Conspriacy at work?

In the post below I have been trying to verify this from the source. Google took me to Alberta Children Services page, but nothing on the page that would indicate this, HOWEVER when I checked the cached(previously stored pages from google), this is what ACS DID have on their "what's new page", but have DELETED in the last couple days...
----------------
International Adoption Referrals of Medically Fragile Children (March 2007)

Effective immediately, Children’s Services is not accepting adoption matching referrals of medically fragile children proposed through the international adoption program until we have a position, policy and procedures in place. More information will be posted when it is available.

--------------------
If you google "medically fragile alberta child services"
the first thing that comes up is:
What's New!
International Adoption Referrals of Medically Fragile Children (March 2007) ... They do not have the authority to represent Alberta Children's Services or ...
www.child.gov.ab.ca/whatwedo/adoption/page.cfm?pg=What's%20New!
- 59k - Cached - Similar pages

If you click on the cached part it shows the page saved on March 12th


------------------------
If you click on the main link for that page on google it take syou to the current looking page where that opening paragaph is gone!

Did they delete it due to uproar, trying to push this under the carpet or what? I know a BUNCH of folks ready to let their voice be heard, but I am trying to get this validated from the source to ensure this is true(I hope it isn't, but I suspect it is a hush hush job happening).

Time to change fustration from China gov't to Alberta's

although Cara and I are not in the Waiting Child program this is an assinine move by the Alberta gov't. I received this email from one of the adoption email groups I am on. The names are removed, but the content is true. I urge anyone who reads this(whether you are in the Waiting Child program which would be effected by this ruling,or not) to politely, yet firmly, let this gov't office know this is just wrong. If it flies in Alberta, it will spread. These children, with EASILY treatable medical conditions(some which are even just cosmetic(birthmarks, to mild heart issues, to cleft palates which are ALL treatable so these chidlren can grow up healthy in society) are destined to stay in institutions if nonsense like this gets passed.

Dear Waiting Children Families,
We need your HELP!
The families of Waiting Children in Canada have just learned that a Canadian province, Alberta, has decided to HALT acceptance of all referrals for "medically fragile" children who are being adopted
internationally. In this category, they have included the referrals
for children from China's Waiting Child Program. Apart from the fact that, as we all know, the vast majority of WCP children are not "medically fragile", this action runs the risk of influencing other provinces to follow suit.

There is no doubt that the root of this action is Alberta Children's Services concern for our children's use of provincially- funded healthcare resources; a health care system which Albertan families pay for through their taxes!!!

This is clearly discrimination against our children and we are OUTRAGED!!! Please join us in expressing the fact that this action has been ill-considered and should be reversed!!!

The morevoices speaking out against this, the better.

Please tell the Minister for Alberta Children's Services about your
child or children. Emphasize how minor their medical needs are, or,
if they have more severe needs, stress how wonderful and capable
your kids are and what joy they have brought to your lives!

The ACS needs to know that our children are NOT burdens on society, and
that they are NOT creating excessive demands on health care services.

Let them know that you are disappointed that they would consider "waiting children" less deserving of an adoptive family simply because they have known medical needs.

Please take a few moments to send a signed letter to the
Minister of Alberta Children's Services, The Honourable Janis
Tarchuk, at:

#228 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6

Minister Janis Tarchuk email:
banff.cochrane@assembly.ab.ca

& cc Alberta Children's Services at:
cs.communications@ gov.ab.ca

Pretender

What does one do when waiting for the slow train to China adoption comes to your station? You fill your brain with lots of mindless entertainment to keep it off the serious stuff!

I loved watching this show when it first came out, I have bought the four seasons on DVD and enjoyed it, however the show was cancelled and left with a cliff hanger ending, most unsatisfyng. However 2 made for tv movies were made, but countless attempts to find and get this via ebay have been fruitless(I will not pay $60 for 3 hours of questionable recording quality video).

Then, a wonderful treat from my wife, she comes to work has me close my eyes and puts a dvd case in my hands...now I haven't talked about getting any movies etc, so I was totally taken by surprise that it is an offical dvd via futureshop of these 2 movies. YAHOO!!!

Here is a summary of what the show is about:

The Pretender is the story of Jarod, a boy-genius taken from his family as a child. Jarod possesses the ability to quickly learn and impersonate different jobs and occupations. His abductors, a facility simply known as The Centre, tested his abilities through various simulations.

But after years of these performances, Jarod becomes wise to the fact that these simulations aren't being used to help people. The Centre sells the sims to the highest bidder to do with as they please, whether it is for good or evil purposes. Knowing this, he breaks free from his captors. Now, as an adult, Jarod sets out to find his family. Along the way, he befriends many people, righting any wrong by using his abilities to become anyone he wants to be.

But the Centre has a lot invested in Jarod, and they won't give him up easily. They recruit Sydney, his father-figure and trainer all through his time growing up in The Centre. Sydney is the only man who is so close to Jarod, he knows how he thinks. Also in pursuit is Miss Parker, Jarod's childhood friend whose father runs The Centre. Both are aided by Broots, a nervous computer whiz who is always going above and beyond the call of duty (whether he wants to or not).


Quirky characters, overall clean viewing(there were a couple episodes over the 4 years that touched on some relationship/sexual stuff still tame in comparision to what you can see at 8 pm on a week night these days though) and I loved the 2 sides of Jarod, the one who is kind and wanting to help people and solve problems, and then there is this dark avenger side, where the evil must be punished and he would step in and do that, never taking a life, but making sure the culprits were scared nearly to death caught in a trap or siutation similar to what they did to their victims.

So looking forward to watching those 2 tv mmovies and seeing all that is out there on this series.

Busy times

Well, time to catch up. Congrats to you Oct 2005 folks who got referrals,seems like that month is finally done. Always nice to see referral pics and drool, over the cuteness, then cry, because they aren't yours, then tears of joy for those little ones finally able to be in a forever family.

Good chance May 2006 is in review stage,although that is speculation at this point, a few rumors floating around, we will see...but it is some progress...

Folks ask me how the process is going. I have been replying, "Imagine a depressed turtle, lugging a load of rocks, against a strong headwind...he is closer to getting to China than we are these days..." laugh or cry, heh :)

Well, let's see, ahh the conference, boring as watching paint dry, however the bonus, evenings off to walk around green Vancouver. It was so refreshing to see some green stuff compared to the white stuff...Green therapy :). I also had down time to do some dreaming about Kids Ministry and where I want to see it go at my church. It was nice to be away from phones and regular work stuff and just have time alone to think, not even music to listen to.

Rob Bell, a preacher dude from the US has put out some great quality teaching videos from Nooma(name of his production company). Deep thinking stuff, but practical. He has a great one on noise and how our lives get so full of it we don't give space for God to speak to us. Used it as a teaching tool to inspire my teachers at a teacher appreciation event we did a short time ago. It was nice to apply the principles myself over that conference time.

Came home to see that I needed to step into preaching for a few weeks to give my Senior pastor a respite so he could recover from illness. He is doing better now. Got my sermon done for this week, among doing all my regular stuff to ensure our JUMP program runs,etc.

Also did an outreach to families meal and program on Wednesday for the families that come to our midweek program. I got to break out the magic props and perform. Had an AWESOME show, tried some new stuff, dusted off some oldies but goodies, had a blast, as did the audience.

I LOVE PERFORMING, and TEACHING the GOSPEL through it. Such a rush! There is that side of my personality that gets refreshed from it. It expends a bunch of energy and is hard "work" but so rewarding when it clicks. Got some programs lined up in April and June to minister at other churches, plus have to develop my messages, and tricks for the upcoming Camp season.

Busy times, but God is good.

Nicknames

It is so sweet reading some blogs with the nicknames they have for either their children or the ones they are waiting for. "Dreamsicle" has got to top the list for me right now(not to use) but as a nickname that is just so darn cute.

When Julia is finally in our arms, I know nicknames such as "my precious little jewel" "Jules" will be often used, not too sure what other cutsie names I would use...pumpkin is one that I have used with other kids in the past, just not sure it will fit...I wonder if it might take a picture of her to inspire this...hmmm.

In Random news, off to attend a mandatory information conference put on by the denomination I work under...I am quite annoyed at their lack of organization. They haven't told us if we are getting picked up from the airport, how to get reinbursed, if the rooms they have for us require us to bring bedding or towels, and when I emailed early in the week they said, "we will send you some info later in the week". All that was, was info on how to get a password to let us into the building and then of course everyone's office was closed so I couldn't get more info... should be an interesting few days ahead. BAH, would much rather be staying at home and catching up on work than this, oh well, each job has its hoops to jump through...

Geoff Moore and other musicians with China treasures

Steven Curtis chapman has been known to us as being in the whole China Adoption picture, but I just found out back in 2002 Geoff Moore anoher Christian singer, had make that trek and had recorded a song from his Beautiful Sounds album called Swept Away, detailing the Gotcha moment. I had the album back when it came out. Cara had bought it for me because I loved the stuff he had done with his band in the past, but this album didn't jump out, I hadn't looked at it in years, I will post some lyrics soon, it is a nice song, not as strong as the other ones we have found, but cool nevertheless. We also see that Newsong was in China in November and got their little treasures and have said their upcoming album will have a song about it in it, so we will look forward to that.

Nine Month LID

Couple days late in posting(and I think we missed number 8 as well...) but 9 months logged in, in a couple months I will have to start using my toes to keep track...

Got my first set of shots today, Twinrex(Hep A and B protection), with no sideeffects thus far. Growing up with some of the allergies I had(and some that I still do have) I stayed away from innoculations, but this one went well, and next month with the booster for it I will get the typhoid one and that should do it.

News in the cup half full division...as a number of past posts have been with a feelign of fustration etc. over the waiting, I came to a realization with some recent events that are more optimistic.

Our trusty "steed"(93 Olds) has needed some TLC in the "stables"(garage) the last 2 weeks, and it has meant shelling out a few bales of hay($$$), which we were blessed to have as we have been saving for the eventual trip to China. So since we aren't going to be needing to buy those plane tickets for the foreseeable future, we have plenty of time to resave the pennies and quarters to replenish the trip to China fund!!! Wonderful news eh!

Okay, so there is a BIT of tone in that, lol :)

Taxes are due, so my hope is the tax fairy will leave a decent deposit rather than withdrawal under the pillow this year...just have to get motivated to crunch some numbers.

In blogging topic news... I have tried to keep this blog fairly on topic with adoption related stuff, but I think, since our journey is going to be a bit longer than we initally expected, I may just have to occasionally veer into Random Randyness from time to time...just giving ya' all some warning ;)

CNY

Chinese New Year is on the 18th but it was celebrated on Saturday here by the Chinese Association. They booked our cities arena, put on a great spread and provided entertainment and some auctions of Asian ornaments etc. Some friends of ours invited us last year and we were unable to go because we had already registered for Breakforth, but no such barrier this year. It was a nice time. I wish we had more opportunity to chat with our friends, but we did get to spend some quality time with their newest daughter Kayla, a real Asian cutie.

The auction items were interesting- ceramic and jade bonsai fruit trees being the items that stood out to me(not the greatest looking design, so although it was interesting, I wasn't tempted to purchase :). They had an Asian lady magician perform. We only caught the first half of the show. She was technically sound, but her english wasn't great so it made for some awkward moments with her and her volunteers for one of the tricks.

They had a number of traditional Asian dances, the Lion Dance, to bring in the New Year(Year of the Pig) started it off. They did a nice drum dance, but the hilight was the butterfly dance. The use of hand held fans, choreographed very nicely into a beautiful display of grace and movement. There is a crazy story connected to it, a Romeo and Julliet type romance and then the guy dies, the girl goes to the grave, the grave opens she jumps in and then 2 butterflies fly out of the ground and into the beyond. Obvious Asian Religious symbolism of reincarnation etc. in there, but the dance itself didn't tell you any of that, it was just a dance.

It is one of the interesting thing Cara and I talked about in relation to Julia and her birthplace countries culture. Being Christians there are philosophies and beliefs the Asian culture holds which we obviously don't agree with. Yet for some Asians the things they do(action wise) are done without the spiritual connection to the event, the action and the culture have mingled so much that the original spiritual intent is lost and just delegated to culture or tradition, similar to the Jewish people, many who just follow actions out of tradition or because they are "born a Jew" but don't do it out of the personal belief system they have.

It is a challenge because we don't want to ignore or cut off Asian culture from Julia(much of which I am fasinated with and personally enjoy, before I even thought of adopting my Asian daughter), but we don't want to endorse any spiritual belief that is contrary to Christ, so trying to figure out what is good, and what isn't will be an interesting journey.

On the other hand, because I have worked closely with a generation of Asian kids who have grown up in Canada. I have seen the challenge they have faced in trying to determine their identity. They have grown up like "any other Canadian kid" but at home there is the influence of Asian culture, thought and practise that is also part of their world, so they have to work through that, and the result is they end up saying "I am Canadian". But being Canadian means very little(I am proud to be Canadian, don't get me wrong, not saying that at all...) but what is a Canadian? Because of the cultural diversity we have in this country, it is very hard to define what that actually looks like. I am GLAD we have the diversity, which will make it "more acceptable" to have a baby from a "different ethnic origin", and that there are many different ethnic people groups around, so we aren't a "white only" type place. This outweighs, in my opinion, the country confusion idea.

The thing that totally dispels the determination of "Who am I?" is not who my parents are, nor the country I originated from, or the country I live in, or the way that I look, or the people I hang out with... or any list people us to try to answer this age old question. The answer, the key that solves all of that is simple and yet profound....

We are to be a child of God. Our Julia has been created by Him, with purpose plan, personality, passions, and gifts uniquely hers, given by her Heavenly Father. Her identity is found, and blossoms, in her relationship, we pray, she will have with Jesus Christ. We are not citizens of this world or this country, or country of our origin. As a Christian we are a citizen of the King, a citizen of heaven...and when Julia(or anyone) comes to the place of realizing and living in that truth, the identity issue is resolved and you get a focus that guides you in who you are, who you become and what you do and why you do it, that is amazing, and that spiritual perspective puts the temporal things in their proper place.

We hope that by the next time CNY rolls around Kayla and Julia can hang out, eat some Chinese stirfry veges together, watch a butterfly dance, and begin to gorw their appreciation of some wonderful apsects of the Chinese culture while being totally content to watch hockey, live in an igloo all year round, be polite, say "ehhh" a lot and enjoy ALL there is about being in Canada ;) heh!

Same old, Same old

Sigh.... there is like 7 months worth of referrals that still need to be done, as matches were just done for Oct 22 2005. I have been holding onto the hope that by late Fall 2007 we could be heading to China, that doesn't seem likely, it would mean processing a month of files per month, and that just hasn't been happening. I really don't know how my heart will process starting 2008 without Julia, I just can't imagine it, don't want to.

After reading through the blogs of folks who had just gotten their referrals, I went to bed over the weekend and had such a vivid dream where Julia was home and I was holding her, it was insane. I knew I was dreaming, I was aware it wasn't real, yet I could feel her hugging me, I could feel the way she felt in my arms, her hair brushing against my cheek...it was so vivid. Needless to say, it sucked to know it wasn't real.

In baby room news...Cara found a crib set, bumper pad, and wall border set that has now set in place the colors we will need to have to paint the room. So that will be something in the near future to work on.

Had the kids from my church run the church service on Sunday. Went really well. It is awesome to see kids serving and worshipping God. Very encouraging...one day it will be extra delightful to have Julia in there...

CCAA has new batch in

Reviews are done up to March 22 2006 and referral being sent to those LID Oct 13.

So that means just 2 more months worth of dossiers til we are through the review room(please note this doesn't mean 2 months only to wait for this stage...*starts broken record). But that is promising, we are getting closer to another stage. Hope abounds :).So if all pacing stayed the same(not likely) Augustish we could get a referral, then travel in Octoberish? Can't wait to get to the stage were I can report with less "ish" and more solid timeframes.

We are past our 8 month LID. Got shots lined up for the end of February, and maybe, just maybe are close to deciding on paint colors for Julia's room we have been receiving or getting a number of insect related things, and I got a couple of felt clouds to put up, so I think we are reaching the saturation point, we must paint and place!

Work has slammed me making it harder to think adoption stuff and have time to reflect and write, but hopefully it will normalize soon.