The U.S. State Department today released its official numbers for international adoptions in the 2009 fiscal year (Oct 2008 to Sept 2009.)  They show a steep 27 percent drop—only 12,753 international adoptions, down from 17,438 in 2008.  This number is more than 40 percent lower than the all-time peak of 22,884 in 2004. A host […]

The Yahoo critics—typically more impressed by the dark and bizarre than by potent goodness—stroked their chins and gave the movie a “C+.”  But the rest of viewers presented The Blind Side with an unequivocal “A”, and have helped generate more than $150 million in ticket sales already.  Whether or not the masses are always correct, […]

The current issue of Outside magazine carries a fascinating article by NY Times columnist Nicholas Kristof challenging those who care deeply for the destitute to rethink the way we present human need to those we hope to spur to compassion and action.  Kristof’s discussion is focused on the question, “What motivates us as humans to […]

Reuters yesterday reported on possible efforts by the Guatemalan government to seek DNA testing of children adopted by American families from Guatemala.  The headline reads, “Guatemala pushes for DNA tests of kids adopted in U.S.”  However, the article is unclear as to whether the request represented an official position of the Guatemalan government beyond a […]

By Maridel Sandberg Erik* is 16 years old. He is tall, athletic and very handsome.  His smile lights up a room.  He is polite and acts just like all the other teenage boys who have spent time in my home – they are always hungry and will eat pretty much whatever you give them. I […]

The evening that I visited the Twietmeyers happened to be a big day for another reason as well.   A major national policy change championed by Project HOPEFUL (along with EACH and other of our allies) officially crossed the finish line.  I asked Carolyn for help in explaining the change, and this is what she shared: […]