Update: 11/29/05

Dear Christopher and Penny - Wanted to update you on your home study report process. I am so very sorry that it is taking longer than usual to get you your homestudy. I talked with Sara Parrish today and discovered that Russia is requiring 2 additional forms signed by the Director of Social Services, Pamela King. Both of these will need to be apostilled as well, therefore until Pam returns to the office on Thursday I cannot get her to sign them so I can send them on to you. Therefore you will not receive your home study report with it's documentations until Friday. Again, I apologize for this delay. If you have any questions please let me know.

Pat Kubicek
Americal World FL Office

Update: 11/8/05

Dear AWAA families,

Good afternoon! The Eastern Europe staff sends a hearty congratulations to those families who have recently received referrals, travel dates, and court dates. We are excited for all the movement we've seen lately and humbled that we can be a part of such a precious journey.
Our department received an update this morning that once again, the Ministry of Education meeting was postponed. While this is the information being publicized, it is come to our knowledge that there was actually an unconfirmed meeting held today "behind closed doors." The Russian officials are not releasing any information at this time, although there is speculation that another Duma meeting will occur sometime next week, after which a public annoucement will be made in regards to their decisions.
Please keep in mind that while this does affect some families who have been in the waiting stage, families submitted recently and in the future will be submitted under agencies that are already accredited. In other words, the postponement of these meetings does not equate a hault on Russian adoptions. If you are new to this process and have questions about reaccreditation, please do not hesitate to contact your family coordinator. We are more than happy to answer your questions.

In His Service,
Sara Parrish
Eastern Europe Family Coordinator

Update: 11/5/05

This is the email we recieved from Patricia Kubiak, the Florida manager of our agency. This is a HUGE step forward for us, as we finish our Home Study.

Dear Chris and Penny - We have scheduled a group home study visit in the Floria office for November 11, 2005 at 9:30 A.M. it will last for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours. I know this is short notice for you and I do apologize. However, I do need you to get back to me as soon as possible if you will be able to attend or not.

With the holidays fast approaching if we can't get this date in I am afraid it maybe December before we can schedule another group setting.

Thanks so very much for your understanding and we will try to do everything we can to work within your schedule as well.

God Bless,
Pat Kubicek
Florida Manager

October Monthly Update

Dear AWAA family,
I hope everyone is having a good week! It has been usually warm here in Virginia, so we are enjoying both the fall colors and the warmer weather.
Please see the attached monthly update. Remember that you can read every weekly update by going to www.awaa.org . Click on "Weekly Update" on the left hand column.

In His Service,

Sara Parrish
Eastern Europe Family Coordinator

Attachment reads:

October has been a busy month for the Russia staff families. The much anticipated meeting on accreditation was repeatedly postponed and finally set to be held on October 27, 2005. Sadly, this was again postponed until the beginning of November.

The great news is the Lord is moving in Russia on behalf of families and these children. Four families have traveled to meet their little ones this month. The families are now home and gathering their documents in anticipation of trip 2. Two more families have received travel dates for November to make their first trip to Russia. Four families have traveled for Trip 2 and are still in country. One has had a successful court date while the other three families are praying for their court dates to be successful. Please pray for the judges and prosecutors hearts to be softened and for their 10 day waits to be waived.

Please continue to pray 1 Timothy 2:1-4: "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."