Making Life RICH:: Ghana Update & Lots of Pictures

Dec 29, 2012

Ghana Update & Lots of Pictures

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It has been quite a while since we have updated the blog. Our apologies. Like all of you, things have been busy! So rather than write a 10 page post covering the past six months, why don't I just show you some pictures? I'm sure you will enjoy it.

First, let me update you about our adoption process. In mid-September, the Ghana program director with our adoption agency, Adoption Advocates International (AAI), made the decision to leave the agency. She had decided it was her time to move on. Unfortunately, she seems to have been the single-source of knowledge and experience regarding Ghana adoptions at AAI. Her departure left a gaping hole for the 20 or more families who were in the process of adopting. AAI leadership did not know how to respond to the families, nor fill the gap in leadership for the Ghana program. They initially told us that the families who had already been referred a child would be able to complete their adoption from Ghana. The families that had not yet been referred a child (us) were told that the Ghana program would fold and we had the option of choosing another country within AAI. After a largely angered and frustrated response from the families, AAI told us that the Ghana program would remain, but we needed to be patient as they considered the way-ahead.

The bottom-line is that this was a pretty high-drama situation. For those of you that know us, we try to live low-drama lives. This is probably one reason why Jason did not post for so long. Time allowed the situation to play itself out and not write something that was unnecessary. We are still with AAI. Keep checking back as we will update you soon about what is next for us. We are hopeful that 2013 brings us good news.

Now onto the pictures. ENJOY!

Nate helping Dad pack before leaving home for Afghanistan in July.

Jason met with good friends and fellow Marine Jeremy, Carrie and Paisley at Ft. Meade the day before deploying.

Flying in a C-130 from Al Udeid, Qatar to Bagram, Afghanistan.

Return to base due to engine failure. We did make it though.

New friends (L-R) Drew (USAF), Troy (USAF), and Shelley (USMC).

Corner of Tennessee and Disney (seriously).

Meanwhile, Kristen went with her parents to Florida. (L-R) niece Ella Kate, Dan, Nate, Jackie, CJ.

Enjoying R&R with the family after getting back.

Marine Corp Birthday Ball with beautiful Kristen and former Third Radio Battalion Commanding Officer, LtCol Beau McClane and his wonderful wife, Maria (Nov 9th).