Womans Husband Dies While In China To Pick Up Baby, Being Denied Permission To Proceed By US Consulate

Alex's Notes: This is a horrible situation, this womans husband has died while they were in China on their trip to pick up their baby Hannah. The US Consulate is apparently denying the I-171 because her husband died.

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"To Bethany Families:

The US Consulate in Guangzhou has denied Sandi Sheldon permission to
proceed with the adoption of Hannah. They want her to fill out a new
I-171 and are making no guarantees after that. Sandi, of course does
not want to leave China and leave Hannah here because she has no where
to go. Sandi needs our help desparately! Please start a massive
campaign of calling to her US Congressman and US Senator and urge them
to intervene on Sandi's behalf. We have discussed this with Sandi and
she wants our help. Please pressure these elected officials to contact
the State Department and straighten this out. Sandi should not be
denied Hannah's adoption because her husband passed away unexpectedly.
The adoption has been finalized here in China.

Sandi's congressman is Mike Rogers. His Washington office number is
202 225 4872. His Michigan office number is 517 702 8000, he also has
a toll free number 1-877-333-MIKE.

Sandi's US Senator is Debbie Stabenow. Her Washington DC number is 202
224 4822 and her Michigan office number is 517 203 1760.

Everyone should try to help and call these people until we get final
approval. We should continue to pray that her adoption is finalized
quickly and that Sandi can return home to Michigan with Hannah.

Thanks from everyone here in China."

Can you imagine being in China loosing your husband, and now they tell
you you can't adopt your baby!!!! This is a travesty!

Judy

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UPDATE: 307PM EST NOV 15

Some from congress has apparently called BCS (Sandi's agency) and asked that we stop making calls so that they can focus on working on this situation....seems like the squeaky wheel is getting the oil...GREAT JOB everyone!!!!!

The congress people and senate are saying they are "aware of the situation and are working on it. However, ultimately the decision is made by the counsulate." Sounds like CYA to me.... I say we start emailing the consulate.......

GuangzhouA@state.gov

Let's bring Sandi and Hannah home!!!!!!
Julie M in MD

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Update: 6PM EST NOV 15

I posted this to the group already, but haven't seen it come up, so I
may be repeating myself.

I just spoke with Sandi's mom. She is requesting that we stop the phone
call campaign. Bethany Christian Agency, Sandi's agency, is requesting
the same. The U.S. Rep's offices received over 1000 calls, and her mom
is worried about it doing more harm than good at this point. Her mom
talked directly to Senator Stabenow's office and both Senator Stabenow
and Rep. Mike Roger's are working on it.

Thanks,
Mary Kay (in Michigan)

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Update: 747AM NOV 16

I just received an email from the Consulate in Guangzhou
Posted by:ruckergrigsby
Fri Nov 16, 2007 3:49 am (PST)

A Mr. Eric Aldrich,
Returned my request stating that Hannah's adoption paperwork
has been successfully completed and she can come home with
Sandi-her mother. I thanked him for doing this so quickly.
Praise the Lord! Yvonne Grigsby