BBAS May 2000 Electronic Newsletter
(As with August 1999 newsletter, we reconstructed this, this time from a text version of the HTML that we still have as a file attachment. Unlike that one, however, this one was lengthy so we just include relevant excerpts here).
Hello to all
I want to update all of you on all programs and events
happening here at Building Blocks. Tensions are still high in Russia, but
everything is slowly moving along. There is no moratorium on adoptions in Russia
at this time. Court cases are STILL being given, slowly but steadily. We are
still receiving referrals along with videos, photos and medical information. It
has been noted in many press releases that the general Russian public wants
foreigners to adopt their children instead of having their children parish in
the orphanages they call home. Our very reputable representatives, who have been
doing business in Russia since 1991, have told us that it is typical for a
change to come and go at this time of the year. We have been assured that in
August, we will see the overflow of many children coming from Russian into the
United States. We are being told to be patient and we are asking you to be
patient and to give us time. We want to make sure all is done correctly before
we send you overseas. We understand your anxiety, but we would rather have you
wait here in the United States. We do not want to send you overseas and have you
return empty handed like so many parents recently have done. Our representatives
are loyal to their Russian government and to the children. Please be patient and
let the system work. We will, without a doubt, alert all adoptive parents,
adopting from any region in Russia, as soon as anything is confirmed to have
occurred.
International adoption is not easy; no one said it would be. We are doing our very best to work together with our international coordinators. We are working on being efficiently organized, having all documents in order, and if we can help it, you will not return home empty handed.
In Bulgaria, heads of ministries have changed hands and delays will occur when changes come about. Again referrals are coming, court dates are being issued, and parents are starting to travel to pick up their children. We have filed a complaint with the Ministry of Health for taking so long on particular cases. We have recently received information that it was not intentional and cases will be moving soon. Again we are asking for patience.
Each adoption is different, just like each pregnancy - some are easier than others, some shorter than others and unfortunately some longer. Please hang in there. We know it is hard and we have ALL been through this.
Children
We have two special needs children available immediately for adoption. Check them out. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact our office for further information. These two lovely children are from Bulgaria.
http://www.rainbowkids.com/wc/view/child.asp?c=938
http://www.rainbowkids.com/wc/view/child.asp?c=939
[These links are no longer active]
Attached are children available immediately through Kazakhstan and Russia. Parents must be paper ready and INS approved.
Boys - under one from Kaz - 1786. 1966, 2004, 2050, 2051
Boys - under 12 mos from Russia - 1953
Girls - between 12-24 mos from Kaz - G1620, G1829
Girls - between 12-24 mos from Russia - G1868, G2045
Programs
We are offering children from Russia, Ukraine, Guatemala, Kazakhstan and Bulgaria. Please check out our site at www.bbas.org for information on these programs.
Trips
Please note - I will be leaving for Bulgaria May 20th-28th.
We are hoping to take monetary donations to provide food, heat, water, clothing,
medical supplies, and surgeries for special needs children, etc on this trip.
Wendy will have the reigns in my absence, as we all know, she is more than able to step in my large shoes!! Wendy can and will advise of any court dates or travel plans that arise. She is prepared to handle all in my absence.
While in Bulgaria, I will TRY to obtain updated videos, photos and measurements of the children waiting to come home. It is not always possible to see all of the children.
During my trip, I am hoping to come back with new referrals
for the waiting parents. Again I will not make any promises, but this trip will
open more orphanages to bring more waiting children into our program.
Privacy
Please note, we as a family, need to honor each other's privacy. When you receive an email with other names and emails on it, please check with the office prior to contacting that person. We are happy to be the go-between in helping you to obtain contact with each other. Also if you need to chat with someone, we are willing to talk with the family member and obtain permission to give out any personal information. Some parents are happy to express their adoption experience; others do not want to be bothered. We need to honor this.
Picnic
We sent out reservation forms for the August 12th Building Blocks Annual picnic at Six Flags. We need to get those reservations in. Please send the forms back to us ASAP. Reservations at the Aurora Inn also need to be established. Make sure you mention you are with the Building Blocks Group. All prospective and adoptive parents are welcome at all of our functions. We are happy to have you all!!!
New Hours
For general questions we will be available Monday through Friday 9a-5p. When parents are traveling overseas or in need of emergency assistance you can contact Denise or Wendy after 5 p.m. and weekends through our cell numbers.
If you call after 5 p.m. with a general question we will be happy to return your call the first thing the next a.m. Emergencies are handled immediately.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Our new summer hours
Less public hours does not mean less service. We here at Building Blocks feel we can give better service and time to you our Adoptive Family if we make time for ourselves and our immediate families. We want to service you better, so we have decided through the Board of Directors that it is in the best interest of all if we have set general hours for the summer months. We hope you can all understand the need to do this. For general questions we will be available Monday through Friday 9a-5p. When parents are traveling overseas or in need of emergency assistance you can contact Denise or Wendy after 5 p.m. and weekends through our cell numbers. If you call after 5 p.m. with a general question we will be happy to return your call the first thing the next a.m. Emergencies are handled immediately.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Address
Please submit all general correspondence to our P.O. box:
Building Blocks Adoption Service, Inc
P.O. Box 1028
Medina, Ohio 44258