My name is Ann Bates and my adoption journey began 3 years ago when my fiance and I became matched with a special needs child named Shelby in Kyrgyzstan. We were unable to bring our little girl home because of political unrest that led to the closing of international adoptions in that country. There were 65 other U.S. families whose adoption plans were crushed along with us. We are waiting and waiting for legislation and governmental decrees to re-establish adoptions in that country. As a group, we pray, lobby and advocate for the children frozen in that system.
In the meantime we began a concurrent adoption and have been blessed with a beautiful Russian toddler boy named Kolya. I am filled with love for him and am thoroughly enjoying my new role as mom!
I am humbled by the gift of a grant from I Support Adoptions! My hope is that once my fight to bring Shelby home is complete, that we can campaign for change in international adoption and help many more families adopt.
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