Hope

I introduced you to Hope Rich a little bit ago.  At that time, the Riches were waiting to find out if she would be granted permission to apply for a visa to travel to the US.  It is a long, complicated and very confusing process to adopt a child.  They waded through the Kenyan Courts system for more than two years, and in April were granted adoption of Hope.  Oh the joy we all felt as we celebrated with them! Unfortunately being granted the adoption in Kenya doesn't automatically grant her US Citizenship, or even a visa of any type (visit, immigrant, etc).  In fact, it makes simply visiting the US more complicated because she could become a risk of being an illegal immigrant.  The Riches have done everything they can to get Hope home to the US with them. 

Late last week, they learned the heartbreaking news that their request was denied.  The problem hinges on a bit of a technicality.  The Riches have had custody of Hope since November 2008, but the US law requires it to be "legal" custody -- and that the custody be for two years before being granted a visa of any kind.    The whole thing makes your head spin!

Hope's oldest brother, Josiah, put together this great little video about her and their situation.  Please watch it. And share it. And do what you can to help!  Maybe a letter to your congressman or representative or senator.  Certainly, pray for them.

(please also pause a minute and applaud the fact that I figured out how to post this video!)

Hope might be the smartest person I know, by the way!

I spoke to Miriam today, and many people are getting involved, spreading the word, and doing what they can.  This is about all I can do, so I thought I'd do my bit.  After being missionaries in Kenya for more than 25 years, the Riches would like to go home.  (It is almost four years since Miriam was home).  Miriam wants nothing more than to have her whole family together -- her four oldest children are in university in the US. 

Thanks for watching, praying, sharing, etc.