03/06/2009

Exciting Activity in Ethiopia

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This week has been a busy one for our Ethiopia program.  One family arrived to pick up their little girl.  All went very well as a little girl begins her future with her forever family.  We had five court dates this week and all have been approved.  Three more dossiers are being authenticated in D.C.  Milkiyas has been busy identifying familes to receive the gifts from Bethany's gift catalog - chickens, goats, cows.  He is overwhelmed with the generous donations that have been given to help so many needy families.

03/19/2009

3-19: Important information from the US Embassy in Addis

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The US Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia has shared some changes and information regarding Hep A, visa scheduling, and TB testing for all children being adopted.  

Earlier in March, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) brought attention again to a Hepatitis A risk.  Please go to this link for their recommendations and more information: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel//contentHepAEthiopianAdoptees.aspx

In regards to visa appointments, the Embassy has advised that agencies will have their scheduled visa appointments on a bi-weekly basis.  

The third item to be addressed is TB testing. Every child being adopted is now being required (by the CDC)  to have a TB test before their visa can be issued.  After a child's court case, they will be taken to the clinic approved by the Embassy for this testing.   For children under 2, panel pediatricians will review history and physical signs to determine if a gastric aspiration is needed to obtain a sputum sample.  If the culture is positive, then TB treatment will be required. For children 2-14 years, they will all undergo a skin test (TST).  If the test shows TB exposure, then a chest x-ray will be done.  If the chest x-ray indicates possible TB, then a smear culture will be required.  The results of the culture will determine whether treatment is necessary. For children who have a positive result, they will undergo 6 months of Directly Observed Therapy at the clinic in Addis Ababa before an immigrant visa will be issued.

Please visit the following link as shared by the Embassy for more information:   http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/tb_testing.html

Should you have further questions or concerns on any of these three topics, please talk to your worker. We'll continue to share updates as available...

03/27/2009

3-27: Power in Prayer

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There are approximately 143 million orphans in the world today.
Many children are older, or a sibling group. Some children have medical, physical or developmental challenges.
We aren't asking you to help 143 million orphans, but you can make a difference by being a Bethany Prayer Warrior.

Prayer Warriors will receive pictures and information of children waiting through Bethany.

We ask that you pray for the children.
Pray for families who are willing to accept the children with special needs into their hearts and homes.
Pray for those who will never be adopted. May someone come into their life and love and care for them.
 
Each of us is part of the Body of Christ. It is He in us that is more than able to make a difference.

If you want to be added to the Prayer Warrior group and receive emails about waiting children, please send an email to:
jvandyke@bethany.org