I am writing to share a few thoughts with you about the summer 2007 program:
Those of you who have hosted with FH know this has been the most challenging session we have ever had. Since the program began in Winter 2000, we have done summer and winter sessions yearly. Over that time, we encountered difficulties with Ukrainian paperwork or orphanage directors who, at the last minute, refused to let children come to the US. However, this was the first time we experienced any problem with the US Embassy.
Like any organization, the hosting program has its proponents and detractors. I acknowledge that the program has negative aspects, but you can find fault in any program. The main goal in all my humanitarian aid endeavors is to avoid complacency. Teddy Roosevelt said, “In any moment of great decision, the best thing to do is the right thing, the next best thing to do is the wrong thing, and the worst thing to do is nothing.” The hosting program has problems (inaccurate information from Ukraine, last-minute cancellations due to sickness or paperwork problems, and challenging children during hosting). Still, it is also a very successful program. Some families cannot thank us enough for their experience. Children’s lives are changed forever through adoption and long-term sponsorship. The funding we raise for the program makes a drastic difference in the lives of the kids at the orphanage, many of whom never participate directly in the program. The alternative is to do nothing, which is unacceptable. No program is going to run perfectly, and the success of this program far outweighs any alternative programs we have had in the past.
As you know, I met with my contact at the US Embassy in Kyiv in May. He explained they were changing the rules for hosting programs due to increased complaints from host families about inconsistent information. Several host families complained about hosting programs claiming a child was available for adoption and later found out they were not. The Embassy said they would consider giving us the visas if we did a summer camp program. However, I knew we would not get the funding for a summer camp alone. As you know, I tried a compromise summer camp/hosting program, and the visas were still denied.
After the visa denials, I requested that no one contact the Embassy to complain. My reasoning was based on my experience with the Consular Sections in Ukraine and Nicaragua. Technically, no one can order the Consular Department to grant a visa. In the past, many Americans had their Congressman or Senator write letters in an attempt to overturn an individual visa denial, and all were unsuccessful. Also, several other hosting organizations were denied visas, and their families had been protesting the Embassy’s decision with no success. At that point, I felt more complaints would be useless.
Luckily for the program, one of our host families, Kathleen Rogers, did not listen to me and persistently contacted some people in high places who strongly suggested that the Embassy reconsider their decision. Three days after the denials, on Friday at 8 a.m., I received a call from the Embassy that they would grant the visas.
There are many people to thank besides Kathleen. One of those people, Greg Guroff, made a great comment after I told him how grateful I was for his efforts: “I am, in the end, very stubborn and do not believe that lost causes are necessarily completely lost.”
The program’s delay has caused significant damage. The initial rejection of the visas and subsequent rescheduling of the dates have ruined summer schedules for families and cost FH thousands in extra fees. The additional cost for rescheduling the plane tickets alone was $14,000. With the various transportation extras and camp and bus cancellations, the total is well over $20,000. The eventual arrival date on July 4th was the most difficult we ever experienced, with numerous missed connecting flights and chaos. However, I always remind myself of the alternative: doing nothing. So, thank you to all the stubborn people who never believe in a “lost cause” and can never be accused of doing nothing….of not trying to make the world a better place.
Sincerely,
Dr. Vincent Rosini
“Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight. You’ve got to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight.”
Bruce Cockburn
