Your Embassy is Doing Good Things!

While most of us know the role of the U.S. Embassy staff in the international adoption process, many times families see this office as merely just another bureaucratic step in their adoption process. Working with embassies around the world, I have learned that while the staff of the embassies are administering federal law on immigration and visa issues (just one of their many duties), I have also seen time and time again, that the staff working at the U. S. embassies have a very human side and are compassionate and giving. On April 7th, Easter celebrations were hosted by Chad Berbert, Chargé d’ Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Apia, Samoa. This Easter treat was hosted at Officer Berbert’s personal residence and demonstrated the embassy’s humanitarian side.

Not only were the children of the shelter invited, but staff and family members of the embassy were also invited to enjoy an Easter egg hunt, soccer, volleyball and bouncy castles. A great time was had by all attendees! In addition to this special event, the shelter was presented with two large boxes of books, toiletries and household supplies. These donations provided much needed relief to the shelter safe house which shelters and cares for the victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect. This is yet another example that the United States cares for the victimized and the vulnerable groups in Samoa. A strong relationship is forming between the Embassy in Apia and the leading social services shelter organization in Samoa. Providing the shelter with needed donations and the children with fun filled Easter activities shows not only that they play an important role in your adoption process but that they also have a very human and compassionate interest in these children in need.

MLJ Adoptions, Inc. works with the shelter to place children with adoptive families when all other resources have been exhausted. Children in need of a forever family who have no one to care for them in Samoa have the option of being placed with a loving family through the international adoption program. The embassy’s role in the adoption process is to investigate and approve the child’s orphan visa to enable them to travel to the U.S. with their adoptive parents.

Kudos and a thank you to our embassy in Samoa for providing the children of the shelter with a fun filled day! Many thanks for your involvement and assistance to the shelter in Samoa as well as your assistance with our adoptive families.

The shelter is a not for profit entity and is only able to provide services and survive through donations from those who support the shelter’s cause. To donate please visit: www.thefatherlessfoundation.org and specify your donation is intended for Samoa.