Just when you thought things couldn't get worse...now the US has issued a statement. I didn't post the official Liberian statement earlier this week. Long story short...Liberia has shut down international adoption. I believe they have very legitimate concerns and things need to change, but I can't explain how bad it SUCKS to be stuck in the middle of this. I have a special needs child waiting to come home in a fourth world country. My child needs medical attention and I want her home. I just got off the phone with the head of our adoption agency. He was very kind and doesn't believe that it's time to give up on this. But, he was also very honest and realistic. My baby is worth fighting for, but it would be best if we prepared ourselves for a long fight. While I'm being honest, I'll just throw in that I'm going to need some serious help to get through this. I'm going to be meeting with a counselor to hopefully gain some coping skills, because I am near the edge of losing it right now. To say that we need your prayers would be an understatement, friends.

Anyway, here's the official statement from the US State Department...
Us State Department Issues Statement on Liberia
Government of Liberia Suspends Intercountry Adoptions

The Government of Liberia (GOL) suspended processing of adoptions on January 26, 2009, on the recommendation of the President's Special Committee on Adoption. According to the Liberian President's statement, processing of adoptions was suspended due to mismanagement. The GOL expects to resume adoptions this year after its adoption law, policy, and guidelines have been established.

American citizens are alerted that the Government of Liberia suspended adoption services provided by the agencies West African Children Support Network (WACSN) and Acres of Hope (AOH) on January 22. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced that it is investigating WACSN and AOH to ensure that the children in their care are properly cared for and that adoptions are conducted in accordance with Liberian adoption law. American citizens who have pending adoption applications with either agency should contact the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia at monroviaadoptions@state.gov before traveling to Liberia.