 Hi there, Dear Readers:
I just wanted to say "Thank You All" for your continued emails of support and interest in how Thailand (my place or birth) and the other Asian count ires affected by the Tsunami are doing. and also, than you to all who have donated or supported organization that donate to the various relief funds.
One reader emailed me and said that while she would love to visit the area so that she could help out economically, she was too young to travel on her own.
I mentioned that one vacation idea that is becoming more and more popular (not just in the Tsunami affected region) is to be a Vacation Volunteer. There are organizations that will help you set aside one or two days out of your vacation if you want for volunteering to help out the local population. For those who really want to help, you can volunteer even a week or a month of your vacation time.
I think this would be a great way for a family to bond if they go on vacation together!
Unfortunately, I don't happen to know of particular vacation volunteer organization to recommend to you. But if some of our readers do know of one, please let me know and I will post it here. Please email me at jay@siamese-dream.com
Another subject that has come up a few times with readers is about adoption. I know so many people whose heart has been broken thinking about all the orphans that were created by Tsuanmi.
I do want to let everyone know that right now, those governments affected by the Tsunami are actually
making it HARDER to adopt children from the area. Right now, they believe it is best for those who have become newly orphaned to, if at all possible, live with relatives in their native countries. If not that, they hope to find homes of non-relatives in their local countries to adopt as well.
One thing that those governments very much want to avoid is the possibility of un-regulated organizations popping up and exploiting the situation.
Our suggestion is that if you are truly thinking of adopting, that you realize you will probably have to wait at least 6 months for the government restrictions to become relaxed before you can even begin to pursue an adoption. Then after that, you should make sure that you find a reputable organization, and be prepared to wait. I have heard that it takes about two years for a successful adoption with a reputable organization.
One thing that might not get much publicity is that there are actually many American babies that are waiting to be adopted as well. I am not 100% certain, but I think that a majority of those American babies are African American. IF somebody knows this for sure or not, please email me at jay@siamese-dream.com and let me know.
I think that those looking to adopt might first consider adopting one of the children here in America, especially if you are hoping to speed the adoption process up.
Thanks again and please let me know what you are thinking.
Ms. Jay
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