Merry Christmas!

I am on my way to Port au Prince, leaving today.

Please keep your fingers crossed for me as I have the meeting with UNICEF on the 27th (I keep asking myself what it is that "I" can accomplish by meeting with UNICEF, but at least I tried...right?).

I just got the updated numbers for U.S. visas issued to adopted children in Haiti for 2007. (Keep in mind that those are not "official" numbers yet.)

USA:
2004 - 356
2005 - 234
2006 - 309
2007- 195

In 2005, there were all the problems in IBESR, thus the lower numbers. In 2007, we can clearly see the effect that MOI involvement has had on the numbers of children who are stuck waiting for their passports.

As I was collecting statistics, I was really surprised as to how many children are adopted by French families. Absolutely amazing!

I still need numbers for Germany and some other countries. Scroll down to see which countries I still need statistics for.

Our church wedding is on the 29th. YEAH! I am nervous and excited. Poor Johnny has been having to make all the planning and arrangements. I have really not done anything to help prepare, aside from buying a dress. :-) Tamarah is traveling with me. This will be her last time as a lap-child. Joshua, Teddy and Emmanuel are already with Johnny, having a great time. They have been volunteering at the orphanage where he works, but they have also had some time for fun (i.e. swimming at the Visa Lodge).