Philippines Adoption Blog                   

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The last sunday in August is National Heroes Day (Ninoy Aquino and Manuel L. Quezon) in the Philippines.  It is a day for the people of the Philippines to honor the heroes who helped shape and build their democracy and freedom.  Owing to the Holiday, staff at ICAB will not be available August 18, 19 & 25, 2008.

Posted by Alison M. Adema At 10:50:14 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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We apologize for the delay in updating this blog.  Due to a tragedy in my family, vacations, and holidays, we have not been able to appropriately keep you all updated, and I do apologize.  Please know that I will update the blog by the end of July with progress and news.  On a personal note, my family covets your prayers.  I truly appreciate your patience and understanding in this delay...
 
Thanks, Sincerely,
Alison, Program Coordinator for Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines

Posted by Julie E. Velthouse At 11:37:32 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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This group is hosting a Filipino Adoptees Network Gathering - the first  - in Colorado early this August.  It is being held at the same time as the Colorado Heritage Camp (Filipinos Camp).  These are just a few ways to get connected to your children's heritage and other adoptive families.

Posted by Alison M. Adema At 03:41:51 PM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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...the CIA Fact Book for basic information on the Philippines - it's People, Geography, Background and more!

Posted by Alison M. Adema At 11:19:38 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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One family is traveling home this week, and one other family is making plans to travel in the near future.  We pray for God's continued blessings to these families - for safety and their transitions.

Posted by Alison M. Adema At 03:08:59 PM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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In 2007, Bethany Christian Services applied for Hague Accreditation and as of 2.29.08 we learned that we received accreditation!!  We are thankful to all those who contributed to this achievement.   Last week the State Department released the public list of Hague Accredited Agencies. We congratulate our colleagues across the country as we all continue to work to serve the children.  The Hague Accreditation enables us to continue working in Hague countries (Philippines is a Hague country) for intercountry adoptions, and we are proud to share this news.  To read more about the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions, please link here to Rainbowkids.com

Posted by Alison M. Adema At 03:54:06 PM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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One family traveled home from the Philippines this week with their son.  We are thankful for safe travels for this family.  We have quite a few families who are waiting on their final approval either from USCIS or their final approval for travel.  

A newer procedure in 2007 is for cases to be processed by USCIS AND the National Visa Center.  For families who already have USCIS approval of their I600 petition, they should contact the National Visa Center(NVC) to verify it's been processed and forwarded to the Embassy in Manilla.  After USCIS approval until the file is registered at the NVC usually takes about 7-10 days.  Inquiries can be made to the NVC by e-mail or phone (click above link) - be sure to note your case is an adoption case.    If the NVC does not have record of the file, and it's been more than the 10 days, families should consult their social worker and verify with the local USCIS office that they forwarded the file to the NVC.  Only after the files arrives in Manilla by way of the NVC will the visa medical and visa appointment be able to be scheduled.  Our liaison agency in the Philippines is responsible for scheduling this, and will confirm that information for families as soon as it's available.  

Posted by Alison M. Adema At 11:46:13 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Bethany will be closed on Monday, January 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day.

Posted by Alison M. Adema At 12:00:00 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Each January, on the third weekend, Cebu City celebrates Sinulog Festival, the feast of Santo Niño, patron saint of the city of Cebu and the entire province.  Santo Niño is translated as "holy child" meaning Jesus.  The festival includes dance, colorful costumes, instruments, gongs, and cumulating in a Grand Parade.  The parade ends at the Basilica where a re-enactment of the Christianization of Cebu is performed.  

Sinulog translates "like water current movement," which describes the movement of the dance.  The dance is accompanied by the sounds of drums, and the dance itself is moving two steps forward and one step back.

Posted by Alison M. Adema At 10:18:40 AM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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We're excited to share that a family will be arriving home this weekend with their child from the Philippines!  Thank you Lord for blessing this family and child!  

We are hopeful that two more families will be able to also travel this month - Pray fervently for God's blessings on these waiting families.

Posted by Alison M. Adema At 03:47:16 PM Location | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)