Thursday update

We had a good time at the Children's Remand Center today. We were very impressed with how well-run the place is, and really enjoyed talking with the kids. Many spoke openly about hopes and plans for the future; no one seemed bitter or angry about their current situation. The kids looked sharp in their school uniforms and carried themselves with pride. It seemed more like a private boarding school than a place where teens and kids are undergoing "rehabilitation". It is very clear that the kids know the "warders" believe in them and their future. Very impressive, all the way around.

We have consulted with a number of different friends and family, and at this time have decided not to ask for more "group help" until our next hearing. We are going to file all of the documentation that we have as of today and see how things go in court. If there are any further paperwork issues during the May 23rd hearing, we have resources willing to help alleviate any remaining confusion concerning US agency roles or US immigration law. And we know that we have your support as well.

The Kenya-America adoption program is still fairly new and some kinks are still being worked out. It was encouraging to hear the Embassy re-affirm their commitment to making the program run as smoothly as possible. We look forward to strengthening the trust between our nations in the years ahead.

In that spirit, an open question to our Kenya-American friends. If you have any ideas about ways that we can deepen the friendship and trust between our countries, particularly in the area of adoption, please let us know. We sincerely hope that when, inshallah, our adoption is complete, we can help build trust rather than tear it down. And we want to pass along your wisdom to future adoptive couples as well.

Thanks so much for your continued support!