Update regarding Embassy Appointments

Earlier today I sent you a notice regarding a Bethany conference call.  At the same time, I was also contacting some families to let them know specifically where they stand in terms of receiving an embassy appointment.  We have not been informed that any FTIA families are under investigation.  One FTIA case that is waiting for an embassy appointment did receive a request for additional information.  The information must be provided by the orphanage and the staff at Shalom are in the process of gathering that information.  We have two other cases waiting for an embassy appointment.  For those cases, no additional information has been requested at this time.  We have two families preparing to travel for their court dates soon.  We cannot predict when those families will receive embassy appointments after court approval. 

As I have thought about the Ethiopia program and the changes it has undergone, I can concede that there has been less communication from the orphanage.  When we began our program, we had a direct line of communication through Mekonnen at Shalom.  Because of our friendly relationship with him, we were able to get more information than we might otherwise receive.  Now that Meknonnen is no longer working for FTIA or Bethany there has been an understandable decrease in the amount of information flowing from Shalom.  This not a reflection of FTIA's dedication to our adoptive families.  We are just as committed to you and the children as always.  However, our sources for information are not as plentiful as they once were; therefore, there is less information that we can pass on to you.  Also, the change in the atmosphere surrounding adoptions in Ethiopia and adoptions in general have created the need to be more cautious in sharing any news or information until it can be absolutely confirmed as fact.

It has always been our policy to pass along only confirmed news or information and as time goes on and the process becomes more complicated, it can take longer to confirm information.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Salome LaMarche
Director of Programs