Reflecting

Liberia is still open to international adoption.
The US Consulate in Monrovia is still processing adoptions for Acres of Hope.
Adoptions are further being limited at the US Embassy in appointments regardless of the type needed which creates further obstacles and challenges.
This cuts in half what Acres of Hope was able to do and is completely out of their control.
Fewer appointments means fewer visas, fewer passports, and down the line.
Until room is freed up in the orphanages for the children who are adopted and waiting to come home, no more children can come into the orphanage.
It creates a backlog essentially.
We lift up in prayer all the families in the different stages of adoption.
Acres of Hope will continue to advocate for change in this policy.
We are extremely disappointed in the Consulate's decision.
Mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers are desperate to provide a better life for their children. Thousands of children in Liberia still need loving and permanent homes, aside from those Acres of Hope is able to care for in their programs.
Acres of Hope-Liberia exists to serve God through serving the children who truly are the "least of these" in the world.
We must continue to battle in prayer "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12b)
Spiritual growth thrives on challenges.
Every obstacle is an opportunity for personal growth.
In the face of this challenge, we have been asked along with every other family adopting from Liberia to reflect on our original desire to invest our lives in Liberia.
Please pray for Acres of Hope, for the US Consulate, for Liberia as a nation, for President Sirleaf as she leads and guides her people, for the children especially, and for us during this time of prayer and reflection.

Scott and Jennifer Richardson
http://www.richardsonstudios.blogspot.com/