UGANDA IS OPEN!

To all of our Uganda families..

I am so excited to report to you that late last week the first IR4 visa since February 3, 2010 has been issued for a family that has obtained legal guardianship of Ugandan children (the conditions of that particular visa are unknown). However, early tomorrow morning a visa will be issued to a Lifeline family (with no special terms or conditions)! This visa issuance, and those that will follow, is the result of a letter of clarification from the Department of State to the U.S. Embassy in Kampala. Lifeline’s firm understanding is that this clarification instructs the Consular in Kampala to issue IR4 immigrant visas for families who have proper immigration and adoption wording. Due to this clarification, we are now confident in moving forward with obtaining court dates for our families!

Lifeline believes that in spite of the delays God continues to show favor on our agency and our families! We are excited to move forward with legal guardianships in Uganda and are hopeful that today’s visa issuances will be the first of many for Lifeline families in 2010!

Two factors that families should be aware of in creating a realistic expectation of the Uganda process moving forward. One, there is a significant back log of families and limited judges so things will begin slow and pick up as more families, that have been waiting in Uganda, are granted visas. Two, with an investigation needing to take place for each child, additional time may be needed in country. As we gather more information and request additional ways for the Embassy to address this we will let you know. I can assure you that Lifeline is going to be very proactive in filing for court appointments and setting official travel dates.

In closing, I want to thank each family for an amazing display of grace and patience. I truly believe God blessed our families with incredible peace throughout this difficult delay. Without question things are opening now because you and other committed families were so responsive to contact their congressional officials.

Many Blessings,
Dave