It’s a sad day in the adoption community. When a program as large as Russia suspends all adoptions, oh my goodness, there are no words. My heart aches for the families…and the thousands of children who wait in that country. This is so horrible. So many lives are going to be affected. The whole situation is completely outrageous. Oh Lord Jesus.
As this announcement sends shockwaves through the adoption community, many are wondering what will happen with this country I’m in. How will they respond, if at all? I have no idea. Obviously I’m concerned as I sit here waiting for my court date only at the end of next week. I know, and have seen, that anything is possible here. So we pray…and we wait!
Holding onto the One who is more than able.
As my third week away from my family winds down, I am starting to feel very lonely here. I have not seen or heard one other American since I have been here. I am the ONLY American at the orphanage…no other families are there to adopt a child. How I wish that were not the truth. I wish I saw many families visiting with their children each day, but sadly, it’s only me.
It’s crazy the things we do when we’re all alone. I took a two hour NAP. Seriously. A NAP. I never take naps. Ever. Not even before kids. I walked into the apartment after visiting my angels and my eyes could not stay open. I was so tired just from dealing with all the emotions. I fell on the bed and was lights out for two hours. My hubby didn’t believe me. I woke up and had an insane craving for any American food. So I went to McDonalds! Yep, I did. Not my favorite place at all. My kids were shocked. And, I didn’t even have a salad. Uh-uh…french fries. Large french fries. I ate every single one of them. So good! I don’t eat meat at all, so a hamburger was out of the question. But the fries were fabulous-with copious amounts of ketchup.
I’m taking things one day at a time here. I heard today that my Interpol police clearance is a done deal, so now I wait for court on April 22. One week from today. Please God, let nothing happen between now and then.
I have been able to visit Hailee and Harper every day. Some days for just a few minutes, others for about an hour. The drive to the orphanage takes about an hour-not because it’s particularly far away, but because the roads need some serious help in this country. They are falling apart. Far worse than any African road I have ever been on.
The weather has been warming up ever so slightly so I take the girlies outside, into the glorious sunshine. They love it. Hailee is starting to get more used to being in a stroller. Harper loves it. The orphanage staff totally laugh at me-they bundle up girls and hand them to me and I carry one in each arm (with my purse over my shoulder) down two flights of stairs to where the strollers are kept. They think I’m super mom! If only they could see me at home with seven.
Visiting the orphanage is hard for me. I see the kids there every single day. It kills me. There is one eight year old little girl who has decided that I’m pretty darn fine. She laughs when I speak, and then talks back to me as if I understand every word she says. I pay attention to her and she absolutely soaks it in. She is beautiful. I so wish I could have a conversation with her, find out how she is. Such a precious little treasure just waiting, waiting, waiting to be found by someone. I have to fight back the tears every time I look at her sweet face.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Things on the home front are great. I skype with my family often and they are doing well. Having the best time with grandparents. They’re missing me, but doing fine. Such a huge relief as I sit here so far away.
A few of you have written to ask me about the drug that Hailee is on. I got the name of it and my hubby asked a doctor. It is not addictive. It is an anti-psychotic drug for behavioral issues. My goodness gracious. The child is an angel. Go figure. It does it’s job in keeping her calm and sedated. Very soon…no more!
I am praying with all my heart that Hailee will be home for her fifth birthday. May 12 is her special day. What a celebration it will be for her this year. I doubt she has ever had birthday cake-my other kids will show her how it’s done.
Thank you for your amazing encouragement, sweet friends. It really does mean the world to me as I sit here waiting for time to pass. I appreciate each one of your beautiful comments so much. Thank you for your support and your prayers.
Love and hugs from the Ukraine.
Adeé, I looked at the news and adoptions from Russia have not been suspended. Those were just some circulatory rumours. No official has stated this. They are just going to sign and make a treaty to ensure thr rights of adopted Russian children. So Russian children will still be saved
My heart was heavy when I read the news in the newspapers today.(didn’t like my breakfast anymore!) Thinking of you and the girls, I was shivering with fear of how this will affect your adoption procedure.I pray with all my heart that nothing will delay this proces any further for your family.
Love,
Your sister in Christ,
Annerieke
I read your blog, everyday and sometimes check more often if nothing is posted. God will give you strength. Your little angels are just precious and I was thinking, the reason Harper was doing so good, do you think it was because her father donated to the orphanage?? Just a thought and certainly none of my business.
I am just in awe, because before I came across adoption (I currently do a website for an non-profit, started by 2 ladies who adopted from Kazahkstan-www.twoheartsforhop.org) , I just had no idea of children in other countries, it just never clicked. I hope one to day to be able too, but I am currently in school and will be for another 18 months. Hopefully, after then I can make some decisions to complete my life. What I have learned from all this, we in this country are certainly blessed and I do point that out to others who constantly complain. I know for one, I don’t anymore and if I ever start, I catch myself.
Anyway, my apologies for rambling on, I look forward to your journey home and the little girlies really blossoming.
What a relief that your interpol clearance has come! I’ll pray for your court date to remain the 22nd and that court will be quick and smooth for you.
I’m so happy that you’ve been able to visit with your girls every day. I fully believe it will help them feel relaxed and secure once they’re all yours! They’re both so adorable too
I have been following your story since I found the link on another adoptive mom’s blog. . . here is the latest on the suspension of adoptions - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/world/europe/16adopt.html?src=me - it is a New York Times article from 11:30 a.m. Central time. I pray that this is resolved quickly and that you can bring home your precious babes. God’s blessings to you.
Yes, the Russia thing is so hart breaking!!! I pray they can resolve what they need to and open it soon.
I have wondered if you saw some of the other children in the orphanage…how heart breaking!
Yes, come quickly Lord Jesus!
loves friend!!!
I sit next to our international adoption SW at work - she informs me that the rumors are swirling but that as of right now, paperwork is still being passed through for adoptions in Russia. No suspensions yet!
Blessings on your two new treasures - I can’t wait to see them home with their family!
I have only read about the havoc with Russian adoptions and don’t know much- just what I heard on SA radio tonight.
Apparently someone in Texas said that the boy who she adopted had a “sielkundige” problem-sorry just can’t remember the English word, but hope you understand. She sent the 7-year old boy back on a plane (alone) to Moscow. Russian adoptions is temporally stopped. I am amazed at your previous story and just wonder what God has in store for you- He is such an amazing God.I have a 4-year old son, with downs syndrome. is Kallen-pronounced the same way as your Kellen. In the book we chose it from, the meaning said: Victorious and defended of
God. Little did we know before his birth, that he had ds. He is such a blessing to our home of 4 boys. I wouldn’t have him any other way! I pray that God will comfort you while you are there….maybe He gave you some time to yourself because of the busy life that awaits you once you return. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayer.
Karien Prinsloo
I received an email this morning
from The National Council For
Adoption (NCFA) who has been
in touch with Russian Officials
and confirmed the rumors are false.
They are still processing USA
adoptions. Praise The Lord!
Hugs & Prayers
I’m wondering… I understand that you can’t post pics of other children, but could that little 8y/o be one of the little girls with HIV who now has a committed family through RR? I so hope that’s the case! I’ve heard that the kids in that orphanage are meant to be transferred at 7, but the director keeps the kids with HIV a little longer as he/she doesn’t like the place they’re sent.
Adeye, I’m not sure what town you are in, but Calvary Chapel has a number of churches in Ukraine. They are in Dnepropetrovsk, Kagarlyk, Kharkiv, Kiev, Nezhyn, Poltava, Priluki, Svitlovodsk and Ternopil. If you can get to one, you might find some Americans or at least someone who speaks English.
regarding McD, I don’t eat meat either so when I was in Hong Kong years ago, a McD employee suggested a meatless cheeseburger. Try it. It has bread, cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard. It is wonderful! Get your guide to help you ask for it or you can draw a picture if she’s not there or use the picture menu if they have one. If you have your guide, make sure she tells them to make it fresh and not just take the meat off of one already made. Residue and all…
Also, just so you’ll know, McD fries have flavor from a beef source. I’m not sure how they get the flavor, if it is broth or what, but it’s in there. I’m just telling you so you are informed. Those fries are yummy too, but because of the beef flavor, I don’t eat them.
BTW, you don’t have to publish this post.
I’m following you on your trip to Ukraine. Your daughters are just lovely!
Hai fantastic mother of 7 beautiful children!!
I read your blog every day and I love you.
You have so big heart!
Yes, I believe in our Father and I now He is to be with you.
Sorry for my bad english but hope you understand me.
We wish you and Hailee and Harper al the best of the world.
Also the family in the US.
Lovely greetings from Marjolijn, mother of 5 beautifull kids.
lives in the Netherlands.
Hi Adéye,
This is from CNN’s website:
Moscow, Russia (CNN) — Russia has put an end to the adoption of children by American families until rules covering them can be hashed out with U.S. officials, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday.
“Further adoptions of Russian children by the American citizens, which at present has been suspended, will only be possible in case such an agreement is reached,” said spokesman Andrei Nesterenko.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow said there’s not too much reason for concern.
“I would say to American families that are in the process of adoption, not to worry too much,” said John Beyrle, U.S. ambassador to Russia. “We’re working on this and we really don’t think that this will have any long-term effect on the ability of American families to adopt here.”
A State Department team is heading to Moscow next week to work out an arrangement that would allow adoptions to continue, a senior U.S. official told CNN.
Video: Adopted and rejected
Russia-U.S. adoptions: How they work
RELATED TOPICS
* Russia
* Adoption
* Mental Health
A firestorm was created last week when 7-year-old Artyem Saveliev’s American adoptive family put him on a solo, trans-Atlantic flight from the United States to Moscow. They hired a Russian driver to deliver the boy from the airport to the Russian Ministry of Education.
Russian officials allowed CNN to see a copy of a letter addressed to the Ministry of Education and signed by Artyem’s adoptive mother, Torry Hansen, which the little boy carried when he arrived.
“To Whom It May Concern,” the letter reads, “This child is mentally unstable. He is violent and has severe psychopathic issues/behaviors. I was lied to and misled by the Russian Orphanage workers and director regarding his mental stability. … After giving my best to this child, I am sorry to say that for the safety of my family, friends and myself, I no longer wish to parent this child. As he is a Russian National, I am returning him to your guardianship and would like the adoption disannulled [sic].”
The abandonment of Artyem comes after the Russian media focused intense attention on several previous cases in recent years of abuse involving adopted Russian children in the United States. Not surprisingly, some Russians are calling for an end to the practice of foreign adoption.
Russian officials have made public appeals for a temporary freeze of American adoption of Russian children until a proposed bilateral treaty has been signed to allow monitoring of children after they are brought to the United States.
__________
Also I’m separately sending you a link to the Christian Science Monitor’s article, it’s too long to copy here but is interesting. Hugs to you and the girls- take as many naps as you need to!
Praying for you this day sweet friend and a shedding a tear for your loneliness, for the Russia situation, for the 8yr old girl, for the lack of adoptive parents….I miss you. - Dawn
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36543759
This morning they said “YES” they were suspended but have since been contradicted. The link above should be current. Hope you can get it to work.
oh Adeye. I love copious amounts of ketchup too!
Did you bring any snacks from home with you?
Three weeks alone is a long time.
I have been without my hubby for long periods of time due to Army life..but I’ve never really been alone…like without children for more than a day…and not even really a 24 hour day at that!
I so wish I could pop right on over and hang with you…maybe bring home a few kiddos with me!
I have a friend in process with RR adopting from Russia and on the news today it said that it is rumored that all adoptions from Russia are stopped but it has not yet been officially confirmed by the head guy. (not sure about naming names on this comment)
It does sound like it is going to happen though…no more adoptions for awhile. There is a petition going around for our head guy and Russia’s too….not sure if it will be of much help or not. We know that the BIG GUY is the one Who holds us all in HIS hands.
So how do you fill all your hours my friend if only ONE is spent with your angels? I have Skype if you wanna chat
Big hugs,
Holly
Thank You for your posts,
I think of you often during the day, talk of you to my friends, have now them on the prayer assignement for you. Your daily presence with your girls is doing a great deal of good for them, the pictures just proves it. They are changing, keep on strong woman, you have strenght unseen yet. Each day, you get closer to your court day. Let’s keep on praying and you smiling…and napping…and eating french fries, you’ll get through it.
Marie-Claude
Hi Adeye. Hang in there girl - you are doing well! Clearly those 2 little girls of yours are keeping you focused… xx Mandz (Harrison)
Oh, meant to say, we are so enjoying seeing photos of your precious babas…cutiepies. Mandz
Thinking about you Adeye. I know it must be so lonely for you. Thank goodness you are strong and determined
Praying for a court date soon!
Adeye, I have a friend whose paperwork is somewhere in Russia. She too, has been frightened about the “hold status.” She just posted on her Facebook page yesterday that she has confirmation from the National Council for Adoptions that Russian adoptions ARE NOT ON HOLD!!! (As she put it.) I hope it’s true!
Some info for u…
U.S. ‘Not Aware’
In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said U.S. officials were “not aware of a suspension” in Russian adoptions by American families.
“Our understanding is that the comments made recently by Foreign Minister [Sergei] Lavrov referred to a suspension of, I think, one particular [adoption] agency, not a broad based suspension, and we are not aware of any change in Russian policy at this point,” Crowley said.
He said the team of U.S. officials traveling to Moscow next week will be “looking for ways to work with Russia to strengthen understandings and arrangements for continued adoptions of Russian children by loving American families.”
The United States shares Russia’s concern about cases of abuse by U.S. families with adoptive Russian children, Crowley said, but he added that ‘there are many thousands of Russian children who have not been adopted by Russian families’ and Washington does not believe inter-country adoptions should be discontinued.
“We would not want to see a moratorium that would adversely affect these children, so we will make that case both at the embassy and with our meetings with Russian [officials] next week,” he said.
U.S. law enforcement officials in Hansen’s home state of Tennessee say they are conducting an investigation to see if the adopted mother committed a crime under U.S. law.
This update from you makes me just want to hold you and cry! I pray and pray for the Lord to sustain you, and I know that He is, Adeye. I am not at all surprised about those naps, even if you are… I know how much my body needed extra sleep over that 20-month period of sorrow in my life! It is incredible what emotional fatigue can do to — well — even YOU, Super Girl! But His angels watch over you as you sleep, and as you ride down those broken roads to those loving little girls. I have a lump in my throat over the 8-year-old you mentioned, and know she represents thousands. Oh, LORD! How Your heart covers these little ones! By the way, if the ONLY trouble you get into over there is an order of fries, then that’s just okay by me! So sorry for the loneliness. What deep things the Lord is doing in your soul, Adeye. Eternal things. I am trying to process in my heart how it will be to say hello to you, only to say goodbye… this has been terribly hard. I love you! Praying all the time.
Adeye ~
Marijo (Mary Jo from Dayspring) here! Praying all kinds of things for you and wish I could hop a plane and come be with you.
One of my writer friends (a 78 year old sister from Iowa) and her husband are in Ukraine right now on a mission trip and I do so wish I could get them connected up with you but have no idea where Verna and Paul are in Ukraine!
SO I pray! Oh, lady, I think you have a book in the making here and even pray about that for you guys!
Your posts are SO real and so well put and so Adeye! GRIN. You’d never being to guess that English is not your “first language”.
We are missing you. Praying that the officials say yes, yes and yes and are surprised at the words coming out of their mouths as their hand reaches over to stamp each and every one of your papers and away you and Hailee, Harper and Anthony go!
Hugs and so much love,
Marijo
My attorney tells me that yes they have BUT in order for it to be put in full effect word needs to come from the MOE. She assures us to just wait it out(something Im not very good at).
The Russian courts have less than 30 days to give my husband and I an answer on our adoption so I guess I will know more when they come in and either approve it or deny it.
I am continuing to pray for your family. I pray you can bring your lil ones home very soon. It has been so wonderful being able to hear about your journey, I only hope we can be over there soon seeing and holding our child for the very first time.
God is so good.
Be Blessed
Sweet friend!
I lift you in prayers daily…no, several times throughout the day. I share your story with those I talk to. You have many people praying. Most of whom, do not know you! That’s the community of God!
I am praying your court date FLIES by and you’d be en route to your family soon!
Love from the cornfields where I am,
Rett
I have been watching your blog for the last couple of weeks. I am thrilled that you are adopting your beautiful angels. I just looked up about the adoption scandal and the most accurate seems to be bbc. I copied from thier web page:
Russia says it has halted adoptions of Russian children by US citizens, after a boy of seven was sent back to Moscow alone by his adoptive American mother.
The Russian foreign ministry said the freeze would apply until a bilateral adoption agreement could be signed.
However the US state department said its Russian embassy had been told there was no such suspension and was seeking clarification from Moscow.
It will send a delegation to Moscow next week to discuss the incident.
I hope this helps. Prayers for you and your sweet family.
Oh friend, you may be far away on the other side of this world with not an American in sight, but we are all with you in spirit. LIterally not an hour passes my day that you are not in my thoughts and prayers.
Loving you!
Adeye, I admire you for hanging in there. I know it’s not easy. While I face trials here at home - probably not nearly as hard as yours, I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes that is what we have to do. I pray that little Hailee is home for her birthday. I also pray that God the Almighty will clear the way for you to have your court date and get home sooner than later. I’m glad your family is doing fine and enjoying time with grandparents and that you can skype with them. Hang in there! (and take another nap!)
Moscow, Russia (CNN) — Russia has put an end to the adoption of children by American families until rules covering them can be hashed out with U.S. officials, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday.
“Further adoptions of Russian children by the American citizens, which at present has been suspended, will only be possible in case such an agreement is reached,” said spokesman Andrei Nesterenko.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow said there’s not too much reason for concern.
“I would say to American families that are in the process of adoption, not to worry too much,” said John Beyrle, U.S. ambassador to Russia. “We’re working on this and we really don’t think that this will have any long-term effect on the ability of American families to adopt here.”
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said officials are seeking to clarify the Foreign Ministry’s comments.
“The Russian government has not informed us of any suspension,” he said. “We have not been informed of any change in Russian policy regarding adoptions.”
A State Department team is heading to Moscow next week to work out an arrangement that would allow adoptions to continue, a senior U.S. official told CNN.
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/04/15/russia.adoptions/index.html?hpt=T2
You don’t need to post the news I pasted.. just thought you’d want to get the news ‘striaght from the horses mouth’….
Hi Adeye,
I have a sister who’s beginning the Russian adoption process. I talked to her today and I guess the program isn’t officially suspended, but it looks as if it might be that way. = ( Apparantly an American mom decided she could no longer deal with her 7-year-old adopted Russian son and sent him back to Russia - alone - this week. I guess this isn’t the first time this sort of situation has happened, so the Russian government is considering taking serious action.
Remembering the lonliness, and my husband was with me! Praying for you!
Yeah!!! Interpol clearance is behind you!!! wonderful!!! OK, bring on that court date!!!
Thinking of you:)
Dear swet Adeye. You are not in Russia. My son and dil will be bring their daughter home w/thin a week or so. I think being alone for so long is wearing you down. Renew your faith and try to be positive that these two sweeties will be on the way to the USA soon. I’m sure things will be resolved soon w/Russia and the parents adopting there will be okay. At least—that is my prayer. Hugz, jann
Hello…I have so enjoyed following your journey. I only stumbled onto your blog right as you were flying over there but I have been hugely connected ever since. I can’t wait for your next post….I tell people about you amazing story and how little sweet Hailee is. I want to badly to be able to get over there and bring a kiddo home but for now my hubby is not on board with doing that so I live through you guys instead
Thankfully the two little RR kiddos that I fell in love with have both recently found their forever families so I am anxiously awaiting there travel dates so I can follow their journey as well. Thanks so much for sharing all of this with us…you have no idea how many people are pulling for you here in blogland!!!
Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen to that, friend! AMEN!!
So glad your family is doing well at home. God’s grace, no doubt.
The sweet older girl you see at the orphanage sound absolutely darling. Sigh. She needs a family.
Praying for you, dear friend! I can’t imagine how you are holding on. Again, God’s grace abounds.
Loving following your journey even though it is making me want to get to where Liza is even more. Praying you will be able to finish up and get home with the girls ASAP. Hailee deserves to have her bday at home this year!
BTW- if I haven’t said it yet, they are both beautiful
I have not posted on your site before but have been following your journey for a couple of months. My good friend Kristin has your link on her blog. You and your husband are an inspiration to me in so many ways. I sent my husband your husbands post as my heart is now drawn to a child and I wonder how. Thank you for sharing and posting. The Lord is obviously using you in many ways to reach the world for Him. We will continue to pray for all to go well.
I am in tears reading your sweet blog. I adopted “Laurel” from RR in Sept. We were also in Kharkiv and stayed in an apt. from Tatianna and Valentin. I tell you, if you want anything done just get Tatianna to do it!! She’s great. PLEASE tell them the Evans Family says hello with Laurel. Also, get her email address b/c we have emailed her with updates and she has always written us back a sweet note. It is not just these children than are seeing the love of Christ it’s all the people involved in the process. Praise God!!
Sweet bloggy friend. I know you are lonely. Isn’t it so good to know that your very best Friend is with you? : ) Imagine trying to do this without Him. I remember thinking those things when I was in different countries. How awesome it is that He “follows” us everywhere. We continue to pray, and this situation is indeed horrific. I do have a huge heart for that part of the world and the orphans there. I am praying we will be there someday, hopefully soon.
from RainbowKids:
Russia, April 15, 20010:
During a press conference today, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko stated that intercountry adoptions with the United States have been suspended until a bilateral agreement with the United States is signed.
At this time, the Ministry of Education (the ministry responsible for intercountry adoption) has not confirmed the suspension nor issued a statement. The MoE MUST confirm this statement for the suspension to be truly active.
A delegation from the U.S. Department of State, lead by Ambassador Michael Kirby, will travel to Moscow and conduct meetings with Russian officials on April 20, 2010.
I don’t know anything official, but the word through media is that adoptions are currently closed to Americans through Russia. I thought of you and your two adorable angels. I am praying for you all. I hope this is just the media’s interpretation and not the full story.
My sweet friend - It must be so hard going to the orphanage every day, seeing the little ones just waiting, waiting. I agree, come Lord Jesus come, Quickly!!!! I can not explain my own emotions but I know you understand……… Wish I could be there with you to pass the lonely hours together. Anybody got some $ lying around that could get me to the Ukraine and back???? My friend, I love you and miss you heaps. Connor has grown up so beautifully. He’s not much older than Rebekah you know (giggle):-) Praying for you all the time and for God’s big arms to fold around you and give you the hugest hug……… Will chat again soon xxxM
oh, adeye, i’m so sorry you are lonely. praying and thinking about you friend.
tara
Last thing I heard this evening said it is still up in the air. Ministry of Foreign Affairs says adoptions will be suspended. Ministry of Education (that handles adoptions) says no such thing. Agencies have not been told that adoptions are stopping…so maybe good news.
Hang in there…I know it can be awfully lonely without your family.
I can’t imagine how lonely it would be there alone. I’m just beginning this journey to Ukraine to get our baby girl, and I’m already terrified of the flight out there! 3 weeks alone must be extrememly hard. I admire your courage. Your a beautiful person!
Wow, you must be going through every emotion possible, I wish I could give you a great big hug! No wonder you had such a long nap:) I was just remembering how worried you were about the girls travelling, God has give you time now to carry them around and push them in strollers so they are used to it. My prayers are with you. Love Janelle
The nap was good for you I’m sure.
I can’t imagine how lonely you must be but maybe God knew too that you needed some time to be able to get a nap before you get home with 2 new little ones and never have time for a nap again.
Praying that April 22 comes very fast!
Hey - we’ve been praying for you guys non-stop since the story about the mom sending her son back broke. In short - CNN is reporting that Russia has suspended IA, but Fox News is reporting the opposite. E-mail me (daussie@fuse. net) and I’ll send you some more details.
In the meantime if I were you I’d go with no news is good news and pray that you are on your way home before the word trickles down!
hugs - aus and co.
This is what another adopter posted: International Adoptions in Russia
Here is what I just read on the US Embassy’s website:
International Adoptions in Russia: “Message from the U.S. Embassy Moscow Adoptions Unit
We recognize that many prospective adoptive parents are concerned about the recent news reports citing a potential hold on adoptions of Russian children by American families. Please be advised that U.S. Embassy processing of I-600 Orphan Petitions and U.S. Immigrant Visas for adoption cases is continuing as usual. Russia has suspended the license of an individual adoption agency, but has not taken any broader action. We will update this website if any changes occur. If you have further questions or concerns, please email the U.S. Embassy adoptions unit at [email protected].”