[naomba mandazi]

Thank you to those of you who have replied. My spririts are renewed with your responses. I've since learned that I need to obtain a residents permit from Tanzania (be a resident of Tanzania) in order to adopt. I don't know how to do that. I don't know what I'll need to do. I think I'll call the Tanzanian Embassy to inquire. My heart has almost given up since this seems such a huge hurdle to jump. However, I think about this child daily and can't imagine that it isn't the right thing to do...so will slowly keep chugging along.

He's an orphan at a Benedictine Monastery. What they usually do is raise the children until they are 5-7 years old and then they go back to their village and live with any living relative. We were told while there that many of them have been dying upon returning to the villages. I don't know his age- I think anywhere from 3-4. He didn't speak much and his sentences seemed fragmented. I hate that I have a clean, healthy home he could live in right now (well, many of them really) and have to go through so much red tape. I don't want to disenfranchise from his culture, I just want him to have a better chance. I'm not sure if he does have relatives who will be able to take him back. I've written one letter to inquire and will send another. I've stated my wishes in the past letter, but maybe not as clearly as I could. I feel bad for singling one child out of them all....when so many touched my heart. But he clearly did the most. There is also an infant that I'd give our home to, too.....

Well, thank you again for your feedback. I appreciate all.

Peace and Love-