How disheartening...

I just found out something that has crushed my spirits a little...

As of May 1, 2007, China no longer allows prospective parents with a physical disability to apply to adopt a Chinese child. I found this in an old New York Times article and by searching the State Department's website (which is a wealth of info on countries and their guidelines...)

While, of course, I will try anyway, I still find their reasoning appalling. Because they're getting too many applications from prospective families? That's the lamest excuse I've heard to be discriminatory since Adam and Steve. I believe that my extensive knowledge of China and its culture should give me an advantage over ANY prospective parent. I sincerely hope they implement this policy on a case-by-case basis!

And if not, I'll just adopt from Taiwan! I am sure they would be happy to have an alumna of one of their universities give one of their needy kids a home...

There are so many children in the world that need a home. Pratik and I also plan to adopt from India, as it is very hard for foreigners to adopt there. They give Indian nationals the advantage, thus since Pratik is a national we feel we have to use that advantage to help a child in need in India.

I have had my heart set on China for as long as I can remember. It just makes SENSE given my background...I know we'd be happy to have a child from anywhere. I know there are plenty of children that need us, but I feel in my heart that I could give a child from China (or Taiwan) a home that an average American couldn't. Not with monetary things, but with a true understanding of where that child comes from. The ability to help that child preserve his/her mother tongue. (How ironic the word mother tongue seems in the case of an adopted child.)

Regardless, I just had to share my sad news with you all. First, I am not sure I can have children of my own at all. I learn to be OK with this possibility because I am so set on adopting. Then I have to learn this...

In any case, let this be a little reminder to all of us how much discrimination can hurt a person!

Thanks for listening to me preach from the soapbox again. Here is hoping that our little family comes together smoothly in the future!

(P.S. The guidelines also stipulate that we have to be 30, which I'm cool with. So don't get excited yet.)