Insight from Thurs. Russian Delegation to Washington

This was a post from a chat group we belong to. Makes for an interesting story.

From: Mitzie T.
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2005 16:40:22 -0400

The reception was hosted by the Joint Council on International Children's Services. There were 8 Russian Delegates in attendance as well as, Tom Atwood (NCFA), Lee Allen (his assistant), representatives from Shoahannah's Hope, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, a handful of adoptive families and our beloved Leslie from AWAA. Susan from AWAA was also present.

I am telling you this so that you will know how hard AWAA is working on behalf of your family and mine. I did not see any other agency represented at this reception. After watching Leslie at work, I am convinced she attended this reception to speak up on behalf of all AWAA's families. Leslie speaks Russian and was able to communicate clearly with some very key officials. She and I spoke with the man from the Duma that I've listed below, Anatoliy. Let me just say that after speaking
with him, I am not afraid to face a judge in court. He was not a happy man. Leslie was agressive with her questioning yet polite. It was obvious to me that he was not digging the conversation. She asked him to look at our baby book and at first he refused. We talked for a few more minutes and then he agreed to look at Aleena's book. He commented about her blue eyes matching mine and then asked me (in English) a few questions that caught me off guard such as Aleena's medical diagnosis, how much we paid in the region, why I wanted more children, etc. He then asked me, "Are you a nice family?" Oh my... Leslie then pushed him to answer questions as to whether or not OO and LSSS will receive accreditation. He was clearly not happy with the line of questioning but our advocate just kept her composure and pushed on. I was truly amazed.

I spoke with Tom Atwood and his assistant, Lee. This was after the delegation departed for further meetings/dinner. He and his team were key in stopping the moratorium. He is still meeting with officials to avoid the 30 reaccredited agencies from losing their licensing due to "infringements" as stated by Sergey Fridinsky. Fridinsky is pushing to revoke these licenses and Tom Atwood is trying to find an alternative to this line of reasoning. The MOE was supposed to discuss accreditation issues last week but will continue to do so this coming week. We are praying that LSSS and OO will receive their accreditation without further delay.

You should know that the Duma man (Anatoliy) was looking for assurances from our government that no other children will be harmed. The case in the news lately of children being placed in cages has outraged him. It makes Americans look like animals. Anatoliy was also clear that if there were any more abuse cases, Russia would "shut down". Those are the words from one man. He was highly irritated that there weren't any Senators or Congressmen/women to speak to him at the time. I have no idea what the expectations were from both sides....I just know He is expecting alot from our government when he doesn't require the same from his own. I am told that over 3,000 children a year are killed by their parents in Russia. It is alarming that the finger continues to be pointed in our direction when their own country is in a desperate situation.

Our family then stayed behind to speak with a Russian family that lives not too far from us. This couple has 3 birth children and has adopted two older girls from Russia. They are Christians. Would you believe that Eric and this man knew a mutual friend that attends our church?? God was clearly connecting our families in a special way. The husband's name is Elijah.
Their family and ours gathered in a circle in the middle of the Senate Hart building and proclaimed God the victor over all things. We were tearful and pleaded with God on behalf of all of you. It was one of the most amazing times of my life. Although I listened to the hurtful things the Duma man spoke about, I knew that our God was greater than anything he could do to us.

Please do not read this and walk away defeated. Read these words and pray for specifics now that you know where the hearts of some of these men are. Pray against this evil, pray that hearts would soften, and please pray for these people specifically:

Mr. Anatoliy Vasilyevich Baboshkin, Deputy Federal Duma, Moscow
Sergey Fridinsky, Deputy Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation
Tom Atwood, President of the National Council For Adoption
Staff of AWAA

It is interesting that when I looked at the FRUA page, there was a post from a woman that had attended this same reception. She walked away with a far different picture than I did. You see, she has already brought her children home. She spoke about the reception being nice with food and an open bar. She went on to say how nice it was to see the children from Perm
and have a picture taken with everyone.

I went to the reception knowing the battle would be great. I left there knowing our God was greater than the battle. It was also planted deep in my heart this sentiment: I do not know what tomorrow holds but I know the Holder of tomorrow!!!

I pray that you hang on to the One Who holds tomorrow. If it is His desire that we press on towards Russia, He will pave the way.

Blessings to each of you,

Mitzie