to become clearer. All of a sudden it didn't matter that I get an infant aged child, in foster care. It didn't matter that I would have to travel overseas for 10 plus hours and stay in-country for 4-6 weeks. It didn't matter that the child would be over age 1 and live in a state run orphanage. I have been called to adopt from Eastern Europe.

Next question, which country? I called my Dad and he reminded me my Grandmother's family is from Minsk, Belarus. We can't adopt from there, so I started looking at neighboring countries. Russia, Ukraine, Moldova. Then, Ukraine struck me. I must go with Ukraine. I don't know why - but then I happened upon Everything is Illuminated, and Chernobyl Heart and it became clear. Illumination is exactly right. Heritage is important - and helping a child in an orphanage is even more important. Now, all this resonates in my heart. God led me to this decision. I am not 100% sure why, but I know it will all make sense when I get to Ukraine, and when I see my child for the first time. It will all make sense.

Paperwork Update - Getting Closer!

I received the updated SBI clearance on Saturday! Yeah! Now all I need is my medical evaluation and employement verification and I should be all set to send to Raleigh to be apostilled. This could be a very good week if I get my dossier completed.

Cheers, Susan

Chernobyl Heart

On April 26, 1986, the worst nuclear accident in history occurred when a reactor exploded at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Sixteen years later, award-winning filmmaker Maryann De Leo took her camera to follow the devastating trail this radiation left behind in hospitals, orphanages, mental asylums and evacuated villages. Winner of the Academy Award ® for Best Documentary Short. "
This movie was on HBO recently. Sixteen years after the incident, Maryann De Leo, from Ireland's Chernobyl Children's Project, created this documentary showing the after effects. The highest population affected were the unborn children to parents who were exposed. Ninety-nine percent of Belarus was contaminated. The way the winds blow, and where Chernobyl is located, sent most the reactive materials into Belarus. There is a small area around Chernobyl that was contaminated. Only 15-20% of babies born in Belarus are healthy. Many are born with multiple holes in their hearts, which is now called "Chernobyl Heart." This condition can be fixed by surgery, but the funds are not available.
"The Chernobyl Children's Project has increased the quality of life for thousands of young girls and boys from the heart of the "Chernobyl zone." Since its establishment in 1991, the project has sent more than 30 million euros in aid to the Chernobyl region, and has brought more than 10,000 children to Ireland on recuperative holidays. "